bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between electrocardiogram and carotid ultrasound parameters: a healthy chinese group study
Authors: Shi Lingwei , Bi Dongsheng , Luo Jingchun , Chen Wei , Yang Cuiwei , Zheng Yan , Hao Ju , Chang Ke , Li Boyi , Liu Chengcheng , Ta Dean
Published: August 2022

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) and carotid ultrasound (CUS) are important tools for the diagnosis and prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the associations between ECG and CUS parameters and explore the feasibility of assessing carotid health with ECG.

Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study enrolled 319 healthy Chinese subjects. Standard 12-lead ECG parameters (including the ST-segment amplitude [STA]), CUS parameters (intima-media thickness [IMT] and blood flow resistance index [RI]), and CVD risk factors (including sex, age, and systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were collected for analysis. Participants were divided into the high-level RI group (average RI ≥ 0.76, n = 171) and the normal RI group (average RI < 0.76, n = 148). Linear and stepwise multivariable regression models were performed to explore the associations between ECG and CUS parameters.

Results: Statistically significant differences in sex, age, SBP, STA and other ECG parameters were observed in the normal and the high-level RI group. The STA in lead V3 yielded stronger significant correlations (r = 0.27–0.42, p < 0.001) with RI than STA in other leads, while ECG parameters yielded weak correlations with IMT (|r| ≤ 0.20, p < 0.05). STA in lead V2 or V3, sex, age, and SBP had independent contributions (p < 0.01) to predicting RI in the stepwise multivariable models, although the models for IMT had only CVD risk factors (age, body mass index, and triglyceride) as independent variables. The prediction model for RI in the left proximal common carotid artery (CCA) had higher adjusted R2 (adjusted R2 = 0.31) than the model for RI in the left middle CCA (adjusted R2 = 0.29) and the model for RI in the right proximal CCA (adjusted R2 = 0.20).

Conclusion: In a cohort of healthy Chinese individuals, the STA was associated with the RI of CCA, which indicated that ECG could be utilized to assess carotid health. The utilization of ECG might contribute to a rapid screening of carotid health with convenient operations.
Characteristics of unmanned aerial spraying systems and related spray drift: A review
Authors: Chen Pengchao , Douzals Jean Paul , Lan Yubin , Cotteux Eric , Delpuech Xavier , Pouxviel Guilhem , Zhan Yilong
Published: August 2022

Although drift is not a new issue, it deserves further attention for Unmanned Aerial Spraying Systems (UASS). The use of UASS as a spraying tool for Plant Protection Products is currently explored and applied worldwide. They boast different benefits such as reduced applicator exposure, high operating efficiency and are unconcerned by field-related constraints (ground slope, ground resistance). This review summarizes UASS characteristics, spray drift and the factors affecting UASS drift, and further research that still needs to be developed. The distinctive features of UASS comprise the existence of one or more rotors, relatively higher spraying altitude, faster-flying speed, and limited payload. This study highlights that due to most of these features, the drift of UASS may be inevitable. However, this drift could be effectively reduced by optimizing the structural layout of the rotor and spraying system, adjusting the operating parameters, and establishing a drift buffer zone. Further efforts are still necessary to better assess the drift characteristics of UASS, establish drift models from typical models, crops, and climate environments, and discuss standard methods for measuring UASS drift.
Photosynthetic Response of Soybean and Cotton to Different Irrigation Regimes and Planting Geometries
Authors: Pinnamaneni Srinivasa R. , Anapalli Saseendran S. , Reddy Krishna N.
Published: August 2022

Soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] and cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) are the major row crops in the USA, and growers are tending toward the twin-row system and irrigation to increase productivity. In a 2-year study (2018 and 2019), we examined the gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to better understand the regulatory and adaptive mechanisms of the photosynthetic components of cotton and soybean grown under varying levels of irrigations and planting geometries in a split-plot experiment. The main plots were three irrigation regimes: (i) all furrows irrigation (AFI), (ii) alternate or skipped furrow irrigation (SFI), and iii) no irrigation or rainfed (RF), and the subplots were two planting patterns, single-row (SR) and twin-row (TR). The light response curves at vegetative and reproductive phases revealed lower photosynthesis rates in the RF crops than in AFI and SFI. A higher decrease was noticed in RF soybean for light compensation point (LCP) and light saturation point (LSP) than that of RF cotton. The decrease in the maximum assimilation rate (Amax) was higher in soybean than cotton. A decrease of 12 and 17% in Amax was observed in RF soybean while the decrease is limited to 9 and 6% in RF cotton during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively. Both stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) declined under RF. The moisture deficit stress resulted in enhanced operating quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), which is probably due to increased photorespiration. The non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), a measure of thermal dissipation of absorbed light energy, and quantum efficiency of dissipation by down-regulation (ΦNPQ) increased significantly in both crops up to 50% under RF conditions. The photochemical quenching declined by 28% in soybean and 26% in cotton. It appears soybean preferentially uses non-photochemical energy dissipation while cotton uses elevated electron transport rate (ETR) under RF conditions for light energy utilization. No significant differences among SR and TR systems were observed for LCP, LSP, AQE, Amax, gs, E, ETR, and various chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. This study reveals preferential use of non-photochemical energy dissipation in soybean while cotton uses both photochemical and non-photochemical energy dissipation to protect PSI and PSII centers and ETR, although they fall under C3 species when exposed to moisture limited environments.
Genotyping by Sequencing Advancements in Barley
Authors: Rajendran Nirmal Raj , Qureshi Naeela , Pourkheirandish Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Barley is considered an ideal crop to study cereal genetics due to its close relationship with wheat and diploid ancestral genome. It plays a crucial role in reducing risks to global food security posed by climate change. Genetic variations in the traits of interest in crops are vital for their improvement. DNA markers have been widely used to estimate these variations in populations. With the advancements in next-generation sequencing, breeders could access different types of genetic variations within different lines, with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) being the most common type. However, genotyping barley with whole genome sequencing (WGS) is challenged by the higher cost and computational demand caused by the large genome size (5.5GB) and a high proportion of repetitive sequences (80%). Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) protocols based on restriction enzymes and target enrichment allow a cost-effective SNP discovery by reducing the genome complexity. In general, GBS has opened up new horizons for plant breeding and genetics. Though considered a reliable alternative to WGS, GBS also presents various computational difficulties, but GBS-specific pipelines are designed to overcome these challenges. Moreover, a robust design for GBS can facilitate the imputation to the WGS level of crops with high linkage disequilibrium. The complete exploitation of GBS advancements will pave the way to a better understanding of crop genetics and offer opportunities for the successful improvement of barley and its close relatives.
RNAi silencing of wheat gliadins alters the network of transcription factors that regulate the synthesis of seed storage proteins toward maintaining grain protein levels
Authors: Marín-Sanz Miriam , Barro Francisco
Published: August 2022

Gluten proteins are responsible for the unique viscoelastic properties of wheat dough, but they also trigger the immune response in celiac disease patients. RNA interference (RNAi) wheat lines with strongly silenced gliadins were obtained to reduce the immunogenic response of wheat. The E82 line presents the highest reduction of gluten, but other grain proteins increased, maintaining a total nitrogen content comparable to that of the wild type. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms in response to gliadin silencing, we carried out a transcriptomic analysis of grain and leaf tissues of the E82 line during grain filling. A network of candidate transcription factors (TFs) that regulates the synthesis of the seed storage proteins (SSPs), α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors, lipid transfer proteins, serpins, and starch in the grain was obtained. Moreover, there were a high number of differentially expressed genes in the leaf of E82, where processes such as nutrient availability and transport were enriched. The source-sink communication between leaf and grain showed that many down-regulated genes were related to protease activity, amino acid and sugar metabolism, and their transport. In the leaf, specific proline transporters and lysine-histidine transporters were down- and up-regulated, respectively. Overall, the silencing of gliadins in the RNAi line is compensated mainly with lysine-rich globulins, which are not related to the proposed candidate network of TFs, suggesting that these proteins are regulated independently of the other SSPs. Results reported here can explain the protein compensation mechanisms and contribute to decipher the complex TF network operating during grain filling.
Tissue-specific expression of Ruby in Mexican lime (C. aurantifolia) confers anthocyanin accumulation in fruit
Authors: Thilmony Roger , Dasgupta Kasturi , Shao Min , Harris Daren , Hartman Jake , Harden Leslie A. , Chan Ron , Thomson James G.
Published: August 2022

Tissue specific promoters are important tools for the precise genetic engineering of crop plants. Four fruit-preferential promoters were examined for their ability to confer a novel fruit trait in transgenic Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia). The Ruby transcription factor activates fruit anthocyanin accumulation within Moro blood orange and has been shown to function in activating anthocyanin accumulation in heterologous plant species. Although the CitVO1, CitUNK, SlE8, and PamMybA promoters were previously shown to confer strong fruit-preferential expression in transgenic tomato, they exhibited no detectable expression in transgenic Mexican lime trees. In contrast, the CitWax promoter exhibited high fruit-preferential expression of Ruby, conferring strong anthocyanin accumulation within the fruit juice sac tissue and moderate activity in floral/reproductive tissues. In some of the transgenic trees with high levels of flower and fruit anthocyanin accumulation, juvenile leaves also exhibited purple coloration, but the color disappeared as the leaves matured. We show that the CitWax promoter enables the expression of Ruby to produce anthocyanin colored fruit desired by consumers. The production of this antioxidant metabolite increases the fruits nutritional value and may provide added health benefits.
Integrated physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal the molecular mechanism behind the response to cultivation in Quercus mongolica
Authors: Jiang Min , Li Xinman , Yuan Yangchen , Zhang Guowei , Pang Jiushuai , Ren Junjie , Wang Jinmao , Yang Minsheng
Published: August 2022

Quercus mongolica, a common tree species for building and landscaping in northern China, has great commercial and ecological value. The seedlings of Q. mongolica grow poorly and develop chlorosis when introduced from high-altitude mountains to low-altitude plains. Effective cultivation measures are key to improving the quality of seedlings. To investigate the complex responses of Q. mongolica to different cultivation measures, we compared the adaptability of 3-year-old Q. mongolica seedlings to pruning (P), irrigation (W), and fertilization [F (nitro compound fertilizer with 16N-16P-16K)]. Physiological measurements and transcriptome sequencing were performed on leaves collected under the P treatments (control, cutting, removal of all lateral branches, and removal of base branches to one-third of seedling height), the W treatments (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 times in sequence), and the F treatments (0, 2, 4, and 6 g/plant). Analyses of the physiological data showed that P was more effective than W or F for activating intracellular antioxidant systems. By contrast, W and F were more beneficial than P for inducing the accumulation of soluble sugar. OPLS-DA identified superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and peroxidase as critical physiological indices for the three cultivation measures. Transcriptome analyses revealed 1,012 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the P treatment, 1,035 DEGs in the W treatment, and 1,175 DEGs in the F treatment; these DEGs were mainly enriched in Gene Ontology terms related to the stress response and signal transduction. Weighted gene coexpression network analyses indicated that specific gene modules were significantly correlated with MDA (one module) and soluble sugar (four modules). Functional annotation of the hub genes differentially expressed in MDA and soluble sugar-related modules revealed that Q. mongolica responded and adapted to different cultivation measures by altering signal transduction, hormone levels, reactive oxygen species, metabolism, and transcription factors. The hub genes HOP3, CIPK11, WRKY22, and BHLH35 in the coexpression networks may played a central role in responses to the cultivation practices. These results reveal the mechanism behind the response of Q. mongolica to different cultivation measures at the physiological and molecular levels and provide insight into the response of plants to cultivation measures.
Within and combined season prediction models for perennial ryegrass biomass yield using ground- and air-based sensor data
Authors: Nguyen Phat T. , Shi Fan , Wang Junping , Badenhorst Pieter E. , Spangenberg German C. , Smith Kevin F. , Daetwyler Hans D.
Published: August 2022

Across-season biomass assessment is crucial in the cultivar selection process to accurately evaluate the yield performance of lines under different growing conditions. However, it has been difficult to have an accurate, reliable, and repeated fresh biomass (FM) estimation of large populations of plants in the field without destructive harvesting, which incurs significant labor and operation costs. Sensor-based phenotyping platforms have advanced in the data collection of structural and vegetative information of plants, but the developed prediction models are still limited by low correlations at different growth stages and seasons. In this study, our objective was to develop and validate the global prediction models for across-season harvested fresh biomass (FM) yield based on the ground- and air-based sensor data including ground-based LiDAR, ground-based ultrasonic, and air-based multispectral camera to extract LiDAR plant volume (LV), LiDAR point density (LV_Den), height, and Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI). The study was conducted in a row-plot field trial with 480 rows (3 rows in a plot per cultivar) throughout the whole 2020 growing season up to the reproductive stage. We evaluated the performance of each plant parameter, their relationship, and the best subset prediction models using statistical stepwise selection at the row and plot levels through the seasonal and combined seasonal datasets. The best performing model: FM~LV∗LV_Den∗NDVI had a determination of coefficient R2 of at least 0.9 in vegetative stages and 0.8 in the reproductive stage. Similar results can be achieved in a simpler model with just two LiDAR variables—FM~LV∗LV_Den. In addition, LV and LV_Den showed a robust correlation with FM on their own over seasons and growth stages, while NDVI only performed well in some seasons. The simpler model based on only LiDAR data can be widely applied over season without the need of additional sensor data and may thus make the in-field across-season biomass assessment more feasible and practical for fast and cost-effective development of higher biomass yield cultivars.
Plantago lagopus extract as a green fungicide induces systemic resistance against Rhizoctonia root rot disease in tomato plants
Authors: Behiry Said I. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Soliman Seham A. , Alotibi Fatimah O. , Basile Adriana , Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Elsharkawy Mohsen Mohamed , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Heflish Ahmed A.
Published: August 2022

Extensive use of chemical control agents and fungicides typically leads to numerous risks to human health and the environment. Using plant extracts as natural substances represents a dual key for the environment and sustainable food production, as it reduces the input of synthetic pesticides into the environment and/or controls plant pathogens. For the first time, aPlantago lagopusethanolic extract has been characterized and evaluated for its protective and curative effects againstRhizoctonia solaniin tomato plants. The results showed thatP. lagopusextract (10 μg/ml) completely inhibitedR. solanimycelial growthin vitro. At 20 days of post fungal inoculation, the results demonstrated that usingP. lagopusextract (100 μg/ml)in vivoenhanced tomato plant growth by significantly increasing shoot and root parameters in protective and curative treatments. Furthermore, the protective and curative treatments significantly reduced the disease index by 18.66 and 38.66%, respectively. Induction of systemic resistance with upregulation ofPR-1andPR-2and a significant increase in the transcriptional levels ofPR-3andCHSin allP. lagopusextract-treated tomato plants were reported compared to untreated plants. HPLC analysis showed that the most common polyphenolic components detected inP. lagopusextract were rutin (74206.3 mg/kg), naringenin (2388.74 mg/kg), quercetin (1249.13 mg/kg), andp-hydroxybenzoic acid (1035.87 mg/kg). In addition, the ellagic acid (798.47 mg/kg), vanillic acid (752.55 mg/kg), catechol (648.89 mg/kg), cinnamic acid (332.51 mg/kg), ferulic acid (296.32 mg/kg), benzoic acid (295.95 mg/kg), and chlorogenic acid (116.63 mg/kg) were also reported. Our study is the first to show thatP. lagopusextract can help plants fight offR. solanifungal infection. Furthermore, the findings imply that using theP. lagopusextract as a natural biocontrol agent could be a sustainable strategy to manage plant fungal diseases.
The Therapeutic Goals Set by University Students in an Anonymous Web-Based Therapy and Support Setting
Authors: Hanley Terry , Prescott Julie , Sefi Aaron
Published: August 2022

The interest in student mental health and wellbeing has increased in recent years. Additionally, there is a rising volume of students seeking support. Numerous online resources have been developed to meet this need, including anonymous web-based therapy. To date, there has been little focus upon how students may utilise such a service, and this study examines routine evaluation data (solicited from a Goal-based Outcome Measure) from a United Kingdom based service provider. Over the course of one academic year (2018–2019), 211 students articulated therapeutic goals within Kooth Student, a web-based therapy and support service for individuals in higher education. These goals were examined for key trends. The students identified a total of 625 goals to work on in therapy, with individuals setting an average of three goals each. The most common goals focused upon obtaining additional support within the service and exploring their emotions. The results suggested that female students were more likely to move towards achieving their goals, with goals that did move shifting an average of 7.74 on a 10-point scale. Practical goals that focused upon getting more help, both inside and outside the service, were most likely to be achieved. In contrast, self-help/self-care goals were less likely to be achieved. These results provide a helpful insight into how students made use of therapy and highlight the importance of the interaction that web-based services have with other provision (web-based and in-person). They also demonstrate the challenge of capturing meaningful outcome data in anonymous services.
Students’ “COVID-19” and “school” perceptions in the pandemic
Authors: Vural Ömer F. , Başaran Mehmet , Demirtaş Zeynep , Karamanlı Aynur R. , Bayrakcı Cansu
Published: August 2022

This study aims to reveal high school students’ perceptions of COVID-19 and schools in the pandemic process through metaphors. In the study, phenomenology research design based on the qualitative research method was used. The study was carried out with the participation of 134 students at all grade levels from high school. The data were analyzed by content analysis. The metaphors were categorized according to their similarities, and their frequency values were calculated. Seventy-six metaphors and eight categories about COVID-19 were reached, and “flu,” “prison,” and “snake” are the metaphors that have the highest frequency values. They explained the metaphors by making associations with the disease, fast-spreading and damaging things. In the COVID-19 process, 78 metaphors and eight categories were found out for the school. Based on the metaphors created by the students, suggestions were made depending on the research results. It was determined that students had negative perceptions about the COVID-19 pandemic and the school in this process, and it was suggested that this could be eliminated again with educational activities.
Surge in Economic Growth of Pakistan: A Case Study of China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Authors: Farooq Maryam , Rao Zia-ur-Rehman , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: August 2022

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered a massive investment that can change the economic scenario of Pakistan. The purpose of the study is to examine the contribution to the economic growth of the sectors where CPEC is investing. This research uses time-series data for 31 years to investigate the impact of macro-economic variables like foreign direct investment (FDI), human capital investment (HCI), transport investment, and information communication technology (ICT) on the economic growth of Pakistan. The results of Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square Regression Specification (FMOLS) show a positive nexus between FDI, HCI, and economic growth while economic growth and ICT show a negative relationship. The results for the impact of transportation infrastructure on economic growth are statistically insignificant. This research suggests that an increased focus on building knowledge, expertise, and skillset of human resources will help in reaping the benefits of CPEC’s investment. Future researchers can increase the period of the study to ascertain the implicit or explicit impact of CPEC on economic growth. The results also suggest that policymakers and researchers should focus on developing human capital to reap the investment benefits of CPEC.
Self-focused attention, cost/probability bias, and avoidance behavior mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and social anxiety: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Noda Shota , Shirotsuki Kentaro , Sasagawa Satoko
Published: August 2022

Self-focused attention, cost/probability bias, and avoidance behavior are maintaining factors for social anxiety. In particular, cost bias and avoidance behavior predict social anxiety. It has been shown that the enhancement of trait mindfulness improves these maintaining factors. This study examines the relationships among trait mindfulness, self-focused attention, cost/probability bias, avoidance behavior, and social anxiety, and clarifies whether they mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and social anxiety. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationships among these variables. Participants were recruited from three universities in Japan (January 2019–December 2019). Undergraduate students (N = 367) completed a set of self-report measures assessing trait mindfulness, self-focused attention, cost/probability bias, avoidance behavior, and social anxiety. Results of path analyses revealed that the hypothesized model’s goodness-of-fit indices had high values. Trait mindfulness showed a direct negative association with self-focused attention, cost/probability bias, avoidance behavior, and social anxiety. Moreover, trait mindfulness was negatively associated with social anxiety via self-focused attention, cost/probability bias, and avoidance behavior. These findings indicate that mindfulness plays an important role in social anxiety and provide impetus for future research involving clinical studies of mindfulness-based interventions for social anxiety.
Value evaluation of cultural tourism tourists’ psychological expectation based on machine learning data mining
Authors: Pai Chih-Hung , Xu Sai , Jin Jianren , Shang Yunfeng
Published: August 2022

The era of smart tourism has arrived. In the context of big data information, based on the thinking of the entire tourism activity, it is worth thinking about the role of tourism information in tourism activities. This paper proposes a method for evaluating the psychological expectations of tourist destinations by applying the quality function configuration. According to the needs of tourists, the relevant product characteristics of the tourist destination are selected, an evaluation quality house is established, and various relationships within the quality house are weighed, and established a mathematical model for the evaluation of tourists’ psychological expectations in tourist destinations. Bringing the methods of machine learning (ML) and data mining (DM) into the research of tourists’ psychological expectation value evaluation, ML is one of the main methods to solve the problem of DM. ML is the process of using the system itself to improve itself, therefore, ML is widely used in data mining. The research combines psychology and tourism research, through empirical research, to establish a structural equation model. It analyzes the influence of tourism information on tourists’ behavioral decisions, increases the media’s variable expectations of tourism, and uses tourist satisfaction and behavior as dependent variables. The results showed that the effect of tourism information on tourists is significantly greater than the expected effect (p = 0.510, P is significant at 0.001 level) than the effect of tourist satisfaction (p = 0.290, P is significant at 0.05 level). Therefore, in order to create good expectations for tourists, the general image of a tourist destination must match the actual local conditions. Using the support vector machine algorithm with the introduction of optimization mechanism to train the feature set of the user data, and then predict the links in Sina Weibo, and obtain higher prediction accuracy and prediction speed. The psychological expectation evaluation model of tourists in tourist destinations can effectively calculate the perceived value of psychological expectation evaluation of tourists in tourist destinations, and help tourists choose reasonable and satisfactory travel plans.
Contributions of naturalistic parent-child conversations to children’s science learning during informal learning at an aquarium and at home
Authors: Ocular Grace , Kelly Kimberly R. , Millan Lizbeth , Neves Savannah , Avila Kateri , Hsieh Betina , Maloles Claudine
Published: August 2022

This study examined the naturalistic conversations of 62 parent-child dyads during informal learning at an aquarium and with a subsample at home. Children (Mage= 69.8 months) with their parents were observed and audio recorded while exploring an aquarium exhibit, and a subset of dyads returned recorded home conversations reminiscing about the aquarium visit. Parent-child conversations at the aquarium were coded for child science talk and a range of parent talk variables, and parent-child conversations at home were coded for child science talk and talk about the value of the aquarium visit. Results revealed that parents tended to use more elaborative statements compared to other talk types in the aquarium. Yet, the different types of questions and statements that parents used with their children at the aquarium differentially related to their children’s science talk in the aquarium and while reminiscing at home. Findings highlight often-overlooked types of parent talk that provide meaningful ways for families to engage in science and may lead to positive child learning outcomes.
Culture, heritage looting, and tourism: A text mining review approach
Authors: Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia , Al-Ansi Amr , Ryu Hyungseo Bobby , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Han Heesup
Published: August 2022

Tourism scholars have been devoted to exploring the significance of cultural heritage in generating economic, environmental, and social values. However, limited efforts were found to verify potential threats that demolish these values such as looting issue in the global heritage tourism industry. Therefore, this study has reviewed extant publications to demonstrate the potential emerged textual clusters discussed by previous studies. It also summarized the network distribution of articles journals and authors’ affiliations to capture the mobility and diversity with a focus on the business and tourism management field. Hence, the core clusters discovered were related to heritage destruction, public access, world heritage, human rights, cultural heritage preservation, and protection of cultural heritage in the event. The results have established theoretical insights and research agendas for future tourism studies, while it determined critical drawbacks in employing technology tools including virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence for cultural heritage preservation/protection.
Time lagged investigation of entrepreneurship school innovation climate and students motivational outcomes: Moderating role of students’ attitude toward technology
Authors: Yuan Xuemei , Kaewsaeng-on Rudsada , Jin Shuai , Anuar Marhana Mohamed , Shaikh Junaid M. , Mehmood Saqib
Published: August 2022

Based on the reinforcement theory of motivation, the purpose of this research was to measure the effect of school innovation climate on students’ motivational outcomes, including behavioral engagement, academic self-efficacy, interest, and utility value. Furthermore, the conditional influence of students’ attitude toward technology on the link between school innovation climate and students’ motivating outcomes has been investigated and reported. Data were gathered from the 305 entrepreneurship program students of five different universities located in Wuhan, China. In the SamrtPLS 3.3.3 program, the analysis was carried out using SEM. Results revealed that the school innovation climate has a favorable impact on improving the motivating outcomes of students. Additionally, results also provided support for moderation hypotheses that “students’ attitude toward technology” moderated the relationship between “school innovation climate” and academic self-efficacy. On the contrary, “students’ attitudes about technology,” did not appear to be a significant moderator in terms of enhancing the influence of the “school innovation atmosphere” on the students’ behavioral engagement, interest, and utility value. This study provides key policy and theoretical and practical implications as well as future research avenues for entrepreneurial school managers and education scholars.
Quantifying the primary and secondary effects of antimicrobial resistance on surgery patients: Methods and data sources for empirical estimation in England
Authors: Naylor Nichola R. , Evans Stephanie , Pouwels Koen B. , Troughton Rachael , Lamagni Theresa , Muller-Pebody Berit , Knight Gwenan M. , Atun Rifat , Robotham Julie V.
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may negatively impact surgery patients through reducing the efficacy of treatment of surgical site infections, also known as the “primary effects” of AMR. Previous estimates of the burden of AMR have largely ignored the potential “secondary effects,” such as changes in surgical care pathways due to AMR, such as different infection prevention procedures or reduced access to surgical procedures altogether, with literature providing limited quantifications of this potential burden. Former conceptual models and approaches for quantifying such impacts are available, though they are often high-level and difficult to utilize in practice. We therefore expand on this earlier work to incorporate heterogeneity in antimicrobial usage, AMR, and causative organisms, providing a detailed decision-tree-Markov-hybrid conceptual model to estimate the burden of AMR on surgery patients. We collate available data sources in England and describe how routinely collected data could be used to parameterise such a model, providing a useful repository of data systems for future health economic evaluations. The wealth of national-level data available for England provides a case study in describing how current surveillance and administrative data capture systems could be used in the estimation of transition probability and cost parameters. However, it is recommended that such data are utilized in combination with expert opinion (for scope and scenario definitions) to robustly estimate both the primary and secondary effects of AMR over time. Though we focus on England, this discussion is useful in other settings with established and/or developing infectious diseases surveillance systems that feed into AMR National Action Plans.
Prevalence of workplace violence against health care workers in hospital and pre-hospital settings: An umbrella review of meta-analyses
Authors: Sahebi Ali , Golitaleb Mohamad , Moayedi Siamak , Torres Mercedes , Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Workplace violence (WPV) is associated with adverse consequences for patients and health care workers (HCWs). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of WPV against HCWs in the hospital and pre-hospital settings.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, data resources including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used for the search. The searches were conducted without any time limit until the end of December 2021. The random-effects model was used for this meta-analysis. I2 index was used to examine heterogeneity and the Egger test was used to examine publication bias.

Results

Of the 255 studies identified, 14 studies entered the umbrella review. The overall prevalence was as follows: WPV (58.7%); physical violence (20.8%); verbal violence (66.8%); and sexual harassment (10.5%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of WPV and its types against HCWs is relatively high. WPV is associated with physical, psychological, and occupational consequences. Measures should be taken to reduce the consequences of WPV.
Predictive models for small-for-gestational-age births in women exposed to pesticides before pregnancy based on multiple machine learning algorithms
Authors: Bai Xi , Zhou Zhibo , Su Mingliang , Li Yansheng , Yang Liuqing , Liu Kejia , Yang Hongbo , Zhu Huijuan , Chen Shi , Pan Hui
Published: August 2022

Background

The association between prenatal pesticide exposures and a higher incidence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births has been reported. No prediction model has been developed for SGA neonates in pregnant women exposed to pesticides prior to pregnancy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using information from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project between 2010 and 2012. A development set (n = 606) and a validation set (n = 151) of the dataset were split at random. Traditional logistic regression (LR) method and six machine learning classifiers were used to develop prediction models for SGA neonates. The Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) model was applied to determine the most influential variables that contributed to the outcome of the prediction.

Results

757 neonates in total were analyzed. SGA occurred in 12.9% (n = 98) of cases overall. With an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.855 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.752–0.959], the model based on category boosting (CatBoost) algorithm obtained the best performance in the validation set. With the exception of the LR model (AUC: 0.691, 95% CI: 0.554–0.828), all models had good AUCs. Using recursive feature elimination (RFE) approach to perform the feature selection, we included 15 variables in the final model based on CatBoost classifier, achieving the AUC of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.675–0.947).

Conclusions

Machine learning algorithms can develop satisfactory tools for SGA prediction in mothers exposed to pesticides prior to pregnancy, which might become a tool to predict SGA neonates in the high-risk population.
Priorities and barriers for urban ecosystem service provision: A comparison of stakeholder perspectives from three cities
Authors: Buffam Ishi , Hagemann Frederik Aagaard , Emilsson Tobias , Gamstetter David , Pálsdóttir Anna María , Randrup Thomas Barfoed , Yeshitela Kumelachew , Ode Sang Åsa
Published: August 2022

Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) can provide many needed ecosystem services (ES) to help address challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change while contributing to the health and wellbeing of urban inhabitants. In order to optimize UGI for a given city, a first step is to assess the local ES needs and the potential barriers to ES provision. However, it is not known how consistent these needs and barriers are among cities in different settings. To help address this knowledge gap, the aim of this study was to assess ES priorities and existing barriers to ES provision for three cities varying in socioeconomic, cultural and climatic setting: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Cincinnati (USA) and Malmö (Sweden). In case studies of each of the three cities, we carried out workshops with key stakeholders and collected their assessments of both current provision of ES from UGI and future priorities. The workshops were followed by expert stakeholder interviews aimed at highlighting existing barriers to ES provision. In spite of the different urban contexts, expressed ES priorities were similar among the cities, with the highest cross-cutting priorities being climate change adaptation, stormwater runoff management and water quality, mental and physical health, biodiversity, and provision of local food. Stakeholder-expressed barriers to ES provision were also broadly similar among cities, falling into three main categories: structural pressures, gaps in governance, and lack of ecological awareness and vision. Our results suggest that certain key ES priorities and barriers may apply broadly to cities regardless of climatic or socio-cultural context. These generic needs can help direct the focus of future studies, and imply a clear benefit to international, even cross-continental study and knowledge-exchange among practitioners and researchers working with UGI.
Seasonal change of multifrequency backscatter in three Baltic Sea habitats
Authors: Schulze Inken , Gogina Mayya , Schönke Mischa , Zettler Michael L. , Feldens Peter
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the seasonality of acoustic backscatter intensities, exploring three habitats in the southwestern Baltic Sea: 1) a mussel-covered reef, 2) coarse sand and gravel, and 3) seagrass meadows. Backscatter information of different, partly calibrated frequencies (200, 400, 550, and 700 kHz) was collected in three seasons (May, August, and October). The acoustic data were supported by point samples and video profiles for grain size and benthic community analysis. Angular response curves helped to quantify the seasonal backscatter response of the different frequencies. The multifrequency and multiseasonal backscatter maps distinguish the three habitats and reveal variable seasonal differences in acoustic backscatter, but not all changes in the benthic community can be recognized in the acoustic data. 1) The high-backscatter response of the mussel-covered reef shows little seasonal differences and was frequency independent. 2) The ecologically valuable coarse sand and gravel areas show small-scale seasonal alterations in the sediment composition and morphology, mainly caused by changes in local hydrodynamics. Higher frequencies were found best suited to identify coarse sand and gravel. 3) Seagrass meadows seasonality is dominated by growth of seagrass blades, increasing the backscatter response compared to bare sand. The use of multiple frequencies is beneficial as the low frequency is sensitive to changes in the shallow subsurface and benthic features such as seagrass rhizomes, while the higher frequency highlights changes related to coarser sediment.
Visual processing of actions directed towards three-dimensional objects in immersive virtual reality may involve holistic processing of object shape
Authors: Juliano Julia M. , Phanord Coralie S. , Liew Sook-Lei
Published: August 2022

Immersive virtual reality using a head-mounted display (HMD-VR) is increasing in use for motor learning and motor skill training. However, it remains unclear how visual information for action is processed in an HMD-VR environment. In the real world, actions towards three-dimensional (3D) objects are processed analytically and are immune to perceptual effects, such as processing object dimensions irrelevant to performing the action (i.e., holistic processing). However, actions towards two-dimensional (2D) objects are processed holistically and are susceptible to perceptual effects. In HMD-VR, distances are often underestimated, and the environment can appear flatter compared to the real world. Thus, actions towards virtual 3D objects in HMD-VR may be processed more like 2D objects and involve holistic processing, which is susceptible to perceptual effects. In an initial study, we used a Garner interference task to examine whether vision-for-action in HMD-VR is processed holistically and hypothesized that vision-for-action towards virtual 3D objects in HMD-VR would result in a Garner interference effect, suggesting holistic processing. We found Garner interference effects for reaction times to reach maximum grip aperture and to complete movement. These results show that visual processing of actions towards virtual 3D objects in HMD-VR may involve holistic processing of object shape. These findings demonstrate that visual information for action in HMD-VR is processed differently compared to real 3D objects and is susceptible to perceptual effects, which could affect motor skill training in HMD-VR.
Effect of cement distribution type on clinical outcome after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the aging population
Authors: Zhou Chengqiang , Liao Yifeng , Huang Shaolong , Li Hua , Zhu Ziqiang , Zheng Li , Wang Bin , Wang Yunqing
Published: August 2022

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the effect of the type of bone cement distribution on clinical outcomes following percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) in the elderly.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 160 patients diagnosed with OVCF who underwent PVP treatment from March 2018 to December 2020. Based on the kind of postoperative bone cement distribution, bone cement was classified as types I, II, III, IV, and V. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Cobb angle, anterior vertebral height ratio, refracture rate of injured vertebrae, and incidence of adjacent vertebral fractures were compared for the five types before and after three days, and one year of operation.

Results

VAS and ODI at three days and one year postoperative were significantly lower than those preoperative (P < 0.05) for all five distribution types. VAS and ODI for types I, II, and III were lower at one year postoperatively than for types IV and V (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Cobb angle and anterior vertebral body height ratio between preoperative and three days postoperative groups (P < 0.05); however, there were significant differences between three days and one-year postoperative and preoperative groups (P < 0.05). Following one year of surgery, the Cobb angle and the anterior vertebral height ratio of types IV and V were significantly different from those of types I, II, and III (P < 0.05), and there was a statistically significant difference between types IV and V (P < 0.05). In terms of the incidence of injured vertebral refractures and adjacent vertebral fractures, the evenly distributed types I, II, and III were significantly lower than the unevenly distributed types IV and V, and the incidence of type V was higher (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The clinical efficacy of cement distribution following PVP of types I, II, and III is better than that of types IV and V, which can better relieve pain with long-lasting efficacy and minimize the occurrence of refractures of injured vertebrae and adjacent vertebral body fractures.
Allergy, inflammation, hepatopathy and coagulation biomarkers in dogs with suspected anaphylaxis due to insect envenomation
Authors: Turner Kate , Boyd Corrin , Rossi Gabriele , Sharp Claire R. , Claus Melissa A. , Francis Abbie , Smart Lisa
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To compare concentrations of biomarkers of; allergy [mast cell tryptase (MCT) and histamine], inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6,-10, and−18, CXCL8, CCL2, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), C-reactive protein (CRP)], endothelial glycocalyx shedding (hyaluronan), coagulation [prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentration, and von Willebrand Factor antigen, protein C (PC) and antithrombin (AT) activity], and hepatopathy [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin] between dogs with anaphylaxis after suspected insect exposure, dogs with critical illness, and healthy dogs.

Design

This was a single center prospective clinical observational comparative biomarker study that included 25 dogs with anaphylaxis (evidence of insect exposure, acute dermatological signs, and other organ involvement), 30 dogs with other critical illness, and 20 healthy dogs. Differences across groups in biomarker concentrations were tested using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, with significant P values (<0.05) reported for pairwise differences detected by post-hoc tests. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) for discrimination between anaphylaxis and non-anaphylactic illness.

Results

Histamine concentration was significantly higher in the anaphylaxis group than the healthy (P < 0.001) and critically ill groups (P < 0.001), whereas no differences in MCT were detected amongst groups. Biomarker concentrations that were increased relative to healthy dogs in both the anaphylaxis and critically ill groups included IL-10 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively), CCL2 (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively) and AST (both P < 0.001), whereas only the critically ill group had significantly increased CRP (P < 0.001), IL-6 (P < 0.001), KC (P < 0.001), ALP (P < 0.001), and fibrinogen (P = 0.016) concentrations, compared to the healthy group. Only dogs with anaphylaxis had significantly higher hyaluronan (P = 0.021) and ALT (P = 0.021) concentrations, and lower PC (P = 0.030) and AT (P = 0.032) activities, compared to healthy dogs. Both CRP and histamine concentration showed good discrimination between anaphylaxis and other critical illness, with an AUROC of 0.96 (95% CI 0.91–1) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.69–0.93), respectively.

Conclusions

This preliminary study in dogs with anaphylaxis after suspected insect exposure, found evidence of an early innate immune response, glycocalyx shedding and anticoagulant consumption. Both CRP and histamine showed potential clinical utility for differentiation between anaphylaxis and other critical illness.