bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motives for Sustainability Certification—Private Certified Forest Owners’ Perspectives
Authors: Thorning Anna , Mark-Herbert Cecilia
Published: May 2022

Traditional forest-management practices are currently being scrutinised. Forest certification may verify sustainable development practices in primary forest production. However, certification of privately owned forest lands cannot be taken for granted, as it is associated with the demands and challenges of forest management. Despite these challenges, some private owners of forest lands chose to certify their operations. The aim of this study is to explain these motives for certification. A qualitative approach, based on thematic interviews with selected forest owners, offers a context-bound and contemporary understanding. The implications of this research are seen in market development for certified forest resources and policy adaptations to support voluntary certification schemes.
Dynamics of Dissolved Carbon in Subalpine Forest Streams
Authors: Hou Jianfeng , Li Fei , Wang Zhihui , Li Xuqing , Cao Rui , Yang Wanqin
Published: May 2022

Dissolved carbon (DC) in forest streams plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and productivity of adjoining aquatic ecosystems as well as informing biogeochemical links between mountain forests and adjoining rivers. Nevertheless, the functions of forest stream DC dynamics are rarely incorporated into river management. To better understand the biogeochemical links between subalpine forests and adjoining streams, the seasonal dynamics of DC in 15 representative forest streams were investigated in a geographically fragile subalpine-gorge catchment in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Depending on stream characteristics and critical periods, the DC stocks in the streams ranged from 0.22 to 2.35 mg m−2 for total DC, from 0.10 to 1.66 mg m−2 for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and from 0.12 to 1.27 mg m−2 for dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Moreover, the annual stocks of DC, DIC, and DOC were 1.01, 0.56, and 0.45 mg m−2, respectively. Correspondingly, the averaged export rates for DC, DIC, and DOC from the forest streams ranged from 0.27 to 1.98 mg s−1, from 0.24 to 1.48 mg s−1, and from 0.18 to 0.90 mg s−1, respectively, in the subalpine forest catchment. The annual export rates of total DC, DIC, and DOC were 1.06, 0.75, and 0.31 mg C s−1, respectively. In particular, the highest rates of export were 4.67, 3.53, and 1.34 mg s−1 for DC, DIC, and DOC, respectively, in the snowmelt period. The average ratios of DOC to DIC stock in the export water ranged from 0.23–2.41 for the 15 streams, and the average value was 0.85 during this one-year investigation. In addition, the maximum and minimum values of the DC stocks, their exports, and the DIC:DOC ratio were consistently observed during the snowmelt season and the late growing period. In summary, precipitation, temperature, water discharge rate, and sediment depth regulated the stocks and export rates of DC and its components. In general, forest streams are important links between the carbon biogeochemical cycle of subalpine forests and adjoining streams.
Effectiveness and Economic Viability of Forest Certification: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wolff Sarah , Schweinle Jörg
Published: May 2022

In the face of accelerating forest degradation and deforestation, forest certification emerged in the early 1990s as a voluntary and market-based mechanism to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. A key goal of forest certification is to reduce forest degradation and deforestation while enhancing forest enterprises’ economic viability. However, whether forest certification contributes to meeting such goals is unclear. We conducted a systematic literature review on such impacts, reviewing empirical studies published between 1993 and 2021 regarding the impact of forest certification on forest degradation, deforestation, and economic viability. Drawing on 98 empirical studies, we analyzed these impacts and provide an overview of the studies’ findings in terms of geographical distribution, indicators considered, and the certification schemes assessed. We found that the impact of forest certification on deforestation has been specifically understudied (n = 11) compared to forest degradation (n = 42) and economic viability (n = 45). On deforestation, studies have focused on Africa (45%) and South America (36%); on forest degradation, studies have focused on Europe (40%) and Asia (20%); on economic viability, studies have focused on Asia (33%), Europe (33%) and South America (20%). We found positive-neutral (54%; 46%) impacts on deforestation, positive-neutral-mixed (70%; 21%; 9%) impacts on forest degradation and positive-negative-mixed (50%; 33%; 17%) impacts on economic viability. We did not find clear evidence that impact is linked to a specific region or certification scheme. However, scarce evidence on the impacts of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the application of various methods, and site-specific indicators in the individual studies challenge such comparison and hamper the generalization of findings. This systematic review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art research on the effectiveness and economic viability of forest certification, evaluates and discusses the current evidence base, and concludes with future research lines.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Blockchain: Applications, Challenges, and Solutions
Authors: ZareRavasan Ahad , Mansouri Taha , Krčál Michal , Rouhani Saeed
Published: May 2022

Blockchain is believed to have the potential to digitally transform and disrupt industry sectors such as finance, supply chain, healthcare, marketing, and entertainment [...]
Application of the Explicit Euler Method for Numerical Analysis of a Nonlinear Fractional Oscillation Equation
Authors: Kim Valentine Aleksandrovich , Parovik Roman Ivanovich
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a numerical analysis of the oscillation equation with a derivative of a fractional variable Riemann–Liouville order in the dissipative term, which is responsible for viscous friction, is carried out. Using the theory of finite-difference schemes, an explicit finite-difference scheme (Euler’s method) was constructed on a uniform computational grid. For the first time, the issues of approximation, stability and convergence of the proposed explicit finite-difference scheme are considered. To compare the results, the Adams–Bashford–Moulton scheme was constructed as an experimental method. The theoretical results were confirmed using test examples, the computational accuracy of the method was evaluated, which is consistent with the theoretical one, and the simulation results were visualized. Using the example of a fractional Duffing oscillator, waveforms and phase trajectories, as well as its amplitude–frequency characteristics, were constructed using a finite-difference scheme. To identify chaotic regimes, the spectra of maximum Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré points were constructed. It is shown that an explicit finite-difference scheme can be acceptable under the condition of a step of the computational grid.
Combining Ability and Gene Action Controlling Agronomic Traits for Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Line, Restorer Lines, and New Hybrids for Developing of New Drought-Tolerant Rice Hybrids
Authors: Awad-Allah Mamdouh , Attia Kotb , Omar Ahmad , Mohamed Azza , Habiba Rehab , Alzuaibr Fahad , Alshehri Mohammed , Alqurashi Mohammed , Aloufi Salman , Dessoky Eldessoky , Abdein Mohamed
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to identify new rice lines and hybrids that are tolerant to water deficit and produce high yields under water stress conditions. A line × tester mating design was used to study the lines and testers’ general combining ability (GCA) effects. The specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrid rice combinations was measured under three different irrigation regimes; 6, 9, and 12 days. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during the 2018 and 2019 rice growing seasons. Due to the genotypes and their partitions to the parents and the crosses, the mean squares were highly significant for all studied traits under the three irrigation regimes. The additive gene effects play an important role in expressing most of the studied traits. Therefore, the selection procedures based on the accumulation of the additive effect would be successful at improving these traits and the grain yield. The cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line G46A (L1) was the best combiner for most yield component traits in the three irrigation regimes. The newly devolved restorer lines T11, T1, T2, T5, T4, and T3, as well as the new hybrids L2 × T10, L2 × T6, L1 × T7, L1 × T5, L1 × T3, L2 × T7, L2 × T9, L2 × T8, L2 × T4, L1 × T4, L2 × T2, L1 × T8, L1 × T9, and L2 × NRL 10, showed good, desirable values of the studied traits such as earliness of flowering, short plant height, number of panicles/plant, panicle length, number of spikelets/panicle, number of filled grains/panicle, panicle weight, 1000-grain weight, hulling percentage, milling percentage, head rice percentage, and grain yield under the irrigation regimes of 6, 9, and 12 days. The hybrids L2 × T10, L2 × T6, L1 × T7, and L1 × T5, showed significant positive SCA effects for grain yield, under all three irrigation regimes.
Gillnet Selectivity for Three Freshwater Alien Invasive Fish Species in a Long-Term Monitoring Scenario
Authors: Sánchez-González Jorge Rubén , Casals Frederic
Published: May 2022

Gillnet selectivity is poorly understood for most freshwater fish species, particularly for invasive alien species. However, their use to determine mesh selectivity could be essential for establishing management measures, such as the selective removal of exotic invasive species. This study aims to the assess size selectivity of exotic invasive species in a restored lentic freshwater ecosystem. Therefore, we analysed gillnet size selectivity based on experimental fishing trials performed by using multimesh gillnets. Twice a year, for 8 years, multimesh nylon gillnets were set up in the Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana, a restored shallow lake in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula). We caught 4105 individuals belonging to three widely distributed freshwater fish species—3583 pikeperches (Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758)), 115 common roaches (Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758)) and 407 common carps (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus, 1758). The SELECT method was applied to fit six different gillnet selectivity uni- and bimodal models. As a result, bi-lognormal provides the best fit for the three species. This is in line with previous studies that found size–frequency data skewed to the right or to multimodal models when high numbers of fish are captured. These results provide the essential information required for fish community management with the presence of these invasive alien species.
Endometriosis and Infertility: A Long-Life Approach to Preserve Reproductive Integrity
Authors: Coccia Maria Elisabetta , Nardone Luca , Rizzello Francesca
Published: May 2022

Laparoscopic surgery was originally considered the gold standard in the treatment of endometriosis-related infertility. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) was indicated as second-line treatment or in the case of male factor. The combined approach of surgery followed by ART proved to offer higher chances of pregnancy in infertile women with endometriosis. However, it was highlighted how pelvic surgery for endometriosis, especially in cases of ovarian endometriomas, could cause iatrogenic damage due to ovarian reserve loss, adhesion formation (scarring), and ischemic damage. Furthermore, in the last few years, the trend to delay the first childbirth, recent technological advances in ultrasound diagnosis, and technological progress in clinical and laboratory aspects of ART have certainly influenced the approach to infertility and endometriosis with, ART assuming a more relevant role. Management of endometriosis should take into account that the disease is chronic and involves the reproductive system. Consequently, treatment and counselling should aim to preserve the chances of pregnancy for the patient, even if it is not associated with infertility. This review will analyse the evolution of the management of infertility associated with endometriosis and propose an algorithm for treatment decision-making based on the most recent acquisitions.
Parent Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Outcomes from the Translational ‘Time for Healthy Habits’ Trial: Secondary Outcomes from a Partially Randomized Preference Trial
Authors: Wyse Rebecca J. , Jackson Jacklyn K. , Hammersley Megan L. , Stacey Fiona , Jones Rachel A. , Okely Anthony , Green Amanda , Yoong Sze Lin , Lecathelinais Christophe , Innes-Hughes Christine , Xu Joe , Gillham Karen , Rissel Chris
Published: May 2022

Healthy eating and active living interventions targeting parents of young children could have benefits for both children and parents. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two remotely delivered healthy eating and active living interventions delivered at scale to parents, in increasing parent vegetable and fruit consumption (pre-specified secondary outcomes). Parents of children aged 2–6 years residing in New South Wales, Australia (n = 458), were recruited to a partially randomized preference trial consisting of three groups (telephone intervention (n = 95); online intervention (n = 218); written material (Control) (n = 145)). This design allowed parents with a strong preference to select their preferred intervention, and once preference trends had been established, all parents that were subsequently recruited were randomized to obtain robust relative effects. Parent vegetable and fruit consumption was assessed via telephone interview at baseline and 9 months later. At follow-up, randomized parents who received the telephone intervention (n = 73) had significantly higher vegetable consumption compared to those who received the written control (n = 81) (+0.41 serves/day, p = 0.04), but there were no differences in parents allocated to intervention groups based on preference. No differences in fruit consumption were found for randomized or preference participants for either the telephone or online intervention. There may be some benefit to parents participating in the Healthy Habits Plus (telephone-based) intervention aimed at improving the eating behaviors of their children.
Suicidal Ideation among University Students: A Moderated Mediation Model Considering Attachment, Personality, and Sex
Authors: Granieri Antonella , Casale Silvia , Sauta Maria Domenica , Franzoi Isabella Giulia
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to examine the link between attachment, personality traits, and suicidal ideation with consideration of the potential moderating role of age and sex. The Suicidal History Self-Rating Screening Scale, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire were administered to 183 students. There was a significant indirect effect of need for approval on suicidal ideation via detachment. Moreover, the moderated mediation models of need for approval and preoccupation with relationships on suicidality via negative affectivity were significant in men, but not women, whereas the moderated mediation model of need for approval on suicidality via detachment was significant in women, but not men. Young men and women seem at risk for increased suicidal ideation based on specific attachment and personality characteristics, which should be considered for the development of prevention and therapeutic interventions.
Then and Now: Investigating Anthropometrics and Child Mortality among Females in Malawi
Authors: Simmons Sally Sonia , Hagan John Elvis , Schack Thomas
Published: May 2022

Information on the concentration of body mass index and child death among females in Malawi, where the epidemics of weight gain have been disconcerting and preventable deaths among children linger, is limited. Therefore, the study examined the polarity of body mass index and the death of children among females. Using data from the Malawian Demographic and Health Survey from 2000 to 2015–2016, the study applied for the first time the index of concentration at the extremes and indirect demographic techniques to estimate the polarity of body mass index and child mortality among 65,499 females aged 15 to 49 years. The preponderance of obesity more than doubled from 2000 to 2015–2016 and was highest among females who were older (35–49 years), urban dwellers, rich, and located in districts within the central and southern regions. In addition, child survival was low among underweight, overweight, and obese females. While national-, regional-, and individual-level statistics are in development, these findings provide helpful information for health experts and other stakeholders to initiate appropriate age-region specific programs and interventions in Malawi, including targeting females in the high socio-economic bracket.
Are Construction Managers from Mars and Workers from Venus? Exploring Differences in Construction Safety Perception of Two Key Field Stakeholders
Authors: Namian Mostafa , Tafazzoli Mohammadsoroush , Al-Bayati Ahmed Jalil , Kermanshachi Sharareh
Published: May 2022

Persisting high rates of worksite accidents and injuries in construction projects indicate the urge to investigate the root causes and revisit safety practices in this industry. Consonance in perceptions and safety approaches has been identified as a fundamental factor in boosting projects’ safety. Discrepancies between how different elements of construction safety are perceived and handled by the key stakeholders, namely managers and workers, could be detrimental to worksite safety. This research studied how, if at all, the perception of four key construction safety components, including 33 sets of pairwise questions, is different in the lens of managers from workers. To explore safety perceptions, 133 construction professionals in the United States participated in the study and expressed their perceptions toward their own and counterparts’ (1) safety knowledge, (2) safety culture and commitment, (3) safety performance, and (4) safety support and communication. The results indicated that massive gaps in safety perceptions do exist between the construction managers and workers (26 out of 33 areas), and the magnitude varies for different safety elements. In all four categories, both managers and workers perceived a superior safety position for themselves and inferior for their counterparts. Further investigations revealed that the common ground between managers and workers is their consensus on proper communication and safety training as the key solutions to address such discrepancies. Construction safety professionals and practitioners can benefit from the results of this study to establish and implement strategies to foster communication and provide more effective safety training to bridge the existing gaps in the perception of safety by managers and workers.
The Association of COVID-19 Stressors and Family Health on Overeating before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Rahee , Olpin Eliza , Novilla Lynneth Kirsten , Crandall AliceAnn
Published: May 2022

Prior studies have examined how stress and the family environment affect overeating, but less is known about how COVID-19 stressors and family health may affect overeating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research questions included: (1) Did COVID-19-related stressors increase the risk for overeating among adults in the United States? (2) Did family health protect against overeating during a pandemic? The sample included 443 participants aged 18 years and older living in the United States who were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Stata version 16 was used to analyze the data using multiple linear regression. The results indicate that one year into the pandemic, COVID-19 stressors were associated with increased overeating, even after adjusting for overeating before the pandemic. More family health resources were associated with less overeating. These results indicate that although COVID-19 stressors were associated with overeating, greater family health resources helped prevent overeating. Interventions and policies that aim to increase health resources for families may be particularly beneficial at preventing overeating and obesity in the face of long- and short-term stress.
The Cardiorespiratory Demands of Treadmill Walking with and without the Use of Ekso GT™ within Able-Bodied Participants: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Duddy Damien , Doherty Rónán , Connolly James , Loughrey Johnny , Condell Joan , Hassan David , Faulkner Maria
Published: May 2022

Individuals with neurological impairments tend to lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle due to impaired gait function and mobility. This may be detrimental to health by negatively impacting cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength, and increasing the risk of developing secondary health problems. Powered exoskeletons are assistive devices that may aid neurologically impaired individuals in achieving the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) physical activity (PA) guidelines for health. Increased PA should elicit a sufficient cardiorespiratory stimulus to provide health benefits to exoskeleton users. This study examined the cardiorespiratory demands of treadmill walking with and without the Ekso GT™ among able-bodied participants. The Ekso GT™ is a powered exoskeleton that enables individuals with neurological impairments to walk by supporting full body mass with motors attached at the hip and knee joints to generate steps. This feasibility study consisted of one group of healthy able-bodied individuals (n = 8). Participants completed two 12 min treadmill walking assessments, one with and one without the Ekso GT™ at the same fixed speed. Throughout each walking bout, various cardiorespiratory parameters, namely, volume of oxygen per kilogram (kg) of body mass (V˙O2·kg−1), volume of carbon dioxide per kg of body mass (V˙CO2·kg−1), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ventilation (V˙E), heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE), were recorded. Treadmill walking with Ekso GT™ elevated all recorded measurements to a significantly greater level (p ≤ 0.05) (except RER at 1 km·h–1; p = 0.230) than treadmill walking without the Ekso GT™ did at the same fixed speed. An increased cardiorespiratory response was recorded during treadmill walking with the exoskeleton. Exoskeleton walking may, therefore, be an effective method to increase PA levels and provide sufficient stimulus in accordance with the PA guidelines to promote cardiorespiratory fitness and subsequently enhance overall health.
Effect of Square Dance Interventions on Physical and Mental Health among Chinese Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ou Kai-ling , Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Chung Pak Kwong , Chui Kei Yee Katie
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Square dancing is an emerging form of aerobic exercise in China, especially among middle-aged and older people. The benefits of square dancing have been investigated and promoted in recent years through research and interventions. Interventions have been conducted to promote the participants’ reactionary participation in physical activity, social and family cohesion, and other psychological benefits. Therefore, square dancing has been promoted as a major factor in China’s increase in physical activity prevalence. (2) Methods: A systematic review was used to identify studies that have indicated the effect of square dancing on the physical and mental health among Chinese older adults. (3) Results: Twenty-four studies examining the effects of square dancing on older Chinese adults were extracted. These studies were not found in English databases. The quality of the retrieved studies had a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Square dancing interventions were shown to result in effective mental, physical, and cognitive improvements in the systematic synthesis. (4) Conclusions: This study examined the effects of square dancing in China over the past 10 years on the physical and mental health of older adults. Based on the results of this study, recommendations can be made for future square dance interventions for older adults such as male-oriented, mixed-gender, or intergenerational programs.
The Relationship between Medical Staff’s Emotional Labor, Leisure Coping Strategies, Workplace Spirituality, and Organizational Commitment during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yuan Ming-Zhu , Chen Hsiang-Fei , Yang Cheng-Chia , Chow Tong-Hsien , Hsu Chin-Hsien
Published: May 2022

Many medical issues have gradually emerged under the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not only changed the medical culture but also tested medical staffs’ response abilities, emotional pressure, sense of identity, and belonging to the organization. The relationships among medical staffs’ emotional labor, leisure coping strategies, workplace spirituality, and organizational commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic are explored in this study. With medical staffs as the research subjects, a questionnaire survey was conducted using convenience sampling; a total of 360 questionnaires were distributed and 330 were returned, for a recovery rate of 91%. There were 300 valid questionnaires after 30 invalid questionnaires were excluded, for an effective recovery rate of 90%. SPSS and AMOS software were used for statistical analysis. According to the research results: (1) emotional labor had a significant effect on workplace spirituality, (2) workplace spirituality had a significant impact on organizational commitment, (3) emotional labor had a negative and significant impact on organizational commitment, (4) emotional labor had a significant impact on leisure coping strategies, and (5) the mediating effect of workplace spirituality between emotional labor and organizational commitment was not significant. Finally, relevant practical suggestions are provided based on the results of this study.
How Does Leadership in Safety Management Affect Employees’ Safety Performance? A Case Study from Mining Enterprises in China
Authors: Zhang Shu , Hua Xinyu , Huang Ganghai , Shi Xiuzhi
Published: May 2022

Leadership is a necessary element for ensuring workplace safety. Rather little is known about the role of leadership safety behaviours (LSBs) in the mining industry. Using regression analysis and structural equation modelling analysis, this study examined the cause-and-effect relationships between leadership safety behaviours and safety performance. Data were collected by questionnaires from 305 miners in China. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, which identified five main dimensions of LSBs: safety management commitment, safety communication with feedback, safety policy, safety incentives, and safety training; the analysis also identified three main dimensions of safety performance: employee’s safety compliance, safety participation, and safety accidents. The results showed the overall effects of each LSB variable on safety compliance in descending order as: safety training (0.504), safety incentives (0.480), safety communication with feedback (0.377), safety management commitment (0.281), and safety policy (0.110). The overall effects of each LSB variable on safety participation in descending order were: safety training (0.706), safety incentives (0.496), safety management commitment (0.365), and safety policy (0.247). Furthermore, we found that safety management commitment and safety incentives increased employees’ safety behaviours, but this influence was mediated by safety training, safety policy, and safety communication with feedback.
Can Emotion Regulation Affect Aggressive Responses? A Study on the Ukrainian–Russian Conflict in a Non-Directly Exposed Sample
Authors: Cricenti Clarissa , Mari Emanuela , Barchielli Benedetta , Quaglieri Alessandro , Burrai Jessica , Pizzo Alessandra , D’Alessio Ivan , Giannini Anna Maria , Ferracuti Stefano , Lausi Giulia
Published: May 2022

On 24 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the order to invade neighbouring Ukraine; a typical trend during the war is considering events in a one-sided way, emphasising the exclusive contribution of one opponent over the other for the outbreak of war. War may trigger the experience of emotions, such as anger, shame, and disgust. The present study reproduces previous studies on the influence of emotional regulation in support of aggressive reactions (AR) in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. A questionnaire referring to the Russian–Ukrainian conflict has been implemented and spread in the Italian territory. A multiple moderated mediation model was proposed to evaluate the effect of emotional cognitive reappraisal on the propensity for AR, including conflict-related emotions (anger, shame, disgust) as mediators and political alignment and the appraisal of one’s own emotions subscale of the brief emotional intelligence scale as moderators. The results show that cognitive reappraisal of emotions has a negative effect on AR; moreover, recognising and regulating emotions decreases anger, while taking sides with Ukraine or not siding seems to have an effect on AR depending on the emotion felt (anger or shame). The results are discussed according to the current literature on the topic, highlighting the practical implications and limits of the research.
Effects of Patient Education on Pain and Function and Its Impact on Conservative Treatment in Elderly Patients with Pain Related to Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sinatti Pierluigi , Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A. , Martínez-Pozas Oliver , Villafañe Jorge H.
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Patient education (PE), exercise therapy, and weight management are recommended as first-line interventions for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Evidence supporting the effectiveness of exercise therapy and weight management in people with lower-limb OA has been synthesized in recent studies. However, according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, PE is often considered a standard of care and the inclusion of this as a first-line intervention for people with knee OA in clinical practice guidelines is often supported by limited evidence. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of PE on pain and function and how it impacts on conservative treatment. (2) Methods: This is a literature review of studies investigating the effect of patient education on pain and function and its impact on conservative treatment in elderly patients with pain related to hip and knee OA. PRISMA guidelines were followed during the design, search, and reporting stages of this review. The search was carried out in the PubMed database. (3) Results: A total of 1732 studies were detected and analyzed by performing the proposed searches in the detailed database. After removing duplicates and analyzing the titles and abstracts of the remaining articles, 20 studies were ultimately selected for this review. Nineteen of these twenty articles showed positive results in pain or function in patients with pain related to hip and knee OA. (4) Conclusions: PE seems to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with pain related to hip and knee OA. Furthermore patient education seems to positively impact the conservative treatment with which it can be associated.
Recurrent Plasmodium vivax Cases of Both Short and Long Latency Increased with Transmission Intensity and Were Distributed Year-Round in the Most Affected Municipalities of the RACCN, Nicaragua, 2013–2018
Authors: Soto Aida M. , González-Cerón Lilia , Santillán-Valenzuela Frida , Parrales María E. , Montoya Alberto
Published: May 2022

The characteristics of P. vivax recurrent episodes were examined using a centralized secondary source of malaria records in Nicaragua and in the two most affected municipalities in the RACCN. The study of 36,787 malaria cases due to P. vivax or P. falciparum revealed that, nationwide, 3624 patients had at least one recurrent infection. This was achieved by matching names, gender, age, community/municipality, ethnicity, etc. P. vivax was responsible for 88% of recurrent infections of 25–450 days of latency (51.9% were women and 48.1% were men), and these were assumed to be relapse episodes. Of them, 88.2% and 4.4% occurred in the municipalities of Puerto Cabezas and Rosita, respectively. The proportion of P. vivax patients having presumed relapse episodes rose with elevated transmission rates in both municipalities, reaching 7% in Rosita (2017) and 14.5% in Puerto Cabezas (2018). In both areas, relapse episodes were evident over time and were characterized by the production of a continuous stippling pattern with a slope evolving from one transmission peak to the next. During the dry season, short-latency relapse episodes were more robust, while long-latency ones increased just before the P. vivax transmission season began, with a high proportion of long-latency relapses during this period. The abundance of recurrent P. vivax infections, the wide range of relapse latency lengths, and temporal distribution tended to favor year-round transmission. It is necessary to evaluate compliance with and the effectiveness of primaquine treatment and contemplate the use of an alternative drug, among other actions.
Taming Proteus: Challenges for Risk Regulation of Powerful Digital Labor Platforms
Authors: Nilsen Marie , Kongsvik Trond , Antonsen Stian
Published: May 2022

The platform economy’s emergence challenges the current labor regulations hinged upon the binary employer–employee relations established during the industrial age. While this burgeoning phenomenon presents several possibilities for workers, customers, and businesses alike, scholars from various fields have sounded alarms regarding pitfalls in platform-mediated work (PMW). The regulation of working conditions, health, and safety risks are integral to these worries. Drawing upon existing research and empirical data from 49 qualitative interviews with several stakeholders, this paper explores the various dimensions of power exerted by platforms and the mismatch with the current risk regulatory framework. Four regulatory gaps are identified and the concept ‘regulatory escape’ is introduced. The study posits that taming powerful platforms requires harnessing adequate regulatory capacity grounded on developing an expansive view of regulation that encompasses all forms of socio-economic influence. The paper invokes reflection on the existing regulatory systems in society and calls for a more profound and inclusive debate on platform-mediated work and how regulatory gaps can be closed.
Parental Mentalizing during Middle Childhood: How Is the Adoption of a Reflective Stance Associated with Child’s Psychological Outcomes?
Authors: Charpentier Mora Simone , Bastianoni Chiara , Koren-Karie Nina , Cavanna Donatella , Tironi Marta , Bizzi Fabiola
Published: May 2022

This exploratory cross-sectional study attempts to understand the mechanisms underlying the role of parental mentalizing in a child’s psychological functioning during middle childhood by using Parental Reflective Functioning (PRF) and Parental Insightfulness (PI) constructs. The main aims are to examine the role of PI and PRF as processes capable of influencing a child’s psychological functioning in terms of emotional–behavioral difficulties and social–emotional competencies. Eighty-six community parents (48 mothers, 38 fathers) and their 50 children in middle childhood (Mage = 10.10, SD = 1.13) participated in this study, recruited through a non-probabilistic sampling. The following measures were used to assess the aims of this study: Insightfulness Assessment, Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) questionnaires. Results showed that parental mentalizing was found to be significantly associated with both child’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms and social–emotional competencies as reported by parents through the CBCL and DESSA questionnaires. This study may offer a contribution to the study of parental mentalizing during middle childhood, supporting the hypothesis that both parents’ ability to understand their child’s mental states could affect the child’s psychological functioning. Clinical and theoretical implications are geared toward a family-based view with a specific focus on the importance of fostering in both parents a positive attitude toward mentalizing processes.
Negative Parenting Style and Perceived Non-Physical Bullying at School: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect Experiences and Coping Styles
Authors: Zhou Houyu , Wang Qinfei , Yu Shuxu , Zheng Quanquan
Published: May 2022

At present, school bullying incidents frequently occur, attracting increased attention from researchers. In this study, we attempt to explore the impact of parenting styles on perceived school non-physical bullying. Four hundred ninety-two students in the fifth and sixth grades of eight primary schools in Zhejiang province were surveyed. To control any potential confounding factors, a randomized sampling survey method was used to distribute questionnaires. The results showed that negative affect experiences, negative coping styles, negative family parenting styles, and the perceived school non-physical bullying were all positively correlated with each other (p < 0.05). Perceived verbal bullying differed significantly by gender, grade, and only/non-only children (p < 0.05). Perceived relationship bullying significantly differed between grades (p < 0.05). The gender difference in perceived cyberbullying also reached a significant level (p < 0.05). The rejection parenting style was shown to be an important factor that may be associated with students’ perceived school non-physical bullying; it was observed to be directly associated with students’ perceived school non-physical bullying and indirectly associated with students’ perceived school non-physical bullying by influencing negative affect experiences and negative coping styles. In conclusion, negative affect experiences and coping styles may have a chain-like mediating effect between the rejection parenting style and students’ perceived school verbal bullying. Moreover, negative affect experiences may have a partial mediating effect between the rejection parenting style and students’ perceived school cyberbullying, relationship bullying, and non-physical bullying total scores. This study provides first-hand empirical data support for schools, families, and education authorities to guide and manage non-physical bullying incidents in schools. They also provide a theoretical basis for subsequent related research in the field of non-physical bullying.
Two B-Box Proteins, MaBBX20 and MaBBX51, Coordinate Light-Induced Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grape Hyacinth
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Jiangyu , Tian Shuting , Hao Wenhui , Du Lingjuan
Published: May 2022

Floral colour is an important agronomic trait that influences the commercial value of ornamental plants. Anthocyanins are a class of flavonoids and confer diverse colours, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms that regulate their pigmentation could facilitate artificial manipulation of flower colour in ornamental plants. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis during flower colouration in grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.). We studied the function of two B-box proteins, MaBBX20 and MaBBX51. The qPCR revealed that MaBBX20 and MaBBX51 were associated with light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. Both MaBBX20 and MaBBX51 are transcript factors and are specifically localised in the nucleus. Besides, overexpression of MaBBX20 in tobacco slightly increased the anthocyanin content of the petals, but reduced in MaBBX51 overexpression lines. The yeast one-hybrid assays indicated that MaBBX20 and MaBBX51 did not directly bind to the MaMybA or MaDFR promoters, but MaHY5 did. The BiFC assay revealed that MaBBX20 and MaBBX51 physically interact with MaHY5. A dual luciferase assay further confirmed that the MaBBX20–MaHY5 complex can strongly activate the MaMybA and MaDFR transcription in tobacco. Moreover, MaBBX51 hampered MaBBX20–MaHY5 complex formation and repressed MaMybA and MaDFR transcription by physically interacting with MaHY5 and MaBBX20. Overall, the results suggest that MaBBX20 positively regulates light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape hyacinth, whereas MaBBX51 is a negative regulator.
Sequence Analysis and Functional Verification of the Effects of Three Key Structural Genes, PdTHC2’GT, PdCHS and PdCHI, on the Isosalipurposide Synthesis Pathway in Paeonia delavayi var. lutea
Authors: Zou Hongzhu , Han Lulu , Yuan Meng , Zhang Mengjie , Zhou Lin , Wang Yan
Published: May 2022

Isosalipurposide (ISP) is the most important yellow pigment in tree peony. In ISP biosynthesis, CHS catalyzes 1-molecule coumaroyl-CoA and 3-molecule malonyl-CoA to form 2′,4′,6′,4-tetrahyroxychalcone (THC), and THC generates a stable ISP in the vacuole under the action of chalcone2′-glucosyltransferases (THC2′GT). In tree peony, the details of the THC2’GT gene have not yet been reported. In this study, the candidate THC2’GT gene (PdTHC2’GT) in Paeonia delavayi var. lutea was screened. At the same time, we selected the upstream CHS gene (PdCHS) and the competitive CHI gene (PdCHI) to study the biosynthesis pathway of ISP. We successfully cloned three genes and sequenced them; subcellular localization showed that the three genes were located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The overexpression of PdTHC2’GT in tobacco caused the accumulation of ISP in tobacco petals, which indicated that PdTHC2’GT was the key structural gene in the synthesis of ISP. After the overexpression of PdCHS and PdCHI in tobacco, the accumulation of anthocyanins in tobacco petals increased to different degrees, showing the role of PdCHS and PdCHI in anthocyanin accumulation. The analysis of NtCHS and NtCHI of transgenic tobacco lines by qRT-PCR showed that the THC2’GT gene could increase the expression of CHS. THC2’GT and CHI were found to be competitive; hence, the overexpression of THC2’GT could lead to a decrease in CHI expression. The CHS gene and CHI gene could increase the expression of each other. In conclusion, we verified the key structural gene PdTHC2’GT and studied the operation of the genes in its upstream and competitive pathway, providing a new perspective for the biosynthesis of ISP and new candidate genes for the directional breeding of tree peony.
Integrating, Indexing and Querying the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage Available Online: The QueryLab Portal
Authors: Artese Maria Teresa , Gagliardi Isabella
Published: May 2022

Cultural heritage inventories have been created to collect and preserve the culture and to allow the participation of stakeholders and communities, promoting and disseminating their knowledges. There are two types of inventories: those who give data access via web services or open data, and others which are closed to external access and can be visited only through dedicated web sites, generating data silo problems. The integration of data harvested from different archives enables to compare the cultures and traditions of places from opposite sides of the world, showing how people have more in common than expected. The purpose of the developed portal is to provide query tools managing the web services provided by cultural heritage databases in a transparent way, allowing the user to make a single query and obtain results from all inventories considered at the same time. Moreover, with the introduction of the ICH-Light model, specifically studied for the mapping of intangible heritage, data from inventories of this domain can also be harvested, indexed and integrated into the portal, allowing the creation of an environment dedicated to intangible data where traditions, knowledges, rituals and festive events can be found and searched all together.
Bacterial Symbionts in Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Cappelli Alessia , Petrelli Dezemona , Gasperi Giuliano , Serrao Aurelio Giuseppe Maria , Ricci Irene , Damiani Claudia , Favia Guido
Published: May 2022

Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) is responsible for extensive damage in agriculture with important economic losses. Several strategies have been proposed to control this insect pest including insecticides and the Sterile Insect Technique. Traditional control methods should be implemented by innovative tools, among which those based on insect symbionts seem very promising. Our study aimed to investigate, through the 16S Miseq analysis, the microbial communities associated with selected organs in three different medfly populations to identify possible candidates to develop symbiont-based control approaches. Our results confirm that Klebsiella and Providencia are the dominant bacteria in guts, while a more diversified microbial community has been detected in reproductive organs. Concertedly, we revealed for the first time the presence of Chroococcidiopsis and Propionibacterium as stable components of the medfly’s microbiota. Additionally, in the reproductive organs, we detected Asaia, a bacterium already proposed as a tool in the Symbiotic Control of Vector-Borne Diseases. A strain of Asaia, genetically modified to produce a green fluorescent protein, was used to ascertain the ability of Asaia to colonize specific organs of C. capitata. Our study lays the foundation for the development of control methods for C. capitata based on the use of symbiont bacteria.
Arthropod Pest Management in Strawberry
Authors: Lahiri Sriyanka , Smith Hugh A. , Gireesh Midhula , Kaur Gagandeep , Montemayor Joseph D.
Published: May 2022

The strawberry crop endures economic losses due to feeding injury from a number of phytophagous arthropod pests. A number of invasive pests have posed challenges to crop protection techniques in the strawberry cropping system recently. It is increasingly evident that sole reliance on chemical control options is not sustainable. In this review, current challenges and advances in integrated pest management of various strawberry pests are presented. Key pests discussed include thrips, mites, lygus bug, spotted wing drosophila, seed bug, weevils, aphids, whiteflies, and armyworms. Several integrated pest management techniques that include use of intercropping, resistant cultivars, irradiation with gamma rays, use of spectral sensitivity of pests, biological control agents and natural enemies, and biorational pesticides have recently been reported to be useful in managing the various strawberry pests. With the increase in world production of strawberry, several techniques will be necessary to manage the pest complex of strawberry.
Improvement of the Photocatalytic Activity of Au/TiO2 Nanocomposites by Prior Treatment of TiO2 with Microplasma in an NH3 and H2O2 Solution
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu , Tung Do Hoang , Manh Le Hong , Minh Pham Hong , Hien Nguyen The
Published: May 2022

Plasmonic photocatalytic nanocomposites of TiO2 and Au nanoparticles (NPs) have recently attracted the attention of researchers, who aim to improve the photocatalytic activity of potential TiO2 NPs. In this study, we report photocatalytic activity enhancement for a Au/TiO2 nanocomposite prepared by the plasma–liquid interaction method using an atmospheric microplasma apparatus. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the prepared Au/TiO2 is demonstrated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water under both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation. The prior treatment of TiO2 with microplasma in a NH3 and H2O2 solution is found to strongly improve the photocatalytic activity of both the treated TiO2 NPs, as well as the synthesized Au/TiO2 nanocomposite.