bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A VPN Performances Analysis of Constrained Hardware Open Source Infrastructure Deploy in IoT Environment
Authors: Gentile Antonio Francesco , Macrì Davide , De Rango Floriano , Tropea Mauro , Greco Emilio
Published: September 2022

Virtual private network (VPN) represents an HW/SW infrastructure that implements private and confidential communication channels that usually travel through the Internet. VPN is currently one of the most reliable technologies to achieve this goal, also because being a consolidated technology, it is possible to apply appropriate patches to remedy any security holes. In this paper we analyze the performances of open source firmware OpenWrt 21.x compared with a server-side operating system (Debian 11 x64) and Mikrotik 7.x, also virtualized, and different types of clients (Windows 10/11, iOS 15, Android 11, OpenWrt 21.x, Debian 11 x64 and Mikrotik 7.x), observing the performance of the network according to the current implementation of the various protocols and algorithms of VPN tunnel examined on what are the most recent HW and SW for deployment in outdoor locations with poor network connectivity. Specifically, operating systems provide different performance metric values for various combinations of configuration variables. The first pursued goal is to find the algorithms to guarantee a data transmission/encryption ratio as efficiently as possible. The second goal is to research the algorithms capable of guaranteeing the widest spectrum of compatibility with the current infrastructures that support VPN technology, to obtain a connection system secure for geographically scattered IoT networks spread over difficult-to-manage areas such as suburban or rural environments. The third goal is to be able to use open firmware on constrained routers that provide compatibility with different VPN protocols.
Characteristics of Electromagnetic Radiation and the Acoustic Emission Response of Multi-Scale Rock-like Material Failure and Their Application
Authors: Li Zhonghui , Lei Yueyu , Wang Enyuan , Frid Vladimir , Li Dexing , Liu Xiaofei , Ren Xuekun
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the evolution characteristics of multi-scale rock-like material failure, we studied the acoustic emission (AE) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) characteristics of different scale rock-like materials by using the AE-EMR experimental system of coal and rock failure, and the AE and EMR response law of rockburst in mining sites was analyzed. The results show that under uniaxial loading, the stress–strain curve of the specimen has a compaction stage, linear elastic stage, elastic–plastic stage and failure stage. The cumulative AE count, AE energy and stress level of the specimen have an exponential relationship during loading and compression. The cumulative EMR counts of loading and unloading showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing with the increase in stress level. Electromagnetic radiation and microseismic hypocentral distance show an abnormal change trend when rockburst occurs, and this abnormal phenomenon can be used as a precursor feature signal for rockburst monitoring and early warning.
“I Beg You Take Me from Here”: Spousal Abandonment and the Experience of Separation in Flight from Persecution
Authors: Orr Timothy J.
Published: September 2022

Spousal separation and abandonment was prevalent through the medieval and early modern worlds. However, women experienced the traumatic and damaging consequences of these separations far more often than their male counterparts. These instances were only multiplied by the political and social upheaval caused by the Reformation. This article explores this experience for women in the early modern era using Olympia Morata, among others, as windows through which to explore the reasons women were frequently abandoned, the lived reality of experiencing this separation, and the complex religious dynamics of early modern mobility as they related to gender.
Genetic Sequence Variation in the Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 Gene from Field Isolates in Tanzania: Impact on Malaria Rapid Diagnosis
Authors: Kaaya Robert D. , Amour Caroline , Matowo Johnson J. , Mosha Franklin W. , Kavishe Reginald A. , Beshir Khalid B.
Published: September 2022

Malaria rapid diagnosis test (RDT) is crucial for managing the disease, and the effectiveness of detection depends on parameters such as sensitivity and specificity of the RDT. Several factors can affect the performance of RDT. In this study, we focused on the pfhrp2 sequence variation and its impact on RDTs targeted by antigens encoded by Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2). Field samples collected during cross-sectional surveys in Tanzania were sequenced to investigate the pfhrp2 sequence diversity and evaluate the impact on HRP2-based RDT performance. We observed significant mean differences in amino acid repeats between current and previous studies. Several new amino acid repeats were found to occur at different frequencies, including types AAY, AHHAHHAAN, and AHHAA. Based on the abundance of types 2 and 7 amino acid repeats, the binary predictive model was able to predict RDT insensitivity by about 69% in the study area. About 85% of the major epitopes targeted by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in RDT were identified. Our study suggested that the extensive sequence variation in pfhrp2 can contribute to reduced RDT sensitivity. The correlation between the different combinations of amino acid repeats and the performance of RDT in different malaria transmission settings should be investigated further.
A Robust Design-Based Expert System for Feature Selection and COVID-19 Pandemic Prediction in Japan
Authors: Ho Chien-Ta , Wang Cheng-Yi
Published: September 2022

Expert systems are frequently used to make predictions in various areas. However, the practical robustness of expert systems is not as good as expected, mainly due to the fact that finding an ideal system configuration from a specific dataset is a challenging task. Therefore, how to optimize an expert system has become an important issue of research. In this paper, a new method called the robust design-based expert system is proposed to bridge this gap. The technical process of this system consists of data initialization, configuration generation, a genetic algorithm (GA) framework for feature selection, and a robust mechanism that helps the system find a configuration with the highest robustness. The system will finally obtain a set of features, which can be used to predict a pandemic based on given data. The robust mechanism can increase the efficiency of the system. The configuration for training is optimized by means of a genetic algorithm (GA) and the Taguchi method. The effectiveness of the proposed system in predicting epidemic trends is examined using a real COVID-19 dataset from Japan. For this dataset, the average prediction accuracy was 60%. Additionally, 10 representative features were also selected, resulting in a selection rate of 67% with a reduction rate of 33%. The critical features for predicting the epidemic trend of COVID-19 were also obtained, including new confirmed cases, ICU patients, people vaccinated, population, population density, hospital beds per thousand, middle age, aged 70 or older, and GDP per capital. The main contribution of this paper is two-fold: Firstly, this paper has bridged the gap between the pandemic research and expert systems with robust predictive performance. Secondly, this paper proposes a feature selection method for extracting representative variables and predicting the epidemic trend of a pandemic disease. The prediction results indicate that the system is valuable to healthcare authorities and can help governments get hold of the epidemic trend and strategize their use of healthcare resources.
Effect of Serial Home-Based Exercise Immediately after Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Eunhee , Lee Joon Seok , Park Ho Yong , Yang Jung Dug , Jung Tae-Du
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of a serial home-based exercise program in the affected upper extremity immediately after latissimus dorsi (LD) flap reconstruction with mastectomy in order to improve the functional impairment and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Patients with breast cancer scheduled for a mastectomy immediately followed by autologous LD flap reconstruction surgery were enrolled. Forty-five patients were included as an intervention group who received a serial home-based exercise program with stretching and strengthening for upper extremities preoperatively (T0), and 2 weeks (T1), 6 weeks (T2), and 3 months (T3) postoperatively. Thirty-five patients were included as the control group. We evaluated the range of movement in the shoulder at T0, T1, T2, T3, 6 months (T4), and 12 months (T5) postoperatively. We also evaluated the disability of the upper extremity using disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire and quality of life using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) at T0, T3, T4, and T5. Results: There were significant differences in interaction effects between time and shoulder flexion and internal and external rotation. Post hoc, the intervention group showed more improvement of movement in internal rotation at T2 and T5 and external rotation at T2, T3, and T4. Furthermore, there were significant differences in interaction effects between DASH scores and time in the two groups. Post hoc, there were significantly lower DASH scores at T3, T4, and T5 in the intervention group. There were significant differences in interaction effects of physical role functioning, vitality, and mental health scores of SF-36 and time in the two groups. Post hoc, physical role functioning scores at T3 and T4 and vitality and mental health scores at T3 were elevated in the intervention group. Conclusion: A serial home-based exercise after LD flap reconstruction is effective for the rehabilitation of the affected upper extremity and enhances the quality of life.
Valuing Human Impact of Natural Disasters: A Review of Methods
Authors: Kharb Aditi , Bhandari Sandesh , Moitinho de Almeida Maria , Castro Delgado Rafael , Arcos González Pedro , Tubeuf Sandy
Published: September 2022

This paper provides a comprehensive set of methodologies that have been used in the literature to give a monetary value to the human impact in a natural disaster setting. Four databases were searched for relevant published and gray literature documents with a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-seven studies that quantified the value of a statistical life in a disaster setting or discussed methodologies of estimating value of life were included. Analysis highlighted the complexity and variability of methods and estimations of values of statistical life. No single method to estimate the value of a statistical life is universally agreed upon, although stated preference methods seem to be the preferred approach. The value of one life varies significantly ranging from USD 143,000 to 15 million. While an overwhelming majority of studies concern high-income countries, most disaster casualties are observed in low- and middle-income countries. Data on the human impact of disasters are usually available in disasters databases. However, lost lives are not traditionally translated into monetary terms. Therefore, the full financial cost of disasters has rarely been evaluated. More research is needed to utilize the value of life estimates in order to guide policymakers in preparedness and mitigation policies.
Impact of an Interactive Health Corner Using the Culinary Education Approach in Promoting Long-Term Dietary Changes among Patients Who Seek Public Primary Care Services
Authors: Goh Lynette Mei Lim , Chow Li Ming , Ng Su Yi , Chow Dana Wai Shin , Lim Raymond Boon Tar
Published: September 2022

An unhealthy diet is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Although nutrition education and cooking demonstrations have resulted in favourable dietary changes, it is unclear whether this is sustainable for longer periods. This study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of a nutrition-led cooking intervention using the culinary education approach on dietary patterns based on My Healthy Plate (MHP). This was a quasi-experimental study involving patients who sought public primary care services in two polyclinics (mean age 59.3 years old). A self-administered survey was done at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year for both the intervention and the comparison groups. Participants in the intervention group were exposed to the health corner, which provided nutrition education and cooking demonstrations using the culinary education approach. A total of 216 participants completed the study at 1 year with a follow-up rate of 86%. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) were obtained from negative binomial regression. Compared with the comparison group, participants in the intervention group were more likely to report adhering to the requirements of MHP at 6 months (aRR 1.83, 95% CI 1.12–2.99) and 1 year (aRR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10–2.16). Participants in the intervention group were less likely to add salt or sauces to food at 6 months (aRR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12–0.75) and 1 year (aRR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07–0.61) and more likely to remove fat when eating meat at 1 year (aRR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13–0.67) than the comparison group. The interventions at the health corner had a positive impact in helping patients achieve MHP recommendations, not adding salt and sauces to their food, and removing animal fat before eating. There is potential for expanding this initiative to improve healthy eating practices in other polyclinics.
Hypersensitivity Reactions to Food Additives—Preservatives, Antioxidants, Flavor Enhancers
Authors: Witkowski Mateusz , Grajeta Halina , Gomułka Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

There have been reports of food hypersensitivity reactions to food additives (HFA) for many years. The mechanisms of HFA and their frequency are difficult to precisely define, as most of the data come from outdated studies with poor methodology. In 2020, the European Food Safety Authority completed a review of additives, examining their influence on the occurrence of HFA, but did not include all of them. The aim of this review is to systematise knowledge about selected groups of food additives (FAs) and the HFA induced by them. We also briefly discuss the issues of diagnosis and therapy in this disease. FAs are commonly used in prosscessed foods, but HFA appears to be a rare phenomenon. Identification of the FA responsible for hypersensitivity and its treatment is difficult. Diagnosis is a challenge for the clinician and for the patient. A food diary is a helpful diagnostic tool. It allows diet therapy to be monitored based on the partial or complete elimination of products containing a harmful additive. An elimination diet must not be deficient, and symptomatic pharmacotherapy may be necessary if its application is ineffective. Taking all this into account, we conclude that it is necessary to conduct randomised multicentre studies based on the double-blind placebo control protocol in this field.
Exploring the Suicide Mechanism Path of High-Suicide-Risk Adolescents—Based on Weibo Text Analysis
Authors: Mo Liuling , Li He , Zhu Tingshao
Published: September 2022

Background: Adolescent suicide can have serious consequences for individuals, families and society, so we should pay attention to it. As social media becomes a platform for adolescents to share their daily lives and express their emotions, online identification and intervention of adolescent suicide problems become possible. In order to find the suicide mechanism path of high-suicide-risk adolescents, we explore the factors that influence is, especially the relations between psychological pain, hopelessness and suicide stages. Methods: We identified high-suicide-risk adolescents through machine learning model identification and manual identification, and used the Weibo text analysis method to explore the suicide mechanism path of high-suicide-risk adolescents. Results: Qualitative analysis showed that 36.2% of high-suicide-risk adolescents suffered from mental illness, and depression accounted for 76.3% of all mental illnesses. The mediating effect analysis showed that hopelessness played a complete mediating role between psychological pain and suicide stages. In addition, hopelessness was significantly negatively correlated with suicide stages. Conclusion: mental illness (especially depression) in high-suicide-risk adolescents is closely related to suicide stages, the later the suicide stage, the higher the diagnosis rate of mental illness. The suicide mechanism path in high-suicide-risk adolescents is: psychological pain→ hopelessness → suicide stages, indicating that psychological pain mainly affects suicide risk through hopelessness. Adolescents who are later in the suicide stages have fewer expressions of hopelessness in the traditional sense.
Possible Stress–Neuroendocrine System–Psychological Symptoms Relationship in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gizzi Giulia , Mazzeschi Claudia , Delvecchio Elisa , Beccari Tommaso , Albi Elisabetta
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic induced long-term damages that weigh on the national health systems of various countries in terms of support and care. This review aimed to highlight the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women. We first report data on the immune system physiopathology and the main viral infections in pregnancy, including COVID-19. Then, the attention is focused on the main factors that affect the mental health of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as (1) the fear of being infected and transmitting the infection to the fetus, (2) the cancellation of checkups and pre-child courses, and (3) confinement and the inability to have close friends or a partner at the time of delivery or in the first days after delivery, as well as family tensions. Because of all this, pregnant women find themselves in a stressful condition independent of the pregnancy, and thus experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, hostility, delirium, and an alteration of the mother–baby relationship. Several studies have shown an involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis in response to the pandemic. We propose a possible involvement of the neuroendocrine system as a mediator of the psychological symptoms of pregnant women induced by COVID-19-related stress.
The Role of Low Self-Control and Risky Lifestyles in Criminal Victimization: A Study of Adolescents in South Korea
Authors: Kwak Hyounggon , Kim Eun-Kee
Published: September 2022

In this study, we examine the links between low self-control, risky lifestyles, and victimization. Specifically, we explore a full mediation model to test whether risky lifestyles (unstructured activity, association with deviant peers, and delinquency) account for the effect of low self-control on victimization. For the current study, we apply structural equation modeling (SEM) to data from 1057 South Korean adolescents. The results indicate that low self-control only has an indirect effect on victimization, primarily through unstructured time and one’s own delinquency. Risky lifestyles were found to fully mediate the influence of low self-control on victimization. The findings demonstrate the utility of the integration of self-control with routine activities and lifestyle theories as a robust framework through which to examine victimization. Specifically, the results suggest that individuals maintaining low levels of self-control self-select into contexts that are conducive to victimization, increasing their attractiveness and suitability as targets for victimization in the absence of capable guardians.
Factorial Model of Obese Adolescents: The Role of Body Image Concerns and Selective Depersonalization—A Pilot Study
Authors: La Marra Marco , Messina Antonietta , Ilardi Ciro Rosario , Staiano Maria , Di Maio Girolamo , Messina Giovanni , Polito Rita , Valenzano Anna , Cibelli Giuseppe , Monda Vincenzo , Chieffi Sergio , Iavarone Alessandro , Villano Ines
Published: September 2022

Background: The relationship binding body weight to psychological well-being is unclear. The present study aims at identifying the contribution, and specificity, of some dimensions (i.e., eating-related symptoms, body image disorders, eating habits, personality traits, and emotional difficulties) characterizing the psychological profile of obese adolescents (749 participants, 325 females; 58.3% normal-weight, 29.9% overweight, and 11.7% obese; mean age = 16.05, SD = 0.82). Methods: By introducing the scores obtained by standardized self-report tools into a generalized linear model, a factorial reduction design was used to detect the best fitting discriminant functions and the principal components explaining the higher proportion of the variance. Results: We found two discriminant functions correctly classifying 87.1% of normal-weight, 57.2% of overweight, and 68.2% of obese adolescents. Furthermore, two independent factors, explaining 69.68% of the total variance, emerged. Conclusions: The first factor, “Body Image Concerns”, included the drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and interpersonal distrust. The second factor, “Selective Depersonalization”, included a trend toward depersonalization and dissatisfaction with the torso. The neurophysiological implications of our findings will be discussed.
Short-Term Effects of Traditional Greek Meals: Lentils with Lupins, Trahana with Tomato Sauce and Halva with Currants and Dried Figs on Postprandial Glycemic Responses—A Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Humans
Authors: Papakonstantinou Emilia , Galanopoulos Konstantinos , Kapetanakou Anastasia E. , Gkerekou Maria , Skandamis Panagiotis N.
Published: September 2022

Low glycemic index (GI) diets have been associated with decreased chronic disease risk. In a randomized, cross-over study we investigated the GI and glycemic response to three traditional Greek mixed meals: Lentils, Trahana, and Halva. Twelve healthy, fasting individuals received isoglucidic test meals (25 g available carbohydrate) and 25 g glucose reference, in random order. GI was calculated and capillary blood glucose (BG) samples were collected at 0–120 min after meal consumption. Subjective appetite ratings were assessed. All three tested meals provided low GI values. Lentils GI was 27 ± 5, Trahana GI was 42 ± 6, and Halva GI was 52 ± 7 on glucose scale. Peak BG values were lowest for Lentils, followed by Trahana and then by Halva (p for all <0.05). Compared to the reference food, BG concentrations were significantly lower for all meals at all time-points (p for all <0.05). Lentils provided lower glucose concentrations at 30 and 45 min compared to Trahana (p for all <0.05) and at 30, 45, and 60 min compared to Halva (p for all <0.05). BG concentrations did not differ between Trahana and Halva at all time points. No differences were observed for fasting BG, time to peak rise for BG, and subjective appetite ratings. In conclusion, all three mixed meals attenuated postprandial glycemic response in comparison to glucose, which may offer advantages to glycemic control.
Competencies That Japanese Collegiate Sports Coaches Require for Dual-Career Support for Student Athletes
Authors: Hagiwara Goichi , Kurita Kayoko , Warisawa Shinichi , Hachisuka Satori , Ueda Jim , Ehara Kensuke , Ishikawa Katsuhiko , Inoue Kosei , Akiyama Daisuke , Nakada Masakatsu , Fujii Masafumi
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to clarify coaches’ competencies (COM) regarding dual-career (DC) support for student athletes in Japan. The questionnaire survey was conducted at 31 universities with an online survey URL that was distributed to 300 collegiate athletic coaches. In total, there were 152 respondents (female, 19; male, 133; mean age, 43.15 ± 12.07 years; coaching experience, 12.83 ± 9.72 years). The online survey adopted a Japanese-translated version of the Dual-Career Competency Questionnaire (DCCQ), which has been translated into nine languages and is widely used in European counties. The scale consists of six factors and 33 items, each rated on a five-point scale of importance (IM) and possession (PO). The Japanese version of the DCCQ was validated through a confirmatory factor analysis, and the internal consistency of the items was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. In addition, we examined differences between the IM and PO for DC support by t-tests and by calculating effect sizes. The validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the DCCQ were confirmed based on the goodness-of-fit index and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, respectively. Our examination of the differences between IM and PO in DC support revealed that coaches perceived the importance of DC support but did not possess the necessary COM to offer DC support. That finding was similar to those of previous European studies. In particular, the Japanese coaches who participated in our online survey recognized the importance of COM in terms of “collaboration with various stakeholders and departments” for DC support but did not feel as though they held sufficient COM in that regard. In other words, the improvement of DC support requires the development of a coaching program that fosters COM to work with various stakeholders. This key insight provides a direction and specific focus for programs to improve coaches’ DC support for student athletes.
Risk, Obligation, and Public Noncompliance with Mobility Directives in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zheng Chunhui , Zhang Jia , Qian Lili , Zhang Yuling
Published: September 2022

Human mobility greatly increases the risk of epidemic transmission. This study examines the psychological mechanism of individuals’ noncompliance with public health directives and their choice to travel amidst threats through two rounds of surveys (N = 1473 in total) in China at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research revealed the relative strength of the motivating and impeding factors that determined behavioral intention. In subtle internal conflicts, maladaptive responses (e.g., wishful thinking, denial, fatalism) were identified as a significant factor in negotiating risk-related constraints and encouraging risky travel behavior. Interestingly, both those who traveled amidst threats and those who did not travel agreed that they had social obligations for epidemic prevention. The results demonstrated that obligation could have an indirect negative impact on behavioral intention only via attitude. By unveiling the psychological mechanism of individuals’ noncompliance with health directives and travel during the pandemic, this study can aid in the development of appropriate operational strategies to manage population mobility during crises.
Associations between Parent Attitudes and on- and off-Screen Behaviours of Preschool Children in Singapore
Authors: Chia Michael Yong Hwa , Komar John , Chua Terence Buan Kiong , Tay Lee Yong
Published: September 2022

The research aims were to examine the relationships between parent and child digital media use and to describe the characteristics of the top and bottom quartiles of child digital media use in meeting the 24 h integrated guidelines for sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Parent-reported on- and off-screen habits and quality of life of children were collected from 1481 parents of preschool children aged 2–5 years in 2019. Significant relationships were detected between parent and child digital media use (weekday, r = 0.274; weekend, r = 0.421, p < 0.05) with no sex difference in daily child digital media use (p > 0.05). Age of first exposure to fixed screens, daily digital media use, and physical play durations were significantly different between heavy (child-TQ) and light (child-BQ) child users of digital media (p < 0.05). Parental perceived importance of child digital media use and parental awareness and practice of guidelines for child digital media use differed significantly between parents of child-TQs and parents of child-BQs (p < 0.05). The number of 24 h movement guidelines met between child-TQs and child-BQs differed (p < 0.05). Parents voiced serious concerns for child digital media use, including addiction (75–76%), poor eyesight (73%), access to inappropriate content (73–74%), a lack of parent–child interaction (65%), poor sleep (49–55%), and a lack of physical activity (55–59%), but these findings did not translate to parental enforcement of the guidelines. Parent education on how to get the best digital media use outcomes for preschool children is recommended.
The Association between New-Onset Depressive Symptoms and Participating in Medical Check-Ups among Elderly Individuals
Authors: Park Heejoo , Sim Juho , Oh Juyeon , Lee Jongmin , Lee Chorom , Kim Yangwook , Yun Byungyoon , Yoon Jin-ha
Published: September 2022

The association between adherence to medical check-ups and new-onset depressive symptoms, after adjusting for comprehensive risk factors such as social characteristics, remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between mental health and participating in medical check-ups. The survey data of participants aged 60 to 89 were recruited from the seventh Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging. The primary outcome was new-onset depressive symptoms within 2 years measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Participating in medical check-ups was defined as undergoing biennial medical check-ups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with consideration of a 2-year time lag. Among 4255 participants, the prevalence of new-onset depressive symptoms was 7.36% (n = 313). The prevalence of non-participation in medical check-ups was 11.96% (n = 509). The adjusted OR of new-onset depressive symptoms by non-participation in medical check-ups was 1.65 [95% CI 1.22–2.24; p = 0.001] after adjusting for various demographic, behavioral, occupational, and social participation characteristics. Our findings demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between participation in medical check-ups and new-onset depressive symptoms. It is necessary to monitor and manage depressive symptoms in vulnerable elderly individuals who do not participate in medical check-ups.
Meteorological Factors Affecting Infectious Diarrhea in Different Climate Zones of China
Authors: Yang Mengya , Chen Can , Zhang Xiaobao , Du Yuxia , Jiang Daixi , Yan Danying , Liu Xiaoxiao , Ding Cheng , Lan Lei , Lei Hao , Yang Shigui
Published: September 2022

Meteorological factors and the increase in extreme weather events are closely related to the incidence rate of infectious diarrhea. However, few studies have explored whether the impact of the same meteorological factors on the incidence rate of infectious diarrhea in different climate regions has changed and quantified these changes. In this study, the time series fixed-effect Poisson regression model guided by climate was used to quantify the relationships between the incidence rate of various types of infectious diarrhea and meteorological factors in different climate regions of China from 2004 to 2018, with a lag of 0–2 months. In addition, six social factors, including per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), population density, number of doctors per 1000 people, proportion of urbanized population, proportion of children aged 0–14 years old, and proportion of elderly over 65 years old, were included in the model for confounding control. Additionally, the intercept of each province in each model was analyzed by a meta-analysis. Four climate regions were considered in this study: tropical monsoon areas, subtropical monsoon areas, temperate areas and alpine plateau areas. The results indicate that the influence of meteorological factors and extreme weather in different climate regions on diverse infectious diarrhea types is distinct. In general, temperature was positively correlated with all infectious diarrhea cases (0.2 ≤ r ≤ 0.6, p < 0.05). After extreme rainfall, the incidence rate of dysentery in alpine plateau area in one month would be reduced by 18.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): −27.8–−9.6%). Two months after the period of extreme sunshine duration happened, the incidence of dysentery in the alpine plateau area would increase by 21.9% (95% CI: 15.4–28.4%) in that month, and the incidence rate of typhoid and paratyphoid in the temperate region would increase by 17.2% (95% CI: 15.5–18.9%) in that month. The meta-analysis showed that there is no consistency between different provinces in the same climate region. Our study indicated that meteorological factors and extreme weather in different climate areas had different effects on various types of infectious diarrhea, particularly extreme rainfall and extreme sunshine duration, which will help the government develop disease-specific and location-specific interventions, especially after the occurrence of extreme weather.
Determinants of E-Cigarette and Cigarette Use among Youth and Young Adults in Poland—PolNicoYouth Study
Authors: Wężyk-Caba Ilona , Znyk Małgorzata , Zajdel Radosław , Balwicki Łukasz , Tyrańska-Fobke Anna , Juszczyk Grzegorz , Zajdel Karolina , Świątkowska Beata , Kaleta Dorota
Published: September 2022

Teen use of tobacco-related products is a significant public health concern. This study evaluated the predictors of e-cigarette use among secondary school students who were never cigarette smokers and ever cigarette smokers in Poland. Methods: This study examined a sample of Polish youths aged 13–19 (n = 19,241) attending 200 schools, 12 on average in each county. The study was a part of the National Health Program in Poland for 2016–2020. Logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results: Of all participants, 32.5% were ever cigarette users. Among the never cigarette users, 13.6% were deemed susceptible to e-cigarette use. Among the ever cigarette users, 60.6% were deemed susceptible to e-cigarette use. Of those susceptible to e-cigarette use, 68.2% were among the 32.5% ever cigarette users. The profile of e-cigarette use among never e-cigarette users also included: pocket money available per month (more than 150 PLN) (OR = 1.7; p = 0.001), 16–17 years old (OR = 1.9; p = 0.001), parental tobacco smoking and e-cigarette usage (OR = 2.0; p = 0.01 and OR = 1.7; p = 0.001 respectively), maternal secondary education (OR = 1.1; p = 0.04), and living in big cities >500,000 inhabitants (OR = 1.4; p = 0.04). E-cigarette users among ever cigarette users were similar to never cigarette users in their opinion that e-cigarette use is less harmful than traditional smoking (OR = 1.6; p = 0.0012) and living with both parents smoking cigarettes (OR = 1.3; p = 0.02). Additionally, the determinants were: female gender (OR = 1.5; p = 0.009) in the age group less than 15 years of age (OR = 1.3; p = 0.007). Conclusions: The major determinant of e-cigarette use in this population was prior smoking. Additionally, the results revealed that fairly obvious predictors such as parental smoking and a belief in the less harmfulness of e-cigarette use are important determinants for smoking among never or ever e-cigarette users.
Physical Functions among Children before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study (Stage 1)
Authors: Ito Tadashi , Sugiura Hideshi , Ito Yuji , Narahara Sho , Noritake Koji , Takahashi Daiki , Natsume Kentaro , Ochi Nobuhiko
Published: September 2022

One major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s lifestyles is the lack of exercise owing to activity restrictions. However, information regarding the way in which physical functions among children decline under these circumstances remains scarce. In this study, we compared the physical functions and life habits among children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The participants involved 40 children aged between 9–15 years (23 girls and 17 boys) who were examined medically both before and during the pandemic. The compared variables included muscle strength, static and dynamic balance functions, gait speed, body fat percentage, screen and sleep times, quality of life, and physical activity time. During the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic, children had lower levels of dynamic balance functions (p = 0.039), increased body fat percentages (p < 0.0001), longer screen time per day (p = 0.002), and shorter sleep time per day (p < 0.0001). Between the two periods, there were no significant differences in muscle strength, static balance functions, gait speed, quality of life, and physical activity time. The activity restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affect dynamic balance functions, body-fat levels, and life habits among children.
Psychological Stress Triggers a Hyperammonemia Episode in Patient with Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency
Authors: Fernández-Elías Valentín , Tornero-Aguilera José , Parraca Jose , Clemente-Suárez Vicente
Published: September 2022

An 18-year-old male motorcycle racer, who was a participant in the FIM Road Racing World Championship and had a history of Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, developed nausea and dizziness while driving his motorcycle and became unconscious right after he stopped at the box. He was rapidly attended to by the medical personnel of the circuit, and once he recovered consciousness, he was taken to the local hospital where the blood analysis showed hyperammonemia (307 μg/dL) and excess alkalosis. The patient was properly following the prescribed treatment, and there were no environmental stressors. Hence, psychological stress and its somatization due to the risky task that the patient was performing could have triggered the episode. Stress must be considered as a potential cause, triggering strenuous metabolic stress that leads to hyperammonemia.
Mapping Geographic Trends in Early Childhood Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties in Glasgow: 2010–2017
Authors: Ofili Samantha , Thompson Lucy , Wilson Philip , Marryat Louise , Connelly Graham , Henderson Marion , Barry Sarah J. E.
Published: September 2022

Measuring variation in childhood mental health supports the development of local early intervention strategies. The methodological approach used to investigate mental health trends (often determined by the availability of individual level data) can affect decision making. We apply two approaches to identify geographic trends in childhood social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). SDQ forms were analysed for 35,171 children aged 4–6 years old across 180 preschools in Glasgow, UK, between 2010 and 2017 as part of routine monitoring. The number of children in each electoral ward and year with a high SDQ total difficulties score (≥15), indicating a high risk of psychopathology, was modelled using a disease mapping model. The total difficulties score for an individual child nested in their preschool and electoral ward was modelled using a multilevel model. For each approach, linear time trends and unstructured spatial random effects were estimated. The disease mapping model estimated a yearly rise in the relative rate (RR) of high scores of 1.5–5.0%. The multilevel model estimated an RR increase of 0.3–1.2% in average total scores across the years, with higher variation between preschools than between electoral wards. Rising temporal trends may indicate worsening social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties over time, with a faster rate for the proportion with high scores than for the average total scores. Preschool and ward variation, although minimal, highlight potential priority areas for local service provision. Both methodological approaches have utility in estimating and predicting children’s difficulties and local areas requiring greater intervention.
Compliance with Barrier Gestures during COVID-19 Pandemic as a Function of the Context: A Longitudinal Observational Survey at the University of Liège
Authors: Parisi Gianni , Renault Véronique , Humblet Marie-France , Ochelen Nicolas , Diep Anh Nguyet , Guillaume Michèle , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Bureau Fabrice , Gillet Laurent , Lange Anne-Catherine , Michel Fabienne , Fontaine Sébastien , Saegerman Claude
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, barrier gestures such as mask wearing, physical distancing, greetings without contact, one-way circulation flow, and hand sanitization were major strategies to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, but they were only useful if consistently applied. This survey was a follow-up of the first survey performed in 2020 at the University of Liège. We aim to evaluate the compliance with these gestures on campuses and examine differences in the extent of the compliance observed in different educational activities and contexts. During 3.5 months, the counting of compliant and non-compliant behaviors was performed each week in randomly selected rooms. Using data collected during both surveys (2020 and 2021), binomial negative regression models of compliance depending on periods (teaching periods and exam sessions), type of rooms, and campuses were conducted to evaluate prevalence ratios of compliance. The percentage of compliance in this second survey was the highest for mask wearing and physical distancing during educational activities (90% and 88%, respectively) and lowest for physical distancing outside educational activities and hand sanitization (45% and 52%, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that the compliance with most gestures was significantly higher in teaching rooms than in hallways and restaurants and during exam sessions. The compliance with physical distancing was significantly higher (from 66%) in auditoriums, where students had to remain seated, than during practical works that allowed or required free movement. Therefore, the compliance with barrier gestures was associated with contextual settings, which should be considered when communicating and managing barrier gestures. Further studies should specify and confirm the determining contextual characteristics regarding the compliance with barrier gestures in times of pandemic.
Heterogeneous Effects of Skill Training on Rural Livelihoods around Four Biosphere Reserves in China
Authors: Sun Qi , Bai Yunli , Fu Chao , Xu Xiangbo , Sun Mingxing , Cheng Baodong , Zhang Linxiu
Published: September 2022

The growing contradiction between protection and livelihood is a common challenge for most protected areas in developing countries. Skill training is an important way to increase household income and alleviate the dilemma between conservation and development. However, its effects on household income around protected areas have rarely been explored. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of skill training on the income of households around four Biosphere Reserves in China and explore its mechanism. Based on the information collected from 381 households through face-to-face interviews, this study adopted descriptive analysis and multiple regression to yield consistent results. The results showed that agricultural and off-farm skill training had no impact on the total household income. The results from the mechanism analysis found that participation in off-farm skill training had a significant and positive effect on the total income of the households outside protected areas and participation in agricultural training had a positive effect on agricultural income. The findings indicate that the local government and protected area administration should increase the publicity for skill training, enrich the types training, appropriately supply livelihood support projects that reconcile conservation and development, and strengthen the infrastructure development around protected areas to promote off-farm employment and the circulation and sale of agricultural products. However, the impacts of any associated intensification should be carefully monitored.
Improving Reading Skills Using a Computerized Phonological Training Program in Early Readers with Reading Difficulties
Authors: Forné Susanna , López-Sala Anna , Mateu-Estivill Roger , Adan Ana , Caldú Xavier , Rifà-Ros Xavier , Serra-Grabulosa Josep M.
Published: September 2022

In the last years, there has been a big effort to identify risk factors for reading difficulties and to develop new methodologies to help struggling readers. It has been shown that early intervention is more successful than late intervention, and that intensive training programs can benefit children with reading difficulties. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of an intensive computerized phonological training program designed to improve reading performance in a sample of children with reading difficulties at the early stages of their reading learning process. Thirty-two children with reading difficulties were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups: RDIR (children with reading difficulties following a computerized intensive remediation strategy) (n = 20) (7.01 ± 0.69 years), focused on training phonemic awareness, decoding and reading fluency through the computational training; and RDOR (children with reading difficulties following an ordinary remediation strategy) (n = 12) (6.92 ± 0.82 years), which consisted of a reinforcement of reading with a traditional training approach at school. Normal readers (NR) were assigned to the control group (n = 24) (7.32 ± 0.66 years). Our results indicate that both the RDIR and RDOR groups showed an increased reading performance after the intervention. However, children in the RDIR group showed a stronger benefit than the children in the RDOR group, whose improvement was weaker. The control group did not show significant changes in reading performance during the same period. In conclusion, results suggest that intensive early intervention based on phonics training is an effective strategy to remediate reading difficulties, and that it can be used at school as the first approach to tackle such difficulties.
Descriptive Study of Friendship Networks in Adolescents and Their Relationship with Self-Efficacy and Alcohol Consumption Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Quiroga-Sánchez Enedina , García Alberto González , Arias-Ramos Natalia , Liébana-Presa Cristina , Marques-Sánchez Pilar , Gomes Lisa
Published: September 2022

Alcohol is a widely used legal drug. Self-efficacy takes on great importance in an adolescent’s development. Levels of self-efficacy can contribute to the decision-making process of the adolescent. In this phase, a group of friends becomes increasingly important. Alcohol is present in different social aspects. Adolescents use alcohol as a social facilitator or as part of the development of their autonomy. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the structure of the friendship network, self-efficacy, and alcohol consumption in adolescents. Methods: We used an online platform with validated self-reported questionnaires to collect the data. The sample consisted of 195 adolescents aged between 16 and 18, from different educational centers in Bierzo (Spain). Results: It was found that 43.6% of the adolescents in our research were high-risk consumers. Significant differences were obtained in terms of self-efficacy and different network metrics. These networks were represented by considering the levels of alcohol consumption. In the friendship network, we observed how the central adolescents presented higher levels of self-efficacy and lower alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Self-efficacy is established as a predictor of coping and not consuming alcohol and adolescence as a crucial moment to implement prevention strategies. Social Network Analysis is a useful tool that provides an image of the context in which adolescents find themselves.