ALBERT

Description: Stunting is highly prevalent in Indonesian children. The objective of this study was to identify the associations of stunting with morbidity, parental education and socioeconomic status (SES) in Indonesian children. The study population was part of the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS). A total of 2236 Indonesian children aged 0.5 to 12 years, who had participated in the SEANUTS, were included in this study. Stunting was defined as height for age Z-score (HAZ) ≤ −2 using WHO criteria and severe stunting as HAZ ≤ −3. Information on morbidity, parental education and family SES were collected by structured questionnaires. ANOVA was used for evaluating differences across groups, with or without correction for confounders. The results showed that the overall prevalence of stunting was 31.4%. HAZ in stunted children was associated with disease incidence, including frequency, parental education and family income. There were no significant differences in HAZ values in stunted children with one or more bouts of infectious, digestive tract or respiratory tract illnesses compared to stunted children with no reported illness. The prevalence of stunting in Indonesian children was high and was strongly associated with child morbidity, parental education and SES.

Description: Background: In Spain, colorectal cancer screening using the fecal occult blood test, targeted towards the 50–69 age bracket, was implemented on different dates. We aim to assess the temporal trend of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake according to the year of screening implementation in each region and to identify predictors for the uptake of CRC screening. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 12,657 participants from the Spanish National Health Surveys 2011 and 2017 was used. Uptake rates were analyzed according to the date that the screening program was implemented. Results: For regions with programs implemented before 2011, the uptake rate increased 3.34-fold from 2011 to 2017 (9.8% vs. 32.7%; p 〈 0.001). For regions that implemented screening within the 2011–2016 period, the uptake rose from 4.3% to 13.2% (3.07-fold; p 〈 0.001), and for regions that implemented screening after 2016, the uptake increased from 3.4% to 8.8% (2.59-fold; p 〈 0.001). For the entire Spanish population, the uptake increased 3.21-fold (6.8% vs. 21.8%; p 〈 0.001). Positive predictors for uptake were older age, Spanish nationality, middle-to-high educational level, suffering chronic diseases, non-smoking and living in regions where screening programs were implemented earlier. Conclusions: The different periods for the implementation of CRC screening as well as sociodemographic and health inequalities may have limited the improvement in the screening uptake from 2011 to 2017 in Spain.

Description: Ice accretion is a phenomenon whereby super-cooled water droplets impinge and accrete on wall surfaces. It is well known that the icing may cause severe accidents via the deformation of airfoil shape and the shedding of the growing adhered ice. To prevent ice accretion, electro-thermal heaters have recently been implemented as a de- and anti-icing device for aircraft wings. In this study, an icing simulation method for a two-dimensional airfoil with a heating surface was developed by modifying the extended Messinger model. The main modification is the computation of heat transfer from the airfoil wall and the run-back water temperature achieved by the heater. A numerical simulation is conducted based on an Euler–Lagrange method: a flow field around the airfoil is computed by an Eulerian method and droplet trajectories are computed by a Lagrangian method. The wall temperature distribution was validated by experiment. The results of the numerical and practical experiments were in reasonable agreement. The ice shape and aerodynamic performance of a NACA 0012 airfoil with a heater on the leading-edge surface were computed. The heating area changed from 1% to 10% of the chord length with a four-degree angle of attack. The simulation results reveal that the lift coefficient varies significantly with the heating area: when the heating area was 1.0% of the chord length, the lift coefficient was improved by up to 15%, owing to the flow separation instigated by the ice edge; increasing the heating area, the lift coefficient deteriorated, because the suction peak on the suction surface was attenuated by the ice formed. When the heating area exceeded 4.0% of the chord length, the lift coefficient recovered by up to 4%, because the large ice near the heater vanished. In contrast, the drag coefficient gradually decreased as the heating area increased. The present simulation method using the modified extended Messinger model is more suitable for de-icing simulations of both rime and glaze ice conditions, because it reproduces the thin ice layer formed behind the heater due to the runback phenomenon.

Description: While food insecurity (FI) has been extensively studied in many countries, there have been few empirical contributions in Poland to date. The main objective of our research was to identify the socio-demographic factors affecting the risk of FI in Poland within 2014–2019. Moreover, we aimed to examine the effects of the family-oriented social program “Family 500+” by comparing the situation in various types of households with children a few years before and after the program was launched. The analysis was based on the set of eight-item FI indicators adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization using the Gallup World Poll nationally representative survey data. Based on our results the most vulnerable groups in the context of FI were identified. We confirmed the importance of education, gender, age, marital status, household composition, status of employment and income in preventing FI. The effectiveness of the support program in reducing FI was demonstrated as households with at least three children experienced significant improvement in the FI status during the studied years. These findings should be especially important in the context of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI. As FI can affect the quality and quantity of food choices it is associated with a poorer health status, which increases the risk of infection, including COVID-19, and worsens recovery prognosis. Planning an efficient response to the pandemic requires a comprehension of the increased risk of exposure experienced by people, especially those who are food insecure.

Description: In 2017, the Government of Mozambique declared localized acute malnutrition crises in a range of districts across Mozambique including Cabo Delgado. This is in spite of intensive efforts by different non-governmental organizations (NGO) and the Government of Mozambique to expand access to information on good nutritional practices as well as promote nutrition-specific interventions, such as cooking demonstrations, home gardens and the distribution of micronutrient powder to children. This paper examines and discusses key nutritional influences on the health of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique. We conducted 21 key informant interviews (KIIs) with a wide range of stakeholders and 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with women. In addition, we conducted four focus group discussions with each of the following groups: (1) pregnant adolescent girls, (2) pregnant women 〉20 yrs, (3) women 〉20 yrs with babies 20 yrs of children

Description: Environmental protection and sustainable development have become an inevitable trend in many areas, including the energy industry. The development of energy supply networks is strongly correlated with the economics of energy sources as well as ecological and socio-political issues. However, the energy supply network is often distant from the social perspective. This paper therefore combines examination of perceptions and awareness of general public (web-based questionnaire) and top energy experts (a Delphi survey) on the energy supply network and identifies their potential integration in energy supply decision making processes. The results showed that public should be better informed as well as integrated into designing energy supply network as the prosumers gain power and the energy suppliers will no longer dominate the market. Public actors are ready to shape sustainable energy supply and also willing to pay 5.8% more for a sustainable energy supply. The majority are prepared to invest in renewable energy supply network close to their place of residence. Another result is that the public is calling for a shift in priority towards more sustainable and socially friendlier energy supply rather than focusing mainly on the economic and technical perspectives.

Description: Knowledge gaps remain regarding the cardiorespiratory impacts of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the general population. This study identified contributing sources to ambient VOCs and estimated the short-term effects of VOC apportioned sources on daily emergency hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory diseases in Hong Kong from 2011 to 2014. We estimated VOC source contributions using fourteen organic chemicals by positive matrix factorization. Then, we examined the associations between the short-term exposure to VOC apportioned sources and emergency hospital admissions for cause-specific cardiorespiratory diseases using generalized additive models with polynomial distributed lag models while controlling for meteorological and co-pollutant confounders. We identified six VOC sources: gasoline emissions, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage, aged VOCs, architectural paints, household products, and biogenic emissions. We found that increased emergency hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were positively linked to ambient VOCs from gasoline emissions (excess risk (ER%): 2.1%; 95% CI: 0.9% to 3.4%), architectural paints (ER%: 1.5%; 95% CI: 0.2% to 2.9%), and household products (ER%: 1.5%; 95% CI: 0.2% to 2.8%), but negatively associated with biogenic VOCs (ER%: −6.6%; 95% CI: −10.4% to −2.5%). Increased congestive heart failure admissions were positively related to VOCs from architectural paints and household products in cold seasons. This study suggested that source-specific VOCs might trigger the exacerbation of cardiorespiratory diseases.

Description: Although fatigue usually goes unnoticed, it is a symptom that poses great challenges to patients with fibromyalgia and is a strong limitation. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the variables involved in fatigue in nine different situations of the Goal Pursuit Questionnaire (GPQ) that may occur in the daily lives of women with fibromyalgia, according to an ABC (Antecedents–Behaviors–Consequences) model. This study followed a qualitative descriptive research method and a deductive–inductive hybrid approach based on a phenomenological paradigm. Twenty-six women with fibromyalgia participated in focus group discussions between February and March of 2018. Thematic content analysis was carried out from transcribed verbatim interviews. We identified nine major themes that emerged from the participants’ conversations: self-imposed duties, muscle fatigue, overwhelming feeling of tiredness, difficulty thinking, difficulty concentrating, negative emotions, lifestyle changes, affected everyday activities, and lack of motivation for daily activities and social interactions. We conclude that the ABC model allowed certain elements to emerge regarding the fatigue experience, highlighting its importance as a symptom in fibromyalgia. This additional analysis of the ABC model showed that fatigue can be described through the 4 U’s Rule, which is integrated by these four adjectives: (1) Unpredictable, (2) Uncontrollable, (3) Unseen, and (4) Unintelligible. Identifying these characteristics can contribute to a better understanding of fibromyalgia in addition to better treatment for these patients.

Description: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a global public health concern, may lead to death and major disability. While various short-term, small-sample, and cross-sectional studies on TBI have been conducted in South Korea, there is a lack of clarity on the nationwide longitudinal TBI trends in the country. This retrospective study investigated the epidemiological TBI trends in South Korea, using a population-based dataset of the National Health Insurance (2008–2017). The crude and age adjusted TBI incidence and mortality values were calculated and stratified by age, sex, and TBI diagnosis. The age-adjusted incidence per 100,000 people increased until 2010 and showed a decreasing trend (475.8 cases in 2017) thereafter; however, a continuously decreasing age-adjusted mortality trend was observed (42.9 cases in 2008, 11.3 in 2017). The crude incidence rate increased continually in those aged 〉70 years across all the TBI diagnostic categories. The mortality per 100,000 people was significantly higher among participants aged ≥70 years than in the other age groups. We observed changing trends in the TBI incidence, with a continuously decreasing overall incidence and a rapidly increasing incidence and high mortality values in older adults. Our findings highlight the importance of active TBI prevention in elderly people.

Description: Little is known regarding the neuroanatomical correlates of patients with deficit schizophrenia or persistent negative symptoms. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to determine whether patients with deficit schizophrenia have characteristic brain abnormalities. We searched PubMed, CINAHL and Ovid to identify studies that examined the various regions of interest amongst patients with deficit schizophrenia, patients with non-deficit schizophrenia and healthy controls. A total of 24 studies met our inclusion criteria. A random-effects model was used to calculate a combination of outcome measures, and heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q statistic. Our findings suggested that there was statistically significant reduction in grey matter volume (−0.433, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.853 to −0.014, p = 0.043) and white matter volume (−0.319, 95% CI: −0.619 to −0.018, p = 0.038) in patients with deficit schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. There is also statistically significant reduction in total brain volume (−0.212, 95% CI: −0.384 to −0.041, p = 0.015) and white matter volume (−0.283, 95% CI: −0.546 to −0.021, p = 0.034) in patients with non-deficit schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. Between patients with deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia, there were no statistically significant differences in volumetric findings across the various regions of interest.

Description: The purpose of the current study is to analyze the relationships between physical fitness, selective attention, and academic performance in pre-teens. The sample here consists of 135 participants between the ages of 10 and 12 (M = 11.05; SD = 0.61), with 39.26% female (n = 53) and 60.74% male (n = 82) participants. Horizontal and vertical jump distances, speed, and cardio-respiratory fitness were evaluated to assess physical fitness. The d2 Test of Attention was used to evaluate selective attention. In addition, data were obtained regarding participant academic performance by analyzing the academic performance. The results show significant relationships between the measures analyzed, highlighting positive associations between physical fitness, cognitive functioning, and academic performance. Thus, participants who were fitter scored better on tests of attention (Z133 = −4.07; p 〈 0.00007, Cohen’s d = 0.75, 95% CI (0.39, 1.11)) and concentration (t133 = −3.84; p 〈 0.0007, Cohen’s d = 0.69, 95% CI (0.33, 1.05)), as well as having higher academic performance (Z133 = −2.84; p 〈 0.0035, Cohen’s d = 0.39, 95% CI (0.04, 0.75)). Cardiorespiratory fitness was the measure of physical fitness that best explained these relationships. The results suggest that maintaining and improving the physical fitness of children and adolescents may help their brain function develop better.

Description: Failures of marine propulsion components or systems can lead to serious consequences for a vessel, cargo and the people onboard a ship. These consequences can be financial losses, delay in delivery time or a threat to safety of the people onboard. This is why it is necessary to learn about marine propulsion failures in order to prevent worst-case scenarios. This paper aims to provide a review of experimental, analytical and numerical methods used in the failure analysis of ship propulsion systems. In order to achieve that, the main causes and failure mechanisms are described and summarized. Commonly used experimental, numerical and analytical tools for failure analysis are given. Most indicative case studies of ship failures describe where the origin of failure lies in the ship propulsion failures (i.e., shaft lines, crankshaft, bearings, foundations). In order to learn from such failures, a holistic engineering approach is inevitable. This paper tries to give suggestions to improve existing design procedures with a goal of producing more reliable propulsion systems and taking care of operational conditions.

Description: In this study, the environmental impacts of various alternative ship fuels for a coastal ferry were assessed by the life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis. The comparative study was performed with marine gas oil (MGO), natural gas, and hydrogen with various energy sources for a 12,000 gross tonne (GT) coastal ferry operating in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Considering the energy imports of ROK, i.e., MGO from Saudi Arabia and natural gas from Qatar, these countries were chosen to provide the MGO and the natural gas for the LCA. The hydrogen is considered to be produced by steam methane reforming (SMR) from natural gas with hard coal, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and electricity in the ROK model. The lifecycles of the fuels were analyzed in classifications of Well-to- Tank, Tank-to-Wake, and Well-to-Wake phases. The environmental impacts were provided in terms of global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), photochemical potential (POCP), eutrophication potential (EP), and particulate matter (PM). The results showed that MGO and natural gas cannot be used for ships to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 GHG regulation. Moreover, it was pointed out that the energy sources in SMR are important contributing factors to emission levels. The paper concludes with suggestions for a hydrogen application plan for ships from small, nearshore ships in order to truly achieve a ship with zero emissions based on the results of this study.

Description: We compared the catalytic effects of two polymers (soluble starch and apple pectin) on the flocculation of kaolinite suspension. Moreover, the relationship between the zeta potential value and the time when kaolin particle sedimentation occurred was verified, and the mechanism of flocculation was analyzed. Additionally, a constitutive model was proposed to simulate the non-ideal sedimentation of clay particles in an aqueous system under constant gravity. This model not only considers the inhomogeneity of the solute but also simulates the change in clay concentration with time during the deposition process. This model proposes a decay constant (α) and sedimentation coefficient (s). The model can also be used to calculate the instantaneous sedimentation rate of the clay suspensions at any time and any depth for the settling cylinder. These sedimentary characteristics were simulated by adopting the established deposition model. The results show that the model is capable of predicting the time required for the complete sedimentation of particles in the aqueous system, suggesting the feasibility of engineering wastewater treatment, site dredging, etc.

Description: Dense β-SiC coating with 3C-structure was utilized as a dry cold forging punch and core-die. Pure titanium T328H wires of industrial grade II were employed as a work material. No adhesion or galling of metallic titanium was detected on the contact interface between this β-SiC die and titanium work, even after this continuous forging process, up to a reduction in thickness by 70%. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDX (Electron Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) were utilized to analyze this contact interface. A very thin titanium oxide layer was in situ formed in the radial direction from the center of the contact interface. Isolated carbon from β-SiC agglomerated and distributed in dots at the center of the initial contact interface. Raman spectroscopy was utilized, yielding the discovery that this carbon is unbound as a free carbon or not bound in SiC or TiC and that intermediate titanium oxides are formed with TiO2 as a tribofilm.

Description: The manufacturing of parts from nickel-based superalloy Alloy 247LC by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is challenging, primarily owing to the alloy’s susceptibility to cracks. Apart from the cracks, voids created during the L-PBF process should also be minimized to produce dense parts. In this study, samples of Alloy 247LC were manufactured by L-PBF, several of which could be produced with voids and crack density close to zero. A statistical design of experiments was used to evaluate the influence of the process parameters, namely laser power, scanning speed, and hatch distance (inherent to the volumetric energy density) on void formation, crack density, and microhardness of the samples. The window of process parameters, in which minimum voids and/or cracks were present, was predicted. It was shown that the void content increased steeply at a volumetric energy density threshold below 81 J/mm3. The crack density, on the other hand, increased steeply at a volumetric energy density threshold above 163 J/mm3. The microhardness displayed a relatively low value in three samples which displayed the lowest volumetric energy density and highest void content. It was also observed that two samples, which displayed the highest volumetric energy density and crack density, demonstrated a relatively high microhardness; which could be a vital evidence in future investigations to determine the fundamental mechanism of cracking. The laser power was concluded to be the strongest and statistically most significant process parameter that influenced void formation and microhardness. The interaction of laser power and hatch distance was the strongest and most significant factor that influenced the crack density.

Description: Laser-based technologies are extensively used for polymer surface patterning and/or texturing. Different micro- and nanostructures can be obtained thanks to a wide range of laser types and beam parameters. Cell behavior on various types of materials is an extensively investigated phenomenon in biomedical applications. Polymer topography such as height, diameter, and spacing of the patterning will cause different cell responses, which can also vary depending on the utilized cell types. Structurization can highly improve the biological performance of the material without any need for chemical modification. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of CO2 laser irradiation of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) thin films on the surface microhardness, roughness, wettability, and cytocompatibility. The conducted testing showed that CO2 laser texturing of PLLA provides the ability to adjust the structural and physical properties of the PLLA surface to the requirements of the cells despite significant changes in the mechanical properties of the laser-treated surface polymer.

Description: Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and about 90% of cervical cancer can be reduced by regular screening. The Pap smear has been well in place as a primary cervical screening method since 1950s; however, coverage is still not optimal. This study explored the feasibility of HPV self-sampling in two under-screened population groups in Hong Kong (HK): never screened and not regularly screened females, to estimate the uptake rate and preference rate in the future. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study to explore the acceptability and feasibility of HPV self-sampling in two age groups: aged 25–35 and aged ≥45, which were reported as the highest proportion of the under-screened population in HK between 2017 and 2018. The study invited eligible women from an HPV study cohort to perform HPV self-sampling at home by themselves. The number of specimens returned from participants was recorded and used to determine the feasibility of HPV self-sampling in the community. The participants were asked to fill in the questionnaires before and after HPV self-sampling to indicate their attitudes, acceptability, and future preference for HPV self-sampling as an acceptable alternative primary cervical cancer screening method. Results: A total of 177 subjects participated in the present study and have achieved a good overall uptake rate of 73% (129/177) who returned the self-collected cervicovaginal sample for HPV testing. Among the under-screened population, there was a higher response rate in aged ≥45 than those aged 25–35. The findings also revealed that women who were under-screened, including those who have never been screened, were more likely to prefer HPV self-sampling than those who had regular screening. This study found that the acceptability of HPV self-sampling was fairly positive among the respondents. The findings also indicated that HPV self-sampling was not only beneficial to enhance their health awareness but also to promote the cervical cancer screening uptake rate, especially among the under-screened or never screened populations. Conclusions: HPV self-sampling would be a solution to overcome the perceived barriers in clinician-based screening. The findings also indicated that it could be feasible to use as an alternative primary cervical cancer screening.

Description: Public health recommendations and governmental measures during the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have enforced numerous restrictions on daily living including social distancing, isolation, and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to mitigate spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on psychosocial health is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched in April 2020 to elucidate the behavioral and lifestyle consequences of COVID-19 restrictions. This report presents the preliminary results from more than one thousand responders on social participation and life satisfaction. Methods: Thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia, and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, in 7 languages (English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and Slovenian). Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “before” and “during” confinement conditions. Results: 1047 participations (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%), and others (3%) were included in the analysis. Findings revealed psychosocial strain during the enforced COVID-19 home confinement. Large decreases (p 〈 0.001) in the amount of social activity through family (−58%), friends/neighbors (−44.9%), or entertainment (−46.7%) were triggered by the enforced confinement. These negative effects on social participation were also associated with lower life satisfaction (−30.5%) during the confinement period. Conversely, the social contact score through digital technologies significantly increased (p 〈 0.001) during the confinement period with more individuals (+24.8%) being socially connected through digital technology. Conclusion: These preliminary findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the early COVID-19 home confinement period in 2020. Therefore, in order to mitigate the negative psychosocial effects of home confinement, implementation of national strategies focused on promoting social inclusion through a technology-based solution is strongly suggested.

Description: The study portrays the social and health care master’s students’ (N = 19) perceptions on the changes in work practices due to digitalisation, with a special focus on online counselling. Furthermore, the data include thoughts on the impact digitalised interaction, i.e., online counselling, has on their work and professional identities. The students studied how the motivational interviewing method combined with a solution-focused counselling approach is applicable in online settings by using simulation pedagogy. The data consisted of students’ learning diaries. Furthermore, the data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The results show that the digitalisation of work practices demands blended professionalism, which allows the professional to work both face-to-face and online with clients. In addition, the education of social and health care professionals needs to address the lack of competences and skills in digitalised work practices and provide a conceptual and practical understanding of blended professionalism in the sector.

Description: In Japan’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), virus testing was limited to symptomatic patients due to limited capacity, resulting in uncertainty regarding the spread of infection and the appropriateness of countermeasures. System dynamic modelling, comprised of stock flow and infection modelling, was used to describe regional population dynamics and estimate assumed region-specific transmission rates. The estimated regional transmission rates were then mapped against actual patient data throughout the course of the interventions. This modelling, together with simulation studies, demonstrated the effectiveness of inbound traveler quarantine and resident self-isolation policies and practices. A causal loop approach was taken to link societal factors to infection control measures. This causal loop modelling suggested that the only effective measure against COVID-19 transmission in the Japanese context was intervention in the early stages of the outbreak by national and regional governments, and no social self-strengthening dynamics were demonstrated. These findings may contribute to an understanding of how social resilience to future infectious disease threats can be developed.

Description: This study examined postural control during single leg stance test with progressively increased balance-task difficulty in soccer players with unilateral transfemoral amputation (n = 11) compared to able-bodied soccer players (n = 11). The overall stability index (OSI), the anterior/posterior stability index, and the medial/lateral stability index during three balance tasks with increasing surface instability were estimated. The oculomotor and visuomotor contribution to postural control in disabled athletes was analyzed. Oculomotor function, simple and choice reaction times, and peripheral perception were assessed in a series of visuomotor tests. The variation in OSI demonstrated significantly greater increases during postural tests with increased balance-task difficulty in the able-bodied soccer players compared to amputees (F(2,40) = 3.336, p 〈 0.05). Ocular mobility index correlated (p 〈 0.05) with OSI in conditions of increasing balance-task difficulty. Moreover, speed of eye-foot reaction has positive influence (p 〈 0.05) on stability indexes in tasks with an unstable surface. Amputee soccer players displayed comparable postural stability to able-bodied soccer players. Disabled athletes had better adaptability in restoring a state of balance in conditions of increased balance-task difficulty than the controls. The speed of visuomotor processing, characterized mainly by speed of eye-foot reaction, significantly contributed to these results.

Description: Families play an important role in helping teenagers avoid using tobacco, cannabis, and opioids, but some parents may underestimate the risk of their children using those substances. This study aimed to determine parents’ perceived likelihood of their child initiating tobacco, cannabis, and opioid use, as well as the control they have in preventing their child from using those substances. We surveyed 427 parents of children aged 0–18 years old using the online Amazon Mechanical Turk platform in the spring of 2019. We measured participants’ perceived likelihood of their child initiating tobacco, cannabis, or opioid use before the age of 18 compared to other children, using a five-point Likert scale. This perceived likelihood was dichotomized between optimistic (less likely than average) and non-optimistic (average or more likely than average). Independent variables included parental tobacco use, perceived parental control, and perceived severity of the behavior. Participants with missing data and participants with children who had already initiated substance use were excluded from statistical analyses. Mean age of participants was 38.1 years (Standard Deviation 8.4); 67% were female. Level of parental optimism was 59% for cannabis, 77% for tobacco, and 82% for opioids. Perceived severity was significantly lower for cannabis use (71/100) than tobacco (90/100) and opioid use (92/100) (p 〈 0.001). Current smokers were less likely than never smokers to be optimistic about their child’s risk of initiating using tobacco (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 0.18 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.10–0.34]) or cannabis (AOR: 0.21 [95% CI 0.12–0.38]). Parental perceived likelihood of a child initiating substance use represents an understudied and potential target for substance use prevention.

Description: Recent evidence suggests that traffic noise may negatively impact mental health. However, existing systematic reviews provide an incomplete overview of the effects of all traffic noise sources on mental health. We conducted a systematic literature search and summarized the evidence for road, railway, or aircraft noise-related risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and dementia among adults. We included 31 studies (26 on depression and/or anxiety disorders, 5 on dementia). The meta-analysis of five aircraft noise studies found that depression risk increased significantly by 12% per 10 dB LDEN (Effect Size = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.23). The meta-analyses of road (11 studies) and railway traffic noise (3 studies) indicated 2–3% (not statistically significant) increases in depression risk per 10 dB LDEN. Results for road traffic noise related anxiety were similar. We did not find enough studies to meta-analyze anxiety and railway or aircraft noise, and dementia/ cognitive impairment and any traffic noise. In conclusion, aircraft noise exposure increases the risk for depression. Otherwise, we did not detect statistically significant risk increases due to road and railway traffic noise or for anxiety. More research on the association of cognitive disorders and traffic noise is required. Public policies to reduce environmental traffic noise might not only increase wellness (by reducing noise-induced annoyance), but might contribute to the prevention of depression and anxiety disorders.

Description: The primary purpose of this study was to describe obesity, body composition, convenience food consumption, physical activity, and muscle strength among Asian American youth compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The secondary purpose was to examine whether obesity, body composition, convenience food consumption, physical activity, and muscle strength differed by acculturation levels among Asian American youth. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from 12,763 children aged 2 to 17 years that participated in the 2011–2018 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the NHANES interview, acculturation, dietary behavior, and physical activity questionnaires were administered. The acculturation level was indicated by the language spoken at home. In the NHANES examination, anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and muscle strength assessments were conducted. Compared to non-Hispanic White American boys, Asian American boys had similar levels of obesity, central obesity, and fat mass. Among the five racial/ethnic groups examined, lean body mass, muscle mass, convenience food consumption, and daily physical activity were the lowest in the Asian group. More acculturated Asian American boys, but not girls, were more likely to be obese (OR = 3.28 (1.63, 6.60)). More acculturated Asian American youth more frequently consumed convenience food (1.4 more meals/month (1.2, 1.6)). This study highlights the obesity problem among Asian American boys, which worsens with acculturation to America. The study results also suggest that although Asian American youth consume less convenience food overall than non-Hispanic White American youth, increasing acculturation may negatively influence food choices.

Description: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic spreading worldwide, and Italy represented the first European country involved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) facing COVID-19 pandemic represented an at-risk population for new psychosocial COVID-19 strain and consequent mental health symptoms. The aim of the present study was to identify the possible impact of working contextual and personal variables (age, gender, working position, years of experience, proximity to infected patients) on professional quality of life, represented by compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout, and secondary traumatization (ST), in HCWs facing COVID-19 emergency. Further, two multivariable linear regression analyses were fitted to explore the association of mental health selected outcomes, anxiety and depression, with some personal and working characteristics that are COVID-19-related. A sample of 265 HCWs of a major university hospital in central Italy was consecutively recruited at the outpatient service of the Occupational Health Department during the acute phase of COVID-19 pandemic. HCWs were assessed by Professional Quality of Life-5 (ProQOL-5), the Nine-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Seven-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) to evaluate, respectively, CS, burnout, ST, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Females showed higher ST than males, while frontline staff and healthcare assistants reported higher CS rather than second-line staff and physicians, respectively. Burnout and ST, besides some work or personal variables, were associated to depressive or anxiety scores. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a new working challenge for HCWs and intervention strategies to prevent burnout and ST to reduce the risk of adverse mental health outcomes are needed.

Description: The aim of this study was to identify a best practice method to cost the health benefits of active transport for use in infrastructure planning in New South Wales, Australia. We systematically reviewed the international literature covering the concept areas of active transport and cost and health benefits. Original publications describing a method to cost the health benefits of active transport, published in 2000–2019 were included. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed against criteria identified in interviews with key government stakeholders. A total of 2993 studies were identified, 53 were assessed for eligibility, and 19 were included in the review. The most commonly studied active transport modes were cycling (n = 8) and walking and cycling (n = 6). Exposures considered were physical activity, road transport related injuries and air pollution. The most often applied economic evaluation method was cost benefit analysis (n = 8), and costs were commonly calculated by monetising health outcomes. Based on evaluation of models against the criteria, a Multistate Life Table model was recommended as the best method currently available. There is strong and increasing interest in quantifying and costing the health benefits of active transport internationally. Incorporating health-related economic benefits into existing regulatory processes such as cost benefit analyses could provide an effective way to encourage the non-health sector to include health impacts in infrastructure measures.

Description: Rescue workers present an elevated risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recently, research has begun to focus on coping styles and social support as protective factors in this population. Associations in the particular group of search and rescue dog handlers still lack evidence. The aim of the study is to investigate if functional cognitions and social support also decrease the risk for PTSD. Active voluntary rescue dog handlers (n = 116) rated levels of resilience, sense of coherence, and social acknowledgment (SAQ; subscales general disapproval, familial disapproval, recognition), in addition to a trauma checklist and PTSD symptoms. Linear regression analyses and two different graph models were calculated to explore associations, as well as potential pathways. Controlling for trauma exposure, the SAQ general disapproval emerged as the only significant predictor in the regression model. In the graph models, SAQ familial disapproval was linked to SAQ recognition and SAQ general disapproval. The latter, together with a sense of coherence manageability, affected PTSD re-experiencing symptoms through resilience. The findings are in line with earlier work. The study underlines the importance of targeting resilience and manageability, as well as enhancing social support in prevention programs for PTSD in canine search and rescue teams. Future research is warranted to further investigate model stability and replicate findings.

Description: Strokes are a time-dependent medical emergency. The training of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals is essential to ensure the activation of stroke codes with pre-notification, as well as a rapid transfer to achieve early therapy. New assessment scales for the detection of patients with suspected large vessel occlusion ensures earlier access to endovascular therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on an online training intervention focused on the Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) scoring of EMS professionals based on the prehospital stroke code in Catalonia from 2014 to 2018 in a pre–post intervention study. All Catalonian EMS professionals and the clinical records from primary stroke patients were included. The Kirkpatrick model guided the evaluation of the intervention. Data were collected on the knowledge on stroke recognition and management, pre-notification compliance, activated stroke codes and time performance of EMS professionals. Knowledge improved significatively in most items and across all categories, reaching a global achievement of 82%. Pre-notification compliance also improved significantly and remained high in the long-term. Increasingly higher notification of RACE scores were recorded from 60% at baseline to 96.3% in 2018, and increased on-site clinical care time and global time were also observed. Therefore, the online training intervention was effective for increasing EMS professionals’ knowledge and pre-notification compliance upon stroke code activation, and the wide adoption of a new prehospital scale for the assessment of stroke severity (i.e., the RACE scale) was achieved.

Description: A substantial amount of attention has been devoted towards the potential sport legacy of the Olympic Games. In spite of the increasing academic interest in this topic, there is a knowledge gap as far as sport legacy is concerned by types of different sports. The authors bridge this gap by analysing the evolution of 43 different Olympic/Paralympic sport modalities in the two-year period after the London 2012 Olympics. By using data from the Active People Survey with a sample of 165,000 people annually, and considering some demographic variables and the effect of the economic environment, the paper aims to test the existence of a sport legacy. We have applied time series analysis and ARIMA models for controlling for economic influence and seasonal adjustment and for making comparisons among participation rates. The results show, for the total of the sports analysed, that there were 336,000 individuals who increased their frequency of participation, while there was no significant increase in the number of new participants in these sports. When we develop the analysis for types of sports, London 2012 is positively associated not only with the frequency of participation in some types of sport but also with an increase in the number of new sport participants. Gender and age differences are also detected. The results show the differences of sport legacy by type of sports. Moreover, this research has elucidated an important unrecognised aspect of the effect of the Olympic Games and perhaps major events: that they can become a major policy tool for reversing sporting inequalities.

Description: Highly controlled biomineralization of calcium carbonate is via non-classical mesocrystallization of amorphous precursors. In the present study, a simple in vitro assay was developed to mimic the biological process, which involved stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate and a single crystal substrate of calcite. The microcoating layer formed on the calcite substrate displayed mesocrystalline characteristics, and the layers near the substrate were strongly influenced by the epitaxy to the substrate. This behavior was preserved even when the morphology of the coating layer was modified with poly(acrylic acid), a model anionic macromolecule. Interestingly, the extent of the epitaxy increased substantially with poly(ethylene imine), which barely affected the crystal morphology. The in vitro assay in the present study will be useful in the investigations of the biomineralization and bioinspired crystallization of calcium carbonate in general.

Description: The proportion of females participating in long-distance races has been increasing in the last years. Although it is well-known that there are differences in how females and males face a marathon, higher research may be done to fully understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting sex differences in endurance performance. In this work, we used triaxial accelerometer devices to monitor 74 males and 14 females, aged 30 to 45 years, who finished the Valencia Marathon in 2016. Moreover, marathon split times were provided by organizers. Several physiological traits and training habits were collected from each participant. Then, we evaluated several accelerometry- and pace-estimated parameters (pacing, average change of speed, energy consumption, oxygen uptake, running intensity distribution and running economy) in female and male amateur runners. In general, our results showed that females maintained a more stable pacing and ran at less demanding intensity throughout the marathon, limiting the decay of running pace in the last part of the race. In fact, females ran at 4.5% faster pace than males in the last kilometers. Besides, their running economy was higher than males (consumed nearly 19% less relative energy per distance) in the last section of the marathon. Our results may reflect well-known sex differences in physiology (i.e., muscle strength, fat metabolism, VO2max), and in running strategy approach (i.e., females run at a more conservative intensity level in the first part of the marathon compared to males). The use of accelerometer devices allows coaches and scientific community to constantly monitor a runner throughout the marathon, as well as during training sessions.

Description: Background: This study compared the efficacy of two multi-component m-health interventions with a wait-list control group on body weight (primary outcome), and secondary outcomes of cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle behaviours, and mental health. Methods: Three-arm randomised controlled trial (Enhanced: physical activity, diet, sleep, Traditional: physical activity, diet, Control) with assessments conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Participants (n = 116) were overweight or obese adults aged 19–65 (M = 44.5 [SD = 10.5]). The 6-month intervention was delivered via a smartphone app providing educational materials, goal-setting, self-monitoring and feedback, and also included one face-to-face dietary consultation, a Fitbit and scales. The trial was prospectively registered and conducted between May 2017 and September 2018. Group differences on primary and secondary outcomes were examined between the Pooled Intervention groups (Pooled Intervention = Enhanced and Traditional) and Control groups, and then between Enhanced and Traditional groups. Results: Nineteen participants (16.4%) formally withdrew from the trial. Compared with the Control group, average body weight of the Pooled Intervention group did not differ at 6 (between-group difference = −0.92, (95% CI −3.33, 1.48)) or 12 months (0.00, (95% CI −2.62, 2.62)). Compared with the Control group, the Pooled Intervention group significantly increased resistance training (OR = 7.83, (95% CI 1.08, 56.63)) and reduced energy intake at 6 months (−1037.03, (−2028.84, −45.22)), and improved insomnia symptoms at 12 months (−2.59, (−4.79, −0.39)). Compared with the Traditional group, the Enhanced group had increased waist circumferences (2.69, (0.20, 5.18)) and sedentary time at 6 months (105.66, (30.83, 180.48)), and improved bed time variability at 12 months (−1.08, (−1.86, −0.29)). No other significant differences were observed between groups. Conclusions: Relative to Controls, the Pooled Intervention groups did not differ on body weight but improved resistance training, and reduced energy intake and insomnia symptom severity. No additional weight loss was apparent when targeting improvements in physical activity, diet and sleep in combination compared with physical activity and diet.

Description: Although bullying and cyberbullying have been widely studied in diverse geographical areas, the number of studies in isolated regions, located in rainforests such as the Peruvian Amazonia, is low. Most research has been conducted in wealthy, Western countries, although disadvantaged areas are usually the most affected by various problems. Thus, the aims of this study were to validate bullying and cyberbullying measurement instruments among adolescents in the Peruvian Amazonia, to determine the prevalence rates of bullying and cyberbullying among this population, and to examine how bullying and cyberbullying relate to self-esteem, empathy, and social skills. The sample included 607 students from the region of Loreto (Peruvian Amazonia) who completed self-report questionnaires. Both questionnaires used in the sample were found to have good psychometric properties. Results showed that bullying and cyberbullying are prevalent among teenagers in the Amazonia. Low self-esteem and high affective empathy predicted bullying victimization. Being a bully was related to high assertiveness. Being a bully-victim was related to low self-esteem and low assertiveness. Cybervictims showed higher cognitive empathy. Cyberbullies showed higher affective empathy in comparison to uninvolved adolescents. Having low self-esteem and higher affective empathy were related to being a cyberbully/victim. This study provides a validated questionnaire that can be used for research and practice in the Amazonia. Based on the current results, tailored anti-bullying and anti-cyberbullying interventions with components focused on self-esteem, empathy, and social skills should be implemented in Peruvian secondary schools.

Description: Ti6Al4V alloy is still attracting great interest because of its application as an implant material for hard tissue repair. This research aims to produce and investigate in-situ chitosan/hydroxyapatite (CS/HA) nanocomposite coatings based on different amounts of HA (10, 50 and 60 wt.%) on alkali-treated Ti6Al4V substrate through the sol-gel process to enhance in vitro bioactivity. The influence of different contents of HA on the morphology, contact angle, roughness, adhesion strength, and in vitro bioactivity of the CS/HA coatings was studied. Results confirmed that, with increasing the HA content, the surface morphology of crack-free CS/HA coatings changed for nucleation modification and HA nanocrystals growth, and consequently, the surface roughness of the coatings increased. Furthermore, the bioactivity of the CS/HA nanocomposite coatings enhanced bone-like apatite layer formation on the material surface with increasing HA content. Moreover, CS/HA nanocomposite coatings were biocompatible and, in particular, CS/10 wt.% HA composition significantly promoted human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proliferation. In particular, these results demonstrate that the treatment strategy used during the bioprocess was able to improve in vitro properties enough to meet the clinical performance. Indeed, it is predicted that the dense and crack-free CS/HA nanocomposite coatings suggest good potential application as dental implants.

Description: This paper presents the studies of the development of a high-performance epoxy coating for steel substrates. To this end, it investigated the synergistic effect of incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into nanosilica containing epoxy formulations. The mechanical properties of the epoxy coating formulations were improved by modifying the surfaces of the silica nanoparticles (5 wt.%) with 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, which ensured their dispersal through the material. Next, the ZnO nanoparticles (1, 2, or 3 wt.%) were incorporated to improve the corrosion performance of the formulations. The anticorrosive properties of the coatings were examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of coated mild steel specimens immersed in 3.5% NaCl solution over different time intervals (1 h to 30 days). Incorporation of the ZnO nanoparticles and the nanosilica into the coating formulation improved the corrosion resistance of the epoxy coating even after long-term exposure to saline test solutions. Finally, to evaluate how the nanoparticles affected the chemical and morphological properties of the prepared coatings, the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Description: In the present paper, the identification of the material parameters of a masonry lighthouse is discussed. A fully non-invasive method was selected, in which the material properties were determined via numerical model validation applied to the first pair of natural frequencies and their related mode shapes, determined experimentally. The exact structural model was built by means of the finite element method. To obtain experimental data for the inverse analysis, operational modal analysis was applied to the structure. Three methods were considered: peak picking (PP), eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) and natural excitation technique with ERA (NExT-ERA). The acceleration’s responses to environmental excitations, enhanced in some periods of time by sheet piling hammering or by sudden interruptions like wind stroke, were assumed within the analysis input. Different combinations of the input were considered in the PP and NExT-ERA analysis to find the most reasonable modal forms. A number of time periods of a free-decay character were considered in the ERA technique to finally calculate the averaged modal forms. Finally, the elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio and material density of brick, sandstone and granite masonry were determined. The obtained values supplement the state of the art database concerning historic building materials. In addition, the numerical model obtained in the analysis may be used in further cases of structural analysis.

Description: To analyze the association between prostate cancer (PCa) risk and night shift work, chronotype, and sleep duration in the context of a population-based case-control study of incident prostate cancer in Spain, a total of 465 PCa cases and 410 controls were analyzed. Selection criteria were: (i) age 40–80 years, and (ii) residence in the coverage area of the reference hospitals for ≥6 months before recruitment. Exposure variables were: (i) night shift work (permanent or rotating); (ii) chronotype: morning, neither, or evening (Munich ChronoType Questionnaire) and (iii) sleep duration according to the recommendations of the American National Sleep Foundation. PCa aggressiveness was determined according to the International Society of Urology Pathology classification. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using logistic regression models. Night shift work was associated with PCa, aOR = 1.47 (95% CI 1.02–2.11), especially for rotating night shifts, aOR = 1.73 (95% CI 1.09–2.75). The magnitude of the association between ever night work and PCa was higher in evening subjects with aOR = 3.14 (95% CI 0.91–10.76) than in morning chronotypes with an aOR = 1.25 (95% CI 0.78–2.00). Working night shifts, especially rotating night shifts, could increase PCa risk. This risk may be higher in people with an evening chronotype.

Description: Land-based sources are the key sources of plastic debris, and mismanaged plastic debris can eventually enter the ocean via marine beaches. In this study, the spatial distribution and amount of plastic debris in the land-based source input zone of First Long Beach (FLB), China, which is a major tourist attraction, were first investigated. By using field investigation, sand samples were collected from two sections on FLB adjacent to land-based sources in December 2019, and the plastic debris in the sand samples was quantified and characterized in the laboratory. The amount of plastic debris ranged from 2 to 82 particles/m2 on this marine sand beach. There was a significant difference in plastic debris amount between the transects along the land-based source input zone (p 〈 0.05) due to the impacts of wind, ocean currents, and waves. The most abundant size of plastics was 0.5–2.5 cm (44.4%). Moreover, the most common color was white (60.9%). The most abundant shape of plastic debris fell into the fragment category (76.2%). The plastic debris amounts were significantly correlated with multiple sizes. Our results show that land-based wastewater discharge is a large plastic debris source on FLB under coastal water tide variation. Reduction strategies should be carried out by tracing the various land-based sources of plastic debris.

Description: Some special conditions are important for chemical syntheses, such as high temperature and the medium used; unfortunately, uncontrollable influences are introduced during the process, resulting in unexpectedly low repeatability. Herein, we report a facile, environmentally friendly, stable, and repeatable methodology for synthesizing silver nanoplates (SNPs) at 0 °C that overcomes these issues and dramatically increases the yield. This method mainly employs sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium alginate (SA) as the surface stabilizer and assistant, respectively. Consequently, we produced hexagonal nanoplates and tailed nanoplates, and the characterization showed that SA dominates the clear and regular profiles of nanoplates at 0 °C. The tailed nanoplates, over time, showed the growth of heads and the dissolving of tails, and inclined to the nanoplates without tails. The synthesis method for SNPs used in this study—0 °C without media—showed high repeatability. We confirmed that these special conditions are not required for the synthesis of silver nanostructures (SNSs). Furthermore, we constructed a new method for preparing noble metal nanostructures and proved the possibility of preparing metal nanostructures at 0 °C.

Description: Background: National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards have improved school lunch dietary quality (DQ), however, further improvements could be made. Acceptability and feasibility of higher DQ are potential barriers. Thus, the purpose is to compare acceptability and feasibility of best practice (BPSL, optimizing DQ) with typical school lunches (TSL, meeting minimum NSLP standards) served separately and concurrently. Methods: Forty elementary school-aged participants were recruited for a randomized crossover trial. Participants attended three meal conditions (MC) choosing one of two meal types—MC1) BPSL1/BPSL2, MC2) TSL1/TSL2, MC3) BPSL/TSL. Acceptability included taste test surveys, weighted plate waste assessments, and hunger scales. Feasibility included meal cost, time, and skill and equipment requirements. Results: There were no significant differences in total taste test score, average total plate waste, or change in hunger (ps 〉 0.017) before or after adjusting for covariates. TSL was selected significantly more often in MC3 (TSL = 83.3%, BPSL = 16.7%, p = 0.001). Meal cost (p = 0.783) and skill and equipment requirements were not significantly different between meal types. BPSL required significantly longer preparation time (TSL = 60 ± 25 min, BPSL = 267 ± 101 min, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Results indicate few differences in acceptability and feasibility between BPSL and TSL. This study could inform decision and policy-makers seeking to improve school lunch DQ and acceptance of higher DQ meals.

Description: The study aimed to investigate the correlations among immune, haematological, endocrinological markers and fitness parameters, and assess if the physiological parameters could be a predictor of fitness values. Anthropometric, physical evaluations (countermovement jump—CMJ, 10 m sprint, VO2max, repeated sprint ability—RSA total time and index) and determination of blood (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and tumour necrosis factor) and salivary (testosterone and cortisol) samples parameters in 28 young male soccer players (age: 13.0 ± 0.2 years, body mass index (BMI): 19.5 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were analysed. To evaluate the dependence of the variables related to athletic performance, multiple linear regression with backward stepwise elimination was considered. A significant regression equation was found in CMJ (F(5,16) = 9.86, p 〈 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.679) and in the RSA index (F(5,16) = 15.39, p 〈 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.774) considering only five variables, in a 10 m sprint (F(4,17) = 20.25, p 〈 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.786) and in the RSA total time (F(4,17) = 15.31, p 〈 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.732) considering only four variables and in VO2max (F(9,12) = 32.09, p 〈 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.930) considering nine variables. Our study suggests the use of regression equations to predict the fitness values of youth soccer players by blood and saliva samples, during different phases of the season, short periods of match congestion or recovery from an injury.

Description: This research group has recently used the new technology Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) for the monitoring and the measurement of airplane flutter. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first such use for this new technology. Traditionally, the measurement of airplane flutter requires the mounting of a very large number of sensors on the wing being monitored, and extensive wiring must be connected to all these sensors. The new system and technology introduced in this paper dramatically reduces the hardware requirements in such an application: all the traditional sensors and wiring are replaced with one fiber optic cable with a diameter of 2 mm. An electro-optical system with the size of a desktop PC monitors simultaneously one or more of such fiber optic cables and detects/characterizes any mechanical disturbances on the cables. Theoretical and experimental results are given.

Description: The purpose of this article is to study whether the position occupied by footballers on the pitch influences their life duration. It is known that various types of sporting activity (endurance, resistance, or mixed) may influence lifespan in different ways. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the role of different positions played in team sports such as football. Our research was based on elite international football players born before 1923 who took part in the first three football World Cups (n = 443) or played in the 1946/1947 season in the leading clubs of the main European leagues (n = 280). Goalkeepers were characterized by a 5–8-year longer life duration compared to their colleagues playing in other positions (World Cup: 82.0 ± 7.0 vs. 74.0 ± 8.0, p = 0.0047; European leagues: 83.0 ± 7.5 vs. 78.0 ± 8.0, p = 0.0023), with an absence of differences between defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Moreover, in both of the analyzed subgroups, the rate of survival until the 85th birthday was significantly higher among goalkeepers than among field players (p = 0.0102 and p = 0.0048, for both studied groups, respectively).

Description: In developing countries, markets are the main supply of horticultural products to populations, but this can pose a public health challenge due to the risk of the fecal-oral transmission of gut pathogens. This transmission is strongly associated with inadequate public sanitation or low standards of personal and domestic hygiene, and their prevalence can cause gastrointestinal diseases, which are the third leading cause of death in Mozambique. This study aims at assessing the risk for public health of horticultural products supply chain, from the farmers-vendors to the consumers, in municipal markets in Maputo-City, Mozambique. Surveys (75) were conducted on vendors and an observational analysis was performed in the markets under study. The results showed that 62% of the vendors had access to water from boreholes or artisanal sources and the issue “access to water” was significantly different between markets (p = 0.004). Of the vendors who wash their products (53.3%), only 7.5% use tap-water for this purpose, with the difference in attitudes being statistically significant between vendors in the markets (p = 0.035). The majority (60.4%) said that vegetables and fruits can cause diseases due to pesticides and only 31.3% believe that the diseases may be related to poor hygiene. Despite the vendors’ low knowledge of Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), we noticed that women have better practical assimilation of GHP when compared to men (p = 0.008). Although Maputo’s markets are struggling to achieve quality hygiene standards in a reliable and sustainable manner, their resources are limited and significantly different (p = 0.044) from market to market, and this problem remains a concern for the public-health authorities of the city. In conclusion, the provision of adequate drinking water and sewage disposal systems, together with education for health of vendors, can reduce the risk of contamination of fresh food by the more common organisms causing diarrhea in children, including intestinal parasites.

Description: The objective of our research is to improve the properties of calcium-sulphate hemihydrate parts printed by binder jetting. In this paper, we show the thermal treatment results when using temperature time ramps on binder-jetted ceramic parts without infiltrating. The results show that the mechanical properties of printed parts are improved substantially. Two different thermal cycles were investigated for their effect on the dehydration process of CaSO4·½H2O using infrared analysis. The thermal-treated samples were compared with respect to porosity, surface roughness, compression strength and dimensional and weight variation. The proposed thermal treatment significantly improves the compression strength in a short time, guaranteeing dimensional stability while providing a good surface. This improvement in mechanical properties offers a great chance for using binder-jetted parts as functional components, for example, in the casting field or the medical sector (scaffolds).

Description: As the use of continuous fiber polymer matrix composites expands into new fields, there is a growing need for more sustainable manufacturing processes. An integrated computational material design framework has been developed, which enables the design of tailored manufacturing systems for polymer matrix composite materials as a sustainable alternative to achieving high-quality components in high-rate production. Trapped rubber processing achieves high pressures during polymer matrix composite processing, utilizing the thermally induced volume change of a nearly incompressible material inside a closed cavity mold. In this interdisciplinary study, the structural analysis, material science and manufacturing engineering perspectives are all combined to determine the mold mechanics, and the manufacturing process in a cohesive and iterative design loop. This study performs the coupled thermo-mechanical analysis required to simulate the transients involved in composite manufacturing and the results are compared with a previously developed test method. The internal surface pressure and temperatures are computed, compared with the experimental results, and the resulting design process is simulated. Overall, this approach maintains high-quality consolidation during curing while allowing for the possibility for custom distributions of pressures and temperatures. This can lead to more sustainable manufacturing by reducing energy consumption and improving throughput.

Description: With the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes; COVID-19, compliance with/adherence to protective measures is needed. Information is needed on which measures are, or are not, being undertaken. Data collected from the COVID Impact Survey, conducted by the non-partisan and objective research organization NORC at the University of Chicago on April, May, and June of 2020, were analyzed through weighted Quasi-Poisson regression modeling to determine the association of demographics, socioeconomics, and health conditions with protective health measures taken at the individual level in response to COVID-19. The three surveys included data from 18 regional areas including 10 states (CA, CO, FL, LA, MN, MO, MT, NY, OR, and TX) and 8 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Cleveland and Columbus, OH; Phoenix, AZ; and Pittsburgh, PA). Individuals with higher incomes, insurance, higher education levels, large household size, age 60+, females, minorities, those who have asthma, have hypertension, overweight or obese, and those who suffer from mental health issues during the pandemic were significantly more likely to report taking precautionary protective measures relative to their counterparts. Protective measures for the three subgroups with a known relationship to COVID-19 (positive for COVID-19, knowing an individual with COVID-19, and knowing someone who had died from COVID-19) were strongly associated with the protective health measures of washing hands, avoiding public places, and canceling social engagements. This study provides first baseline data on the response to the national COVID-19 pandemic at the individual level in the US. The found heterogeneity in the response to this pandemic by different variables can inform future research and interventions to reduce exposure to the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of distributed propulsion systems used on inland and coastal navigation in shallow water. Five layouts were assessed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The hull/propulsion layout cases have been analyzed for discrete flow speed values in the range 0–6 m/s. All cases have been examined under restricted draft conditions in shallow water with a minimum of 0.3 m under keel clearance (UKC) and under unrestricted draft conditions in deep water. The results show that distributed propulsion consisting of 6 or 8 (in some cases, even more) units produces noticeable higher thrust effects in shallow water than the traditional layout. Under restricted conditions, the thrust increase between two distributed layouts with different numbers of propulsors is higher, in contrast to deep water, where differences in performance are not so significant.

Description: Xenogenic collagen-based matrices represent an alternative to subepithelial palatal connective tissue autografts in periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue reconstructions. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the migratory, adhesive, proliferative, and wound-healing potential of primary human oral fibroblasts (hOF) and periodontal ligament cells (hPDL) in response to four commercially available collagen matrices. Non-crosslinked collagen matrix (NCM), crosslinked collagen matrix (CCM), dried acellular dermal matrix (DADM), and hydrated acellular dermal matrix (HADM) were all able to significantly enhance the ability of hPDL and hOF cells to directionally migrate toward the matrices as well as to efficiently repopulate an artificially generated wound gap covered by the matrices. Compared to NCM and DADM, CCM and HADM triggered stronger migratory response. Cells grown on CCM and HADM demonstrated significantly higher proliferative rates compared to cells grown on cell culture plastic, NCM, or DADM. The pro-proliferative effect of the matrices was supported by expression analysis of proliferative markers regulating cell cycle progression. Upregulated expression of genes encoding the adhesive molecules fibronectin, vinculin, CD44 antigen, and the intracellular adhesive molecule-1 was detected in hPDL and hOF cells cultured on each of the four matrices. This may be considered as a prerequisite for good adhesive properties of the four scaffolds ensuring proper cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions. Upregulated expression of genes encoding TGF-β1 and EGF growth factors as well as MMPs in cells grown on each of the four matrices provided support for their pro-proliferative and pro-migratory abilities. The expression of genes encoding the angiogenic factors FGF-2 and VEGF-A was dramatically increased in cells grown on DADM and HADM only, suggesting a good basis for accelerated vascularization of the latter. Altogether, our results support favorable influence of the investigated collagen matrices on the recruitment, attachment, and growth of cell types implicated in oral soft tissue regeneration. Among the four matrices, HADM has consistently exhibited stronger positive effects on the oral cellular behavior. Our data provide solid basis for future investigations on the clinical application of the collagen-based matrices in surgical periodontal therapy.

Description: The objective of this study is to assess the effect of alcohol consumption, anxiety, and food restriction before and after consuming alcohol and body image on the risk of anorexia and bulimia in college students from Tijuana, Baja California, through predictive statistical models. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design and a non-probabilistic sample of 526 college students from Tijuana, Baja California, México were used. Application of the scales (with acceptable psychometric properties) was conducted in classrooms. Through path analyses, four models were found with adequate indicators of goodness of fit: (1) risk of anorexia in women [Chi Square (X2) = 5.34, p = 0.376, Adjusted Determination Coefficient (R2)= 0.250]; (2) anorexia risk for men (X2 = 13.067, p = 0.192, R2 = 0.058); (3) risk of bulimia in women (X2 = 3.358, p = 0.645, R2 = 0.202); and bulimia risk for men (X2 = 14.256, p = 0.075, R2 = 0.284). The findings provide empirical evidence for the food and alcohol disturbance model.

Description: Concrete wastewater infrastructures are important to modern society but are susceptible to sulfuric acid attack when exposed to an aggressive environment. Fibre-reinforced mortar has been adopted as a promising coating and lining material for degraded reinforced concrete structures due to its unique crack control and excellent anti-corrosion ability. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of polyethylene (PE) fibre-reinforced calcium aluminate cement (CAC)–ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) blended strain-hardening mortar after sulfuric acid immersion, which represented the aggressive sewer environment. Specimens were exposed to 3% sulfuric acid solution for up to 112 days. Visual, physical and mechanical performance such as water absorption ability, sorptivity, compressive and direct tensile strength were evaluated before and after sulfuric acid attack. In addition, micro-structure changes to the samples after sulfuric acid attack were also assessed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to further understand the deterioration mechanism. The results show that overall fibre-reinforced calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-based samples performed significantly better than fibre-reinforced ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based samples as well as mortar samples in sulfuric acid solution in regard to visual observations, penetration depth, direct tensile strength and compressive reduction. Gypsum generation in the cementitious matrix of both CAC and OPC-based systems was the main reason behind the deterioration mechanism after acid attack exposure. Moreover, laboratory sulfuric acid testing has been proven for successfully screening the cementitious material against an acidic environment. This method can be considered to design the service life of concrete wastewater pipes.

Description: Background: The monitoring of bioaerosol concentrations in the air is a relevant endeavor due to potential health risks associated with exposure to such particles and in the understanding of their role in climate. In this context, the atmospheric concentrations of bacteria were measured from January 2018 to May 2020 at Saclay, France. The aim of the study was to understand the seasonality, the daily variability, and to identify the geographical origin of airborne bacteria. Methods: 880 samples were collected daily on polycarbonate filters, extracted with purified water, and analyzed using the cultivable method and flow cytometry. A source receptor model was used to identify the origin of bacteria. Results: A tri-modal seasonality was identified with the highest concentrations early in spring and over the summer season with the lowest during the winter season. Extreme changes occurred daily due to rapid changes in meteorological conditions and shifts from clean air masses to polluted ones. Conclusion: Our work points toward bacterial concentrations originating from specific seasonal-geographical ecosystems. During pollution events, bacteria appear to rise from dense urban areas or are transported long distances from their sources. This key finding should drive future actions to better control the dispersion of potential pathogens in the air, like persistent microorganisms originating from contaminated areas.

Description: The food environment is well documented as an important emphasis for public health intervention. While theoretical models of the relationship between the food environment and dietary outcomes have been proposed, empirical testing of conceptual models has been limited. The purpose of this study was to explore which factors in nutrition environments are significantly associated with dietary outcomes in two urban, low-income, and minority food desert communities. This study analyzed cross-sectional data based on 796 participants from the Food in Our Neighborhood Study. Participants were recruited based on a random sample of addresses in neighborhood study areas, Philadelphia, PA (n = 393) and Trenton, NJ (n = 403). Main dietary outcomes were Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores and fruit and vegetable consumption subscores computed from ASA24® assessments. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted and yielded a model of four factors with 22 items. Among four factors that emerged, three factors (Perceptions of Neighborhood Food Availability; and Household Food Challenges) were significantly correlated with dietary outcomes. My Store’s Quality and Perceptions of Neighborhood Food Availability were positively correlated with vegetable consumption subscore. The Household Food Challenges factor was negatively correlated with both vegetable subscore and overall HEI score (i.e., more household challenges were associated with lower dietary scores). These findings confirmed the importance of perceived nutrition environments and household food challenges in predicting dietary outcomes among residents of two urban, low-income, and minority food desert communities.

Description: The low efficiency of the closed-loop supply chain in construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling has restricted the green development of China’s construction industry. Additionally, the government’s reward–penalty mechanism has a huge influence on green development. This study aimed to investigate the effect of green development performance (GDP) and the government’s reward–penalty mechanism on the decision-making process of production and recycling units, as well as to reveal the optimal strategies under different conditions. Therefore, the strategies’ evolutionary paths of production and recycling units were investigated by using evolutionary game theory. Firstly, an evolutionary game model between production units and recycling units was proposed under the government’s reward–penalty mechanism. Then, the evolutionary stability strategies in different scenarios were discussed. Finally, the effects of the relevant parameters on the evolutionary paths of the game model were analyzed using numerical simulations. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) When the range of GDP changes, the evolutionary stable strategy changes accordingly. GDP plays a positive role in promoting the high-quality development of the CDW recycling supply chain, but an increase in GDP can easily lead to the simultaneous motivation of free-riding. (2) The government’s reward–penalty mechanism effectively regulates the decision-making process of production and recycling units. An increase in the subsidy rate and supervision probability helps to reduce free-riding behavior. Moreover, the incentive effect of the subsidy probability on recycling units is more obvious, while the effect of the supervision probability on improving the motivation of active participation for production units is more remarkable. This paper not only provides a decision-making basis to ensure production and recycling units to make optimal strategy choices under different conditions but also provides a reference for the government to formulate a reasonable reward–penalty mechanism that is conducive to a macro-control market.

Description: Honey is an extensively utilized sweetener containing sugars and water, together with small quantities of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and proteins. Naturally produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from floral nectar, honey is increasingly sold as a health food product due to its nutritious features. Certain honeys are retailed as premium, trendy products. Honeybees are regarded as environmental monitors, but few reports examine the impact of environment on Australian honey trace elements and minerals. In higher density urban and industrial environments, heavy metals can be common, while minerals and trace elements can have ubiquitous presence in both agricultural and urban areas. Honey hives are traditionally placed in rural and forested areas, but increasingly the trend is to keep hives in more urban areas. This study aimed to determine the levels of 26 minerals and trace elements and assess elemental differences between honeys from various regional Queensland and Australian sources. Honey samples (n = 212) were acquired from markets, shops and supermarkets in Queensland while urban honeys were purchased online. The honey samples were classified into four groups according to their regional sources: urban, rural, peri-urban and blend honey. Elemental analyses of honey were performed using ICP-MS and ICP-OES after microwave and hot block digestion. Considerable variations of essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn) and mineral levels (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P) were found in honeys surveyed. There were significant differences (p 〈 0.05) between urban and rural honey samples for B, Na, P, Mn, K, Ca and Cu. Significant differences (p 〈 0.05) were also found between blend and urban honey samples for K, Cu, P, Mn, Sr, Ni, B and Na. Peri-urban versus urban honeys showed significant differences in P, K and Mn. For rural and peri-urban honeys, the only significant difference (p 〈 0.05) was for Na. Toxic heavy metals were detected at relatively low levels in honey products. The study revealed that the Queensland/Australian honey studied is a good source of K and Zn and would constitute a good nutritional source of these elements.

Description: Incorporating various industrial waste materials into concrete has recently gained attention for sustainable construction. This paper, for the first time, studies the effects of silica stone waste (SSW) powder on concrete. The cement of concrete was replaced with 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the SSW powder. The mechanical properties of concrete, such as compressive and tensile strength, were studied. Furthermore, the microstructure of concrete was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) tests. Compressive and tensile strength of samples with 5% SSW powder was improved up to 18.8% and 10.46%, respectively. As can be observed in the SEM images, a reduced number of pores and higher density in the matrix can explain the better compressive strength of samples with 5% SSW powder.

Description: The prevalence of hypertension among women in Korea aged 65 years or older is 61.7%. Past research has emphasized the importance of health-promoting behaviors in hypertension management for the elderly. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify the effects of self-efficacy, depression, trait anger, and anger expression on the health-promoting behaviors of elderly women with hypertension. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 208 women aged 65 and older (age range: 65 to 85) diagnosed with hypertension by physicians and living in the communities of G city and N city of Gyeonggi-do in South Korea. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that exercise (β = 0.36, p 〈 0.001) had the most significant effect on health-promoting behaviors, followed by depression (β = −0.31, p 〈 0.001), trait anger (β = 0.21, p = 0.002), anger control (β = 0.20, p 〈 0.001), religion (β = 0.18, p = 0.001), and self-efficacy (β = 0.18, p = 0.003). Trait anger and anger control were identified to have a more significant effect on health-promoting behaviors than self-efficacy. Thus, health-promoting behaviors were influenced by exercise, depression, anger, religion, and self-efficacy. It is necessary to implement a nursing intervention strategy which pays attention to these factors to improve health-promoting behaviors of Korean community-dwelling elderly women.

Description: This paper presents a study of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy milling under different lubrication conditions, using the minimum quantity lubrication approach. The chosen material is widely used in the industry due to its properties, although they present difficulties in terms of their machinability. A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) prototype valve was built for this purpose, and machining followed a previously defined experimental design with three lubrication strategies. Speed, feed rate, and the depth of cut were considered as independent variables. As design-dependent variables, cutting forces, torque, and roughness were considered. The desirability optimization function was used in order to obtain the best input data indications, in order to minimize cutting and roughness efforts. Supervised artificial neural networks of the multilayer perceptron type were created and tested, and their responses were compared statistically to the results of the factorial design. It was noted that the variables that most influenced the machining-dependent variables were the feed rate and the depth of cut. A lower roughness value was achieved with MQL only with the use of cutting fluid with graphite. Statistical analysis demonstrated that artificial neural network and the experimental design predict similar results.

Description: BiFeO3 nanocrystals were applied as the sensing material to isopropanol. The isopropanol sensor based on BiFeO3 nanocrystals shows excellent gas-sensing properties at the optimum working temperature of 240 °C. The sensitivity of as-prepared sensor to 100 ppm isopropanol is 31 and its response and recovery time is as fast as 6 and 17 s. The logarithmic curves of the sensitivity and concentration of BiFeO3 sensors are a very good linear in the low detection range of 2–100 ppm. In addition, the gas sensing mechanism is also discussed. The results suggest that the BiFeO3 nanomaterial can be potentially applied in isopropanol gas detection.

Description: For the first time, an original compound belonging to the heptazine family has been deposited in the form of thin layers, both by thermal evaporation under vacuum and spin-coating techniques. In both cases, smooth and homogeneous layers have been obtained, and their properties evaluated for eventual applications in the field of organic electronics. The layers have been fully characterized by several concordant techniques, namely UV-visible spectroscopy, steady-state and transient fluorescence in the solid-state, as well as topographic and conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) used in Kelvin probe force mode (KPFM). Consequently, the afferent energy levels, including Fermi level, have been determined, and show that these new heptazines are promising materials for tailoring the electronic properties of interfaces associated with printed electronic devices. A test experiment showing an improved electron transfer rate from a tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) photo-active layer in presence of a heptazine interlayer is finally presented.

Description: A possible approach for providing new properties for textiles is the insertion of natural ingredients into the textile product during the process of its manufacture. Myrrh has long been used in medicine as an antibacterial and antifungal material. Polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic synthetic biopolymer obtained from renewable resources—and due its biodegradability, is also widely used in medicine. In this study, films and multifilament yarns from modified biodegradable PLA granules with ethanolic and aqueous myrrh extracts were developed and characterized. Optical microscopy was used to determine the surface morphology of PLA/myrrh multifilament yarns. Tensile tests, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied to determine, consequently, mechanical, optical properties and degree of crystallinity of PLA/myrrh films and multifilament yarns. The chemical composition of PLA/myrrh multifilament yarns was estimated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy method. The results showed that it is possible to form PLA melt-spun multifilament yarns with myrrh extract. The type of myrrh extract (ethanolic or aqueous) has a significant influence on the mechanical and optical properties of the PLA films and melt-spun yarns. The mechanical properties of PLA films and melt-spun multifilament yarns formed from PLA granules with aqueous myrrh extract decreased 19% and 21% more than PLA with ethanolic extract, respectively. Analysis of UV-vis spectra showed that, due to the yellow hue, the reflectance of PLA films and melt-spun PLA multifilament yarns modified with myrrh extracts decreased exponentially. The DSC test showed that multifilament yarns from PLA modified with aqueous extract had the highest degree of crystallization.

Description: This paper primarily assesses the scale of adverse changes to the compressive strength of different types of silicates due to the influence of moisture. The study covers three groups of silicate units of different strength classes—15, 20 and 25—obtained from three different manufacturers. It was demonstrated that in all studied groups, moisture significantly decreased the compressive strength by about 30–40%. In addition, microstructural studies were conducted to analyze the relationship between the specific porosity structure of each group of silicate bricks and their compressive strength. On the basis of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDS (Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy) analysis, the elemental composition of individual silicates was determined and the contact zone between the aggregate and the binder was determined, which largely influenced the obtained compressive strength of each silicates. Next, the study referred to the utility of the normative procedure used to determine the strength class of samples with different geometries and at different moisture concentrations. The results of the calculations showed the high accuracy of the normative-based assessment of strength class, regardless of the manufacturer and the moisture values during examination.

Description: This study used the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database from 2011 to 2017 to estimate the incidence and the incidence-based cost of cervical cancer and carcinoma in situ of cervix uteri (CIS) in Korea. The primary outcome was the direct medical cost per patient not diagnosed with cervical cancer (C53) or CIS (D06) 2 years prior to the index date in the first year after diagnosis. A regression analysis was conducted to adjust for relevant covariates. The incidence of cervical cancer tended to decrease from 2013 to 2016, while that of CIS increased. In particular, the incidence rate of CIS in women in their 20 s and 30 s increased by 56.8% and 28.4%, respectively, from 2013 to 2016. The incidence-based cost of cervical cancer and CIS was USD 13,058 and USD 2695 in 2016, respectively, which increased from 2013. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that age was the most influential variable of the cost in both patient groups, and the cost was highest in those aged over 60, i.e., the medical cost was significantly lower in younger women than their older counterparts. These findings suggest that targeting younger women in cervical cancer prevention is a reasonable option from both economic and public health perspectives.

Description: Background: In this study, medical and socio-demographic characteristics of foreign language patients in prehospital emergency medical care are analyzed and compared with non-foreign language patients. Methods: We performed retrospective chart review of rescue operations in four emergency medical service stations in Northern Germany over seven months as part of the DICTUM Rescue study (DRKS00016719). We performed descriptive analyses including test statistics and used partial correlation to adjust for patients’ sex and age. Results: Patients with limited German proficiency were served in 2.2% of all 7494 covered rescue operations. On average, these patients were two decades younger than their German speaking counterparts. There were significantly more patients with limited German proficiency with gynecological and obstetric problems, especially births, as well as psychiatric disorders, especially suicide attempts. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the existing preventive programs for pregnant women and people at risk of suicide do not sufficiently reach patients with limited German proficiency. Additionally, giving birth and psychiatric breakdowns are exceptional and sensitive situations, both for patients and the paramedic staff, where the ability to communicate safely appears to be of enormous importance to enable safe treatment.

Description: Additive manufacturing (AM) is the term for a number of processes for joining materials to build physical components from a digital 3D model. AM has multiple advantages over other construction techniques, such as freeform, customization, and waste reduction. However, AM components have been evaluated by destructive and non-destructive testing and have shown mechanical issues, such as reduced resistance, anisotropy and voids. The build direction affects the mechanical properties of the built part, including voids of different characteristics. The aim of this work is an extended analysis of void shape by means of X-ray computed tomography (CT) applied to fused deposition modeling (FDM) samples. Furthermore, a relation between the tensile mechanical properties and digital void measurements is established. The results of this work demonstrate that void characteristics such as quantity, size, sphericity and compactness show no obvious variations between the samples. However, the angle between the main void axis and the mechanical load axis α shows a relation for FDM components: when its mean value μ(α) is around 80 (degrees) the yield strength and Young’s modulus are reduced. These results lead to the formulation of a novel criterion that predicts the mechanical behavior of AM components.

Description: The objective of this work is to study the geometric properties of surface topographies of hot-work tool steel created by electric discharge machining (EDM) using motif and multiscale analysis. The richness of these analyses is tested through calculating the strengths of the correlations between discharge energies and resulting surface characterization parameters, focusing on the most representative surface features—craters, and how they change with scale. Surfaces were created by EDM using estimated energies from 150 to 9468 µJ and measured by focus variation microscope. The measured topographies consist of overlapping microcraters, of which the geometry was characterized using three different analysis: conventional with ISO parameters, and motif and multiscale curvature tensor analysis. Motif analysis uses watershed segmentation which allows extraction and geometrically characterization of each crater. Curvature tensor analysis focuses on the characterization of principal curvatures and their function and their evolution with scale. Strong correlations (R2 〉 0.9) were observed between craters height, diameter, area and curvature using linear and logarithmic regressions. Conventional areal parameter related to heights dispersion were found to correlate stronger using logarithmic regression. Geometric characterization of process-specific topographic formations is considered to be a natural and intuitive way of analyzing the complexity of studied surfaces. The presented approach allows extraction of information directly relating to the shape and size of topographic features of interest. In the tested conditions, the surface finish is mostly affected and potentially controlled by discharge energy at larger scales which is associated with sizes of fabricated craters.

Description: Laser irradiation is a popular method to produce microtextures on metal surfaces. However, the common laser-produced microtextures were hierarchical (multiscale), which may limit their applicability. In this paper, a method of two-step laser irradiation, combining first-step strong ablation and sequentially second-step gentle ablation, was presented to produce micron-rough surface with single-scale microtextures. The effect of laser fluence on the Ti–6Al–4V surface morphology and wettability were investigated in detail. The morphology results revealed that the microtextures produced using this method gradually evolved from multiscale to single-scale meanwhile from microprotrusions to microholes with increasing the second-step laser fluence from 0.0 to 2.4 J/cm2. The wettability and EDS/XPS results indicated that attributing to the rich TiO2 content and micron roughness produced by laser irradiation, all the two-step laser-irradiated surfaces exhibited superhydrophilicity. In addition, after silanization, all these superhydrophilic surfaces immediately turned to be superhydrophobic with close water contact angles of 155–162°. However, due to the absence of nanotextures, the water-rolling angle on the superhydrophobic surfaces with single-scale microtextures distinctly larger than those with multiscale ones. Finally, using the two-step laser-irradiation method and assisted with silanization, multifunctional superhydrophobic Ti–6Al–4V surfaces were achieved, including self-cleaning, guiding of the water-rolling direction and anisotropic water-rolling angles (like the rice-leaf), etc.

Description: The ultrasonic modulation technique, developed by inspecting the nonlinearity from the interactions of crack surfaces, has been considered very effective in detecting fatigue cracks in the early stage of the crack development due to its high sensitivity. The wave modulation is the frequency shift of a wave passing through a crack and does not occur in intact specimens. Various parameters affect the modulation of the wave, but quantitative analysis for each variable has not been comprehensively conducted due to the complicated interaction of irregular crack surfaces. In this study, specimens with a constant crack width are manufactured, and the effects of various excitation parameters on modulated wave generation are analyzed. Based on the analysis, an effective crack detection algorithm is proposed and verified by applying the algorithm to fatigue cracks. For the quantitative analysis, tests are repeatedly conducted by varying parameters. As a result, the excitation intensity shows a strong linear relationship with the amount of modulated waves, and the increase of modulated wave is expected as crack length increases. However, the change in the dynamic characteristics of the specimen with the crack length is more dominant in the results. The excitation frequency is the most dominant variable to generate the modulated waves, but a direct correlation is not observed as it is difficult to measure the interaction of crack surfaces. A numerical analysis technique is developed to accurately simulate the movement and interaction of the crack surface. The crack detection algorithm, improved by using the observations from the quantitative analyses, can distinguish the occurrence of modulated waves from the ambient noises, and the state of the specimens is determined by using two nonlinear indexes.

Description: This study aimed to develop series analytical solutions based on the Mindlin plate theory for the free vibrations of functionally graded material (FGM) rectangular plates. The material properties of FGM rectangular plates are assumed to vary along their thickness, and the volume fractions of the plate constituents are defined by a simple power-law function. The series solutions consist of the Fourier cosine series and auxiliary functions of polynomials. The series solutions were established by satisfying governing equations and boundary conditions in the expanded space of the Fourier cosine series. The proposed solutions were validated through comprehensive convergence studies on the first six vibration frequencies of square plates under four combinations of boundary conditions and through comparison of the obtained convergent results with those in the literature. The convergence studies indicated that the solutions obtained for different modes could converge from the upper or lower bounds to the exact values or in an oscillatory manner. The present solutions were further employed to determine the first six vibration frequencies of FGM rectangular plates with various aspect ratios, thickness-to-width ratios, distributions of material properties and combinations of boundary conditions.

Description: Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world. However, this does not guarantee an improved quality of life. There is a gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. This study aimed to reveal the features of healthy life expectancy across all secondary medical areas (n = 344) in Japan and examine the relationship among healthcare resources, life expectancy, and healthy life expectancy at birth. Data were collected from Japan’s population registry and long-term insurance records. Differences in healthy life expectancy by gender were calculated using the Sullivan method. Maps of healthy life expectancy were drawn up. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used for analysis. The findings revealed significant regional disparities. The number of doctors and therapists, support clinics for home healthcare facilities and home-visit treatments, and dentistry expenditure per capita were positively correlated with life expectancy and healthy life expectancy (correlation coefficients 〉 0.2). They also revealed gender differences. Despite controlling for population density, inequalities in healthy life expectancy were observed, highlighting the need to promote social policies to reduce regional disparities. Japanese policymakers should consider optimal levels of health resources to improve life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. The geographical distribution of healthcare resources should also be reconstituted.

Description: Conventional technologies for ureteral stent fabrication suffer from major inconveniences such as the development of encrustations and bacteria biofilm formation. These drawbacks typically lead to the failure of the device, significant patient discomfort and an additional surgery to remove and replace the stent in the worst cases. This work focuses on the preparation of a new nanocomposite material able to show drug elution properties, biodegradation and eventually potential antibacterial activity. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) or the crosslinked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels were prepared by the radical polymerization method and combined with a biodegradable and antibacterial filling agent, i.e., flower-like Zinc Oxide (ZnO) micropowders obtained via the hydrothermal route. The physico-chemical analyses revealed the correct incorporation of ZnO within the hydrogel matrix and its highly mesoporous structure and surface area, ideal for drug incorporation. Two different anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen and Diclofenac) were loaded within each composite and the release profile was monitored up to two weeks in artificial urine (AU) and even at different pH values in AU to simulate pathological conditions. The addition of mesoporous ZnO micropowders to the hydrogel did not negatively affect the drug loading properties of the hydrogel and it was successfully allowed to mitigate undesirable burst-release effects. Furthermore, the sustained release of the drugs over time was observed at neutral pH, with kinetic constants (k) as low as 0.05 h−1. By exploiting the pH-tunable swelling properties of the hydrogel, an even more sustained release was achieved in acidic and alkaline conditions especially at short release times, with a further reduction of burst effects (k ≈ 0.01–0.02 h−1). The nanocomposite system herein proposed represents a new material formulation for preparing innovative drug eluting stents with intrinsic antibacterial properties.

Description: Health-promoting behaviors help prevent chronic illness. Health-promoting behaviors of nursing students can affect not only their own health, but also the health of their future patients, for whom they can act as role models. Nursing students should participate in health-promoting behaviors; however, nursing students often have unhealthy behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting health-promoting behaviors in nursing students. A descriptive, self-report survey of 304 nursing students from three universities in South Korea was conducted. Subjects’ general characteristics, health perceptions, health concerns, and health-promoting behaviors were collected. Of the total participants, 90.1% were female and the mean age was 20.4 years. The mean score for health-promoting behaviors was 2.47, higher than the midpoint. The mean for the subscale of physical activity among health-promoting behaviors was the lowest. The main factors affecting health-promoting behaviors were gender, health perceptions, health concern, and time per week spent searching online for health-related information. The main factors affecting physical activity were gender, health concern, and time per week spent searching online for health-related information. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that a program to empower nursing students to perform health-promoting behaviors be incorporated into the nursing education curriculum with regard to unique needs based on gender. Specifically, it would be effective to develop programs that are easily accessible via the Internet.

Description: For many centuries, hunter-gatherer societies relied on subsistence practices and traditional diets. However, forces of globalization have increased market involvement, thereby fueling the nutrition transition of hunter-gatherer societies. We review the academic literature on market involvement of hunter-gatherer societies in the Western Amazon and its consequences on diet, health and well-being. First, we elaborate on four main determinants of market involvement (accessibility, monetary income, wild meat trade and social capital), showing how each determinant draws individuals toward or away from markets. Thereafter, we discuss how these determinants alter diet, health and well-being. Our results add to the understanding of the complex relations between market involvement, dietary change, health and well-being of indigenous societies. Furthermore, they bring to light that additional research is needed on the topic to support decision-makers and help preserve indigenous values.

Description: The capture of a target spacecraft by a chaser is an on-orbit docking operation that requires an accurate, reliable, and robust object recognition algorithm. Vision-based guided spacecraft relative motion during close-proximity maneuvers has been consecutively applied using dynamic modeling as a spacecraft on-orbit service system. This research constructs a vision-based pose estimation model that performs image processing via a deep convolutional neural network. The pose estimation model was constructed by repurposing a modified pretrained GoogLeNet model with the available Unreal Engine 4 rendered dataset of the Soyuz spacecraft. In the implementation, the convolutional neural network learns from the data samples to create correlations between the images and the spacecraft’s six degrees-of-freedom parameters. The experiment has compared an exponential-based loss function and a weighted Euclidean-based loss function. Using the weighted Euclidean-based loss function, the implemented pose estimation model achieved moderately high performance with a position accuracy of 92.53 percent and an error of 1.2 m. The in-attitude prediction accuracy can reach 87.93 percent, and the errors in the three Euler angles do not exceed 7.6 degrees. This research can contribute to spacecraft detection and tracking problems. Although the finished vision-based model is specific to the environment of synthetic dataset, the model could be trained further to address actual docking operations in the future.

Description: Disease prevention is a multifaceted construct that has been widely studied. Nevertheless, in spite of its importance, it is still not sufficiently considered by the general population. Since the reasons for this lack of consideration are not yet fully understood, we created an Online Prevention Survey (OPS) to investigate the role of both sociodemographic and psychological factors in predicting individuals’ spontaneous participation in secondary prevention programs. The results revealed that younger people, men, manual workers, unemployed people, and those who do not regularly practise physical activity were less likely to spontaneously participate in such programs. Furthermore, an analysis of the psychological determinants of the willingness to participate in secondary prevention programs showed that depressive symptoms negatively predict it, while an individual’s perception of receiving high social support acts as a positive predictor. Based on these results, we suggest the need for implementing new tailored approaches to promote prevention initiatives to those segments of the population which are more reluctant to spontaneously undertake prevention paths.

Description: In view of the strong constraint zones of the concrete structure on the pile foundation, there are some differences between the calculation results of the isotropic equivalent pile foundation by the volume replacement ratio method and the actual engineering. In this paper, referring to the relevant algorithm of rock mass with anchor, the anchor and rock mass are, respectively, compared to pile and surrounding soil foundation. Eshelby equivalent inclusion theory is introduced into the equivalent mechanical model of soil foundation with pile, and a new equivalent pile foundation algorithm considering anisotropic elastic constant is compiled by Fortran. Three kinds of calculation methods are used to calculate the stress field of the concrete structure of the large pump station on the pile foundation during the construction period, and the stress in the strong constraint zones of the concrete structure are mainly analyzed. It is found that the calculation accuracy of Algorithm 3 is the highest, and the calculation results of Algorithm 2 can be modified by the coefficients to achieve the calculation accuracy of Algorithm 3 and the calculation efficiency is actually improved. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed method is verified by the engineering measured data.

Description: Aircrafts require a large amount of fuel in order to generate enough power to perform a flight. That consumption causes the emission of polluting particles such as carbon dioxide, which is implicated in global warming. This paper proposes an algorithm which can provide the 3D reference trajectory that minimizes the flight costs and the fuel consumption. The proposed algorithm was conceived using the Floyd–Warshall methodology as a reference. Weather was taken into account by using forecasts provided by Weather Canada. The search space was modeled as a directional weighted graph. Fuel burn was computed using the Base of Aircraft DAta (BADA) model developed by Eurocontrol. The trajectories delivered by the developed algorithm were compared to long-haul flight plans computed by a European airliner and to as-flown trajectories obtained from Flightradar24®. The results reveal that up to 2000 kg of fuel can be reduced per flight, and flight time can be also reduced by up to 11 min.

Description: Rising adult asthma prevalence (AAP) rates and asthma emergency room (AER) visits constitute a large burden on public health in Utah (UT), a high-altitude state in the Great Basin Desert, USA. This warrants an investigation of the characteristics of the counties with the highest asthma burden within UT to improve allocation of health resources and for planning. The relations between several predictor environmental, health behavior and socio-economic variables and two health outcome variables, AAP and AER visits, were investigated for UT’s 29 counties. Non-parametric statistical comparison tests, correlation and linear regression analysis were used to determine the factors significantly associated with AER visits and AAP. Regression kriging with Utah small area data (USAD) as well as socio-economic and pollution data enabled local Moran’s I cluster analysis and the investigation of moving correlations between health outcomes and risk factors. Results showed the importance of desert/mining dust and socio-economic status as AAP and AER visits were greatest in the south of the state, highlighting a marked north–south divide in terms of these factors within the state. USAD investigations also showed marked differences in pollution and socio-economic status associated with AAP within the most populous northern counties. Policies and interventions need to address socio-economic inequalities within counties and between the north and south of the state. Fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matter monitors should be installed in towns in central and southern UT to monitor air quality as these are sparse, but in the summer, air quality can be worse here. Further research into spatiotemporal variation in air quality within UT is needed to inform public health interventions such as expanding clean fuel programs and targeted land-use policies. Efforts are also needed to examine barriers to routine asthma care.

Description: The bimodal-grain-size 7075 aluminium alloys containing varied ratios of large and small 7075 aluminium powders were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The large powder was 100 ± 15 μm in diameter and the small one was 10 ± 5 μm in diameter. The 7075 aluminium alloys was completely densified under the 500 °C sintering temperature and 60 MPa pressure. The large powders constituted coarse grain zone, and the small powders constituted fine grain zone in sintered 7075 aluminium alloys. The microstructural and microchemical difference between the large and small powders was remained in coarse and fine grain zones in bulk alloys after SPS sintering, which allowed for us to investigate the effects of microstructure and microchemistry on passive properties of oxide film formed on sintered alloys. The average diameter of intermetallic phases was 201.3 nm in coarse grain zone, while its vale was 79.8 nm in fine grain zone. The alloying element content in intermetallic phases in coarse grain zone was 33% to 48% higher than that on fine grain zone. The alloying element depletion zone surrounding intermetallic phases in coarse grain zone showed a bigger width and a more severe element depletion. The coarse grain zone in alloys showed a bigger electrochemical heterogeneity as compared to fine grain zone. The passive film formed on coarse grain zone had a thicker thickness and a point defect density of 2.4 × 1024 m−3, and the film on fine grain zone had a thinner thickness and a point defect density of 4.0 × 1023 m−3. The film resistance was 3.25 × 105 Ωcm2 on coarse grain zone, while it was 6.46 × 105 Ωcm2 on fine grain zone. The passive potential range of sintered alloys increased from 457 mV to 678 mV, while the corrosion current density decreased from 8.59 × 10−7 A/cm2 to 6.78 × 10−7 A/cm2 as fine grain zone increasing from 0% to 100%, which implied that the corrosion resistance of alloys increased with the increasing content of fine grains. The passive film on coarse grain zone exhibited bigger corrosion cavities after pitting initiation compared to that on fine grain zone. The passive film formed on fine grain zone showed a better corrosion resistance. The protectiveness of passive film was mainly determined by defect density rather than the thickness in this work.

Description: Joint sealant is affected by various environmental factors in service, such as different temperatures, water soaking, ultraviolet and so on. In this paper, the VAE emulsion–cement compositejoint sealant was pretreated under multiple simulation environments. Thereafter, the degradation rules of fixed elongation and tensile properties of joint sealants at different mix proportions were systemically investigated under the action of external environments (temperature, water soaking and ultraviolet), and the influence mechanisms of diverse environmental factors were analyzed. The research results suggested that, under the action of external environments, the VAE emulsion–cement composite joint sealants exhibited degradation effects to varying degrees. After the addition of plasticizer, the joint sealants had reduced cohesion strength in low temperature environment and enhanced flexible deformability. The addition of water repellent improved the water resistance of joint sealants. Meanwhile, adding ultraviolet shield agent partially improved the ultraviolet radiation aging resistance. A greater powder–liquid ratio led to the lower flexibility of joint sealants, but superior water resistance and ultraviolet radiation aging resistance.

Description: Local governments and Health Boards are seeking to develop integrated services to promote well-being. Social participation and physical activity are key in promoting well-being for older people. The Health Precinct is a community hub in North Wales that people with chronic conditions are referred to through social prescribing. To improve community-based assets there is a need to understand and evidence the social value they generate. Data collection took place October 2017–September 2019. Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was used to evaluate the Health Precinct. Stakeholders included participants aged 55+, participants’ families, staff, the National Health Service and local government. Participants’ health and well-being data were collected upon referral and four months later using the EQ-5D-5L, Campaign to End Loneliness Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Family members completed questionnaires at four months. Baseline data were collected for 159 participants. Follow-up data were available for 66 participants and 38 family members. The value of inputs was £55,389 (attendance fees, staffing, equipment, overheads), and the value of resulting benefits was £281,010; leading to a base case SROI ratio of £5.07 of social value generated for every £1 invested. Sensitivity analysis yielded estimates of between 2.60:1 and 5.16:1.

Description: Paddy mesocosms comprising of rice (Oryza sativa), snail (Pomacea canaliculata), and worm (Tubifex tubifex) were used to assess the damage caused by two acids (HNO3 and H2SO4) at predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) and hazardous concentration for 50% of species (HC50) levels. In the fourth week, the fresh weight and shoot height of O. sativa at H2SO4-HC50 were reduced by 83.2% and 30.3%, respectively. Wilted leaves (%) at HC50 were approximately twice that at PNEC. No P. canaliculata and T. tubifex were recovered at HC50. At H2SO4-PNEC, the length and weight of P. canaliculata were reduced by 7.4% and 25.9%, respectively, whereas fewer adult (46.5%) and juvenile (84%) T. tubifex were recovered. In the 20th week, rice growth and productivity were correlated with initial pH (pHi) and nitrogen levels. Poor correlation with chlorophyll at the active tillering stage suggests the disturbance of nutrient uptake by roots. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) results further supported that the pHi directly affects grain yield and quality, as well as plant growth. The indirect effect via intervening fourth-week-variables was also substantial. Therefore, it is important to measure initial pH upon acid spill to estimate the risk to the paddy ecosystem. Information on the change in soil properties associated with acidity will also aid in predicting the yield and quality of grain to be harvested.

Description: This study examines how an occupational commitment and a fun work environment serve as important mechanisms that influence the job demands–turnover intentions relationship. On the basis of the job demands–resources model, the study explored the relationship between job demands, occupational commitment, fun at work, and turnover intention. The hypotheses were (1) that job demands would be positively associated with predicted turnover intention; (2) that occupational commitment would mediate the job demands–turnover intention link and (3) that a fun environment would moderate the relationship between job demands and occupational commitment and between job demands and turnover intention. The study sampled 294 seafarers using an online survey, and applied descriptive, correlative analysis and the PROCESS Macro to test the hypotheses. Findings provide preliminary support for the three hypotheses, and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism determining seafarers’ turnover intention. The results suggest the importance of holding appropriate group activities on-board to help seafarers alleviate fatigue and stress.

Description: Plasticity and functional diversity of macrophages play an important role in resisting pathogens invasion, tumor progression and tissue repair. At present, nanodrug formulations are becoming increasingly important to induce and control the functional diversity of macrophages. In this framework, the internalization process of nanodrugs is co-regulated by a complex interplay of biochemistry, cell physiology and cell mechanics. From a biophysical perspective, little is known about cellular mechanics’ modulation induced by the nanodrug carrier’s internalization. In this study, we used the polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanofibers as a model drug carrier, and we investigated their influence on macrophage mechanics. Interestingly, the nanofibers internalized in macrophages induced a local increase of stiffness detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanomechanical investigation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a thickening of actin filaments around nanofibers during the internalization process. Following geometry and mechanical properties by AFM, indentation experiments are virtualized in a finite element model simulation. It turned out that it is necessary to include an additional actin wrapping layer around nanofiber in order to achieve similar reaction force of AFM experiments, consistent with confocal observation. The quantitative investigation of actin reconfiguration around internalized nanofibers can be exploited to develop novel strategies for drug delivery.

Description: Exsolved perovskites can be obtained from lanthanum ferrites, such as La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3, as result of Ni doping and thermal treatments. Ni can be simply added to the perovskite by an incipient wetness method. Thermal treatments that favor the exsolution process include calcination in air (e.g., 500 °C) and subsequent reduction in diluted H2 at 800 °C. These processes allow producing a two-phase material consisting of a Ruddlesden–Popper-type structure and a solid oxide solution e.g., α-Fe100-y-zCoyNizOx oxide. The formed electrocatalyst shows sufficient electronic conductivity under reducing environment at the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) anode. Outstanding catalytic properties are observed for the direct oxidation of dry fuels in SOFCs, including H2, methane, syngas, methanol, glycerol, and propane. This anode electrocatalyst can be combined with a full density electrolyte based on Gadolinia-doped ceria or with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) or BaCe0.9Y0.1O3-δ (BYCO) to form a complete perovskite structure-based cell. Moreover, the exsolved perovskite can be used as a coating layer or catalytic pre-layer of a conventional Ni-YSZ anode. Beside the excellent catalytic activity, this material also shows proper durability and tolerance to sulfur poisoning. Research challenges and future directions are discussed. A new approach combining an exsolved perovskite and an NiCu alloy to further enhance the fuel flexibility of the composite catalyst is also considered. In this review, the preparation methods, physicochemical characteristics, and surface properties of exsoluted fine nanoparticles encapsulated on the metal-depleted perovskite, electrochemical properties for the direct oxidation of dry fuels, and related electrooxidation mechanisms are examined and discussed.

Description: The drilling of holes in CFRP/Ti (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic/Titanium alloy) alloy stacks is one of the frequently used mechanical operations during the manufacturing of fastening assemblies in temporary civil aircraft. A combination of inhomogeneous behavior and poor machinability of CFRP/Ti alloy stacks in one short drilling brought challenges to the manufacturing community. The impact of the drilling temperature and time delay factor under various cutting conditions on hole accuracy when machining CFRP/Ti alloy stacks is poorly studied. In this paper, the drilling temperature, the phenomenon of thermal expansion of the drill tool, and hole accuracy are investigated. An experimental study was carried out using thermocouples, the coordinate measuring machine method, and finite element analysis. The results showed that the time delay factor varied from 5 (s) to 120 (s), influences the thermal-dependent properties of CFRP, and leads to an increase in hole roundness. Additionally, the thermal expansion of the drill significantly contributes to the deviation of the hole diameter in Ti alloy.

Description: Activity-based workplaces (ABWs) are implemented with possible implications for health, well-being, and work satisfaction in the workplace. Drawing on the theoretical framework, i.e., sense of coherence (SOC), the aim was to investigate how indicators pf SOC—meaningfulness, manageability and comprehensibility—are associated with, or function as barriers or facilitators for, health, well-being and work satisfaction during relocation to an ABW. We followed the implementation of ABWs at the Swedish Transport Administration (2018–2019). Questionnaires were administered before (n = 536), 3 months (n = 409) and 9 months (n = 373) after relocation. Focus group interviews (15) were conducted before and after. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and content analysis. Relocation to an ABW was associated with a reduced work satisfaction (physical p 〈 0.001; psychosocial p 〈 0.001), and minor changes in health and occupational well-being during relocation (p 〉 0.001). The reduction in work satisfaction was smaller among employees with high meaningfulness in the relocation process (p 〈 0.001). All SOC indicators were positively associated with overall health, well-being and work satisfaction (p 〈 0.001). Interviews suggested that meaningfulness was facilitated by participation in the presented activities and that communication before relocation was crucial. The results indicate that organizations implementing ABWs should promote perceived meaningfulness in the process to mitigate possible declines in satisfaction with the physical and psychosocial work environment.

Description: Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most serious rice diseases worldwide. Biological control is gaining popularity as a promising method for the control of this disease; however, more effective microbial strains with strong adaptability in rice fields need to be identified. Here, we report for the first time the successful identification of biocontrol bacterial strains from frozen soils of the soda saline-sodic land. We isolated 82 bacterial strains from rice fields in the western Songnen Plain of China, one of the three major soda saline soils in the world. Five of the isolated strains exhibited strong inhibition to M. oryzae growth. The potential strains were identified as Bacillus safensis JLS5, Pseudomonas koreensis JLS8, Pseudomonas saponiphila JLS10, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila JLS11 and Bacillus tequilensis JLS12, respectively, by 16s RNA gene sequence analysis. The antagonistic assay and the artificial inoculation tests showed that JLS5 and JLS12 could effectively inhibit conidial germination and pathogenicity of the rice blast fungus, both preventively and curatively. The suppression of pathogenicity was further confirmed by greenhouse experiments, showing the effectiveness of JLS5 and JLS12 as a potential biological control agents of M. oryzae. The potential application of these cold-tolerant strains for rice blast control in cold regions is discussed. Our data suggest that soda saline-sodic soils are a rich source for biocontrol strain isolation.

Description: The frontline nurses’ experience of nursing with overstretched resources in acute care setting can affect their health and well-being. Little is known about the experience of registered nurses faced with the care of a patient outside their area of expertise. The aim of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of nursing the outlier patient, when patients are nursed in a ward that is not specifically developed to deal with the major clinical diagnosis involved (e.g., renal patient in gynecology ward). Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, eleven individual face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with registered nurses in New South Wales, Australia. The study identified that each nurse had a specialty construct developed from nursing in a specialized environment. Each nurse had normalized the experience of specialty nursing and had developed a way of thinking and practicing theorized as a “care ladder”. By grouping and analyzing various “care ladders” together, the nursing capacities common to nurses formed the phenomenological orientation, namely “the composite care ladder”. Compared to nursing specialty-appropriate patients, nursing the outlier patient caused disruption of the care ladder, with some nurses becoming less capable as they were nursing the outlier patient. Nursing the outlier patient disrupted the nurses’ normalized constructs of nursing. This study suggests that nursing patients in specialty-appropriate wards will improve patient outcomes and reduce impacts on the nurses’ morale.

Description: Policymakers and urban designers strive to implement the increasing evidence about the positive association between urban green space (UGS) and health in policy. In Almere, The Netherlands, the Regenboogbuurt (“Rainbow Quarter”) neighbourhood is currently being revitalized. The research team was asked to deliver design principles for the improvement of UGS in this neighbourhood to benefit the health of its residents. However, robust studies that demonstrate what UGS criteria offer what particular benefit for what target group are scarce. This paper contributes to the need for more evidence-based UGS design by presenting the approach we used to develop UGS design principles for Regenboogbuurt. Demographic information, health statistics, residents’ opinions, and data about the current use of UGS were analysed to choose target groups and to formulate health benefit goals. We also developed a model for assessing the health benefits of UGS. For two age groups (those aged 10–24 and 40–60), stimulating physical health and social cohesion, respectively, were determined to be the goals of improving UGS. UGS design principles were then assessed based on the existing literature. These principles will be taken into account when this area is revitalized in 2021. Thus, there will be an opportunity to measure whether these design principles did indeed contribute to residents’ health.

Description: Headland rips, sometimes referred to as boundary rips, are rip currents flowing against natural or artificial obstructions extending seaward from the beach, such as headland or groynes. They can be driven either by the deflection of the longshore current against the obstacle or by alongshore variation in breaking wave height due to wave shadowing in the lee of the obstacle. The driving mechanism therefore essentially depends on the angle of wave incidence with respect to the natural or artificial obstruction. We analyze 42 days of velocity profile measurements against a natural headland at the high-energy meso-macrotidal beach of Anglet, southwest France. Measurements were collected in 6.5–10.5-m depth as tide elevation varied, during the autumn–winter period with offshore significant wave height and period ranging 0.9–6 m and 8–16 s, respectively, and the angle of wave incidence ranging from −20 ∘ to 20 ∘ . Here we analyze deflection rip configurations, corresponding to approximately 24 days of measurements, for which the current meter was alternatively located in the rip neck, rip head or away from the rip as wave and tide conditions changed. Deflection rips were associated with large offshore-directed velocities (up to 0.6 m/s depth-averaged velocities) and tide modulation for low- to moderate-energy waves. The vertical profile of deflection rips was found to vary from depth-uniform in the rip neck to strongly depth-varying further offshore in the rip head with maximum velocities near the surface. Very low frequency motions of the rip were dramatic, ranging 10–60 min with a dominant peak period of approximately 40 min, i.e., with longer periods than commonly reported. The strong offshore-directed velocities measured well beyond the surf zone edge provide new insight into deflection rips as a dominant mechanism for water and sediment exchanges between embayed (or structurally-controlled) beaches and the inner-shelf and/or the adjacent embayments.

Description: The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]

Description: The current pool of data investigating the effects of a single resistance exercise session on endothelial function is divergent and inconclusive. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a single resistance exercise session on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in trained individuals. Eleven healthy, young, recreationally resistance-trained individuals participated in the study. After determining the resistance exercise workload, the participants performed three sets of 10–12 repetition of leg press and leg extension exercises. By using ultrasound equipment, brachial artery FMD was assessed before (PRE) and 30 min after (POST) the resistance exercise protocol or resting (control) to evaluate endothelial function. A significant reduction in FMD response (PRE: 5.73% ± 1.21% vs. POST: 4.03% ± 1.94%, p 〈 0.01) after resistance exercise was observed, accompanied by a large effect size (d = 1.05). No significant difference was observed in FMD in the control condition (PRE: 5.82% ± 1.19% vs. POST: 5.66% ± 1.24%, p = 0.704). Additionally, no significant difference in baseline brachial artery diameter between resistance exercise (PRE: 3.30 ± 0.32 vs. POST: 3.40 ± 0.34 mm, p = 0.494) and resting (PRE: 3.64 ± 0.41 vs. POST: 3.67 ± 0.62 mm, p = 0.825) was observed. Our findings showed that a single resistance exercise session induced a reduction in FMD in resistance-trained individuals.

Description: In this work, piezoelectric (PZT) actuators were surface bonded on or embedded in a composite laminate and subjected to an electric voltage across the thickness, resulting in a bending effect on the composite laminate. An analytical expression of the deflection of a simply supported cross-ply composite laminate induced by distributed piezoelectric actuators was derived on the basis of classical plate theory and composite mechanics. The theoretical solution can be used to predict the deformation of the composite laminate. Series of parametric studies were performed to investigate the effects of location, size, and embedded depth of PZT actuators on the composite laminate deformation. The analytical predictions were verified with finite element results. A close agreement was achieved. It demonstrated that the present approach provided a simple solution to predict and control the deformed shape of a composite laminate induced by distributed PZT actuators.