bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrusion detection framework based on homomorphic encryption in AMI network
Authors: Wang Jing , Xia Zhuoqun , Chen Yaling , Hu Chang , Yu Fei
Published: December 2022

In order to alleviate the privacy issue of traditional smart grids, some researchers have proposed a power metering system based on a federated learning framework, which jointly trains the model by exchanging gradients between multiple data owners instead of raw data. However, recent research shows that the federated learning framework still has privacy and security issues. Secondly, since the server does not have direct access to all parties data sets and training process, malicious attackers may conduct poisoning attacks. This is a new security threat in federated learning - poisoning attack. However, solving the two problems at the same time seems to be contradictory because privacy protection requires the inseparability of the training gradients of all parties, and security requires the server to be able to identify the poisoned client. To solve the above issues, this paper proposes an intrusion detection method based on federated learning client-side security in AMI networks, which uses CKKS to protect model parameters. In addition, to resist the poisoning attack in federated learning, the model trained by the data processing center and the model trained by each client are firstly calculated for the direction similarity, and the similarity value is scaled as the adaptive weight of the aggregation model. Then, the size of each client model update is normalized to be the same size as the data processing center model update. Finally, the normalized updates and adaptive weights are weighted averaged to form a global model update. The research results show that the method in this paper can effectively resist inference attacks and poisoning attacks. In the AMI network, the intrusion detection method based on federated learning can maintain a good detection performance.
Characterisation of the heat shock protein Tid and its involvement in stress response regulation in Apis cerana
Authors: Li Guilin , Zhang Chenghao , Wang Hongfang , Xia Wenli , Zhang Xinyi , Liu Zhenguo , Wang Ying , Zhao Hang , Xu Baohua
Published: December 2022

Objective: The impact of various environmental stresses on native Apis cerana cerana fitness has attracted intense attention in China. However, the defence responses of A. cerana cerana to different stressors are poorly understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism mediated by the tumorous imaginal discs (Tid) protein of A. cerana cerana (AccTid) in response to stressors.

Methods: We used some bioinformatics softwares to analyse the characterisation of Tid. Then, qRT–PCR, RNA interference and heat resistance detection assays were used to explore the function of Tid in stress response in A. cerana cerana.

Results:AccTid is a homologous gene of human Tid1 and Drosophila Tid56, contains a conserved J domain and belongs to the heat shock protein DnaJA subfamily. The level of AccTid induced expression was increased under temperature increases from 40°C to 43°C and 46°C, and AccTid knockdown decreased the heat resistance of A. cerana cerana, indicating that the upregulation of AccTid plays an important role when A. cerana cerana is exposed to heat stress. Interestingly, contrary to the results of heat stress treatment, the transcriptional level of AccTid was inhibited by cold, H2O2 and some agrochemical stresses and showed no significant change under ultraviolet ray and sodium arsenite stress. These results suggested that the requirement of A. cerana cerana for Tid differs markedly under different stress conditions. In addition, knockdown of AccTid increased the mRNA levels of some Hsps and antioxidant genes. The upregulation of these Hsps and antioxidant genes may be a functional complement of AccTid knockdown.

Conclusion:AccTid plays a crucial role in A. cerana cerana stress responses and may mediate oxidative damage caused by various stresses. Our findings will offer fundamental knowledge for further investigations of the defence mechanism of A. cerana cerana against environmental stresses.
Bibliometric insights from publications on subchondral bone research in osteoarthritis
Authors: Wen Pengfei , Liu Rui , Wang Jun , Wang Yakang , Song Wei , Zhang Yumin
Published: December 2022

Background: The role of subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis has received continuous attention worldwide. To date, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this topic has been carried out. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge landscape, hot spots, and research trends in subchondral bone research through bibliometrics.

Methods: Web of Science Core Collection database was used to collect articles and reviews on subchondral bone in osteoarthritis published between 2003 and 2022. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and a bibliometric online analysis platform (http://bibliometric.com/) were used to visualize the knowledge network of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords in this field. Both curve fitting and statistical plotting were performed using OriginPro, while correlation analysis was done using SPSS.

Results: A total of 3,545 articles and reviews were included. The number of publications on subchondral bone showed an exponential growth trend. The US produced the most (980), followed by China (862) and the United Kingdom (364). Scientific output and gross domestic product were significantly correlated (r = .948, p < .001). The University of California System and Professor Pelletier Jean-Pierre were the most prolific institutions and influential authors, respectively. The most active and influential journal for subchondral bone research was Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. The majority of papers were financed by NSFC (474, 13.4%), followed by HHS (445, 12.6%), and NIH (438, 12.4%). In recent years, hot keywords have focused on the research of pathomechanisms (e.g., inflammation, apoptosis, pathogenesis, cartilage degeneration/repair, angiogenesis, TGF beta) and therapeutics (e.g., regeneration, stromal cell, mesenchymal stem cell).

Conclusion: Subchondral bone research in osteoarthritis is flourishing. Current topics and next research trends would be centered on the pathomechanisms of cellular and molecular interactions in the subchondral bone microenvironment in the development of osteoarthritis and the exploration of targeted treatment medicines for the altered subchondral bone microenvironment.
Strategies and prospects for biostimulants to alleviate abiotic stress in plants
Authors: Ma Ying , Freitas Helena , Dias Maria Celeste
Published: December 2022

Global climate change-induced abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, heavy metals, and UV radiation) have destabilized the fragile agroecosystems and impaired plant performance and thereby reducing crop productivity and quality. Biostimulants, as a promising and eco-friendly approach, are widely used to address environmental concerns and fulfill the need for developing sustainable/modern agriculture. Current knowledge revealed that plant and animal derived stimulants (e.g., seaweeds and phytoextracts, humic substances, and protein hydrolysate) as well as microbial stimulants (e.g., plant beneficial bacteria or fungi) have great potential to elicit plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses and thus enhancing plant growth and performance-related parameters (such as root growth/diameter, flowering, nutrient use efficiency/translocation, soil water holding capacity, and microbial activity). However, to successfully implement biostimulant-based agriculture in the field under changing climate, the understanding of agricultural functions and action mechanism of biostimulants coping with various abiotic stresses at physicochemical, metabolic, and molecular levels is needed. Therefore, this review attempts to unravel the underlying mechanisms of action mediated by diverse biostimulants in relation to abiotic stress alleviation as well as to discuss the current challenges in their commercialization and implementation in agriculture under changing climate conditions.
Assessing the influence of local environment, regional climate and tree species on radial growth in the Hexi area of arid northwest China
Authors: Fan Beixi , Yang Bao , Li Gang
Published: December 2022

Radial growth is influenced by the local environment, regional climate, and tree species. Assessing the influence of these variables on radial growth can help to reveal the relationships between tree growth and the environment. Here, we used standard dendrochronological approach to explore the response of radial growth to climate factors. We reported ring-width (TRW) residual chronologies from five sites along a longitudinal gradient in the Hexi area, arid northwestern China, based on a total of 249 Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia) ring-width records. We found that Qinghai spruce in the west of the Hexi area is more sensitive to climate change than in the east, and that drought condition in the previous growing season and the early growing season (March to June) limits spruce growth. Comparison between the regional standard chronologies of Qinghai spruce and Qilian juniper (Juniperus przewalskii) in the Hexi area during 1813-2001 showed that both chronologies were more consistent in the high-frequency domain than in the low-frequency domain. The findings emphasize the impacts of local environment, regional climate and tree species on radial growth, suggesting that accounting for these variables could improve large-scale and multi-species dendrochronological studies.
In situ occurrence and protection of crop wild relatives in Italian sites of natura 2000 network: Insights from a data-driven approach
Authors: Raggi Lorenzo , Zucchini Cecilia , Gigante Daniela , Negri Valeria
Published: December 2022

Aim of this work is to evaluate the in situ status of different crop wild relative species in Italy by analysing the geographic distribution of their populations and to suggests possible strategies to improve their future conservation. The work has been focused on different species of the Allium, Beta, Brassica, Secale and Triticum genera that are of priority at European and global levels for the economic importance of the related crops, the level of threat, as well as the potential for use. Using information available in the Italian National Geoportal, geographical distribution and the overall percentage of populations occurring in Natura 2000 sites was initially analysed. In addition, due to the economic importance of the genus and species distribution in Italy, Brassica glabrescens, B. insularis, B. macrocarpa, B. montana, B. procumbens, B. rupestris, B. villosa were the object of additional analyses based on more detailed occurrence data, retrieved from multiple databases, and including land cover/land use and in situ and ex situ density analyses. Geographical distribution data were retrieved for 1,996 in situ populations belonging to 60 crop wild relative species: Allium (43), Brassica (11), Triticum (4), Beta (1) and Secale (1). Percentages of population occurring in Natura 2000 sites are quite different when the different species are considered; this also applies to Brassica species in most need of protection. Results of land cover/land use analysis showed that Brassica populations outside Natura 2000 areas mainly occur in anthropized sites while those within Natura 2000 mainly in sites characterised by natural and seminatural conditions. Areas where genetic reserves could be instituted and that could be the target of future Brassica resources collection missions are also suggested. Based on a large dataset of punctual geographical distribution data of population occurrences across the territory, this research shows that, in Italy, crop wild relatives in situ are in a quite precarious condition especially when species in most need of protection are considered. Our data also highlight the role of Natura 2000 Network in favouring in situ protection of these precious resources in Europe.
ACC deaminase-producing endophytic fungal consortia promotes drought stress tolerance in M.oleifera by mitigating ethylene and H2O2
Authors: Rehman Bushra , Javed Javeria , Rauf Mamoona , Khan Sumera Afzal , Arif Muhammad , Hamayun Muhammad , Gul Humaira , Khilji Sheza Ayaz , Sajid Zahoor Ahmad , Kim Won-Chan , Lee In-Jung
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Drought has become more prevalent due to dramatic climate change worldwide. Consequently, the most compatible fungal communities collaborate to boost plant development and ecophysiological responses under environmental constraints. However, little is known about the specific interactions between non-host plants and endophytic fungal symbionts that produce growth-promoting and stress-alleviating hormones during water deficits.

Methods

The current research was rationalized and aimed at exploring the influence of the newly isolated, drought-resistant, ACC deaminase enzyme-producing endophytic fungiTrichoderma gamsii(TP),Fusarium proliferatum(TR), and its consortium (TP+TR) from a xerophytic plantCarthamus oxycanthaL. onMoringa oleiferaL. grown under water deficit induced by PEG-8000 (8% osmoticum solution).

Results

The current findings revealed that the co-inoculation promoted a significant enhancement in growth traits such as dry weight (217%), fresh weight (123%), root length (65%), shoot length (53%), carotenoids (87%), and chlorophyll content (76%) in comparison to control plants under water deficit. Total soluble sugars (0.56%), proteins (132%), lipids (43%), flavonoids (52%), phenols (34%), proline (55%), GA3(86%), IAA (35%), AsA (170%), SA (87%), were also induced, while H2O2(-45%), ABA (-60%) and ACC level (-77%) was decreased by co-inoculation of TP and TR inM. oleiferaplants, compared with the non-inoculated plants under water deficit. The co-inoculum (TP+TR) also induced the antioxidant potential and enzyme activities POX (325%), CAT activity (166%), and AsA (21%), along with a lesser decrease (-2%) in water potential inM. oleiferaplants with co-inoculation under water deficit compared with non-inoculated control. The molecular analysis for gene expression unraveled the reduced expression of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling-related genes up to an optimal level, with an induction of antioxidant enzymatic genes by endophytic co-inoculation inM. oleiferaplants under water deficit, suggesting their role in drought stress tolerance as an essential regulatory function.

Conclusion

The finding may alert scientists to consider the impacts of optimal reduction of ethylene and induction of antioxidant potential on drought stress tolerance inM. oleifera.Hence, the present study supports the use of compatible endophytic fungi to build a bipartite mutualistic symbiosis inM. oleiferanon-host plants to mitigate the negative impacts of water scarcity in arid regions throughout the world.
A test of the ecological valence theory of color preference, the case of Arabic
Authors: Al-Rasheed Abdulrahman S. , Franklin Anna , Maule John
Published: December 2022

Humans have systematic and reliable color preferences. The dominant account of color preference is that individuals like some colors more than others due to the valence of objects that they associate with colors (Ecological Valence Theory). In support of this theory, Palmer and Schloss show that the average valence of objects associated with a color, when weighted (the WAVE), explains up to 80% of the variation in color preference for adults from the United States (US). Here we investigate whether Ecological Valence Theory can account for the color preferences of female and male adults from Saudi Arabia to test how well the theory generalizes across cultures and how well it accounts for sex differences in color preference. We also extend the investigation of EVT by investigating whether abstract concept associations as well as object associations can account for preference. Saudi adults’ color preferences, color object and concept associations, and association valence ratings were collected, and the WAVE was computed and correlated with preference ratings. The WAVE accounted for no more than half of the variance in Saudi color preferences, although there was some degree of sex specificity in the relationship of the WAVE and color preference. Adding abstract concept associations did not account for more variance than object associations alone, but the number of abstract concept associations did account for a significant amount of the variance in color preference for females, but not males. The findings converge with other cross-cultural studies in suggesting that the success of EVT in accounting for color preference varies across cultures and indicates that additional factors other than color associations are likely also at play.
Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the Adolescent Asthma Self-Efficacy Questionnaire
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Hongyu , Cao Jinjin , Li Mei , Wang Jianan , Jing Ruochen
Published: December 2022

Background

Self-efficacy was considered as a promising target for the self-management of symptoms for adolescents with asthma. The measurement of self-efficacy in adolescents with asthma requires effective self-report tools, which have not been met with at present. So, the aim of this study was to cross-culturally validate the Adolescent Asthma Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (AASEQ).

Methods

As many as 408 adolescents with asthma were invited to take up the psychometric properties test between July 2021 and June 2022. We conducted the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine the structure of the AASEQ. The relationship between the AASEQ and General Self-Efficacy Scale was tested to evaluate the construct validity. The reliability was evaluated by retest reliability, internal consistency, and interfactor correlation.

Results

The results of the present study showed that the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a significantly good fit for a four-factor model, which explained 62.697% of the total variance. The fit indices of the four-factor model were acceptable, and the standardized factor loading ranged from 0.631 to 0.880. The C-AASEQ showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.810–0.927) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.64–0.89). Content validity index at the scale level was 0.96, and content validity index at the item level was 0.86 to 1.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of Adolescent Asthma Self-Efficacy Questionnaire showed consistently acceptable positive psychometric properties and can be used as an instrument to assess the self-efficacy of adolescents with asthma in China, as corroborated in the present study.
Descriptive, injunctive, or the synergy of both? Experimenting normative information on behavioral changes under the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Okada Isamu , Yanagi Itaru , Kubo Yoshiaki , Kikuchi Hirokazu
Published: December 2022

Backgrounds

The effectiveness of citizens’ behavioral changes to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, such as avoiding large social events, relies on science communication from policymakers and collective action among peer citizens. Extant studies recognize the potential effects of information stimuli on citizens’ behavioral changes, including what epidemiological experts request (injunctive information) and what surrounding people behave (descriptive information). Yet, they have insufficiently assessed the co-occurrence and possible interaction of multiple information stimuli.

Methods

1,819 Japanese citizens aged 18 or over were recruited for an experimental survey during March 1–3, 2021 and asked their views on a hypothetical wedding attendance in Japan while being exposed to randomly assigned normative information stimuli. Their willingness to attend a wedding asked before and after the intervention was measured. Infection risk perception was also asked as a mediating variable.

Results

Findings suggest the constant supremacy of descriptive information and no synergistic effects in the interaction of multiple information stimuli. We also report that the effects of injunctive and descriptive information vary according to participants’ risk perception, age, and trust in experts.

Conclusion

Our experimental test enables a systematic assessment of multiple normative information and confirms the primacy of descriptive information as the main driver of behavioral change. Communication by medical experts has limitations but is still effective in specific categories of the population.
Challenges of online learning amid the COVID-19: College students’ perspective
Authors: Xia Yuefan , Hu Yawen , Wu Chenyi , Yang Ling , Lei Man
Published: December 2022

Universities in China’s transition to online education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have spawned several research studies. However, studies exploring college students’ technological skills, relationships with their peers and instructors, and collaborative learning experiences during the pandemic are scarce. Three aspects were explored in this mixed study: (1) changes in students’ engagement in class and the main factors involved; (2) students’ feelings and reactions during online learning; and (3) how students related to their peers and instructors. Data were collected through a qualitative survey supplemented by quantitative data about students’ attitudes to online learning using the SAROL scale. This paper argues that online learning may not produce the desired results due to lack of interaction with instructors, no campus socialization or well-trained technology skills, and appropriate content for online courses and group work. The findings further revealed that online learning offers college students new ways to learn independently, collaborate and build relationships with their peers. It encourages them to reconsider ways to improve their technology skills, learning methods, communication skills and reconceptualize their responsibilities as team members.
Key competencies of students with autism spectrum disorders: Perspectives of Chinese teachers and parents
Authors: Cao Shuqin , Wang Yixin , Yang Xiaofang , Jin Qiqin , Hui-Michael Ying , Xie Dongjie
Published: December 2022

Well-defined key competencies for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) help develop curriculum and pedagogies that emphasize what students with ASD are expected to learn, to know and to do. Most of the current research on the key competencies of ASD is theoretical and based on the social and cultural backgrounds of western countries. The key competencies defined by most of the research lack of the support of empirical evidence. This study sought to identify the key competencies of school-age students with ASD from the perspectives of teachers and parents. Based on the review of existing key competencies frameworks, a key competencies instrument that consisted of 76 learning outcome items in eight domain areas was developed. An online survey to explore the teachers’ and parents’ views of the key competencies was conducted with 1,618 teachers and 2,430 parents of students with ASD across China. The results showed that teachers believed that the key competencies should consist of eight domain areas including social-communication, learning skills, healthy living, play, motor, emotion, sensory processing, and cognition, while the cognition related competencies were not recognized by parents. The competencies in social-communication, learning skills, healthy living had higher variance contribution. From the perspective of teachers, the variance contribution of social communication was the highest, while from the perspective of parents, the variance contribution of learning skills was the largest. Taken together, the key competencies framework for students with ASD should include eight dimensions and 75 learning outcome items. The similarities and differences between the perspectives of the two group were discussed. The findings could provide empirical data to assist in developing educational guidelines and guide the development of models of support for students with ASD.
The relationship between internet use preference and loneliness among college students during COVID-19: The chain mediating effect of online social support and self-esteem
Authors: Luo Qing , Huang Lu , Wu Na
Published: December 2022

The outbreak of COVID-19, especially the demands of social interaction and spatial distancing behavior, has led to a surge in Internet use, which has also led to an increase in loneliness. Therefore, we investigated the role of online social support and self-esteem in the relationship between Internet use preference and loneliness. In this study, 1053 college students were surveyed with a questionnaire based on the framework of Ecological System Theory, and a chain mediation model was established to clarify the mechanism between Internet use preference and loneliness. The results show that Internet use preference not only positively predicts loneliness, but also indirectly influences loneliness through the mediators of online social support and self-esteem, thereby impacting loneliness through the “online social support → self-esteem” chain. The results also indicate the need to pay attention to college students’ mental health status during COVID-19. The advent of COVID-19 has impacted people’s lifestyles and has changed the impact of the Internet on individual mental health. This study provides a new way to further understand college students’ Internet use preferences, online social support, self-esteem, and loneliness status during COVID-19. It provides targeted interventions for college students’ loneliness during COVID-19.
Re-examine the influence of organizational identification on unethical pro-supervisor behavior
Authors: Sun Tuwei , Shi Wei , Wang Jing
Published: December 2022

Employees’ unethical pro-supervisor behavior (UPSB) is common in organizations. Existing research primarily argued that organizational identification increases this behavior, emphasizing that UPSB benefits organizations indirectly. However, it ignores that UPSB can sometimes serve the interests of the supervisor at the expense of the interests of the organization. Drawing on social identity theory and social cognitive theory, this study aims to emphasize this point by proposing that organizational identification can inhibit employees’ UPSB via the mediation of felt obligation. We also propose that perceived organizational cronyism would weaken the negative effect. Data were collected through a self-reported online questionnaire based on a three-wave research design and analyzed through hierarchical regression analyses. With a sample of 578 Chinese employees, we found support for our propositions. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Continuous idea contribution in open innovation communities: The role of verbal persuasion from peers
Authors: Zhang Jiacheng , Qi Guijie , Song Chunlin , Chen Jiali
Published: December 2022

Motivating continuous idea contributions from members is especially challenging for open innovation communities (OIC). Scholars have thus explored a range of incentives, among which peer feedback has received much attention. However, existing research on peer feedback tends to focus on the structural features, ignoring the richness of the text. To fill this research gap, this study investigates the influence of feedback language use from peers, including emotional support and constructive feedback, on individuals’ continuous idea contributions, based on the creative self-efficacy theory. The results show that emotional support, especially emotional approval, positively affects members’ continuous contributions, and that the effect is stronger when the provider is of a higher status. However, individualized consideration does not seem to work. In addition, in terms of the effect of constructive feedback, we also find support from cognitive stimulation, while intellectual stimulation exerts an effect only when the provider’s status is high. Overall, these findings extend the current research on peer feedback and offer practical guidelines to the open innovation community.
The relationship between maternal and infant empathy: The mediating role of responsive parenting
Authors: Liu Hang , Zhu Yuning , Cai Xiaoqi , Ma Zhengmei , Wang Lu
Published: December 2022

Individual empathy emerges during infancy, and its development is influenced by family environmental factors such as parental characteristics and parenting style. In this study, we examined how maternal empathy was related to infant empathy and the mediating role of responsive parenting in this relationship using situational observation and scale measurement data. Thirty-three infants aged 11–30 months (M = 20.18, SD = 5.18) and their mothers (all from middle-income Chinese families) participated in simulated distress scenarios and structured mother–infant interaction sessions. These paradigms are widely used to study infant empathy and responsive parenting. The maternal empathy levels were measured using the Adult Empathy Scale (E-scale). The results indicate that (1) by their second year, infants largely acquire the capacity for other-oriented empathy and display significantly greater levels of empathy toward their mothers than toward strangers; (2) maternal empathy is significantly and positively correlated with responsive parenting and infant empathy, responsive parenting is significantly and positively correlated with infant empathy; and (3) responsive parenting fully mediates the effect of maternal empathy on infant empathy. These findings indicate that maternal empathy level can be enhanced to improve the quality of parent–child interaction, thereby promoting infant empathy development.
The impact of TV series consumption on cultural knowledge: An empirical study based on gratification–cultivation theory
Authors: Tirasawasdichai Tanin , Obrenovic Bojan , Alsharif Hussain Zaid H.
Published: December 2022

This study aims to clarify the media-induced trends of cross-cultural transmission and examine the implicit promotional potential for cultural branding. The gratification and cultivation theories are used to explore the promotional media prospect in forming perceptions of foreign cultures’ traditions, habits, norms, and values to contribute to international communication. We analyzed the theoretical applicability in the case of China–Thailand contemporary media culture. A total of 856 Chinese series watchers were surveyed. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the path effect of consumption of Chinese TV series on other endogenous variables. Results showed that cross-cultural media product consumption strengthens bilateral relations. Moreover, the acceptance and appropriation during engagement with media characters and producers lead to favorable attitudes toward the target culture. Results confirm the positive mutual association between the gratification and cultivation theories and their applicability in the current context. This study offers an important contribution through its finding that the need for gratification significantly and positively impacts consumption and cross-cultural learning and raises cross-cultural awareness, thereby leading to sustainable practices.
Cronbach’s alpha in mathematics education research: Its appropriateness, overuse, and alternatives in estimating scale reliability
Authors: Zakariya Yusuf F.
Published: December 2022

Critiques of coefficient alpha as an estimate of scale reliability are widespread in the literature. However, the continuous overuse of this statistic in mathematics education research suggests a disconnection between theory and practice. As such, this article argues, in a non-technical way, for the limited usefulness of coefficient alpha, its overuse, and its alternatives in estimating scale reliability. Coefficient alpha gives information only about the degree of the interrelatedness of a set of items that measures a construct. Contrary to the widely circulated misconceptions in mathematics education research, a high coefficient alpha value does not mean the instrument is reliable, and it does not imply the instrument measures a single construct. Coefficient alpha can only be dependable as an estimate of reliability under verifiable and restrictive conditions. I expose these conditions and present steps for their verification in empirical studies. I discuss some alternatives to coefficient alpha with references to non-technical articles where worked examples and programming codes are available. I hope this exposition will influence the practices of mathematics education researchers regarding estimation of scale reliability.
Entrepreneurial effect of rural return migrants: Evidence from China
Authors: Bao Anze , Pang Gefeng , Zeng Guoping
Published: December 2022

Entrepreneurship is an important means of economic development. Rural migrant workers returning home to start their own businesses can promote employment, alleviate poverty, and achieve rural development structural transformation of rural development. The entrepreneurial effect of rural return migrants is important for rural economic development. Using the data of the China Labor Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS thereafter) 2018 and China Household Finance Survey (CHFS thereafter) 2019, we analyze the entrepreneurial effects of return migrants upon their return to their hometowns. We construct a career choice model and build a mathematical model based on it to formulate the hypothesis. Then, we use the Probit regression model to test the hypothesis empirically. Results find that the rural return migrants can promote entrepreneurship among residents. Land circulation, human capital, and physical capital are stimulating factors in promoting the rural entrepreneurial activities of return migrants. We recommend that the government actively guide the rural return migrants to start businesses and provide security for entrepreneurial activities by upgrading various entrepreneurial elements.
Antecedents of continuance intention in online learning systems among vocational college students: The moderating effect of gender
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Xiuling , Wei Chenming
Published: December 2022

Background

The primary objective of this study is to ascertain whether the Expectation Confirmation Model can be expanded by external variables including computer anxiety, social interaction, and self-efficacy to better understand the intention to continue using online learning systems in the post-pandemic era among vocational college students. Moreover, this research argues that the intention to continue using online learning systems among students may be gender-sensitive.

Methods

The researchers surveyed 482 students from eight vocational colleges in Jiangxi Province using a structured questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural equation modeling is used to verify the research model.

Results

The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed model adequately explains the continuous use intention for online learning systems at a 76.6% confidence level. All of the newly introduced variables in the ECM are shown to be significant and relevant to explicate continuous use intention. Our survey results show that gender differences in intention to continue using online learning systems exist objectively, but this difference is not a natural difference.

Conclusion

This research fills a void in the current literature on online learning and probes into how learning may be made more long-lasting in intricate environments.
Neurobiological reduction: From cellular explanations of behavior to interventions
Authors: Parker David
Published: December 2022

Scientific reductionism, the view that higher level functions can be explained by properties at some lower-level or levels, has been an assumption of nervous system analyses since the acceptance of the neuron doctrine in the late 19th century, and became a dominant experimental approach with the development of intracellular recording techniques in the mid-20th century. Subsequent refinements of electrophysiological approaches and the continual development of molecular and genetic techniques have promoted a focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms in experimental analyses and explanations of sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Reductionist assumptions have also influenced our views of the etiology and treatment of psychopathologies, and have more recently led to claims that we can, or even should, pharmacologically enhance the normal brain. Reductionism remains an area of active debate in the philosophy of science. In neuroscience and psychology, the debate typically focuses on the mind-brain question and the mechanisms of cognition, and how or if they can be explained in neurobiological terms. However, these debates are affected by the complexity of the phenomena being considered and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary neurobiological detail. We can instead ask whether features identified in neurobiological analyses of simpler aspects in simpler nervous systems support current molecular and cellular approaches to explaining systems or behaviors. While my view is that they do not, this does not invite the opposing view prevalent in dichotomous thinking that molecular and cellular detail is irrelevant and we should focus on computations or representations. We instead need to consider how to address the long-standing dilemma of how a nervous system that ostensibly functions through discrete cell to cell communication can generate population effects across multiple spatial and temporal scales to generate behavior.
Simultaneous structures in sign languages: Acquisition and emergence
Authors: Loos Cornelia , German Austin , Meier Richard P.
Published: December 2022

The visual-gestural modality affords its users simultaneous movement of several independent articulators and thus lends itself to simultaneous encoding of information. Much research has focused on the fact that sign languages coordinate two manual articulators in addition to a range of non-manual articulators to present different types of linguistic information simultaneously, from phonological contrasts to inflection, spatial relations, and information structure. Children and adults acquiring a signed language arguably thus need to comprehend and produce simultaneous structures to a greater extent than individuals acquiring a spoken language. In this paper, we discuss the simultaneous encoding that is found in emerging and established sign languages; we also discuss places where sign languages are unexpectedly sequential. We explore potential constraints on simultaneity in cognition and motor coordination that might impact the acquisition and use of simultaneous structures.
Links between mothers’ ACEs, their psychopathology and parenting, and their children’s behavior problems–A mediation model
Authors: Hanetz-Gamliel Keren , Dollberg Daphna G.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Children of mothers with a history of adverse childhoods are at greater risk of behavior problems. However, the mechanisms through which a mother’s early adverse experiences (ACEs) are transmitted to her children need further study. Our goal was to examine a conceptual mediational model linking mothers’ ACEs, maternal psychopathology symptoms, and parenting behaviors with children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors sequentially.

Methods

A sample of 153 Israeli mothers of children ages 3-12 (52% girls) participated in the study, and most of the mothers (94.7%) were cohabiting with a spouse. Mothers completed online questionnaires about their early adverse experiences, psychopathology symptoms, parenting behavior, and their children’s internalizing and externalizing behavior.

Results

Results showed that mothers with higher ACE scores reported more maternal psychopathology symptoms and more internalizing behavior in their children. The mother’s psychopathology in and of itself mediated the link between her ACEs and her child’s internalizing and externalizing behavior. Moreover, an indirect sequential path emerged linking ACEs with the mother’s psychopathology symptoms, which, in return, were linked with hostile parenting. Hostile parenting, in turn, was linked with children’s internalizing and externalizing behavior.

Discussion

These findings highlight the complicated and intertwined ways in which adverse experiences early in the mother’s life might put her child’s wellbeing at risk. The findings suggest that ACEs are linked to maternal affect dysregulation, which interferes with parenting, increasing the risk of behavior problems in children. The findings underscore the need to assess mothers’ adverse history, psychological distress, and parenting behavior, and provide treatments that can reduce the intergenerational transmission of early adverse experiences.
Analysis of the utilization, processes, and outcomes of inpatient mental healthcare during the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Zielasek Jürgen , Lehmann Isabell , Vrinssen Jürgen , Gouzoulis-Mayfrank Euphrosyne
Published: December 2022

Background

During the first phase of the Coronavirus-19 disorder (COVID-19) pandemic in the spring of 2020, utilization of inpatient mental healthcare was significantly reduced. We now report on a long-term observational study of inpatient mental healthcare in a large psychiatric hospital association in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, covering the second and third pandemic waves of autumn and winter 2020 followed up until June 2021.

Objectives

Analysis of the changes of inpatient and day patient mental healthcare utilization in an association of psychiatric hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 until June 2021.

Materials and methods

We used the statistics database of the association of the nine psychiatric hospitals of the Rhineland Regional Council (Landschaftsverband Rheinland, LVR). We compared the case numbers of the pandemic period with previous years and analyzed changes in the diagnostic spectrum, rates of coercion and therapeutic outcomes. We also analyzed age, gender, diagnoses and coercive measures of patients tested positive for COVID-19 during inpatient psychiatric healthcare.

Results

Case rates were reduced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic episodes of 2020 and the following months of spring and summer 2021. Changes varied between diagnostic groups, and there were even increases of case numbers for acute psychotic disorders. Coercive measures increased during the pandemic, but therapeutic outcomes were maintained at the pre-pandemic level. Women and patients of higher ages were overrepresented among psychiatric inpatients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic led to over during reductions of inpatient psychiatric hospital admissions and changes of the diagnostic spectrum accompanied by increased rates of coercive measures. These effects may reflect an overall increased severity of mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, deferrals of inpatient admissions or a lack of outpatient mental healthcare services utilization. To differentiate and quantitate these potential factors, further studies in the general population and in the different mental healthcare sectors are needed. In order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in psychiatric hospitals, vaccination of people of higher ages and with dementias seem to be the most needed strategy.
Work-related stress of companies' directors during the first lockdown due to the COVID-19
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Jeanton Carole , Vilmant Audrey , Lambert Céline , Clinchamps Maelys , Ugbolue Ukadike Chris , Schmidt Jeannot , Vallet Guillaume T. , Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the first lockdown were particularly stressful with a major economic impact, but the impact on stress of company directors was not known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess that impact and the characteristics of companies the most at risk.

Method

A online questionnaire was sent to 13,114 company. It assessed stress at work, number of employees, sector of activity, business activity rate and geographical location. It studied the mean stress levels, the percentage of stress > 8/10 and carried out an analysis of the characteristics of the most at-risk companies.

Results

A total of 807 company directors responded. Their stress levels increased by 25.9% during lockdown and 28.7% of them had a stress > 8/10. Sectors which had the biggest increase in stress levels during lockdown were retail trade, wholesale trade, and nursing homes. Sectors the most at risk of stress >8/10 during lockdown tended to be nursing homes, pharmacies, and IT activities. Biggest companies had the highest increase in stress levels.

Conclusion

The first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the stress of company directors. Directors of large companies were the most exposed to stress as well as medical and IT activities.
Associations and pathways between residential greenness and metabolic syndromes in Fujian Province
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Wang Qinjian , Feng Chuanteng , Yu Bin , Lin Xi , Fu Yao , Dong Shu , Qiu Ge , Jin Aik Darren How , Yin Yanrong , Xia Pincang , Huang Shaofen , Liu Nian , Lin Xiuquan , Zhang Yefa , Fang Xin , Zhong Wenling , Jia Peng , Yang Shujuan
Published: December 2022

Background

Greenness exposure is beneficial to human health, but its potential mechanisms through which the risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) could be reduced have been poorly studied. We aimed to estimate the greenness-MetS association in southeast China and investigate the independent and joint mediation effects of physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), and air pollutants on the association.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the 38,288 adults based on the Fujian Behavior and Disease Surveillance (FBDS), established in 2018. MetS was defined as the presence of three or more of the five components: abdominal obesity, elevated triglyceride, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. The residential greenness exposure was measured as the 3-year mean values of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) within the 250, 500, and 1,000 meters (m) buffer zones around the residential address of each participant. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the greenness-MetS association. The causal mediation analysis was used to estimate the independent and joint mediation effects of PA, BMI, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Results

Each interquartile range (IQR) increase in greenness was associated with a decrease of 13% (OR = 0.87 [95%CI: 0.83, 0.92] for NDVI500m and OR = 0.87 [95%CI: 0.82, 0.91] for EVI500m) in MetS risk after adjusting for covariates. This association was stronger in those aged < 60 years (e.g., OR = 0.86 [95%CI: 0.81, 0.92] for NDVI500m), males (e.g., OR = 0.73 [95%CI: 0.67, 0.80] for NDVI500m), having an educational level of primary school or above (OR = 0.81 [95%CI: 0.74, 0.89] for NDVI500m), married/cohabitation (OR = 0.86 [95%CI: 0.81, 0.91] for NDVI500m), businessman (OR = 0.82 [95%CI: 0.68, 0.99] for NDVI500m), other laborers (OR = 0.77 [95%CI: 0.68, 0.88] for NDVI500m), and non-smokers (OR = 0.77 [95%CI: 0.70, 0.85] for NDVI500m). The joint effect of all six mediators mediated about 48.1% and 44.6% of the total effect of NDVI500m and EVI500m on the MetS risk, respectively. Among them, BMI showed the strongest independent mediation effect (25.0% for NDVI500m), followed by NO2 and PM10.

Conclusion

Exposure to residential greenness was associated with a decreased risk for MetS. PA, BMI, and the four air pollutants jointly interpreted nearly half of the mediation effects on the greenness-MetS association.