bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The YouTube-assisted discovery learning model: Improving students’ cognitive learning outcomes and critical thinking
Authors: Akihary Wilma , Maruanaya Rita Fransina , Lestuny Carolina , Maruanaya Seplinovye Penina
Published: October 2023

The quality improvement of human resources in the society 5.0 era in the 21st century is closely related to technology, and one of the ways this can be achieved is by using YouTube. Therefore, this research determined the differences in student cognitive learning outcomes and critical thinking before and after applying the YouTube-assisted discovery model in German Language Education Study Program at Pattimura University, Indonesia. A pseudo-experiment a pretest and posttest unequal control group design was used to obtain 20 2nd semester students who took the course Strukturen und Wortschatz zur Aufbaustufe A2.1. Furthermore, the sample determination used a proportional sampling technique. Data collection was done using the instrument in the form of essays tests to determine the cognitive learning and critical thinking outcomes, questionnaire sheets, and interviews. The paired T-test showed a value of p=0.000α=0.05, indicating significant differences in cognitive learning outcomes and critical thinking skills before and after applying the YouTube-assisted discovery learning model. This was confirmed by an increase in the cognitive test scores and critical thinking of students after applying the learning model. Therefore, the results can be applied to other concepts in German language learning.
Effects of technology-integrated chemistry instruction on students’ academic achievement and retention capacity
Authors: Yesgat Derejaw , Melesse Solomon , Andargie Dereje , Beyene Belete Bedemo
Published: October 2023

This study determined how chemistry instruction using technology affected student achievement and retention. To achieve the goal of the study, Solomon’s four-group quasi-experimental research design was used. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test were used to statistically examine the data. A one-way ANOVA analysis revealed that, for achievement and retention, respectively, the mean scores of both trial groups showed statistically significant differences from the mean scores of comparison groups F (3.161)=88.568, p0.05 and F (3.161)=14.75, p0.05). The independent samples t-test on the achievement and retention post-test mean score of the experimental and comparison groups respectively, was statistically significant (t (163)=16.05, p0.05 and t (162.09)=7.61, p0.05). Independent sample t-test shows that male and female students’ post-test scores for achievement or retention in the experimental group results was (t (42)=1.53; p0.05 and t (38)=-0.465; p0.05, respectively. This intervention has no statistically significant gender related impact on students’ achievement and retention. Thus, it is conceivable to draw the conclusion that chemistry instruction that incorporates technology enhances student achievement and retention, but its effect is gender neutral. According to recent studies, chemistry teachers and teacher training programs should use technology-integrated lessons to help students acquire and recall chemical bonding concepts.
Revisions of Australian ground-hunting spiders VI: five new stripe-less miturgid genera and 48 new species (Miturgidae: Miturginae)
Authors: RAVEN ROBERT J. , HEBRON WENDY , WILLIAMS KYLIE
Published: October 2023

A group of Australian miturgines that are common in widespread areas of mostly dry landscapes are revised. Five new genera (Miturgopelma, Knotodo, Xistera, Miturgiella and Xeromiturga) and 48 new species are described. Three species presently included in three families are placed in these groups in the Miturgidae: Uliodon ferrugineus (L. Koch, 1873) is transferred from the Zoropsidae to Miturgopelma gen. nov.; likewise, Odo australiensis Hickman, 1944, from Central Australia, is transferred from an otherwise South American genus presently in the family Xenoctenidae to Miturgopelma gen. nov.; and Argoctenus gracilis Hickman, 1950 is transferred to Knotodo gen. nov. Miturgopelma gen. nov. is a very diverse genus found throughout much of drier Australia but not yet in Cape York, Queensland, although one species is taken from Tasmania. Besides Miturgopelma ferruginea (L. Koch, 1873) comb. nov. and Miturgopelma australiensis (Hickman, 1944) comb. nov., the new genus Miturgopelma includes 31 new species: M. alanyeni sp. nov., M. archeri sp. nov. M. baehrae sp. nov., M. bandalup sp. nov., M. biancahilleryae sp. nov., M. bogantungan sp. nov., M. brachychiton sp. nov., M. brevirostra sp. nov., M. bungabiddy sp. nov., M. buckaringa sp. nov., M. calperum sp. nov., M. caitlinae sp. nov., M. couperi sp. nov., M. culgoa sp. nov., M. echidna sp. nov., M. echinoides sp. nov., M. harveyi sp. nov., M. hebronae sp. nov., M. kinchega sp. nov., M. maningrida sp. nov., M. minderoo sp. nov., M. oakleigh sp. nov., M. paruwi sp. nov., M. rangerstaceyae sp. nov., M. rar sp. nov., M. rixi sp. nov., M. seida sp. nov., M. spinisternis sp. nov., M. watarrka sp. nov., M. woz sp. nov., and M. yarmina sp. nov. Knotodo gen. nov., a predominantly western and southern group, includes Knotodo gracilis (Hickman, 1950) comb. nov., and seven new species: K. coolgardie sp. nov., K. eneabba sp. nov., K. narelleae sp. nov., K. shoadi sp. nov., K. muckera sp. nov., K. nullarbor sp. nov., and K. toolinna sp. nov. Xistera gen. nov., another predominantly Western Australian and southern group, includes five new species: Xis. auriphila sp. nov., Xis. barlee sp. nov., Xis. coventryi sp. nov., Xis. jandateae sp. nov., and Xis. serpentine sp. nov. Xeromiturga gen. nov., another predominantly western and southern group, includes four new species: Xer. gumbardo sp. nov., Xer. mardathuna sp. nov., Xer. bidgemia sp. nov., and Xer. pilbara sp. nov. A widespread, monotypic eastern Australian genus, Miturgiella vulgaris gen. et sp. nov., is also described. Zoroides Berland, 1924, presently in Miturgidae, is considered a junior synonym of the phrurolithid Dorymetaecus Rainbow, 1920 syn. nov., thus making Dorymetaecus dalmasi (Berland 1924) comb. nov. Miturga whistleri Simon, 1909 and Miturga splendens Hickman, 1930 are both placed in Mituliodon tarantulinus syn. nov..
Intraseasonal Variability of Anticyclonic Rossby Wave Breaking and Its Impact on Tropical Cyclone Activity over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Qian Yitian , Hsu Pang-Chi , Murakami Hiroyuki , Zhang Gan , Wang Huijun , Duan Mingkeng
Published: October 2023

The intraseasonal variations in anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking (AWB) events, which are characterized by synoptic-scale irreversible meridional overturning of potential vorticity over the North Pacific, and their modulations on tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the western North Pacific (WNP), were investigated in this study. Spectral analysis of the AWB frequency shows significant variability within a period of 7–40 days, closely linked to the subseasonal variability of the jet stream intensity. When the jet stream weakens at its exit region over the North Pacific, the AWB occurs along with an equatorward Rossby wave flux. This AWB is preceded by an intensified Rossby wave train across Eurasia 12 days earlier. Simultaneously, a high potential vorticity intrusion is advected in the upper troposphere from the North Pacific toward the WNP, and suppressed TC activities are observed over the WNP open ocean where decreased moisture and temperature, subsidence, and increased vertical wind shear prevail. In contrast, anomalously enhanced convection, positive relative vorticity, and ascending motion are found in the southwestern quadrant of the AWB, facilitating enhanced TC activities over the South China Sea (SCS). Further analysis indicates that the impact of the AWB on TC activities over the WNP is robust and independent of the tropical intraseasonal convection over the tropical Indian Ocean and SCS, even though it accompanies the increased AWB frequency.
The Weakening of the Stratospheric Polar Vortex and the Subsequent Surface Impacts as Consequences to Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Liang Yu-Chiao , Kwon Young-Oh , Frankignoul Claude , Gastineau Guillaume , Smith Karen L. , Polvani Lorenzo M. , Sun Lantao , Peings Yannick , Deser Clara , Zhang Ruonan , Screen James
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the stratospheric response to Arctic sea ice loss and subsequent near-surface impacts by analyzing 200-member coupled experiments using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 6 (WACCM6) with preindustrial, present-day, and future sea ice conditions specified following the protocol of the Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project. The stratospheric polar vortex weakens significantly in response to the prescribed sea ice loss, with a larger response to greater ice loss (i.e., future minus preindustrial) than to smaller ice loss (i.e., future minus present-day). Following the weakening of the stratospheric circulation in early boreal winter, the coupled stratosphere–troposphere response to ice loss strengthens in late winter and early spring, projecting onto a negative North Atlantic Oscillation–like pattern in the lower troposphere. To investigate whether the stratospheric response to sea ice loss and subsequent surface impacts depend on the background oceanic state, ensemble members are initialized by a combination of varying phases of Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) and interdecadal Pacific variability (IPV). Different AMV and IPV states combined, indeed, can modulate the stratosphere–troposphere responses to sea ice loss, particularly in the North Atlantic sector. Similar experiments with another climate model show that, although strong sea ice forcing also leads to tighter stratosphere–troposphere coupling than weak sea ice forcing, the timing of the response differs from that in WACCM6. Our findings suggest that Arctic sea ice loss can affect the stratospheric circulation and subsequent tropospheric variability on seasonal time scales, but modulation by the background oceanic state and model dependence need to be taken into account.

Significance Statement

This study uses new-generation climate models to better understand the impacts of Arctic sea ice loss on the surface climate in the midlatitudes, including North America, Europe, and Siberia. We focus on the stratosphere–troposphere pathway, which involves the weakening of stratospheric winds and its downward coupling into the troposphere. Our results show that Arctic sea ice loss can affect the surface climate in the midlatitudes via the stratosphere–troposphere pathway, and highlight the modulations from background mean oceanic states as well as model dependence.
Non-ENSO Precursors for Northwestern Pacific Summer Monsoon Variability with Implications for Predictability
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Xie Shang-Ping , Kosaka Yu , Lutsko Nicholas J.
Published: October 2023

The influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Asian monsoon region can persist through the post-ENSO summer, after the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical Pacific have dissipated. The long persistence of coherent post-ENSO anomalies is caused by a positive feedback due to interbasin ocean–atmospheric coupling, known as the Indo-western Pacific Ocean capacitor (IPOC) effect, although the feedback mechanism itself does not necessarily rely on the antecedence of ENSO events, suggesting the potential for substantial internal variability independent of ENSO. To investigate the respective role of ENSO forcing and non-ENSO internal variability, we conduct ensemble “forecast” experiments with a full-physics, globally coupled atmosphere–ocean model initialized from a multidecadal tropical Pacific pacemaker simulation. The leading mode of internal variability as represented by the forecast-ensemble spread resembles the post-ENSO IPOC, despite the absence of antecedent ENSO forcing by design. The persistent atmospheric and oceanic anomalies in the leading mode highlight the positive feedback mechanism in the internal variability. The large sample size afforded by the ensemble spread allows us to identify robust non-ENSO precursors of summer IPOC variability, including a cool SST patch over the tropical northwestern Pacific, a warming patch in the tropical North Atlantic, and downwelling oceanic Rossby waves in the tropical Indian Ocean south of the equator. The pathways by which the precursors develop into the summer IPOC mode and the implications for improved predictability are discussed.
Axial quasi-static crushing of composite tubes: An investigation on the influence of the modeling techniques
Authors: Demir Serdar , Ersoy Nuri , Engül Mehmet C
Published: October 2023

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites perform remarkably as crashworthy structures in transport vehicles. They promise to improve the crashworthiness of vehicles in addition to weight savings thanks to their superior strength-to-weight ratio. However, designing composite crashworthy structures is challenging since predicting the energy absorption values and crushing behavior are not straightforward. Finite element modeling is a very effective numerical technique to predict energy absorption values and shorten the design process of composite structures, yet it is also quite hard to simulate the crushing of composite structures due to their complex damage mechanisms. This paper presents an investigation of the axial crushing behavior of composite tubes made of woven fabric CFRP and the influence of the different modeling techniques. Macro-scale stacked shell modeling approach is adopted to model the composite tubes. Various virtual debris wedge models are incorporated to obtain realistic failure modes in simulations. Simulated crushing morphologies and energy absorption values are compared with the experimental test results. Furthermore, the prediction capability of the models and the influence of mesh geometry used for rigid flat platen crushers are examined. It is found that the geometry of the virtual debris wedge and mesh geometry of the flat platen crusher affect the simulated crushing modes and level of the absorbed energy predicted.
Effects of silver nanoparticles prepared by aqueous extract of Ferula communis on the developing mouse embryo after maternal exposure
Authors: Seleem Amin A , Hussein Belal HM
Published: October 2023

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous silver nitrate has been achieved using an extract of Ferula communis leaf as a capping, reducing, and stabilizing agent. The formation and stability of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution were monitored by absorption measurements. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by different analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The average particle size of silver nanoparticles was determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. In this experiment, pregnant female mice were divided into four groups (G); G1 was the control and received phosphate-buffered saline, G2 received orally aqueous extract of F. communis leaf , G3 received orally AgNPs chemically prepared by NaBH4, and G4 received orally AgNPs prepared by aqueous extract of F. communis leaf . The diameter of AgNPs was 20 nm. AgNPs exhibited good catalytic reduction ability toward methyl orange in the presence of sodium borohydride with a rate constant of 2.95 x 10−4 s−1. The results revealed the occurrence of resorbed embryos in G2, G3, and G4 with different percentages. The livers of mothers and embryos at E14.5 in G2, G3, and G4 showed different levels of histopathological alteration and increase in GFAP and CTGF expressions compared with the control group. The study concluded that the oral administration of small-sized AgNPs (20 nm) prepared by Ferula extract had less toxicity than those prepared by the chemical method.
Personality traits and loneliness among older people in the UK: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Tapia-Munoz Thamara , Ajnakina Olesya , Fancourt Daisy , Steptoe Andrew
Published: October 2023

Little research has analysed the relationship between personality traits and loneliness, considering polygenic risk scores (PGSs), social isolation, socioeconomic, and health factors. We used data from 4,892 older adults 52 years and older from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). ELSA wave 5 (2010/2011) was our baseline, and wave 6 (2012/2013) to wave 9 (2018/2019) was the loneliness follow-up. Polygenic risk scores for loneliness were derived from genome-wide association studies. We conducted multiple linear regression and multilevel LMMs to analyse the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between personality traits and loneliness. Extroversion (Coef. = -.375; 95% CI:−.447 to .302), Neuroticism (Coef. = .557; 95% CI: .485–.629), Agreeableness (Coef. = −.188: 95% CI: −.273 to .103), Conscientiousness (Coef. = −.183; 95% CI: −.271 to .095), and Openness to Experience (Coef. = −.170; 95% CI: −.236 to .103) were associated with loneliness at baseline. Over eight years of follow-up, loneliness levels decreased on average. Only Extroversion was associated with the loneliness rate of decline (Coef. = .012; 95% CI: .002–.022) after potential confounders had been considered. An important task of health and social services is to identify older adults at risk of physical, mental, and cognitive health issues. The success of public health and clinical interventions to reduce loneliness could be informed by a consideration of personality profiles.
The Impact of State Ownership on Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: A Comparison Between State-Owned and Non-State-Owned Enterprises in China
Authors: Li Jiarong , Sasaki Masato
Published: October 2023

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting is a communication channel between companies and stakeholders. As the literature has largely been confined to exploring privately-owned enterprises, state-owned enterprises (SOEs)—a typical example of public sector organizations—warrant further investigation. This study examines SOEs’ accountability structures and reporting features, which are dominated by state owners and mainly driven by non-financial objectives. Through a content analysis of the CSR reports of 49 SOEs and 111 non-SOEs in China, we analyze the stakeholders and CSR domains involved in the reporting. The findings demonstrate that SOEs disseminate the full coverage of stakeholders and a wider scope of CSR domains in disclosure. We extend the debate on CSR-reporting research by demonstrating how state ownership influences hybrid organizations’ self-expression and accountability frame through our finding of a distinctive specialized sub-organization with strong ties to the state that drives CSR internally.
Digital transformation, skills and education: A systematic literature review
Authors: Rêgo Bruno Siano , Lourenço Diogo , Moreira Fernando , Pereira Carla Santos
Published: October 2023

Digital transformation (DT) is raising new challenges. This article seeks to understand how DT has changed business strategies, requiring a new profile of professionals, analyzing the most sought-after skills and identifying opportunities for future professionals. Also, it studies whether universities have incorporated in their training the new skills required by the labor market impacted by DT. To these ends, a systematic literature review dealing with digital transformation, competence, and education was conducted. The existing literature was categorized into seven main areas of investigation: digital literacy; skills identification; use of digital technologies in teaching; learning models; workforce qualification or re-skilling; digital technologies in the labor market; and undergraduate course analysis. This structuring then lays the groundwork for capturing gaps in the literature and proposing future research.
Blade tip leakage flow and heat transfer characteristics over a gas turbine blade at subsonic and transonic exit conditions
Authors: Dipendrasingh Kain , MVV Srinivas , R Arun Kumar
Published: October 2023

The present study numerically investigates the blade tip leakage flow (TLF) over a gas turbine blade cascade at low speed ( M ex = 0.1) and transonic ( M ex = 0.92) blade exit Mach numbers, with and without shroud motion. Various blade tip flow phenomena like flow separation and reattachment, flow choking, shock-boundary layer interaction (SBLI), and tip leakage vortex (TLV) are studied, and their influence on the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) distributions over the blade tip and near tip blade suction surface is investigated. The study has found some new zones of heat transfer due to the interaction of horseshoe vortices (HSV) with the blade tip. In addition to the primary TLV, a secondary TLV is formed, which increases near tip blade suction surface heat transfer. The flow transitions to supersonic speed in the aft portion of the blade tip for the transonic case resulting in complex heat transfer distribution due to SBLI, compared to near-uniform distribution for the low speed case. This supersonic flow results in a smaller flow separation zone near the aft portion of the pressure side tip edge for the transonic case compared to the low speed case. The qualitative nature of HTC near the leading edge of the blade tip resembles for low speed and transonic cases. However, near the trailing edge of the blade tip, the qualitative nature of HTC for the transonic case shows a substantial difference due to supersonic flow compared to the low speed case.
How Clinicians Decide? Exploring Complexity of Antibiotic Prescribing in Emergency Departments Using Video-Reflexive Ethnography
Authors: Obucina Mila , Hamill Laura , Huynh Ronald , Alcorn Kylie , Cross Jack , Sweeny Amy , Keijzers Gerben
Published: October 2023

Antibiotic overprescribing is a global issue that significantly contributes to increased antimicrobial resistance. Strengthening antimicrobial prescribing practices should be considered a priority. The emergency department (ED) represents a setting where antibiotics are frequently prescribed, but the determinants that influence prescribing choices are complex and multifaceted. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study to investigate the contextual factors that influence antibiotic prescribing choices among clinicians in the ED. The study employed video-reflexive ethnography (VRE) to capture prospective clinical decision-making in situated practice. Data collection involved fieldwork observations, video observations, and delivery of facilitated group reflexive sessions, where clinicians viewed a selection of recorded video snippets relating to antibiotic prescribing. Study was conducted across two EDs within the same health service in Australia. A total of 29 clinical conversations focusing on antibiotic prescribing were recorded. Additionally, 34 clinicians participated in group reflexive sessions. Thematic analysis from the transcribed data yielded four themes: ‘importance of clinical judgment’, ‘usability of prescribing guidelines’, ‘managing patient expectations’, and ‘context-dependent disruptions’. Our findings provide insights into the challenges faced by clinicians in navigating complex ED environment, utilising electronic decision-support tools and engaging in discussions about patient treatments with senior clinicians. The findings also indicate that VRE is useful in visualising full complexity of the ED setting, and in initiating meaningful discussions among clinical teams. Integrating the use of VRE in everyday clinical settings can potentially facilitate the implementation of pragmatic solutions for delivering effective antibiotic stewardship practices.
How Organizational Cynicism Can Promote Customer-Directed Deviance Via Employee Resource Depletion And How Experiencing Supervisory Support May Help Overcome This Effect
Authors: Mignonac Karim , Boujendar Sarah , Bergon Gwenaëlle
Published: October 2023

While research suggests that organizational cynicism prompts employees to engage in organizationally directed deviant behaviors, questions remain regarding whether, how and when organizational cynicism can also prompt employees to engage in deviance toward customers, who are third parties outside the organization-employee exchange relationship. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, we develop and test a model that addresses these questions. We theorize that organizational cynicism is an adverse and stressful experience that drains employees’ psychological resources over time, which in turn leads to customer-directed deviance. We further propose that perceptions of supervisor support help employees cope functionally with their lack of resources and reduce customer-directed deviant behavior. We tested our predictions in a two-week daily experience sampling study of call-center representatives and found that organizational cynicism indirectly predicts customer-directed deviant behavior via resource depletion when PSS is lower than when it is higher. Two post hoc studies (including a three-wave panel survey conducted over 6 months and a three-wave, time-separated survey conducted over one month) addressed the methodological limitations of this investigation and ruled out alternative explanations for our results. Implications for organizational cynicism and customer service literature are discussed.
Outcome and quality of life after intracranial meningioma surgery in cats
Authors: Koch Lydia , Tichy Alexander , Gradner Gabriele
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) after surgery for the treatment of intracranial meningioma in cats

Methods

The study included 14 cases that underwent craniotomy from May 2009 to March 2021. Owners were contacted via telephone after a median time of 967 (range 227–4209) days after surgery and surveyed with a specially designed questionnaire that consisted of three domains, subdivided into different items. Physical behaviour, including general condition, food intake, mobility and overall impression, was evaluated from 0, reflecting the worst status, to 10, reflecting the best. The development of preoperative existing clinical signs, seizures and concurrent medication were evaluated individually for each patient. The time span necessary for the improvement of each item was recorded. Finally, satisfaction about the decision for surgery was ranked from 0 to 10.

Results

Thirteen questionnaires were completed. Three cats were evaluated twice owing to revision surgery. Owners reported a statistically significant ( P <0.001) improvement from immediately after the operation to 240 days after surgery. Preoperative clinical signs resolved in 95% of cases. All questioned owners would opt for surgery again.

Conclusions and relevance

QOL after surgery for intracranial meningioma in cats seems encouraging regarding our study. Nevertheless, limitations, such as small sample size, recall bias, lack of a control group and validation of the questionnaire, need to be kept in mind when interpreting the results.
Iranian women’s sexual reconstruction through the internet: Informal education and empowerment
Authors: Zargarian Tannaz
Published: October 2023

The emergence of the internet offered a unique space for Iranian women to inquire about their personal autonomy, including sexual autonomy. While the internet accelerated Iranian women’s emancipation from sexual subordination, critical questions concerning the impact of socio-cultural mores on this relatively new experience remain convoluted. Grounded in critical feminist and sexual script theoretical frameworks, this research investigates some Iranian women’s comprehension and experience of sexual autonomy by closely exploring the educational role of the internet on the discourse of sexual autonomy and its interconnection with the Iranian culture of shame and silence. Through semi-structural in-depth interviews and online ethnography, this research investigates how the internet serves as an informal learning tool that disrupts traditional learning and expedites women’s sexual autonomy in both online and offline spaces. Adopting critical thematic analysis, this study determined that the online realm altered the meaning of sexual subordination and led to a reconstruction that shifted the boundaries of shame and silence around sexuality. Through the interaction and interconnection between online and offline spaces, Iranian women problematize the culture of shame and silence through learning, revisiting their existing knowledge, and then silently acting. Therefore, a cultural reconstruction that is gradually redefining sexual scripts is emerging.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Mediating the East Asian Era of the Olympic Games (2018–2022)
Authors: Kobayashi Koji , Horne John , Cho Younghan , Lee Jung Woo
Published: October 2023

In the span of four years from 2018 to 2022, three consecutive Olympic Games were held in East Asia – namely PyeongChang 2018 in South Korea, Tokyo 2020 in Japan and Beijing 2022 in China. Given the geographic concentration of global multi-sports mega-events in the Far East, this period has been referred to as the ‘East Asian era' of the Olympic Games. This introduction to the special issue outlines two major themes of the changes during the East Asian era: (1) the shift of economic and geopolitical power from the West to the East; and (2) the changes and challenges offered by the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms and the COVID-19 pandemic within East Asia. After that, each contribution will be introduced and briefly described. Overall, by collecting contributions focusing on the 2018–2022 Olympic Games, this special issue critically analyses the state of play in the formations of dominant and emerging discourses during the East Asia era and offers its implications for a broader understanding of the continuity and changes to the economic, political, social, cultural and ecological dimensions of the Olympic Movement.
Repurposing carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol as potential anti-quorum sensing agents against uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates in Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Morgaan Hadeer A. , Omar Hoda M. G. , Zakaria Azza S. , Mohamed Nelly M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Urinary tract infections represent one of the most frequent hospital and community-acquired infections with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) being the main causative agent. The global increase in the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) UPEC necessitates exploring novel approaches. Repurposing natural products as anti-quorum sensing (QS) agents to impede bacterial virulence is gaining momentum nowadays. Hence, this study investigates the anti-QS potentials of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol against E. coli isolated from urine cultures of Egyptian patients.

Results

Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 67 E. coli isolates and 94% of the isolates showed MDR phenotype. The usp gene was detected using PCR and accordingly, 45% of the isolates were categorized as UPEC. Phytochemicals, at their sub-inhibitory concentrations, inhibited the swimming and twitching motilities of UPEC isolates, with eugenol showing the highest inhibitory effect. The agents hindered the biofilm-forming ability of the tested isolates, at two temperature sets, 37 and 30 °C, where eugenol succeeded in significantly inhibiting the biofilm formation by > 50% at both investigated temperatures, as compared with untreated controls. The phytochemicals were shown to downregulate the expression of the QS gene (luxS) and critical genes related to motility, asserting their anti-QS potential. Further, the combinatory activity of the phytoproducts with five antibiotics was assessed by checkerboard assay. The addition of the phytoproducts significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics and generated several synergistic or partially synergistic combinations, some of which have not been previously explored.

Conclusions

Overall, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol could be repurposed as potential anti-QS agents, which preferentially reduce the QS-based communication and attenuate the cascades of gene expression, thus decreasing the production of virulence factors in UPEC, and eventually, subsiding their pathogenicity. Furthermore, the synergistic combinations of these agents with antibiotics might provide a new perspective to circumvent the side effects brought about by high antibiotic doses, thereby paving the way for overcoming antibiotic resistance.
Exploitation of various physio-morphological and biochemical traits for the identification of drought tolerant genotypes in cotton
Authors: Arif Tahreem , Chaudhary Muhammad Tanees , Majeed Sajid , Rana Iqrar Ahmad , Ali Zulfiqar , Elansary Hosam O. , Moussa Ihab Mohamed , Sun Sangmi , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen
Published: October 2023

Background

Drought is one of the limiting factors for quality and quantity of cotton lint in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Therefore, development of drought tolerant cotton genotypes have become indispensable. The identification of drought tolerant genotypes is pre-requisite to develop high yielding cultivars suitable for drought affected areas.

Methods

Forty upland cotton accessions were selected on the basis of their adaptability and yield. The collected germplasm accessions were evaluated at seedling stage on the basis of morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in greenhouse where these genotypes were sown under different levels of drought stress by following factorial under completely randomized design. The data were collected at seedling stages for root and shoot lengths, relative leaf water content, excised leaf water losses, peroxidase content and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in leaf tissues.

Results

The biometrical analysis revealed that germplasm is significantly varied for recorded parameters, likewise interaction of genotypes and water stress was also significantly varied. The cotton germplasm was categorized in eight clusters based on response to water stress. The genotype Cyto-124 exhibited lowest H2O2 content under drought conditions, minimum excised leaf water loss under stress environment was exhibited by genotypes Ali Akber-802 and CEMB-33. Overall, on the basis of morphological and biochemical traits, SL-516 and Cyto-305 were found to be drought tolerant. Genotypes 1852 − 511, Stoneville 15–17 and Delta Pine-55 showed low values for root length, peroxidase activity and higher value for H2O2 contents. On the basis of these finding, these genotypes were declared as drought susceptible.

Conclusion

The categorization of cotton germplasm indicating the differential response of various parameters under the control and drought stress conditions. The recorded parameters particularly relative leaf water contents and biochemical assays could be utilized to screen large number of germplasm of cotton for water deficit conditions. Besides, the drought tolerant genotypes identified in this research can be utilized in cotton breeding programs for the development of improved cultivars.
Subjective social status and functional and mobility impairments among older adults: life satisfaction and depression as mediators and moderators
Authors: Pai Manacy , Muhammad T.
Published: October 2023

Background

While functional and mobility impairments (FMIs) have garnered the attention of health researchers in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, research has yet to explore whether and to what extent the perception of one’s social status is associated with FMIs. We fill this gap in the literature by examining (1) the association between subjective social status (SSS) and FMIs among older adults in India and (2) whether this association between SSS and FMIs is mediated and moderated by life satisfaction and depression.

Methods

Data come from the 2017-18 wave 1 of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) with a sample of 31,464 older adults aged 60 years and above. FMIs were assessed using established scales on impairments in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and mobility. SSS was assessed using the Macarthur scale. Life satisfaction was measured using responses to five statements gauging respondent’s overall satisfaction with life. Depression was calculated using the shortened version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-SF). Multivariable regression was employed to examine the association between variables, and the interaction terms and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method were used separately to test the mediation and moderation effects.

Results

39.11% of the sample had a low SSS, 8.26% were depressed, and 32.07% reported low life satisfaction. A total of 8.74%, 10.91%, and 8.45% of the study population reported at least one impairment in ADL, IADL, and mobility, respectively. Older adults in the higher SSS group were less likely to have ADL impairment (beta: -0.017, CI: -0.030, -0.0032) and mobility impairment (beta: -0.044, CI: -0.076, -0.013). Depression moderated the association between SSS and mobility impairment (p-value: 0.025), and life satisfaction moderated the association between SSS and ADL impairments (p-value: 0.041) and SSS and IADL impairments (p-value: 0.037). Depression mediated 20.28%, 31.88%, and 18.39% of the associations of SSS with ADL, IADL, and mobility impairments, respectively. Similarly, life satisfaction mediated 23.24%, 52.69%, and 27.22% of the associations of SSS with ADL, IADL, and mobility impairments.

Conclusions

That SSS is associated with FMIs among older Indians, even after considering their objective socioeconomic status (SES), suggests that the use of SSS is relevant to the study of health inequalities in India. The finding that life satisfaction and depression mediate and moderate this association is crucial in pinpointing those older Indians at risk of the functional and mobility-related repercussions of lower SSS.
Functional outcome in patients with hip fracture from 2008 to 2018, and the significance of hand-grip strength – a cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Probert Noelle , Andersson Åsa G.
Published: October 2023

Background

Incidence of hip fracture is estimated to rise, increasing demands on healthcare. Our objective was to compare patients with hip fracture, a decade apart, regarding surgical characteristics and functional outcome in relation to morbidity. A secondary aim was to analyse postoperative hand-grip strength (HGS) in relation to walking ability 4 months postoperatively.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional comparative study of patients with hip fracture, included in 2008 (n = 78) and 2018 (n = 76) at Örebro University Hospital. Patient-data (age, gender, morbidity, fall-circumstances, fracture, surgical characteristics, and length of stay) were collected from medical records. HGS was measured postoperatively. Data on functional outcome in terms of housing, walking ability and need of walking aids at 4 months postoperatively was collected from the Swedish Hip Fracture Register RIKSHÖFT. Statistical analyses adapted were hypothesis tests and regression analysis.

Results

Patients in 2018 presented a significantly higher morbidity than patients in 2008 and there were significant differences in adapted surgical methods. Functional outcome at 4-months postoperatively was analysed by logistic regression where Cohort 2018 was associated with higher odds of independent walking ability (OR 5.7; 95%CI 1.9–17.2) and not needing any walking aids (OR 5.1; 95%CI 1.9–17.2). Postoperative HGS was higher among patients in 2018 and a multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between HGS and walking ability at 4 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

This study supports the since previously reported development in hip fracture surgery in Sweden while also presenting that functional outcome seems to have improved despite a concomitant increase in morbidity. Results suggest an improvement in postoperative HGS, predicting walking ability at 4 months postoperatively.
Rapid prototyping of models for COVID-19 outbreak detection in workplaces
Authors: Abell Isobel , Zachreson Cameron , Conway Eamon , Geard Nicholas , McVernon Jodie , Waring Thomas , Baker Christopher
Published: October 2023

Early case detection is critical to preventing onward transmission of COVID-19 by enabling prompt isolation of index infections, and identification and quarantining of contacts. Timeliness and completeness of ascertainment depend on the surveillance strategy employed. This paper presents modelling used to inform workplace testing strategies for the Australian government in early 2021. We use rapid prototype modelling to quickly investigate the effectiveness of testing strategies to aid decision making. Models are developed with a focus on providing relevant results to policy makers, and these models are continually updated and improved as new questions are posed. Developed to support the implementation of testing strategies in high risk workplace settings in Australia, our modelling explores the effects of test frequency and sensitivity on outbreak detection. We start with an exponential growth model, which demonstrates how outbreak detection changes depending on growth rate, test frequency and sensitivity. From the exponential model, we learn that low sensitivity tests can produce high probabilities of detection when testing occurs frequently. We then develop a more complex Agent Based Model, which was used to test the robustness of the results from the exponential model, and extend it to include intermittent workplace scheduling. These models help our fundamental understanding of disease detectability through routine surveillance in workplaces and evaluate the impact of testing strategies and workplace characteristics on the effectiveness of surveillance. This analysis highlights the risks of particular work patterns while also identifying key testing strategies to best improve outbreak detection in high risk workplaces.
Effect of the smartphone application on caesarean section in women with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Feng Yi , Shi Cuixia , Zhang Chengyan , Yin Chenghong , Zhou Li
Published: October 2023

Background

The rate of caesarean section (CS) is increasing worldwide. While a CS can be life-saving when medically indicated, it can cause adverse health effects for both women and children. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of the smartphone application, which aims to control the gestational weight gain, on the rate of CS in overweight and obese women.

Methods

Overweight and obese primiparas (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) with age between 20 and 40 years old were recruited at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, and randomly assigned into the intervention group (143 cases) and the control group (138 cases). The intervention group applied the smartphone application (App) to control gestational weight gain in addition to the usual care, and the control group received the usual care. Primary outcome was cesarean section (CS) rate. Secondary outcomes included gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal asphyxia, and macrosomia.

Results

There was a significant difference in CS rate, with 53.3% in the intervention group and 65.4% in the control group (P = 0.044). The difference still exists in the overweight subgroup (32.6% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.04), but disappears in the obesity subgroup (63.0% vs. 69.1%, P = 0.381). The median of gestational weight gain (GWG) of the intervention group is 8.5 kg (IQR 5.5, 11.0), which is significantly less than that of the control group (median 10.0 kg, IQR [6.0, 14.0], P = 0.008). The intervention group has significantly lower rate of postpartum hemorrhage (5.19%) than the control group (12%) (P = 0.045). There were no significant differences between the groups in gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, neonatal asphyxia, and macrosomia.

Conclusion

The smartphone assisted weight control may help reduce CS rate. The effects of the smartphone application might be via the management of gestational weight gain.

Trail registration

This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number is ChiCTR2300068845 (retrospectively registered, 01/03/2023).
The relationship between kinaesthesia, motor performance, physical fitness and joint mobility in children living in Nigeria
Authors: Anieto Ebuka Miracle , Anieto Ijeoma Blessing , Ituen Oluwakemi Adebukola , Naidoo Niri , Ezema Charles I. , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the relationship between kinaesthesia, motor performance, fitness, and joint mobility in children.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving children from two primary schools in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. The Beighton criteria were used to measure joint mobility. Motor performance, fitness, and kinaesthesia were measured in all the children. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the outcomes.

Results

A total of 91 children (51.6% girls) participated in the study. The mean age of the children was 8.20 ± 1.98 years. Using a Beighton score of ≥ 6, Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) was identified in a total of 35 (38.46%) children and was more prevalent in females (60.0%). Joint mobility had significant correlations with most fitness and motor performance items, but not kinaesthesia. Agility & power, and motor performance seem to be reduced if mobility is larger. Kinaesthesia was correlated with most fitness and motor performance items, indicating that better fitness and better motor performance cooccur with better kinaesthesia or vice versa.

Conclusion

Joint mobility may have a significant influence on fitness and motor performance in children. Hence, it may be useful for future studies to investigate how fitness and motor performance modulate the onset and progression of musculoskeletal symptoms in GJH.