bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher educators as curriculum developers: a case study of teacher education colleges in Cambodia
Authors: Tep Vandy
Published: March 2024

Teacher educators have key roles in the educational system through preparing and implementing teacher education programs. Understanding and acquiring the necessary responsibility for these roles is crucial for their professional development. Practical experiences of teacher educators provide insights into the specific abilities required in their work context. This case study explored the actual practices, challenges, and strategies employed by 25 teacher educators as curriculum developers, based on an analysis of documents and interview data. The research framework was grounded in curriculum innovation, drawing from both literature review and practical insights. The results revealed that teacher educators were highly aware of their roles as curriculum developers, offering specific activities for syllabus development and revision, schemes of work and lesson plans, teaching practice, and assessment. However, challenges persist in terms of curriculum developers' knowledge base, timeframes, and professional development, particularly within the Cambodian context. Professionally, teacher educators overcame these challenges in various ways, most notably through autonomy in improving syllabus content and teaching flexibility, as well as through formal training and informal learning from and with their colleagues and student teachers in the workplace. The study contends that practitioners' innovation and flexibility in using and developing syllabi in practice are more robust than following prescribed curriculum frameworks and instructions. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the role of teacher educators in curriculum development and has implications for improving educational practice, research, and policymaking in the field.
Influence of the DC frequency limit controller on the frequency characteristics of the multi-area asynchronous interconnected power grid with renewable energy integration
Authors: Liu Bicheng , Xiao Huangqing , Yang Ping , Cai Zexiang
Published: March 2024

To systematically analyze the impact of the DC frequency limit controller (FLC) configuration scheme on the frequency characteristics of asynchronous interconnected power grids with renewable energy integration, a comprehensive frequency analysis model for three-area asynchronous interconnected power grids including the FLC is proposed. The model is based on the SFR model considering renewable energy integration and includes a simplified model of the DC FLC. A rigorous validation of the rationality and stability of the model is achieved through detailed mathematical calculations and pole-zero analysis. Taking the local power grids as an example, the established model is used to study the difference between single- and double-sided configuration of the DC FLC, the relationship between the increase in the renewable energy penetration rate and the frequency characteristics of each regional power grid, and the influence of DC FLC configuration on the maximum acceptance ratio of renewable energy. Through data comparison and theoretical analysis, the influence of FLC configuration on the frequency characteristics of each region of the asynchronous power grid under renewable energy integration is obtained. The results show that the configuration of a bilateral FLC on the DC line has more advantages in alleviating the complementary power disturbance at both ends and obvious limitations on the non-complementary power disturbance at both ends. Compared with the configuration of the bilateral FLC, the configuration of a unilateral FLC on the weak grid has a larger proportion of renewable energy acceptance. When the DC FLC power transmission capacity is sufficient, the weak grid and the adjacent two asynchronous grid DC tie lines are configured with a single-sided FLC, and the weak grid is theoretically connected to the renewable energy penetration rate of up to 100%.
Study on the impact of hometown resource endowment on farmers’ rural-urban migration decisions against the background of “dual carbon”
Authors: Gao Ping , Shen Suyan , Yang Zhenyu , Ji Zheyan
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of hometown resource endowment on farmers’ rural-urban migration decisions within the context of “Dual Carbon” policies. It aims to understand the factors influencing migration decision-making amidst the dynamics of urban and rural land occupation, particularly focusing on the role of hometown resource endowments led by homesteads. Using data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), this study analyzes the influence of hometown resource endowment, primarily residential land, on farmers’ migration decisions. Ownership of homesteads and contracted land significantly affects farmers’ settlement in cities, while the dividend effect from village collectives is negligible. Additionally, the administrative level of the hometown serves as a significant factor in migration decision-making, particularly in family migration. Homestead and contracted land ownership negatively impacts both household and individual migration decisions. Specifically, owning homesteads exerts a greater influence on whole family migration decisions, reducing the probability of settling in cities by 21.1%. Regional comparative analysis reveals varying effects of owning homesteads and contracted land. While it positively influences household migration to cities in the eastern region, it inhibits migration in the central and western regions. The findings highlight the complex interplay between hometown resource endowment, land use patterns, and rural-urban migration decisions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for designing effective policies to address migration challenges in the context of environmental and socioeconomic transitions.
Immunostimulation of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) blood cells by parapoxvirus ovis and CpG motif-containing bacterial plasmid DNA upregulates innate immune gene expression
Authors: Haycock Jonathan , Maehr Tanja , Dastjerdi Akbar , Steinbach Falko
Published: March 2024

The immune system of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) is poorly studied, compared to that of livestock, rodents or humans. The innate immune response has become a focus of interest in relation to Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs). EEHVs cause a fatal hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) and are a significant threat to captive Asian elephant populations worldwide. Similar to other herpesvirus infections, nearly all animals become infected, but only some develop disease. As progression to EEHV-HD is often acute, a robust innate immune response is crucial to control EEHV infections. This is invariably true of the host in the first instance, but it can also potentially be modulated by intervention strategies. Here, two immunostimulant veterinary medicinal products, authorized for use in domestic species, were tested for their ability to induce innate anti-viral immune responses in Asian elephant blood cells. Sequence data were obtained for a range of previously unidentified Asian elephant immune genes, including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and myxovirus GTPase 1 (Mx1), and were employed in the design of species-specific qPCR assays. These assays were subsequently used in analyses to determine fold changes in gene expression over a period of 24 hours. This study demonstrates that both immunostimulant medications are capable of inducing significant innate anti-viral immune responses which suggests that both could be beneficial in controlling EEHV infections in Asian elephants.
Differences in F pocket impact on HLA I genetic associations with autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Ren Xu , Amarajeewa A. W. Peshala , Jayasinghe M. D. Tharushika , Garstka Malgorzata A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) I molecules present antigenic peptides to activate CD8+ T cells. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an auto-immune disease caused by aberrant activation of the CD8+ T cells that destroy insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. Some HLA I alleles were shown to increase the risk of T1D (T1D-predisposing alleles), while some reduce this risk (T1D-protective alleles).

Methods

Here, we compared the T1D-predisposing and T1D-protective allotypes concerning peptide binding, maturation, localization and surface expression and correlated it with their sequences and energetic profiles using experimental and computational methods.

Results

T1D-predisposing allotypes had more peptide-bound forms and higher plasma membrane levels than T1D-protective allotypes. This was related to the fact that position 116 within the F pocket was more conserved and made more optimal contacts with the neighboring residues in T1D-predisposing allotypes than in protective allotypes.

Conclusion

Our work uncovers that specific polymorphisms in HLA I molecules potentially influence their susceptibility to T1D.
Improved sea surface salinity data for the Arctic Ocean derived from SMAP satellite data using machine learning approaches
Authors: Savin Alexander , Krinitskiy Mikhail , Osadchiev Alexander
Published: March 2024

Salinity is among the key climate characteristics of the World Ocean. During the last 15 years, sea surface salinity (SSS) is measured using satellite passive microwave sensors. Standard retrieving SSS algorithms from remote sensing data were developed and verified for the most typical temperature and salinity values of the World Ocean. However, they have far lower accuracy for the Arctic Ocean, especially its shelf areas, which are influenced by large river runoff and have low typical temperature and salinity values. In this study, an improved algorithm has been developed to retrieve SSS in the Arctic Ocean during ice-free season, based on Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission data, and using machine learning approaches. Extensive database of in situ salinity measurements in the Russian Arctic seas collected during multiple field surveys is applied to train and validate the machine learning models. The error in SSS retrieval of the developed algorithm compared to the standard algorithm reduced from 3.15 to 2.15 psu, and the correlation with in situ data increased from 0.82 to 0.90. The obtained daily SSS fields are important to improve accurate assessment of spatial and temporal variability of large river plumes in the Arctic Ocean.
Molecular identification of Sinonovacula constricta, Sinonovacula rivularis and their interspecific hybrids using microsatellite markers
Authors: Wang Shasha , Shi Yi , Dong Yinghui , Meng Yiping , Yao Hanhan , He Lin
Published: March 2024

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta, is one of the most commercially important cultured bivalves in China and Southeast Asia, while S. rivularis is its closer relatives discovered more than a decade ago. In order to obtain offspring with faster growth rate and stronger salt tolerance of S. constricta and S. rivularis, interspecific hybrids were produced, and the hybridity of the interspecific hybrids was confirmed by microsatellite markers. Microsatellite markers exhibit a high potential for transfer through cross-amplification in related species, and the transferability of 48 pairs of microsatellite marker primers from S. constricta were assessed in S. rivularis. Here, 24 universal microsatellite markers were successfully amplified in S. rivularis, of which 18 were polymorphic with the allele number from 2 to 5. The genetic diversity of two razor clams evaluated by 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers indicated that two species were both above the middle level, with a relatively higher genetic diversity, while S. constricta showed higher genetic diversity than S. rivularis according to the genetic parameters of Na, Ho, He and PIC. Furthermore, a total of two species-specific microsatellite markers were screened, which could be used for quick genetic identification of S. constricta, S. rivularis and their hybrids. The results suggest the induced interspecific hybrids are true hybrids between S. constricta and S. rivularis, which provide a basis for breeding, subsequent protection, and germplasm resources utilization of the razor clams.
Detection technology application based on spectral subtraction and vibro acoustic principle in the measurement of ship reliability level
Authors: Jin Hongyu
Published: March 2024

Introduction: As an important part of ship manufacturing, parts are of great significance in the calculation of its reliability level.

Methods: To achieve rapid damage detection of ship parts, a method for measuring the reliability level of ship casting and forging parts based on spectral subtraction and vibration-acoustic principles was proposed. This method improves the spectral subtraction method by adding a percussion vibration signal and time-frequency analysis, and uses the principle of resonance acoustics to complete the construction of the test platform to obtain the natural frequency of the part and achieve non-destructive testing of the part.

Results: The results show that using the Fabric data set as the task data set for experiments, the accuracy of the research method is 98.54%; the uncertainty is 5.58; the sensitivity detection is 0.26 μm. In the comparison of the spectrogram of the sound signal after noise reduction, this method has fewer yellow spots remaining on the spectrogram of the noise reduction sound signal, and almost no excess noise remains. In the comparison of modal simulation data of ship parts, the maximum relative error between the simulation data obtained by this method and the natural frequency value obtained from the experimental data is 2.3%, and there is no value exceeding 2.5%, so the error is small.

Discussion: The above results show that this method can obtain more accurate natural frequencies of parts, can effectively calculate the reliability level of ship casting and forging parts, and provides a new method reference for the safe operation of ships.
Contribution to the characterization of the seed endophyte microbiome of Argania spinosa across geographical locations in Central Morocco using metagenomic approaches
Authors: Sohaib Hourfane , Fays Morgan , Khatib Abderrezzak , Rivière John , El Aouad Noureddine , Desoignies Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Microbial endophytes are microorganisms that live inside plants, and some of them play important yet understudied roles in plant health, growth, and adaptation to environmental conditions. Their diversity within plants has traditionally been underestimated due to the limitations of culture-dependent techniques. Metagenomic profiling provides a culture-independent approach to characterize entire microbial communities. The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is ecologically and economically important in Morocco, yet its seed endophyte microbiome remains unexplored. This study aimed to compare the bacterial and fungal endophyte communities associated with argan seeds collected from six sites across Morocco using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS regions, respectively. Bacterial DNA was extracted from surface-sterilized seeds and amplified using universal primers, while fungal DNA was isolated directly from seeds. Bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data identified taxonomic profiles at the phylum to genus levels. The results indicated that bacterial communities were dominated by the genus Rhodoligotrophos, while fungal communities exhibited varying degrees of dominance between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota depending on site, with Penicillium being the most abundant overall. Distinct site-specific profiles were observed, with Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Aspergillus present across multiple locations. Alpha diversity indices revealed variation in endophyte richness between seed sources. In conclusion, this first exploration of the argan seed endophyte microbiome demonstrated environmental influence on community structure. While facing limitations due to small sample sizes and lack of ecological metadata, it provides a foundation for future mechanistic investigations into how specific endophyte–host interactions shape argan adaptation across Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Adaptation and learning as strategies to maximize reward in neurofeedback tasks
Authors: Osuna-Orozco Rodrigo , Zhao Yi , Stealey Hannah Marie , Lu Hung-Yun , Contreras-Hernandez Enrique , Santacruz Samantha Rose
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Adaptation and learning have been observed to contribute to the acquisition of new motor skills and are used as strategies to cope with changing environments. However, it is hard to determine the relative contribution of each when executing goal directed motor tasks. This study explores the dynamics of neural activity during a center-out reaching task with continuous visual feedback under the influence of rotational perturbations.

Methods

Results for a brain-computer interface (BCI) task performed by two non-human primate (NHP) subjects are compared to simulations from a reinforcement learning agent performing an analogous task. We characterized baseline activity and compared it to the activity after rotational perturbations of different magnitudes were introduced. We employed principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze the spiking activity driving the cursor in the NHP BCI task as well as the activation of the neural network of the reinforcement learning agent.

Results and discussion

Our analyses reveal that both for the NHPs and the reinforcement learning agent, the task-relevant neural manifold is isomorphic with the task. However, for the NHPs the manifold is largely preserved for all rotational perturbations explored and adaptation of neural activity occurs within this manifold as rotations are compensated by reassignment of regions of the neural space in an angular pattern that cancels said rotations. In contrast, retraining the reinforcement learning agent to reach the targets after rotation results in substantial modifications of the underlying neural manifold. Our findings demonstrate that NHPs adapt their existing neural dynamic repertoire in a quantitatively precise manner to account for perturbations of different magnitudes and they do so in a way that obviates the need for extensive learning.
Novel frameless LINAC radiosurgery solution for uveal melanoma
Authors: Cappelli Louis , Khan Mehak , Vemula Sudheshna , Hum Christina , Liu Haisong , Yu Yan , Chen Yingxuan , Zhang Yechi , Sharif Muhammad , Shi Wenyin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Radiation treatment has replaced enucleation as an organ-preservation treatment for patients with uveal melanoma (UM). We developed a novel non-invasive, frameless LINAC based solution for fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (fSRS) treatment.

Methods

We designed and constructed the a stereotactic ocular localization box that can be attached and indexed to a stereotactic LINAC tabletop. It contains adjustable LED lights as a gaze focus point and CCD camera for monitoring of the patient’s eye position. The device also has 6 infrared spheres compatible with the ExacTRAC IGRT system. Treatment plans were developed using iPLAN Dose version 4.5, with conformal dynamic arcs and 6MV photon beam in flattening filter free mode, dosed to 50Gy in 5 fractions. During treatment, patients were instructed to stare at the light when a radiation beam is prepared and ready for delivery. Eye movement was tracked throughout treatment. Residual setup errors were recorded for evaluation.

Results

The stereotactic ocular localization box was 3D-printed with polylactic acid material and attached to the stereotactic LINAC tabletop. 10 patients were treated to evaluate the feasibility, tolerability and setup accuracy. Median treatment time for each arc is 17.3 ± 2.4 seconds (range: 13.8-23.4). After ExacTRAC setup, the residual setup errors are -0.1 ± 0.3 mm laterally, -0.1 ± 0.3 mm longitudinally, and 0 ± 0.2 mm vertically. The residue rotational errors are -0.1 ± 0.3 degree pitch, 0.1 ± 0.2 degree roll, and 0 ± 0.2 degree couch rotation. All patients received treatment successfully.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a novel non-invasive frameless mask-based LINAC solution for SRS for uveal melanoma, or other ocular tumors. It is well tolerated with high set up accuracy. Future directions for this localization box would include a multi-center trial to assess the efficacy and reproducibility in the fabrication and execution of such a solution for UM therapy.
Misleading clinical and imaging features in atypical aggressive angiomyxoma of the female vulvovaginal or perianal region: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Ling , Liu Rong , Peng Jian
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Aggressive (deep) angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare mesenchymal tumor that typically originates from the vulvovaginal region, perineum, and pelvis in adult women. The objective of this case report and literature review is to comprehensively analyze the clinical, imaging, and pathological characteristics of atypical AAM in the female lower genital tract and pelvic floor in order to minimize preoperative misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis and ultimately optimize the clinical management strategy.

Methods

The data of three cases with atypical AAM, which demonstrate similarities with other lesions observed in the female lower genital tract over the past 1.5 years, were retrospectively described. This description included clinical management, images and reports of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinicopathological features, follow-up, and outcomes. In the Discussion section, a review of the literature on MEDLINE (PubMed) and Web of Science from the past 50 years was conducted.

Results

The three cases all underwent preoperative ultrasonography, and two of them also underwent preoperative MRI examination. Complete resection of the lesions was performed in all three cases, followed by postoperative pathological examination. The histopathology of these three cases revealed invasive angiomyxoma, as confirmed by immunohistochemical staining, which demonstrated positive expression of desmin, vimentin, estrogen, and progesterone receptors. The patients experienced a smooth postoperative recovery. Ultrasound had a diagnostic accuracy rate of 100% (3/3) for locating and determining the extent of the lesions; however, its specific diagnostic accuracy rate for identifying the pathological type was only 33% (1/3). In contrast, MRI had a diagnostic accuracy rate of 100% (2/2) for locating and determining the extent of lesions but did not show any specific diagnostic accuracy for identifying the pathological types.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that even if a vulvovaginal lesion presents with a superficial location, small size, limited scope, and regular shape, suspicion of atypical AAM should arise when palpation reveals toughness, tensility, and deformability under pressure. US reveals a well-defined hypoechoic to anechoic mass with uniformly distributed coarse dot echoes, with or without detectable intratumoral blood flow signal. MRI shows prolonged T1 and T2 signals with inhomogeneous enhancement and evident diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
A bibliometric analysis of research on pediatric preoperative anxiety (2007–2022)
Authors: Zhong Yue , Gong Huishu , Long Feiyu , Zhou Xingchen , Zhou Jun , Wang Maohua , Peng Tao
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the current state of research on preoperative anxiety in children through CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the identification of hot spots and frontiers.

Method

Relevant data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using the search terms children and preoperative anxiety. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.18), CiteSpace (5.7. R5) software, and Scimago Graphica.

Results

A total of 622 articles were published between 2007 and 2022, with an increasing trend over time. Kain, Zeev N. (13; 2.09%) and Dalhousie University (15; 2.41%) were the most influential authors and most prolific institutions, respectively. The United States (121; 19.45%) was the country with the most publications. Pediatric anesthesia (55; 8.84%) had the most publications. High-frequency keywords were categorized into three themes, including nonpharmacologic interventions for preoperative anxiety in children, preoperative medications, and risk factors for anxiety; of these, “predictor” (38; 2016) and “sedative premedication” (20; 2016) were the most studied keywords over the past 6 years. “Distraction” (67; 2019) and “dexmedetomidine” (65; 2019) have been the main areas of interest in recent years.

Conclusion

Research on preoperative anxiety in children has been the focus of increasing attention over the past fifteen years, with the majority of publications from high-income countries. This review provides a useful perspective for understanding research trends, hot topics, and research gaps in this expanding field.
Endurance exercise has a negative impact on the onset of SOD1-G93A ALS in female mice and affects the entire skeletal muscle-motor neuron axis
Authors: Scaricamazza Silvia , Nesci Valentina , Salvatori Illari , Fenili Gianmarco , Rosina Marco , Gloriani Michela , Paronetto Maria Paola , Madaro Luca , Ferri Alberto , Valle Cristiana
Published: March 2024

Background:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons that leads to muscle wasting and atrophy. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests a causal relationship between ALS and physical activity (PA). However, the impact of PA on motor neuron loss and sarcopenia is still debated, probably because of the heterogeneity and intensities of the proposed exercises. With this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of intense endurance exercise on the onset and progression of ALS in the SOD1-G93A mouse model.

Methods:

We randomly selected four groups of twelve 35-day-old female mice. SOD1-G93A and WT mice underwent intense endurance training on a motorized treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days a week. During the training, we measured muscle strength, weight, and motor skills and compared them with the corresponding sedentary groups to define the disease onset. At the end of the eighth week, we analyzed the skeletal muscle-motor neuron axis by histological and molecular techniques.

Results:

Intense endurance exercise anticipates the onset of the disease by 1 week (age of the onset: trained SOD1-G93A = 63.17 ± 2.25 days old; sedentary SOD1-G93A = 70.75 ± 2.45 days old). In SOD1-G93A mice, intense endurance exercise hastens the muscular switch to a more oxidative phenotype and worsens the denervation process by dismantling neuromuscular junctions in the tibialis anterior, enhancing the Wallerian degeneration in the sciatic nerve, and promoting motor neuron loss in the spinal cord. The training exacerbates neuroinflammation, causing immune cell infiltration in the sciatic nerve and a faster activation of astrocytes and microglia in the spinal cord.

Conclusion:

Intense endurance exercise, acting on skeletal muscles, worsens the pathological hallmarks of ALS, such as denervation and neuroinflammation, brings the onset forward, and accelerates the progression of the disease. Our findings show the potentiality of skeletal muscle as a target for both prognostic and therapeutic strategies; the preservation of skeletal muscle health by specific intervention could counteract the dying-back process and protect motor neurons from death. The physiological characteristics and accessibility of skeletal muscle further enhance its appeal as a therapeutic target.
Flower development and a functional analysis of related genes in Impatiens uliginosa
Authors: He Haihao , Chen Xinyi , Wang Tianye , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Zedong , Qu Suping , Gu Zhijia , Huang Meijuan , Huang Haiquan
Published: March 2024

Impatiens uliginosa is a plant of the Impatiens, with peculiar flowers. In this study, we combined morphogenesis and molecular biology to explore its development of flowers. An analysis of basic observational data and paraffin sectioning showed that it took approximately 13 d for the floral organs to differentiate. An analysis of the development of inflorescences and floral organs by scanning electron microscopy showed that the inflorescence of I. uliginosa is a spiral raceme. The floral organs differentiated in the following order: lateral sepals (Ls), posterior sepal (Ps), anterior sepals (As), anterior petal (Ap), lateral petals (Lp), stamens (St) and gynoecium (Gy). I. uliginosa was found to have four sepals, and the connate stamens are caused by the fusion and growth of filament appendages. The results of fluorescence quantification and virus-induced gene silencing showed that I. uliginosa had its own unique model for flower development, and there was functional diversity of IuAP1 and IuDEF. Among them, IuAP1 controls the formation of bract s (Br), regulates the morphogenesis of posterior sepal, controls the anthocyanin precipitation of the anterior petals and the formation of lateral petals. IuDEF regulates the morphogenesis of lateral sepals, the length of development of the spur, and controls the size of yellow flower color plaques of the lateral petals. In this study, the process of flower development and the function of flower development genes of I. uliginosa were preliminarily verified. This study provides basic guidance and new concepts that can be used to study the development of Impatiens flowers.
Validity and reliability of the toxic leadership behaviors of nurse managers scale among Chinese nurses
Authors: Zhou Yumei , Lin Juanjuan , Liu Xing , Gao Shuping , Yang Fang , Xu Huili
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Toxic leadership is increasingly becoming common in the nursing field, but the measurement tools are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to translate the toxic leadership behaviors of nurse managers (ToxBH-NM) scale into Chinese and test its psychometric properties among Chinese nurses.

Methods

The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 1,195 nurses. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the structural validity of the ToxBH-NM. The following psychometric properties of the scale were assessed: content validity, criterion validity, internal consistency reliability, and test–retest reliability.

Results

The Chinese version of the ToxBH-NM (C-ToxBH-NM) scale had two dimensions and 30 items. The correlation coefficients between the scores of each item and the total scores were 0762–0.922 (p < 0.001), and the range of the CR determination values of all the items were 8.610–18.998, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The total content validity index (CVI) was 0.996, the average CVI was 0.996, and the item-level CVI was 0.875–1.000. Two common factors were identified in the EFA, and 81.074% of the variation was explained cumulatively. The CFA showed that all the fitting indexes reached the standard, and the model fit degree was good. When the Chinese version of the Destructive Leadership Scale was used as calibration, the correlation coefficient was 0.378 (p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the overall scale were 0.989 and of the two dimensions were 0.969 and 0.987, respectively, with a split-half reliability of 0.966 and test–retest reliability of 0.978.

Conclusion

The research results show that the C-ToxBH-NM scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to evaluate the severity of toxic leadership behavior among nursing managers.
Alignment of Canada's COVID-19 policy response with barriers and facilitators for coping reported by caregivers of youth with developmental delays, disorders, and disabilities
Authors: Katalifos Anna , Elsabbagh Mayada , Yusuf Afiqah , Yamaguchi Sakiko , Scorah Julie , Wright Nicola , Steiman Mandy , Shih Andy , Shikako Keiko
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The UNICEF-WHO Global Report on Developmental Delays, Disorders, and Disabilities is an ongoing initiative aimed at increasing awareness, compiling data, providing guidance on strengthening health systems, and engaging country-level partners. Data from its caregiver survey assessing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that half of youths with developmental delays and disabilities (DDDs) and their caregivers struggled to cope, with a significant portion reporting a lack of supports and difficulty managing the worsening of the child's symptoms in isolation. Governments created service strategies supporting vulnerable groups. Little is known about the alignment between COVID-19 policies for persons with disabilities and their lived experiences. Contextualizing caregivers’ experiences can promote the development of tailored public supports for these families following a public health crisis.

Methods

Online survey data were collected from June-July 2020, leading to a convenience sample of caregivers of youth with DDDs across Canada. Respondents answered two open-ended questions regarding challenges and coping strategies during the pandemic. We conducted a thematic analysis of responses using inductive coding on NVivo software. Overarching codes derived from the dataset were contextualized using an analysis of provincial policies published during the pandemic. Parallels with these policies supported the exploration of families’ and youths’ experiences during the same period.

Results

Five hundred and seventy-six (N = 576) participants answered open-ended questions. Barriers to coping included family mental health issues, concerns about the youths’ regression, challenges in online schooling, limited play spaces, and managing physical health during quarantine. Environmental barriers encompassed deteriorating family finances, loss of public services, and a lack of accessible information and supports. In contrast, caregivers reported coping facilitators, such as family time, outdoor activities, and their child's resilience. Environmental facilitators included community resources, public financial supports, and access to telehealth services. Few COVID-19 policies effectively addressed caregiver-identified barriers, while some restrictions hindered access to facilitators.

Conclusion

Prioritizing needs of families of youths with DDDs during public health emergencies can significantly impact their experiences and mental health. Enhancing financial benefits, providing telehealth services, and creating inclusive public play spaces are priority areas as we navigate the post-pandemic landscape.
Unveiling transportation disparities: investigating accessibility gaps in metropolitan cities using GIS—a case study of Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: ElDeeb Sally , Abd EL-Baky Rowan Adel , Masoumi Houshmand
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Public transportation is essential to reduce pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas. However, in densely populated regions like Alexandria, characterized by high population density and limited road infrastructure, accessibility to diverse transportation options is crucial.

Methods

This study investigates the accessibility of public transportation modes, including railways and buses, and their interaction with informal transit. Questioning if public transportation alone will be sufficient for pedestrians or if the presence of informal transit is crucial, and whether all residents of Alexandria have their rightful accessibility for different transport modes, the goal was to establish an efficient and interconnected transportation network. A survey was conducted in cooperation with Transport for Cairo to investigate all transport routes throughout Alexandria, further using ArcGIS Pro to identify gaps in public transportation coverage.

Results

Findings revealed that public transportation alone is insufficient due to limited bus and railway coverage because of their fixed linear routes. Informal transit, like microbuses, plays a vital role in filling these gaps.

Discussion

The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and sustainable transportation network that considers both formal and informal transit. These insights can guide policymakers and urban planners in improving public transportation in Alexandria and similar cities worldwide.
Telestroke activity across Europe; The results of a European Stroke Organization survey
Authors: Ryan Daniel J. , Mueller-Barna Peter , Von Martial Rascha , Corea Francesco , Zvan Bojana , Zivanovic Zeljko , Barlinn Jesicaa , Krasinska-Chavez Milena , Alasheev Andrey
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Telestroke care is likely not inferior to face-to-face care in acute stroke management while it also provides rural sites with access to specialist expertise. However, little is known about the distribution and activity of telestroke networks across Europe. Consequently, the European Stroke Organization (ESO) Telestroke Committee aimed to address this through an online questionnaire.

Methods

The questionnaire was developed through an unstructured consensus process, ratified by the ESO Executive Committee, and emailed to ESO members.

Results

Of 2,147 ESO members contacted, complete data sets were submitted on 25 networks from 10 countries. Among the 25 networks, the mean number of hubs per network was 1.6 (SD 1.2), and the mean number of spokes was 9 (SD 6.7), with considerable variability observed (range 2–24 spokes/network). All sites used audiovisual communication. The mean telemedicine consultations per year per site was 197 (SD 164). The primary reason for consultation was “diagnostic and triage purposes” in all but one network. The median number of strokes per site was 175 (interquartile range 192), and the mean intervention rate was 12.3% (SD 10; thrombolysis or thrombectomy).

Conclusion

At 25 networks, this survey probably underrepresents telestroke activity across Europe, yet it is still the first study to provide a continent-wide geographical footprint and report on activity within the networks. There was considerable variability in network size and activity. Spoke sites reported an acceptable intervention rate of 12.3%. This percentage compares favorably with national data from European countries and suggests telestroke care supports reasonable intervention rates.
Configuration of the Power Reflux Hydro-Mechanical Transmission System
Authors: Wang Jiezhong , Sun Dongye , Wang Jianhua , Liao Guangliang
Published: March 2024

The hydro-mechanical transmission system (HMTS) operates either in power split transmission mode (PSTM) or power reflux transmission mode (PRTM). Although PRTM is often ignored as a transition mode, this study reveals that the HMTS operating in the PRTM can accumulate the power input from the power source in the form of reflux power (in some references, scholars also refer to the reflux power as circulating power), thereby enabling the HMTS to exhibit a similar transmission performance as hydrodynamic transmission systems. Accordingly, this study applies the PRTM to the starting of construction vehicles and refers to the HMTS operating only in the PRTM as the power reflux hydro-mechanical transmission system (PHTS). By analyzing the internal relationship between the configuration and the power flow, transmission characteristics, energy storage mechanism, and energy loss mechanism of the PHTS, the optimal PHTS configuration suitable for construction vehicles was explored. The results indicate that reasonable configurations can enable the PHTS to significantly improve the efficiency of the construction vehicle transmission system, reducing energy consumption while ensuring power performance. Expanding the displacement ratio control range of the hydraulic speed regulation mechanism and combining the PRTM with the PSTM in an orderly manner can widen the high-efficiency range of the vehicle transmission system without increasing the number of vehicle gears.
Open Set Bearing Fault Diagnosis with Domain Adaptive Adversarial Network under Varying Conditions
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Feixuan , Ma Ning , Ji Wen , Ng See-Kiong
Published: March 2024

Bearing fault diagnosis is a pivotal aspect of monitoring rotating machinery. Recently, numerous deep learning models have been developed for intelligent bearing fault diagnosis. However, these models have typically been established based on two key assumptions: (1) that identical fault categories exist in both the training and testing datasets, and (2) the datasets used for testing and training are assumed to follow the same distribution. Nevertheless, these assumptions prove impractical and fail to accurately depict real-world scenarios, particularly those involving open-world assumption fault diagnosis in multi-condition scenarios. For that purpose, an open set domain adaptive adversarial network framework is proposed. Specifically, in order to improve the learning of distribution characteristics in different fields, comprehensive training is implemented using a deep convolutional autoencoder model. Additionally, to mitigate the negative transfer resulting from unknown fault samples in the target domain, the similarity of each target domain sample and the shared classes in the source domain are estimated using known class classifiers and extended classifiers. Similarity weight values are assigned to each target domain sample, and an unknown boundary is established in a weighted manner. This approach is employed to establish the alignment between the classes shared between the two domains, enabling the classification of known fault classes, while allowing the recognition of unknown fault classes in the target domain. The efficacy of our suggested approach is empirically validated using different datasets.
TAM-Based Study of Farmers’ Live Streaming E-Commerce Adoption Intentions
Authors: Chen Xinqiang , Zhang Xiu-e , Chen Jiangjie
Published: March 2024

Amidst the digital economy surge, live streaming e-commerce of agricultural products has significantly boosted agricultural prosperity. Investigating farmers’ behavioral intentions toward adopting live streaming e-commerce holds critical importance for fostering agricultural healthy and swift growth. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a foundation, this study incorporates three additional variables—government support, platform support, and social learning—to devise a theoretical model. It takes the agriculture-related live streaming e-commerce platform as an example, with 424 Chinese farmers as the sample, to quantitatively assess the factors that impact the intentions to adopt live streaming e-commerce behaviors. The findings indicate that, firstly, the TAM is applicable to the assessment of farmers’ intentions to adopt live streaming e-commerce. Secondly, government support positively impacts perceived usefulness, social learning enhances perceived ease of use, and platform support positively impacts both perceived ease of use and usefulness. Lastly, the technology acceptance extension model applicability varies among farmer groups: government support influence on perceived ease of use is more significant among traditional farmers, social learning impact on perceived ease of use is higher in farmers with higher education levels, and platform support effect on perceived usefulness is stronger among farmers experienced in e-commerce. Therefore, differentiated promotion strategies by the government are necessary, and e-commerce platforms should leverage their technology to offer efficient services and encourage farmer education. A multi-party collaboration model involving the government, platforms, and farmers is essential to collectively foster the healthy development of rural live streaming e-commerce.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis Revealed the Ability of Microbacterium ginsengiterrae S4 to Enhance the Saline-Alkali Tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings
Authors: Ji Hongfei , Qi Yuxi , Zhang Xiu , Yang Guoping
Published: March 2024

Soil salinization is a major factor that reduces crop yields. There are some plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that can stimulate and enhance the salt tolerance of plants near their roots in saline–alkali environments. Currently, there is relatively little research on PGPR in rice saline–alkali tolerance. In the early stages of this study, a strain of Microbacterium ginsengiterrae S4 was screened that could enhance the growth of rice in a laboratory-simulated saline–alkali environment (100 mM NaCl, pH 8.5). The experiment investigated the effects of S4 bacteria on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and osmotic regulation of rice seedlings under saline–alkali stress. RNA-Seq technology was used for transcriptome sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS for metabolite detection. Research has shown that S4 bacteria affect the growth of rice seedlings under saline–alkali stress through the following aspects. First, S4 bacteria increase the antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, and CAT) of rice seedlings under saline–alkali stress, reduce the content of MDA, and balance the content of osmotic regulatory substances (soluble sugar, soluble protein, and proline). Second, under saline–alkali stress, treatment with S4 bacteria caused changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (7 upregulated, 15 downregulated) and differentially metabolized metabolites (101 upregulated; 26 downregulated) in rice seedlings. The DEGs are mainly involved in UDP-glucose transmembrane transporter activity, while the differentially metabolized metabolites are mainly involved in the ABC transporters pathway. Finally, key genes and metabolites were identified through correlation analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes, among which OsSTAR2 negatively regulates L-histidine, leading to an increase in L-histidine content. Furthermore, through gene correlation and metabolite correlation analysis, it was found that OsWRKY76 regulates the expression of OsSTAR2 and that L-histidine also causes an increase in 2-methyl-4-pentenoic acid content. Based on the above analysis, the addition of S4 bacteria can significantly improve the tolerance of rice in saline–alkali environments, which has a great application value for planting rice in these environments.
Effect of Trap Type and Height on the Captures of the Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Pheromone-Baited Traps in Cotton
Authors: Katranas Georgios C. , Vassilakos Thomas N. , Rumbos Christos I. , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: March 2024

The impact of trap type and height on the captures of adults of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was assessed in cotton fields in three experimental sites (Nikaia, Nees Karyes, and Koilada) in Central Greece. Initially, the effectiveness of three different traps (white Delta, red Delta, and green Funnel) was compared. Subsequently, white Delta traps were positioned at three heights, i.e., 30, 60, and 90 cm, above ground level. Overall, captures notably increased in all traps from late July to mid-September. Funnel traps had poor performance for the captures of P. gossypiella adults, as compared with the respective figures for the other two Delta traps. Specifically, in two experimental sites (Nikaia and Koilada), both Delta traps cumulatively captured significantly more adults than the Funnel trap throughout the monitoring period. In the third site (Nees Karyes), the red Delta trap captured in total significantly more adults than the other two tested traps. Moreover, we found that traps in Nikaia placed at 90 cm captured significantly less adults as compared with the other two trap heights. The same trend was observed in Koilada; however, differences were significant only between traps at 30 and 90 cm. No significant differences were determined among different heights in the third site (Nees Karyes). These findings offer valuable insights for the monitoring protocols of P. gossypiella in cotton fields, on the basis of a standardized trapping strategy, that can take into account a wide range of factors, such as trap design and trap height.