bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earnings management: Who do managers consider and what is the relative importance of ethics?
Authors: Coram Paul , Frederickson James R. , Pinnuck Matthew
Published: December 2022

Using responses from Australian CFOs and CEOs to a case-based survey and interviews, we provide insights into managers’ earnings management (EM) decisions. Ethics has the greatest explanatory power for our participants’ EM assessments. Ethical concerns about EM deter EM, but surprisingly, ethical concerns about not managing earnings and missing market expectations motivate EM. The primary economic motivation for EM is shielding current shareholders from the short-term costs of missing market expectations. We find considerable heterogeneity regarding the extent to which CFOs and CEOs believe EM is lying. Finally, CFOs and CEOs believe that each are significantly involved in initiating EM.

JEL Classification:

M40, M41, M48
Planning, Civil Rights, and African American Voting: The Case of Montgomery, Alabama
Authors: Mahato Binita , Retzlaff Rebecca , Chen Xi
Published: December 2022

This paper explores the link between African American civil rights activism and city planning before the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Using historical and spatial analyses, we discern the relationship between civil rights activism and leadership, voter registration, and city planning in Montgomery, Alabama, concluding—planning and African American activism and voting coevolved—with three distinct periods of planning and civil rights activism. The article suggests that housing demolition sought to curb potential political power through voting and civil rights activism alongside maintaining racial segregation and creating economic development in the postwar era.
Exploring Collaborative Care Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of Patients With and Without Violent Victimization Histories
Authors: Hullenaar Keith L. , Rivara Frederick P. , Wang Jin , Zatzick Douglas F.
Published: December 2022

Collaborative care is a multicomponent intervention delivered by frontline social work, nursing, and physician providers to address patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs. We argued that collaborative care may particularly benefit patients with a violent victimization history because it practices three principles of trauma-informed care: patient–provider collaboration, preventing repeat trauma in clinical and community settings, and delivering comprehensive mental and physical healthcare. We conducted an exploratory secondary data analysis of a collaborative care randomized clinical trial involving patients who presented with traumatic physical injury at a Level I trauma center in Washington state between 2006 and 2009. We used random-effect linear regression models to estimate how histories of multiple violent traumas moderated the effects of the collaborative care intervention on Short Form-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) T-scores over time. Collaborative care significantly improved follow-up MCS scores among patients who experienced three to four types of violent victimization in their lifetime. Additionally, intervention effects on MCS scores at the 3- and 6-month follow-up were clinically stronger for patients who reported three to four types of violent victimization (3-month = 7.5, 95% confidence level [CI] = 5.1 to 18.7; 6-month = 11.9, 95% CI = 5.1 to 18.7) than those without a history of violent victimization (3-month = 0.8, 95% CI = −5.1, 6.6; 6-month = 5.6, −2.4 to 13.5). We did not find that intervention effects on PCS scores differed between these groups at any wave. Collaborative care may be a promising approach to delivering trauma-informed mental healthcare to patients with histories of multiple types of violent victimization.
Predicting the forming limit diagram of the fine-grained AA 1050 sheet using GTN damage model with experimental verifications
Authors: Barfeh Ashkan , Hashemi Ramin , Safdarian Rasoul , Rahmatabadi Davood , Aminzadeh Ahmad , Sattarpanah Karganroudi Sasan
Published: December 2022

In this research, forming limit diagram (FLD) of aluminum alloy 1050 (AA 1050) sheet produced by Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) is investigated numerically and experimentally. The Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) ductile damage model is used to predict sheet failure and obtain its FLD using numerical simulation in Abaqus/Explicit. Nucleation and growth of voids in the material during the deformation is the basic concept of the GTN damage model. This damage model has nine basic parameters that obtaining through experimental tests is time-consuming and costly, and in some cases, impossible. Thus, the present study tries to obtain the above parameters for fine-grained aluminum 1050 fabricated by ARB using the finite element method. Therefore, after considering each parameter’s interval, numerical simulation and the anti-inference method are used in the uniaxial tensile test to identify GTN parameters for the AA 1050 sheet using FEM. The optimum parameters of the GTN model are used in the FEM of the Nakazima test for FLD prediction. Also, The FLD of the fine-grained aluminum sheet is obtained experimentally using the Nakazima test. Finally, the numerical and experimental FLDs are compared for validation.
Engine oil quality deterioration estimation using an integrated sensory system
Authors: Shinde Harish M , Bewoor Anand K , Kumar Ravinder , Elsheikh Ammar H , Singh Dheerendra Vikram , Shanmugan S , Panchal Hitesh , Alrubaie Ali Jawad , Jaber Mustafa Musa
Published: December 2022

Engine oil degradation impacts the operation and performance of an internal combustion engine. As a result, it is crucial to compare the degradation level of engine oils, with a particular emphasis on kinematic viscosity, oxidation, nitration, and critical oil testing characteristics. Suppose engine oil changes too soon without first calculating its remaining usable life. In that case, it wastes already scarce resources and has an unfavourable environmental influence. Engine performance may suffer if oil is changed too late and is of poor quality. In the current research, oil testing is performed on vehicles due to maintenance to find the best moment for changing engine oil. Oil samples were taken randomly from cars that came to an authorized service facility for maintenance, comprising a wide range from the first to the fifth servicing. Oil samples were initially evaluated in a laboratory using a viscometer and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy in conformity with industry standards. The samples were then evaluated using an integrated sensor system developed and built by the authors. The determination coefficient R2 = 0.97 showed a significant positive association between major engine oil degradation characteristics such as kinematic viscosity, oxidation, and nitration at reasonable sensitivity. Approximately 8% of the total gathered samples were useable. The research identifies several oil degradation sensor systems that give low-cost, on-site convenient options for oil condition monitoring and predicting the remaining usable life of engine oil.
Intramuscular EMG feature extraction and evaluation at different arm positions and hand postures based on a statistical criterion method
Authors: Asghar Ali , Khan Saad Jawaid , Azim Fahad , Shakeel Choudhary Sobhan , Hussain Amatullah , Niazi Imran Khan
Published: December 2022

Prostheses control using electromyography signals have shown promising aspects in various fields including rehabilitation sciences and assistive technology controlled devices. Pattern recognition and machine learning methods have been observed to play a significant role in evaluating features and classifying different limb motions for enhanced prosthetic executions. This paper proposes feature extraction and evaluation method using intramuscular electromyography (iEMG) signals at different arm positions and hand postures based on the RES Index value statistical criterion method. Sixteen-time domain features were selected for the study at two main circumstances; fixed arm position (FAP) and fixed hand posture (FHP). Eight healthy male participants (30.62 ± 3.87 years) were asked to execute five motion classes including hand grip, hand open, rest, hand extension, and hand flexion at four different arm positions that comprise of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°. The classification process is accomplished via the application of the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier. Then RES index was calculated to investigate the optimal features based on the proposed statistical criterion method. From the RES Index, we concluded that Variance (VAR) is the best feature while WAMP, Zero Crossing (ZC), and Slope Sign Change (SSC) are the worst ones in FAP conditions. On the contrary, we concluded that Average Amplitude Change (AAC) is the best feature while WAMP and Simple Square Integral (SSI) resulted in least RES Index values for FHP conditions. The proposed study has possible iEMG based applications such as assistive control devices, robotics. Also, working with the frequency domain features encapsulates the future scope of the study.
Trans-resveratrol alleviates hepatic and renal injury in γ-irradiated rats
Authors: El Bakary Nermeen M , Abdel-Rafei Mohamed K , Maarouf Rokaya E , Mansour Somaya Z , Thabet Noura M
Published: December 2022

Background

Although ionizing radiation (IR) has been of immense value to human life due to its involvement in several fields, it doesn’t eliminate that exposure to IR results in an array of biological consequences, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and death. Thus, this study aimed to explore the curative effect of trans-Resveratrol (t-Res) on hepatic and renal injury in a rat model exposed to single and fractionated doses of γ-rays.

Methods

Rats exposed to a single dose of IR (6 Gy, as an acute effect) or a fractionated dose of IR (2 Gy/time/3 days, day after day; to imitate a chronic impact) were treated with t-Res. Then, the radio-protective effect of t-Res was investigated via biochemical and histological estimations in the liver and kidney of rats in the different groups.

Results

The data displayed a significant amelioration in biochemical and histological indices in the liver and kidney of rats exposed to IR doses and treated with t-Res. Particularly, t-Res reduced the oxidative stress milieu through decreasing HIF-1α, ROS, and MDA levels associated with increased CAT activity and Nrf-2 gene expression. Also, t-Res improved the inflammatory status via a decrease in TNF-α, NF-κB, SOCS-3, and HSP-70 genes expression linked with elevations in SIRT-1 and P53 genes expression.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that t-Res had hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects against the deleterious consequences of γ-rays exposure due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pet Death and Owners’ Memorialization Choices
Authors: Kogan Lori R. , Packman Wendy , Bussolari Cori , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Erdman Phyllis
Published: December 2022

An increasing number of people view their pets as family members and the death of a pet often induces a grief reaction of comparable severity to the loss of a significant human relationship. Yet, despite similar levels of grief, the death of a pet typically does not involve similar rituals that allow owners to express their grief. This study was designed to better understand how people memorialize their pets through the use of continuing bonds (CB) expressions, as well as their choices pertaining to after-death body care, decisions related to taking time off work following the death, the impact of their religious beliefs on memorialization choices, and how their veterinarian responded to the death. An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was distributed to pet owners who had experienced the loss of a companion animal, resulting in 517 responses, most of whom were White (86%), female (91%) and resided in the United States (87%). We found that choices regarding the expression of CB in response to pet death are similar to those witnessed after human loss. This study is one of the first to identify the wide array of pet owners’ choices regarding memorialization and emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual choices. These results suggest that it is essential that those grieving the death of their pet be supported and reassured that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, with all options recognized as legitimate in the experience and expression of one's grief.
Improving performance of a nonlinear absorber applied to a variable length pendulum using surrogate optimization
Authors: Gaidai Oleg , Wu Yu , Yegorov Ivan , Alevras Panagiotis , Wang Junlei , Yurchenko Daniil
Published: December 2022

The paper investigates a nonlinear vibration mitigation strategy of a variable length pendulum subjected to a harmonic external excitation. A nonlinear absorber in a form of a tri-pendulum system is used to reduce the response of the primary pendulum. Thus, the paper investigates a non-stationary problem of nonlinear vibration mitigation of the primary pendulum using another nonlinear passive pendulum absorber. Due to genuine interest in capturing the nonlinear dynamic interaction, the paper numerically studies the performance of the primary mass and absorber, first, by constructing 2D maps in the unrestrained parametric space, which demonstrate the qualitative behavior of the system. Then, the surrogate optimization technique is used to tune the absorber’s parameters within a given bounded set of parameters’ values. The optimization is conducted based on a priori known reeling speed or acceleration/deceleration of the primary pendulum, thereby completely removing the need for acquiring a current system states essential for active feedback control. The obtained numerical results validate the proposed strategy and demonstrate high performance of the nonlinear passive absorber when it is properly tuned.
Fact-Checking Climate Change: An Analysis of Claims and Verification Practices by Fact-Checkers in Four Countries
Authors: Vu Hong Tien , Baines Annalise , Nguyen Nhung
Published: December 2022

This study examines climate claims by analyzing fact-checked content from four countries. In addition, it investigates several important aspects of professional fact-checking practices including transparency, accessibility, and the use of corrective sources. Findings of this study indicate that fact-checked climate claims from different countries vary by the aspects of climate change they focus on (e.g., existence, causes, impacts, and solutions), types of claim makers, and levels of accuracy. Furthermore, there are differences in fact-checking practices from the four countries with regard to transparency, accessibility, and the use of corrective sources. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
The Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Emotional Distress in Young Adults
Authors: Solberg Marvin A. , Peters Rosalind M. , Templin Thomas N. , Albdour Maha M.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Emerging evidence notes increased depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about populations at increased risk for emotional distress as the pandemic continues. Persons with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are one group that may be at higher risk for emotional distress.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to examine whether young adults, particularly Black young adults, with histories of ACEs report more emotional distress during the pandemic than those with no ACE exposure.

Method:

Using a cross-sectional, quota sampling approach, 100 Black and 100 White young adults were recruited using online sources (e.g., University website, Facebook). Due to the pandemic, participants were screened via Zoom and, if eligible, completed a demographic questionnaire, emotional distress measures (i.e., anxiety, depression, stress), and the ACE Questionnaire online via a Qualtrics survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis examined the ACE and emotional distress relationship, and multigroup SEM assessed racial differences.

Results:

High levels of both emotional distress and ACEs were observed. Black young adults reported significantly more ACEs than Whites. ACEs were significantly associated with each measure of emotional distress regardless of race or other covariates.

Conclusions:

Findings reveal that during the pandemic, persons exposed to ACEs reported greater emotional distress than those with no ACE exposure. Nurses must screen patients for both emotional distress and ACE to target those at higher risk for early intervention and initiate treatment as needed to mitigate long-term mental health consequences.
DoE-ML guided optimization of an active pre-chamber geometry using CFD
Authors: Silva Mickael , Mohan Balaji , Badra Jihad , Zhang Anqi , Hlaing Ponnya , Cenker Emre , AlRamadan Abdullah S. , Im Hong G
Published: December 2022

An optimized active pre-chamber geometry was obtained by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML). A heavy-duty engine operating with methane under lean conditions was considered. The combustion process was modeled with a multi-zone well-stirred reactor (MZ-WSR) with a skeletal methane oxidation mechanism. The simulations were run for a complete cycle. For the optimization study, the pre-chamber was parametrized; six independent and three dependent variables were considered, while the volume was kept constant. Three hundred pre-chamber designs were generated, and a one-shot design of experiments (DoE) optimization was first considered. A merit function was adopted to rank the designs, and an optimum design was found from the DoE results, which yielded considerable improvements in merit ranking, considering fuel consumption, engine-out emissions, noise, and safety; secondly, machine learning algorithms were trained by utilizing the DoE results aiming at finding a globally optimum geometry for the considered operating condition. Five sequential iterations were performed, and the ML algorithms were capable of proposing a new design with superior performance compared to the best DoE.
The Impact of Diabetes in Intermittent Claudication: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mizzi Anabelle , Cassar Kevin , Bowen Catherine J. , Camilleri Liberato , Formosa Cynthia
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the lower-limb outcome in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and to identify predictors for deterioration. This study employed a prospective observational cohort single-centre design. One hundred fifty patients with IC attending a vascular surgery unit for the first time were recruited. Lower limb perfusion was assessed utilising ankle brachial index (ABI) measures, toe-brachial index (TBI) measures, Doppler waveform analysis and the walking impairment questionnaire. Follow-up was conducted after 1 year and 2 years following recruitment to assess haemodynamic parameters, symptom severity and outcome. Recruited participants had a mean age of 69.7 (±9.3) years, BMI 27.8(±4.2) and 79.3% were men. Significant haemodynamic decline (decline in ABPI by ≥0.15 and/or decline in TBPI by ≥0.1) occurred in 50.6% of the cohort within 2 years of whom 23.3% developed chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) with rest pain and/or tissue loss. Baseline ABPI, ABPI ≤ 0.5, TBPI ≤ 0.39, infrapopliteal artery (IPA) disease and high Haemoglobin A1c were identified as significant predictors for deterioration to CLI. ( P < .05, binomial logistic regression). Patients with IC are at a high risk of developing CLTI within 2 years. Risk of lower limb adverse events is tripled in patients with IPA disease, low ankle and toe pressures and poorly controlled diabetes. Early identification of those at high risk for early deterioration may justify a paradigm shift in the management of this subgroup.
Improving the Generalizability of Behavioral Science by Using Reality Checks: A Tool for Assessing Heterogeneity in Participants’ Consumership of Study Stimuli
Authors: Polman Evan , Maglio Sam J.
Published: December 2022

In attempting to draw bigger conclusions, researchers in psychology open their labs to more diverse groups of people. Yet even the most far-reaching theories must be tested with specific stimuli, materials, and methodology. To the extent that a study’s stimuli are familiar beyond the lab to groups of people writ large, an experiment is said to have mundane realism—a type of external validity. We propose that an experiment’s stimuli will vary in their relevance to each individual participant (such as how much they consume the stimuli outside the lab) and can be assessed using a tool: reality checks. We found that accounting for a study’s mundane realism, at the individual level, significantly altered a study’s results—which we found to be the case in testing well-established findings in psychology and behavioral economics. Our work suggests that measuring mundane realism (in addition to creating it) is a useful way of testing effects in psychology among the participants for whom the studies’ scenarios and decisions will matter most outside of the lab.
Insulin Pumps and Hybrid Close Loop Systems Within Hospital: A Scoping Review and Practical Guidance From the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care
Authors: Avari Parizad , Lumb Alistair , Flanagan Daniel , Rayman Gerry , Misra Shivani , Choudhary Pratik , Dhatariya Ketan
Published: December 2022

This article is the second of a two-part series providing a scoping review and summary of the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS-IP) guidelines on the use of diabetes technology in people with diabetes admitted to hospital. The first part reviewed the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in hospital. In this article, we focus on the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII; insulin pumps) and hybrid closed-loop systems in hospital. JBDS-IP advocates enabling people who can self-manage and are willing and capable of using CSII to continue doing so as they would do out of hospital. CSII should be discontinued if the individual is critically ill or hemodynamically unstable. For individuals on hybrid closed-loop systems, the system should be discontinued from auto-mode, and may be used individually (as CGM only or CSII only, if criteria are met). Continuing in closed-loop mode may only be done so under specialist guidance from the Diabetes Team, where the diabetes teams are comfortable and knowledgeable about the specific devices used. Health care organizations need to have clear local policies and guidance to support individuals using these wearable technologies, and ensure the relevant workforce is capable and skilled enough to ensure their safe use within the hospital setting.
Comparison of the Immunomodulatory Effect of TCM Formulas Containing Either Astragali Radix or With This Replaced by Hedysari Radix
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chi , Lin Ming-Kuem , Peng Wen-Huang , Tseng Chih-Kai , Lee Meng-Shiou , Yang Bo-Cheng , Chang Wen-Te
Published: December 2022

Hedysari Radix (Hong Qi) is a commonly substituted material with similar functions to Astragali Radix (Huang Qi). However, it is still misused as Huang Qi, even though people know they are different species. This study aims to find evidence that Hong Qi can replace Huang Qi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas used for immunomodulation. Therefore, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of both medicines on dendritic cells. The water extract of Hong Qi showed a more substantial immunomodulatory effect on dendritic cells in 500 μg/mL concentration compared to Huang Qi in the same dosage. Furthermore, we selected the 23 TCM formulas to investigate their immunomodulatory function when Huang Qi and Hong Qi alternated within a formula. Among them, 6 formulas containing Hong Qi demonstrated a better immunomodulatory effect on the dendritic cells than those containing Huang Qi. The other formulas containing Hong Qi showed an insignificantly different physiological impact from the original formulation. Therefore, based on the TCM theory and our experimental results, replacing Huang Qi with Hong Qi for a formula could be more suitable when the immunomodulatory effect or nourishing Qi is required.
Running Mechanics After Repeated Sprints in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome, Cam Morphology, and Controls
Authors: Gonçalves Basílio A.M. , Saxby David J. , Meinders Evy , Hams Andrea , Lambert Conor , Jones Taryn , Barrett Rod S. , Diamond Laura E.
Published: December 2022

Background:

People with femoroacetabular with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) often report pain during sports involving repeated sprinting. It remains unclear how sports participation influences running biomechanics in individuals with FAIS.

Hypothesis:

Changes in running biomechanics and/or isometric hip strength after repeated sprint exercise would be greatest in individuals with FAIS compared with asymptomatic individuals with (CAM) and without cam morphology (Control).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Three-dimensional hip biomechanics during maximal running (10 m) and hip strength were measured in 49 recreationally active individuals (FAIS = 15; CAM = 16; Control = 18) before and after repeated sprint exercise performed on a nonmotorized treadmill (8-16 × 30 m). Effects of group and time were assessed for biomechanics and strength variables with repeated-measures analyses of variance. Relationships between hip pain (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score) and changes in hip moments and strength after repeated sprint exercise were determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficients (ρ).

Results:

Running speed, hip flexion angles, hip flexion and extension moments, and hip strength in all muscle groups were significantly reduced from pre to post. No significant between-group differences were observed before or after repeated sprint exercise. No significant relationships (ρ = 0.04-0.30) were observed between hip pain and changes in hip moments or strength in the FAIS group.

Conclusion:

Changes in running biomechanics and strength after repeated sprint exercise did not differ between participants with FAIS and asymptomatic participants with and without cam morphology. Self-reported pain did not appear to influence biomechanics during running or strength after repeated sprint exercise in participants with FAIS.

Clinical Relevance:

A short bout of repeated sprinting may not elicit changes in running biomechanics in FAIS beyond what occurs in those without symptoms. Longer duration activities or activities requiring greater hip flexion angles may better provoke pathology-related changes in running biomechanics in people with FAIS.
Dynamic, Yet Stable: Separating Within- and Between-Person Components of Collective Action in Support of a Disadvantaged Outgroup and its Antecedents
Authors: Górska Paulina , Tausch Nicole
Published: December 2022

Despite an increasing interest in the drivers of intergroup solidarity, the within-person longitudinal relationships between advantaged group members’ engagement for disadvantaged groups and its postulated antecedents remain scarcely tested. In the context of the refugee crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we conducted a three-wave longitudinal survey ( NT1 = 804, NT2 = 702, and NT3 = 624) assessing Poles’ (the advantaged group) willingness to act for Ukrainians (the disadvantaged group), together with three hypothesized predictors—moral convictions, intergroup contact, and politicized identity. Employing a random intercept cross-lagged panel model that separates between- from within-person variance, we found that within-person changes in moral convictions and friendship contact directly predicted subsequent action intentions. Contrary to past theorizing, politicized identity emerged as consequence rather than an antecedent of collective action. Superficial intergroup contact indirectly predicted engagement intentions by facilitating cross-group friendship. We discuss the implications of our findings for current models of collective action.
Comparisons of psychological distress and self-stigma among three types of substance use disorders receiving treatment-as-usual approaches: real-world data from a 9-month longitudinal study
Authors: Chang Kun-Chia , Chen Hsin-Pao , Huang Shih-Wei , Chen Jung-Sheng , Potenza Marc N. , Pakpour Amir H. , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: December 2022

Background:

Substance use is an important issue worldwide and people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have been reported to have high levels of psychological distress and self-stigma. Therefore, psychological distress and self-stigma in people with SUDs are considerable.

Objective:

The present study used a longitudinal design to examine whether treatment-as-usual approaches in Taiwan improve psychological distress and self-stigma among people with three types of SUDs (heroin, amphetamine, and alcohol use disorders).

Design:

A 9-month longitudinal design involving four assessments spaced 3 months apart.

Methods:

Convenience sampling was used to recruit people with heroin ( n = 112), amphetamine ( n = 151), and alcohol ( n = 56) use disorders from outpatient psychiatric center in Southern Taiwan. Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and self-stigma was assessed using the Self-Stigma Scale–Short (SSS-S). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were constructed to understand between-group differences in psychological distress and self-stigma over time.

Results:

Patients with heroin and amphetamine use disorders had lower levels of psychological distress as compared with those with alcohol use disorder. Levels of psychological distress were lower at Time 2 to Time 4 as compared with Time 1. Patients with heroin and amphetamine use disorders had higher levels of self-stigma as compared with those with alcohol use disorder. Self-stigma levels remained stable over time. The dropout rate of receiving treatment-as-usual approach in the 9-month study was 60%.

Conclusion:

Treatment as usual for SUDs among outpatients in Taiwan may decrease psychological distress but not self-stigma. However, such effects need to be further examined given the high drop-out rates and absence of a control condition. The findings suggest that self-stigma may warrant additional treatment for patients with SUDs.
Morphological alterations of the hypothalamus in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Kassubek Rebecca , Weinstock David , Behler Anna , Müller Hans-Peter , Dupuis Luc , Kassubek Jan , Ludolph Albert C.
Published: December 2022

Background:

The pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by raised intracranial pressure, is not well understood.

Objectives:

We hypothesized that the hypothalamus might exhibit alterations in patients with IIH, based on its established association with obesity and the potential role of hormonal and metabolic factors in IIH.

Design:

Retrospective single-center cohort study.

Methods:

Thirty-three individuals with IIH and 40 matched healthy individuals were studied, including levels of the hormones and proteins leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin, growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), somatostatin, and melatonin. In vivo high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were analyzed by quantification of hypothalamic volumes using a well-established segmentation method, separate for the anterior and the posterior hypothalamic subvolumes. An additional analysis was performed using age, gender, and BMI-matched subgroups of 20 IIH patients and 20 controls.

Results:

The analysis of laboratory values showed significantly increased insulin, leptin, and melatonin levels for IIH patients in comparison to controls, while adiponectin levels were decreased in IIH; however, only melatonin level differences could be confirmed in the analysis with BMI matching. There was no statistical difference in total hypothalamus volumes between IIH and controls, but the hypothalamic morphology was altered in IIH patients with a lower volume of the anterior part of the hypothalamus and a higher volume of the posterior part; these results were identical in the analysis of the BMI-matched groups. The correlation analyses between hormonal changes and hypothalamic morphology did not achieve significant results.

Conclusion:

In this exploratory study, morphological abnormalities of the hypothalamus were observed to be associated with the IIH complex, although the mechanism remains to be unraveled. These findings expand the metabolic phenotype of IIH, but further functional studies are necessary to corroborate these data.
Post-COVID-19 Challenges for a Sustainable Community-Based Ecotourism: A Case Study of Rural Community in Sabah, North of Borneo
Authors: Dasan Jakaria , Ahmedy Fatimah , Shamsul Shamezah , Godoong Elia , Sipaut Coswald Stephen , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree
Published: December 2022

COVID-19 has impacted the ecotourism industry significantly. It is imperative to examine and identify the key challenges in running rural ecotourism businesses to comprehend the mindset of the working community members before re-establishing a business model during endemic phase. This study aimed to explore and identify the resources and capabilities challenges perceived by the members of community-based ecotourism located in Marakau Village, Sabah. The study, which took place in 2021, employed a qualitative method through interviews among 10 key members of the Tagal Marakau Association responsible for a tagal ecotourism business. The interview was recorded and transcribed to identify common themes of issues. There was a total of 15 emerging issues: lack of capital, lack of business know-how, shortage of hospitality skills, lack of social capital, poor marketing ability, land dispute, absence of a strategic business model, poor financial planning, poor implementation of human resource practices, inadequate infrastructures, limited customer experiences, high fish habitat maintenance, external competitors, stakeholders support, and liability as a small business venture. These issues collated into five themes of business mindset domains: knowledge, attitude, skills, aspiration, and finance (KASA-F). Identifying the perceived challenges would help to understand the mindset of working rural community members to assist in re-formulating strategic plans for business sustainability in the post-COVID era.
Detecting Impending Symptom Transitions Using Early-Warning Signals in Individuals Receiving Treatment for Depression
Authors: Helmich Marieke A. , Smit Arnout C. , Bringmann Laura F. , Schreuder Marieke J. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Wichers Marieke , Snippe Evelien
Published: December 2022

Drawing on dynamical systems theory, we investigated whether within-persons-detected early-warning signals in momentary affect preceded critical transitions toward lower levels of depressive symptoms during therapy. Participants were 41 depressed individuals who were starting psychological treatment. Positive and negative affect (high and low arousal) were measured 5 times a day using ecological momentary assessments over 4 months ( M = 522 observations per individual). Depressive symptoms were assessed weekly over 6 months. Within-persons rising autocorrelation was found for 89% of individuals with transitions in at least one variable (vs. 62.5% for individuals without transitions) and in a consistently higher proportion of the separate variables (~44% across affect measures) than for individuals without transitions (~27%). Rising variance was found for few individuals, both preceding transitions (~11%) and for individuals without transitions (~12%). Part of our sample showed critical slowing down, but early-warning signals may have limited value as a personalized prediction method.
Cross-Sectional Study of Headache in Flemish Children and Adolescents
Authors: Mingels Sarah , Granitzer Marita
Published: December 2022

Background: Although headache is common in pediatrics, data for the Flemish population are missing. We explored headache-prevalence, and its association with communication-technology (CT) and physical activity (PA) in Flemish children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory school-based questionnaire study was designed. Flemish boys and girls (5–18 years) completed a symptom-questionnaire. Primary outcomes: sociodemographic background, headache-prevalence, headache-characteristics, CT-use and PA characteristics (self-report). Secondary outcomes: associations between headache-characteristics, age, gender, and CT-use and PA-characteristics. Results: Four hundred twenty-four questionnaires were analysed: 5–7-years: n = 58; 8–11-years: n = 84; 12–15-years: n = 137; 16–18-years: n = 145. Fifty-five percent suffered from headache. Prevalence increased with age. More 16–18-year girls versus boys had headache. CT-use was the main headache-provocateur. Headache prevalence was significantly higher in a frequently physical active population. Conclusion: Our results suggest presence of headache in Flemish children and adolescents. PA-level associates with headache prevalence. However, children and adolescents with headache did not report more CT-use compared to controls.
The landrush of wind energy, its socio-material workings, and its political consequences: On the entanglement of land and wind assemblages in Denmark
Authors: Kirkegaard Julia Kirch , Rudolph David , Nyborg Sophie , Cronin Tom
Published: December 2022

Challenges of deploying wind farms on land are often associated with the notion of local acceptance. For developers, however, the socio-material practicalities of identifying appropriate sites and gaining access to land for building large wind farms has become an increasingly challenging endeavour. This paper illustrates how the commodification of wind energy cannot happen without the assetisation of land. Dis-assembling the valuation processes around the entangled wind-and-land assemblage, the paper casts a critical light on how calculative devices have helped to make land and wind into discrete, marketable, assets, accelerating a “landrush” for access to scarce land. The landrush, in turn, has co-produced opaque and clandestine developer practices of acquiring access to privately-owned land to secure a viable investment. The paper argues that these developer practices result in an erosion of the participatory merits of planning and marginalise the role of local host communities, while elevating the significance of private landowners. Based on an assemblage lens founded in Science & Technology Studies (STS) and interviews conducted with a variety of stakeholders in Denmark, the paper concludes by discussing the implications of narrowed public participation in the entangled wind-land assemblage for energy justice. We argue for further inquiries into the assetisation of land for renewables and the associated “sterilisation” of resources in this process, while pointing to the potential for cross-fertilising critical perspectives from human geography with analytical tools from STS for future research.
A Competence Development Approach for Entrepreneurial Mindset in Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Mawson Suzanne , Casulli Lucrezia , Simmons Emilee L.
Published: December 2022

In recent years Entrepreneurship Education (EE) has become prevalent throughout Higher Education (HE), with a proliferation of programming for learners from Undergraduate to Post-experience studies. Despite the rapid scaling of provision, the majority of extant EE offerings demonstrate little conceptual evolution and development from early programs. Many approaches fall short of enabling the cognitive and behavioral change so critical to supporting entrepreneurial action. In this article we consider the concept of entrepreneurial mindset (EM) as a framing for EE programming, conceptualizing it as an approach to support the development of multidimensional cognitive and emotional competences and behavioral outcomes to enable entrepreneurial value creating activity across a range of contexts. We focus specifically on how educators can actively support the development of an EM through EE programming and start a conversation on the practicalities of operationalizing the EM concept within HE teaching and learning activity.
Altered functional connectivity of the right caudate nucleus in chronic migraine: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Yuan Ziyu , Wang Wei , Zhang Xueyan , Bai Xiaoyan , Tang Hefei , Mei Yanliang , Zhang Peng , Qiu Dong , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yaqing , Yu Xueying , Sui Binbin , Wang Yonggang
Published: December 2022

Background

The definitive pathogenic mechanisms underlying chronic migraine (CM) remain unclear. Mounting evidence from functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies suggests that the caudate nucleus (CN) plays a role in the cognitive, sensory, and emotional integration of pain information in patients with migraine. However, evidence concerning the role played by CN in CM patients is limited. Here, we used the CN as the seed to explore patterns of functional connectivity (FC) among healthy controls (HCs), patients with episodic migraine (EM), and patients with CM.

Methods

We included 25 HCs, 23 EM patients, and 46 CM patients in this study. All participants underwent resting-state functional MRI scans on a GE 3.0T MRI system. We performed seed-based FC analyses among the three groups using the bilateral CNs as seeds. We also compared the subgroups of CM (with and without medication overuse headache, males and females) and performed Pearson’s correlation analyses between FC values and the clinical features of CM patients.

Results

FC values between the right CN and five clusters (mainly involved in emotion, cognition, and sensory-related brain regions) were higher in CM patients than in HCs. Compared to EM patients, enhanced FC values between the bilateral precuneus, left anterior cingulate gyrus, right middle cingulate cortex, right lingual gyrus, and right CN were shown in the CM patients. There were no significant differences between CM patients with and without MOH, males and females. FC values between the bilateral calcarine cortex, lingual gyrus, and right CN were positively correlated with body mass index. Moreover, right CN-related FC values in the left calcarine cortex and right lingual gyrus were inversely correlated with visual analogue scale scores for headaches.

Conclusion

Our results revealed abnormal right CN-based FC values in CM patients, suggesting dysfunction of brain networks associated with pain perception and multi-regulation (emotion, cognition, and sensory). Aberrant FC of the CN can provide potential neuroimaging markers for the diagnosis and treatment of CM.
Beta-galactosidase gene family genome-wide identification and expression analysis of members related to fruit softening in melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Pan Haobin , Sun Yinhan , Qiao Miaomiao , Qi Hongyan
Published: December 2022

Background

Texture quality is impotent for melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit. β-galactosidase (β-Gal, EC 3.2.1.23) is an important cell wall glycosyl hydrolase involved in fruit softening, However, the β-Gal gene (BGALs) family hasn’t been identified genome-wide in melon. Thus, it’s necessary to conduct an in-depth bioinformatic analysis on melon BGALs family and to seek out the key members who participated in melon fruit softening.

Results

A total of 21 BGALs members designated as CmBGAL1-CmBGAL21 were identified genome-wide in melon, clustered into A-G seven clades. Among them, three duplications CmBGAL1:CmBGAL3, CmBGAL19:CmBGAL21, and CmBGAL20:CmBGAL21 happened. For conserved domains, besides the Glyco_hydro_35 domain (PF01301), all the members also contained the GHD domain (PF17834) except for CmBGAL12, and the Gal_Lectin (PF02140) domain existed in most CmBGALs at the C-termini. Motifs, protein secondary and tertiary structure analysis showed that the CmBGAL12 is a unique member. Moreover, protein-protein association network analysis showed that the CmBGAL12 is the only node protein. Furthermore, spatiotemporal expression pattern analysis by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) suggested that most of CmBGALs expressed in tissues with vigorous cell wall remodeling/disassembly. In addition, cis-acting regulatory elements analysis in promoters inferred that CmBGALs might participate in diverse responsiveness to phytohormone, biotic and abiotic signaling.

Conclusions

A novel clade of CmBGAL members (Clade F) related to melon fruit softening was discovered, since their expression showed a specific surge in the mature fruit of ‘HPM’ with mealy texture (softening sharply), but not in ‘HDB’ with crisp texture (softening bluntly). The homologous CmBGAL7–11 in Clade F exhibited identical spatiotemporal expression patterns may multiple genes leading to melon fruit softening.
Spatiotemporal dynamics and functional characteristics of the composition of the main fungal taxa in the root microhabitat of Calanthe sieboldii (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Huang Min , Gao Dazhong , Lin Lele , Wang Shengcai , Xing Shaohua
Published: December 2022

Background

Endophytic fungi play a critical ecological role in the growth and development of orchids, but little is known about the spatial and temporal dynamics of fungal diversity or the ecological functions of fungi during orchid growth and reproduction. Calanthe sieboldii Decne. is listed in the Chinese National Key Protected Wild Plants as a class I protected wild plant. To understand the community characteristics of root and soil fungi of the orchid during its reproductive seasons, we investigated the community composition, spatial and temporal dynamics, and functional characteristics of the orchid microhabitat fungi by using diversity and ecological functional analyses.

Results

We discovered that there were three, seven, and four dominant fungal families in the orchid's roots, rhizoplane soil, and rhizosphere soil, respectively. Tulasnellaceae, Aspergillaceae, and Tricholomataceae were the dominant fungi in this endangered orchid's microhabitats. The closer the fungal community was to the orchid, the more stable and the less likely the community composition to change significantly over time. The fungal communities of this orchid's roots and rhizoplane soil varied seasonally, while those of the rhizosphere soil varied interannually. Saprophytic fungi were the most abundant in the orchid's fungal community, and the closer the distance to the orchid, the more symbiotic fungi were present.

Conclusions

The fungi in different parts of the root microhabitat of C. sieboldii showed different spatiotemporal dynamic patterns. The fungal community near the orchid roots was relatively stable and displayed seasonal variation, while the community further away from the roots showed greater variation. In addition, compared with the soil fungi, the dominant endophytic fungi were more stable, and these may be key fungi influencing orchid growth and development. Our study on the spatiotemporal dynamics and functions of fungi provides a basis for the comprehensive understanding and utilization of orchid endophytic fungi.