bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coaches’ Corrective Feedback, Psychological Needs, and Subjective Vitality in Mexican Soccer Players
Authors: Tristán José , Ríos-Escobedo Rosa María , López-Walle Jeanette M. , Zamarripa Jorge , Narváez Miguel A. , Alvarez Octavio
Published: February 2021

In the sport context, an essential aspect of an athlete’s development and performance happens during the interaction with the coach while receiving information on the aspects of performance that need to be modified (corrective feedback). Grounded in the Self-Determination Theory and particularly on the basic psychological needs theory, a structural equation model (SEM) was tested with the following sequence: perception of the amount of corrective feedback generated by the coach, perceived legitimacy of corrective feedback, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and vitality in soccer players. Additionally, simple mediation and serial (double) mediation models were also tested. Participants were 377 Mexican soccer players (Maged= 16.46,SD= 1.08), who completed the instruments that evaluated the study variables. SEM results reported positive and significant variables’ interrelations in the sequence. The analysis of serial mediation model showed that the perceived legitimacy of feedback and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs fully mediated the relationship between the perception of the amount of corrective feedback generated by the coach and the perception of the subjective vitality of Mexican soccer players. Results suggest that coaches have to ensure that athletes accept the corrective feedback provided and meet their basic psychological needs. Based on SDT tenets, this research highlights the importance for coaches to be aware of the athlete’s perceptions when they are providing corrective feedback and their implications for athlete’s technical development and well-being. It is suggested to incorporate those aspects to training programs for coaches.
The Relationship Between the Burnout Syndrome Dimensions and Body Mass Index as a Moderator Variable on Obese Managers in the Mexican Maquiladora Industry
Authors: Armenta-Hernández Oziely , Maldonado-Macías Aidé , Camacho-Alamilla María del Rocío , Serrano-Rosa Miguel Ángel , Baez-Lopez Yolanda Angélica , Balderrama-Armendariz Cesar Omar
Published: February 2021

Burnout syndrome (BS) and obesity are two growing conditions that affect employees’ health and company productivity. Recently, several studies have pointed to a possible relationship between both phenomena. However, such a relationship has not been clearly defined. This research analyzes the relationship between BS dimensions and body mass index (BMI), the latter being treated as a moderator variable among obese senior and middle managers in the Mexican maquiladora industry through a structural equation model. A total of 361 senior and middle managers (124 of them classified as obese under the World Health Organization’s criteria) completed both the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey [with emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism, and professional efficacy (PE) as subscale dimensions] and a sociodemographic questionnaire (which included BMI). The results showed a statistically significant relationship between EE and PE (P < 0.001; β = -0.320), with BMI acting as a moderator variable. The results showed that when BMI increases as a moderator variable, the strength of the relationship between EE and PE also changes. For example, although PE had a negative value of 0.14 before the moderator effect, the value increased up to 0.32 when the BMI was factored into the relationship. Therefore, maquiladora industries are being advised to increase their investments on the identification and prevention of employees’ EE and obesity. Such interventions would promote a better quality of life and could prevent economic losses resulting from poor employee performance.
What Got You Here, Won’t Help You There: Changing Requirements in the Pre- Versus the Post-tenure Career Stage in Academia
Authors: Rehbock Stephanie K. , Knipfer Kristin , Peus Claudia
Published: February 2021

Despite efforts to foster gender equality in academia, women are vastly under-represented in tenured professorships, specifically in STEM disciplines. While previous research investigated structural and organizational barriers for women in academia, we explored professors’ subjective view on attributes required before and after reaching tenure. The perspective of professors is needed as they are gatekeepers when it comes to the career advancement of junior researchers. Hence, we interviewed 25 tenured STEM professors in Germany about which attributes they personally consider to be required pre- versus post-tenure and analyzed whether these attributes are associated with gender stereotypes. We found that different attributes are mentioned in the pre- versus the post-tenure career stage and that the required attributes can be associated with gender stereotypes: While agentic–stereotypically male–attributes were mentioned more frequently than communal attributes in the pre-tenure career stage, communal–stereotypically female–attributes were reported slightly more often than agentic attributes after reaching tenure. Based on these novel findings, we discuss important implications for gender research and practice to contribute to more diversity and transparency in academic career advancement.
The Hidden Danger in Family Environment: The Role of Self-Reported Parenting Style in Cognitive and Affective Empathy Among Offenders
Authors: Wang Shaishai , Hu Huagang , Wang Xinyang , Dong Bo , Zhang Tianyang
Published: February 2021

Parenting styles are considered to have an important influence on the development of individuals and have been associated with empathy. The present study aimed to investigate the self-reported different parenting styles in childhood and adolescence and associated cognitive and affective empathy among offenders. Men incarcerated in prison in Jiangsu Province in China were invited to participate. Each consenting participant was asked to complete the Parental Bonding Instrument to collect information regarding the parenting styles they experienced in childhood and adolescence and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index to evaluate their empathy. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the associations between different parenting styles and the empathy of offenders, and a one-way multivariate analysis of variance and a t-test were used to explore the differences in cognitive and affective empathy with different degrees of parenting styles. The parental care and control factors in childhood and adolescence were significantly more strongly associated with empathy among offenders than the parental encouragement factor. There were different associations between the parental care and control factors and offenders’ empathy depending on whether the parenting styles were consistent or inconsistent. When the parenting styles were consistent, different degrees of parental care had a significant predictive effect on cognitive and affective empathy, while different degrees of parental control were only significantly associated with affective empathy among the offenders. When the parenting styles were inconsistent, different degrees of paternal and maternal control were associated with cognitive and affective empathy among the offenders. Our findings suggest that not only different parenting styles experienced in childhood and adolescence had different predictive effects on empathy among offenders but also the degrees of parenting styles and whether the paternal and maternal parenting styles were consistent or inconsistent may affect the patterns of parenting styles and empathy. Moreover, the parental control factor had a particular influence on empathy among the offenders. Our findings underscore the pressing need for adopting preventive monitoring measures or developing policies to improve parenting styles.
How Can People Express Their Trait Self-Esteem Through Their Faces in 3D Space?
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Liu Xiaoqian , Wang Yuqian , Zhu Tingshao
Published: February 2021

Background

Trait self-esteem reflects stable self-evaluation, and it affects social interaction patterns. However, whether and how trait self-esteem can be expressed through behaviors are controversial. Considering that facial expressions can effectively convey information related to personal traits, the present study investigated the three-dimensional (3D) facial movements related to self-esteem level and the sex differences therein.

Methods

The sample comprised 238 participants (46.2% males, 53.8% females). Their levels of trait self-esteem were evaluated by employing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) (47.9% low self-esteem, 52.1% high self-esteem). During self-introductions, their facial movements in 3D space were recorded by Microsoft Kinect. Two-way ANOVA was performed to analyze the effect of self-esteem and gender on 3D facial movements. Additionally, Logistic regression models were established to describe the relationship between 3D facial movements and self-esteem levels in both genders.

Results

The results of two-way ANOVA revealed a main effect of trait self-esteem level for cheeks and lips’ movements. Meanwhile, there was a significant interaction between trait self-esteem and gender on the variability of lips’ movements. In addition, the combination of facial movements can effectively identify trait self-esteem in men and women, with 75.5 and 68% accuracy, respectively.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that the 3D facial expressions of individuals with different trait self-esteem levels were different, and such difference is affected by gender. Our study explores a possible way in which trait self-esteem plays a role in social interaction and also provides the basis for automatic self-esteem recognition.
Self-Perceived Mental Health Status, Digital Activity, and Physical Distancing in the Context of Lockdown Versus Not-in-Lockdown Measures in Italy and Croatia: Cross-Sectional Study in the Early Ascending Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020
Authors: Kopilaš Vanja , Hasratian Anni M. , Martinelli Lucia , Ivkić Goran , Brajković Lovorka , Gajović Srećko
Published: February 2021

The novelty of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is that it is occurring in a globalized society enhanced by digital capabilities. Our aim was to analyze the psychological and emotional states of participants in different pandemic-related contexts, with a focus on their digital and physical distancing behaviors. The online survey was applied during the ascending phase of the pandemic in March 2020 in two neighboring EU countries: Italy and Croatia. The study subjects involved four groups, two directly affected by epidemiological measures and two serving as controls—(1) participants from Italy who were in lockdown (Italy group), (2) participants from Croatia who were not in lockdown but who were in direct contact with an infected person and underwent epidemiological measures (CRO-contact group), (3) participants from Croatia who were in an analogous situation but not near the same infected person (CRO-no contact group), and (4) participants from Croatia who were not aware of any infected person (CRO-unrelated group). The survey consisted of validated scales of psychological and emotional states, and custom-made questionnaires on the digital (online) and physical (off-line) behavior of the participants. The Italy group in lockdown had higher self-perceived scores for depression, stress, post-traumatic intrusion, and avoidance, as well as the highest digital activity and physical distancing than the not-in-lockdown Croatian groups. The insight into the extent of online activities and off-line isolation allowed for the introduction of Digital Activity and Physical Distancing Scores. Self-perceived post-traumatic avoidance was higher in both the Italy and CRO-contact groups than the control CRO-no contact and CRO-unrelated groups, and higher avoidance correlated with higher Digital Activity and Physical Distancing Scores. Being in direct contact with the infected person, the CRO-contact group had no other alterations than unexpectedly lower post-traumatic hyperarousal when compared with the Italy group. The Italy group in lockdown demonstrated higher self-perceived psychological toll together with higher digital activity and physical distancing than Croatian groups not in lockdown, even when compared with the affected CRO-contact group. The study outcomes suggest that the general emergency measures influenced citizens in lockdown more than exposure to the virus through direct contact with an infected person.
Suicide in DSM-5: Current Evidence for the Proposed Suicide Behavior Disorder and Other Possible Improvements
Authors: Fehling Kara B. , Selby Edward A.
Published: February 2021

Suicide continues to be one of the greatest challenges faced by mental health clinicians and researchers, an issue made worse by increasing trends in the global suicide rate. Suicide behavior disorder (SBD) was introduced inDSM-5as a disorder for further consideration and potential acceptance into the diagnostic system. There are numerous positive developments that would arise from the addition of a suicide-related diagnosis. Utilizing the 2009 guidelines established by Kendler and colleagues, the present review examines the evidence for SBD's validity and discusses the diagnosis' potential clinical benefits and limitations. Altogether, growing evidence indicates that SBD has preliminary validity and benefit. SBD presents with several significant limitations, however, and possible alternative additions to futureDSMsare highlighted.
The Association Between Impaired Awareness and Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Azocar Ignacia , Livingston Gill , Huntley Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Impaired awareness of cognitive and functional deficits is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although a lack of awareness has been suggested to be a protective factor against experiencing affective symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and apathy which are common in AD, there is conflicting evidence about the links between them. This systematic review examines the evidence for an association between impaired awareness and depressive, anxiety, and apathy symptoms in mild to moderate AD.

Method: We searched four databases (OvidMedline, Embase, PsycInfo, and PsycArticles) using terms encompassing awareness, apathy, depression, anxiety, and mild-moderate AD. We included studies that assessed the relationship between awareness and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or apathy. We assessed included papers for quality and report results using a narrative approach, prioritizing high quality studies.

Results: We identified 1,544 articles, and twenty-seven studies fulfilled inclusion criteria (high-quality = 15; moderate-quality = 12). Most high-quality studies reported that impaired awareness in early-stage AD is cross-sectionally linked with fewer depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms (correlation ranged from −0.3 to −0.7), but with more apathy.

Conclusions: High-quality studies suggested that in people with early AD, impaired awareness is related to fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms and to more apathy. Future research should focus on elucidating causality among impaired awareness and these symptoms in AD.
Residential Densification for Positive Energy Districts
Authors: Bambara James , Athienitis Andreas K. , Eicker Ursula
Published: February 2021

The energy footprint of houses can be reduced by replacing the aging stock with higher density and more energy efficient homes equipped with on-site renewable energy production. In this study, a “double density” simulation scenario is considered where each existing detached house in a community is replaced with two houses of equal living area on the same land lot. The new houses were assumed to be equipped with several energy efficiency measures (envelope, HVAC, and domestic hot water) and a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof. The TRNSYS software was used to simulate the annual energy performance of the buildings in Montreal, Québec, Canada (45.5°N). It was found that the two new houses, which can accommodate twice the number of people on the same land lot, consumed 30% less energy than the existing house. Individually, each of the new houses required 65% less electricity than the existing house (reduced from 22,560 to 7,850 kWh yr−1). In addition, the BIPV roof installed on the two new houses could generate nearly three times more electricity (44,000 kWh yr−1) than they consumed (15,700 kWh yr−1). Annually, nearly half (44%) of the house's electricity can be directly supplied by the BIPV system. A significant portion of the annual solar electricity generation (84%), which cannot be directly utilized by the houses, can be stored on-site for later use to increase self-consumption (e.g., power-to-thermal energy or charging electric vehicles) or could be exported to the grid to support decarbonization elsewhere (e.g., production of hydrogen fuel for transportation). The combined effect of energy efficient construction and on-site renewable energy production would enable occupants to shift from consuming 5,640 kWh yr−1 to producing 3,540 kWh yr−1. Residential densification can significantly contribute toward retrofitting existing communities into resilient positive energy districts.
The Covid-19 Pandemic—Opportunities for Circular Economy Practices Among Sewing Professionals in the City of Curitiba-Brazil
Authors: Corrêa Harrison Lourenço , Corrêa Daniela Gallon
Published: February 2021

The pandemic that the world has been facing since Jan-2020 has promoted rapid changes in the form of consumption and service provision. In many countries, GDP forecasts have turned negative. But, if on the one hand, the prospects were negative, on the other, there were positive signs, including the adoption of recycling, remanufacturing, and reuse practices. Reusing raw materials in their production lines, companies and volunteers produced masks for mandatory use by the population of some countries such as Brazil. This brief period energized an economy that until then seemed to be dormant. In view of this scenario that took shape in the world, the present study aimed to assess how this pandemic affected sewing professionals' enterprises, contributing to an income generation and to a possible sustainable practice. The level of circularity was evaluated through a questionnaire and interviews as it was impossible to visit the ateliers. The survey of enterprise circularity was based on basic principles of circular economy from Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The questions were made considering some features, like level of knowledge about the theme The prospecting of the potential interviewers was carried out through a digital platform in the month of September-2020. Results obtained by fabric remnants mass balance indicated some level of circularity in the production mode of seamstresses during the pandemic. The challenge, however, is the high demand for masks allied to the search for customization by consumers. This represents the main obstacles to maintaining circularity in the production process.
Simple Catchments and Where to Find Them: The Storage-Discharge Relationship as a Proxy for Catchment Complexity
Authors: Jehn Florian U. , Breuer Lutz , Kraft Philipp , Bestian Konrad , Houska Tobias
Published: February 2021

Hydrological theory often assumes an exponential relationship between storage and discharge, but how often do we find such a behavior in real catchments? We analyze catchment attributes, discharge and weather conditions from 1992 to 2018 for 88 catchments in Hesse, Germany. All catchments have similar weather conditions, but a wide range of catchment characteristics. We find that only a fraction of catchments follow a roughly exponential behavior in their storage-discharge relationship. Far more catchments are complex and depict irregular patterns with even extreme variation from 1 year to another. This large set of catchments with similar weather conditions reveals that physical attributes that drive catchment complexity are diverse and include soil permeability, hydraulic conductivity, geology, and soil type. We link the examined simple and complex behavior to the fill and spill hypotheses and the interconnectedness of the catchments. Simpler catchments have more preferential flow and more connected hillslopes and thus lower runoff generation thresholds. This creates a more straightforward relationship between storage and discharge.
Endolymphatic Hydrops in Patients With Intralabyrinthine Schwannomas
Authors: Zhang Yibo , Li Feitian , Dai Chunfu , Wang Wuqing
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in patients with intralabyrinthine schwannomas (ILSs) is poorly understood. This study aims to determine whether there is a correlation between endolymphatic hydrops and clinical presentations of ILS.

Methods: Data from nine patients with ILSs were retrospectively reviewed between 2007 and 2020. Temporal bone MRI with intratympanic or intravenous injection of gadolinium was applied to detect ILSs and EH.

Results: 3D real inversion recovery (IR) sequence MRI of the temporal bone confirmed ipsilateral EH in four patients (4/6). All four patients with EH on MRI presented with vertigo similar to Meniere's disease. Among these patients with EH, one patient with EH in the cochlea showed moderate sensorineural hearing loss, while three patients with EH in both the vestibule and cochlea showed profound hearing loss. MRI demonstrated a transmacular tumor (TMA) in one patient, intravestibular (IV) in four patients, and vestibulocochlear (VC) in four patients. Two IV cases showed moderated hearing loss, while the TMA and VC cases showed profound hearing loss. Transotic resection of the tumor was applied in five patients; translabyrinthine resection was applied in one patient; two patients were under observation; and one patient was given intratympanic injection of gentamicin (ITG). During follow-up, all of the treated patients reported relief of vertigo, and postoperative MRI was performed in two patients, which showed no tumor recurrence. The two patients under observation showed no deterioration of hearing loss or vertigo. One patient was lost to follow-up.

Conclusion: EH concurrent with ILSs has been underestimated previously. With the extensive application of temporal bone MRI paradigms, such as 3D-real IR sequence MRI, more cases of potential EH in patients with ILS will be identified. The severity of hearing loss may be associated with the location of the tumor and the degree of EH.
Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized With Salvia officinalis Leaf Exert Protective Effect on Hepatic Tissue Injury Induced by Plasmodium chabaudi
Authors: Metwally Dina M. , Alajmi Reem A. , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Al-Quraishy Saleh
Published: February 2021

Malaria is an important health problem in subtropical and tropical areas around the world. Infection with protozoan parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which grow inside host erythrocytes, causes malaria and may lead to morbidity and mortality. Liver tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of malaria and is closely involved in parasitic pre-erythrocytic development. Numerous published studies have demonstrated that the liver is not only the source of Plasmodium parasites prior to erythrocytic growth but is also a primary immune effector toward the blood stage of the malaria life cycle. Despite efforts to improve antimalarial drugs and vaccines,Plasmodium speciesthat cause severe malaria are being detected increasingly frequently in endemic regions. In this study,Salvia officinalis(S.officinalis) leaf extract was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). This method is eco-friendly and represents a single-step technique for the biosynthetic process; therefore, it has attracted considerable attention. Accordingly, we biosynthesized Ag-NPs with extract of theS. officinalisleaf and examined the antimalarial activity of these nanoparticles in a murine model ofPlasmodium chabaudimalaria (P. chabaudimalaria). Forty mice were chosen and classified into four types: infected group, healthy control, pretreated mice infected after treatment with 50 mg/kg ofS. officinalisleaf extract-biosynthesized Ag-NPs for two weeks, and post-treated mice infected before treatment with 50 mg/kg ofS. officinalisleaf extract-biosynthesized Ag-NPs (administered daily for 7 d). In this study, both pre-treatment and post-treatment with Ag-NPs produced a substantial reduction in parasitemia relative to the infected group. We investigated the antiplasmodial and hepatoprotective effects ofS. officinalisleaf extract-biosynthesized Ag-NPs onP. chabaudi-induced inflammation and hepatic oxidative stress markers.
Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) as a Multifunctional and Sustainable Crop for the Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Clemente Clarissa , Angelini Luciana G. , Ascrizzi Roberta , Tavarini Silvia
Published: February 2021

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a promising medicinal and aromatic plant for Mediterranean agroecosystems given its positive agronomic attributes and interesting quality features. It has both food and pharmaceutical applications, since its leaves contain sweet-tasting steviol glycosides (SVglys) and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins. We evaluated the agronomic and qualitative performances of nine stevia genotypes cultivated, in open field conditions, for two consecutive years under the Mediterranean climate of central Italy. Growth, biomass production, and accumulation of bioactive compounds (SVglys, polyphenols, and their related antioxidant activities) were evaluated, considering the effect of harvest time and crop age (first and second year of cultivation). The results showed high variability among genotypes in terms of both morpho-productive and phytochemical characteristics. In general, greater leaf dry yields, polyphenol accumulation, and antioxidant activities were found in the second year of cultivation, harvesting the plants in full vegetative growth. On the other hand, total SVglys leaf content reached the highest values in the first year when plants were at the beginning of the reproductive phase. On the other hand, although the SVglys profile (Rubusoside, Dulcoside A, Stevioside, Rebaudioside A, C, D, E, and M) remained stable over harvest times, it differed significantly depending on the crop age and genotype. Our findings provide useful information on the influence of crop age and harvest time in defining quanti-qualitative traits in stevia, with PL, SL, BR5, and SW30 being the best performing genotypes and thus suitable for breeding programs. Our study highlighted that stevia, in the tested environment, represents a promising semi-perennial crop which offers new solutions in terms of cropping system diversification and marketing opportunities.
Ten Ways That Weed Evolution Defies Human Management Efforts Amidst a Changing Climate
Authors: Clements David R. , Jones Vanessa L.
Published: February 2021

The ability of weeds to evolve is key to their success, and the relationship between weeds and humans is marked by co-evolution going back to the agricultural revolution, with weeds evolving to counter human management actions. In recent years, climate change has emerged as yet another selection pressure imposed on weeds by humans, and weeds are likewise very capable of adapting to this latest stress of human origin. This review summarizes 10 ways this adaptation occurs: (1) general-purpose genotypes, (2) life history strategies, (3) ability to evolve rapidly, (4) epigenetic capacity, (5) hybridization, (6) herbicide resistance, (7) herbicide tolerance, (8) cropping systems vulnerability, (9) co-evolution of weeds with human management, and (10) the ability of weeds to ride the climate storm humans have generated. As pioneer species ecologically, these 10 ways enable weeds to adapt to the numerous impacts of climate change, including warming temperatures, elevated CO2, frequent droughts and extreme weather events. We conclude that although these 10 ways present formidable challenges for weed management, the novelty arising from weed evolution could be used creatively to prospect for genetic material to be used in crop improvement, and to develop a more holistic means of managing agroecosystems.
Optimization of Tomato Productivity Using Flowering Time Variants
Authors: Rajendran Sujeevan , Heo Jung , Kim Yong Jun , Kim Dae Heon , Ko Kisung , Lee Young Koung , Oh Seok Kwi , Kim Chul Min , Bae Jong Hyang , Park Soon Ju
Published: February 2021

The control of flowering time is a major contributing factor to the improvement of crop yield by optimizing plant growth in a crop cycle. Genetic variants that determine flowering time can provide insights into optimizing flowering time for higher yields and other beneficial traits in tomato crops. Here, we examined a collection of flowering time variants to assess their effects on biomass and total tomato yields. Five late flowering (lf), thirteen large plant (lp), and seven floral homeotic (fh) mutants were identified as flowering time variants that could be rearranged according to leaf production in the primary shoot meristem (PSM). A flowering time continuum of mutants was translated into a positive continuum of biomass yield with more leaves, branches, and floral organs. The flowering time continuum showed an optimal curve of fruit yield, indicating a certain late flowering time as optimal for fruit yield, with the yield gradually decreasing in both directions with earlier or later flowering times. We isolated lf1, lf10, lp22, and fh13 as high-yielding genotypes with optimal flowering time, showing a new balance between the vegetative and flowering phases of tomato. Additionally, lp8, fh8, and fh15 produced extremely high biomass in leaves, axillary shoots, and floral organs due to late flowering in shoot apices with additional production of floral organs and lateral shoot. Our new late-flowering variants provide new genetic resources that can be used to optimize crop yield by fine-tuning flowering time, and future molecular studies could be conducted by revisiting our yield model.
The Impact of Intellectual Capital on the Profitability of Russian Agricultural Firms
Authors: Ovechkin Danila V. , Romashkina Gulnara F. , Davydenko Vladimir A.
Published: February 2021

Economic efficiency is a function of two types of resources: those that are presented in financial statements and those that are not. Non-balance sheet resources are referred as to intellectual capital (IC). The purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between IC, its components and the level of financial profitability. To conduct the analysis, we used the system generalized method of moments for a broad sample of Russian firms that operate in the agribusiness industry. We employed two financial approaches to IC estimation. The first one is the Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC). The second one is own-created approach that is supposed to respond the criticism regarding VAIC. Comparison between VAIC and own-created approach to IC estimation revealed that the latter is more appropriate due to its advantages. Our approach unlike VAIC allows measuring both efficiency ratios and the stocks of IC. The results showed that the efficiency of structural capital usage and the stock of human capital have the biggest impact on the profitability level of the agricultural businesses among employed measures of IC.
Potential for the Postharvest Biological Control of Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) by Blattisocius tarsalis (Mesostigmata, Blattisociidae)
Authors: Gavara Jorge , Piedra-Buena Ana , Hernandez-Suarez Estrella , Gamez Manuel , Cabello Tomas , Gallego Juan R.
Published: February 2021

Phthorimaea operculella is one of the most important pests causing damage to stored potatoes. In this work, the effect of temperature (at 10, 20 and 30 °C) on the predation of pest eggs by Blattisocius tarsalis was studied in the laboratory. In addition, the effect of three predatory release rates on two pest densities was studied under microcosm conditions. The results showed that B. tarsalis maintains its predatory capacity at low temperatures (10 °C), obtaining an efficiency of 49.66 ± 5.06% compared to the control. In turn, at 20 °C, a maximum efficacy of 78.17 ± 4.77% was achieved, very similar to that presented at 30 °C (75.57 ± 4.34%). Under microcosm conditions and at low pest density (10 eggs/container), the mortality due to the mite was 96.97 ± 3.03%, 81.82 ± 8.84%, and 84.85 ± 8.30%, respectively, for the three predatory release rates (5, 10 or 20 mites/container). At the high infestation level, the pest control ranged from 61.54 ± 9.21% to 92.31 ± 2.74%, depending on the predatory release rate. The results obtained show that B. tarsalis could be a relevant control agent against P. operculella under non-refrigerated potato storage conditions, as well as in the first stages of their storage under refrigerated conditions.
Grapevine Rootstocks Differently Affect Physiological and Molecular Responses of the Scion under Water Deficit Condition
Authors: Prinsi Bhakti , Simeoni Fabio , Galbiati Massimo , Meggio Franco , Tonelli Chiara , Scienza Attilio , Espen Luca
Published: February 2021

Grapevine rootstocks play a pivotal role in plant responses to water deficiency (WD); therefore, the selection of new genotypes is a promising strategy for future agricultural managements aimed to cope with climate changes. Recent studies reinforced the central role of the root system in modulating WD responses, as it not only controls water uptake and transport to the leaves, but it also participates in stress perception and stress signalling to the shoot. The present work evaluated the performance of the 101.14 and M4 rootstocks in graft combination with the cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon (Cab) by assessing some of the canonical molecular, biochemical and physiological responses induced by WD. The autograft Cab/Cab was also included in the experimental design as a control. Under WD, Cab/M4 showed a greater capacity to sustain CO2 assimilation rate (An) and stomatal conductance (gs), while limiting the decrease of leaf potential (Ψleaf) compared with the other graft combinations. The enhanced adaptability of Cab/M4 to WD was also supported by the higher uptake of water from the soil, estimated by measuring the daily water lost of plants, and by the reduced effect of the drought treatment on the total root biomass. Quantification of ABA in both root and leaf organs revealed a reduced accumulation in Cab/M4 plants, thus confirming the lower sensitivity of the Cab/M4 combination to water deficit. At the molecular level, the expression of selected stress-responsive ABA-related genes was investigated, including genes involved in ABA biosynthesis (VviNCED3), ABA signalling (VviPP2C9, VviPP2C4,VviSnRk2.6), regulation of gene expression (VviABF2) and stomatal opening (VviSIRK, VviMYB60). Results indicated a tight correlation between the level of gene expression and of ABA accumulation in roots and leaves, suggesting that ABA synthesis and signalling were attenuated in Cab/M4 as compared with Cab/101.14 and Cab/Cab. As a whole, our data demonstrated the capacity of M4 to satisfy the water demand of the scion under limited water availability, as revealed by delayed stomatal closure and higher photosynthetic activity. Importantly, these physiological adaptive traits related to attenuated ABA-mediated responses in roots and leaves.
Impaired Reproductive Function in Equines: From Genetics to Genomics
Authors: Laseca Nora , Anaya Gabriel , Peña Zahira , Pirosanto Yamila , Molina Antonio , Demyda Peyrás Sebastián
Published: February 2021

Fertility is one of the key factors in the economic and productive success of the equine industry. Despite this, studies on the genetic causes affecting reproductive performance are scarce, especially in mares, where the genetic architecture of the reproductive traits is extremely complex. Today, with the increasing availability of new genomic methodologies for this species, we are presented with an interesting opportunity to understand the genetic basis of equine reproductive disorders. These include, among others, novel techniques for detecting chromosomal abnormalities, whose association with infertility in horses was established over 50 years ago; new sequencing technologies permitting an accurate detection of point mutations influencing fertility, as well as the study of inbreeding and molecular homozygosity, which has been widely suggested as one of the main causes of low reproductive performance in horses. Finally, over the last few years, reproductive performance has also been associated with copy number variants and candidate genes detected by genome-wide association studies on fertility traits. However, such studies are still scarce, probably because they depend on the existence of large and accurate phenotypic datasets of reproductive and/or fertility traits, which are still difficult to obtain in equines.
Genomics Analysis of Bacillus megaterium 1259 as a Probiotic and Its Effects on Performance in Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Deng Bobo , Wang Lin , Ma Qianbo , Yu Tongshui , Liu Dalin , Dai Yi , Zhao Guoqi
Published: February 2021

In this study, we isolated a novel bacterium, Bacillus megaterium 1259 (BM1259), from chicken manure. Whole-genome sequencing analysis showed that the BM1259 complete genome is composed of a 5,043,095 bp circular chromosome and three circular plasmids, and it encodes 5379 coding genes and 182 RNA genes. Among these genes, a series of nitrate assimilation-related genes and pathways were identified, implying a potential role of BM1259 in nitrate metabolism. In addition, 24 lactating Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to four groups that were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) diet only (C), a TMR diet supplemented with 5 g/day of BM1259 (T1), a TMR diet supplemented with 10 g/day of BM1259 (T2), or a TMR diet supplemented with 15 g/day of BM1259 (T3). The results showed that supplementing dairy cows with 15 g/day of BM1259 increased 4% fat-corrected milk production. The molar proportion of propionate (C3) was significantly higher in T2 than in C. The C2:C3 ratio of T3 was higher than those of C and T2. No negative effect of BM1259 on blood indicators was detected. This study demonstrates BM1259 can be applied as a potential probiotic to improve nitrogen utilization and milk production in lactating dairy cows.
Third Generation Cephalosporin Resistant Enterobacterales Infections in Hospitalized Horses and Donkeys: A Case–Case–Control Analysis
Authors: Shnaiderman-Torban Anat , Marchaim Dror , Navon-Venezia Shiri , Lubrani Ori , Paitan Yossi , Arielly Haya , Steinman Amir
Published: February 2021

In human medicine, infections caused by third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCRE) are associated with detrimental outcomes. In veterinary medicine, controlled epidemiological analyses are lacking. A matched case–case–control investigation (1:1:1 ratio) was conducted in a large veterinary hospital (2017–2019). In total, 29 infected horses and donkeys were matched to 29 animals with third-generation cephalosporin-susceptible Enterobacterales (3GCSE) infections, and 29 uninfected controls (overall n = 87). Despite multiple significant associations per bivariable analyses, the only independent predictor for 3GCRE infection was recent exposure to antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 104, p < 0.001), but this was also an independent predictor for 3GCSE infection (aOR = 22, p < 0.001), though the correlation with 3GCRE was significantly stronger (aOR = 9.3, p = 0.04). In separated multivariable outcome models, 3GCRE infections were independently associated with reduced clinical cure rates (aOR = 6.84, p = 0.003) and with 90 days mortality (aOR = 3.6, p = 0.003). Klebsiella spp. were the most common 3GCRE (36%), and blaCTX-M-1 was the major β-lactamase (79%). Polyclonality and multiple sequence types were evident among all Enterobacterales (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae). The study substantiates the significance of 3GCRE infections in equine medicine, and their independent detrimental impact on cure rates and mortality. Multiple Enterobacterales genera, subtypes, clones and mechanisms of resistance are prevalent among horses and donkeys with 3GCRE infections.
The Effects of Antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori Eradication or Dapsone on Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Shimamoto Junya , Kotani Kazuhiko
Published: February 2021

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease with wheals and/or angioedema. Some drugs, especially antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and the sulfone antibiotic dapsone, may be candidates for treating CSU. The present study assessed the efficacy of these antibiotic therapies for CSU. Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched until October 2020. Study selection, data abstraction and quality assessments were independently performed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The outcomes were the remission of CSU-related symptoms, activities and adverse events due to antibiotics for H. pylori eradication or dapsone. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 361 patients) were included. The antibiotics for H. pylori eradication increased the remission rate (risk ratio (RR) = 3.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31 to 12.14; I2 = 0%), but dapsone did not (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.78). Antibiotics for H. pylori eradication (standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.80 to 2.18; I2 = 69%) and dapsone (SMD = 7.00, 95% CI = 6.92 to 7.08; I2 = 0%) improved symptoms. The evidence of certainty was moderate. Dapsone was associated with mild adverse events, whereas H. pylori eradication was not. Conclusion: Antibiotics, especially those for H. pylori eradication, improved the remission rate and symptoms of CSU with few adverse events. Further studies are needed.
First Report of an Extensively Drug-Resistant ST23 Klebsiella pneumoniae of Capsular Serotype K1 Co-Producing CTX-M-15, OXA-48 and ArmA in Spain
Authors: Hernández Marta , López-Urrutia Luis , Abad David , De Frutos Serna Mónica , Ocampo-Sosa Alain , Eiros José
Published: February 2021

An extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate MS3802 from a tracheostomy exudate was whole-genome sequenced using MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION platforms in order to identify the antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinates and their genomic context. Isolate MS3802 belonged to the clone ST23 and presented a capsular serotype K1, associated with hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) isolates. The isolate harboured a chromosomally encoded blaCTX-M-15 gene and contained a large IncHI1B hybrid virulence/resistance plasmid carrying another copy of the blaCTX-M-15 and the virulence factors iucABCD-iutA, iroBCDN, rmpA and rmpA2. The carbapenemase gene blaOXA-48 was found in a Tn1999-like transposon and the 16S rRNA methylase armA gen located in the vicinity of other antibiotic-resistant genes on an IncM2 plasmid. This study represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first description of a blaCTX-M-15-, blaOXA-48- and armA-harbouring K. pneumoniae of ST23 and capsular serotype K1 in Spain. Our report emphasizes the importance of implementing new surveillance strategies to monitor the risk of emergence and spread of such XDR and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae isolates.
The Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimators in the Pharmacokinetic Modelling in Acute Kidney Injury: An Observational Study
Authors: Abramavicius Silvijus , Galaune Vaidotas , Tunaityte Agile , Vitkauskiene Astra , Gumbrevicius Gintautas , Radzeviciene Aurelija , Maciulaitis Romaldas
Published: February 2021

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), according to which the drug dose for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is adjusted, is computed with estimators (eGFR) that are developed specifically for CKD. These particular types of estimators are also used in population pharmacokinetic (pop PK) modelling in drug development. Similar approaches without scientific validation have been proposed for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), yet it is uncertain which specific eGFR should be used for drug dosing or in pop PK models in patients with AKI. In our study, we included 34 patients with AKI and vancomycin (VCM) treatment, and we built both individual PK and pop PK (non-linear mixed-effects, one-compartment) models to see which eGFR estimator is the best covariate. In these models different eGFRs (Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD, CKD-EPI 2009, Jelliffe and Jelliffe, Chen et al., and Yashiro et al. 2013) were used. We included six additional patients to validate the final pop PK model. All eGFRs underrate the true renal clearance in the AKI, so we created pop PK models for VCM dosing in AKI with all eGFRs, to discover that the most accurate model was the one with the Cockcroft-Gault estimator. Since the eGFRs underestimate the true renal clearance in AKI, they are inaccurate for clinical drug dosing decisions, with the exception of the Cockcroft-Gault one, which is appropriate for the pop PK models intended for drug development purposes in AKI.
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Juglans regia L. Pellicle Extract
Authors: D’Angeli Floriana , Malfa Giuseppe Antonio , Garozzo Adriana , Li Volti Giovanni , Genovese Carlo , Stivala Aldo , Nicolosi Daria , Attanasio Francesco , Bellia Francesco , Ronsisvalle Simone , Acquaviva Rosaria
Published: February 2021

The difficulty to treat resistant strains-related hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) promoted the study of phytoextracts, known sources of bioactive molecules. Accordingly, in the present study, the pharmacological activities of Juglans regia (L.) pellicle extract (WPE) were investigated. The antiviral effect was tested against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, Poliovirus 1, Adenovirus 2, Echovirus 9, Coxsackievirus B1 through the plaque reduction assay. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against medically important strains, by the microdilution method. DPPH and superoxide dismutase (SOD)s-like activity assays were used to determine the antioxidant effect. Besides, the extract was screened for cytotoxicity on Caco-2, MCF-7, and HFF1 cell lines by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. Interestingly, WPE inhibited Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) replication, bacterial and fungal growth. WPE showed free radical scavenging capacity and inhibited superoxide anion formation in a dose-dependent manner. These effects could be attributed to the high content of phenols and flavonoids, which were 0.377 ± 0.01 mg GE/g and 0.292 ± 0.08 mg CE/g, respectively. Moreover, WPE was able to reduce Caco-2 cell viability, at both 48 h and 72 h. The promising results encourage further studies aimed to better elucidate the role of WPE in the prevention of human infectious diseases.