bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported visual impairment and depression of middle-aged and older adults: The chain-mediating effects of internet use and social participation
Authors: He Wenbo , Li Peiyi , Gao Yinyan , You Jiuhong , Chang Jiangeng , Qu Xing , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

Background

Visual impairment (VI) is a strong predictor of depression in middle-aged and older adults. However, the underlying mechanisms and pathways have not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Internet use and social participation mediate the effects of self-reported VI on depression.

Methods

The study used the fourth wave of cross-sectional data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, including 19,766 Chinese adults. Depression was assessed according to the CES-D 10 International Scale. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between self-reported VI and depression. While adjusting for relevant covariates, the PROCESS macro (model nos. 6 and 91) was used to assess the chain-mediating effects of Internet use and social participation.

Results

A total of 17,433 respondents were included in this study. The CES-D 10 results showed that 7,327 middle-aged and older adults had depressive symptoms, of whom 39.5% were male and 10.2% were ≥75 years old. 32.1% of respondents self-reported VI. Regression analysis showed a positive association between VI and depression, while Internet use and social participation had a negative predictive effect on depression. In the mediation analysis, the social participation pathway contributed the most to the total effect, accounting for 52.69% of it. The proportion of Internet use is 37.72%. When these two mediators were considered together in the full model, they accounted for 9.58% of the total effect of VI on depression.

Conclusion

Internet use and social participation were important mediators that mitigated the effects of VI on depression. Combined with previous evidence, online activities such as e-health and m-health can effectively promote disease monitoring and diagnosis, and various offline social participation activities can also play a role in regulating emotions. Therefore, Internet use and social participation factors may serve as relevant entry points for the development of intervention programs that may further improve the mental health of the visually impaired.
Implementing public involvement standards in cerebral palsy register research
Authors: Kerr Claire , McConnell Karen , Savage Helen , Acheson Monica
Published: November 2022

Background

In 2018, the National Institute for Health Research launched Draft Standards for Public Involvement in Research. The Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Register (NICPR) was competitively selected as a “test-bed” project to pilot the Draft Standards over a one-year period.

Aim

This perspective paper aims to describe the NICPR's experience of piloting the Draft Standards for Public Involvement in Research, highlighting successes and challenges.

Method

Three of the six Draft Standards were piloted from April 2018 to April 2019: Standard 2 “working together”, Standard 4 “communications” and Standard 5, “impact”.

Results

Implementation of Standard 2 resulted in formation of a dedicated Public Involvement Group. Standard 4 was implemented by revision of the NICPR's Privacy Notice and development of the NICPR website. Standard 5 was not implemented during the test-bed pilot period.

Discussion

Benefits of use of the Draft Standards in cerebral palsy register research included development of relationships, improving quality, accessibility and relevance of NICPR materials, increasing skills and confidence, networking opportunities, advocating for others and feeling empowered to shape cerebral palsy research. Challenges included administrative issues, absence of dedicated and sustained funding, limitations in the availability and applicability of public involvement training and the time required for meaningful public involvement.

Conclusions

Standards for Public Involvement provide a useful framework for structuring and embedding meaningful public involvement. Sustained, authentic public involvement in cerebral palsy register research ensures that people affected by the condition are empowered to engage, inform, develop and lead research that meets their needs.
Future-oriented thinking promotes positive attitudes toward the “Help Mark” in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Hirofumi , Maeda Kaede , Sato Kosuke
Published: November 2022

The “Help Mark,” created in Japan, is worn by people who need help in public settings. It is designed to induce help from others for those in need of help because of their hidden disabilities or health conditions. Several attempts have been made to publicize the meaning and implications of this wearable sign through various media. However, it is difficult to assert whether there is sufficient awareness regarding this sign in the Japanese society. The purpose of this study was to examine the type of messages that are more effective in promoting the “Help Mark” system (Study 1). Additionally, based on the data obtained in Study 1, we presented a newly designed poster to promote the “Help Mark” sign and attempted to empirically examine the effect of this poster (Study 2). The results suggest that a message that reflects that the “Help Mark” is for “everyone,” based on future-oriented thinking, is more effective. Furthermore, it was indicated that people who saw the poster containing a message implying that the “Help Mark” is “for everyone” reported increased positive attitudes toward the “Help Mark” system. These results indicate that encouraging future-oriented thinking may lead to positive attitudes regarding the “Help Mark” system.
Automatic Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Cellular Networks and Beyond 5G: Intelligent Network Management
Authors: Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Rezaei Samira , Javadpour Amir , Miri Farimasadat , Zhang Weizhe , Wang Desheng
Published: November 2022

Handling faults in a running cellular network can impair the performance and dissatisfy the end users. It is important to design an automatic self-healing procedure to not only detect the active faults, but also to diagnosis them automatically. Although fault detection has been well studied in the literature, fewer studies have targeted the more complicated task of diagnosing. Our presented method aims to tackle fault detection and diagnosis using two sets of data collected by the network: performance support system data and drive test data. Although performance support system data is collected automatically by the network, drive test data are collected manually in three mode call scenarios: short, long and idle. The short call can identify faults in a call setup, the long call is designed to identify handover failures and call interruption, and, finally, the idle mode is designed to understand the characteristics of the standard signal in the network. We have applied unsupervised learning, along with various classified algorithms, on performance support system data. Congestion and failures in TCH assignments are a few examples of the detected and diagnosed faults with our method. In addition, we present a framework to identify the need for handovers. The Silhouette coefficient is used to evaluate the quality of the unsupervised learning approach. We achieved an accuracy of 96.86% with the dynamic neural network method.
Isolated BAP1 Genomic Alteration in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Predicts Distinct Immunogenicity with Implications for Immunotherapeutic Response
Authors: Osmanbeyoglu Hatice Ulku , Palmer Drake , Sagan April , Sementino Eleonora , Becich Michael J. , Testa Joseph R.
Published: November 2022

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive cancer of the mesothelial cells lining the pleural cavity, lacks effective treatments. Multiple somatic mutations and copy number losses in tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) BAP1, CDKN2A/B, and NF2 are frequently associated with MPM. The impact of single versus multiple genomic alterations of TSG on MPM biology, the immune tumor microenvironment, clinical outcomes, and treatment responses are unknown. Tumors with genomic alterations in BAP1 alone were associated with a longer overall patient survival rate compared to tumors with CDKN2A/B and/or NF2 alterations with or without BAP1 and formed a distinct immunogenic subtype with altered transcription factor and pathway activity patterns. CDKN2A/B genomic alterations consistently contributed to an adverse clinical outcome. Since the genomic alterations of only BAP1 was associated with the PD-1 therapy response signature and higher LAG3 and VISTA gene expression, it might be a candidate marker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Our results on the impact of TSG genotypes on MPM and the correlations between TSG alterations and molecular pathways provide a foundation for developing individualized MPM therapies.
Correlation between PD-L1 Expression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Data from IVIM-DWI Acquired during Magnetic Resonance of the Thorax: Preliminary Results
Authors: Bortolotto Chandra , Stella Giulia Maria , Messana Gaia , Lo Tito Antonio , Podrecca Chiara , Nicora Giovanna , Bellazzi Riccardo , Gerbasi Alessia , Agustoni Francesco , Grimm Robert , Zacà Domenico , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Bottinelli Olivia Maria , Preda Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

This study aims to investigate the correlation between intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) parameters in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Twenty-one patients diagnosed with stage III NSCLC from April 2021 to April 2022 were included. The tumors were distinguished into two groups: no PD-L1 expression (<1%), and positive PD-L1 expression (≥1%). Conventional MRI and IVIM-DWI sequences were acquired with a 1.5-T system. Both fixed-size ROIs and freehand segmentations of the tumors were evaluated, and the data were analyzed through a software using four different algorithms. The diffusion (D), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (pf) were obtained. The correlation between IVIM parameters and PD-L1 expression was studied with Pearson correlation coefficient. The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was used to study IVIM parameter distributions in the two groups. Twelve patients (57%) had PD-L1 ≥1%, and 9 (43%) <1%. There was a statistically significant correlation between D* values and PD-L1 expression in images analyzed with algorithm 0, for fixed-size ROIs (189.2 ± 65.709 µm²/s × 104 in no PD-L1 expression vs. 122.0 ± 31.306 µm²/s × 104 in positive PD-L1 expression, p = 0.008). The values obtained with algorithms 1, 2, and 3 were not significantly different between the groups. The IVIM-DWI MRI parameter D* can reflect PD-L1 expression in NSCLC.
The Risk of Multiple Myeloma Is Reduced in Metformin Initiators: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tseng Chin-Hsiao
Published: November 2022

Background: Whether metformin might reduce the risk of multiple myeloma (MM) has not been extensively researched in humans. Methods: The study subjects were enrolled from the reimbursement database of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance. A total of 739,553 patients who had a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus during 1999–2009 were identified. They were categorized as metformin initiators (metformin (+)) and non-metformin initiators (metformin (−)) based on the prescriptions of antidiabetic drugs that included metformin and did not include metformin within the initial 12 months, respectively. MM incidence was calculated after the initial 12 months of treatment group assignment until 31 December 2011. Hazard ratios based on intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) approaches were estimated by Cox regression weighted by propensity scores. Results: In the ITT analyses, the respective incidence rates for 497,248 metformin (+) and 242,305 metformin (−) were 9.97 and 14.33 per 100,000 person-years. The hazard ratio that compared metformin (+) to metformin (−) in the ITT analysis was 0.710 (95% confidence interval 0.593–0.850). In the PP analysis, the respective incidence rates were 5.14 and 13.98 per 100,000 person-years, and the hazard ratio was 0.355 (95% confidence interval, 0.270–0.466). The lower risk of MM among metformin (+) was supported by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes patients who are initiated with metformin treatment have a significantly lower risk of MM, especially when they adhere to metformin treatment.
The Relative Importance of Niche and Neutral Processes for the Community Assembly of Subtropical Karst Forest Communities at Different Spatial Scales
Authors: He Yan , Liang Shichu , Jiang Yong , Ning Wenyan
Published: November 2022

As spatial scale changes, the ecological processes and mechanisms that determine community patterns change. To understand these spatial effects, we established a medium-sized forest plot in an evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in Guilin, Guangxi, southwestern China. Here, we compared the fit of niche and neutral models to the observed species abundance distributions (SADs) at three sampling scales (10 m × 10 m, 20 m × 20 m, 50 m × 50 m). We also performed a PER-SIMPER analysis to further evaluate the relative contribution of niche and neutral processes based on taxon occurrence data. Our results showed that niche-based selection and dispersal-based neutral processes are simultaneously expressed at the 10 m × 10 m and 20 m × 20 m sampling scales. Additionally, dispersal-based neutral processes were predominant at each sampling scale. From these results, we found that the dispersal-based neutral process is the prominent driver for forest community structure in a typical karst forest environment. Ultimately, our work will be useful for future restoration and reconstruction efforts in karst forest communities, showing that environmental heterogeneity, inter-species relationships, and geographic spatial differences should be considered in these efforts.
Complete Genome Expression Analysis of the Auxin Response Factor Gene Family in Sandalwood and Their Potential Roles in Drought Stress
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Liu Yunshan , Wang Shengkun , Qin Fangcuo , Wang Dongli , Chen Yu , Hu Lipan , Meng Sen , Lu Junkun
Published: November 2022

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are essential transcription factors in plants that play an irreplaceable role in controlling the expression of auxin response genes and participating in plant growth and stress. The ARF gene family has been found in Arabidopsis thaliana, apple (Malus domestica), poplar (Populus trichocarpa) and other plants with known whole genomes. However, S. album (Santalum album L.), has not been studied. In this study, we analyzed and screened the whole genome of S. album and obtained 18 S. album ARFs (SaARFs), which were distributed on eight chromosomes. Through the prediction of conserved domains, we found that 13 of the 18 SaARFs had three intact conserved domains, named DBD, MR, Phox and Bem1 (PB1), while the extra five SaARFs (SaARF3, SaARF10, SaARF12, SaARF15, SaARF17) had only two conserved domains, and the C-terminal PB1 domain was missing. By establishing a phylogenetic tree, 62 ARF genes in S. album, poplar and Arabidopsis were divided into four subgroups, named Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ. According to the results of collinearity analysis, we found that ten of the eighteen ARF genes were involved in five segmental duplication events and these genes had short distance intervals and high homology in the SaARF gene family. Finally, tissue-specific and drought-treatment expression of SaARF genes was observed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and six genes were significantly overexpressed in haustorium. Meanwhile we found SaARF5, SaARF10, and SaARF16 were significantly overexpressed under drought stress. These results provide a basis for further analysis of the related functions of the S. album ARF gene and its relationship with haustorium formation.
HEHR: Homing Endonuclease-Mediated Homologous Recombination for Efficient Adenovirus Genome Engineering
Authors: Schröer Katrin , Arakrak Fatima , Bremke Annika , Ehrhardt Anja , Zhang Wenli
Published: November 2022

Adenoviruses are non-enveloped linear double-stranded DNA viruses with over 100 types in humans. Adenovirus vectors have gained tremendous attention as gene delivery vehicles, as vaccine vectors and as oncolytic viruses. Although various methods have been used to generate adenoviral vectors, the vector-producing process remains technically challenging regarding efficacious genome modification. Based on our previously reported adenoviral genome modification streamline via linear–circular homologous recombination, we further develop an HEHR (combining Homing Endonucleases and Homologous Recombination) method to engineer adenoviral genomes more efficiently. I-PpoI, a rare endonuclease encoded by a group I intron, was introduced into the previously described ccdB counter-selection marker. We found that the I-PpoI pre-treatment of counter-selection containing parental plasmid increased the homologous recombination efficiency up to 100%. The flanking of the counter-selection marker with either single or double I-PpoI sites showed enhanced efficacy. In addition, we constructed a third counter-selection marker flanked by an alternative restriction enzyme: AbsI, which could be applied in case the I-PpoI site already existed in the transgene cassette that was previously inserted in the adenovirus genome. Together, HEHR can be applied for seamless sequence replacements, deletions and insertions. The advantages of HEHR in seamless mutagenesis will facilitate rational design of adenoviral vectors for diverse purposes.
State T21, Restrictions on Flavored E-Cigarette Products, and Non-Medical Cannabis Sales Legalization in Relation to Young Adult Reports of Vape Shop Age Verification and Product Offerings: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Duan Zongshuan , Wang Yan , Romm Katelyn F. , Henriksen Lisa , Schleicher Nina C. , Berg Carla J.
Published: November 2022

Vape shop practices related to age verification and product offerings (e.g., other tobacco, cannabis), which may affect young-adult tobacco/substance use, are likely impacted by state-level policies (i.e., Tobacco 21 [T21], flavored e-cigarette restrictions, non-medical cannabis legalization). Using data from young adults (18–34 years) in 6 US states representing variability in whether/when they implemented the aforementioned policies, this study focused on past 6-month e-cigarette users who visited vape shops (Wave 1 [W1]: September–December 2018, n = 1127; W2: September–December 2019, n = 702; W3: September–December 2020, n = 549). Multilevel modeling examined T21 in relation to participants’ reports of age verification at last vape shop visit (among those < 27), and flavor restrictions and cannabis legalization in relation to noticing other tobacco or cannabis products at last visit. At W1–W3, 69.7%, 78.7%, and 75.8% of participants < 27 reported age verification, and participants increasingly noticed other tobacco (W2: 36.9%; W3: 48.6%) and cannabis products (W1: 25.8%; W2: 41.3%; W3: 58.3%). State T21 was unrelated to age verification (aOR = 1.19, 95%CI = 0.80–1.79); flavored e-cigarette restrictions correlated with noticing other tobacco products (aOR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.10–3.51); flavored e-cigarette restrictions (aOR = 2.26, 95%CI = 1.57–3.24) and cannabis legalization (aOR = 2.84, 95%CI = 1.78–4.51) correlated with noticing cannabis products. Regulatory efforts must be informed by ongoing surveillance of such policies and their impact.
Effects of Ambient Illuminance on Explicit and Implicit Altruism: The Mediation Roles of Perceived Anonymity and Satisfaction with Light
Authors: Ru Taotao , Ma Yongjun , Zhong Luojin , Chen Qingwei , Ma Yiyang , Zhou Guofu
Published: November 2022

Ambient light plays a key role in social interactions, and the effects of ambient light on explicit altruism have been widely documented. However, whether ambient light affects implicit altruism and the potential mechanisms underlying the effect remain largely unknown. The current study aimed to explore the effects of ambient illuminance on explicit and implicit altruism simultaneously, and to determine the potential mediation role of subjective mood, state self-control perceived anonymity and satisfaction with light. A one-factor (Illuminance: dim (100 lx) vs. bright (1000 lx) at eye level), between-subjects design was employed in the current study, during which seventy-eight undergraduates (52 females, 18–25 years old) were assigned to two groups, with participants in each group undergoing both the dictator game assessing explicit altruism and the implicit association test (IAT) assessing implicit altruism under one of two illuminance conditions. Meanwhile, subjective mood, state self-control, perceived anonymity and satisfaction with light were also assessed with questionnaires at the beginning or/and at the end of the experiment. Results revealed that participants tended to allocate more money in the dictator game and showed a higher state self-control, satisfaction with light and lower perceived anonymity under bright versus dim illuminance condition, whereas the performance in IAT and subjective mood revealed no statistically significant effects of illuminance. The promoting effect of bright illuminance on explicit altruism was partially mediated by perceived anonymity and satisfaction with light, but not by state self-control. These findings suggest that ambient light holds the potential to regulate psychological well-being and thus facilitate prosocial behavior, but such benefits are dependent on the type of task.
Differential Background Music as Attentional Resources Interacting with Cognitive Control
Authors: Yoo Ga Eul , Lee Sujin , Kim Aimee Jeehae , Choi Seung Hong , Chong Hyun Ju , Park Sunghyouk
Published: November 2022

We examined the effects of background music on cognitive task performances using different musical arrangements from an excerpt of Mozart’s Piano Sonata K.448. The participants were 126 university students: 70 music majors and 56 nonmusic majors. Three types of musical arrangements were used as background conditions: rhythm-only, melody, and original music conditions. Participants were asked to perform cognitive tasks in the presence of each music condition. The participants’ percentage of completed items and accuracy on these tasks were compared for music and nonmusic majors, controlling for the effect of perceived level of arousal and their performance during no background music. Whether a participant’s perceptions of background music predicted their cognitive performance was also analyzed. We found that music majors demonstrated decreased task performance for the original background condition, while nonmusic majors demonstrated no significant differences in performance across the arrangements. When pitch or rhythm information was modified, emotional valence and arousal were perceived differently. Perception of the complexity of the background music depending on the arrangement type differed between music majors and nonmusic majors. While the perceived complexity significantly predicted nonmusic majors’ cognitive performance, its predictive effect was not found in music majors. The findings imply that perceptions of musical arrangements in terms of expectancy and complexity can be critical factors in determining how arrangements affect concurrent cognitive activity, while suggesting that music itself is not a facilitating or detrimental factor for cognitive performance.
Exploration of the Feasibility of Remote Assessment of Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities: Parents’ Perspectives and Related Contextual Factors
Authors: Brugnaro Beatriz Helena , Vieira Fabiana Nascimento , Fernandes Gesica , de Camargo Olaf Kraus , Fumincelli Laís , de Campos Ana Carolina , Pavão Silvia Letícia , Rocha Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted face-to-face health services, leveraging telehealth strategies. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate, from a parent’s perspective, the feasibility of a remote assessment of functioning in children with developmental disabilities during the pandemic and related contextual factors, based on how parents carry out the assessment. Parents of children with developmental disabilities (mean age = 7.56 ± 3.68) responded to a remote assessment via electronic forms and telephone interview. We analyzed parents’ perspectives about the feasibility of the assessment. We also tested the association between feasibility score and sociodemographics/pandemic experience. Regression analysis tested if children’s functioning characteristics predicted feasibility. A total of 57 mothers completed the remote assessment, and more than 95% did not report difficulties in accessing/responding to electronic forms. They scored remote assessment as easy and feasible, and reported no difficulties with telephone interview. Greater feasibility rates were related to lower maternal age (rho Spearman = −0.290; p = 0.029). The model shows that children’s characteristics predicted 20.4% of feasibility (p < 0.005). Remote assessment showed to be feasible. Younger mothers might consider easier-to-use technologies, beyond considering remote assessment more viable. These results can guide the next steps in research and remote clinical practice.
Tuberculosis and Sexual and Reproductive Health of Women in Four African Countries
Authors: Korri Rayan , Bakuli Abhishek , Owolabi Olumuyiwa A. , Lalashowi Julieth , Azize Cândido , Rassool Mohammed , Sathar Farzana , Rachow Andrea , Ivanova Olena
Published: November 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major reason of maternal mortality in low-income countries, and it increases the probability of adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, including ectopic pregnancy and perinatal mortality. The data presented here is from the TB Sequel observational cohort conducted in four African countries. For this sub-study, we selected only female participants, who were diagnosed with drug susceptible TB and followed-up until the end of anti-TB treatment. The data collection included questionnaires, clinical examination and laboratory tests at TB diagnosis, day 14, month 2, 4 and 6. A total of 486 women, with 88.3% being 18–49 years old, were included in the analysis. Around 54.7% were HIV positive. Most of the participants (416/486; 85.6%) in our cohort were considered cured at month 6. Only 40.4% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age used contraception at TB diagnosis. A total of 31 out of 486 women experienced pregnancy during TB treatment. Pregnancy outcomes varied between live birth (16/31; 51.6%), induced abortion (6/31; 19.4%), miscarriage (4/31; 12.9%) and stillbirth (3/31; 9.6%). Integration and linking of SRH services with TB programmes are vital to increase contraception use and protect women from obstetric risks associated with pregnancy during TB treatment.
Contamination, Source Identification, Ecological and Human Health Risks Assessment of Potentially Toxic-Elements in Soils of Typical Rare-Earth Mining Areas
Authors: Fan Jiajia , Deng Li , Wang Weili , Yi Xiu , Yang Zhiping
Published: November 2022

The mining and leaching processes of rare-earth mines can include the entry of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into the environment, causing ecological risks and endangering human health. However, the identification of ecological risks and sources of PTEs in rare-earth mining areas is less comprehensive. Hence, we determine the PTE (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V) content in soils around rare-earth mining areas in the south and analyze the ecological health risks, distribution characteristics, and sources of PTEs in the study area using various indices and models. The results showed that the average concentrations of Co, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were higher than the soil background values, with a maximum of 1.62 times. The spatial distribution of PTEs was not homogeneous and the hot spots were mostly located near roads and mining areas. The ecological risk index and the non-carcinogenic index showed that the contribution was mainly from Co, Pb, and Cr, which accounted for more than 90%. Correlation analysis and PMF models indicated that eight PTEs were positively correlated, and rare-earth mining operations (concentration of 22.85%) may have caused Pb and Cu enrichment in soils in the area, while other anthropogenic sources of pollution were industrial emissions and agricultural pollution. The results of the study can provide a scientific basis for environmental-pollution assessment and prevention in rare-earth mining cities.
Predicting Flossing through the Application of the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change among Minority Adolescents in the United States
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Batra Kavita , Chen Ching-Chen , Dai Chia-Liang , Batra Ravi , Cappelli David P.
Published: November 2022

Adolescents from minority groups are particularly susceptible to poor oral hygiene behaviors, including lack of daily flossing. This cross-sectional study aimed to conduct an exploratory behavioral research to identify evidence-based (theory-based) approaches to promote flossing behavior among African American/Black and Latinx/Hispanic (minority) adolescents. A 39-item psychometrically valid web-based questionnaire was used to collect responses from a nationwide sample of minority adolescents aged 10–17 years residing in the United States. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Of 520 minority adolescents (260 African American/Black and 260 Latinx/Hispanic adolescents), the proportion of flossing was nearly equally split in the sample. A significantly higher proportion of minority adolescents who were flossing had access to floss as opposed to those who were not flossing (86.8% vs. 69.8%, p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of minority adolescents who were not flossing did not visit the dentist over the past year as opposed to those who floss (25.2% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001). Among the participants who were not flossing, gender, grade level, instruction in school regarding flossing, and multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change constructs were the significant predictors (p < 0.001) of initiating and sustaining flossing. The findings of this study will serve as baseline data for developing and evaluating effective evidence-based interventions using the MTM.
Identification of Typical Ecosystem Types by Integrating Active and Passive Time Series Data of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, China
Authors: Li Changlong , Wang Yan , Gao Zhihai , Sun Bin , Xing He , Zang Yu
Published: November 2022

The identification of ecosystem types is important in ecological environmental assessment. However, due to cloud and rain and complex land cover characteristics, commonly used ecosystem identification methods have always lacked accuracy in subtropical urban agglomerations. In this study, China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) was taken as a study area, and the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data were used as the fusion of active and passive remote sensing data with time series data to distinguish typical ecosystem types in subtropical urban agglomerations. Our results showed the following: (1) The importance of different features varies widely in different types of ecosystems. For grassland and arable land, two specific texture features (VV_dvar and VH_diss) are most important; in forest and mangrove areas, synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data for the months of October and September are most important. (2) The use of active time series remote sensing data can significantly improve the classification accuracy by 3.33%, while passive time series remote sensing data improves by 4.76%. When they are integrated, accuracy is further improved, reaching a level of 84.29%. (3) Time series passive data (NDVI) serve best to distinguish grassland from arable land, while time series active data (SAR data) are best able to distinguish mangrove from forest. The integration of active and passive time series data also improves precision in distinguishing vegetation ecosystem types, such as forest, mangrove, arable land, and, especially, grassland, where the accuracy increased by 21.88%. By obtaining real-time and more accurate land cover type change information, this study could better serve regional change detection and ecosystem service function assessment at different scales, thereby supporting decision makers in urban agglomerations.
Optimal Decisions in Green, Low-Carbon Supply Chain Considering the Competition and Cooperation Relationships between Different Types of Manufacturers
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Wantong , Wang Min , Zhang Dalin
Published: November 2022

In this study, we built a green, low-carbon supply chain including one green manufacturer, one green remanufacturer and one retailer in which the manufacturer produces new, green, low-carbon products and the remanufacturer recycles and remanufactures the green, low-carbon products. We assumed the manufacturer to be the Stackelberg leader and the remanufacturer and the retailer to be Stackelberg followers. The game model was solved using backward induction. We discuss the optimal operation strategies for green, low-carbon supply-chain members in a centralized decision-making model, decentralized decision-making model, manufacturer–remanufacturer cooperative decision-making model and manufacturer–retailer cooperative decision-making model. Furthermore, we discuss the impacts of the unit cost savings for remanufacturing, the recovery cost coefficient and the green improvement cost coefficient on the green supply-chain members’ optimal decision and profits. The results show that increased unit cost savings from remanufacturing can increase the total profit of the supply chain and promote the recycling and remanufacturing of waste products. Moreover, the total profit of the green, low-carbon supply chain is the highest in the centralized decision-making model and lowest in the manufacturer cooperative decision-making model. When there is a cooperation relationship between the manufacturer and the retailer, the optimal recycling effort level and the optimal greenness level for the new product and the remanufactured product are the highest.
An Institutional System Proposal for Advanced Occupational Safety and Labor Standards in the Turkish Construction Industry
Authors: Yıldırım Nihan , Gultekin Derya , Tilkici Doğan , Ay Dilek
Published: November 2022

The Turkish construction industry is problematic with its inferior occupational safety practices and labor standards. This paper explores the current institutional system’s problems and designs a national institutional system to improve labor conditions in the Turkish construction industry. The study applies cause-and-effect analysis, stakeholder analysis, and information flow analysis based on the thematic literature and regulation reviews and the data collected from expert interviews. Findings revealed that the industry represents a drastically problematic context with high rates of occupational accidents, job insecurity, and excessive working time, and the inspection and enforcement system is still immature, calling for additional institutional arrangements to establish a collaborative and sustainable environment. There is a need for a holistic, multi-dimensional, and systematic perspective to develop coordination and inspection mechanisms in the sector. The paper proposes an institution and scorecard design by applying a quality function deployment framework matching needs and systemic functions that can overcome the existing deficiency in labor conditions. The paper contributes to filling the gap in the literature on the multi-dimensional, systematic institutional perspective to develop coordination and inspection mechanisms in the construction industry and proposes an institutional system example that could be adapted to other national contexts.
Body Image Perception in Adolescents: The Role of Sports Practice and Sex
Authors: Toselli Stefania , Rinaldo Natascia , Mauro Mario , Grigoletto Alessia , Zaccagni Luciana
Published: November 2022

Concerns about weight and body image are common among adolescents, as adolescence represents a time of intense and rapid change. This cross-sectional study assessed the difference in body image perception by sex, weight status and sports practice in a sample of Italians aged 13–18 years. For this purpose, we considered a sample of 140 adolescents subdivided into two groups: a group of sports-playing teenagers practicing volleyball (39 males and 26 females), and a group of teenagers not actively involved in sports (24 males and 51 females). Body mass index (BMI), body image variables, and sports practice were examined. Due to COVID-19 limitations, height and weight were self-reported and BMI was calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height (in meters). Body image perception was assessed by the short version of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-14) and by the Stunkard Body Silhouette Chart. Two-way ANCOVAs adjusted for age were performed to test the differences between sexes and sports groups. Adolescent volleyball players had a lower incidence of weight disorders. Weight status significantly differed between those who played sports and those who did not, but there was no significant difference in weight status between sexes. On the whole, sports players and males showed higher results than non-sports players and females. The highest level of body image dissatisfaction was found in non-sports-playing females, while sports-playing males showed the lowest. The present study confirms the positive link between sport and body image and can be of support to lead adolescents to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. Further research is needed to validate our findings through a longitudinal study during the entire period of adolescence. In addition, it would be interesting to validate the results on a larger sample, also taking into account socio-demographic variables and including athletes engaged in different types of sports.
Influence of Sedentary Behaviour Interventions on Vascular Functions and Cognitive Functions in Hypertensive Adults—A Scoping Review on Potential Mechanisms and Recommendations
Authors: Ravichandran Sneha , Sukumar Suresh , Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Kadavigere Rajagopal , N Shivshankar K , Palaniswamy Hari Prakash , Uppoor Raghuraj , Ravichandran Kayalvizhi , Almeshari Meshari , Alzamil Yasser , Abanomy Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Since the workplace has become desk-based and leisure time has become dominated by digital relaxation modes, the world is moving at a pace where physical activity has become a time-bound routine. The negative effects of extended sitting are a global concern since the workforce is becoming more desk based. There is a dearth of reviews that may link the knowledge on the effects of sedentary behaviour on hypertension and its accompanying damage to the brain and blood vessels and provide a future scope for the investigations connected to the relationship between sedentary behaviour and hypertension. Methods: Based on the database search and extensive research we did, we found studies that concentrated on the adverse effects of sedentary behaviour in association with blood pressure, cognitive decline and brain damage on adults. Results: We extracted 12 articles out of 20,625. We identified the potential adverse effects of sedentary behaviour, methods to reduce sedentary behaviour and the positive changes on health due to the interventions introduced. Sedentary lifestyle has shown a decline in human health. However, the visible symptoms presented later in life makes it very important to know the areas of decline and look for ways to curb the decline or procrastinate it.
Understanding Physicians’ Motivation to Provide Healthcare Service Online in the Digital Age
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Chen Qin , Wang William Yu Chung , Wei Yuhan
Published: November 2022

This study aims to investigate the factors that affect physicians’ healthcare service provision behavior on healthcare service platforms. A research model was proposed based on the related literature and uses and gratifications theory and self-determination theory. The empirical data were collected from a popular Chinese healthcare service platform, and negative binomial regression was employed to test the proposed research model. The results indicate that competence satisfaction, autonomy satisfaction, and economic benefit have positive impacts on their service provision behavior and that when physicians have a higher level of offline status, they would be less likely to provide consultation service online if they have a higher level of competence satisfaction. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to investigate how they affect physicians’ healthcare service provision behavior online. Findings from this study may derive recommendations for improving the features and design of healthcare service platforms.
How Does Environmental Information Disclosure Affect Public Health? Evidence from the New Ambient Air Quality Standards
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Yanan , Zhang Zongyi , Long Hongyu
Published: November 2022

Using a quasi-natural experiment of the implementation of the new Ambient Air Quality Standards in China, this paper assessed the impact of environmental information disclosure on public health. Our empirical results showed that environmental information disclosure (EID) largely improved both physical health and mental health. Moreover, we further investigated the air pollution channel, and the empirical results showed that EID could reduce the concentration of PM2.5, which could cause an increase in public health as the concentration of PM2.5 decreases. In addition, in terms of individual characteristics, the impact of EID was larger for men, people living in the countryside and people older than 60. In terms of the heterogeneity of cities, the impact of EID was larger in cities with higher public environmental concerns, and the impact of EID was more pronounced in core cities. For regional heterogeneity, the impact of EID on physical health was more pronounced in more developed regions, whereas the impact EID on mental health was higher in less developed regions.
Impact of COVID-19 Risk Perception on Emotional Exhaustion among Chinese Hospitality Employees: The Mediating Effect of Job Insecurity
Authors: Han Xiao , Xue Mengxiao , Zhang Qi , Dong Xiaotian
Published: November 2022

This study aims to investigate the levels of COVID-19 risk perception (CVRP), job insecurity (JI), and emotional exhaustion (EE) among Chinese hospitality employees to examine the mediating effect of JI on the relationship between CVRP and EE. The moderating role of employee mindfulness (MF) and perceived employability (PE) have also be examined. Data were collected from 652 hospitality employees in Shandong and Jiangsu Province, China. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized relationship among the variables. Significant relationships were found between hospitality employees’ CVRP and EE (β = 0.103, p < 0.01), CVRP and JI (β = 0.168, p < 0.001), and JI and EE (β = 0.378, p < 0.001). According to the results, the higher level of the CVRP of hospitality employees, the higher level of the EE. In addition, results showed mediating effects of JI on the relationship between CVRP and EE. This study also found that MF buffered the positive relationship between CVRP and EE. Therefore, in the era of COVID-19, an effective support system at the organizational level is necessary to reduce JI and EE of hospitality employees.
DPP-IV Inhibitory Peptides GPF, IGL, and GGGW Obtained from Chicken Blood Hydrolysates
Authors: Carrera-Alvarado Gisela , Toldrá Fidel , Mora Leticia
Published: November 2022

Blood is a meat by-product rich in proteins with properties that can be improved after hydrolysis, making it a sustainable alternative for use in the generation of bioactive peptides. The objective of this study was to identify dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory peptides obtained from different chicken blood hydrolysates prepared using combinations of four different enzymes. Best results were observed for AP (2% Alcalase + 5% Protana Prime) and APP (2% Alcalase + 5% Protana Prime + 3% Protana UBoost) hydrolysates obtaining inhibition values of 60.55 and 53.61%, respectively, assayed at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Free amino acids were determined to establish the impact of exopeptidase activity in the samples. A total of 79 and 12 sequences of peptides were identified by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-MS/MS) in AP and APP samples, respectively. Nine of the identified peptides were established as potential DPP-IV inhibitory using in silico approaches and later synthesized for confirmation. Thus, peptides GPF, IGL, and GGGW showed good DPP-IV inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.94, 2.22, and 2.73 mM, respectively. This study confirmed the potential of peptides obtained from chicken blood hydrolysates to be used as DPP-IV inhibitors and, therefore, in the control or modulation of type 2 diabetes.
Retinal Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel Regulation by Calmodulin
Authors: Bej Aritra , Ames James B.
Published: November 2022

Retinal cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels bind to intracellular cGMP and mediate visual phototransduction in photoreceptor rod and cone cells. Retinal rod CNG channels form hetero-tetramers comprised of three CNGA1 and one CNGB1 protein subunits. Cone CNG channels are similar tetramers consisting of three CNGA3 and one CNGB3 subunits. Calmodulin (CaM) binds to two distinct sites (CaM1: residues 565–587 and CaM2: residues 1120–1147) within the cytosolic domains of rod CNGB1. The binding of Ca2+-bound CaM to CNGB1 promotes the Ca2+-induced desensitization of CNG channels in retinal rods that may be important for photoreceptor light adaptation. Mutations that affect Ca2+-dependent CNG channel function are responsible for inherited forms of blindness. In this review, we propose structural models of the rod CNG channel bound to CaM that suggest how CaM might cause channel desensitization and how dysregulation of the channel may lead to retinal disease.