bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uptake and translocation mechanisms of different forms of organic selenium in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Wang Qi , Kong Lingxuan , Huang Qingqing , Li Huafen , Wan Yanan
Published: August 2022

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human and animal health, and toward an understanding of the uptake and translocation of Se in plants is important from the perspective of Se biofortification. In this study, we conducted hydroponic experiments to investigate the mechanisms of organic Se [selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenomethionine-oxide (SeOMet)] uptake, translocation, and the interactions between SeMet and SeOMet in rice. We also investigated differences in the dynamics of organic and inorganic Se uptake by rice roots. Concentration-dependent kinetic results revealed that SeMet uptake during a 1 h exposure was 3.19–16.0 times higher than that of three other Se chemical forms, with uptake capacity (Vmax) values ordered as follows: SeMet>SeOMet>selenite>selenate. Furthermore, time-dependent kinetic analysis revealed that SeMet uptake by roots and content in shoots were initially clearly higher than those of SeOMet, although the differences gradually diminished with prolonged exposure time; while no significant difference was found in the transfer factor of Se from rice roots to shoots between SeMet and SeOMet. Root uptake of SeOMet was significantly inhibited by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) (30.4%), AgNO3 (41.8%), and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl) (45.6%), indicating that SeOMet uptake is a metabolically active process, and that it could be mediated via aquaporins and K+ channels. Contrarily, SeMet uptake was insensitive to CCCP, although markedly inhibited by AgNO3 (93.1%), indicating that rice absorbs SeMet primarily via aquaporins. Furthermore, Se uptake and translocation in rice treated simultaneously with both SeMet and SeOMet were considerably lower than those in rice treated with SeMet treatment alone and notably lower than the theoretical quantity, indicating interactions between SeMet and SeOMet. Our findings provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying the uptake and translocation of organic Se within plants.
RETRACTED: Mitigation of salinity stress in barley genotypes with variable salt tolerance by application of zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Ali Basharat , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Ali Shafaqat , Shahid Munazzam , Sagir Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Qureshi Kamal Ahmad , Jaremko Mariusz , Selim Samy , Hussain Afzal , Rizwan Muhammad , Ishaq Wajid , Rehman M. Zia-ur
Published: August 2022

Salinity has become a major environmental concern of agricultural lands, impairing crop production. The current study aimed to examine the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in reducing the oxidative stress induced by salinity and the overall improvement in phytochemical properties in barley. A total of nine different barley genotypes were first subjected to salt (NaCl) stress in hydroponic conditions to determine the tolerance among the genotypes. The genotype Annora was found as most sensitive, and the most tolerant genotype was Awaran 02 under salinity stress. In another study, the most sensitive (Annora) and tolerant (Awaran 02) barley genotypes were grown in pots under salinity stress (100 mM). At the same time, half of the pots were provided with the soil application of ZnO NPs (100 mg kg–1), and the other half pots were foliar sprayed with ZnO NPs (100 mg L–1). Salinity stress reduced barley growth in both genotypes compared to control plants. However, greater reduction in barley growth was found in Annora (sensitive genotype) than in Awaran 02 (tolerant genotype). The exogenous application of ZnO NPs ameliorated salt stress and improved barley biomass, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activities by reducing oxidative damage caused by salt stress. However, this positive effect by ZnO NPs was observed more in Awaran 02 than in Annora genotype. Furthermore, the foliar application of ZnO NPs was more effective than the soil application of ZnO NPs. Findings of the present study revealed that exogenous application of ZnO NPs could be a promising approach to alleviate salt stress in barley genotypes with different levels of salinity tolerance.
Raman spectroscopy mapping of changes in the organization and relative quantities of cell wall polymers in bast fiber cell walls of flax plants exposed to gravitropic stress
Authors: Blervacq Anne-Sophie , Moreau Myriam , Duputié Anne , De Waele Isabelle , Duponchel Ludovic , Hawkins Simon
Published: August 2022

Flax is an important fiber crop that is subject to lodging. In order to gain more information about the potential role of the bast fiber cell wall in the return to the vertical position, 6-week-old flax plants were subjected to a long-term (6 week) gravitropic stress by stem tilting in an experimental set-up that excluded autotropism. Stress induced significant morphometric changes (lumen surface, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness and lumen surface/total fiber surface ratio) in pulling- and opposite-side fibers compared to control fibers. Changes in the relative amounts and spatial distribution of cell wall polymers in flax bast fibers were determined by Raman vibrational spectroscopy. Following spectra acquisition, datasets (control, pulling- and opposite sides) were analyzed by principal component analysis, PC score imaging, and Raman chemical cartography of significant chemical bonds. Our results show that gravitropic stress induces discrete but significant changes in the composition and/or spatial organization of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin within the cell walls of both pulling side and opposite side fibers.
Using a high density bin map to analyze quantitative trait locis of germination ability of maize at low temperatures
Authors: Zhou Yu , Lu Qing , Ma Jinxin , Wang Dandan , Li Xin , Di Hong , Zhang Lin , Hu Xinge , Dong Ling , Liu Xianjun , Zeng Xing , Zhou Zhiqiang , Weng Jianfeng , Wang Zhenhua
Published: August 2022

Low temperatures in the spring often lead to a decline in the emergence rate and uniformity of maize, which can affect yield in northern regions. This study used 365 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), which arose from crossing Qi319 and Ye478, to identify low-temperature resistance during the germination stage by measuring eight low-temperature-related traits. The quantitative trait locis (QTLs) were mapped usingR/qtlsoftware by combining phenotypic data, and the genotyping by sequencing (GBS) method to produce a high-density genetic linkage map. Twenty QTLs were detected during QTL mapping, of which seven QTLs simultaneously detected a consistent 197.10–202.30 Mb segment on chromosome 1. The primary segment was namedcQTL1-2, with a phenotypic variation of 5.18–25.96% and a physical distance of 5.2 Mb. This combines the phenotype and genotype with the identification of seven chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), which were derived from Ye478*Qi319 and related tocQTL1-2. The physical distance ofcQTL1-2was reduced to approximately 1.9 Mb. The consistent meta-QTLmQTL1was located at 619.06 cM on chromosome 1, had a genetic distance of 7.27 cM, and overlapped withcQTL1-2. This was identified by combining the results of previous QTL studies assessing maize tolerance to low temperatures at the germination stage. An assessment of the results of the RIL population, CSSLs, andmQTL1found the consistent QTL to beLtQTL1-1. It was identified in bin1.06-1.07 at a confidence interval of between 200,400,148 and 201,775,619 bp. In this interval, qRT-PCR found that relative expression of the candidate genesGRMZM2G082630andGRMZM2G115730were both up-regulated in low-temperature tolerant lines and down-regulated in sensitive lines (P< 0.01).
Bidirectional mRNA transfer between Cuscuta australis and its hosts
Authors: Li Tao , Deng Yunshuang , Huang Jiaquan , Liang Jiayin , Zheng Yongqin , Xu Qian , Fan Shuting , Li Wenting , Deng Xiaoling , Zheng Zheng
Published: August 2022

The holoparasitic dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is able to transfer mRNA and certain plant pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria) from the host plant. “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,” the phloem-limited causative agent of citrus Huanglongbing, can be transferred from citrus to periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) mediated by dodder. However, characterization of mRNA transport between dodder and citrus/periwinkle remains unclear. In this study, we sequenced transcriptomes of dodder and its parasitizing host, sweet orange (Citrus sinensis “Newhall”) and periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), to identify and characterize mRNA transfer between dodder and the host plant during parasitism. The mRNA transfer between dodder and citrus/periwinkle was bidirectional and most of the transfer events occurred in the interface tissue. Compared with the citrus–dodder system, mRNA transfer in the periwinkle–dodder system was more frequent. Function classification revealed that a large number of mRNAs transferred between dodder and citrus/periwinkle were involved in secondary metabolism and stress response. Dodder transcripts encoding proteins associated with microtubule-based processes and cell wall biogenesis were transferred to host tissues. In addition, transcripts involved in translational elongation, plasmodesmata, and the auxin-activated signaling pathway were transmitted between dodder and citrus/periwinkle. In particular, transcripts involved in shoot system development and flower development were transferred between the host and dodder in both directions. The high abundance of dodder-origin transcripts, encoding MIP aquaporin protein, and S-adenosylmethionine synthetase 1 protein, in citrus and periwinkle tissues indicated they could play an important biological role in dodder–host interaction. In addition, the uptake of host mRNAs by dodder, especially those involved in seed germination and flower development, could be beneficial for the reproduction of dodder. The results of this study provide new insights into the RNA-based interaction between dodder and host plants.
The chromosome-level holly (Ilex latifolia) genome reveals key enzymes in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis and fruit color change
Authors: Xu Ke-Wang , Wei Xue-Fen , Lin Chen-Xue , Zhang Min , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Peng , Fang Yan-Ming , Xue Jia-Yu , Duan Yi-Fan
Published: August 2022

The Ilex L. (hollies) genus of Aquifoliaceae shows high species diversity in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and South America. Throughout the range of the genus, Ilex species have been widely used in beverage and medicine production and as ornamentals. Here, we assembled a high-quality, chromosome-level genome of Ilex latifolia, which has extremely high economic value because of its useful secondary metabolite production and the high ornamental value of its decorative red berries. The 99.8% genome sequence was anchored to 20 pseudochromosomes, with a total length of 766.02 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 33.45 Mb. Based on the comparative genomic analysis of 14 angiosperm species, we recovered I. latifolia as the sister group to all other campanulids. Two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events were identified in hollies: one shared ancient WGD in the ancestor of all eudicots and a recent and independent WGD in hollies. We performed a genome-wide search to screen candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins in I. latifolia. Three subfamilies of CYP450 (CYP71A, CYP72A, and CYP716A) appear to have expanded. The transcriptomic analysis of I. latifolia leaves at five developmental stages revealed that two CYP716A genes and one CYP72A gene probably play important roles in this biosynthetic pathway. In addition, we totally identified 12 genes in the biosynthesis pathways of pelargonidin and cyanidin and observed their differential expression in green and red fruit pericarps, suggesting an association between pelargonidin and cyanidin biosynthesis and fruit pericarp color change. The accumulation of pelargonidin and cyanidin is expected to play an important role in the ornamental value of I. latifolia. Altogether, this study elucidated the molecular basis of the medicinal and ornamental value of I. latifolia, providing a data basis and promising clues for further applications.
De novo assembly of two chromosome-level rice genomes and bin-based QTL mapping reveal genetic diversity of grain weight trait in rice
Authors: Kong Weilong , Deng Xiaoxiao , Liao Zhenyang , Wang Yibin , Zhou Mingao , Wang Zhaohai , Li Yangsheng
Published: August 2022

Following the “green revolution,” indica and japonica hybrid breeding has been recognized as a new breakthrough in further improving rice yields. However, heterosis-related grain weight QTLs and the basis of yield advantage among subspecies has not been well elucidated. We herein de novo assembled the chromosome level genomes of an indica/xian rice (Luohui 9) and a japonica/geng rice (RPY geng) and found that gene number differences and structural variations between these two genomes contribute to the differences in agronomic traits and also provide two different favorable allele pools to produce better derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs). In addition, we generated a high-generation (> F15) population of 272 RILs from the cross between Luohui 9 and RPY geng and two testcross hybrid populations derived from the crosses of RILs and two cytoplasmic male sterile lines (YTA, indica and Z7A, japonica). Based on three derived populations, we totally identified eight 1,000-grain weight (KGW) QTLs and eight KGW heterosis loci. Of QTLs, qKGW-6.1 and qKGW-8.1 were accepted as novel KGW QTLs that have not been reported previously. Interestingly, allele genotyping results revealed that heading date related gene (Ghd8) in qKGW-8.1 and qLH-KGW-8.1, can affect grain weight in RILs and rice core accessions and may also play an important role in grain weight heterosis. Our results provided two high-quality genomes and novel gene editing targets for grain weight for future rice yield improvement project.
Prevalence of social anxiety disorder and symptoms among Chinese children, adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Xinfeng , Liu Qiwen , Cai Fangtong , Tian Hui , Shi Xincheng , Tang Suqin
Published: August 2022

The objective of the study is to provide a reliable estimate of the pooled prevalence of social anxiety disorder (SAD) and social anxiety symptoms (SAS) among children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) in China. Meta-analysis is used to provide pooled-prevalence rate of SAD and SAS. Literature searches were conducted in both English and Chinese databases from the database's inception to April 2019. Eleven studies were identified for SAD, and 17 were included for SAS. The results revealed a pooled prevalence of SAD of 2.1% (95% CI: 1.2–3.8%) with high between-studies heterogeneity (Q = 1,055.2, I2 = 99.1%, p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence estimate of SAS was 23.5% (95% CI: 18.6–29.3%), also with significant heterogeneity (Q = 1,019.3, I2 = 98.4%, p < 0.001). Different diagnostic tools or self-report scales reported significant different prevalence of SAD or SAS. Further analysis stratified by gender, age, sampling methods, economic status, and risk of bias were performed. Limitations include the high level of heterogeneity between studies, inadequate number of the studies, and significant differences in prevalence caused by measurements.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020149591, identifier: PROSPERO CRD42020149591.
Potential influence of decision time on punishment behavior and its evaluation
Authors: Maeda Kaede , Kumai Yuka , Hashimoto Hirofumi
Published: August 2022

Previous studies on whether punishers are rewarded by reputational gains have yielded conflicting results. Some studies have argued that punitive behaviors potentially result in a positive evaluation, while others have found the opposite. This study aims to clarify the conditions that lead to the positive evaluation of costly punishment. Study 1 utilized one-round and repeated public goods game (PGG) situations and manipulated decision time for participants’ punitive behavior toward the non-cooperative person in the situation. We also asked participants to report their impression evaluations of punitive behavior toward non-cooperative people. Moreover, utilizing the second- and third-party punishment games, Study 2 manipulated the decision time of participants’ punitive behavior toward the self-interested person and asked them to evaluate the punitive behavior. The results showed that those who punished intuitively were not likely to be evaluated positively. However, punishers were rewarded when the decision to punish was made after deliberation or made by those who were not direct victims. These findings extend previous research on the evaluation of punitive behavior and reveal that deliberative punishment is evaluated positively occasionally.
A systematic review of interventions to support adults with ADHD at work—Implications from the paucity of context-specific research for theory and practice
Authors: Lauder Kirsty , McDowall Almuth , Tenenbaum Harriet R.
Published: August 2022

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is estimated to affect 3.5% of the global workforce. Despite the high prevalence rate, little is known about how best to support adults with ADHD (ADHDers) at work. Relevant research is dispersed across different disciplines such as medicine, health studies and psychology. Therefore, it is important to synthesize interventions aimed at ADHDers to examine what learning can be gleaned for effective workplace support. We conducted a systematic review of relevant interventions framed by realist evaluation and the Context-Intervention-Mechanism-Outcome classification to identify key mechanisms of effectiveness for workplace interventions. We searched 10 databases including a range of journals from medical science to business management applying predetermined inclusion criteria and quality appraisal through a risk of bias assessment for quantitative and qualitative methods. We synthesized 143 studies with realist evaluation. Most studies evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions highlighting the dominance of the medical approach to supporting ADHDers. Key mechanisms of effectiveness were identified from psychosocial interventions including group therapy, involvement of people in the ADHDers network, and the importance of the client-patient relationship. Overall, there is limited research that examines the effectiveness of workplace interventions for ADHDers. Furthermore, much of the existing research evaluates pharmacological interventions which is difficult to transfer to the workplace context. It is recommended that future research and practice consider the key mechanisms identified in this review when designing interventions as well as barriers to accessing support such as disclosure and self-awareness.
Emotional intelligence as a contributor to enhancing educators’ quality of life in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Maharaj Prashanti , Ramsaroop Anisha
Published: August 2022

The basic education fraternity is constantly evolving with various stressors among others, curricular changes, adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, poor educator development, excessive workload, and brain drain, thus negatively affecting educators’ quality of life. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has expedited the importance of emotional intelligence, as an essential resilience skill for enhancing the quality of life during adversity. The objective of the study is to ascertain the relationship between emotional intelligence and the quality of life of educators. A quantitative approach was utilized using simple random sampling. A sample of 108 educators from a population of 154 was drawn from six schools in the Reservoir Hills precinct of KwaZulu-Natal. The findings revealed a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and the quality of life of educators. A practical research model was advocated for key stakeholders in the South African basic education sector.
The moderating role of sex in the relationship between executive functions and academic procrastination in undergraduate students
Authors: Vilca Lindsey W.
Published: August 2022

The objective of the study was to determine if sex plays a moderating role in the relationship between executive functions and academic procrastination in 106 university students of both genders (28.3% male and 71.7% female) between the ages of 18 and 30 years (M = 19.7; SD = 2.7). The Academic Procrastination Scale and the Neuropsychological Battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes (BANFE-2) were used to measure the variables. The results of the study showed that the degree of prediction of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex (involves the orbitofrontal cortex [OFC] and the medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC]) on academic procrastination is significantly moderated by the sex of the university students (β3 = 0.53; p < 0.01). For men, the estimated effect of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex on the degree of academic procrastination is −0.81. For women, the estimated effect of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex on the degree of academic procrastination is −0.28. In addition, it was shown that sex does not play a moderating role in the relationship between the tasks linked to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and academic procrastination (β3 = 0.12; p > 0.05). It was also determined that sex does not play a moderating role in the relationship between the tasks linked to the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) and academic procrastination (β3 = 0.05; p > 0.05). It is concluded that only the executive functions associated with the orbitomedial cortex are moderated by the sex of the university students, where the impact of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex on academic procrastination in men is significantly greater than in women.
Improvisation and university students’ entrepreneurial intention in China: The roles of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial policy support
Authors: Guo Runping , Yin Haobo , Lv Xingqun
Published: August 2022

In the VUCA era, determining how to deal with environmental uncertainty has become one of the core issues. Research shows that improvisation is an effective way to deal with rapid changes and to obtain unexpected opportunities in a complex and changeable environment. Improvisation, as a needed capability in the entrepreneurial process, can also provide key strategies to effectively deal with emergencies. Although previous studies have explored the outcomes of improvisation in the entrepreneurial field, this paper aims to investigate in depth whether and how improvisation affects entrepreneurial intention in China. A moderated mediation model was constructed and tested using data from 251 Chinese university students to explore the influence mechanism of improvisation on entrepreneurial intention by combining social cognitive theory and the entrepreneurial event model. The results of this empirical analysis found that improvisation has a positive effect on entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a fully mediating role in the relationship between improvisation and entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, entrepreneurial policy support has been found to significantly moderate the mediated relationship between improvisation and entrepreneurial intention by entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The findings suggest that individuals should cultivate improvisation capabilities and entrepreneurial self-efficacy to enhance their entrepreneurial intention. They also need to pay attention to the dynamics of entrepreneurial policies in China. This study contributes to the extant literature by providing deeper insight into the relationship between improvisation and entrepreneurial intention and also has important practical implications for promoting entrepreneurial intention formation in contexts with environmental uncertainty like China.
Crisis leadership in COVID-19: A qualitative study of Norwegian business leaders
Authors: Dale Oen Vibeke , Svihus Jeanett , Solberg Sara Helene Røyland , Harris Anette , Eid Jarle
Published: August 2022

Background

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. The crisis that follows presented significant adverse challenges for organizations and business leaders around the world. The present study aims to explore how the extreme context of the COVID-19 influenced crisis leadership, with emphasis on coping and adaptive approaches, in Norwegian leaders during the early stage of the pandemic.

Materials and methods

A group of 11 Norwegian business leaders from different private sector companies were subject to an in depth, semi structured interview after the first 9 months of COVID-19. A sensemaking perspective and the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS) were used to interpret the results.

Results

The pandemic called for crisis leadership and a rapid adaptation to a radically changed situation. Restructuring of organizational processes and introduction of new routines were followed by support and caring for their employees during the first wave of the pandemic. All the leaders coped well with the situation, and some were excited over the opportunity to make a difference in this demanding and stressful situation. Many emphasized that the pandemic was an external threat, resulting in an acceptance of the situation, more transparency, collaboration, and generosity within the organization. Especially the willingness to change was challenged in a positive way. A more blurred line between office and home, and absence of social activities were mentioned as negative outcomes.
A Study on Satisfaction and Influencing Factors of Educational Practice of Preschool Education Majors in Higher Vocational Colleges
Authors: Xiong Jing , Kou Heung , Zhang Fang , Kong Weifeng
Published: August 2022

In September 2020, the Ministry of Education and other nine departments issued the notice of “Action Plan for Improving the Quality of Vocational Education (2020–2023)” which emphasizes strong practical teaching. The state pays more and more attention to the quality of practical practice in higher vocational colleges. From the perspective of student satisfaction, this study explores the satisfaction of preschool education students on educational practice and related influencing factors, so as to carry out better educational practice and improve the quality of students’ educational practice in colleges and universities. This study uses the questionnaire method, according to the existing literature and theory to build the results of self-compiled “higher vocational college students majoring in preschool education practice satisfaction and influencing factors questionnaire.” A total of 463 students majoring in preschool education in higher vocational colleges were investigated. The following research results are obtained. 1. The overall satisfaction of students majoring in preschool education in higher vocational colleges to educational practice is above the average. In descending order of satisfaction question scores, other factors influencing student’s satisfaction are the tutors in the educational practice park, the educational practice base, the content of educational practice, the management of educational practice, the tutors in the school of educational practice, and the time of educational practice. 2. For constructing the influencing factor model of educational practice satisfaction, it is found that the influencing factors of educational practice satisfaction are university management rational factors, support factors from the educational base, and students’ own factors.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton in psychobiography: Sense of coherence and faith across her lifetime
Authors: Mayer Claude-Hélène
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on the coping skills of one selected, extraordinary woman, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton (1757–1854) during the founding of the United States of America. This work contributes to theory on two different levels. First, it contributes to psychobiographical research on women in diverse spheres of society, thereby strengthening the aspect of gender and coping strategies in terms of psychobiographical perspectives. Second, it contributes to theory-building in psychobiographical research anchored in positive psychology, promoting the idea that a multiplicity (crystallisation) of theories should be used to explore and analyse the lifespan of extraordinary individuals. The psychobiography responds to the question how Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton coped with life’s challenges and tragedies through the lenses of sense of coherence and faith development theory. The article uses a psychobiographical case study design within the research paradigm of modern hermeneutics. First- and third-person data on the subject were collected and evaluated through thematic analysis, including articles, documentation, letters, film material, and political scripts. Customary ethical standards for psychobiographical research were followed, thereby ensuring an ethical, respectful, empathetic and accountable research approach. The article presents findings on the coping skills, sense of coherence, and faith development in the life of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton which strongly influenced her resilience and support for others during her long and extraordinary life. Conclusions are drawn with regard to the way women cope in different sociocultural, sociopolitical and socio-economic spheres using historical and contemporary retrospectives. Recommendations are provided for future psychobiographical research on women in diverse contexts and in psychobiographical, gendered practice.
Electrophysiological measurements of holistic processing of Chinese characters
Authors: Qi Zhengyang , Luo Wenbo
Published: August 2022

Holistic processing (HP) is a marker of perceptual expertise in facial recognition. In the present study, we examined neural responses to the HP of Chinese characters, adopting the composite paradigm. The behavioral results showed that the discrimination of congruent trials was significantly higher than that of incongruent trials, and participants responded faster. Moreover, the congruent trials elicited significantly larger N170 amplitude than the incongruent trials. The HP effect of the N170 component was observed for upright characters, as the configural information of inverted characters and misaligned characters were destroyed. Right-lateralization of processing Chinese characters was observed in the N170 amplitudes and delta-theta band oscillations. The results suggested that Chinese character recognition employed a strategy of HP, and the finding that neural indicators provide a better signal of the strength of HP in Chinese characters than behavioral indicators was also crucial.
Revisiting L2 pragmatic competence through implicit vs. explicit instructional framework
Authors: Huang Nan
Published: August 2022

Successful interaction in the target language requires L2 learners to use and understand the grammatically correct language. At the same time, the language used is expected to produce socioculturally appropriate utterances that it refers to their Pragmatic competence. The latter entails acquiring pragmatic competence, which has proved to be very challenging for L2 learners. This is because they gain limited exposure to the use of language for real communication in an authentic social setting. Moreover, instruction has been found to influence the functional abilities in L2 as it equips the learners with the ability to produce and comprehend L2 in different situations. Focusing on the research conducted on the role of explicit and implicit instruction on L2 pragmatic competence, this study aimed to give a summative description of the empirical studies carried out on teaching pragmatics. The investigation ends up with a conclusion, instructional implications, and suggestions for future research.
Toward the favorable consequences of academic motivation and L2 enjoyment for students' willingness to communicate in the second language (L2WTC)
Authors: Cao Guihua
Published: August 2022

Students' willingness to communicate in the second language (L2WTC) is perceived to be the ultimate goal of L2 acquisition in that high levels of L2WTC facilitate L2 use. For this reason, factors leading learners to higher levels of L2WTC have been widely scrutinized. Yet, the role of psycho-emotional factors like academic motivation and L2 enjoyment in promoting students' L2WTC has remained elusive. Moreover, as existing literature reveals, no inquiry has conceptually reviewed the impacts of these factors on students' L2WTC. To respond to this gap, this conceptual review strived to elucidate the consequences of academic motivation and L2 enjoyment for students' L2WTC. The favorable effects of academic motivation and L2 enjoyment on students' L2WTC levels were shown in the light of empirical and theoretical evidence. Finally, the potential implications of the findings are highlighted.
Why mental disorders are brain disorders. And why they are not: ADHD and the challenges of heterogeneity and reification
Authors: Schleim Stephan
Published: August 2022

Scientific attempts to identify biomarkers to reliably diagnose mental disorders have thus far been unsuccessful. This has inspired the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach which decomposes mental disorders into behavioral, emotional, and cognitive domains. This perspective article argues that the search for biomarkers in psychiatry presupposes that the present mental health categories reflect certain (neuro-) biological features, that is, that these categories arereifiedas biological states or processes. I present two arguments to show that this assumption is very unlikely: First, theheterogeneity(both within and between subjects) of mental disorders is grossly underestimated, which is particularly salient for an example like Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Second, even the search for the biological basis ofpsychologically more basic categories(cognitive and emotional processes) than the symptom descriptions commonly used in mental disorder classifications has thus far been inconclusive. While philosophers have discussed this as the problem of mind-body-reductionism for ages, Turkheimer presented a theoretical framework comparing weak and strong biologism which is more useful for empirical research. This perspective article concludes that mental disorders are brain disorders in the sense ofweak, but notstrongbiologism. This has important implications for psychiatric research: The search for reliable biomarkers for mental disorder categories we know is unlikely to ever be successful. This implies that biology is not the suitable taxonomic basis for psychiatry, but also psychology at large.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on sleep patterns, emotions, and behaviors of children and adolescents in Taiwan
Authors: Chin Wei-Chih , Yao Tsung-Chieh , Tang I , Lee Pin-Yi , Huang Yu-Shu
Published: August 2022

Background

The lockdown in May 2021 was the first and only lockdown implemented in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The epidemic in Taiwan has been maintained under relatively better control and this study aimed to examine the impact of the lockdown on sleep and emotional and behavior disturbances in children and adolescents in Taiwan.

Material and methods

Participants over 6 years old were recruited retrospectively from a cohort study, and their parents completed questionnaires including the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham-IV Teacher and Parent Rating Scale (SNAP-IV), and the function assessment. A total of 217 children and adolescents whose parents completed questionnaires during both the lockdown period and the pre-lockdown period were included. We used paired t-test and independent t test; to analyze the differences between the lockdown and pre-lockdown periods and between different subgroups.

Results

The mean age of all participants was 11.87 ± 3.97 years, with 69.6% male. The results of CSHQ indicated that our participants had significantly increased total sleep time (p = 0.000), more sleep onset delay (p = 0.011), fewer sleep duration problems (p = 0.029), less parasomnia (p = 0.018), fewer sleep breathing problems (p = 0.028), and less daytime sleepiness (p = 0.000) during the lockdown, especially males and children. We observed trends but no significant changes of all participants in CBCL and SNAP during the lockdown. The change of the inattention index reached a significant level between children and adolescents (p2 = 0.017). The results of the functional assessment showed more interferences in home living (p = 0.021) of all participants, especially males (p1 = 0.002).

Conclusions

The lockdown significantly impacted children and adolescents' sleep and functioning. We also observed trends of increased emotion, behavior and inattention problems, and significantly increased interference in home living. Male gender and younger age may be associated factors for sleep and functional disturbances of the lockdown.
Validation of the Social Media Disorder Scale using network analysis in a large representative sample of Czech adolescents
Authors: Šablatúrová Nika , Rečka Karel , Blinka Lukas
Published: August 2022

Background

The importance of studying the excessive use of social media in adolescents is increasing and so is the need for in-depth evaluations of the psychometric properties of the measurement tools. This study investigated the properties of the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) in a large representative sample of Czech adolescents.

Methods

We analyzed the representative sample of 13,377 Czech adolescents (50.9% boys), 11–16 years old, who participated in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey (2017–18), using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and network models. Furthermore, we evaluated the measurement invariance and constructed the validity of the SMDS.

Results

We found support for a single dominant factor but not for strict unidimensionality. Several residual correlations were identified. The strongest were for: problems–conflicts–deceptions; persistence–escape; and preoccupation–tolerance–withdrawal. Girls, particularly 13- and 15-year-olds, scored higher than boys in the same age group, and 13- and 15-year-olds achieved higher scores than 11-year-olds, although some items were not invariant between the groups. The SMDS was positively related to other online activities, screen time, and falling asleep late, but negatively related to well-being and mental health.

Discussion and conclusions

The SMDS showed solid psychometric properties and construct validity. However, small violations of measurement invariance were detected. Furthermore, the network analysis showed important residual relationships between the items.
Association of N6-methyladenosine readers' genes variation and expression level with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Li Hong-Miao , Tang Fei , Wang Li-Jun , Huang Qian , Pan Hai-Feng , Zhang Tian-Ping
Published: August 2022

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is associated with many biological processes and the development of multiple diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of m6A readers' genes variation, as well as their expression levels, with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). A total of 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in m6A readers' genes (i.e., YTHDF1 rs6122103, rs6011668, YTHDF2 rs602345, rs3738067, YTHDF3 rs7464, rs12549833, YTHDC1 rs3813832, rs17592288, rs2293596, and YTHDC2 rs6594732, and rs2416282) were genotyped by SNPscan™ technique in 457 patients with PTB and 466 normal controls. The m6A readers' genes expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 78 patients with PTB and 86 normal controls were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There was no significant association between all SNPs in YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2 genes and PTB susceptibility. The increased frequencies of YTHDF2 rs3738067 GG genotype and YTHDC1 rs3813832 CC genotype, C allele, were, respectively, found in PTB patients with hypoproteinemia and fever. YTHDC2 rs6594732 variant was significantly associated with drug-induced liver damage and sputum smear-positive, and the rs2416282 variant was significantly associated with fever in patients with PTB. Compared with controls, the YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in PTB. Moreover, YTHDF1 level was negatively associated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and YTHDF3 and YTHDC1 levels were negatively related to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patients with PTB. Our results demonstrated that YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2 genes SNPs did not contribute to PTB susceptibility, while their decreased levels in patients with PTB suggested that these m6A readers might play significant roles in PTB.
Job demands-resources, job crafting and work engagement of tobacco retailers
Authors: Jiang Daokui , Ning Lei , Liu Teng , Zhang Yiting , Liu Qian
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the development of tobacco control actions in China and the changes in people's health concepts have slowed the development of the tobacco industry. As an important strategic partner of tobacco sales companies, tobacco retailers are the key link between tobacco commercial enterprises and consumers. How to improve the work engagement level of tobacco retailers is an urgent issue for tobacco business enterprises. On the basis of job demands–resources (JD–R) theory, the mechanisms of the effects of job resources and demands on tobacco retailers' work engagement were explored. Results showed that (1) The negative path of job demands influencing tobacco retailers' work engagement was supported, and job crafting played a mediating role in it. (2) The positive path of job resources influencing tobacco retailers' work engagement was supported, and job crafting played a mediating role in it. (3) Servant leadership moderated the influence of job resources and demands on job crafting. Higher level of servant leadership brings the stronger effect of job resources on job crafting and the weaker effect of job demands on job crafting. (4) The mediating effect of job crafting between JD–R and work engagement was moderated by servant leadership. The higher level of servant leadership strengthened the mediating role of job crafting between job demands and work engagement, whereas it weakened the mediating role of job crafting between job demands and work engagement. This study enriches the research on application fields and boundary conditions of JD–R theory and provides practical guidance for improving the work engagement level of tobacco retailers.
Menopause symptoms in women and its relation with using complementary and alternative medicines: A survey in southeast Iran
Authors: Dehghan Mahlagha , Isari Zahra , Abbaszadeh Mohammad Hossein , Ghonchehpour Asma
Published: August 2022

Background

Postmenopausal women are interested in using complementary and alternative medicine because of their menopausal symptoms and the side effects of chemical medications and hormone therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary medicine (CAM) and menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 288 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Kerman, southeastern Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the CAM questionnaire, and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

Results

The mean score for the menopausal symptoms of the participants was 8.73 ± 6.11. Only 28.8% of the participants had no/little symptoms. About 65.3% of the participants used at least one type of CAM in the previous year. The most commonly used types of CAM were nutritional supplements, prayer, and medicinal herbs. A significant association was found between the use of medicinal herbs, dry cupping, relaxation and meditation, prayer, and menopausal symptoms. Women experiencing menopausal symptoms used more CAM methods than those without menopausal symptoms (Odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval = 1.33–3.80).

Conclusion

The study results indicated that the severity of menopausal symptoms and scores in somatic-vegetative and urogenital domains were higher in CAM users compared to non-CAM users. But there was no significant difference in the psychological domain between CAM and non-CAM users. Based on the results, it is suggested that more research be done in different communities with different healthcare systems to find out how complementary and alternative medicine affects menopausal symptoms in women.
Does an active lifestyle matter? A longitudinal study of physical activity and health-related determinants in older adults
Authors: Teraž Kaja , Pišot Saša , Šimunic Boštjan , Pišot Rado
Published: August 2022

Introduction

It is well-known that regular physical activity, and thus an active lifestyle, has positive effects on aging and general wellbeing. However, the question remains as to whether regular or increased physical activity can improve self-perception of health status and quality of life in older adults.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study on a group of active older adults between 2013 and 2021. At baseline, i.e., the 1st measurements (baseline), 147 participants were enrolled (mean age 68.4 ± 5.6). After 8 years, in 2021 (follow up), 52 older adults (mean age 75.9 ± 5.3 years) were measured. For the purpose of this study, we included 52 older adults participated at both time-points. For both measurements, participants reported their physical activity and sedentary behavior using the Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ), socio-demographic and environmental determinants, recording their self-perception in terms of overall wellbeing. Furthermore, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to obtain subjective data on the changes and events that may have affected physical abilities and general health over an 8-year period.

Results

At the follow up, participants reported lower physical activity and sedentary behavior compared to baseline, but still met health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) standards for total self-reported physical activity (>3,000 METmin/week). In addition, they rated their overall health (p < 0.001), physical fitness (p < 0.001), psychological wellbeing (p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001) as better. The qualitative data confirmed that the 8-year period involved changes in physical activity. Specifically, they have continued to carry out physical work (gardening, working in the vineyards, olive groves), but previously organized physical activities were replaced by walks in nature, which probably also influenced the reduction of sedentary behavior.

Conclusion

After 8 years, as expected, participants reported a decrease in physical activity and a lower level of sedentary behavior. It appears from the interview that healthy older adults filled their days with daily tasks and found more time for walking. Individuals who were more active in the past 8 years also reported better overall health and wellbeing. Selected variables correlated with an active lifestyle and better perceptions of quality of life.