bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application and Development Progress of Cr-Based Surface Coating in Nuclear Fuel Elements: II. Current Status and Shortcomings of Performance Studies
Authors: Chen Huan , Wang Xiaoming , Zhang Ruiqian
Published: August 2020

In continuation from the earlier Part I, this paper presents the status on the investigations of Cr-coated zirconium alloys under both normal operating and hypothetical accident conditions. This paper is aimed to provide sufficient knowledge to understand the service performance and research focus of accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) coatings.
Stress Analysis of Multilayered Coatings Subjected to Surface Point Contact Loading Based on Its Three-Dimensional Elastic Field Solution
Authors: Wang Tingjian , Wu Yue , Qi Zhihui , Zhao Yang , Zhang Jingjing , Zhan Liwei , Yin Longcheng
Published: August 2020

In order to investigate the effect of the structural layout of multilayered coatings on its mechanical behavior, a three-dimensional elastic field solution is developed for multilayered solids subjected to surface point contact loading, which is converted from the elastic field solution in frequency domain by using a numerical conversion algorithm. The elastic field solution in frequency domain is obtained by numerically solving a group of linear equations involving the unknown constants in the general elastic field solution of layered material that is obtained by using Fourier integral transform technique. The present solution is validated by comparing with the exact analytical solution for uncoated solids and finite element solution for solids coated with 30 layers. Lastly, the effect of structural layout of multilayered coatings is further investigated with present solution. The result shows that the gradient structural layout with elasticity modulus decreasing gradually from the top layer to the substrate, which is preferable to a larger friction coefficient for multilayered solids subjected to surface line contact loading, is preferable for a smaller friction coefficient <0.1 for multilayered solids subjected to surface point contact loading, and the gradient structural layout with elasticity modulus increasing first in the top layers and then decreasing in the bottom layers, which is preferable to a smaller friction coefficient for multilayered solids subjected to surface line contact loading, is preferable for a friction coefficient >0.2.
Infantile/Congenital High-Grade Gliomas: Molecular Features and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Ceglie Giulia , Vinci Maria , Carai Andrea , Rossi Sabrina , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Cacchione Antonella , Tornesello Assunta , Miele Evelina , Locatelli Franco , Mastronuzzi Angela
Published: August 2020

Brain tumors in infants account for less than 10% of all pediatric nervous system tumors. They include tumors diagnosed in fetal age, neonatal age and in the first years of life. Among these, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) are a specific entity with a paradoxical clinical course that sets them apart from their pediatric and adult counterparts. Currently, surgery represents the main therapeutic strategy in the management of these tumors. Chemotherapy does not have a well-defined role whilst radiotherapy is rarely performed, considering its late effects. Information about molecular characterization is still limited, but it could represent a new fundamental tool in the therapeutic perspective of these tumors. Chimeric proteins derived from the fusion of several genes with neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase mutations have been described in high-grade gliomas in infants as well as in neonatal age and the recent discovery of targeted drugs may change the long-term prognosis of these tumors, along with other target-driven therapies. The aim of this mini review is to highlight the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of high-grade gliomas in infants with a particular focus on the molecular landscape of these neoplasms and future clinical applications.
Automating Drone Image Processing to Map Coral Reef Substrates Using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Bennett Mary K. , Younes Nicolas , Joyce Karen
Published: August 2020

While coral reef ecosystems hold immense biological, ecological, and economic value, frequent anthropogenic and environmental disturbances have caused these ecosystems to decline globally. Current coral reef monitoring methods include in situ surveys and analyzing remotely sensed data from satellites. However, in situ methods are often expensive and inconsistent in terms of time and space. High-resolution satellite imagery can also be expensive to acquire and subject to environmental conditions that conceal target features. High-resolution imagery gathered from remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS or drones) is an inexpensive alternative; however, processing drone imagery for analysis is time-consuming and complex. This study presents the first semi-automatic workflow for drone image processing with Google Earth Engine (GEE) and free and open source software (FOSS). With this workflow, we processed 230 drone images of Heron Reef, Australia and classified coral, sand, and rock/dead coral substrates with the Random Forest classifier. Our classification achieved an overall accuracy of 86% and mapped live coral cover with 92% accuracy. The presented methods enable efficient processing of drone imagery of any environment and can be useful when processing drone imagery for calibrating and validating satellite imagery.
A Geometric Perspective on the Modulation of Potential Energy Release by a Lateral Potential Vorticity Gradient
Authors: Bachman Scott D.
Published: August 2020

The release of available potential energy by growing baroclinic instability requires the slope of the eddy fluxes to be shallower than that of mean density surfaces, where the amount of energy released depends on both the flux angle and the distance of fluid parcel excursions against the background density gradient. The presence of a lateral potential vorticity (PV) gradient is known to affect the growth rate and energy release by baroclinic instability, but often makes the mathematics of formal linear stability analysis intractable. Here the effects of a lateral PV gradient on baroclinic growth are examined by considering its effects on the slope of the eddy fluxes. It is shown that the PV gradient systematically shifts the unstable modes toward higher wavenumbers and creates a cutoff to the instability at large scales, both of which steepen the eddy flux angle and limit the amount of energy released. This effect may contribute to the severe inhibition of baroclinic turbulence in systems dominated by barotropic jets, making them less likely to transition to turbulence-dominated flow regimes.
Altimetry-Based Diagnosis of Deep-Reaching Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Fronts
Authors: Siegelman Lia , Klein Patrice , Thompson Andrew F. , Torres Hector S. , Menemenlis Dimitris
Published: August 2020

Recent studies demonstrate that energetic sub-mesoscale fronts (10–50 km width) extend in the ocean interior, driving large vertical velocities and associated fluxes. However, diagnosing the dynamics of these deep-reaching fronts from in situ observations remains challenging because of the lack of information on the 3-D structure of the horizontal velocity. Here, a realistic numerical simulation in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is used to study the dynamics of submesocale fronts in relation to velocity gradients, responsible for the formation of these fronts. Results highlight that the stirring properties of the flow at depth, which are related to the velocity gradients, can be inferred from finite-size Lyapunov exponent (FSLE) at the surface. Satellite altimetry observations of FSLE and velocity gradients are then used in combination with recent in situ observations collected by an elephant seal in the ACC to reconstruct frontal dynamics and their associated vertical velocities down to 500 m. The approach proposed here is well suited for the analysis of sub-mesoscale-resolving datasets and the design of future sub-mesoscale field campaigns.
The Role of Agriculture in the Dissemination of Class 1 Integrons, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Diversity of Their Gene Cassettes in Southern China
Authors: Ali Niyaz , Lin Yinfu , Qing Zhen , Xiao Dan , Ud Din Ahmad , Ali Izhar , Lian Tengxiang , Chen Baoshan , Wen Ronghui
Published: August 2020

Integrons are hot spots for acquiring gene cassettes from the environment and play a major role in the bacterial evolution and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus posing a serious threat. There are currently studies on integrons and antibiotic resistance genes; however, the presence and association of integrons in different agricultural crops and their subsequent dissemination and role in AMR have not been reported previously. This study examines the abundance of integrons, their gene cassette diversity in various crop soils, and their role in the dissemination of AMR in the southern region of China. Samples from different agri-crop soil, such as rice (R.S), sugarcane (S.S), citrus (C.S), banana (B.S), agricultural runoff (the point where the runoff of all sites meet (R.O)), and wild (non-agricultural) soil (W.S), were collected. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the abundance of integrons, and clone libraries were constructed to examine the gene cassette arrays. All the tested samples were found positive for Class-I (CL1) integrons and revealed a higher concentration and higher relative abundance of R.S than the others, with the least found at the W.S site. The W.S CL1 cassette arrays were found empty, and no putative conserved domains were found. The R.O was found to contain a high number of gene cassettes with various functions, while the smallest number of gene cassettes was found in the S.S among the crop soils. Most of the gene cassettes presented by the R.O were primarily shared with other sites, and the antibiotic-resistant genes were consistently observed to be dominant. The constructed clone libraries represented a diverse gene cassette array with 16% novel gene cassettes that play a vital role in pathogenesis, transportation, biosynthesis, and AMR. Most resistance-related gene cassettes were associated with the genes encoding resistance to quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) and aminoglycosides. This study highlights the significant differences in the abundance of integrons among various agricultural soils and offers deep insight into the pools of gene cassettes that play a key role in the dissemination of integrons and AMR.
Recommendations for Administrators’ Involvement in School-Based Health Promotion: A Scoping Review
Authors: Webster Collin A. , Glascoe Genee , Moore Chanta , Dauenhauer Brian , Egan Cate A. , Russ Laura B. , Orendorff Karie , Buschmeier Cathy
Published: August 2020

School administrator involvement is recognized as a key factor in the extent to which school health promotion programs and initiatives are successfully implemented. The aims of this scoping review are to: (a) Identify existing documents that contain recommendations regarding the involvement of school administrators in school-based health promotion; (b) distill and summarize the recommendations; (c) examine differences in the recommendations by targeted professional level, professional group, health promotion content focus, and by whether the recommendations are evidence-based or opinion-based; and (d) evaluate the research informing the recommendations. We drew upon the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to conduct the review. Our team conducted a comprehensive literature search with no date or geographic restrictions from January 2018 through April 2018 using four electronic databases: Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, Physical Education Index, and PubMed. Eligibility criteria included any online documents, in English, that contained recommendations targeting school administrators’ (e.g., principals, assistant principals, superintendents) involvement (e.g., support, endorsement, advocacy) in school health programming (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, wellness). The search yielded a total of 1225 records, which we screened by title, then by abstract, and finally by full text, resulting in 61 records that met inclusion criteria. Data (e.g., recommendations, targeted contexts, targeted administrators) from these records were extracted for a content analysis. Included records contained 80 distinct recommendations, which we summarized into three themes (Collaboration, Advocacy, and Support) using a content analysis. Separate content analyses revealed no qualitative differences in the recommendations by professional level, professional group, or content focus, or by whether the recommendations were evidence-based or opinion-based. Twenty-one of the included records were peer-reviewed research articles. Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), we appraised qualitative research articles the highest and mixed methods research articles the lowest. This review provides a basis for future research and professional practice aiming to increase school administrators’ involvement in school-based health promotion.
Cross-Sector Collaboration for a Healthy Living Environment—Which Strategies to Implement, Why, and in Which Context?
Authors: van Vooren Natascha J. E. , Drewes Hanneke W. , de Weger Esther , Bongers Inge M. B. , Baan Caroline A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Working toward a healthy living environment requires organizations from different policy domains and nongovernment partners involved in public health and the living environment to collaborate across sectors. The aim of this study is to understand how this cross-sector collaboration for a healthy living environment can be achieved. Methods: The realist evaluation approach was used to investigate what strategies can be used in which contexts to achieve cross-sector collaboration. The “Collaborative Adaptive Health Networks” framework was used as a theoretical framework. Seventeen partners of three Dutch projects collaborating for a healthy living environment in different regions were interviewed about their experiences during the initiating phase of their projects. Results: Seven themes for achieving cross-sector collaboration were identified, namely creating a feeling of equivalence, building trust, bridging different perspectives, providing clarity regarding roles and tasks, creating commitment, creating active engagement, and understanding whom to engage and when. For each theme, the strategies that were used, and why, were specified. Conclusion: This study provides new insights in how cross-sector collaboration for a healthy living environment can be achieved in different contexts. Whether the start of a cross-sectoral collaboration is successful is largely influenced by the choice of leadership and the interorganizational relations.
Long-Term Impact of Disasters on the Public Health System: A Multi-Case Analysis
Authors: Lorenzoni Nina , Stühlinger Verena , Stummer Harald , Raich Margit
Published: August 2020

As past events have shown, disasters can have a tremendous impact on the affected population’s health. However, research regarding the long-term impact on a systems level perspective is still scarce. In this multi-case study, we analyzed and compared the long-term impacts on the public health system of five disasters which took place in Europe: avalanche (Austria), terror attack (Spain), airplane crash (Luxembourg), cable-car tunnel fire (Austria), and a flood in Central Europe. We used a mixed-methods approach consisting of a document analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, to examine the various long-term impacts each of the disasters had on health-system performance, as well as on security and health protection. The results show manifold changes undertaken in the fields of psychosocial support, infrastructure, and contingency and preparedness planning. The holistic approach of this study shows the importance of analyzing long-term impacts from the perspective of the type (e.g., disasters associated with natural hazards) and characteristic (e.g., duration and extent) of a disaster, as well as the regional context where a disaster took place. However, the identified recurring themes demonstrate the opportunity of learning from case studies in order to customize the lessons and apply them to the own-disaster-management setting.
The Impact of Risk Perception on Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Xie Kefan , Liang Benbu , Dulebenets Maxim A. , Mei Yanlan
Published: August 2020

Social distancing is one of the most recommended policies worldwide to reduce diffusion risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a risk management perspective, this study explores the mechanism of the risk perception effect on social distancing in order to improve individual physical distancing behavior. The data for this study were collected from 317 Chinese residents in May 2020 using an internet-based survey. A structural equation model (SEM) and hierarchical linear regression (HLR) analyses were conducted to examine all the considered research hypotheses. The results show that risk perception significantly affects perceived understanding and social distancing behaviors in a positive way. Perceived understanding has a significant positive correlation with social distancing behaviors and plays a mediating role in the relationship between risk perception and social distancing behaviors. Furthermore, safety climate positively predicts social distancing behaviors but lessens the positive correlation between risk perception and social distancing. Hence, these findings suggest effective management guidelines for successful implementation of the social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic by emphasizing the critical role of risk perception, perceived understanding, and safety climate.
The Impact of Service Firm’s Environmentally Friendly Reputation in the Context of Revenue Management
Authors: Choi Choongbeom , Jeong Miyoung
Published: August 2020

In revenue management practice, customers’ perceived fairness is a critical issue. Prior research examined the effect of revenue management on customers’ perceptions of fairness by implementing two different conditions: fencing and framing. In this study, the authors evaluated the role of a service firm’s environmentally friendly reputation under the conditions of fencing and framing. Results indicated that an environmentally friendly reputation only moderated the effect of framing on perceived fairness. In particular, when the firm had a poor reputation, framing as a discount rather than framing as a surcharge increased customers’ fairness perceptions. When the firm had a good reputation, however, customers’ perception of fairness did not differ across two framing conditions. The findings of this study help firms to understand how customers perceive fairness in revenue management practice.
Practical Recommendations for Maintaining Active Lifestyle during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bentlage Ellen , Ammar Achraf , How Daniella , Ahmed Mona , Trabelsi Khaled , Chtourou Hamdi , Brach Michael
Published: August 2020

Diminished volumes of habitual physical activity and increased sedentary levels have been observed as a result of COVID-19 home-confinement. Consequences of inactivity, including a higher mortality rate and poorer general health and fitness, have been reported. This systematic review aimed to provide practical recommendations for maintaining active lifestyles during pandemics. In May 2020, two electronic databases (PubMed; Web of Science) were used to search for relevant studies. A total of 1206 records were screened by two researchers. Thirty-one relevant studies were included in this systematic review, in which the methodological quality was assessed. With regard to six studies, which explicitly dealt with physical activity during COVID-19, the evidence level is classified by three articles to level II, and in the other three to level VI. Regarding the physical activity recommendations in these papers, three of them were classified to a medium, and the same number to a weak evidence base. Of the 25 papers which refer to other pandemics and/or isolation situations, one was classified to evidence level I, four were ranged to level II, three to level III, one to level V, and the others to level VI. This systematic review revealed that reduced physical activity levels are of serious concern during home confinement in pandemic times. The recommendations provided by many international organizations to maintain active lifestyles during these times mainly target the general population, with less consideration for vulnerable populations (e.g., older adults, people with health issues). Therefore, personalized and supervised physical activity programs are urgently needed, with the option to group-play physical activity programs (e.g., exergames). These can be assisted, delivered, and disseminated worldwide through information and communication technology solutions. If it is permitted and safe, being active outside in daylight is advised, with an effort level of mild to moderate using the rating of perceived exertion scale. Relaxation techniques should be integrated into the daily routine to reduce stress levels. On the evidence base and levels of the included articles in this review, the results need to be interpreted with caution. Given that policies are different across regions and countries, further research is needed to categorize recommendations according to different social-distancing scenarios.
Incident Reporting System in an Italian University Hospital: A New Tool for Improving Patient Safety
Authors: Ferorelli Davide , Solarino Biagio , Trotta Silvia , Mandarelli Gabriele , Tattoli Lucia , Stefanizzi Pasquale , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Tafuri Silvio , Zotti Fiorenza , Dell’Erba Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Clinical risk management constitutes a central element in the healthcare systems in relation to the reverberation that it establishes, and as regards the optimization of clinical outcomes for the patient. The starting point for a right clinical risk management is represented by the identification of non-conforming results. The aim of the study is to carry out a systematic analysis of all data received in the first three years of adoption of a reporting system, revealing the strengths and weaknesses. The results emerged showed an increasing trend in the number of total records. Notably, 86.0% of the records came from the medical category. Moreover, 41.0% of the records reported the possible preventive measures that could have averted the event and in 30% of the reports are hints to be put in place to avoid the repetition of the events. The second experimental phase is categorizing the events reported. Implementing the reporting system, it would guarantee a virtuous cycle of learning, training and reallocation of resources. By sensitizing health workers to a correct use of the incident reporting system, it could become a virtuous error learning system. All this would lead to a reduction in litigation and an implementation of the therapeutic doctor–patient alliance.
Health Behavior Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent “Stay-at-Home” Orders
Authors: Knell Gregory , Robertson Michael C. , Dooley Erin E. , Burford Katie , Mendez Karla S.
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, and resultant “Stay-at-Home” orders, may have impacted adults’ positive health behaviors (sleep, physical activity) and negative health behaviors (alcohol consumption, drug use, and tobacco use). The purpose of this study was to investigate how these health behaviors changed (increased/improved or decreased/worsened) at the early stages of the pandemic, what participant characteristics were associated with health behavior changes, and why these behavioral changes may have occurred. A convenience sample of 1809 adults residing in the United States completed a 15-min self-report questionnaire in April and May 2020. Multinomial logistic regressions and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate how, for whom, and why these health behaviors changed. Participants were primarily female (67.4%), aged 35–49 years (39.8%), college graduates (83.3%), non-tobacco users (74.7%), and had previously used marijuana (48.6%). Overall, participants primarily reported a decrease in physical activity, while sleep and all of the negative health behaviors remained the same. Changes in negative health behaviors were related (p < 0.05) to sex, age, parental status, educational status, job status, BMI, and depression scores. Changes in positive health behaviors were related (p < 0.05) to sex, parental status, job status, and depression scores. Having more time available during the pandemic was the most commonly cited reason for changing health behaviors (negative and positive). Public health efforts should address the potential for long-term health consequences due to behavior change during COVID-19.
Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress and α-Amylase in Saliva of Children Associated with a Tennis Competition
Authors: Giménez-Egido José María , Hernández-García Raquel , Escribano Damián , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Torres-Luque Gema , Ortega-Toro Enrique , Cerón José Joaquín
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the changes caused by a one-day tennis tournament in biomarkers of oxidative stress and α-amylase in saliva in children. The sample was 20 male active children with the following characteristics: (a) age of players = 9.46 ± 0.66 years; (b) weight = 34.8 ± 6.5 kg; (c) height = 136.0 ± 7.9 cm; (d) mean weekly training tennis = 2.9 ± 1.0 h. The tennis competition ran for one day, with four matches for each player. Data were taken from the average duration per match and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Four biomarkers of antioxidant status: uric acid (AU), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing ability of saliva (FRAS, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) as a biomarker of psychological stress were measured in saliva. The time points were baseline (at home before the tournament), pre-competition (immediately before the first match) and post-match (after each match) measurements. The four biomarkers of antioxidant status showed a similar dynamic with lower values at baseline and a progressive increase during the four matches. Overall one-day tennis competition in children showed a tendency to increase antioxidant biomarkers in saliva. In addition, there was an increase in pre-competition sAA possibly associated with psychological stress. Further studies about the possible physiological implications of these findings should be performed in the future.
The Association between Longest-Held Lifetime Occupation and Late-Life Cognitive Impairment: Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2016)
Authors: Kim Hye-Jin , Min Jin-Young , Min Kyoung-Bok
Published: August 2020

The association between longest-held lifetime occupation and late-life cognitive impairment: Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2016). Backgrounds: Our study hypothesized that occupation in adulthood may be one of the modifiable factors in cognitive performance. This follow-up study aimed to examine whether there was an association between the longest-held occupation in a lifetime and cognitive impairment. Methods: This study used data from the 2006, 2012, and 2016 waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, and a total of 1733 subjects aged over 65 were included. Longest-held occupation in a lifetime was classified into blue-collar, pink-collar, and white-collar. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: In males, no significant associations were observed. In females, on the contrary, risk of cognitive impairment in the blue-collar occupation was consistently higher than in the white-collar occupation over the 10-year follow-up (2006, OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.05–5.88; 2016, OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.02−4.65). Conclusions: Lifetime occupation should be taken into consideration in the process of screening for cognitive decline in the elderly, especially females. This study needs to be interpreted cautiously in view of inherent data and methodological limitations.
How Did Distribution Patterns of Particulate Matter Air Pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) Change in China during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Spatiotemporal Investigation at Chinese City-Level
Authors: Fan Zhiyu , Zhan Qingming , Yang Chen , Liu Huimin , Zhan Meng
Published: August 2020

Due to the suspension of traffic mobility and industrial activities during the COVID-19, particulate matter (PM) pollution has decreased in China. However, rarely have research studies discussed the spatiotemporal pattern of this change and related influencing factors at city-scale across the nation. In this research, the clustering patterns of the decline rates of PM2.5 and PM10 during the period from 20 January to 8 April in 2020, compared with the same period of 2019, were investigated using spatial autocorrelation analysis. Four meteorological factors and two socioeconomic factors, i.e., the decline of intra-city mobility intensity (dIMI) representing the effect of traffic mobility and the decline rates of the secondary industrial output values (drSIOV), were adopted in the regression analysis. Then, multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), a model allowing the particular processing scale for each independent variable, was applied for investigating the relationship between PM pollution reductions and influencing factors. For comparison, ordinary least square (OLS) regression and the classic geographically weighted regression (GWR) were also performed. The research found that there were 16% and 20% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration across China and significant PM pollution mitigation in central, east, and south regions of China. As for the regression analysis results, MGWR outperformed the other two models, with R2 of 0.711 and 0.732 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The results of MGWR revealed that the two socioeconomic factors had more significant impacts than meteorological factors. It showed that the reduction of traffic mobility caused more relative declines of PM2.5 in east China (e.g., cities in Jiangsu), while it caused more relative declines of PM10 in central China (e.g., cities in Henan). The reduction of industrial operation had a strong relationship with the PM10 drop in northeast China. The results are crucial for understanding how the decline pattern of PM pollution varied spatially during the COVID-19 outbreak, and it also provides a good reference for air pollution control in the future.
Prevalence of Hypoproteinemia and Hypoalbuminemia in Pregnant Women from Three Different Socioeconomic Populations
Authors: Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario , Agulló-Ortuño M. Teresa , de Dios-Aguado Mercedes , Ugarte-Gurrutxaga M. Idoia , Bouzas-Mosquera Carmen
Published: August 2020

Protein requirements of pregnant women are increased due to anatomical and physiological changes. However, optimal levels of plasma proteins do not receive adequate attention from health professionals and researchers. We aimed to evaluate the plasma protein status in pregnant women receiving care at health centers, with the intention of identifying potential deficiency states and their relationship with quality of life during pregnancy. This is a population-based, prospective, and observational study among a cohort of 215 pregnant women from three different socioeconomic areas (urban, semi-urban, and rural). Blood samples in the first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) trimester of pregnancy were obtained to quantify the proteins and albumin levels. Statically significant differences regarding the age of pregnant women (p = 0.002), education status (p = 0.034), and socioeconomic level (p = 0.000), were found among groups. Prevalence of protein and albumin deficits was much higher in women from rural and semi-urban areas than in women from urban areas (p = 0.001). Moreover, these deficits were associated with the appearance of edema. Plasma total protein deficit could be an undervalued public health problem in pregnant women receiving prenatal care that could affect the quality of life in the gestational period. It would be important to establish reference intervals for plasma protein monitoring in each trimester of pregnancy, and protein levels should be measured routinely throughout pregnancy.
Customer Restaurant Choice: An Empirical Analysis of Restaurant Types and Eating-Out Occasions
Authors: Chua Bee-Lia , Karim Shahrim , Lee Sanghyeop , Han Heesup
Published: August 2020

This study investigated restaurant customers’ perceived importance of key factors in accordance with dining occasions and restaurant segments. Our investigation into restaurant selection and situational factors present two types of empirical evidence regarding customers’ choice of restaurant. First, menu price was customers’ top priority in restaurant selections for full-service, quick-casual, and quick-service restaurants. Second, restaurant customers rated the importance level of restaurant selection criteria differently according to eating-out occasions. The importance of menu price was greatest for both quick meal/convenience and social occasion, brand reputation was the most important factor for business necessity, and word-of-mouth recommendation was greatest for celebration.
The Association between Parental Involvement Behavior and Self-Esteem among Adolescents Living in Poverty: Results from the K-CHILD Study
Authors: Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: August 2020

It is not yet known why some adolescents living in poverty show high self-esteem, while others do not. Parental involvement may be an important determinant to promote self-esteem among adolescents living in poverty. The aim of this study is to explore better parenting involvement behavior to promote self-esteem among adolescents living in poverty. Participants included fifth-, eighth-, and 11th-grade students living in Koichi prefecture, Japan. The participants were part of the Kochi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (K-CHILD) study, in 2016 (n = 10,784). Participants completed a questionnaire with questions about socioeconomic status and 14 parental involvement behaviors, including 9 specific kinds of parental interactions with their child (e.g., talking about school life), and 5 elements related to parental care for their child’s physical health (e.g., access to health care). The numbers of parental involvement behaviors, parental interactions with their child, and parental care for their child’s physical health were treated as continuous and quartile, to see the association. Overall, the study showed that the larger the number of parental involvement behaviors, the higher the self-esteem score of their off-spring (p < 0.01) among both adolescents living in poverty and not living in poverty, in which interaction between poverty and parental involvement behaviors was not significant. Both parental interaction with their child and parental care for their child’s physical health were associated with higher self-esteem, in which parental interaction with their child had a larger effect than parental care for their child’s physical health. To empower adolescents in poverty, caregivers need to provide both parental interaction with the child and parental care for the child’s physical health.
The Characteristic of Virulence, Biofilm and Antibiotic Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Wang Guoying , Zhao Guo , Chao Xiaoyu , Xie Longxiang , Wang Hongju
Published: August 2020

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of infectious diseases, including urinary tract infections, bacteremia, pneumonia, and liver abscesses. With the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP) strains, the rapid spread of these clinical strains in geography is particularly worrying. However, the detailed mechanisms of virulence and antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae are still not very clear. Therefore, studying and elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms and drug resistance mechanism of K. pneumoniae infection are important parts of current medical research. In this paper, we systematically summarized the virulence, biofilm, and antibiotic tolerance mechanisms of K. pneumoniae, and explored the application of whole genome sequencing and global proteomics, which will provide new clues for clinical treatment of K. pneumoniae.
Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Residents of Abandoned Metal Mines
Authors: Seo Jeong-wook , Hong Young-seoub
Published: August 2020

This study compares the heavy metal exposure levels of the population of abandoned metal mines, with high risks of environmental pollution and health effects. We used data from a two-stage abandoned metal mines survey (AMS, n = 4467). The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS) were used as general population data. Based on the sex and age distribution in the AMS, a simple random sampling was performed, so that the two datasets had the same distribution (KNHANES n = 1815, KNEHS n = 2328). Blood lead concentrations were slightly higher in the AMS than in KNEHS. Blood cadmium concentrations were similar between the two groups. However, the difference in urine cadmium concentrations was pronounced and statistically significant. Moreover, 30.6% of the AMS data for urine cadmium concentration exceeded the 95th percentile of the KNEHS data. The concentration of lead and cadmium in the residents of the abandoned metal mines, i.e., the vulnerable regions, was higher than that in the general population. It is necessary to monitor and manage the vulnerable regions via a more active and extensive survey system.
Natural Sweeteners: The Relevance of Food Naturalness for Consumers, Food Security Aspects, Sustainability and Health Impacts
Authors: Saraiva Ariana , Carrascosa Conrado , Raheem Dele , Ramos Fernando , Raposo António
Published: August 2020

At a moment when the population is increasingly aware and involved in what it eats, both consumers and the food sector are showing more interest in natural foods. This review work discusses, addresses and provides details of the most important aspects of consumer’s perceptions of and attitudes to natural foods and in-depth research into natural sweeteners. It also includes issues about their use and development as regards health impacts, food security and sustainability. In line with our main research outcome, we can assume that consumers are very keen on choosing foods with clean labelling, natural ingredients, preferably with other functional properties, without the loss of taste. In response to such a phenomenon, the food industry offers consumers alternative natural sweeteners with the advantage of added health benefits. It is noteworthy that Nature is a superb source of desirable substances, and many have a sweet taste, and many still need to be studied. Finally, we must stress that being natural does not necessarily guarantee market success.
Determinants of the Lifestyle Changes during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Residents of Northern Italy
Authors: Cancello Raffaella , Soranna Davide , Zambra Gaia , Zambon Antonella , Invitti Cecilia
Published: August 2020

Background: The confinement recommended during COVID-19 pandemic could affect behavior and health. Methods: We conducted a self-reported survey in northern Italy to observe the lockdown effects on lifestyle changes and to assess their determinants. Prevalence Odds Ratio and Prevalence Risk Ratio were determined. Results: 490 adults (84% female) completed the survey: 13% and 43% reported improved and unchanged sleep quality, respectively, while 43% had insomnia symptoms. Among the 272 active subjects in pre-lockdown, 14% continued habitual exercising, 18% increased it and 68% reduced it; 27% of sedentary subjects started physical exercise; 34% reported an improvement in diet quality; 42% increased food intake and 13% decreased it; and 38% of the smokers increased cigarette consumption. Age and the pre-lockdown habit of regular physical exercising were the mainly determinants of lifestyle changes whereas BMI, gender, and the presence of chronic diseases did not. Living with other people increased the likelihood of increasing the food intake (p = 0.002). Conclusions: More than a third of people were able to positively reorganize their lives during the forced home confinement. It is worth to disseminate information to preserve a healthy lifestyle even when confined at home.
Healthcare Professional and User Perceptions of eHealth Data and Record Privacy in Dubai
Authors: AlMarzooqi Fatima Mohamed , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad , AlQutob Raeda
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Dubai city made a significant leap forward, which aligns with the vision of leadership, in the region’s eHealth services by adopting a unified electronic medical record system across the country. Electronic medical records provide a better, more efficient standard of care and a vital database that will streamline the administrative process and promote better outcomes with less utilization of resources. Medical records form an essential part in patient management and include a variety of patient data information that might be sensitive. Therefore, the primary challenge is to maintain data privacy of the electronic medical records. Objective: Current studies to measure the user and health provider perceptions of electronic medical records data privacy are limited in the region. We aimed to investigate the perceptions of healthcare professionals and healthcare users toward electronic medical records and data privacy in eHealthcare facilities in Dubai. Methods: In this quantitative descriptive study, we explored the perceptions towards electronic medical records and data privacy using an online survey as a data collection tool. The dependent variables were the user and provider perceptions, while the independent variables included gender, nationality, income and age. A random sample of 201 eHealthcare facilities professionals and users was included. Results: The findings of the study revealed that most healthcare professionals and users agreed on the presence of good eHealth data protection practices and privacy principles in Dubai. There was a statistical correlation between the surveyed privacy practice perceptions and gender, nationality and income. However, age had no statistically significant association. Conclusions: These research findings can influence policymakers and stakeholders when developing electronic medical records and data privacy policies and guidelines across the United Arab Emirates’ healthcare facilities, in particular, during the implementation of unified electronic medical records. Future research could investigate the effect of the specific demographic variables on the perception of privacy among eHealthcare facility users that might influence electronic medical records and data privacy.
Microstructure Analysis and Strength Characterization of Recycled Base and Sub-Base Materials Using Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Imtiaz Tanvir , Ahmed Asif , Hossain MD Sahadat , Faysal Mohammad
Published: August 2020

The reuse of recycled crushed concrete aggregate (RCCA) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can provide a sustainable solution for the disposal of C&D waste materials instead of sending them to landfills. More importantly, it will conserve energy and reduce environmental concerns. Several states in the USA have been using RCCA and RAP as base materials for years, focusing on the quality of the recycled materials. The structure of Recycled Aggregate (RA) is more complex than that of Natural Aggregate (NA). RAs have old mortar adhered on them that forms a porous surface at the interfacial transition Zone (ITZ) and prevents new cement mix from bonding strongly with the aggregates. The objective of this study was to correlate microstructural properties such as microporosity, inter and intra aggregate pores with the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of RAP and RCCA molds, mixed at different proportions. In this paper, the quantity of micropores and their effect on the strength of mixed materials is used as the basis of microstructural analysis of recycled concrete and reclaimed asphalt. Microstructural properties obtained from analyzing scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were correlated with unconfined compressive strength. Intra-aggregate and interaggregate pores were studied for different ratios of cement treated mixture of RAP and RCCA. The results show that addition of RAP considerably increases the number of pores in the mixture, which eventually causes reduction in unconfined compressive strength. In addition, significant morphological and textural changes of recycled aggregates were observed by SEM image analysis.
Unexpected Association of Desacyl-Ghrelin with Physical Activity and Chronic Food Restriction: A Translational Study on Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Duriez Philibert , Robichon Lauralee , Dardennes Roland , Lavoisy Guillaume , Grouselle Dominique , Epelbaum Jacques , Ramoz Nicolas , Gorwood Philip , Tolle Virginie , Viltart Odile
Published: August 2020

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe metabopsychiatric disorder characterised by caloric intake restriction and often excessive physical exercise. Our aim is to assess in female AN patients and in a rodent model, the co-evolution of physical activity and potential dysregulation of acyl—(AG) and desacyl—(DAG) ghrelin plasma concentrations during denutrition and weight recovery. AN inpatients were evaluated at inclusion (T0, n = 29), half—(T1) and total (T2) weight recovery, and one month after discharge (T3, n = 13). C57/Bl6 mice with access to a running wheel, were fed ad libitum or submitted to short—(15 days) or long—(50 days) term quantitative food restriction, followed by refeeding (20 days). In AN patients, AG and DAG rapidly decreased during weight recovery (T0 to T2), AG increased significantly one-month post discharge (T3), but only DAG plasma concentrations at T3 correlated negatively with BMI and positively with physical activity. In mice, AG and DAG both increased during short- and long-term food restriction. After 20 days of ad libitum feeding, DAG was associated to persistence of exercise alteration. The positive association of DAG with physical activity during caloric restriction and after weight recovery questions its role in the adaptation mechanisms to energy deprivation that need to be considered in recovery process in AN.
Role of Transverse Shear Modulus in the Performance of Corrugated Materials
Authors: Garbowski Tomasz , Gajewski Tomasz , Grabski Jakub Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

In a description of materials for orthotropic panels with a soft and/or corrugated core, it is important to correctly determine all constitutive parameters. In laboratory practice, the determination of transverse shear modulus is often overlooked. This paper presents a method for determining this property based on a plate torsion test and a correctly formulated analytical description. It has been proved that the transverse shear effect in some cases cannot be omitted because it significantly influences the mechanical behavior of corrugated board. The method of transverse shear modeling used so far can be modified to eliminate dimensionless, physically unjustified coefficient and replace them with coefficients that have a physical basis. It is shown here that such modification leads to results with lower error. The effective modeling of transverse shear effects enables a more conscious design of corrugated board structures, where the final goal is to obtain packaging with high strength and durability but low material consumption.