bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Concept of a Phased-Array HIFU Transducer Optimized for MR-Guided Hepatic Ablation: Embodiment and First In-Vivo Studies
Authors: Lorton Orane , Guillemin Pauline C. , M’Rad Yacine , Peloso Andrea , Boudabbous Sana , Charbonnier Caecilia , Holman Ryan , Crowe Lindsey A. , Gui Laura , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre , Ricoeur Alexis , Terraz Sylvain , Salomir Rares
Published: May 2022

Purpose

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is challenging in the liver due to the respiratory motion and risks of near-/far-field burns, particularly on the ribs. We implemented a novel design of a HIFU phased-array transducer, dedicated to transcostal hepatic thermo-ablation. Due to its large acoustic window and strong focusing, the transducer should perform safely for this application.

Material and Methods

The new HIFU transducer is composed of 256 elements distributed on 5 concentric segments of a specific radius (either 100, 111, or 125 mm). It has been optimally shaped to fit the abdominal wall. The shape and size of the acoustic elements were optimized for the largest emitting surface and the lowest symmetry. Calibration tests have been conducted on tissue-mimicking gels under 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) guidance. In-vivo MR-guided HIFU treatment was conducted in two pigs, aiming to create thermal ablation deep in the liver without significant side effects. Imaging follow-up was performed at D0 and D7. Sacrifice and post-mortem macroscopic examination occurred at D7, with the ablated tissue being fixed for pathology.

Results

The device showed −3-dB focusing capacities in a volume of 27 × 46 × 50 mm3 as compared with the numerical simulation volume of 18 × 48 × 60 mm3. The shape of the focal area was in millimeter-range agreement with the numerical simulations. No interference was detected between the HIFU sonication and the MR acquisition. In vivo, the temperature elevation in perivascular liver parenchyma reached 28°C above physiological temperature, within one breath-hold. The lesion was visible on Gd contrast-enhanced MRI sequences and post-mortem examination. The non-perfused volume was found in pig #1 and pig #2 of 8/11, 6/8, and 7/7 mm along the LR, AP, and HF directions, respectively. No rib burns or other near-field side effects were visually observed on post-mortem gross examination. High-resolution contrast-enhanced 3D MRI indicated a minor lesion on the sternum.

Conclusion

The performance of this new HIFU transducer has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The transducer meets the requirement to perform thermal lesions in deep tissues, without the need for rib-sparing means.
NKX2-8/PTHrP Axis-Mediated Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Abudourousuli Ainiwaerjiang , Chen Suwen , Hu Yameng , Qian Wanying , Liao Xinyi , Xu Yingru , Song Libing , Zhang Shuxia , Li Jun
Published: May 2022

Bone metastasis is one of the most common distant metastasis of breast cancer, which could cause serious skeletal disease and increased cancer-related death. Therefore, identification of novel target(s) to develop therapeutics would improve patient outcomes. The role of NKX2-8 in modulation of bone remodeling was determined using osteoclastogenesis and micro-CT assays. The expression of NKX2-8 was examined via immunohistochemistry analysis in 344 breast cancer tissues. The mechanism underlying NKX2-8-mediated PTHrP downregulation was investigated using biotinylated deactivated Cas9 capture analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation assays. A bone-metastatic mouse model was used to examine the effect of NKX2-8 dysregulation on breast cancer bone metastasis and the impact of three PTHrP inhibitor on prevention of breast cancer bone metastasis. The downregulated expression of NKX2-8 was significantly correlated with breast cancer bone metastasis. In vivo bone-metastatic mouse model indicated that silencing NKX2-8 promoted, but overexpressing NKX2-8 inhibited, breast cancer osteolytic bone metastasis and osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, NKX2-8 directly interacted with HDAC1 on the PTHrP promoter, which resulted in a reduction of histone H3K27 acetylation, consequently transcriptionally downregulated PTHrP expression in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, targeting PTHrP effectively inhibited NKX2-8-downregulation-mediated breast cancer bone metastasis. Taken together, our results uncover a novel mechanism underlying NKX2-8 downregulation-mediated breast cancer bone metastasis and represent that the targeting PTHrP might be a tailored treatment for NKX2-8 silencing-induced breast cancer bone metastasis.
UNC13B Promote Arsenic Trioxide Resistance in Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia Through Mitochondria Quality Control
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bo , Yuan Li-Hua , Yan Le-Ping , Ye Yong-Bin , Lu Bo , Xu Xiaojun
Published: May 2022

In clinical practice, arsenic trioxide can be used to treat a subset of R/R CML patients, but resistance tends to reappear quickly. We designed an experiment to study arsenic trioxide resistance in K-562 cells. Previously, we identified the UNC13B gene as potentially responsible for arsenic trioxide resistance in K-562 cells via gene chip screening followed by high-content screening. We aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of the UNC13B gene in K-562 cells, an arsenic trioxide-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia cell line. In vitro lentiviral vector-mediated UNC13B siRNA transfection was performed on K-562 cells. The roles of UNC13B in cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle pathways, and colony formation were analyzed by CCK-8 assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and soft agar culture, respectively. Gene chip screening was used to define the possible downstream pathways of UNC13B. Western blot was performed to further validate the possible genes mediated by UNC13B for arsenic trioxide resistance in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. UNC13B downregulation significantly inhibited growth, promoted apoptosis, decreased colony formation, reduced the duration of the G1 phase, and increased the duration of the S phase of K-562 cells. Western blot results confirmed that UNC13B may modulate the apoptosis and proliferation of arsenic trioxide-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia cells through the mediation of MAP3K7, CDK4, and PINK1. UNC13B is a potential therapeutic target for patients with arsenic trioxide-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia.
Reliable Detection of Myocardial Ischemia Using Machine Learning Based on Temporal-Spatial Characteristics of Electrocardiogram and Vectorcardiogram
Authors: Zhao Xiaoye , Zhang Jucheng , Gong Yinglan , Xu Lihua , Liu Haipeng , Wei Shujun , Wu Yuan , Cha Ganhua , Wei Haicheng , Mao Jiandong , Xia Ling
Published: May 2022

Background:Myocardial ischemia is a common early symptom of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Reliable detection of myocardial ischemia using computer-aided analysis of electrocardiograms (ECG) provides an important reference for early diagnosis of CVD. The vectorcardiogram (VCG) could improve the performance of ECG-based myocardial ischemia detection by affording temporal-spatial characteristics related to myocardial ischemia and capturing subtle changes in ST-T segment in continuous cardiac cycles. We aim to investigate if the combination of ECG and VCG could improve the performance of machine learning algorithms in automatic myocardial ischemia detection.

Methods:The ST-T segments of 20-second, 12-lead ECGs, and VCGs were extracted from 377 patients with myocardial ischemia and 52 healthy controls. Then, sample entropy (SampEn, of 12 ECG leads and of three VCG leads), spatial heterogeneity index (SHI, of VCG) and temporal heterogeneity index (THI, of VCG) are calculated. Using a grid search, fourSampEnand two features are selected as input signal features for ECG-only and VCG-only models based on support vector machine (SVM), respectively. Similarly, three features (SI,THI, andSHI, whereSIis theSampEnof lead I) are further selected for the ECG + VCG model. 5-fold cross validation was used to assess the performance of ECG-only, VCG-only, and ECG + VCG models. To fully evaluate the algorithmic generalization ability, the model with the best performance was selected and tested on a third independent dataset of 148 patients with myocardial ischemia and 52 healthy controls.

Results:The ECG + VCG model with three features (SI,THI, andSHI) yields better classifying results than ECG-only and VCG-only models with the average accuracy of 0.903, sensitivity of 0.903, specificity of 0.905, F1 score of 0.942, and AUC of 0.904, which shows better performance with fewer features compared with existing works. On the third independent dataset, the testing showed an AUC of 0.814.

Conclusion:The SVM algorithm based on the ECG + VCG model could reliably detect myocardial ischemia, providing a potential tool to assist cardiologists in the early diagnosis of CVD in routine screening during primary care services.
Effect of Ramie on the Production Performance of Laying Hens, and the Quality, Nutrient Composition, Antioxidation of the Eggs
Authors: Wang Xin , Peng Si-Min , Liu Yang , Liao Shuang , Zhao Hao-Han , Duan Guang-Ying , Wu Yong-Mei , Liu Chun-Jie , Wang Yan-Zhou , Liu Tou-Ming , Li Ying-Hui , Fan Zhi-Yong , Zhu Si-Yuan , Qiu Hua-Jiao , Lin Qian
Published: May 2022

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), which is rich in protein, fatty acid, vitamins and minerals, has become a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, and has attracted more and more attentions in nutrition research. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dietary ramie at different concentrations on the production performance of the hens, and the quality, nutrient composition, and antioxidation of the eggs. A total of 432 34-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens were divided into four groups, that were fed with corn-soybean meal-based control diet, control mixed with ramie at concentrations of 3, 6, or 9% separately for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary ramie did not affect production performance. And egg yolk color gradually deepened as the inclusion levels of ramie increased. Ramie at tested concentration could significantly reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.002) and 3% ramie supplementation significantly increased total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) concentrations in egg yolk compared to the control group (p = 0.033). In addition, dietary supplementation with 6% ramie significantly reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO) content (p < 0.05) compared with controls. For egg nutrient composition, compared with the control group, the addition of 6% ramie significantly increased (p < 0.05) total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) and phenylalanine (Phe) in yolk. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 6% ramie was most effective in improving the color, antioxidative capability, and reducing T-CHO contents of the egg yolks without any negative impacts on the production performance of the hens.
PETN-Induced Antioxidative Properties in Endothelial Cells as a Target for Secondary Prevention of Endothelial Dysfunction in Pregnancy
Authors: Teichert Veronika , Große Silke , Multhaup Anna , Müller Jasmin , Gutierrez-Samudio Ruby N. , Morales-Prieto Diana M. , Groten Tanja
Published: May 2022

The NO-donor Pentaerytrithyltetranitrate (PETN) has vasodilatative properties and direct protective effects on endothelial cells. We formerly demonstrated that PETN, given to pregnant women during the second and third trimester, influences endothelial dysfunction related pregnancy complications like preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). PETN treatment showed to delay PE to late pregnancy and achieved a profound risk reduction for FGR and/or perinatal death of 40%. The aim of this study was to confirm the effect of PETN on endothelial cell dysfunction at molecular level in an experimental approach. To induce endothelial dysfunction HUVEC were treated with 10 U/l of thrombin in the presence or absence of PETN. qRT-PCR analysis showed that PETN induced the expression of heme-oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase two but not endothelial NO-synthase under basal conditions. The induction of antioxidant proteins did not change basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels as measured by MitoSOX™ staining. PETN treatment significantly delayed the thrombin-induced disruption of the endothelial monolayer, determined using the xCELLigence® and attenuated the disrupting effect of thrombin on tubular junctions as seen in a tube-forming assay on Matrigel™. In western-blot-analysis we could show that PETN significantly reduced thrombin-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation which correlates with reduction of thrombin-induced ROS. These experimental results establish the concept of how PETN treatment could stabilize endothelial resistance and angiogenic properties in pregnancy-induced stress. Thus, our results underscore the assumption, that the shown clinical effects of PETN are associated to its endothelial cell protection.
Barrier Perturbation in Porcine Peyer’s Patches by Tumor Necrosis Factor is Associated With a Dysregulation of Claudins
Authors: Droessler Linda , Cornelius Valeria , Boehm Elisa , Stein Laura , Brunner Nora , Amasheh Salah
Published: May 2022

The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been described as one of the main mediators of intestinal inflammatory diseases, affecting the composition of tight junction (TJ) proteins and leading to a disruption of the epithelial barrier. An intact intestinal barrier is mandatory, because the follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer’s patches represents the first defense line of the intestinal immune system and ensures a controlled uptake of antigens from the gut lumen. In the current study, we have analyzed the detailed effects of TNF on the follicle-associated epithelium of porcine Peyer’s patches by applying the Ussing chamber technique. Epithelial tissue specimens of Peyer’s patches and the surrounding villus epithelium were mounted into conventional Ussing chambers and incubated with TNF for 10 h. The transepithelial resistance, representing epithelial barrier function of the tissue, was recorded. A reduction of transepithelial resistance was detected after 8 h in Peyer’s patch tissue specimens, whereas the villus epithelium was not significantly affected by TNF. Subsequent molecular analysis of TJ protein expression revealed a marked decrease of claudin-1 and -4, and an increase of claudin-2. In neighboring villus epithelium, no significant changes in the expression of TJ proteins could be shown. A strong increase of TNF receptor-2 (TNFR-2) could also be detected in Peyer’s patches, in agreement with the major role of this receptor in Peyer’s patches. Our findings were in accordance with changes detected by confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy. The regulation of TNF effects via myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) was analyzed in blocking experiments. Our detailed analysis is the first to show that TNF affects the barrier function of the follicle-associated epithelium of porcine Peyer’s patches but has no effects on the villus epithelium. These findings reveal not only the basic differences of epithelial barrier function between the two structures, but also the significance of Peyer’s patches as a primary mucosal immune defense.
Perceived Value Similarity With Important Others: Well-Being Implications for Emerging Adults
Authors: Belic Jelisaveta , Boehnke Mandy , Boehnke Klaus
Published: May 2022

Emerging adults establish, question, and reestablish their values within the most diverse social contexts. Every social context privileges expressing certain values and/or punishes expressing conflicting ones. This makes a similarity between one’s own values and those preferred in one’s life contexts psychologically desirable (person–environment fit). This study focuses on the similarity of individuals’ values with the perceived values of important others from five immediate social contexts, namely, family, friends, intimate partner, study group, and work group, and their relationship with life satisfaction. The sample consisted of emerging adults from Serbia interacting with the five mentioned contexts (N = 479). A mobile app with a game-like survey was launched to collect the data. The data indicated a positive association between life satisfaction and perceived value similarity with one’s family and with one’s intimate partner. Value similarity with friends and study and work colleagues emerged as insignificant. Identity centrality and the general importance of the immediate social contexts were studied as possible moderators. Identity centrality showed no moderation effect, whereas general importance of the intimate partner did: High importance of the intimate partner decreased the positive effect of value similarity on well-being.
Supervisor Bottom-Line Mentality, Performance Pressure, and Workplace Cheating: Moderating Role of Negative Reciprocity
Authors: Kamran Komal , Azam Akbar , Atif Mian Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Employee cheating at the workplace has reached epidemic proportions and is putting a significant dent on the revenues of corporations. This study evaluates workplace cheating behavior as a consequence of supervisor bottom-line mentality with performance pressure as the mediating mechanism. Most importantly, it scrutinizes the moderating function of negative reciprocity belief in the relation between bottom-line mentality, performance pressure, and cheating in a moderated-mediation model, through the lens of displaced aggression theory. We systematically conduct time-lagged studies in two different populations (Pakistan and United States). Data analysis reveals that (1) bottom-line mentality positively influences workplace cheating behavior through performance pressure and (2) negative reciprocity moderated this indirect relationship. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effects of Teacher Enthusiasm and Type of Text on the Motivation and Achievement of Schoolchildren
Authors: Valentín Alberto , Mateos Pedro M. , González-Tablas Maria Mar , López Estrella
Published: May 2022

This study aims to analyze the effects of teacher enthusiasm and type of text on student motivation and achievement. The participants were 369 elementary school students. We used four videos showing a teacher presenting two texts (narrative or descriptive) in two conditions of enthusiasm (high or neutral). A MANOVA revealed additive effects due to enthusiasm and text type on motivation and achievement, but no interaction. Mediation analyzes indicated that enthusiasm showed direct and indirect effects through motivation only for descriptive text. Therefore, the motivational mediation between teacher enthusiasm and student achievement could be especially important when the text is descriptive.
Exploring the Relationship Between Organizational Culture Types and Knowledge Management Processes: A Meta-Analytic Path Analysis
Authors: Aichouche Riad , Chergui Khalil , Brika Said Khalfa Mokhtar , El Mezher Mohammed , Musa Adam , Laamari Ahmed
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the relationship between organizational culture types according to Competing Values Framework (Clan, Adhocracy, Market, Hierarchy) and Knowledge Management Processes (Creation, Dissemination, Storage, Application) using meta-analytic path analysis. To produce the necessary pooled correlation matrix for model testing, we used the univariate (r) approach to carry out two additional meta-analyzes. Based on data collected from several research databases, we extracted the paired correlation coefficients (r) among knowledge management processes (k= 32,N= 6835) then the inter-correlations between knowledge management processes and culture types (k= 7,N= 865). The findings revealed that no particular culture type has a stronger effect on all KM processes. Clan, Adhocracy and Market have significant but varying effects on Knowledge Management processes. Notably, the clan is more associated with knowledge creation, while Adhocracy has a greater effect on knowledge application, and market has a stronger effect on knowledge dissemination and storage. However, hierarchical culture has an insignificant effect on knowledge creation and the lowest effects on the rest of Knowledge Management processes. Therefore, the study concluded that knowledge management success is determined by developing a balanced portfolio of cultural traits from clan, adhocracy and market cultures.
Perceptions of Safety and Stress Among Health Professionals: The Role of Care Unit Identification as a Protective Factor During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Panari Chiara , Caricati Luca , Gallo Gaetano , Bonetti Chiara , Bonini Alice , Monacelli Nadia , Sollami Alfonso
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the role of motivational process and coping resources in health professionals during the COVID-19 emergency examining the role of Care Unit Identification and safety climate perception as resources that can help nurses to cope with stressors. A cross-sectional research design was used and 218 nurses completed a self-report questionnaire measuring: Perception of safety, Care Unit identification, Work Engagement, Psychological Distress, and Burnout. Results revealed that Work Engagement was significantly related with Burnout (b = −0.209, 95%CI [−0.309; −0.109]) and Distress (b = −0.355, 95%CI [−0.529; −0.18]) especially when the Care Unit identification is high (b = −0.303, 95%CI [−0.448; −0.157] and b = −0.523, 95%CI [−0.772; −0.275], respectively). The safety perception was positively related to Work Engagement (b = 0.315, 95%CI [0.198; 0.433]) and had an indirect effect on psychological Distress (b = −0.112, 95%CI [−0.181; −0.042]) and Burnout (b = −0.066, 95%CI [−0.105; −0.027]). High levels of both Care Unit identification and perception of safety, along with personal work engagement, appear to protect nurses from burnout and psychological distress. Findings suggest that the effort to improve teamwork identification and ensures an adequate degree of perceived safety for healthcare professionals need to be maintained and reinforced as they positively impact nurses’ wellbeing.
Human’s Intuitive Mental Models as a Source of Realistic Artificial Intelligence and Engineering
Authors: Suomala Jyrki , Kauttonen Janne
Published: May 2022

Despite the success of artificial intelligence (AI), we are still far away from AI that model the world as humans do. This study focuses for explaining human behavior from intuitive mental models’ perspectives. We describe how behavior arises in biological systems and how the better understanding of this biological system can lead to advances in the development of human-like AI. Human can build intuitive models from physical, social, and cultural situations. In addition, we follow Bayesian inference to combine intuitive models and new information to make decisions. We should build similar intuitive models and Bayesian algorithms for the new AI. We suggest that the probability calculation in Bayesian sense is sensitive to semantic properties of the objects’ combination formed by observation and prior experience. We call this brain process as computational meaningfulness and it is closer to the Bayesian ideal, when the occurrence of probabilities of these objects are believable. How does the human brain form models of the world and apply these models in its behavior? We outline the answers from three perspectives. First, intuitive models support an individual to use information meaningful ways in a current context. Second, neuroeconomics proposes that the valuation network in the brain has essential role in human decision making. It combines psychological, economical, and neuroscientific approaches to reveal the biological mechanisms by which decisions are made. Then, the brain is an over-parameterized modeling organ and produces optimal behavior in a complex word. Finally, a progress in data analysis techniques in AI has allowed us to decipher how the human brain valuates different options in complex situations. By combining big datasets with machine learning models, it is possible to gain insight from complex neural data beyond what was possible before. We describe these solutions by reviewing the current research from this perspective. In this study, we outline the basic aspects for human-like AI and we discuss on how science can benefit from AI. The better we understand human’s brain mechanisms, the better we can apply this understanding for building new AI. Both development of AI and understanding of human behavior go hand in hand.
Mathematically Gifted Students’ Experience With Their Teachers’ Mathematical Competence and Boredom in School: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Smedsrud Jørgen Hammer , Nordahl-Hansen Anders , Idsøe Ella
Published: May 2022

Competent mathematics teachers who have knowledge of gifted students’ needs can challenge them in math and prevent boredom and possible underachievement. This retrospective study explores how Norwegian gifted students perceive their earlier teachers’ mathematical competency, as well as their reflections about boredom in school. The data were collected through qualitative semistructured interviews with 11 mathematically gifted students who participated in accelerated classes throughout school. The informants ranged in age from 16 to 19 years and were asked about how they experienced their math classes, teachers, and social aspects. The results indicate that students view their teachers as having less mathematical knowledge in earlier school than in later years and that teachers’ mathematical knowledge might affect whether they are able to challenge and identify students who are gifted in mathematics.
A Fuzzy-Set Analysis of Conservative Agriculture Practice Adoption: Role of Farmer Orientations and Attitude
Authors: Hayat Naeem , Al Mamun Abdullah , Salameh Anas A. , Yang Qing , Zainol Noor Raihani , Makhbul Zafir Khan Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Conservative agriculture practice (CAP) adoption literature advocates that adoption is caused by many factors comprising cognitive, social, economic, personal, and CAP-related factors. Evaluating the adoption of CAPs as the outcome is complex and challenging with regression-based models as the systemic interdependencies of the factors offer diverse or varying results. Farmer production and environmental orientations as cognitive stances are notable interpreters of CAP adoption. The appetite level for risk-taking, innovativeness, and trust facilitates the adoption of CAPs. However, a causal-predictive technique should be used to investigate the adoption of CAP. Hence, this study engages in a configuration approach using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to analyze the patterns of different types of farmers' orientations, personal level of trust on extension services, and innovativeness risk-taking attitude on the intention to adopt CAPs. The analysis is based on the 155-farmer data collected employing a structured interview from Pakistan. The results suggest that a higher level of environment orientation and innovativeness is sufficient to increase the intention to adopt CAPs. Moreover, a higher intention to adopt CAPs is achieved with a lower production orientation, a higher personal level of innovativeness, and a risk-taking attitude of the farmer. The innovativeness can help to develop the intention to adopt the CAPs among the environment and production-oriented farmers. Causal solutions offer a unique understanding that the farmers' environment and production orientation can combine to suggest inclined to adopt CAPs by having an attitude of innovativeness and risk-taking. The causal solutions achieved significant predictive validity in the holdout samples. Policy and farmer-level suggestions were made to raise the intention to adopt CAPs among the farmers.
Does Socio-Economic Status Have Different Impact on Fluid and Crystallized Abilities? Comparing Scores on Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II Story Completion and Kilifi Naming Test Among Children in Ghana
Authors: Anum Adote
Published: May 2022

Current literature shows an association between intelligence and socio-cultural or socio-economic factors. The available evidence supports a stronger effect of exogenous factors on measures of crystalized intelligence than on fluid intelligence. Despite this, the sources of variability in fluid and crystalized intelligence have not been explored adequately in intelligence research. The purpose of this study was to compare performance on tests that measure fluid and crystallized intelligence among children selected from public and private schools in Ghana. We tested the assumption that socio-economic status (SES) will have a stronger effect on tests that measure crystallized intelligence than on fluid intelligence. We selected 185 children between 6 and 12 years from private and public schools, and used inclusion in a private or public school as a proxy for SES. We administered the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), a fluid intelligence test, the KABC II story completion subtest as a measure of inductive reasoning and crystallized intelligence and the Kilifi Naming Test, a verbal ability measure designed to minimize the effect of school on vocabulary. The results showed age-related improvement in scores on all three tests with effect sizes ranging from 0.42 to 0.52. We also found significant effect for type of school on all the tests with effect sizes ranging from 0.37 to 0.66. The results also showed an increasing disparity in performance on the tests favoring children selected from private schools. These suggest that fluid and crystalized intelligence are affected by socioeconomic factors. The results also showed that SES factors tend to affect crystallized ability more than it affects fluid ability. The results are discussed in the context of differences in socioeconomic resources available to children such as quality of education in low- and middle-income countries.
Internet Entrepreneurship Psychology for College Students and Internet Financial Crimes Prevention
Authors: Li Ruihua
Published: May 2022

This work aims to study the entrepreneurial intention of college students’ Internet Entrepreneurship and the potential risk of Internet financial crime from a psychological perspective. Here, the relevant psychological theories are used to analyze the personal and social factors of College Students’ Internet Financing Entrepreneurship. Specifically, College Students’ Internet Financial Entrepreneurship factors are examined alongside the excellence and feasibility of Internet Entrepreneurship. Secondly, it introduces the main types of Internet financial crimes and analyzes the psychological traits of college students’ Internet financial crimes. Further, the research reveals the possibility of college students committing Internet financial crimes by investigating the current situation of College Students’ Internet Entrepreneurship through a questionnaire survey. The results show that 78% of the respondents have studied college Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education (IEE). More than 90% are interested in entrepreneurship, but most have not undertaken entrepreneurship. Therefore, the current college students’ enthusiasm for Internet Financial Entrepreneurship is affected by many factors and is not high. Finally, given the existing problems, hierarchical nesting prevention measures are proposed to prevent college students’ Internet financial crimes during entrepreneurship. This work provides a reference for analyzing the psychological factors of College Students’ Internet Financial Entrepreneurship and preventing potential Internet financial crimes.
Exploring the Nexus Between E-Business Processes and Organizational Performance: Can Technological Opportunism Play Any Role?
Authors: Al-Omari Mohammad Ahmad , AlZgool Mahmoud Radwan Hussein , Ahmed Umair , Pahi Munwar Hussain , AlMaamary Qais
Published: May 2022

The digitization of business processes has gained much scholarly and practical attention in the recent past. To understand their effectiveness, particularly in connection to organizational performance, the current study developed and tested a comprehensive framework. Through obtaining data from 350 manufacturing businesses, the study investigated using Smart PLS3 and found a significant influence of online procurement, channel management, and service delivery capabilities on organizational performance. Furthermore, the study also found the significant direct and moderating potential of technological opportunism to harness organizational performance. The study concludes that e-business processes serve as crucial resources and capabilities for businesses to achieve their goals and objectives. The study offers contributory implications for theory and practice indicating for strategic investment of e-business processes for businesses aiming to boost their performance.
The Impact of Prepartum Depression and Birth Experience on Postpartum Mother-Infant Bonding: A Longitudinal Path Analysis
Authors: Eitenmüller Pia , Köhler Siegmund , Hirsch Oliver , Christiansen Hanna
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Negative effects of impaired postpartum mother-infant-bonding on mental health of mothers, their newborn children and subsequent child development are well documented. Previous research demonstrated an association between a negative birth experience and postpartum mental health affecting postpartum mother-infant bonding. This study investigates the extent to which prepartum depression and birth experience influence the postpartum mental health of mothers and their bonding toward their newborns, and whether these influences differ according to parity and self-reported prior mental health problems.

Method

Three hundred and fifty-four women (18-43 years;M= 30.13,SD= 5.10) filled in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), Salmon's Item List (SIL) assessing the birth experience, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) at pre- and postpartum; they were also asked about birth complications and parity status.

Results

Primipara reported significantly more birth complications (p= 0.048), with path analysis confirming this result (p< 0.001). Birth complications were associated with a more negative rating of the overall birth experience (p< 0.001). Mothers with self-reported prior mental health problems had higher prepartum depression scores (p< 0.001) but did not differ in other variables from mothers without prior self-reported mental health problems. Differences in depression scores between mothers with self-reported prior mental health problems and those without vanished at postpartum assessment (p> 0.05). Path-analysis highlighted the key role of postpartum depression, which was the only significant predictor of postpartum impairment in maternal-child bonding (p< 0.001). Birth experience and prepartum depression scores exerted an indirect effect on postpartum maternal-child bonding, mediated by postpartum depression.

Discussion

The present study demonstrates the relevance of prepartum mental health of expectant mothers, especially of those who self-report prior mental health problems. The results support that reducing mental health problems of pregnant mothers might contribute to a more positive birth experience and potentially reduce postpartum depressive symptoms. As postpartum depression is associated with impaired parent-child bonding, such targeted interventions could promote child development. Group differences between primiparous and multiparous mothers suggest that the birth experience may be an influential factor for postpartum mental health.
Social Vulnerability and Mental Health Inequalities in the “Syndemic”: Call for Action
Authors: Mezzina Roberto , Gopikumar Vandana , Jenkins John , Saraceno Benedetto , Sashidharan S. P.
Published: May 2022

Covid-19 is referred to as a “syndemic,” i.e., the consequences of the disease are exacerbated by social and economic disparity. Poor housing, unstable work conditions, caste, class, race and gender based inequities and low incomes have a profound effect on mental health and wellbeing. Such disparities are increasing between, among and within countries and are exacerbated by human rights violations, in institution and in society, stigma and discrimination. Social capital can mediate health outcomes, through trust and reciprocity, political participation, and by mental health service systems, which can be coercive or more open to demand of emancipation and freedom. Societal inequalities affect especially vulnerable groups, and Covid itself had a wider impact on the most socially vulnerable and marginalized populations, suffering for structural discrimination and violence. There are complex relations among these social processes and domains, and mental health inequalities and disparity. Participation and engagement of citizens and community organizations is now required in order to achieve a radical transformation in mental health. A Local and Global Action Plan has been launched recently, by a coalition of organizations representing people with lived experience of mental health care; who use services; family members, mental health professionals, policy makers and researchers, such as the International Mental Health Collaborating Network, the World Federation for Mental Health, the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation, the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN), The Mental Health Resource Hub in Chennai, India, The Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH) and others. The Action Plan addresses the need for fundamental change by focusing on social determinants and achieving equity in mental health care. Equally the need for the politics of wellbeing has to be embedded in a system that places mental health within development and social justice paradigm, enhancing core human capabilities and contrasting discriminatory practices. These targets are for people and organizations to adopt locally within their communities and services, and also to indicate possible innovative solutions to Politics. This global endeavor may represent an alternative to the global mental discourse inspired by the traditional biomedical model.
Comparison of Effects of Mothers' and Mozart's Lullabies on Physiological Responses, Feeding Volume, and Body Weight of Premature Infants in NICU
Authors: Shin Hyo-Jin , Park Jooyeon , Oh Hye-Kyung , Kim Nahyun
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mothers' and Mozart's lullabies on physiological parameters, feeding volume, and body weight of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This study used a non-equivalent control group, non-synchronized design as a quasi-experimental study. Two intervention groups (recorded mother's lullaby and Mozart's lullaby) and a control group were formed from a total of 65 premature infants: a mother's lullaby group of 22 infants, a Mozart's lullaby group of 22 infants, and a control group of 21 infants not provided with any lullabies. Their physiological parameters included heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and O2 saturation. The infants' feeding volume and body weight were measured as indicators related to the growth of premature infants. The mother's and Mozart's lullabies were played on a speaker in an incubator for 15 min for 7 consecutive days per group.

Results

There were significant differences in the mean difference before and after intervention in neonatal heart rate (χ2 = 45.03, P < 0.001), systolic pressure (F = 43.29, P < 0.001), diastolic pressure (χ2 = 33.01, P < 0.001), respiratory rate (F = 76.06, P < 0.001), and O2 saturation (χ2 = 40.82, P < 0.001) between the three groups. The mean differences of both mother's and Mozart's lullaby groups were significantly higher than those of the routine care group in all physiological parameters, and those of the mother's lullaby group was significantly higher when compared with the Mozart's lullaby group. In repeated-measures ANOVA, there was a significant interaction between time and group in feeding volume (F = 2.46, P = 0.041). However, body weight did not significantly differ in an interaction between time and group (F = 1.75, P = 0.151).

Conclusion

This study showed beneficial effects of mother's lullaby and Mozart's lullaby on physiological parameters. Especially, the mother's lullaby was found to significantly improve all physiological parameters and feeding volume of premature infants in the NICU compared to Mozart's lullaby group. Therefore, we recommend the regular integration of the mother's lullaby into supportive care of premature infants in the NICU, as this intervention highlights the need for mothers to participate in their care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: KCT0004842 (https://cris.nih.go.kr).
Analysis of the Impact of Supply Chain Relationship Strategy on Corporate Cash Dividend Policy Based on Chinese Data
Authors: Yang Xingquan , Sun Lingyan
Published: May 2022

With the development and application of e-commerce in the process of supply chain integration, the choice of supplier centralized strategy or decentralized mode and how to use supplier financing have become significant contents of supply chain management. This study investigates the effect of competition and cooperation on the corporate cash dividend policy under the influence of the supplier relationship strategy and its mediating mechanism based on Chinese data. The motivation of this study is to provide a basis for enterprises to grasp the dynamic evolution process of the economic consequences of supply chain relationships based on big data and adjust the relationship strategy in time to maximize the positive effects of supplier relationships. This study considers supplier concentration and supplier financing as two dimensions to measure the supplier relationship strategy and selects the balanced panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2020 as samples by applying the Logit and Tobit model. The results demonstrate that the supplier relationship is negatively correlated with the cash dividends. The intermediary effect found that the competition effect of the supplier relationship aggravates the agency conflict of enterprises and intensifies the degree of financing constraints, and thus acts on the cash dividends of enterprises. This study expands the economic consequences of relational transactions and provides an explanation of dividend policies from the perspective of a supply chain.
Talent Development in Sport: How Do You Make It to the Top?
Authors: Knight Camilla J. , Gottwald Victoria M.
Published: May 2022

Around the world, billions of children participate in sport, and many are identified as being talented. However, only a small number of these individuals go on to become elite athletes. In fact, you have more of a chance of being struck by lightning than becoming an elite athlete! So how do those who do become elite athletes make it happen? What enables a talented young athlete to become an international superstar? In this article, we will review key information about talent development and answer some important questions: How early should I start my sport? Should I focus on one sport or try lots? How important is “failing” in the journey to stardom? We will discuss various talent development pathways and why some may be better than others. We will also look at the factors that might influence an athlete’s chances of success.
In vivo Mammalian Alkaline Comet Assay: Method Adapted for Genotoxicity Assessment of Nanomaterials
Authors: Cardoso Renato , Dusinska Maria , Collins Andrew , Manjanatha Mugimane , Pfuhler Stefan , Registre Marilyn , Elespuru Rosalie
Published: May 2022

The in vivo Comet assay measures the generation of DNA strand breaks under conditions in which the DNA will unwind and migrate to the anode in an electrophoresis assay, producing comet-like figures. Measurements are on single cells, which allows the sampling of a diversity of cells and tissues for DNA damaging effects. The Comet assay is the most common in vivo method for genotoxicity assessment of nanomaterials (NM). The Method outlined here includes a recommended step-by-step approach, consistent with OECD 489, taking into consideration the issues impacting assessment of NM, including choice of cells or systems, handling of NM test articles, dose determination, assay methods and data assessment. This method is designed to be used along with the accompanying “Common Considerations” paper, which discusses issues common to any genotoxicity assay using NM as a test article.
Failure to Launch: The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Authors: Maffini Maricel V. , Vandenberg Laura N.
Published: May 2022

It has been 25 years since the U.S. Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, an amendment to the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, which mandated that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test all pesticide chemicals used in food for endocrine disruption. Soon after the law passed, EPA established the Endocrine Disruptor Screening and Testing Advisory Committee (EDSTAC) to provide recommendations to the agency on how its Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) should work. Among them, the committee recommended that EDSP screening should 1) evaluate both human and ecological effects; 2) test for disruption of the estrogen, androgen, and thyroid systems; 3) evaluate pesticide and non-pesticide chemicals; and 4) implement a tiered approach. EPA adopted the recommendations and the EDSP was created in 1998. To date, the EPA has yet to fully implement the law; in other words, it has failed to test all pesticide chemicals for endocrine disruption. Of the small number that have been tested, not a single pesticide chemical has been determined to be an endocrine disruptor, and no regulatory actions have been taken. Here, we review the missed opportunities EPA had to make the EDSP a functional and effective program aimed at protecting human health and the environment. Two reports by the EPA’s Office of Inspector General from 2011 to 2021 provide the framework for our discussion.
Development of a Novel Dual Servo Magnetic Levitation Stage
Authors: Ahn Dahoon , Jin Ji-Won , Yun Hyeeun , Jeong Jaeheon
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this paper is to propose, design, and control a novel dual servo magnetic levitation stage which is precise and vacuum compatible. The dual servo mechanism, comprising a coarse stage and a fine stage, was applied to a magnetic levitation stage system for the first time. The dual servo stage achieves high precision and a long stroke at the same time. The fine stage, which comprises voice coil motors, achieves high-precision motion by overcoming the limit of the coarse stage, the form of which is a planar motor. The planar motor was mathematically modeled and analyzed with respect to the main design parameters, after which the fine stage was optimally designed to be driven by high force. Both stages including a common heat exchanger were manufactured, and the heat exchanger cools down the heat given off from the planar motor and voice coil motors. The position measuring system consisted of laser interferometers and capacitive sensors, and the integrated dual servo stage was controlled with a master–slave control scheme. The experimental results showed a precision of 10 nm, thus confirming the suitability of the developed magnetic levitation stage for a high-precision fabrication process such as wafer lithography.
Soil Quality and Health to Assess Agro-Ecosystems Services
Authors: Marinari Sara , Radicetti Emanuele , Mancinelli Roberto
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, agricultural production systems are facing serious challenges mainly related to the climate changing, the world population growing and environmental pollution that are threatening the survival of the natural resources [...]