bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mindfulness Breathing Meditation on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial among University Students
Authors: Komariah Maria , Ibrahim Kusman , Pahria Tuti , Rahayuwati Laili , Somantri Irman
Published: December 2022

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused various changes in all aspects of human life, including the educational system. These changes have forced students to undertake an adaptive process that has inevitably affected aspects of their life and psychological well-being. Adaptation of learning into online forms in universities, including nursing, triggers depression, stress, and anxiety. The high number of incidences of stress, anxiety, and depression in undergraduate students throughout the pandemic has made it important to prevent and deal with health approaches, such as mindfulness therapy. Objective: This research intended to examine whether an intervention based on mindfulness was effective and had the potential to become an interference to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in Indonesian university students. Methods: This research applied a randomized controlled trial. One hundred and twenty-two students from Universitas Padjadjaran and other provinces in Indonesia participated in this study, with sixty-one students in each group. A pretest and a post-test were administered before and after the intervention using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42). The intervention was carried out for 4 weeks with 15 min practice in each session. Results: In this study, there was an effect of mindfulness breathing meditation on decreasing the mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress in the intervention group. However, only stress (p = 0.007) and anxiety (p = 0.042) showed a significant difference in the post-test results of the intervention and control groups. In addition, there was no difference in the scores of stress, anxiety, and depression for the pre–post-tests in each group based on religion. Conclusion: Mindfulness breathing meditation has an impact on reducing stress and anxiety in students, so it could be applied to all university students in order to develop psychosocial status and mindful attentiveness to one’s needs.
Physical Violence during Pregnancy and Its Implications at Birth: Analysis of a Population Survey, 2019
Authors: Medrano Laura Virginia Periche , Loarte María Alejandra Guerrero , Visconti-Lopez Fabriccio J. , Azañedo Diego , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo
Published: December 2022

Physical partner violence is widely recognized as a global health problem, especially in pregnant women. This study determines the association between physical violence during pregnancy in Peruvian women aged 15 to 49 years with low birth weight and abortion according to the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) 2019. An analytical cross-sectional observational study was carried out based on the data from the ENDES 2019. Two dependent variables referring to birth outcomes were included: abortion and low birth weight. The independent variable was physical violence during pregnancy by her current or former husband/partner. A total of 15,305 women were included in the study. The prevalence of physical violence during pregnancy was 6.43%. Regarding the adverse outcomes of pregnancy, the prevalences of abortion and low birth weight were 20.84% and 6.01%, respectively. Women suffering physical violence during pregnancy were more likely to have an abortion but not low birth weight. In conclusion, it was found that 6 in 100 Peruvian women of childbearing age were victims of violence during pregnancy. Likewise, it was observed that women who were victims of violence during pregnancy had a higher probability of having an abortion but not low birth weight.
Exercise Evaluation and Prescription in Older Adults
Authors: Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , Letieri Rubens Vinícius , Carballeira Eduardo
Published: December 2022

The over-65 age group is growing faster than other age groups worldwide [...]
Trends and Issues Involving Disabilities in Higher Education
Authors: Kauffman James M , Anastasiou Dimitris , Felder Marion , Lopes Joao , Hallenbeck Betty A. , Hornby Garry , Ahrbeck Bernd
Published: December 2022

People with disabilities have often been discriminated against in higher education; however, many institutions of higher education find ways of providing access to higher education for those with most forms of disabilities. Progress has been made in providing such access but undoubtedly there is still a need for more disability awareness, anti-stigma, and anti-discrimination training. At the same time higher education requirements, by default, involve higher cognitive capabilities. Some disabilities, those involving severe limitations of cognitive functioning, face insurmountable difficulties in meeting these higher intellectual demands, even with the most reasonable accommodations. Teacher education, for example, requires special attention to the cognitive tasks for which students are being prepared. We, therefore, discuss the role of teacher education in higher education and its special relationship to the matter of disability and inclusion. We also consider perspectives on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in various other aspects of higher education.
Extraction, Composition and Comparisons–Free Volatile Compounds from Hydrosols of Nine Veronica Taxa
Authors: Nazlić Marija , Kremer Dario , Akrap Karla , Topić Snježana , Vuletić Nenad , Dunkić Valerija
Published: December 2022

The extraction of bioactive plant components, which belong to specialized metabolites, is carried out by conventional and novel extraction methods. In this study, a classical (hydrodistillation, HD) and a novel technique (microwave-assisted water extraction, MAE) were used to isolate free volatile compounds from nine Croatian Veronica taxa (family Plantaginaceae). Each of these extracts consists of a lipophilic phase and an aqueous phase (hydrosol). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the compounds in the hydrosol phase studied taxa Veronica. The compounds β-ionone and benzene acetaldehyde were detected in all nine Veronica hydrosols studied. Other compounds abundant in all investigated species are germacrene D, α-muurolol, (E)-β-damascenone, and β-ionone. Also, the compositions of hydrosols and lipophilic phases (published in our previous research) of these nine Veronica species were compared. Identification of the compounds in both extract parts is important for selecting the extract part for further biological research. According to the distribution of species in the PCA analyses comparing two methods, only two species showed a greater difference in the composition of the hydrosol by the two methods, therefore our conclusion is that for most species there is no significant difference in the composition. Microwave water extraction is a better choice with regards to more environmentally friendly working conditions. Furthermore, we conclude that hydrosol extracts are not waste products, but are a valuable source of compounds with great potential applications.
Selection of Mulberry Genotypes from Northern Serbia for ‘Ornafruit’ Purposes
Authors: Ljubojević Mirjana , Šavikin Katarina , Zdunić Gordana , Bijelić Sandra , Mrđan Snežana , Kozomara Marija , Pušić Magdalena , Narandžić Tijana
Published: December 2022

The genus Morus L., mulberry, is an interesting taxonomic group on account of its existing genetic variability, functional food potential and commercial importance. Mulberry trees are found in a wide range of areas in Serbia, accounting for a large phenotypic diversity in its genetic resources. Tree and fruit characteristics of more than 300 mulberry specimens were surveyed, and 15 genotypes of Morus alba, Morus nigra and Morus rubra species were selected for further analyses. These were located at various sites in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The present study was undertaken to investigate the diversity of the collected material aiming to pre-select genotypes suitable for landscaping/ornamental and/or fruit production purposes. Genotypes BP 3/9, DT1, ZP3 and MR1 have semi-vigorous growth, dropping growth habits, different leaf shapes (ovate, oval, cordate) and leaf color (from light to dark green), corresponding to ornamental mulberries. In addition, the semi-vigorous genotype ZD1 with a spreading tree and interesting palmate-lobed leaves was distinguished as a unique genotype for landscaping purposes. The most vigorous annual shoot growth was detected in the ZP3 genotype (118.5 cm), followed by DT1 (108.2 cm), MR1 (101.8 cm) and ZP1 (100.5 cm) genotypes. Contrary, genotype DJ1 exhibited the lowest annual growth with only a 32.9 cm average length of the shoots. Due to the greater fruit mass (4.2–6.1 g), sweetness and acidity balance as well as chemical composition, genotypes BP 1/4, DJ1, MG, MR1, DT1 and ZP3 may be recommended for fresh consumption, while genotypes DJ1, DT1, MR1, ZD1, ZP1 and BP 3/9 could be appropriate for home processing. According to fruit chemical analyses, the most promising genotypes were MR1 and DT1 combining high soluble solids content (21.2% and 18.5%, respectively), total sugar content (17.41% and 15.20%, respectively) and ascorbic acid content (42.24 and 49.28 mg/%, respectively). Additionally, DT1 genotype was also characterized by the highest total phenolic content (221.08 mg 27 GAE/100 g fresh weight). The most ornamental genotypes from this study (BP 3/9, DT1, ZD1, ZP3 and MR1) combined with their pomological and chemical characterization can be recommended for edible gardening purposes due to both aesthetic appearance and nutritive value of the fruits.
Kinetics of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response Following Two Doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine: A Japanese Single-Center Primary Care Clinic Report Involving Volunteers and Patients with Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Sugiura Tomoko , Sugiura Hiroaki , Kato Hiroaki , Nariai Yuko , Mizumoto Yuuki , Hanada Kozue , Takahashi Rieko , Hinotubo Yukari , Tanaka Naoko , Sasaki Mutsumi , Eguchi Haruki , Kamino Hiroki , Urano Takeshi
Published: December 2022

Despite the promising effectiveness of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination using an mRNA vaccine, the short efficacy duration and some poor responses to the vaccination remain major concerns. We aimed to clarify the monthly kinetics of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain antibody response after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a Japanese population. A chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure the antibody levels in 81 Japanese adults (age, <65 years). The antibody levels increased 10-fold at 2–3 weeks following the second dose of BNT162b2 and declined thereafter to approximately 50%, 20%, and 10% of the peak levels at 2, 3, and 6 months, respectively. To compare the antibody titers among different groups, older adults (age, >65 years; n = 38) and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 14) were also investigated. A decline in the mean relative antibody titers was observed in older men compared with younger men and in patients with SLE compared with individuals aged <65 years. Although the antibody levels increased drastically following two BNT162b2 doses, they then declined rapidly. Furthermore, poor responders to the vaccination were observed. Repeated vaccinations are required to maintain high antibody levels.
Accessibility of Psychological Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa: A Review of Efficacy and Engagement in Online Self-Help Treatments
Authors: Barakat Sarah , Maguire Sarah
Published: December 2022

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by marked impairment to one’s physical health and social functioning, as well as high rates of chronicity and comorbidity. This literature review aims to summarise existing academic research related to the symptom profile of BN, the costs and burden imposed by the illness, barriers to the receipt of care, and the evidence base for available psychological treatments. As a consequence of well-documented difficulties in accessing evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, efforts have been made towards developing innovative, diverse channels to deliver treatment, with several of these attempting to harness the potential of digital platforms. In response to the increasing number of trials investigating the utility of online treatments, this paper provides a critical review of previous attempts to examine digital interventions in the treatment of eating disorders. The results of a focused literature review are presented, including a detailed synthesis of a knowledgeable selection of high-quality articles with the aim of providing an update on the current state of research in the field. The results of the review highlight the potential for online self-help treatments to produce moderately sized reductions in core behavioural and cognitive symptoms of eating disorders. However, concern is raised regarding the methodological limitations of previous research in the field, as well as the high rates of dropout and poor adherence reported across most studies. The review suggests directions for future research, including the need to replicate previous findings using rigorous study design and methodology, as well as further investigation regarding the utility of clinician support and interactive digital features as potential mechanisms for offsetting low rates of engagement with online treatments.
Greater Risk of Pregnancy Complications for Female Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Electronic Survey
Authors: Delva Fleur , Carcasset Pierre , Mouton Pauline , Auguste-Virginie Rivana , Lairez Fanny , Sentilhes Loïc , Brochard Patrick , Joseph Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2022

Background: Female surgeons are exposed to physical and mental stressors that differ from those of other specialties. We aimed to assess whether female surgeons are more at risk of pregnancy complications than women in other medical specialties. Methods: We used a cross-sectional electronic survey of female physicians working in the French Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine who were pregnant between 2013 and 2018. A pregnancy complication was defined as the occurrence of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, prematurity, fetal congenital malformation, stillbirth, or medical termination of the pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk of pregnancy complications for female surgeons relative to women practicing in other medical specialties. Results: Among the 270 women included, 52 (19.3%) experienced pregnancy complications and 28 (10.4%) were surgeons. In the multivariate analysis, female surgeons had a higher risk of pregnancy complications: adjusted odds ratio = 3.53, 95% confidence interval [1.27–9.84]. Conclusion: Further research is necessary to identify the hazards specifically involved in the practice of surgery to be able to propose preventive actions targeted to female surgeons during their pregnancy.
Exploring the Association between Socioeconomic and Psychological Factors and Breastfeeding in the First Year of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand
Authors: Nuampa Sasitara , Patil Crystal L. , Prasong Sudhathai , Kuesakul Kornkanok , Sudphet Metpapha
Published: December 2022

Breastfeeding is essential for the survival, nutrition, and development of infants and young children. As a result of COVID-19’s effects of economic crises and psychological difficulties, breastfeeding outcomes have declined. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between socioeconomic and psychological factors with breastfeeding duration in the first year of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional online surveys (n = 390) were conducted between August and November 2021. The participants were women aged 15 years and above who had given birth within 6–12 months before data collection and delivered in public hospitals in the top three provinces with the worst COVID-19 outbreaks during the second wave in Thailand. The average breastfeeding duration in this study was 6.20 months (±2.5) with a range of 1–12 months. Of mothers, 44.9% continued to breastfeed until between 6 and 12 months of age. In a multiple regression analysis, family income (Beta = 0.112, t = 1.988, p < 0.05), breastfeeding intention (beta = 0.097, t = 2.142, p < 0.05), intended breastfeeding duration (beta = 0.391, t = 8.355, p < 0.05), intention to receive vaccination (beta =0.129, t = 2.720, p < 0.05), and anxiety (beta = 0.118, t = 2.237, p < 0.05) were associated with breastfeeding duration in the first year of life (F (7, 382) = 20.977, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.278, R2 Adjusted = 0.264). During COVID-19, psychological factors were more strongly associated with breastfeeding duration in the first year of life than socioeconomic factors. Healthcare providers should promote breastfeeding intention, motivate COVID-19 vaccination intention, and support mental health among lactating mothers, particularly in the event of a pandemic.
Construction and Simulation Analysis of Epidemic Propagation Model Based on COVID-19 Characteristics
Authors: Bin Sheng
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes the epidemic propagation model SEAIHR to elucidate the propagation mechanism of the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Based on the analysis of the propagation characteristics of COVID-19, the hospitalization isolation state and recessive healing state are introduced. The home morbidity state is introduced to consider the self-healing of asymptomatic infected populations, the early isolation of close contractors, and the impact of epidemic prevention and control measures. In this paper, by using the real epidemic data combined with the changes in parameters in different epidemic stages, multiple model simulation comparative tests were conducted. The experimental results showed that the fitting and prediction accuracy of the SEAIHR model was significantly better than the classical epidemic propagation model, and the fitting error was 34.4–72.8% lower than that of the classical model in the early and middle stages of the epidemic.
Carbon Emission Accounting and the Carbon Neutralization Model for a Typical Wastewater Treatment Plant in China
Authors: Pang Chenxi , Luo Xi , Rong Bing , Nie Xuebiao , Jin Zhengyu , Xia Xue
Published: December 2022

To reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in China, it is pivotal to explore low-carbon wastewater treatment processes and carbon-neutral wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study investigated the Beijing Gaobeidian WWTP to explore the current energy consumption and carbon emission status of representative WWTPs in China. Furthermore, it explored a possible low-carbon operating model. Results show that the current total energy consumption of Gaobeidian WWTP is 280,717 MWh/y, while its energy recovery is 268,788 MWh/y. As a result, the energy neutralization ratio is 95.8%, and the plant is close to reaching energy neutrality. The carbon emission of this plant is 446,468 t/y. However, it reduced its carbon emissions by 252,994 t/y and reached only 56.7% of carbon neutrality. Although the plant almost reached energy neutrality, it has a long way to go before reaching carbon neutrality. It was found that a subsequent increase in the recovery of residual heat from secondary effluent can increase the energy and carbon neutralization ratio to 523.1% and 219.0%, respectively, meaning that the WWTP can become a power production unit and a carbon sink. This study can provide a reference for exploring efficient energy use and reaching carbon neutrality for domestic WWTPs.
E-Cigarette Use among Male Smokers in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al Rajeh Ahmed M. , Mahmud Ilias , Al Imam Mahmudul Hassan , Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Al Shehri Fariss , Alomayrin Salman , Alfazae Nawaf , Elmosaad Yousif Mohammed , Alasqah Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

E-cigarette use is increasing globally. Recent evidence suggests that e-cigarettes contain harmful substances that could cause adverse health outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of e-cigarette use among male current smokers in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult male current smokers in the Al-Ahsa province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. We performed logistic regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with e-cigarette use among adult male current smokers. 325 current smokers participated in the study. A third of them (33.5%) were e-cigarette users. Almost all the study participants (97.0%) had heard about e-cigarettes. Participants who were occasional smokers (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.28; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17–4.41) and had good knowledge perception of e-cigarettes (OR 3.49; 95% CI: 2.07–5.90) had higher odds of using e-cigarettes when compared to regular smokers of conventional cigarettes and current smokers with poor knowledge perception of e-cigarettes, respectively. In contrast, private employees (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.85), and business owners (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.63) had lower odds of using e-cigarettes compared to unemployed individuals. Compared with non-e-cigarette users, the rate of conventional cigarette smoking per day was significantly lower among e-cigarette users. Use of e-cigarette (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 2.14–5.98), believing that e-cigarette quitting is hard (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17–3.49) and trying to quit e-cigarettes (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.1–4.25) were found to be significant predictors of good knowledge perception of e-cigarettes among the current smokers. The use and knowledge perception of e-cigarettes were higher among occasional conventional male cigarette smokers than regular male smokers in Al-Ahsa province. The use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids should be examined further in the Saudi Arabian setting.
Driving Effect of Decoupling Provincial Industrial Economic Growth and Industrial Carbon Emissions in China
Authors: Hua Jingfen , Gao Junli , Chen Ke , Li Jiaqi
Published: December 2022

China is facing the dual challenges of fostering economic growth and mounting an effective response to climate change, so it is vital to continue promoting industrial carbon emission reduction. This paper uses panel data from 1998 to 2019 to measure the industrial carbon emissions of 30 provinces in China. The Tapio decoupling and IPAT (Impact = Population × Affluence × Technology)-based decoupling models are used to analyze each province’s velocity and quantity decoupling index for industrial carbon emissions. The fixed effect model analyzes the influencing factors for carbon decoupling. The results show that the industrial carbon emissions of various provinces in China are increasing yearly, but there are significant differences among provinces. The carbon decoupling of the industrial economy in most provinces is weak, and the quantitative decoupling index is better than the velocity decoupling index. The cleanliness of energy, balance, and labor productivity significantly affect the velocity decoupling index. The cleanliness of energy, the industry’s structure, and the population significantly affect the quantity decoupling index. Based on empirical results, the study puts forward some policies to promote the efficient carbon decoupling of the industrial economy.
Differences in Subjective Well-Being between Formal and Informal Workers in Urban China
Authors: Huang Gengzhi , Yang Yanshan , Lei Yubing , Yang Jiangmin
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the relationship between different types of employment and subjective well-being with a focus on informal employment. The China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) for three selected years (2012, 2014 and 2016) shows an upward trend in the subjective well-being of urban workers in the 2010s. However, although the gap in subjective well-being between formal and informal workers narrowed, informal workers’ subjective well-being was still lower than their formal counterparts. Factors affecting the subjective well-being of formal and informal workers and their different effects were revealed to explain this difference. The subjective well-being of informal workers is significantly related to their informal status of employment, economic conditions (such as income and working hours), human capital, social capital (such as perceived social justice and perceived community connectedness) and urban environment. The paper enhances the understanding of people’s subjective well-being by differentiating informal/formal segments of working populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Framework: A Narrative Review on Its Adoption Worldwide and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Sum Grace , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Lun Penny , George Pradeep Paul , Munro Yasmin Lynda , Ding Yew Yoong
Published: December 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published guidelines on the implementation of a new Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework in 2017–2019. It is an integrated care framework for the screening, assessment, and management of intrinsic capacity (IC) declines. We aimed to examine where the early adopters of ICOPE are across the world, how these study teams and sites plan to apply the framework or have applied it, and the lessons learnt for future adopters. We systematically searched electronic medical and social sciences databases and grey literature published between 31 October 2017 and 31 March 2022. Records were systematically selected using precise inclusion criteria. There were 18 ICOPE study teams and sites across the 29 selected records. Of the 18 study teams and sites, seven were in the development stage, seven conducted feasibility studies, and four have commenced implementation of interventions that applied the ICOPE framework. Future ICOPE adopters may need to make certain decisions. These include whether to adopt ICOPE in the community setting or other settings, whether to adopt only Step 1 on IC screening or additional ICOPE Steps, whether the ICOPE IC screening tool requires modifications, and whether to use digital health technology. We propose the key factors needed to make these decisions and future research needed.
Status of Oxidative Stress during Low-Risk Labour: Preliminary Data
Authors: Zych Barbara , Górka Anna , Myszka Aleksander , Błoniarz Dominika , Siekierzyńska Aleksandra , Błaż Witold
Published: December 2022

Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with the forming of reactive oxygen species that generate oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a factor that may adversely affect the development of the fetus and the course of labour. Monitoring the parameters of oxidative stress can be used to assess the risk of health issues in the course of pregnancy and the condition of the newborn. Therefore, the analysis of oxidative stress in the physiological course of labour is the basis for understanding the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of miscarriages and neonatal health circumstances. The study aimed to assess oxidative stress of mother-child pairs in the venous blood and umbilical cord blood at the time of physiological labour. One hundred and sixty-eight mother-child pairs were recruited to donate the mother’s venous blood in the first stage of labour and the venous umbilical cord blood after the newborn’s birth. Total antioxidant status (TAS), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) with cofactors (Zn, Cu, Mn) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed in venous blood plasma and umbilical cord blood. TAS value (p = 0.034), GPx activity (p < 0.001) and Zn concentration (p = 0.007) were significantly lower in maternal blood plasma as compared to neonatal umbilical cord blood. However, the activity of SOD (p = 0.013) and the concentration of Cu (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the blood of mothers than of new-borns. The concentration of Mn in the plasma of the mother’s blood and the umbilical cord blood of the newborns was similar. Our research indicates higher levels of antioxidant enzyme (GPx) and total antioxidant potential (TAS) in umbilical cord blood compared to maternal blood, which may suggest depletion of redox reserves in women’s blood during labour.
No Influence of Mechatronic Poles on the Movement Pattern of Professional Nordic Walkers
Authors: Szpala Agnieszka , Winiarski Sławomir , Kołodziej Małgorzata , Pietraszewski Bogdan , Jasiński Ryszard , Niebudek Tadeusz , Lejczak Andrzej , Lorek Karolina , Bałchanowski Jacek , Wudarczyk Sławomir , Woźniewski Marek
Published: December 2022

This study compared selected temporal and kinematic parameters of normal gait and Nordic Walking (NW) performed with classic and mechatronic poles (classic poles equipped with sensors). It was assumed that equipping NW poles with sensors for biomechanical gait analysis would not impair the NW walking technique. Six professional NW instructors and athletes, including three women, participated in the study. The MyoMotion MR3 motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject’s task was to cover a 100-m distance with three types of gait: a gait without poles, a gait with classic NW poles, and a gait with mechatronic poles at the preferred speed. Parameters were measured both on the right and left sides of the body. No significant differences were found between gait types for three temporal parameters: step cadence, step, and stride time. For the other variables, all the differences identified were between free-walking and walking with poles, with no differences between standard and mechatronic poles. For nine kinematic parameters, differences between free-walking and walking with poles for both the left and right sides were found, while no differences were due to the pole type. All temporal parameters were characterized by symmetry, while among kinematic parameters, only two were asymmetrical (shoulder abduction–adduction in walking with regular poles and elbow flexion–extension in walking without poles). Equipping classic NW poles with additional signaling and measuring devices (mechatronic poles) does not impair the NW technique, making it possible to use them in further studies of gait biomechanics.
Perspectives on Emergency Remote Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Greek Undergraduate Students: The Role of Self-Image
Authors: Kounenou Kalliope , Giannoulas Angelos , Stampoltzis Aglaia , Kalamatianos Antonios , Kourmousi Ntina , Pezirkianidis Christos
Published: December 2022

Emergency remote teaching replaced the in-person education in academic institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with different personality traits experienced this abrupt change to distance learning in different ways. Thus, this research aims to examine the interplay between several facets of the students’ experience of emergency remote teaching, such as concerns about, tiredness with, and lack of communication during the first Greek lockdown, and their self-image through their core self-evaluations. The study sample consisted of 341 undergraduate students derived from 13 Greek universities, that completed a self-report questionnaire concerning students’ experiences with distance education, as well as the Core Self-Evaluation Scale measuring self-image components. A cross-section design was used and multiple regression and mediation analyses were applied. The results showed that self-image has an effect on students’ feeling of tiredness with distance learning, while female students demonstrated higher tiredness with distance learning and lack of communication. Moreover, except for gender and disability, all other variables along with self-image significantly predicted perspectives on distance learning. On the other hand, only gender, concerns about, and lack of communication significantly predicted students’ e-attendance of theoretical courses. In this transformative era, it is a challenge for universities to create effective online courses concerning students’ self-image. Finally, limitations and future directions are discussed.
A Case Study of Grassroots Water Conservancy Services Evaluation and Obstacle Factors Diagnosis Based on Gray Correlation-TOPSIS Model in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tang Zihao , Deng Bin , Liu Siyan , Xiang Yifei
Published: December 2022

Based on the evaluation model of the gray correlation-TOPSIS method, this paper examines the index system of grass-roots water conservancy services in Hunan Province, China. This paper aims at the present situation of grassroots water conservancy in Hunan province, which assisted it in developing grassroots water conservancy services. The evaluation indicators include five criteria levels (institutional staffing, personnel quality, management level, public policy and service capacity) and twenty-four indicator levels. In this paper, the weight calculation method combined with an analytic hierarchy process and an entropy weight method, as well as quantitative and qualitative methods, was used to conduct an empirical study on the basic water conservancy service level of Hunan Province in 2020. The results classify grassroots water services in Hunan Province into three levels. By fitting the GDP of cities and prefectures with the comprehensive closeness, we conclude that there is considerable convergence between the grassroots water conservancy service level of Hunan Province and its local economic level. The more developed the economy, the higher the grassroots water conservancy service level. In addition, through obstacle factor analysis, the main constraints of grassroots water conservancy in various cities and prefectures are obtained. Therefore, the grassroots water conservancy service’s ability can be comprehensively improved from three aspects: serviceability, capital investment, and talent construction. This indicator system can promote the overall governance capacity of grassroots water conservancy in the future development of cities and prefectures, and it can also provide Hunan with experience and case examples for the implementation of rural revitalization.
How Does Government Information Service Quality Influence Public Environmental Awareness?
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Liu Qiang , Hou Bo
Published: December 2022

The development of public environmental awareness has been an essential part of environmental governance in China and a prerequisite for the emergence of conscious environmental behaviors. However, the deeper factors influencing Chinese public environmental awareness are not yet fully understood. In this study, the perception of environmental pollution and the sense of political efficacy were introduced as variables to establish a public environmental awareness model, at the perception level, from the perspective of government information service quality. The correlations between different variables, as well as the working principles, were analyzed based on national environmental survey data. The results demonstrate that both external (the government information service quality) and psychological (the perception of environmental pollution and the sense of political efficacy) factors have significant positive influences on public environmental awareness, with the sense of political efficacy outperforming the perception of environmental pollution and the government information service quality. Analysis of the mediating effect reveals that government information service quality directly influences public environmental awareness; it also indirectly influences public environmental awareness through a chained mediating effect of the perception of environmental pollution and the sense of political efficacy. The results of the multiple-group analysis, with gender and urban–rural attributes as moderator variables, further show that, compared with men and urban residents, the impact of government information service quality and environmental pollution perception on women and rural people’s political efficacy is not significant. Therefore, it is suggested to optimize the government information service, improve the public’s perception of environmental pollution, and then promote the public’s sense of efficacy in the environment governance situation. Furthermore, the government should formulate differentiated strategies for different types of public to guide them to form a proactive awareness of environmental protection.
Building Research Infrastructure: The Development of a Technical Assistance Group-Service Center at an RCMI
Authors: Lininger Monica R. , Kirby Christine , Laurila Kelly A. , Roy Indrakshi , Coder Marcelle , Propper Catherine R. , Trotter Robert T. , Baldwin Julie A.
Published: December 2022

As one of the Research Centers for Minority Institutions (RCMI), the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative (SHERC) worked over the first five-year period of funding to foster the advancement of Early Stage Investigators, enhance the quality of health disparities research, and increase institution research capacity in basic Biomedical, Behavioral, and/or Clinical research; all priorities of RCMIs. In year 4, the Technical Assistance Group-Service Center (TAG-SC) was created to help achieve these goals. The TAG-SC provides one-on-one investigator project development support, including research design, data capture, and analysis. Successful implementation of the TAG-SC was tracked using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), a secure, web-based software platform allowing for immediate tracking and evaluation processes. In the first two years, 86 tickets were submitted through the REDCap system for methodological support by TAG-SC experts (faculty and staff) for assistance with health-equity related research, primarily SHERC and externally funded Social/Behavioral research projects. The TAG-SC increased the research capacity for investigators, especially within the SHERC. In this manuscript, we describe the methods used to create the TAG-SC and the REDCap tracking system and lessons learned, which can help other RCMIs interested in creating a similar service center offering an innovative way to build methodological infrastructure.
Do Resettled People Adapt to Their Current Geographical Environment? Evidence from Poverty-Stricken Areas of Northwest Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Qu Liquan , Xiao Weidong , Gao Weidong
Published: December 2022

The geographical environment adaptation of the resettled population is a deep-seated problem that determines whether the goal of the poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) policy can be achieved. Scientific assessment of adaptive capacity (AC) and adaptation level (AL) provides a basis for subsequent policy formulation, which is of practical significance. This study took the poverty-stricken areas of northwest Yunnan as the study area and calculated the adaptive capacity index (ACI) and adaptation level index (ALI) based on survey data of 1002 resettled households and regional socioeconomic statistics by constructing the vulnerability as expected poverty (VEP) model and multi-factor analysis model. The results showed that (1) The ACI and ALI were 0.660 and 61.2 respectively, indicating that the resettled population has obvious environment adaptation barriers and a relatively high risk of returning to poverty. (2) The AC and AL of the resettled population had significant geographical differentiation. In general, Diqing Prefecture was significantly better than Nujiang Prefecture and the problems in Gongshan County, Fugong County and Lanping County were more prominent. (3) AC is a determinant of AL. However, these two indices in Gongshan and Lanping counties deviated from the general trend due to different policy effects. Based on the evaluation results and differentiation mechanism analysis, the study finally emphasized the importance of formulating and implementing the follow-up development plan of the resettled population and put forward measures to promote the resettled population to adapt to the geographical environment around the three core tasks of employment income increase, public service and bottom guarantee.
Association between Chronotype and Sleep Quality among Chinese College Students: The Role of Bedtime Procrastination and Sleep Hygiene Awareness
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Huang Jiahao , Yang Minqi
Published: December 2022

Chronotype and sleep quality have been shown to play significant roles in influencing people’s physical and mental health. The current study focuses on examining the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality among Chinese college students and exploring the mediating role of bedtime procrastination and the moderating role of sleep hygiene awareness. A sample of 2822 college students (female = 71.4%) aged between 17 and 29 years (M = 19.77, SD = 1.41) were included and completed the measures of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS) and Sleep Hygiene Awareness Scale (SHAS). The results showed that evening-type students reported the lowest sleep quality and highest levels of bedtime procrastination. In contrast, the highest sleep quality and lowest levels of bedtime procrastination were shown by morning-type, exhibiting the neither-type students’ intermediate chronotype. Bedtime procrastination partially mediated the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality. Furthermore, sleep hygiene awareness moderated the direct effect of chronotype on sleep quality and the effect of chronotype in the path from chronotype to bedtime procrastination. Specifically, higher levels of sleep hygiene awareness could buffer the adverse effect of chronotype on self-reported sleep quality but bolstered the negative effect of chronotype on bedtime procrastination. Our results suggest that individuals with an evening preference are inclined to postpone their bedtime and further experience poorer sleep quality at night. Sleep hygiene awareness may serve as a protective factor for poor nocturnal sleep. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of reducing bedtime procrastination and improving sleep hygiene awareness in the interventions designed to help college students to own a better sleep quality, especially for those with evening chronotypes.
Influence of Two Exercise Programs on Heart Rate Variability, Body Temperature, Central Nervous System Fatigue, and Cortical Arousal after a Heart Attack
Authors: Gonçalves Catarina , Parraca Jose , Bravo Jorge , Abreu Ana , Pais João , Raimundo Armando , Clemente-Suárez Vicente
Published: December 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs’ benefits are overall consensual; however, during exercise, progressive physiological effects have not been studied yet in cardiac patients. Our study aims to analyze physiological parameters of thermography, heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, central nervous system (CNS) fatigue, and cortical arousal in heart attack patients (HAP) who belong to CR programs of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-intensity Continuous Training (MICT) compared to healthy participants. In this case control study, two HAP patients (both male, age 35 and 48, respectively) and two healthy people (both male, age 38 and 46, respectively) were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio to one of four groups: cardiac MICT, cardiac HIIT, control MICT, and control HIIT. The HIIT at ≈85–95% of peak heart rate (HR) was followed by a one-minute recovery interval at 40% peakHR, and MICT at ≈70–75% of peakHR. Outcome measurements included thermography, HRV, blood pressure, CNS fatigue, and cortical arousal; The HAP presents more than twice the CNS fatigue in MICT than control participants, but HIIT has almost the same CNS fatigue in HAP and control. In addition, both of the HAP groups presented higher temperatures in the chest. The HIIT protocol showed better physiological responses during exercise, compared to MICT in HAP.
A Systematic Review of Electronic Medical Record Driven Quality Measurement and Feedback Systems
Authors: Donnelly Candice , Janssen Anna , Vinod Shalini , Stone Emily , Harnett Paul , Shaw Tim
Published: December 2022

Historically, quality measurement analyses utilize manual chart abstraction from data collected primarily for administrative purposes. These methods are resource-intensive, time-delayed, and often lack clinical relevance. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have increased data availability and opportunities for quality measurement. However, little is known about the effectiveness of Measurement Feedback Systems (MFSs) in utilizing EMR data. This study explores the effectiveness and characteristics of EMR-enabled MFSs in tertiary care. The search strategy guided by the PICO Framework was executed in four databases. Two reviewers screened abstracts and manuscripts. Data on effect and intervention characteristics were extracted using a tailored version of the Cochrane EPOC abstraction tool. Due to study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 14 unique MFS studies were extracted and synthesized, of which 12 had positive effects on outcomes. Findings indicate that quality measurement using EMR data is feasible in certain contexts and successful MFSs often incorporated electronic feedback methods, supported by clinical leadership and action planning. EMR-enabled MFSs have the potential to reduce the burden of data collection for quality measurement but further research is needed to evaluate EMR-enabled MFSs to translate and scale findings to broader implementation contexts.
Impact of Public Environmental Concerns on the Digital Transformation of Heavily Polluting Enterprises
Authors: Wu Youmeng , Sun Hao , Sun Hongliang , Xie Chi
Published: December 2022

China is currently facing the arduous tasks of energy conservation, emission reduction and structural transformation, making it of great significance to study the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises. As an important informal regulatory system, public environmental concerns affect corporate environmental behavior by increasing external environmental pressure. This study uses the data of listed companies in China’s heavily polluting industries from 2012 to 2020 and Baidu Index data to analyze how public environmental concerns affect the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises. This study finds that public environmental concerns can significantly promote the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises. For non-state-owned, green image and high-tech enterprises, the impact is even more obvious. Furthermore, based on the structural and hierarchical perspective of enterprise digital transformation, we find that public environmental concerns significantly promote digital technology application. This study puts forward some suggestions for government departments to formulate environmental protection regulations, enterprises to fulfill their green responsibilities and the public to participate in environmental governance.