bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Electric Vehicle Uptake by Updating Public Policies to Shift Attitudes and Perceptions: Case Study of New Zealand
Authors: Broadbent Gail Helen , Metternicht Graciela Isabel , Wiedmann Thomas Oliver
Published: May 2021

Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are required from all actors. Adopting plug-in electric vehicles (EV) would reduce light motor vehicle travel emissions, a significant and rising emissions source. To encourage EV uptake, many governments have implemented policies which may be less effective than desired. Using New Zealand as a case study, we surveyed private motorists. The results show that consumers are heterogeneous, with varying car-buying motivations, perceptions, attitudes to EVs and awareness of policies. Uniquely, we segmented motorists into four attitudinal groups to ascertain characteristics potentially affecting EV readiness to provide evidence to improve policies and aid social marketing. Our results show the next-most-ready to buy EVs are early mainstream consumers—designated the EV Positives—who were most concerned about vehicle range, perceptions of EV expense, charging-related inconvenience and the unknown value proposition of batteries, and were relatively unaware of incentives compared to EV Owners. The EV Positives favored incentives designed to effect purchase price reductions and increase nation-wide fast-charger deployment. To increase awareness of EVs and shift perceptions of EV expense and inconvenience, we suggest policies that potentially increase EV adoption rates and suggest reframing the language to appeal to EV Positives through information programs. Increasing EV procurement by organizations could increase opportunities for positive information dissemination via employees.
Transient Cavitation and Friction-Induced Heating Effects of Diesel Fuel during the Needle Valve Early Opening Stages for Discharge Pressures up to 450 MPa
Authors: Kolovos Konstantinos , Koukouvinis Phoevos , McDavid Robert M. , Gavaises Manolis
Published: May 2021

An investigation of the fuel heating, vapor formation, and cavitation erosion location patterns inside a five-hole common rail diesel fuel injector, occurring during the early opening period of the needle valve (from 2 μm to 80 μm), discharging at pressures of up to 450 MPa, is presented. Numerical simulations were performed using the explicit density-based solver of the compressible Navier–Stokes (NS) and energy conservation equations. The flow solver was combined with tabulated property data for a four-component diesel fuel surrogate, derived from the perturbed chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) equation of state (EoS), which allowed for a significant amount of the fuel’s physical and transport properties to be quantified. The Wall Adapting Local Eddy viscosity (WALE) Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model was used to resolve sub-grid scale turbulence, while a cell-based mesh deformation arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation was used for modelling the injector’s needle valve movement. Friction-induced heating was found to increase significantly when decreasing the pressure. At the same time, the Joule–Thomson cooling effect was calculated for up to 25 degrees K for the local fuel temperature drop relative to the fuel’s feed temperature. The extreme injection pressures induced fuel jet velocities in the order of 1100 m/s, affecting the formation of coherent vortical flow structures into the nozzle’s sac volume.
Accounting for DEM Error in Sea Level Rise Assessment within Riverine Regions; Case Study from the Shatt Al-Arab River Region
Authors: Al-Nasrawi Ali K. M. , Kadhim Ameen A. , Shortridge Ashton M. , Jones Brian G.
Published: May 2021

Global elevation datasets such as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) are the best available terrain data in many parts of the world. Consequently, SRTM is widely used for understanding the risk of coastal inundation due to climate change-induced sea level rise. However, SRTM elevations are prone to error, giving rise to uncertainty in the quality of the inundation projections. This study investigated the error propagation model for the Shatt al-Arab River region (SARR) to understand the impact of DEM error on an inundation model in this sensitive, low-lying coastal region. The analysis involved three stages. First, a multiple regression model, parameterized from the Mississippi River delta region, was used to generate an expected DEM error surface for the SARR. This surface was subtracted from the SRTM DEM for the SARR to adjust it. Second, residuals from this model were simulated for the SARR. Modelled residuals were subtracted from the adjusted SRTM to produce 50 DEM realizations capturing potential elevation variation. Third, the DEM realizations were each used in a geospatial “bathtub” inundation model to estimate flooding area in the region given 1 m of sea level rise. Across all realizations, the area predicted to flood covered about 50% of the entire region, while predicted flooding using the raw SRTM covered only about 28%, indicating substantial underprediction of the affected area when error was not accounted for. This study can be an applicable approach within such environments worldwide.
Mangrove Forest Landcover Changes in Coastal Vietnam: A Case Study from 1973 to 2020 in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An Provinces
Authors: Nguyen Huong Thi Thuy , Hardy Giles E. S. , Le Tuat Van , Nguyen Huy Quoc , Nguyen Hoang Huy , Nguyen Thinh Van , Dell Bernard
Published: May 2021

Mangrove forests can ameliorate the impacts of typhoons and storms, but their extent is threatened by coastal development. The northern coast of Vietnam is especially vulnerable as typhoons frequently hit it during the monsoon season. However, temporal change information in mangrove cover distribution in this region is incomplete. Therefore, this study was undertaken to detect change in the spatial distribution of mangroves in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces and identify reasons for the cover change. Landsat satellite images from 1973 to 2020 were analyzed using the NDVI method combined with visual interpretation to detect mangrove area change. Six LULC classes were categorized: mangrove forest, other forests, aquaculture, other land use, mudflat, and water. The mangrove cover in Nghe An province was estimated to be 66.5 ha in 1973 and increased to 323.0 ha in 2020. Mangrove cover in Thanh Hoa province was 366.1 ha in 1973, decreased to 61.7 ha in 1995, and rose to 791.1 ha in 2020. Aquaculture was the main reason for the loss of mangroves in both provinces. Overall, the percentage of mangrove loss from aquaculture was 42.5% for Nghe An province and 60.1% for Thanh Hoa province. Mangrove restoration efforts have contributed significantly to mangrove cover, with more than 1300 ha being planted by 2020. This study reveals that improving mangrove restoration success remains a challenge for these provinces, and further refinement of engineering techniques is needed to improve restoration outcomes.
Blockchain Implementation Method for Interoperability between CBDCs
Authors: Jung Hyunjun , Jeong Dongwon
Published: May 2021

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital currency issued by a central bank. Motivated by the financial crisis and prospect of a cashless society, countries are researching CBDC. Recently, global consideration has been given to paying basic income to avoid consumer sentiment shrinkage and recession due to epidemics. CBDC is coming into the spotlight as the way to manage the public finance policy of nations comprehensively. CBDC is studied by many countries. The bank of the Bahamas released Sand Dollar. Each country’s central bank should consider the situation in which CBDCs are exchanged. The transaction of the CDDB is open data. Transaction registers CBDC exchange information of the central bank in the blockchain. Open data on currency exchange between countries will provide information on the flow of money between countries. This paper proposes a blockchain system and management method based on the ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry for exchange between CBDCs that records transactions between registered CBDCs. Each country’s CBDC will have a different implementation and time of publication. We implement the blockchain system and experiment with the operation method, measuring the block generation time of blockchains using the proposed method.
Statistical Model of Turbulent Dispersion Recapitulated
Authors: Brouwers J. J. H.
Published: May 2021

A comprehensive summary and update is given of Brouwers’ statistical model that was developed during the previous decade. The presented recapitulated model is valid for general inhomogeneous anisotropic velocity statistics that are typical of turbulence. It succeeds and improves the semiempirical and heuristic models developed during the previous century. The model is based on a Langevin and diffusion equation of which the derivation involves (i) the application of general principles of physics and stochastic theory; (ii) the application of the theory of turbulence at large Reynolds numbers, including the Lagrangian versions of the Kolmogorov limits; and (iii) the systematic expansion in powers of the inverse of the universal Lagrangian Kolmogorov constant C0, C0 about 6. The model is unique in the collected Langevin and diffusion models of physics and chemistry. Presented results include generally applicable expressions for turbulent diffusion coefficients that can be directly implemented in numerical codes of computational fluid mechanics used in environmental and industrial engineering praxis. This facilitates the more accurate and reliable prediction of the distribution of the mean concentration of passive or almost passive admixture such as smoke, aerosols, bacteria, and viruses in turbulent flow, which are all issues of great societal interest.
Effect of Protease Type and Peptide Size on the In Vitro Antioxidant, Antihypertensive and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Eggplant Leaf Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Famuwagun Akinsola A. , Alashi Adeola M. , Gbadamosi Saka O. , Taiwo Kehinde A. , Oyedele Durodoluwa , Adebooye Odunayo C. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: May 2021

Solanum macrocarpon (eggplant) leaf protein isolate (ELI) was hydrolyzed using four different enzymes to produce hydrolysates from alcalase (AH), chymotrypsin (CH) pepsin (PH) and trypsin (TH). CH had an overall stronger antioxidant property and was separated using ultrafiltration membranes into <1, 1–3 and 3–5 kDa peptide fractions. Gel-permeation chromatography confirmed conversion of the ELI (average of 22 kDa) into protein hydrolysates that contained smaller peptides (<6 kDa). A total of 23 peptides consisting of tri and tetrapeptides were identified from the CH, which is a wider spectrum when compared to seven for AH and four each for TH and PH. CH exhibited stronger scavenging activities against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. CH and TH exhibited the strongest inhibitions against angiotensin-converting enzyme. In contrast, AH was the strongest inhibitor of α-amylase while AH and PH had strong inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase when compared with other hydrolysates. Ultrafiltration fractionation produced peptides that were stronger (p < 0.05) scavengers of DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals, in addition to better metal-chelating and enzyme inhibition agents. The study concluded that the eggplant protein hydrolysates and the UF fractions may find applications in tackling oxidative stress-related diseases and conditions involving excessive activities of the metabolic enzymes.
Detection of Residual Pesticides in Foods
Authors: Romero-González Roberto
Published: May 2021

Pesticides are used worldwide [...]
The Food Contaminants Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Disturb Bile Acid Homeostasis Structure-Dependently in the Human Hepatoma Cell Line HepaRG
Authors: Glück Josephin , Henricsson Marcus , Braeuning Albert , Hessel-Pras Stefanie
Published: May 2021

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of secondary plant metabolites being contained in various plant species. The consumption of contaminated food can lead to acute intoxications in humans and exert severe hepatotoxicity. The development of jaundice and elevated bile acid concentrations in blood have been reported in acute human PA intoxication, indicating a connection between PA exposure and the induction of cholestasis. Additionally, it is considered that differences in toxicity of individual PAs is based on their individual chemical structures. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the structure-dependent disturbance of bile acid homeostasis by PAs in the human hepatoma cell line HepaRG. A set of 14 different PAs, including representatives of all major structural characteristics, namely, the four different necine bases retronecine, heliotridine, otonecine and platynecine and different grades of esterification, was analyzed in regard to the expression of genes involved in bile acid synthesis, metabolism and transport. Additionally, intra- and extracellular bile acid levels were analyzed after PA treatment. In summary, our data show significant structure-dependent effects of PAs on bile acid homeostasis. Especially PAs of diester type caused the strongest dysregulation of expression of genes associated with cholestasis and led to a strong decrease of intra- and extracellular bile acid concentrations.
Effect of Drying Methods on Properties of Potato Flour and Noodles Made with Potato Flour
Authors: Bao Huan , Zhou Jiaping , Yu Jinglin , Wang Shujun
Published: May 2021

This work investigated the impact of three drying methods on structural and functional properties of potato flour (PF), as well as the quality characteristics of fresh noodles made from wheat-potato flours. The results indicated that ethanol drying (ED) and oven drying (OD) had small effects on the properties of starch in potato flour, however, freeze drying (FD) caused some pores and channels on the starch granules and disruption of the long- and short-range ordered structure of starch. The maximum addition of potato flour in fresh noodles was 40% for FD-PF and 50% for both ED-PF and OD-PF. With increasing addition of potato flour in noodles, the L* (lightness) values of noodles decreased gradually, while the a* (redness) and the b* (yellowness) values, as well as the hardness and springiness values of fresh potato noodles increased. This study clearly showed that drying methods have different effects on the properties of potato flour, and in turn the quality of fresh noodles made with potato flour.
The New Challenge of Sports Nutrition: Accepting Insect Food as Dietary Supplements in Professional Athletes
Authors: Placentino Umberto , Sogari Giovanni , Viscecchia Rosaria , De Devitiis Biagia , Monacis Lucia
Published: May 2021

Background: The dietary supplements market is growing, and their use is increasing among professional athletes. Recently, several new protein supplements have been placed in the marketplace, including energy bars enriched with insect flour. Edible insects, which are rich in protein content, have been promoted as the food of the future and athletes could be a reference sample for their continued emphasis on higher protein demand. The present study investigated the potential motivations to accept an energy protein bar with cricket flour, among a group of selected Italian professional athletes. A second aim was also to measure how an information treatment about the benefits of edible insects would have impact on acceptance. Methods: 61 Italian professional athletes (27 females) completed a structured questionnaire regarding supplements and eating habits, food neophobia, nutrition knowledge, willingness to taste edible insects and the associated factors. A question about sports endorsement was also posed at the end of the survey. Results: all subjects consumed supplements, generally recommended by medical personnel, even though their general knowledge of nutrition was poor (47.8%). Our main results shown that on a seven-point Likert scale, the protein content (5.74 ± 1.01) and the curiosity about texture (5.24 ± 0.98) were the main drivers to taste the cricket energy bar; whereas the feeling of disgust (5.58 ± 1.08) justified the rejection of tasting insects. In addition, the level of food neophobia increases with age (p < 0.05) and reduces willingness to endorse the cricket bar (p < 0.05). Male athletes (4.47 ± 1.69) were more likely to endorse the product than females (3.3 ± 1.49). An increase in willingness to taste was observed after the information treatment (z = 4.16, p < 0.001). Even though the population under investigation is unique, it is important to mention that this study involves a relatively small and convenience sample, and therefore generalizability of the results should be done with caution.
Characteristics of the AT-Hook Motif Containing Nuclear Localized (AHL) Genes in Carrot Provides Insight into Their Role in Plant Growth and Storage Root Development
Authors: Machaj Gabriela , Grzebelus Dariusz
Published: May 2021

The AT-hook motif containing nuclear localized (AHL) gene family, controlling various developmental processes, is conserved in land plants. They comprise Plant and Prokaryote Conserved (PPC) domain and one or two AT-hook motifs. DcAHLc1 has been proposed as a candidate gene governing the formation of the carrot storage root. We identified and in-silico characterized carrot AHL proteins, performed phylogenetic analyses, investigated their expression profiles and constructed gene coexpression networks. We found 47 AHL genes in carrot and grouped them into two clades, A and B, comprising 29 and 18 genes, respectively. Within Clade-A, we distinguished three subclades, one of them grouping noncanonical AHLs differing in their structure (two PPC domains) and/or cellular localization (not nucleus). Coexpression network analysis attributed AHLs expressed in carrot roots into four of the 72 clusters, some of them showing a large number of interactions. Determination of expression profiles of AHL genes in various tissues and samples provided basis to hypothesize on their possible roles in the development of the carrot storage root. We identified a group of rapidly evolving noncanonical AHLs, possibly differing functionally from typical AHLs, as suggested by their expression profiles and their predicted cellular localization. We pointed at several AHLs likely involved in the development of the carrot storage root.
Evolution of an Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) Gene Family in Birds
Authors: Davis Anthony , Greenwold Matthew J.
Published: May 2021

The transition of amniotes to a fully terrestrial lifestyle involved the adaptation of major molecular innovations to the epidermis, often in the form of epidermal appendages such as hair, scales and feathers. Feathers are diverse epidermal structures of birds, and their evolution has played a key role in the expansion of avian species to a wide range of lifestyles and habitats. As with other epidermal appendages, feather development is a complex process which involves many different genetic and protein elements. In mammals, many of the genetic elements involved in epidermal development are located at a specific genetic locus known as the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). Studies have identified a homologous EDC locus in birds, which contains several genes expressed throughout epidermal and feather development. A family of avian EDC genes rich in aromatic amino acids that also contain MTF amino acid motifs (EDAAs/EDMTFs), that includes the previously reported histidine-rich or fast-protein (HRP/fp), an important marker in feather development, has expanded significantly in birds. Here, we characterize the EDAA gene family in birds and investigate the evolutionary history and possible functions of EDAA genes using phylogenetic and sequence analyses. We provide evidence that the EDAA gene family originated in an early archosaur ancestor, and has since expanded in birds, crocodiles and turtles, respectively. Furthermore, this study shows that the respective amino acid compositions of avian EDAAs are characteristic of structural functions associated with EDC genes and feather development. Finally, these results support the hypothesis that the genes of the EDC have evolved through tandem duplication and diversification, which has contributed to the evolution of the intricate avian epidermis and epidermal appendages.
Possible Mechanisms for the Effects of Sound Vibration on Human Health
Authors: Bartel Lee , Mosabbir Abdullah
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a narrative review of research literature to “map the landscape” of the mechanisms of the effect of sound vibration on humans including the physiological, neurological, and biochemical. It begins by narrowing music to sound and sound to vibration. The focus is on low frequency sound (up to 250 Hz) including infrasound (1–16 Hz). Types of application are described and include whole body vibration, vibroacoustics, and focal applications of vibration. Literature on mechanisms of response to vibration is categorized into hemodynamic, neurological, and musculoskeletal. Basic mechanisms of hemodynamic effects including stimulation of endothelial cells and vibropercussion; of neurological effects including protein kinases activation, nerve stimulation with a specific look at vibratory analgesia, and oscillatory coherence; of musculoskeletal effects including muscle stretch reflex, bone cell progenitor fate, vibration effects on bone ossification and resorption, and anabolic effects on spine and intervertebral discs. In every category research on clinical applications are described. The conclusion points to the complexity of the field of vibrational medicine and calls for specific comparative research on type of vibration delivery, amount of body or surface being stimulated, effect of specific frequencies and intensities to specific mechanisms, and to greater interdisciplinary cooperation and focus.
Plantar Pressure Variations Induced by Experimental Malocclusion—A Pilot Case Series Study
Authors: Iacob Simona Maria , Chisnoiu Andrea Maria , Buduru Smaranda Dana , Berar Antonela , Fluerasu Mirela Ioana , Iacob Ioana , Objelean Adriana , Studnicska Wilhelm , Viman Liviu Marin
Published: May 2021

Background: All body systems involved in ensuring a healthy posture (musculoskeletal system, oculomotor, oto-vestibular and occluso-cranial-mandibular) are essential in maintaining postural balance. Research Question: Does experimental malocclusion in subjects in static position determine variations in plantar pressure? Methods: Overall, 31 subjects were included in the study. The plantar pressure was evaluated in five different points: lateral and medial heel, midfoot, 1st and 5th metatarsal area. Using a specially designed splint, an artificial malocclusion was induced on the right hemimandibular arch. The pressure was measured at 0 (T0), 15 (T1) and 30 min (T2) after splint application. Results: The right external plantar sensors recorded statistically significant differences in pressure values after 15 min of splint wear (5th metatarsal area, p = 0.05; midfoot, p = 0.04). Important pressure values were also recorded by the left internal plantar sensors (1st metatarsal, p = 0.01; medial heel, p = 0.006), after 30 min of splint wear. Conclusions: Asymmetrical experimental malocclusion produces early changes in plantar pressure, a proof of compensatory mechanisms induced by secondary postural imbalance.
Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health
Authors: Wang Yufei , Qian Haifeng
Published: May 2021

Phthalates are a series of widely used chemicals that demonstrate to be endocrine disruptors and are detrimental to human health. Phthalates can be found in most products that have contact with plastics during producing, packaging, or delivering. Despite the short half-lives in tissues, chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents. Several countries have established restrictions and regulations on some types of phthalates; however, we think that more countries should establish constraints or substitute measures for phthalates to reduce health risks. This article aims to summarize the adverse impacts of phthalates on human health, analyze the toxicity mechanism, assess the risks, and finally provide feasible strategies to reduce exposure of the public to phthalates.
Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients with Orbital Fracture: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Hsu Cindy Yi-Yu , Tu Junior Chun-Yu , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Sun Chien-An , Chien Wu-Chien , Lin Hsin-Ting
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate whether orbital fracture increases the risk of dry eye syndrome (DES) and identified the profile of prognostic factors. We studied a cohort from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Overall, 46,179 and 184,716 participants were enrolled in the study and control groups, respectively. Each patient in the case group was age- and gender-matched to four individuals without orbital fracture that served as the control group. Cox proportional hazards analysis regression was used to estimate the risks of incident DES. During the follow-up period, the case group was more likely to develop incident DES (0.17%) than the control group (0.11%) (p = 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the case group had a 4.917-fold increased risk of DES compared to the controls. In the stratified age group, orbital fracture had the highest impact on patients aged 18–29 years. Furthermore, patients with orbital roof fracture have a greater risk of developing DES. Regardless of whether having received surgery or not, the patients with orbital fracture have higher risks of DES. Our study demonstrated that orbital fracture increases the risk of developing subsequent DES. Early recognition by thorough examinations with raised awareness in the clinical setting could preserve visual function and prevent further complications.
Cowpea Ecophysiological Responses to Accumulated Water Deficiency during the Reproductive Phase in Northeastern Pará, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Denilson P. , Sousa Denis P. , Nunes Hildo G. G. C. , Pinto João Vitor N. , Farias Vivian D. S. , Costa Deborah L. P. , Moura Vandeilson B. , Teixeira Erika , Sousa Adriano M. L. , Pinheiro Hugo A. , Souza Paulo Jorge de O. P.
Published: May 2021

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a leguminous species widely cultivated in northern and northeastern Brazil. In the state of Pará, this crop still has low productivity due to several factors, such as low soil fertility and climatic adversity, especially the water deficiency. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the physiological parameters and the productivity of cowpea plants under different water depths. The experiment was conducted in Castanhal/Pará between 2015 and 2016. A randomized block design was applied with six replications and four treatments, represented by the replacement of 100%, 50%, 25% and 0% of the water lost during crop evapotranspiration (ETc), starting from the reproductive stage. The rates of net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration (Eleaf), substomatal CO2 concentration (Ci), leaf temperature (Tleaf) and leaf water potential (Ψw) were determined in four measurements at the R5, R7, R8 and R9 phenological stages. Cowpea was sensitive to the water availability in the soil, showing a significant difference between treatments for physiological variables and productivity. Upon reaching a Ψw equal to −0.88 MPa, the studied variables showed important changes, which allows establishing this value as a threshold for the crop regarding water stress under such experimental conditions. The different water levels in the soil directly influenced productivity for both years, indicating that the proper water supply leads to better crop growth and development, increasing productivity.
Considering Objective and Subjective Measures for Police Use of Force Evaluation
Authors: Di Nota Paula M. , Chan Jennifer F. , Huhta Juha-Matti , Andersen Judith P.
Published: May 2021

In spite of significant interest in the application of police use of force (UOF) from organisations, researchers, and the general public, there remains no industry standard for how police UOF is trained, and by extension, evaluated. While certain UOF behaviours can be objectively measured (e.g., correct shoot/no shoot decision making (DM), shot accuracy), the subjective evaluation of many UOF skills (e.g., situation awareness, SA) falls to the discretion of individual instructors. The aim of the current brief communication is to consider the operationalisation of essential UOF behaviours as objective and subjective measures, respectively. Using longitudinal data from a sample of Canadian police officers (n = 57) evaluated during UOF training scenarios, we discuss how objective and subjective measures reflect changes in officer performance over time. Objective lethal force DM was measured as a binary ‘correct–incorrect’ outcome and subjective SA was measured on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from ‘unacceptable’ to ‘exceptional’. Subjective evaluation of SA demonstrated significant changes over time, while DM remained relatively high and stable. Given the practical and professional implications of UOF, we recommend that a combination of objective and subjective measures is systematically implemented at all stages of police UOF training and evaluation (i.e., basic, advanced, in-service).
The Magnifying Effect of Marital Satisfaction on the Dyadic Effect of Disabilities on Life Satisfaction
Authors: Li Liman-Man-Wai , Jiang Da
Published: May 2021

(1) Background. Extending previous work, the present study examined whether marital satisfaction would magnify the dyadic effect of disabilities on life satisfaction among older married couples. (2) Methods. With responses collected from 11,694 participants (5847 couples; Mage = 63.36 years, median: 62 years) in a large-scale survey study in China in 2015, the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) analyses were conducted to examine how marital satisfaction moderated the actor and partner effects of disabilities on life satisfaction. In addition, mixed linear model analyses were conducted to examine the gender effect. (3) Results. The results showed that marital satisfaction magnified the negative association between disabilities and life satisfaction with different patterns for each gender. Specifically, husbands’ disabilities significantly negatively predicted their own levels of life satisfaction among those with higher marital satisfaction but not among those with lower marital satisfaction. In contrast, for wives, spousal disabilities significantly predicted lower levels of life satisfaction among those with higher marital satisfaction but not among those with lower marital satisfaction. (4) Conclusions. The evidence for the magnifying effect of marital satisfaction obtained in the present study implicates the importance of taking dyadic dynamics in close relationships into account in health care research.
The Role of Social Media in Sports Vision
Authors: Nascimento Henrique , Martinez-Perez Clara , Alvarez-Peregrina Cristina , Sánchez-Tena Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2021

Background: Sports vision is a relatively new specialty. The objective is to provide ophthalmological and optometric care services for the care of vision in the sports field. An increasing number of athletes and coaches are trying to improve visual skills and they seek information on social media. The current excess of information has made it increasingly difficult to identify high quality articles. For this reason, alternative metrics are useful tools to identify publications that draw attention to society. This research aims to study the influence of social networks on the importance of vision in sport. Methods: Altmetric Explorer was used to perform a search using “sport”, “vision” and “eye” as keywords. The 100 outcomes with the most attention were analyzed and correlated with the number of citations in the Web of Science (WoS) using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The 100 best Altmetric Attention Scores (AASs) were published in 67 journals and had a mean AAS value of 30.22 ± 62.37 The results were discussed mainly on Twitter, with a mean of 113.99 ± 43.86 tweets and retweets and a mean of 75.92 ± 79.92 readers in Mendeley. There was no correlation between AAS and WoS Cites for the top 100 outcomes and the correlation was low if we considered the total research results rather than the top 100. Conclusions: The citations are not related to the impact of scientific articles on social networks. Sports vision is a specialty with a growing interest in social media.
Health Sufficiency Indicators for Pandemic Monitoring
Authors: Moguerza Javier M. , Perelló Oliver Salvador , Martín de Diego Isaac , Aceña Víctor , Lancho Carmen , Cuesta Marina , González Fernández César
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 disease, spreading all around the world and causing a worldwide pandemic, has lead to the collapse of the health systems of the most affected countries. Due to the ease of transmission, early prevention measures are proved to be fundamental to control the pandemic and, hence, the saturation of the health systems. Given the difficulty of obtaining characteristics of these systems of different countries and regions, it is necessary to define indicators based on basic information that enable the assessment of the evolution of the impact of a disease in a health system along with fair comparisons among different ones. This present paper introduces the Health Sufficiency Indicator (HSI), in its accumulated and daily versions. This indicator measures the additional pressure that a health care system has to deal with due to a pandemic. Hence, it allows to evaluate the capacity of a health system to give response to the corresponding needs arising from a pandemic and to compare the evolution of the disease among different regions. In addition, the Potential Occupancy Ratio (POR) in both its hospital ward bed and ICU bed versions is here introduced to asses the impact of the pandemic in the capacity of hospitals. These indicators and other well-known ones are applied to track the evolution of the impact of the disease on the Spanish health system during the first wave of the pandemic, both on national and regional levels. An international comparison among the most affected countries is also performed.
The Relationship between Changes in GRIT, Taekwondo Ability, and Academic Achievement of University Students Majoring in Science and Engineering and Participating in Taekwondo Class
Authors: Lee Ji-Hoon , Cho Jin-Hui , Kwak Yi-Sub , Ko Byoung-Goo , Cho Eun-Hyung
Published: May 2021

GRIT, which was conceptualized by the American psychologist Duckworth, was designed by grouping growth (G), resilience (R), intrinsic motivation (I), and tenacity (T), which means continuing to be patient and put in effort to achieve goals without being frustrated by adversity or failures experienced in the process of striving toward one’s goals. The purpose of this study was to determine GRIT changes caused by participation of students majoring in science and engineering in taekwondo class. Effects of taekwondo ability on GRIT and academic achievement were also examined to determine structural relationships among taekwondo ability, GRIT, and academic achievement. We selected a total of 305 students (204 participants and 101 non-participants) as research subjects and conducted a GRIT (preliminary) measurement. After one-year of taekwondo class, we collected and statistically processed the data of GRIT (post) measurement, taekwondo ability, and academic achievement of the participants. Reliability analysis, technical statistics, paired sample t-test, correlation analysis, and path analysis were performed. Changes in the GRIT values of the participants were found to be greater than those of non-participants. It was also found that taekwondo ability, GRIT, and academic achievement had significant correlations with each other. Finally, it was found that the higher the taekwondo ability, the higher the academic achievement and the higher the GRIT. Moreover, the higher the GRIT, the higher the academic achievement. Taekwondo training increased the GRIT values of participants. In addition, the taekwondo ability had positive effects on GRIT and academic achievement. GRIT also had a positive effect on academic achievement. Thus, there were structural relationships among taekwondo ability, GRIT, and academic achievement.
Why Does Israel Lead the World in COVID-19 Vaccinations? Applying Mass Casualty Event Principles to COVID-19 Vaccination Programs
Authors: Rapaport Carmit , Ashkenazi Isaac
Published: May 2021

The article examines Israel’s experience in managing the COVID-19 vaccination program beginning in December 2020. Utilizing principles of mass casualty event management, such as triaging, flow of casualty care, and flexibility (among others), we analyze Israel’s vaccination program. The successful Israeli experience was found to be based on timely coordinated and adaptive health system logistics and operations, as well as cooperative population behaviors.
The Effect of Job Insecurity and Life Uncertainty on Everyday Consumptions and Broader Life Projects during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chirumbolo Antonio , Callea Antonino , Urbini Flavio
Published: May 2021

Contemporary society is characterized by a high level of uncertainty in many domains of everyday life. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a deep economic crisis, exacerbating worldwide feelings of uncertainty and precarity. Individuals with insecure jobs have (and will) probably suffered the most from this situation. Workers with higher job insecurity have poorer psychological and physical health, display more negative work attitudes and are less satisfied about their life. However, much less is known about the impact of job insecurity and life uncertainty on consumer behavior. Using the Conservation of Resources theory as a framework, the present study examines a model in which job insecurity and life uncertainty would have a negative effect on everyday consumptions and broader life projects of individuals. Data collection was conducted in Italy in June and July 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic, in the immediate aftermath of the national lockdown. In a sample of 830 workers, the results of a mediation analysis showed that job insecurity and life uncertainty had a detrimental impact of consumer behaviors, since they were significantly associated with higher propensity to sacrifice and reduce everyday short-term consumptions (e.g., buying food) and greater perceived unaffordability of broader long-term life projects (e.g., buying a house).
The Positive Relationship between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Bone Mineral Content Is Not Mediated by Free Leptin Index in Prepubertal Children: The PANIC Study
Authors: Constable Annie M. , Porter Josie E. , Benger Danielle , Vlachopoulos Dimitris , Barker Alan R. , Moore Sarah A. , Soininen Sonja , Haapala Eero A. , Westgate Kate , Brage Soren , Agostinete Ricardo R. , Fernandes Romulo A. , Lakka Timo A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) positively influences bone mineral content (BMC) in prepubertal children, but it is unknown whether this relationship is partially mediated by free leptin index. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between MVPA and total body less head (TBLH) BMC is mediated or moderated by free leptin index in prepubertal children. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 401 children (194 girls) from baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Childhood Study. We applied the four-way decomposition mediation analysis method to assess whether free leptin index, measured from fasted blood samples, mediated the relationship between accelerometer-measured MVPA and TBLH BMC measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: MVPA had a positive controlled direct effect on TBLH BMC in girls and boys (β = 0.010 to 0.011, p < 0.05). There was no mediation or interaction between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC in girls or boys (β = −0.000 to 0.001, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicates that MVPA positively influences TBLH BMC through pathways not related to free leptin index in predominantly normal-weight prepubertal children, likely primarily through mechanical loading. The relationships between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC may be influenced by other factors such as pubertal status and adiposity, so it is unknown whether these observations extend to overweight and obese children at different stages of puberty.
A Mental Health Drop-In Centre Offering Brief Transdiagnostic Psychological Assessment and Treatment in a Paediatric Hospital Setting: A One-Year Descriptive Study
Authors: Catanzano Matteo , Bennett Sophie D , Tibber Marc S , Coughtrey Anna E , Liang Holan , Heyman Isobel ,   The Lucy Project Team, Shafran Roz
Published: May 2021

Aim: This study was part of a broader project to examine the acceptability, feasibility and impact of a transdiagnostic mental health drop-in centre offering brief psychological assessment and treatment for children and young people and/or their families with mental health needs in the context of long-term physical health conditions (LTCs). The aims of this investigation were to characterise: (i) the use of such a centre, (ii) the demographics and symptoms of those presenting to the centre, and (iii) the types of support that are requested and/or indicated. Methods: A mental health “booth” was located in reception of a national paediatric hospital over one year. Characteristics of young people with LTCs and their siblings/parents attending the booth were defined. Emotional/behavioural symptoms were measured using standardised questionnaires including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Participants subsequently received one of four categories of intervention: brief transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), referral to other services, neurodevelopmental assessment or signposting to resources. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight participants were recruited. The mean age of young people was 9.14 years (standard deviation: 4.28); 61% identified as white and 45% were male. Over half of young people recruited scored in the clinical range with respect to the SDQ. Presenting problems included: anxiety (49%), challenging behaviour (35%), low mood (22%) and other (15%). Conclusions: A considerable proportion of young people with LTC in a paediatric hospital scored in the clinical range for common mental health problems, indicating a potential for psychological interventions.
Beta-Alanine Supplementation and Sport Climbing Performance
Authors: Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof , Wyciślik Judyta , Kaczka Piotr
Published: May 2021

Background: Supplementing β-alanine (BA) improves exercise performance in efforts that are highly dependent on anaerobic glycolysis. As it has not yet been established whether it relates to climbing, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of BA on climbing-specific performance. Methods: Fifteen elite climbers performed intermittent high-force high-velocity campus board exercise, and two bouldering traverses, hard and easy. They ingested 4.0 g·d−1 BA or placebo for four weeks in a double-blind, pre/post experimental design. Results: In the campus board trial, ANOVA revealed a tendency toward significance (p = 0.066). Post hoc analysis revealed that there was a significant (p = 0.002) and “large” (d = 1.55) increase in the total number of “slaps” in the BA group. No significant supplementation × group interaction was found in “hard” traverse and a significant interaction for mean changes in number of moves (p = 0.025) and in time to failure (p = 0.044) on an “easy” traverse. Post hoc analysis revealed that only the BA group significantly improved from baseline in number of moves (+9.5) and time to failure (+32 s). Effect sizes were d = 1.73 and d = 1.44, respectively. Conclusions: Four weeks of BA supplementation can improve performance during continuous climbing lasting about 1 min and repeated bouts of upper body campus-like movements. However, it failed to enhance climbing of a shorter duration.
Positivity to Cocaine and/or Benzoylecgonine in Confirmation Analyses for On-Road Tests in Spain
Authors: Herrera-Gómez Francisco , Gutiérrez-Abejón Eduardo , García-Mingo Mercedes , Álvarez F. Javier
Published: May 2021

We are using real-life data in order to determine the prevalence of driving with the presence of cocaine and/or benzoylecgonine (BZE), their concentrations, and their use in combination with other drugs. This study assessed data on Spanish drivers with confirmed drug-positive results recorded by the Spanish National Traffic Agency from 2011–2016. Frequencies of positivity for cocaine and/or BZE and concentration of such substances were obtained. Comparisons and univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Drivers who tested positive for cocaine and/or BZE accounted for 48.59% of the total positive results for drugs. In positive cases for both cocaine and BZE, other substances were detected in 81.74%: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (68.19%), opioids (20.78%) and amphetamine-like substances (16.76%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the frequency of cocaine and/or BZE positive cases decreased with age (OR:0.97) and were less likely among women (OR:0.63). Concentrations (ng/mL) of cocaine (249.30) and BZE (137.90) were higher when both substances were detected together than when detected alone. Positivity to cocaine represented an important proportion among Spanish drivers who tested positive for drugs, and polysubstance use was especially observed in more than 8 out of 10 positive cases for cocaine and/or BZE.
Clinical Relevance of Urine Flow Rate and Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Jeng Po-Hsuan , Huang Tien-Ru , Wang Chung-Ching , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: May 2021

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites have received increasing attention because several of these organic substances are highly carcinogenic or mutagenic. Exposure to PAHs is associated with many harmful health effects; however, we are not aware of any study that has explored the exposure to PAHs and urinary conditions in the general population. The present work aimed to investigate the correlation among PAH and urine flow rate (UFR). Method: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2012 were used in our study. A total of 4172 participants and a total of nine PAH metabolites were examined. The UFR was measured as the amount of urine excreted in a period of time (mL/h). Several covariates were adjusted in linear regression models. Result: After adjusting for variables, the PAH metabolites in urine showed a significant correlation with UFR. Dose-dependent associations between PAH metabolites in the urine and UFR were also found. Higher quartiles of PAH metabolites in urine exhibited higher regression coefficients. Conclusion: Our study highlighted that PAH metabolites in urine had a strong association with decreased UFR in the US adult population. These findings support the possibility that PAH exposure is related to bladder dysfunction. Further prospective studies are warranted.