bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese consumers do not always respond to red: The influence of colors on perceived distance, spaciousness, and purchase intention of Chinese consumers
Authors: Zhao Dan , Guan Fengwei
Published: January 2023

Many international firms hold a common stereotype about Chinese consumers’ color preference: culturally, red is their favorite color. However, many international firms (e.g., P&G, Ford, and Wal-Mart) do not use red as their theme colors when they run business in the Chinese market. To explain this interesting phenomenon, this study conducted three which include one IAT experiment and two scenari-based experiments to reveal less culture-laden influences of colors on people by examining the mediating effects of perceived spaciousness between colors and purchase intention. The results show that blue walls of a room make the room look more spacious than red ones and eventually increase consumers’ purchase intention. The perceived spaciousness is caused by the fact blue objects are perceived more distant than red ones. The findings indicate that culturally favorable color may not always be the most effective tool to increase consumers’ purchase intention. Hence, international firms should be extremely cautious when selecting a theme color in foreign markets.
The relationship between Japanese adults’ age and self-reported verbal strategies when lying
Authors: Tabata Naoya , Vrij Aldert
Published: January 2023

We examined the relationship between age and self-reported verbal deception strategies in Japanese adults. Japanese participants (N = 153) aged 18 to 73 years took part in this study. We requested the participants to state their age and freely describe how they structure their speech to appear convincing when lying during their daily interactions. We extracted 13 verbal strategies from the participants’ open-ended descriptions. Japan is a high-context culture. The results indicated that 11 categories corresponded to the verbal strategies reported in previous studies on lying conducted in low-context cultures. However, two strategies mentioned in the current study, making ambiguous statements and adding irrelevant details to the lie, were not reported in low-context cultures. As expected, age was significantly and negatively correlated with the number of verbal strategies used when lying. Moreover, verbal strategies that seem relatively cognitive demanding were used less as the age of the participants increased. We concluded that these results reflected the age-related decline of cognitive abilities.
How workplace loneliness harms employee well-being: A moderated mediational model
Authors: Basit Ameer A. , Nauman Shazia
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the effect of workplace loneliness on work-related subjective well-being by proposing work engagement as an explanatory mechanism in the workplace loneliness—job dissatisfaction relationship. Moreover, the study examines the need to belong as a coping mechanism in the relationship between workplace loneliness and work engagement. Specifically, the study posits that workplace loneliness reduces the positive and fulfilling state of work engagement that in turn increases job dissatisfaction and that this mediation depends on the employee’s level of need to belong. Data were collected from employees (N = 274) working in diverse domestic and multinational organizations in Lahore, Pakistan. Results showed that workplace loneliness reduced the work engagement of lonely individuals that in turn increased their job dissatisfaction. However, the deleterious effect of workplace loneliness on work engagement was weaker for individuals having a higher need to belong. These findings have important implications for organizations wishing to mitigate the harmful effects of workplace loneliness on employees’ subjective well-being.
Communicating telecom fraud risk in anti-telefraud messages: The effects of metaphorical frames on attitudes
Authors: Liu Mengna , Chen Jinshi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

With the frequent occurrences of telecom fraud crimes in China, it is very necessary and urgent to carry out effective anti-telefraud risk communication. In the present study, we investigated the role of metaphorical framing in shaping people’s attitudes toward telecom fraud in anti-telefraud messages through two experiments.

Methods

Participants (N = 547, Experiment 1;N = 604, Experiment 2) were randomly assigned to war-framing, disease-framing, or issue-framing conditions. They were asked to read anti-telefraud messages where metaphorical frames were realized through multiple metaphorical expressions in Experiment 1 and relatively shorter messages where metaphorical frames were only instantiated through one metaphorical word in Experiment 2.

Results

The results showed that participants without prior experience with telecom fraud perceived severity as significantly higher in the war-framing condition than in the issue-framing condition. Besides, the framing effects were only detected in Experiment 2 where the short anti-telefraud message with limited metaphorical information was provided.

Discussion

The study reveals that even one metaphorical word is sufficient to build a framework for thinking about complex concepts, like telecom fraud, and prior experience with a certain risk can serve as a moderator of metaphorical framing on people’s risk perceptions. It is also found that the effectiveness of metaphors may be more salient in the genres of a short length such as anti-telefraud banners. The study can shed light on public legal educators whose job is to use effective ways to communicate telecom fraud risk to citizens.
The relationship between maternal-fetus attachment and perceived parental bonds in pregnant women: Considering a possible mediating role of psychological distress
Authors: Gioia Maria C. , Cerasa Antonio , Muggeo Vito M. R. , Tonin Paolo , Cajiao Juanita , Aloi Alessia , Martino Iolanda , Tenuta Flaviana , Costabile Angela , Craig Francesco
Published: January 2023

Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) delineates the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects that mothers develop toward the unborn baby during pregnancy. The literature indicates that optimal attachment in pregnancy represents a protective factor for the mother-child attachment bond after birth and child development outcomes. To date, there are few studies that have investigated associated factors of MFA. This study sets out to explore the association between perceived parental bonds and maternal-fetal bonding in pregnant women, accounting for factors such as psychological distress, socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 1,177 pregnant women answered the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y), and Beck-Depression Inventory (BDI-II).

Results

We found out that perceived maternal and paternal care had significant direct effects on maternal-infant bonding during the pregnancy period when controlling for some confounders, including gestational age and mother age among others. Such maternal and paternal perceived care effects were not mediated by levels of psychological distress, which in turn resulted to be a “borderline” significant predictor of prenatal attachment. Interestingly, the gestational age and the mother age emerged to have a significant and synergic nonlinear effect, suggesting the influence on the MFAS of the gestational age depends on the values of the mother age, and likewise, the effect of mother age on MFAS depends on the gestational week.

Conclusion

This study expands our knowledge of the intergenerational transmission of attachment pointing out the effects of a woman’s perceived bond in relation to her parental figures during the development of the prenatal attachment process. Findings also suggests that parenting support interventions may have benefits that are realized across generations.
Improving effectiveness of online learning for higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Xuelan , Pei Zhiqiang
Published: January 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become one of the important ways of higher education because it is not confined by time and place. How to ensure the effectiveness of online learning has become the focus of education research, and the role of the “online learning community” cannot be ignored. In the context of the Internet of Things (IoT), we try to build up a new online learning community model: (1) First, we introduce the Kolb learning style theory to identify different online learning styles; (2) Second, we use a clustering algorithm to identify the nature of different learning style groups; and (3) Third, we introduce the group dynamics theory to design the dimensions of the questionnaire and combine the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to identify the key influencing factors of the online learning community. We take business administration majors and students in universities as an example. The results show that (1) as a machine learning method, the clustering algorithm method is superior to the random construction method in identifying different learning style groups, and (2) our method can well judge the importance of each factor based on hierarchical analysis and clarify the different roles of factors in the process of knowledge transfer. This study can provide a useful reference for the sustainable development of online learning in higher education.
Anxiety symptoms during COVID-19 in older adults with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Pongan Elodie , Rouch Isabelle , Herrmann Mathieu , Perrot Catherine , Lebrun-Givois Cécile , Spirli Laurie , Briollet Chloé , Martin Hélène Saint , Laurent Bernard , Bachelet Romain , El Haouari Hanane , Buisson Aurélie , Edjolo Arlette , Dorey Jean-Michel
Published: January 2023

Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older people and patients with psychiatric disorders had an increased risk of being isolated. The French National Authority for Health has recommended a reinforced follow-up of these patients. Cross-sectional studies reported an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression during pandemic. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with higher anxiety during the pandemic in older patients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

STERACOVID is a multicenter cohort study with 117 patients followed-up by phone in two French geriatric psychiatry units. In this work, we used cross-sectional data from a prospective follow-up conducted between January and May 2021.

Results

We found that coping strategies, personality, and living conditions were associated with general anxiety (GA) level during the pandemic period. Higher GA was associated with less positive thinking coping strategy, more avoidance strategies, a lower level of extraversion, a higher level of neuroticism, more time spent watching the news, a higher feeling of loneliness, and a lack of physical contact.

Findings

Our study identified factors associated with a poorer experience of pandemic crisis. Special attention should be paid to patients with a high level of neuroticism and a high feeling of loneliness. Support could aim to help patients use more functional strategies: reducing avoidance strategies and increasing positive thinking. Finally, reducing time watching news could also be an interesting prevention perspective.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04760795.
The determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among migrants from 109 countries residing in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Hao , Lei Weitian , Wei Zhengyi , Wang Fan
Published: January 2023

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among foreign migrants in China and to explore the determinants of their vaccine uptake behavior.

Methods

From June to October 2021, we used convenience and snowball sampling to recruit a sample of 764 participants from five cities in which the overwhelming majority of foreign migrants in China live. The chi-square (χ2) tests were used to examine vaccination distribution according to demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models visualized by forest plot were used to investigate the associations between significant determinants and vaccine uptake.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of vaccination rate was 72.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 69.9–76.0%]. Migrants whose social participation was very active [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.95, 95% CI: 1.36–6.50, P = 0.007] or had perceived COVID-19 progression prevention by the vaccine (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.01–3.02, P = 0.012) had higher odds of vaccination compared to those whose social participation was inactive or who did not have this perception. Migrants who perceived the vaccine uptake process as complex (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.80, P = 0.016) or were unsure of their physical suitability for the vaccine (AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24–0.68, P < 0.001) had lower odds of vaccination compared to those who did not have these perceptions. Furthermore, migrants from emerging and developing Asian countries (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.07–5.21, P = 0.04) and the Middle East and Central Asia (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.07–4.50, P = 0.03) had higher odds of vaccination than those from major advanced economies (G7) countries, while migrants from other advanced economic countries (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11–0.63, P = 0.003) had lower odds of vaccination than those from G7 countries.

Conclusion

It may be beneficial to promote vaccine uptake among migrants by ensuring effective community engagement, simplifying the appointment and uptake process, and advocating the benefits and target populations of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Engaging social activities prevent stroke and myocardial infraction by raising awareness of warning symptoms: A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Kim Gahyeon , Jang Hyeokjoo , Kwon Sebin , Lee Bumyeol , Jang Suk-Yong , Chae Wonjeong , Jang Sung-In
Published: January 2023

Background

Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are medical emergencies, and early treatment within the golden hour is crucial for good prognosis. Adequate knowledge about the warning symptoms can shorten the onset-to-door time. Various factors affect the level of awareness, including social activity. This study aimed to determine if engaging in social activity is associated with the awareness of the warning symptoms of stroke and MI.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed 451,793 participants from the 2017 and 2019 Korea Community Health Survey. Based on five questions for each of stroke and MI symptoms, participants were divided into an awareness group (replied “Yes” to all five questions) and unawareness group. Engagement in social activities (i.e., religious, friendship, leisure, and volunteer activity) was evaluated through a questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relation between social activity and awareness of warning symptoms.

Results

Overall, 52.6% participants were aware of the warning symptoms of stroke, and 45.8% of MI. Regular engagement in at least one social activity, particularly friendship or volunteer activity, was associated with better awareness of the warning symptoms, both stroke (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.20–1.23) and MI (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.20–1.24). Additionally, more diverse types of social activities were associated with higher levels of awareness. Relationship between social activity and awareness showed positive association with participants older than 60 years, rural residents, or with low socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Engagement in social activity was significantly associated with better knowledge about the warning symptoms of stroke and MI. For early hospital treatment after symptom onset, participation in social activities could be beneficial.
A national cross-sectional study on the influencing factors of low HPV vaccination coverage in mainland China
Authors: Yin Xiangju , Zhang Mengrui , Wang Fei , Huang Yue , Niu Yuyao , Ge Pu , Yu Wenli , Wu Yibo
Published: January 2023

Background

HPV vaccine can block the infection of high-risk human papillomavirus and is an important measure to effectively reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. However, the HPV vaccination rate is still low in China. There are many factors. Therefore, it is important to study the influencing factors to provide basis for promoting the formulation of vaccination strategies.

Methods

This study used a multi-stage sampling method to conduct a face-to-face questionnaire survey on women in different regions of China. The new general self-efficacy scale was used to measure the self-efficacy of the respondents. The short form of family health scale measured their family health. The t-test and binary Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the influencing factors of HPV vaccination. Restricted cubic spline model was used to analyze the influence trend of self-efficacy and family health on HPV vaccination rate.

Results

(1) The HPV vaccination rate was low, especially in the ≤18 group. The place of residence, capita household income/month, individual self-efficacy and family health had a significant impact on HPV vaccination. (2) The restricted cubic spline model showed that self-efficacy positively promoted HPV vaccination, the correlation strength was statistically significant (χ2 =27.64, P<0.001) and non-linear (χ2 = 12.49, P = 0.0004); The poor family health hindered HPV vaccination, and the association strength was statistically significant (χ2 = 47.81, P < 0.001) and non-linear (χ2 = 9.96, P = 0.0016).

Conclusion

It is necessary to strengthen the health education of HPV vaccination knowledge in the population to eliminate the hesitancy of vaccination. Free HPV vaccination strategies should be developed and encourage people of appropriate age to receive as early as possible. Self-efficacy and family health should be enhanced to increase HPV vaccination rate, so as to achieve the goal of reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and protecting women's health.
Comparison of the risks of occupational diseases, avoidable hospitalization, and all-cause deaths between firefighters and non-firefighters: A cohort study using national health insurance claims data
Authors: Lee Woo-Ri , Lee Haejong , Nam Eun Woo , Noh Jin-Won , Yoon Jin-Ha , Yoo Ki-Bong
Published: January 2023

Objectives

National Health Insurance claims data were used to compare the incidence of occupational diseases, avoidable hospitalization, and all-cause death standardized incidence ratio and hazard ratio between firefighters and non-firefighters.

Methods

The observation period of the study was from 2006 to 2015 and a control group (general workers and national and regional government officers/public educational officers) and a firefighter group was established. The dependent variables were occupational diseases, avoidable hospitalization (AH), and all-cause death. The analysis was conducted in three stages. First, the standardized incidence ratios were calculated using the indirect standardization method to compare the prevalence of the disease between the groups (firefighter and non-firefighter groups). Second, propensity score matching was performed for each disease in the control group. Third, the Cox proportional hazards model was applied by matching the participants.

Results

The standardized incidence ratio and Cox regression analyses revealed higher rates of noise-induced hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, back pain, admission due to injury, mental illness, depression, and AH for firefighters than general workers. Similarly, the rates of noise-induced hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, back pain, admission due to injury, mental illness, depression, and AH were higher in the firefighter group than in the national and regional government officer/public educational officer group.

Conclusions

The standardized incidence ratios and hazard ratios for most diseases were high for firefighters. Therefore, besides the prevention and management of diseases from a preventive medical perspective, management programs, including social support and social prescriptions in the health aspect, are needed.
What is being done to respond to the rise of chronic diseases and multi-morbidity in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia?
Authors: Sagan Anna , Kowalska-Bobko Iwona , Bryndová Lucie , Smatana Martin , Chaklosh Ihor , Gaál Pétér
Published: January 2023

Although countries in central and eastern Europe (CEE) have relatively younger populations compared to the West, their populations are often affected by higher prevalence of chronic conditions and multi-morbidity and this burden will likely increase as their populations age. Relatively little is known about how these countries cater to the needs of complex patients. This Perspective piece identifies key initiatives to improve coordination of care in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, including some pioneering and far-reaching approaches. Unfortunately, some of them have failed to be implemented, but a recent strategic commitment to care coordination in some of these countries and the dedication to rebuilding stronger health systems after the COVID-19 pandemic offer an opportunity to take stock of these past and ongoing experiences and push for more progress in this area.
Assessing the impact of climate conditions on the distribution of mosquito species in Qatar
Authors: Tahir Furqan , Bansal Devendra , Rehman Atiq ur , Ajjur Salah B. , Skariah Sini , Belhaouari Samir B. , Al-Romaihi Hamad , Al-Thani Mohammed H. J. , Farag Elmoubasher , Sultan Ali A. , Al-Ghamdi Sami G.
Published: January 2023

Qatar is a peninsular country with predominantly hot and humid weather, with 88% of the total population being immigrants. As such, it leaves the country liable to the introduction and dissemination of vector-borne diseases, in part due to the presence of native arthropod vectors. Qatar's weather is expected to become warmer with the changing climatic conditions across the globe. Environmental factors such as humidity and temperature contribute to the breeding and distribution of different types of mosquito species in a given region. If proper and timely precautions are not taken, a high rate of particular mosquito species can result in the transmission of various vector-borne diseases. In this study, we analyzed the environmental impact on the probability of occurrence of different mosquito species collected from several different sites in Qatar. The Naive Bayes model was used to calculate the posterior probability for various mosquito species. Further, the resulting Naive Bayes predictions were used to define the favorable environmental circumstances for identified mosquito species. The findings of this study will help in the planning and implementation of an active surveillance system and preventive measures to curb the spread of mosquitoes in Qatar.
Maternal mental health during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak: A cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Alenezi Shuliweeh , Abdulghani Sahar H. , Shaiba Lana A. , Hadid Adnan , Al Ohaly Rana Y. , Aldeghaither Basmah S. , Alessa Rania A. , Alyahya Ahmed S.
Published: January 2023

Background

As COVID-19 spread in several countries, social distancing measures was implemented around the world, affecting the quality of lives for millions of people. The impact was more pronounced on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, who are at even more risk due to their suppressed immune system. Moreover, mental health disorders are more common among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant. This study aims to assess the influence of social isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of women in their third trimester and postpartum.

Material and methods

This is a cross-sectional survey-based study conducted in Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between the months of April to May 2021, to explore depression and anxiety levels in females who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to background demographic data, the survey included Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) were utilized to detect symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively.

Results

A total of 283 women were included in this study, almost half of them were ante-natal (n-141) and the rest were post-natal (n = 124). 62.3% were in the age groups of 25–35 years. Based on the PHQ-9 scoring, 65% of the study sample had depression (ranging from mild to severe). Moreover, based on GAD-7 scoring, 49.1% had anxiety (ranging from mild to severe). No association was found between PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores and different sociodemographic and obstetric factors. Additionally, the mean scores of women infected with COVID-19 vs. women who has never been diagnosed with COVID-19 were closely comparable.

Conclusions

We reported a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and health care providers are advised to implement targeted preventive measures for pregnant women to improve mental health in times of epidemics.
Tailoring implementation interventions of different order in infection prevention and control: A cascadic logic model (IPC-CASCADE)
Authors: von Lengerke Thomas , Tomsic Ivonne , Krosta Karolin M. E. , Ebadi Ella , Keil Valentine , Buchta Frederike , Luz J. Katrin , Schaumburg Tiffany , Kolbe-Busch Susanne , Chaberny Iris F.
Published: January 2023

Implementation interventions in infection prevention and control (IPC) differ by recipients. The two target groups are healthcare workers directly involved in patient care (“frontline”) and IPC professionals as proxy agents, that is, implementation support practitioners. While both types of implementation interventions aim to promote compliance with clinical interventions to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI), their tailoring may be vastly different, for example, due to different behavioural outcomes. Additionally, IPC teams, as recipients of empowering tailored interventions, are under-researched. To overcome this gap and improve conceptual clarity, we proposed a cascadic logic model for tailored IPC interventions (IPC-CASCADE). In the model, we distinguished between interventions by IPC professionals targeting clinicians and those targeting IPC professionals (first- and second-order implementation interventions, respectively). Tailoring implies selecting behaviour change techniques matched to prospectively-assessed determinants of either clinician compliance (in first-order interventions) or interventions by IPC professionals for frontline workers (in second-order interventions). This interventional cascade is embedded in the prevailing healthcare system. IPC-CASCADE is horizontally structured over time and vertically structured by hierarchy or leadership roles. IPC-CASCADE aims to highlight the potential of increasing the impact of tailored interventions by IPC professionals for clinicians (to improve their compliance) via tailored interventions for IPC professionals (to improve their work as proxy agents). It underlines the links that IPC professionals define between macro contexts (healthcare and hospitals) and frontline workers in HAI prevention. It is specific, i.e., “tailored” to IPC, and expected to assist implementation science to better conceptualise tailoring.
Effect of a novel dietary supplement Khejri, and Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile in cricket players
Authors: Pareek Arvind , Kasvan Bhanwra Ram , Singh Neha
Published: January 2023

Prosopis cineraria (Fabaceae) is known as Khejri in India or the golden tree of Indian deserts. It’s potential as a dietary supplement in sports nutrition and its effect on regulating lipid profile has never been investigated. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a superfood with high nutritional value and is a popular supplement among athletes. In the current study, Spirulina and Khejri were used as supplements by cricket players to improve their physical fitness and lipid profile. Both supplements were given to individual groups and in combination to see the combined effect. The intervention period was 21 days, and supplements were given in 500 mg doses daily. Lipid profile assessments were done before and after the intervention period. 40 cricket players were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (n = 10): Both supplements, Spirulina and Khejri, Group 2 (n = 10): Supplement Spirulina, Group 3 (n = 10): Supplement Khejri, and Group 4 (n = 10): Control. When experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 were compared to the control group 4, significant reduction was observed in triglyceride levels (Group1 vs. control: 141.53 ± 14.74 vs. 199.28 ± 27.24, p < 0.05; Group 2 vs. control: 137.5 ± 14 vs. 199.28 ± 27.24, p < 0.05; Group 3 vs. control: 135.32 ± 17.34 vs. 199.28 ± 27.24, p < 0.05) and significant reduction in cholesterol levels was found post-intervention after 21 days of supplementation (Group1 vs. control: 149.75 ± 7.08 vs. 207.86 ± 11.69, p < 0.001; Group 2 vs. control: 178.28 ± 9.43 vs. 207.86 ± 11.69, p < 0.05; Group 3 vs. control: 142.92 ± 10.01 vs. 207.86 ± 11.69, p < 0.001). Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels were significantly decreased pre- vs. post-intervention by Khejri and Spirulina supplements in cricket players.
Mitigating the repercussions of climate change on diseases affecting important crop commodities in Southeast Asia, for food security and environmental sustainability—A review
Authors: Lim Jie Ann , Yaacob Jamilah Syafawati , Mohd Rasli Siti Rasila Ainaa , Eyahmalay Jennifer Edwina , El Enshasy Hesham Ali , Zakaria Mohd Rezuwan Shah
Published: January 2023

Southeast Asia is a fertile land with a warm and humid climate which tends to accommodate various food crops. The development and advancement of the agricultural sector not only allows the countries in the region to feed the increasing population, but are also able to boost the nation's economy through exportation of the crops. Some of the well-known and economically-significant plant commodities found in the region include rice, oil palm, rubber, coconut, banana, sugarcane, pineapple, black pepper, maize, cocoa, durian, and jackfruit. Due to the high production of crops, Southeast Asia is able to stand among the top world producers of these commodities. Nevertheless, the widespread of pathogenic microorganisms has posed a serious threat to the industry over the years; with hundreds of millions of money wasted and total yield being lost due to the devastating diseases associated with each type of the plants. A lot of attention and effort have been continuously devoted to find effective plant management strategies to combat plant diseases, starting from traditional physical and chemical methods to the increasing discoveries on biological approaches made in recent decades. Due to the challenges and limitations faced by conventional approaches and the rising awareness toward the environment, more work has been focused on establishing the application of beneficial microorganisms to tackle plant diseases through direct mechanisms. Thus, by bringing the common plant commodities in Southeast Asia, their associated diseases and various physical, chemical and biological control measures together, this review aims to provide clearer insights and practical information to those who seek to limit the damages caused by plant diseases.
Clinical feasibility of the therapeutic strategies total neoadjuvant therapy and “watch and wait” in the treatment of rectal cancer patients with recurrence after clinical complete response
Authors: Dai Dianyin , Liu Ge , Liu Huanran , Liu Yanfeng , Liu Xinlu , Li Shuang , Lei Yanan , Gao Yun , Wang Yuezhu , Zhang Shoujia , Zhang Ran
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In recent years, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy against advanced rectal cancer (RC). After administration of TNT, some patients show complete clinical response (cCR) to treatment however, disputes about the effects of TNT and the alternative treatment plans in case of recurrence after cCR still exist.

Methods

A total of 100 patients were included in this paper. CR and non-CR was observed when these patients were administered with TNT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, China from May 2015 to June 2021. These patients received different chemotherapeutic regimens, with close monitoring and watch and wait (W&W) strategy being applied by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). According to treatment results, patients were divided into a cCR group and a non-cCR group; according to the recurrence during W&W, they were divided into a recurrence group and a no-local-recurrence group. This study analyzed the factors that may affect the prognosis, and summarized the surgery and treatment after recurrence.

Results

The TNT strategy was effective, and 85% of patients achieved local remission. However, W&W did not affect the survival time of CR patients, nor did it cause new distant metastasis due to local recurrence during the observation period (P > 0.05). However, for patients with positive CRM, we do not recommend W&W as the first choice of treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

(1) Whole-course neoadjuvant therapy was an effective treatment scheme for advanced mid-term rectal cancer. The total local reduction rate of this group of cases was 85.00%, meaning that 25 patients achieved CR. (2) W&W was safe and reliable, and CR patients could receive it as the preferred treatment. (3) CRM was an independent risk factor for local recurrence in CR patients. We do not recommend W&W as the preferred treatment for CR patients with positive CRM.
bpMRI and mpMRI for detecting prostate cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pan Yongsheng , Shen Cheng , Chen Xinfeng , Cao Dongliang , Jiang Jie , Xu Wei , Ji Chen , Pan Xiaodong , Zheng Bing
Published: January 2023

Background

We aimed to compare the detection rates of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa) by biparametric (bp-) and multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Materials and Methods

A total of 699 patients who underwent transperineal prostate biopsy in the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate analysis was used to explore the influencing factors associated with the detection rates of PCa and csPCa. According to MRI examination before biopsy, the patients were divided into bpMRI group and mpMRI group. The detection rates of PCa and csPCa by bpMRI and mpMRI were compared. Furthermore, stratified analysis was performed for patients in these two groups to compare the detection rates of PCa and csPCa at different tPSA intervals, different prostate volume (PV) intervals and different PI-RADS V2 scores.

Results

A total of 571 patients were finally analyzed in this study after exclusion, and the overall detection rate of PCa was 54.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that patient age, tPSA level, prostate volume and PI-RADS V2 score were independent risk factors affecting the detection rates of PCa and csPCa. The detection rates of PCa and csPCa by bpMRI and mpMRI were comparable (51.3% vs. 57.9%, 44.0% vs. 48.0%, both P > 0.05), with no statistical significance. In the tPSA 10–20 ng/ml interval, the detection rates of PCa (59.72% vs. 40.35%, P = 0.011) and csPCa (51.39% vs. 28.82%, P = 0.005) by mpMRI were significantly higher than those by bpMRI, while in other tPSA interval (tPSA < 4 ng/ml, 4–10 ng/ml, 20–100 ng/ml), different PVs (≤30 ml, 30–60 ml, >60 ml) and different PI-RADS V2 scores (3, 4, and 5), the detection rates of PCa and csPCa were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

For detecting PCa and csPCa, bpMRI and mpMRI had similar diagnostic efficacies, whereas mpMRI detected more PCa and csPCa in the tPSA interval of 10–20 ng/ml.
Quadcopter Drone for Vision-Based Autonomous Target Following
Authors: Chen Wen-Chieh , Lin Chun-Liang , Chen Yang-Yi , Cheng Hsin-Hsu
Published: January 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming popular in various applications. However, there are still challenging issues to be tackled, such as effective obstacle avoidance, target identification within a crowd, and specific target tracking. This paper focuses on dynamic target following and obstacle avoidance to realize a prototype of a quadcopter drone to serve as an autonomous object follower. An adaptive target identification system is proposed to recognize the specific target in the complicated background. For obstacle avoidance during flight, we introduce an idea of space detection and use it to develop a so-called contour and spiral convolution space detection (CASCSD) algorithm to evade obstacles. Thanks to the low architecture complexity, it is appropriate for implementation on onboard flight control systems. The target prediction is integrated with fuzzified flight control to fulfill an autonomous target tracker. When this series of technical research and development is completed, this system can be used for applications such as personal security guard and criminal detection systems.
Automatic Marine Debris Inspection
Authors: Liao Yu-Hsien , Juang Jih-Gau
Published: January 2023

Plastic trash can be found anywhere, around the marina, beaches, and coastal areas in recent times. This study proposes a trash dataset called HAIDA and a trash detector that uses a YOLOv4-based object detection algorithm to monitor coastal trash pollution efficiently. Model selection, model evaluation, and hyperparameter tuning were applied to obtain the best model for the lowest generalization error in the real world. Comparison of the state-of-the-art object detectors based on YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and Scaled-YOLOv4 that used hyperparameter tuning, the three-way holdout method, and k-fold cross-validation have been presented. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was also employed to detect trash in coastal areas using the proposed method. The performance on image classification was satisfactory.
Experimental Assessment of Aero-Propulsive Effects on a Large Turboprop Aircraft with Rear-Engine Installation
Authors: Corcione Salvatore , Cusati Vincenzo , Ciliberti Danilo , Nicolosi Fabrizio
Published: January 2023

This paper deals with the estimation of propulsive effects for a three-lifting surface turboprop aircraft concept, with rear engine installation at the horizontal tail tips, conceived to carry up to 130 passengers. This work is focused on how the propulsive system affects the horizontal tailplane aerodynamics and, consequently, the aircraft’s static stability characteristics using wind tunnel tests. Both direct and indirect propulsive effects have been estimated. The former produces moments whose values depend on the distance from the aircraft’s centre of gravity to the thrust lines and propeller disks. The latter entails a change in the angle of attack and an increment of dynamic pressure on the tailplane. Several tests were also performed on the body-empennage configuration to investigate the propulsive effects on the aircraft’s static stability without the appearance of any aerodynamic interference phenomena, especially from the canard. The output of the experimental campaign reveals a beneficial effect of the propulsive effects on the aircraft’s longitudinal stability, with an increase in the stability margin of about 2.5% and a reduction in the directional stability derivative of about 4%, attributed to the different induced drag contributions of the two horizontal tail semi-planes. Moreover, the rolling moment coefficient experiences a greater variation due to the propulsion depending on the propeller rotation direction. The outcomes of this paper allow the enhancement of the technical readiness level for the considered aircraft, giving clear indications about the feasibility of the aircraft configuration.
Intelligent Pursuit–Evasion Game Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Gao Mengjing , Yan Tian , Li Quancheng , Fu Wenxing , Zhang Jin
Published: January 2023

As defense technology develops, it is essential to study the pursuit–evasion (PE) game problem in hypersonic vehicles, especially in the situation where a head-on scenario is created. Under a head-on situation, the hypersonic vehicle’s speed advantage is offset. This paper, therefore, establishes the scenario and model for the two sides of attack and defense, using the twin delayed deep deterministic (TD3) gradient strategy, which has a faster convergence speed and reduces over-estimation. In view of the flight state–action value function, the decision framework for escape control based on the actor–critic method is constructed, and the solution method for a deep reinforcement learning model based on the TD3 gradient network is presented. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy enables the hypersonic vehicle to evade successfully, even under an adverse head-on scene. Moreover, the programmed maneuver strategy of the hypersonic vehicle is improved, transforming it into an intelligent maneuver strategy.
Correlation between Density of Reentry Plasma and Frequency of Attenuated Electromagnetic Signals Based on Laboratory Measurements
Authors: Shin Gi-Won , Kim Jae-Hyeon , Lee Sun-Hee , Bang In-Young , Kim Ji-Hwan , Park Yeon-Soo , Kwon Hee-Tae , Kim Woo-Jae , Kwon Gi-Ching
Published: January 2023

Upon reentering the Earth’s atmosphere from space, a reentry vehicle becomes enshrouded in an ionization layer. This layer is known as the reentry plasma sheath and is caused by aerodynamic heating. Owing to the oscillation of charged particles in the reentry plasma sheath, the electromagnetic waves for communication between the vehicle and ground are attenuated. Analysis of the plasma density and attenuation of electromagnetic waves in a reentry plasma environment would require experimentation in an environment in which an actual aircraft reenters the atmosphere. Alternatively, an experiment in a large-scale plasma wind tunnel would be necessary. Unfortunately, these experiments would be extremely costly. Therefore, in this study, the reentry plasma was reproduced at laboratory scale using the hot refractory anode vacuum arc (HRAVA) method. In addition, the pressure in the vacuum chamber was used as a variable to probe the characteristics of the reentry plasma according to the altitude. The plasma density and attenuation of electromagnetic waves propagating through the plasma medium were measured using heterodyne interferometry and reflectometry capable of frequency analysis in the range of 10−35 GHz. The results confirmed that the plasma density and attenuation of the electromagnetic waves increased as the pressure in the vacuum chamber increased.
QTL Mapping for Root Traits and Their Effects on Nutrient Uptake and Yield Performance in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Xu Yanhua , Yang Yuzhen , Wu Si , Liu Dongcheng , Ren Yongzhe
Published: January 2023

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world. Mapping QTLs for root traits is essential for the selection of wheat roots desirable for the efficient acquisition of nutrients. Here, a QTL analysis for wheat root traits was performed using 142 recombinant inbred lines derived from two wheat varieties Xiaoyan 54 and Jing 411 in a soil column culture trial. The genetic map used in this study contained 470 SSR markers and covered 3438.4 cM of wheat genome. A total of 25 QTLs for root and shoot traits were detected, located at 16 marker intervals of 13 chromosomes. The percentage of phenotypic variation explained by individual QTLs varied from 6.1% to 22.0%. The QTLs regulating RDW and root distribution on chromosomes 1A, 3A, 4A, and 5B are important for root growth in both the top- and subsoils. For qRDW-1A, qRDW-3A, and qRDW-5B, the nearest markers to the QTLs were much closer than that of qRDW-4A, with the genetic distances ranging from 0.01 to 1.18 cM. Combining these three QTLs not only increased RDW and nutrient uptake, but also increased GW, SDW, and BDW under low nitrogen conditions in the field trial. Therefore, these QTLs are valuable for marker-assisted selection of wheat root traits.
Studies on the Impact of Selected Pretreatments on Protein Solubility of Arthrospira platensis Microalga
Authors: Spínola Maria P. , Costa Mónica M. , Prates José A. M.
Published: January 2023

Arthrospira platensis has emerged as a novel protein feed source since it contains high protein level and quality. However, this microalga presents a recalcitrant cell wall and its main proteins form protein-pigment complexes attached to the thylakoid membrane. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of mechanical/physical pretreatments (bead milling, extrusion, freeze-drying, heating, microwave and sonication) on A. platensis protein solubility. Total protein content and solubility were assessed by Bradford method and SDS-PAGE quantification. Protein degradation was assessed through quantification of protein fractions (18–26 kDa, 40–48 kDa and others) in SDS-PAGE gels. Peptide formation was evaluated using the o-phthaldialdehyde assay. The results showed a decrease in total protein content in the supernatant with extrusion (0.07 to 1.42 mg/mL) and microwave pretreatments, and in the pellet with extrusion. Therefore, extrusion, followed by microwave, was the most effective pretreatment for A. platensis proteins denaturation and solubility. It is suggested that the extrusion process cause an irreversible denaturation and aggregation of the major microalga proteins (c-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin), with a strong decrease in their solubility. Therefore, extrusion could increase the bioaccessibility of A. platensis proteins and enable the incorporation of this microalga at higher levels in monogastric diets.
Decomposition and Nitrogen Release Rates of Foliar Litter from Single and Mixed Agroforestry Species under Field Conditions
Authors: Tzec-Gamboa Magnolia del Carmen , Álvarez-Rivera Oscar Omar , Ramírez y Avilés Luis , Solorio-Sánchez Francisco Javier
Published: January 2023

Decomposition and N release pattern from the leaves of three shrubs species were studied under field conditions. Leaves of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.), Guazuma ulmifolia (Lam.) and Moringa oleifera (Lam.) and two mixtures, Leucaena + Moringa and Leucaena + Guazuma, in a complete randomized block design, were studied during the dry and wet seasons. Litterbags were randomly distributed in each experimental block and placed on the soil surface, and residues were recovered after 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Double exponential model decay was better fitted to describe the pattern of the decay of the release of various leaf constituents. Litter dry weight loss and N release were faster from Moringa, followed by the Leucaena + Moringa mixture, while the Guazuma leaf litter decomposed much slower. In the wet period, a rapid N release was observed for Moringa (60%) and Leucaena + Moringa (43%) in the first two weeks. In contrast, Guazuma and the Leucaena + Guazuma mixture released about 46% of N in 16 weeks. In the dry period, leaves released most of their N during the first 8 to 16 weeks. Moringa and Leucaena + Moringa ranked first, having lost 81 and 75% of its initial N, respectively. The ratios of condensed tannin and polyphenols to N were significantly correlated with the N released. It was concluded that the initial mass loss from the leaf litter was high and rapid in the rainy period in comparison to the dry period. The residue disappearance pattern of Moringa, Leucaena and Leucaena + Moringa followed an asymptotic model, with more than 80% of the original residue released during the 16-week study period.