Access to nature and adolescents’ psychological well-being

Previous research has demonstrated positive associations between the greenness of high school landscapes and school-wide academic performance. We do not know, however, if green landscapes cause better performance or if the association between the two is a product of self-selection. If there is a causal relationship, the pathways through which green school landscapes affect student performance remain unclear. Furthermore, evidence regarding exposure to nature and adolescents’ everyday stress in ecologically valid settings is lacking. We do not know, for example, whether adolescents who hang out in greener places – compared to their peers who hang out in less green places – during their daily activities experience less stress or better moods. Lack of this knowledge prevents landscape architects from making informed design and management decisions that help create places where children thrive. In addition, methods that can capture adolescents’ travel patterns and actual interactions with their environments are needed in health research. To address these issues, this dissertation includes a review of the current literature and two empirical studies: the Window View study and the Nature Tracking study. In the Window View study, I hypothesize that views to green landscapes help students recover from mental fatigue and stress. To test these hypotheses, I conducted an experiment with 94 high school students at five high schools. Participants were randomly assigned to three kinds of classrooms: 1) without windows, 2) with windows that opened onto a built space, 3) with windows that opened on to a green space. Participants engaged in typical classroom activities followed by a break in the classroom to which they were assigned. I measured participants attentional functioning using a standard battery of test and their physiological stress using a Biofeedback device. Results demonstrate that classroom views to green landscapes cause significantly better performance on tests of attention and increase student's recovery from stressful experiences. A lack of mediation effect demonstrates that attention restoration and stress recovery are two distinct processes. Implications for school site selection, design and renovation are discussed. In the Nature Tracking study, I hypothesize that the density of daily exposure of green landscapes is positively associated with adolescents’ moods. I proposed an approach that combines GPS tracking and Google Street View image processing to capture the concentration of nature in adolescents’ everyday environments and examined its relationship with their mood. A total of 155 participants wore a GPS device for four days and completed an online survey every evening in which they recorded their activities and moods. Results suggest that higher concentrations of nature are associated with less mood disturbance on a daily basis, even after controlling for intra- and inter-individual characteristics. This relationship did not vary by population group. Implications for designing the urban space to promote adolescent health are discussed. These studies are among the first to describe the cause relationship between nature, attention and stress for adolescents in educational settings, as well as the association between varying concentrations of nature and moods in everyday settings. There are multiple important methodological contributions regarding the use of physiological measures of stress, GPS tracking and Google Street View image processing. The findings of the study should be of interest to designers, policy makers, and public health providers. Building on the study methods and findings, I propose a design workflow. Instead of focusing on the physical characteristics of the urban setting, I start with a site reading of people’s movement through and interactions with the urban space. The design framework with specific small scaled urban insertions can be responsive to user’s affective states and thus facilitate the bottom-up design process

Research on vibration displacement test method for large-caliber artillery muzzle

In order to solve the problem of muzzle vibration displacement test of large caliber under high elevation, this paper presents a test method by two high-speed photography. The method fully considers the influence of the muzzle torsion on the measurement results, and accurately obtains the three-dimensional vibration displacement of the muzzle of the large caliber artillery. Finally, through the result analysis, the accuracy of the measurement results can reach 0.1 mm, which shows the advantage of the sub-pixel-based high-speed camera processing method in the muzzle vibration displacement test of the conventional artillery. This paper proposes an innovative test method that accurately measures the vibration displacement of the muzzle using a non-contact method

High frequency large stroke design and simulation experimental research on shaking table

Firstly, this paper introduces the design of high frequency large stroke vibration table according to the applicable environment. Secondly, the three-dimensional solid model is established which is based on solidworks2012 environment. The kinematics and dynamics simulation of the shaking table model are carried out. The vibration test curve of the vibrating table is obtained, and the reason of the change of the vibration curve under different vibration frequency is analyzed. Finally, this paper concludes that this exciting scheme is feasible and effective

FIP 5 phosphorylation during mitosis regulates apical trafficking and lumenogenesis

Apical lumen formation is a key step during epithelial morphogenesis. The establishment of the apical lumen is a complex process that involves coordinated changes in plasma membrane composition, endocytic transport, and cytoskeleton organization. These changes are accomplished, at least in part, by the targeting and fusion of Rab11/ FIP 5‐containing apical endosomes with the apical membrane initiation site ( AMIS ). Although AMIS formation and polarized transport of Rab11/ FIP 5‐containing endosomes are crucial for the formation of a single apical lumen, the spatiotemporal regulation of this process remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the formation of the midbody during cytokinesis is a symmetry‐breaking event that establishes the location of the AMIS . The interaction of FIP 5 with SNX 18, which is required for the formation of apical endocytic carriers, is inhibited by GSK ‐3 phosphorylation at FIP 5‐T276. Importantly, we show that FIP 5‐T276 phosphorylation occurs specifically during metaphase and anaphase, to ensure the fidelity and timing of FIP 5‐endosome targeting to the AMIS during apical lumen formation. Synopsis This study shows that epithelial lumen formation is regulated by FIP 5 phosphorylation, which inhibits its interaction with SNX 18 during metaphase and anaphase, ensuring that the transport of apical endocytic carriers happens only after the formation of the AMIS . FIP 5‐endosomes travel along the central spindle to the apical membrane initiation site ( AMIS ). FIP 5‐T276 phosphorylation by GSK ‐3 regulates the timing of apical lumen formation. The midbody formation during cytokinesis is a symmetry‐breaking event leading to the establishment of a single apical lumen site. This study shows that epithelial lumen formation is regulated by FIP5 phosphorylation, which inhibits its interaction with SNX18 during metaphase and anaphase, ensuring that the transport of apical endocytic carriers happens only after the formation of the AMIS.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/1/embr201338128-sup-0001-FigS1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/2/embr201338128-SourceData-Fig4G.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/3/embr201338128-sup-0003-FigS3.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/4/embr201338128.reviewer_comments.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/5/embr201338128.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/6/embr201338128-sup-0004-FigS4.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/7/embr201338128-SourceData-Fig2B-C-D.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/8/embr201338128-sup-0005-FigS5.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/9/embr201338128-sup-0002-FigS2.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106968/10/embr201338128-sup-0006-Methods.pd

Understanding how virtual reality forest experience promote physiological and psychological health for patients undergoing hemodialysis

Growing research has found that exposing patients to forest landscapes through technology improves their health. However, studies on the effects of nature therapy sessions on particularly vulnerable groups that require frequent regular treatment such as patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is lacking. This study aims to understand the effects of watching panoramic videos of forest walks through virtual reality (VR) headsets on patients. We also examine the effects of the frequency of virtual exposure to forests on the physiological and psychological parameters of patients undergoing dialysis. Twenty-four dialysis patients with a mean age of 65.11 year underwent a virtual nature intervention over the course of 3 weeks. The intervention consists of 3 numbers of 6-min 360-degree nature videos delivered using VR headsets. We measured heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) using continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring and assessed their emotional states using a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. The results showed that the initial 6 min of watching of the panoramic videos through VR headsets resulted in significantly reduced HR and sympathetic nerve activity and increased positive emotional responses. However, repeated VR exposure did not further improve the physiological health of the respondents. Considering these results, the use of VR headsets to watch 6-min nature videos indoors can be used to enhance the positive psychological responses among dialysis and bed-ridden patients. As this study is preliminary, future random controlled trials are needed to compare and determine the best dose, content, and delivery methods of such an intervention

A photo-responsive F-box protein FOF2 regulates floral initiation by promoting FLC expression in Arabidopsis.

Floral initiation is regulated by various genetic pathways in response to light, temperature, hormones and developmental status; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between different genetic pathways are not fully understood. Here, we show that the photoresponsive gene FOF2 (F-box of flowering 2) negatively regulates flowering. FOF2 encodes a putative F-box protein that interacts specifically with ASK14, and its overexpression results in later flowering under both long-day and short-day photoperiods. Conversely, transgenic plants expressing the F-box domain deletion mutant of FOF2 (FOF2ΔF), or double loss of function mutant of FOF2 and FOL1 (FOF2-LIKE 1) present early flowering phenotypes. The late flowering phenotype of the FOF2 overexpression lines is suppressed by the flc-3 loss-of-function mutation. Furthermore, FOF2 mRNA expression is regulated by autonomous pathway gene FCA, and the repressive effect of FOF2 in flowering can be overcome by vernalization. Interestingly, FOF2 expression is regulated by light. The protein level of FOF2 accumulates in response to light, whereas it is degraded under dark conditions via the 26S proteasome pathway. Our findings suggest a possible mechanistic link between light conditions and the autonomous floral promotion pathway in Arabidopsis

T cell immunity rather than antibody mediates cross-protection against Zika virus infection conferred by a live attenuated Japanese encephalitis SA14-14-2 vaccine.

Zika virus (ZIKV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are closely related to mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine SA14-14-2 has been in the Chinese national Expanded Program on Immunization since 2007. The recent recognition of severe disease syndromes associated with ZIKV, and the identification of ZIKV from mosquitoes in China, prompts an urgent need to investigate the potential interaction between the two. In this study, we showed that SA14-14-2 is protective against ZIKV infection in mice. JE vaccine SA14-14-2 triggered both Th1 and Th2 cross-reactive immune responses to ZIKV; however, it was cellular immunity that predominantly mediated cross-protection against ZIKV infection. Passive transfer of immune sera did not result in significant cross-protection but did mediate antibody-dependent enhancement in vitro, though this did not have an adverse impact on survival. This study suggests that the SA14-14-2 vaccine can protect against ZIKV through a cross-reactive T cell response. This is vital information in terms of ZIKV prevention or precaution in those ZIKV-affected regions where JEV circulates or SA14-14-2 is in widespread use, and opens a promising avenue to develop a novel bivalent vaccine against both ZIKV and JEV. KEY POINTS: • JEV SA14-14-2 vaccine conferred cross-protection against ZIKV challenge in mice. • T cell immunity rather than antibody mediated the cross-protection. • It provides important information in terms of ZIKV prevention or precaution

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers on early gastrointestinal cancer in China

ObjectiveGastrointestinal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in China, and its early screening is largely recommended by healthcare workers. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers on early gastrointestinal cancer (EGC).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare workers who volunteered to participate from 30 hospitals in China between September and December 2022. A self-administered questionnaire including 37 questions was developed.ResultsA total of 545 completed questionnaires were finally obtained. Healthcare workers had moderate knowledge level [9.22 ± 1.80 (65.88±12.89%), total score: 14], positive attitude [21.84 ± 2.67 (91.01 ± 11.14%), total score: 24], and excellent practice level [19.07 ± 4.43 (79.47 ± 18.44%), total score: 24] on EGC. Pearson's correlation analysis suggested that knowledge score was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.264, P < 0.001) and practice score (r = 0.140, P = 0.001), and higher attitude score was significantly correlated with higher practice score (r = 0.380, P < 0.001), which were supported and reinforced by structural equation modeling. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that knowledge scores might be influenced by sex, age, education, type of hospital, type of occupation, professional title, and years of working (all P < 0.05); attitude scores might be influenced by years of working (P < 0.05); and practice scores were statistically distinct among groups of different sex, department, and years of working (all P < 0.05).ConclusionHealthcare workers have moderate knowledge level, positive attitude, and excellent practice levels on EGC. Good knowledge and positive attitude might be correlated with excellent practice. KAP level might be influenced by sociodemographic characteristics

Review of Associations between Built Environment Characteristics and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Risk.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has stimulated intensive research interest in its transmission pathways and infection factors, e.g., socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, climatology, baseline health conditions or pre-existing diseases, and government policies. Meanwhile, some empirical studies suggested that built environment attributes may be associated with the transmission mechanism and infection risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, no review has been conducted to explore the effect of built environment characteristics on the infection risk. This research gap prevents government officials and urban planners from creating effective urban design guidelines to contain SARS-CoV-2 infections and face future pandemic challenges. This review summarizes evidence from 25 empirical studies and provides an overview of the effect of built environment on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. Virus infection risk was positively associated with the density of commercial facilities, roads, and schools and with public transit accessibility, whereas it was negatively associated with the availability of green spaces. This review recommends several directions for future studies, namely using longitudinal research design and individual-level data, considering multilevel factors and extending to diversified geographic areas