bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between self-stigma and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Fuquan , Deng Hu , Hu Na , Huang Wenqian , Wang Hong , Liu Lin , Chai Jiabao , Li Ying
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate self-stigma’s influence on schizophrenia patients’ quality of life and its mediated impact by various factors.

Methods

This study adopted a cross-sectional design and randomly selected 170 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia for evaluation. The assessment tools included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS), and Coping Questionnaire for Schizophrenia Patients (CQSP), among others. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis were used to test the correlation and mediation effects.

Results

Self-stigma had a significant impact on quality of life (T = 8.13, p = 0.00). When self-stigma is used as a mediator, the problem-solving factor in coping strategies has an indirect effect on quality of life, which is significant (AB = -0.16, P = 0.02), while the avoidance factor in coping strategies has a direct effect on quality of life, which is significant (C’ = 0.54, p < 0.001), and an indirect effect, which is also significant (AB = 0.25, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant impact of self-stigma on the quality of life of schizophrenia patients, emphasizing the crucial roles of self-esteem and coping strategies. These findings suggest clinical interventions to improve quality of life should focus on reducing self-stigma, especially enhancing self-esteem and promoting adaptive coping strategies. By addressing these factors, we can better support the mental health and well-being of those with schizophrenia, offering an effective approach to rehabilitation.
Mental health status and influencing factors of retired teachers
Authors: Luo Pingyun , Liu Yuanzhen , Pan Xianjiang , Huang Liyun
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The wellbeing of retired teachers is often easily overlooked. This study aims to explore the mental health status and influencing factors of retired teachers.

Method

From October to December 2022, a convenient sampling survey was conducted on retired teachers using the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), mainly using the χ2-test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

A sampling survey was conducted on 353 retired teachers, with an overall positive detection rate of 16.1%. The five factors with the highest positive detection rate were found to be obsessive-compulsive disorder (30.3%), interpersonal sensitivity (21.5%), paranoia (20.1%), anxiety (19.3%), and others (19.3%). The detection rates for the five factors, namely psychosis, depression, hostility, terror, and somatization, are all below 19%. The data on sex (χ2 = 4.626, P = 0.043), professional title (χ2 = 17.670, P = 0.003), income (χ2 = 9.960, P = 0.041), life satisfaction (χ2 = 27.348, P = 0.000), family relationships (χ2 = 51.451, P = 0.000), and physical health status (χ2 = 50.361, P = 0.000) show that the difference in mental health among retired teachers is statistically significant. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that family relationships, life satisfaction, and physical health were important factors leading to mental health problems among retired teachers.

Discussion

Retired teachers should cultivate a wide range of interests and hobbies, engage in regular physical exercise, develop healthy living habits, foster a positive family atmosphere, establish harmonious family relationships, promote community cultural construction, strengthen psychological intervention, and prevent psychological diseases.
Caregiver burden among parents of school-age children with asthma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Fang , Zhou Jingru , Xiao Hongying , Wu Xia , Cui Yingjuan , Huang Houqiang , Zheng Silin , Li Huawei
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the caregiver burden of parents of school-age children with asthma and analyze the factors influencing their caregiver burden.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to select 366 parents of school-age children with asthma who visited the outpatient departments of three tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China, from January 2021 to July 2021. A general information questionnaire and the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) were used to assess the current caregiver burden and analyze the influencing factors.

Results

The caregiver burden score of parents of school-age children with asthma was 27 (17, 39), with 40.43% of parents experiencing moderate to high levels of burden. Detailed results of univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in caregiver burden scores based on parents’ gender, highest education level, number of children, occupation, family history of asthma, monthly family income, annual medical expenses for the child, child’s gender, whether the child had undergone lung function tests, number of emergency visits due to asthma exacerbation in the past 3 months, and whether the child had missed school due to asthma exacerbation in the past 3 months (p < 0.1). Detailed results of multivariate analysis showed that parents’ gender, occupation, family history of asthma, monthly family income, annual medical expenses for the child, number of emergency visits due to asthma exacerbation in the past 3 months, and whether the child had missed school due to asthma exacerbation in the past 3 months were independent risk factors for caregiver burden in parents of school-age children with asthma (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Parents of school-age children with asthma experience a certain level of caregiver burden, with over one-third of parents experiencing moderate to high levels of burden. Being a mother, being a worker, having no family history of asthma, having low monthly family income, having high annual medical expenses for the child, having frequent emergency visits due to asthma exacerbation in the past 3 months, and having missed school due to asthma exacerbation in the past 3 months are independent risk factors for caregiver burden in parents of school-age children with asthma, healthcare providers should develop feasible coping strategies, such as paying attention to caregivers’ psychological condition to reduce the burden of caring for parents of school-age children with asthma. The entire society should also make efforts in improving social support and strengthening healthcare coverage in order to achieve the aforementioned goals.
The link between exposure to violence and psychological distress among middle-aged Muslims in Israel: the role of gender
Authors: Iktilat Khalil , Isacson Michal , Tzemah-Shahar Roy , Agmon Maayan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

To date, it is still unclear if exposure to violence affects psychological distress in middle-aged adults and if the effects are gender specific. This age group is of special interest as it is at the onset of the aging process and is often overlooked or understudied in scholarly research. Specifically, targeted research on middle-aged Muslims living in Israel, a unique population exposed to increasing violence, is lacking.

Methods

We examined the relationship between exposure to violence and psychological distress in a cohort of 363 middle-aged adults (223 women) from three Muslim villages in northern Israel, collecting data on violence exposure (Screen for Adolescent Violence Exposure (SAVE) questionnaire), psychological distress (Kessler 6 Psychological Distress questionnaire), and other demographic characteristics including education level and socioeconomic status. We used this data to answer two questions: (1) is exposure to violence a predictor of psychological distress in middle-aged Muslims, and (2) does the relationship between exposure and distress differ between men and women?

Results

We revealed a positive link between exposure to violence and psychological distress (β = 0.145, p = 0.017) when controlling for gender, age, education level, and socioeconomic level.

Discussion

Despite previous evidence of gender-based differences in this interplay in younger cohorts, we did not find a significant interaction between gender and the violence exposure-psychological distress interplay. Our findings are some of the first to focus on middle-aged individuals and show that both men and women exhibit connections between exposure to violence and psychological distress when considering covariates. This research provides insights that can be used when planning community-wide interventions and treatment schemes to support healthy aging.
Determinants of influenza non-vaccination among Canadian children: insights from a nationwide survey
Authors: Alami Abdallah , Dave Sailly , Uhlik Caren , Ebrahim Marwa , Krewski Daniel , Laroche Julie
Published: June 2024

Background

To identify determinants influencing Canadian parents’ decision not to vaccinate their children aged 6 months to 17 years against seasonal influenza.

Methods

Data from the 2022 Childhood COVID-19 Immunization Coverage Survey, a national survey of approximately 10,500 Canadian parents/guardians and their children, was analyzed. The survey examined influenza vaccine coverage, parental perspectives on vaccines, reasons for hesitancy, and factors influencing immunization. Socio-demographic characteristics, including ethnicity, household income, working sector, educational attainment, and prevalence of chronic medical conditions among children were considered. Historical vaccine uptake and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunization decisions were also reviewed. Key determinants of non-vaccination in the 2021–2022 influenza season were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, with a statistical significance level set at p-value <0·05.

Results

70% of children aged 6 months to 17 years did not receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. Key predictors for non-vaccination included: residing in rural settings (aOR 1·35, 95% CI 1·13–1·60), parental education attainment of less than high school (aOR 2·48, 95% CI 1·24–4·97), and the absence of chronic medical conditions in children (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.34-1.91)· Other strong predictors included lower household income; deterrence due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and parental hesitancy stemming from concerns about the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and by beliefs that their child was not at risk of contracting the influenza or severe consequences from the infection.

Conclusion

This research underscores pivotal determinants of parental decisions not to vaccinate their children against seasonal influenza and sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the importance of addressing safety concerns and providing clear information to alleviate hesitancy.
Phthalate and gallstones: the mediation of insulin
Authors: Tang Haoxian , Zhang Xuan , Huang Jingtao , Luo Nan , Chen Hongyu , Yang Qinglong , Lin Hanyuan , Hua Hao
Published: June 2024

Background

Exposure to a mixture of environmental chemicals may cause gallstone, but the evidence remains equivocal. The current study aims to investigate the association between phthalate metabolites and gallstones, and to explore their mediators.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 on U.S. adults (≥20 years) were analyzed to explore the association between phthalate metabolites and gallstones by employed survey-weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Mediation analyses examined the role of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, metabolic syndrome, body composition, diabetes, and insulin.

Results

The current study included 1,384 participants, representing 200.6 million U.S. adults. Our results indicated a significant association between phthalate metabolites, particularly high molecular weight metabolites such as Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), and gallstones. Furthermore, mediation analyses indicated that phthalate metabolites may play a role in the development of gallstones by influencing insulin secretion. Subgroup analyses did not reveal significant interaction.

Conclusion

The association between exposure to phthalates and the occurrence of gallstones, potentially mediated by hyperinsulinemia from a nationally representative epidemiological perspective. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the potential health implications of plasticizers, emphasizing the need for proactive management measures.
Solidifying the minority high school student pathway: evidence from the health professions recruitment and exposure program
Authors: Affini Murtala I. , Diaz Ashley , Dolan Daniel J. , Fletcher Symphony , Hasnain Isra , Selkridge Isaiah , Washington Stephanie , Pratt Abdullah
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objective of this report is to provide longitudinal insights on the impact of a health professions exposure program for high school students of underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.

Context

Medical students at the University of Chicago reviewed data from their chapter of the Health Profession Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) from 2016–2021 to discover trends in enrollment. This data is documented in the context of the program's mission to increase awareness of health disparities, the success of prominent alumni, and recent community efforts post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Two hundred and ninety-nine high school students participated in the University of Chicago HPREP program between 2016 and 2021. Participants ranged in age from 12 to 18 years (mean = 16, SD = 1) and 74% (n = 222) were female students. Of 252 respondents, 58% (n = 147) identified as Black or African American, 31% (n = 77) identified as Latinx or of Hispanic origin, and 10% (n = 24) identified as another race or as bi-racial. Ten or fewer black male students participated in the program every year, including the 2020–2021 year in which 61 students participated.

Conclusions

HPREP has played an important role in shaping the face of health care, especially in Chicago. The data suggests significant increases in the number of underrepresented minority women becoming physicians and serving Chicago communities in the next decade. Pathway programs for underrepresented students in medicine should be strategic in recruiting and educating future health professionals based on future workforce needs.
TB and HIV induced immunosenescence: where do vaccines play a role?
Authors: Singh Mona , Patel Bhumika , Seo Michael , Ahn Phillip , Wais Nejma , Shen Haley , Nakka SriHarsha , Kishore Priya , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: June 2024

This paper tackles the complex interplay between Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infections, particularly their contribution to immunosenescence, the age-related decline in immune function. Using the current literature, we discuss the immunological mechanisms behind TB and HIV-induced immunosenescence and critically evaluate the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine’s role. Both HIV-1 and M. tuberculosis demonstrably accelerate immunosenescence: M. tuberculosis through DNA modification and heightened inflammation, and HIV-1 through chronic immune activation and T cell production compromise. HIV-1 and M. tuberculosis co-infection further hastens immunosenescence by affecting T cell differentiation, underscoring the need for prevention and treatment. Furthermore, the use of the BCG tuberculosis vaccine is contraindicated in patients who are HIV positive and there is a lack of investigation regarding the use of this vaccine in patients who develop HIV co-infection with possible immunosenescence. As HIV does not currently have a vaccine, we focus our review more so on the BCG vaccine response as a result of immunosenescence. We found that there are overall limitations with the BCG vaccine, one of which is that it cannot necessarily prevent re-occurrence of infection due to effects of immunosenescence or protect the elderly due to this reason. Overall, there is conflicting evidence to show the vaccine’s usage due to factors involving its production and administration. Further research into developing a vaccine for HIV and improving the BCG vaccine is warranted to expand scientific understanding for public health and beyond.
Exploring the Climate Puzzle: A Surprising Twist in Fighting Climate Change
Authors: Giuliani Matteo , Castelletti Andrea
Published: June 2024

Sometimes, when scientists try to help people, they can end up with a surprise ending in which things do not work out as expected. Their “help” might even accidentally make the situation worse for some people. We wanted to know if this could be true for a strategy to slow down climate change: charging countries a fee when they cut down forests to create farmland. We used computers to predict what might happen if countries were charged different fees, to keep things fair. Specifically, countries with less money would only have to pay low (or no) fees, while rich countries would pay higher fees. However, our computer model showed that this plan could have unexpected negative consequences for water availability in some places that pay low fees, like certain regions in Africa. This tells us that, as we fight climate change, we must keep our eyes open for unintended consequences that could result from our attempts to help the planet.
The impact of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on psychomotor and cognitive skills in adolescent athletes
Authors: Bougrine Houda , Chalghaf Nasr , Azaiez Chiraz , Hammad Ayat S , Boussayala Ghada , Dhahri Moez , Henchiri Hamdi , Al-Saedi Ali Ibrahim Abd Ulwahid , Al-Hayali Mazin Dawood Ahmed , AL-Rubaiawi Ahmed Wateed Mazyed Shdr , Ezzi Ahmed Farooq Tawfeeq , AL-Sadoon Nabee Muttlak Nasser , Souissi Nizar , Azaiez Fairouz , Dergaa Ismail , Al-Asmakh Maha
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Intermittent fasting (IF) represents a dietary intervention similar to caloric restriction, characterized by the strategic limitation of food consumption. Among the diverse array of practices for IF, Ramadan IF (RIF), a religious observance in Islam, mandates that healthy adult Muslims abstain from both food and drinks during daylight hours. In sports, researchers have extensively studied IF effects on health, including sleep and physical performance, but its impact on cognitive functions during RIF remains understudied. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influence of RIF on psychomotor and cognitive performance among young female athletes.

Methods

To achieve this purpose, a cohort of 23 female handball players, aged 17.2 ± 0.5 years, participated in a series of six testing sessions: one conducted prior to Ramadan (R0), and others during the first (R1), second (R2), third (R3), and fourth (R4) weeks of Ramadan, followed by a session in the week after Ramadan (R5). Each session involved assessments using a Simple Reaction Time Test (SRT), Choice Reaction Time Test (CRT), Vigilance Test (VT), and Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Additionally, dietary intake, body composition, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were evaluated during these periods.

Results and discussion

The obtained data illustrated that there was a decrease in SRT, CRT, VT, and MRT performances during R1 in comparison to R0 (all p < .001). This reduction was also observed in R2, R3, R4, and R5. Notably, during the fourth week of Ramadan (R4), these cognitive and psychomotor parameters were significantly lower than during the earlier weeks (R1, R2, R3; all p < .001). Furthermore, a gradual decrease in total PSQI scores, sleep quality, and sleep duration was observed throughout the Ramadan period, reaching the lowest levels during R4. These findings illustrate that RIF has a significantly detrimental impact on neuromuscular and cognitive abilities as well as sleep quality in young female athletes. The study also highlights a fluctuating pattern in cognitive function across the four weeks of Ramadan, with the most pronounced decline observed during the final week of fasting illustrating the importance of conducting similar studies on normal individuals from both genders with larger sample size.
Athletic identity affects prevalence and disclosure of emotional abuse in Finnish athletes
Authors: Muhonen Jatta , Stirling Ashley , Kokkonen Marja
Published: June 2024

The present study offers novel insight into the topic of experienced and observed emotional abuse by researching factors that affect athletes' responses to emotional abuse by coaches. The research aimed to explore three main questions: (1) whether athletic identity was associated with the prevalence of emotionally abusive coaching practices, and (2) disclosure of emotional abuse, and (3) whether demographic variations existed in the frequency of emotional abuse, athletic identity, and disclosure of the abuse. Study participants who filled in an anonymous digital survey consisted of athletes from elite to leisure levels living in Finland (N = 3687, aged 12–80, gender 61% female, 37.7% male, 0.8% other genders). The research findings highlighted three key insights. Firstly, Pearson correlations revealed that a salient athletic identity was related to a higher prevalence of emotional abuse. Secondly, ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests between-groups indicated that particularly children were susceptible to the abuse. Thirdly, a mediation analysis showed that self-identity (aspect of athletic identity) influenced the relationship between experienced emotional abuse and disclosure, by reducing disclosure. As a result, holistic identity development is recommended for athletes and particularly children in sports.
Social value framing of physical activity in European Member State policies: a content analysis
Authors: Ritchie I. , Nieto I. , Brunn M. , Mayo X. , Jimenez A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Engagement in physical activity (PA) benefits physical and mental health as well as many other areas of society. In Europe however, 1/3 adults do not meet minimum PA recommendations. Social value, and its quantification through social return on investment (SROI) evidence, may be a useful framing to enhance PA promotion. This study aimed to assess the current use of social value framing of PA in European Union (EU) policies.

Methods

Content analysis of 45 EU member state policies which contain reference to PA was conducted to evaluate the presence of five social value domains and SROI evidence. Data was analysed using manual inductive coding, supported by DeepL translation and NVivo tools.

Results

Social value framing was present to a certain extent in existing policies, with improved health being the most commonly referenced benefit of PA, followed by reference to social and community and then environmental benefits. Acknowledgement of the positive impacts of PA on wellbeing and education was the least present. Reference to SROI evidence was also limited. Generally, policies lacked holistic recognition of the social value of PA. Policies from the health sector were particularly limited in recognising the wider benefits of PA, whilst those from the environmental sector acknowledged the widest range of co-benefits.

Conclusion

Adopting social value framing could be a useful approach for enhancing PA promotion. Whilst it is present to a certain extent in existing policy, this could be increased in terms of comprehensiveness to increase issue salience and multisectoral policy action.
Availability and accessibility of indigenous foods in Gauteng region, South Africa
Authors: Kesa Hema , Tchuenchieu Kamgain Alex D. , Zuma Mthokozisi Kwazi , Mbhenyane Xikombiso
Published: June 2024

While South Africa maintains national food security, food insecurity persists at the household level, with not all households having access to sufficient food. Proposals to address this include promoting the consumption of indigenous foods (IF). However, urbanization in the Gauteng region has sparked a nutrition transition, characterized by increased consumption of Western diets, resulting in rising rates of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. This study sought to assess the availability and accessibility of indigenous foods in the region for residents. A quantitative cross-sectional research survey was conducted in the Gauteng region, involving 746 participants who provided insights into their ways of acquiring indigenous foods and rated their overall availability. Additionally, the survey gathered opinions on IF availability across different settings and collected suggestions for improving IF accessibility. Among a list of 18 South African indigenous foods, between 55.2 and 77.2% of participants did not know where they could be obtained. Acquisition through vendors, with a maximum of 14% of respondents, emerged as relatively more popular compared to food markets, spaza shops, supermarkets, and home gardens. The majority of surveyed participants (55%) perceived indigenous foods as unavailable in the region. Agreement rates for the availability of indigenous foods for sale or serving in various settings were 53.5% for supermarkets, 42% for schools, 44.2% for hospitals, and 37.5% for workplaces. Respondents suggested several strategies to enhance IF accessibility in the region, including marketing, home gardens, farms, supermarkets, education, elders, restaurants, and schools/universities. Overall, there is a need for increased education on the nutritional benefits of indigenous foods and the implementation of policies to improve their accessibility in urbanized provinces like Gauteng.
Does trade credit facilitate high-quality development in agricultural enterprises? – Insights from Chinese enterprises
Authors: Wang Jingru , Liu Tinghua , Liu Qi , Liu Xiao
Published: June 2024

Agriculture is crucial for the economy and individuals, and there is a pressing need to improve its quality, efficiency, and competitiveness in emerging countries. This study uses data from Chinese-listed companies to investigate the effect of trade credit on agricultural firms’ total factor productivity. The results demonstrate that trade credit access and provision can increase agribusinesses’ total factor productivity. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that access to business credit has a higher contribution to total factor productivity for agribusinesses in the primary sector, for firms in the versus maturity stage, and with low or medium supplier concentration. The provision of trade credit has a more pronounced positive impact on agribusinesses in the maturing stage and enterprises with low or medium customer concentration. This paper further validates the channels of action through which trade credit affects a firm’s high-quality development. This research makes a valuable contribution to enhancing the quality and productivity of China’s agricultural sector.
Exposure to PFAS chemicals induces sex-dependent alterations in key rate-limiting steps of lipid metabolism in liver steatosis
Authors: Hari Archana , AbdulHameed Mohamed Diwan M. , Balik-Meisner Michele R. , Mav Deepak , Phadke Dhiral P. , Scholl Elizabeth H. , Shah Ruchir R. , Casey Warren , Auerbach Scott S. , Wallqvist Anders , Pannala Venkat R.
Published: June 2024

Toxicants with the potential to bioaccumulate in humans and animals have long been a cause for concern, particularly due to their association with multiple diseases and organ injuries. Per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are two such classes of chemicals that bioaccumulate and have been associated with steatosis in the liver. Although PFAS and PAH are classified as chemicals of concern, their molecular mechanisms of toxicity remain to be explored in detail. In this study, we aimed to identify potential mechanisms by which an acute exposure to PFAS and PAH chemicals can induce lipid accumulation and whether the responses depend on chemical class, dose, and sex. To this end, we analyzed mechanisms beginning with the binding of the chemical to a molecular initiating event (MIE) and the consequent transcriptomic alterations. We collated potential MIEs using predictions from our previously developed ToxProfiler tool and from published steatosis adverse outcome pathways. Most of the MIEs are transcription factors, and we collected their target genes by mining the TRRUST database. To analyze the effects of PFAS and PAH on the steatosis mechanisms, we performed a computational MIE-target gene analysis on high-throughput transcriptomic measurements of liver tissue from male and female rats exposed to either a PFAS or PAH. The results showed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α targets to be the most dysregulated, with most of the genes being upregulated. Furthermore, PFAS exposure disrupted several lipid metabolism genes, including upregulation of fatty acid oxidation genes (Acadm, Acox1, Cpt2, Cyp4a1-3) and downregulation of lipid transport genes (Apoa1, Apoa5, Pltp). We also identified multiple genes with sex-specific behavior. Notably, the rate-limiting genes of gluconeogenesis (Pck1) and bile acid synthesis (Cyp7a1) were specifically downregulated in male rats compared to female rats, while the rate-limiting gene of lipid synthesis (Scd) showed a PFAS-specific upregulation. The results suggest that the PPAR signaling pathway plays a major role in PFAS-induced lipid accumulation in rats. Together, these results show that PFAS exposure induces a sex-specific multi-factorial mechanism involving rate-limiting genes of gluconeogenesis and bile acid synthesis that could lead to activation of an adverse outcome pathway for steatosis.
The Real Experience of Lay Responders Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence
Authors: Li Na , Shen Chen , Yang Xin , Wang Rao , Gu Lian Qi , Zhao Wei , Chu Zhi Ping
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To synthesize qualitative evidence on the experience of lay responders performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods

Qualitative evidence synthesis was performed using the Thomas and Harden method. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, and WanFang databases were systematically searched. The quality of the research was assessed by the Critical Assessment Skills Program Tool (CASP).

Results

A total of 5,610 studies were identified, and 9 studies were included in the analysis. Four analytical themes were generated: emotional ambivalence before CPR, psychological tolerance during CPR, perceived experience after CPR, and enhancing psychological resilience.

Conclusion

Lay responders face complicated psychological experience during CPR, which may be susceptible to psychological effects such as “loss aversion,” “bystander effects” and “knowledge curse.” In addition to the timely retraining of CPR, lay responders should be instructed to manage psychological distress and improve psychological resilience. More importantly, the psychological sequelae may be long-lasting, requiring ongoing psychological intervention and follow-up based on valuing transdisciplinarity across endeavours.
Understanding the Role of Brand Attachment in the Automotive Luxury Brand Segment
Authors: Milheiro Abílio Bragança , Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Ribeiro Santos Vasco , Milheiro Catarina Bragança , Vilhena Estela
Published: June 2024

The automotive trade is one of the main drivers of world economies, contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of countries at a global level. The luxury sub-segment is the one facing the most significant growth and the one which presents the greatest challenges in the business-to-consumer (B2C) relationship. Brand Attachment refers to the cognitive and effective connection between consumers and “their” brands. The central objective of this research is to analyze, measure, and understand the impact of Brand Attachment on consumer behavior, in the specific context of the luxury segment of the automotive market. The conceptual model that is proposed seeks to highlight and study the possible connections and associations between Brand Attachment, satisfaction, commitment, trust, expectations, and loyalty with the brand selected for this study, the luxury automotive brand Porsche. The selected methodology was based on a case study based in the Portuguese market and the application of a questionnaire to customers of Porsche from Portugal. The results obtained through the empirical data allowed us to reach the conclusion that respondents who have a stronger affective and emotional connection with Porsche (intense level of Brand Attachment) tend to be those who are more satisfied and confident with the brand and are, consequently, more loyal. This study represents an important contribution to research on Brand Attachment in marketing and strategic management in the automotive sector, particularly in the Portuguese market, and supports the definition of the best marketing strategies to promote fruitful B2C relationships.
Managerial and Organizational Implications Arising from the Implementation of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chains: An AS-IS and To-Be Analysis
Authors: Bosco Gerardo , D’Amore Raffaele , Sciarrone Alessia , Barile Sergio
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The main objective of this research is to highlight the managerial and organizational implications for businesses resulting from the implementation of blockchain logic and technologies. The functionalities of blockchain technologies are compared with the traditional approach to supply chain management to emphasize the impact they can have on managing intra-supply chain relationships and the organizational structure of companies involved in supply channels. Design/methodology/approach: To conduct this study, a conceptual study was carried out, starting from an analysis of the main characteristics of blockchain technologies, to build an AS-IS scenario compared with the TO-BE scenario resulting from the implementation of these technologies within supply chains. To conduct this study, conceptual categories of the viable system approach and process management perspective were utilized. The conceptual analysis was performed using a matrix representation, which correlates material, informational, and financial flows with the dimensions of traceability, transparency, and efficiency, before and after the implementation of blockchains in managing supply chain transactions. Findings: The study highlighted how the principles underlying blockchain can lead to overcoming the traditional indispensable search for trust among supply chain operators. Therefore, through these results, it is possible to hypothesize an improvement in the resilience conditions of companies operating in block–supply chains. Originality/value: This study contributes to investigating the relationship between blockchain and operational consonance among operators in managing interorganizational processes to improve conditions of efficiency, traceability, and transparency, which are functional in the resilience of companies involved in the supply chain compared to the changing dynamics of the context. Research implications: Trustless logic in the implementation of blockchain technologies leads to the configuration of a new concept of trust, connected to the entire supply chain system, as a result of the improvement in the security, visibility, and efficiency conditions of transactions. The increased visibility and transparency developed in block–supply chains prompt all actors involved in the supply chains to rethink information management, given the reduction in informational asymmetries and, thus, the optimization of transaction costs.
Correction: Mena, G.T.; Gospodarek, J. White Mustard, Sweet Alyssum, and Coriander as Insectary Plants in Agricultural Systems: Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Yield of Crops. Agriculture 2024, 14, 550
Authors: Mena Gedyon Tamiru , Gospodarek Janina
Published: June 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Effects of Maize/Peanut Intercropping on Yield and Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization under Different Nitrogen Application Rates
Authors: Zhang Yongyong , Zhao Fengyan , Sun Zhanxiang , Bai Wei , Zhang Zhe , Feng Chen , Cai Qian
Published: June 2024

The effects of maize/peanut intercropping on crop yields, peanut nodulation, biological nitrogen (N) fixation in peanuts, crop N uptake, and N use efficiency under different N application rates were studied. A long-term maize/peanut intercropping micro-plot experiment was started in 2015. The experiment included the following three planting patterns: maize sole crop (SM), peanut sole crop (SP), and maize and peanut intercropping (intercropping maize: IM; intercropping peanut: IP). Additionally, three N application rates were tested as follows: 0 kg·ha−1 (N0), 150 kg·ha−1 (N150), and 300 kg·ha−1 (N300). The results indicated that N fertilization significantly increased maize yield. Intercropping increased maize yield while decreasing peanut yield across different N application rates. Both N fertilization and intercropping significantly increased the maize harvest index (HI), whereas intercropping decreased the peanut HI under N300. The number and fresh weight of peanut nodules decreased with the increasing N application rate with reductions ranging from 31.15% to 45.23% and 39.60% to 46.67%, respectively. Intercropping increased the number of peanut nodules by an average of 62.56% under the N0 treatment. Intercropping significantly improved the N absorption capacity of the whole intercropping system, and the contribution of maize was higher than that of peanuts. Maize demonstrated a stronger competitive ability for N uptake compared with peanuts in the intercropping system. Intercropping significantly increased the N use efficiency for both maize and peanuts. However, the N use efficiency of maize increased with N application rates, while that of peanut decreased. Compared with sole crops, intercropping increased the partial factor productivity of maize by 55.2% but decreased that of peanuts by 56.3%. In conclusion, at an N application rate of 150 kg·ha−1, maize/peanut intercropping increased overall crop yield and improved the N absorption and use capacity of maize
Reaction of Tomato Lineages and Hybrids to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans
Authors: Jacinto Ana Carolina Pires , Ribeiro Ana Luisa Alves , Maciel Gabriel Mascarenhas , Tebaldi Nilvanira Donizete
Published: June 2024

The use of resistant varieties is an important strategy for managing tomato bacterial spot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reaction of tomato genotypes to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 10 genotypes and four repetitions. The genotypes consisted of hybrids (UFU-1, UFU-2, UFU-3), wild resistant accession Solanum pennellii, commercial susceptible cultivar Santa Clara and homozygous lines (UFU-5, UFU-6, UFU-11, UFU-12, UFU-15). The UFU B8 isolate of X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans was used. The bacterial suspension was prepared and adjusted in a spectrophotometer OD550 = 0.5 (1 × 109 CFU mL−1). Inoculation occurred 10 days after transplantation. Disease severity was assessed at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after inoculation, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. There was a significant difference between the genotypes regarding the severity of the disease at 3, 6 and 12 days after inoculation. Lineages 5, 6 and 12, the hybrid UFU-1 and the wild accession S. pennellii showed the lowest severity of the disease, being promising for promoting genetic improvement programs aimed at resistance to the bacteria.
Based on BERT-wwm for Agricultural Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Huang Qiang , Tao Youzhi , Wu Zongyuan , Marinello Francesco
Published: June 2024

With the continuous advancement of information technology in the agricultural field, a large amount of unstructured agricultural textual information has been generated. This information is crucial for supporting the development of smart agriculture, making the application of named entity recognition in the agricultural field more urgent. In order to enhance the accuracy of agricultural entity recognition, this study utilizes the pre-trained BERT-wwm model for word embedding into the text. Additionally, a channel attention mechanism (CA) is introduced in the BILSTM-CRF downstream feature extraction network to comprehensively capture the contextual features of the text. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the performance of named entity recognition, with increased accuracy, recall, and F1 value. The successful implementation of this method provides reliable support for downstream tasks such as agricultural knowledge graph construction and question and answer systems and establishes a foundation for better understanding and utilization of agricultural textual information.
Effects of Nopal and Goat Manure on Soil Fertility and the Growth, Yield and Physical Characteristics of Tomato and Carrot Plants
Authors: González-Torres Guadalupe Yohana , Bernardino-Nicanor Aurea , Fernández-Avalos Stephanie , Acosta-García Gerardo , Juárez-Goiz José Mayolo Simitrio , González-Cruz Leopoldo
Published: June 2024

Nopal (Opuntia) is a resource that is discarded after pruning complete cladodes. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined use of organic matter (nopal) and goat manure on changes in soil characteristics and on the growth and yield performance of carrot and tomato plants. Physicochemical analysis of the soil and goat manure was carried out, and germination tests and physical characterization of the plants and the products obtained were performed on tomato and carrot plants after adding the components of the cladodes alone and the cladodes with goat manure. The results showed that the application of the nopal cladode components increased the cation exchange capacity of the soil. The highest germination rate was obtained by the application of liquid nopal, with a 1.7-fold increase in the germination rate of carrot seeds, while that for tomato seeds was only 14%. Similar results were obtained for the germination percentage. An increase in resistance to water stress of approximately 15 days was observed in both tomato and carrot plants. Plant development and production were achieved in tomato, with a 100% increase in carrot plant length and a threefold increase in production. The addition of nopal to the soil improved the soil characteristics and the production yield of carrots and tomatoes.
Maize//Soybean Intercropping Improves Yield Stability and Sustainability in Red Soil under Different Phosphate Application Rates in Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Long , Su Lizhen , Zhao Hongmin , Zhao Tilei , Zheng Yi , Tang Li
Published: June 2024

Studying the effects of maize and soybean intercropping for improving the maize yield and sustaining stability of the maize yield under different phosphate (P) application rates in red soil is crucial for promoting maize productivity, improving soil fertility and optimizing P nutrient management in southwest China. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes in maize yield, yield stability and soil fertility under monoculture and intercropping maize with different P application rates. A six-year field experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2022 to investigate the effects of maize intercropping with soybean on the yield stability and sustainability of maize according to the changes in the maize yield, biomass, partial land equivalent ratio of yield (pLERY), actual yield loss index (AYL), contribution rate of soil capacity and fertilizer (SCR, SFCR) over time, as well as the differences in the coefficient of variation (CV) and sustainable yield index (SYI) at four P application rates (0 kg P2O5 ha−1, P0; 60 kg P2O5 ha−1, P1; 90 kg P2O5 ha−1, P2; and 120 kg P2O5 ha−1, P3) based on the two-factor randomized block design. The linear-platform model was utilized to simulate the relationship between the grain yield, the SYI and the amount of P fertilizer under different P application rates. The maize yield in intercropping was significantly superior to the maize yield in monoculture throughout the entire six-year experiment. For all planting years, the yield and biomass of the intercropping were higher than those of the matched monoculture average by 56.0% and 56.1%, respectively. Intercropping had an advantage of pLERY and AYL for maize. Otherwise, intercropping reduced the CV by 30.8% and 39.1% and increased the SYI by 39.4% and 23.0% in P0 and P3 compared with the matched monoculture, respectively. For all planting years, the average SFCR in intercropping treatment was higher than that in monoculture treatment. The linear-plateau model fitted showed that intercropping increased the yield and SYI by 19.8% and 40.7% on the platform and reduced the P application rate by 37.8% and 11.9% at the inflection point, respectively. These results demonstrate that maize and soybean intercropping could achieve a higher yield, a higher yield stability and an SYI with a lower P input than monoculture. Maize and soybean intercropping could be a sustainable practice for promoting the maize productivity and the yield sustainability in the red soil of southwest China.
Effects of Ni and Cu Stresses on Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Euphorbia marginata Pursh Seedlings
Authors: Zhou Xudan , An Yue , Qu Tongbao , Jin Tian , Zhao Lei , Guo Hongliang , Wang Wei , Zhao Chunli
Published: June 2024

Increasing soil contamination with nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) is a growing environmental concern, adversely affecting ecosystems and the survival of both plants and animals. This study investigated the morphological and physiological responses of Euphorbia marginata Pursh seedlings to varying concentrations of Ni and Cu over a 45-day period. The findings revealed that low concentrations of Ni and Cu enhanced morphological indexes, root indexes, biomass, and photosynthetic pigment content of E. marginata, while high concentrations inhibited these parameters. Compared to the control, Ni and Cu stresses induced membrane peroxidation, increased cell membrane permeability, and inhibited the synthesis of soluble proteins and proline in the leaves. The seedlings demonstrated an ability to mitigate Ni and Cu toxicity by increasing soluble sugar content and enhancing the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Notably, E. marginata exhibited a higher capacity for Cu2+ enrichment and translocation compared to Ni2+. Combined Ni and Cu treatments reduced the maximum enrichment and translocation levels of both metals in E. marginata. This study highlights the superior tolerance of E. marginata to Ni and Cu stresses and elucidates the mechanisms underlying its response, providing a theoretical basis for the use of landscape plants in the remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils.