bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of mitophagy-related biomarkers in human osteoporosis based on a machine learning model
Authors: Su Yu , Yu Gangying , Li Dongchen , Lu Yao , Ren Cheng , Xu Yibo , Yang Yanling , Zhang Kun , Ma Teng , Li Zhong
Published: January 2024

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic bone metabolic disease and a serious global public health problem. Several studies have shown that mitophagy plays an important role in bone metabolism disorders; however, its role in osteoporosis remains unclear.

Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to download GSE56815, a dataset containing low and high BMD, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. Mitochondrial autophagy-related genes (MRG) were downloaded from the existing literature, and highly correlated MRG were screened by bioinformatics methods. The results from both were taken as differentially expressed (DE)-MRG, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. Protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analysis, support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and Boruta method were used to identify DE-MRG. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn, a nomogram model was constructed to determine its diagnostic value, and a variety of bioinformatics methods were used to verify the relationship between these related genes and OP, including GO and KEGG analysis, IP pathway analysis, and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). In addition, a hub gene-related network was constructed and potential drugs for the treatment of OP were predicted. Finally, the specific genes were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: In total, 548 DEGs were identified in the GSE56815 dataset. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA) identified 2291 key module genes, and 91 DE-MRG were obtained by combining the two. The PPI network revealed that the target gene for AKT1 interacted with most proteins. Three MRG (NELFB, SFSWAP, and MAP3K3) were identified as hub genes, with areas under the curve (AUC) 0.75, 0.71, and 0.70, respectively. The nomogram model has high diagnostic value. GO and KEGG analysis showed that ribosome pathway and cellular ribosome pathway may be the pathways regulating the progression of OP. IPA showed that MAP3K3 was associated with six pathways, including GNRH Signaling. The ssGSEA indicated that NELFB was highly correlated with iDCs (cor = −0.390, p < 0.001). The regulatory network showed a complex relationship between miRNA, transcription factor(TF) and hub genes. In addition, 4 drugs such as vinclozolin were predicted to be potential therapeutic drugs for OP. In RT-qPCR verification, the hub gene NELFB was consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusion: Mitophagy plays an important role in the development of osteoporosis. The identification of three mitophagy-related genes may contribute to the early diagnosis, mechanism research and treatment of OP.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveals the drought tolerance mechanism of Illicium difengpi (Schisandraceae)
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Jiao , Wu Chao , Liu Bao-Yu , Liang Hui-Ling , Wang Man-Lian , Li Hong
Published: January 2024

Illicium difengpi (Schisandraceae), an endangered medicinal plant endemic to karst areas, is highly tolerant to drought and thus can be used as an ideal material for investigating adaptive mechanism to drought stress. The understanding of the drought tolerance of I. difengpi, especially at the molecular level, is lacking. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying drought tolerance in endemic I. difengpi plant in karst regions. The response characteristics of transcripts and changes in metabolite abundance of I. difengpi subjected to drought and rehydration were analyzed, the genes and key metabolites responsive to drought and rehydration were screened, and some important biosynthetic and secondary metabolic pathways were identified. A total of 231,784 genes and 632 metabolites were obtained from transcriptome and metabolome analyses, and most of the physiological metabolism in drought-treated I. difengpi plants recovered after rehydration. There were more upregulated genes than downregulated genes under drought and rehydration treatments, and rehydration treatment induced stable expression of 65.25% of genes, indicating that rehydration alleviated drought stress to some extent. Drought and rehydration treatment generated flavonoids, phenolic acids, flavonols, amino acids and their derivatives, as well as metabolites such as saccharides and alcohols in the leaves of I. difengpi plants, which alleviated the injury caused by excessive reactive oxygen species. The integration of transcriptome and metabolome analyses showed that, under drought stress, I. difengpi increased glutathione, flavonoids, polyamines, soluble sugars and amino acids, contributing to cell osmotic potential and antioxidant activity. The results show that the high drought tolerance and recovery after rehydration are the reasons for the normal growth of I. difengpi in karst mountain areas.
Termiticidal, biochemical, and morpho-histological effects of botanical based nanoemulsion against a subterranean termite, Odontotermes Formosanus Shiraki
Authors: Nasser Raghda , Ibrahim Ezzeldin , Fouad Hatem , Ahmad Farhan , Li Wuhan , Zhou Qihuan , Yu Ting , Chidwala Nooney , Mo Jianchu
Published: January 2024

Recently, the use of nanopesticides has shown significant efficacy in the control of many pests. However, the effect of nanopesticides, especially nanoemulsions, on suppressing termites, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki, 1909) (O. formosanus), has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to produce nanoemulsions of the essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill; E-EO) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; N-EO) to suppress O. formosanus. The analysis of eucalyptus nanoemulsion (E-NE) and nutmeg nanoemulsion (N-NE) was confirmed by using UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In addition, chemical analysis by Gas Chromatography with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) exhibited the major constituents of E-NE and N-NE. The principal chemical components of E-NE included D-limonene, eucalyptol, 1,5-cyclooctadiene,3,4-dimethyl, benzene, and 1-methyl-3-(1 methylethyl)-, while the main constituents in N-NE were cyclohexane,1-methylene-4-(1 methylethenyl)-, eucalyptol, and L-. alpha. -terpineol. The mortality rates were 100% and 99.53%, respectively, after 24 hours of treatment with a concentration of 140 mg/mL, compared to 23.43% and 43.55%, respectively, from E-EO and N-EO treatment. These results refer to the essential oils’ nanoemulsion as far more effective than the essential oils themselves. Furthermore, the effects of E-NE and N-NE on detoxification enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase were investigated, as well as total protein concentrations, and the results have been found to be significantly increasing or decreasing in comparison with control. Besides, histological and morphological alterations found post exposure to E-NE and N-NE were shown. Overall, the results from this study clearly indicate that the nanopesticide-formulated nanoemulsions may have great potential to be used as novel, environmentally safe insecticides for controlling O. formosanus.
A multi-trait GWAS-based genetic association network controlling soybean architecture and seed traits
Authors: Niu Mengrou , Tian Kewei , Chen Qiang , Yang Chunyan , Zhang Mengchen , Sun Shiyong , Wang Xuelu
Published: January 2024

Ideal plant architecture is essential for enhancing crop yields. Ideal soybean (Glycine max) architecture encompasses an appropriate plant height, increased node number, moderate seed weight, and compact architecture with smaller branch angles for growth under high-density planting. However, the functional genes regulating plant architecture are far not fully understood in soybean. In this study, we investigated the genetic basis of 12 agronomic traits in a panel of 496 soybean accessions with a wide geographical distribution in China. Analysis of phenotypic changes in 148 historical elite soybean varieties indicated that seed-related traits have mainly been improved over the past 60 years, with targeting plant architecture traits having the potential to further improve yields in future soybean breeding programs. In a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 12 traits, we detected 169 significantly associated loci, of which 61 overlapped with previously reported loci and 108 new loci. By integrating the GWAS loci for different traits, we constructed a genetic association network and identified 90 loci that were associated with a single trait and 79 loci with pleiotropic effects. Of these 79 loci, 7 hub-nodes were strongly linked to at least three related agronomic traits. qHub_5, containing the previously characterized Determinate 1 (Dt1) locus, was associated not only with plant height and node number (as determined previously), but also with internode length and pod range. Furthermore, we identified qHub_7, which controls three branch angle-related traits; the candidate genes in this locus may be beneficial for breeding soybean with compact architecture. These findings provide insights into the genetic relationships among 12 important agronomic traits in soybean. In addition, these studies uncover valuable loci for further functional gene studies and will facilitate molecular design breeding of soybean architecture.
Conserved plant transcriptional responses to microgravity from two consecutive spaceflight experiments
Authors: Land Eric S. , Sheppard James , Doherty Colleen J. , Perera Imara Y.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Understanding how plants adapt to the space environment is essential, as plants will be a valuable component of long duration space missions. Several spaceflight experiments have focused on transcriptional profiling as a means of understanding plant adaptation to microgravity. However, there is limited overlap between results from different experiments. Differences in experimental conditions and hardware make it difficult to find a consistent response across experiments and to distinguish the primary effects of microgravity from other spaceflight effects.

Methods

Plant Signaling (PS) and Plant RNA Regulation (PRR) were two separate spaceflight experiments conducted on the International Space Station utilizing the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS). The EMCS provided a lighted environment for plant growth with centrifugal capabilities providing an onboard 1 g control.

Results and discussion

An RNA-Seq analysis of shoot samples from PS and PRR revealed a significant overlap of genes differentially expressed in microgravity between the two experiments. Relative to onboard 1 g controls, genes involved in transcriptional regulation, shoot development, and response to auxin and light were upregulated in microgravity in both experiments. Conversely, genes involved in defense response, abiotic stress, Ca++ signaling, and cell wall modification were commonly downregulated in both datasets. The downregulation of stress responses in microgravity in these two experiments is interesting as these pathways have been previously observed as upregulated in spaceflight compared to ground controls. Similarly, we have observed many stress response genes to be upregulated in the 1 g onboard control compared to ground reference controls; however these genes were specifically downregulated in microgravity. In addition, we analyzed the sRNA landscape of the 1 g and microgravity (μ g) shoot samples from PRR. We identified three miRNAs (miR319c, miR398b, and miR8683) which were upregulated in microgravity, while several of their corresponding target genes were found to be downregulated in microgravity. Interestingly, the downregulated target genes are enriched in those encoding chloroplast-localized enzymes and proteins. These results uncover microgravity unique transcriptional changes and highlight the validity and importance of an onboard 1 g control.
Physicochemical properties and molecular mechanisms of different resistant starch subtypes in rice
Authors: Liang Cheng , Xu Haoyang , You Hui , Zhang Ouling , Han Yiman , Li Qingyu , Hu Yungao , Xiang Xunchao
Published: January 2024

Resistant starch (RS) can help prevent diabetes and decrease calorie intake and that from plants are the main source of mankind consumption. Rice is many people’s staple food and that with higher RS will help health management. A significantly positive correlation exists between apparent amylose content (AAC) of rice and its RS content. In this study, 72 accessions with moderate or high AAC were selected to explore the regulatory mechanisms and physicochemical properties on different proceeding types of rice RS. RS in raw milled rice (RSm), hot cooked rice (RSc), and retrogradation rice (RSr) showed a wide variation and distinct controlling mechanisms. They were co-regulated by Waxy (Wx), soluble starch synthase (SS) IIb and SSI. Besides that, RSm was also regulated by SSIIa and SSIVb, RSc by granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) II and RSr by GBSSII and Pullulanase (PUL). Moreover, Wx had significant interactions with SSIIa, SSI, SSIIb and SSIVb on RSm, but only the dominant interactions with SSIIb and SSI on RSc and RSr. Wx was the key factor for the formation of RS, especially the RSc and RSr. The genes had the highest expression at 17 days after flowering and were beneficial for RS formation. The longer the chain length of starch, the higher the RS3 content. RSc and RSr were likely to be contained in medium-size starch granules. The findings favor understanding the biosynthesis of different subtypes of RS.
Characterization of Larix decidua Mill. (Pinaceae) oleoresin’s essential oils composition using GC-MS
Authors: Batista João V. C. , Melo Michelle Nonato de Oliveira , Holandino Carla , Maier Jakob , Huwyler Jörg , Baumgartner Stephan , Boylan Fabio
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Larch oleoresin has been described regarding several biological activities and medicinal applications, such as wound healing and treatment of ulcers, but little is known about its chemical composition.

Material and methods

Eight oleoresins from Larix decidua Mill. obtained from four companies and one adulterated control were therefore investigated to determine their content of essential oils and to verify possible differences in their composition in relation to the harvest and manufacturing processes. Essential oils (EOs) were isolated by distillation and the yield was analysed.

Results and discussion

The yield of EO varied among all samples. The yield of the pure larch samples covered a range of 7.8% to 15.5%. A higher yield (19.0%) was observed for adulterated control, which contained oleoresins from different Pinaceae trees. Age of samples had no impact on yield. However, there was a significant statistical variation (p<0.05) in the yields of the mid-summer oleoresins (>10%) compared to early or late summer (<10%), emphasising the importance of the time of collection. Samples were subsequently analysed by GC-MS. EO samples confirmed the presence of various chemical classes, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. α-pinene was the compound with the highest concentrations (>50%), followed by β-pinene (>6%), D-limonene (>2.5%), α-terpineol (>0.9%), β-myrcene (>0.2%), and 3-carene (>0.05%). Samples were grouped using multivariate data analysis (MVDA) with respect to the chemical variation between the oleoresins’ EOs. The resulting four clusters were named low (low yield obtained for the samples), mixed (mixed oleoresin from different Pinaceae species, adulteration control), old (old oleoresin kept in the institute), and normal (other oleoresins) samples, each presenting distinct chemical biomarkers. There were considerable differences between site and time of collection. Essential oil yield did not always meet requirements as defined by the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. In addition, adulterated or aged samples could be identified as compared to pure and fresh larch oleoresins.

Conclusion

We conclude that larch oleoresin used for pharmaceutical applications has to be carefully analysed and standardised to guarantee reproducible product quality.
Equality via bottom-up referendums? The role of initiators
Authors: Geißel Brigitte , Krämling Anna
Published: January 2024

Direct democratic instruments are discussed by politicians and academia as a means to bring citizens “back in” and thereby to increase support for democracy. Especially bottom-up referenda are expected to offer disadvantaged groups an opportunity to put their issues on the agenda. Yet, the question remains open whether they are really successful in this regard. Are disadvantaged groups able to pursue their interests via direct democratic instruments? Or are (successful) bottom-up referenda mostly initiated by groups that are already influential to further improve their status? Encompassing, comparative research is missing. In order to close these research gaps, this paper addresses the following questions empirically: (1) Which groups initiate bottom-up votes? (2) How do the bills proposed by different groups relate to equality? And finally, (3) which bills succeed at the ballot? To answer these questions, we employ a descriptive analysis of all national direct democratic votes in European democracies between 1990 and 2015. We detect that bottom-up direct democratic instruments can give disadvantaged groups an opportunity to put their issues on the agenda. Our findings can serve as a basis for further, in-depth statistical analyses.
Stress and emotion in a locked campus: the moderating effects of resilience and loneliness
Authors: Wang Qiuwen , Yan Gonggu , Hu Yueqin , Ding Geyi , Lai Yidie
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic relationship between Chinese students’ emotions and stress during a strict lockdown period in a university setting and the context of a global pandemic. Dynamic structural equation modeling was used to investigate the moderating role of resilience and loneliness in this relationship. The participants consisted of 112 students. Based on loneliness and resilience measures and the intensive tracking of emotional stress over a 21-day period, the results of data analysis indicated that the students’ overall levels of positive emotions were low and relatively independent of negative emotions. Negative emotions were significantly autoregressive and their baseline was closely related to the individual’s overall feelings of stress and loneliness levels, fluctuating with feelings of stress. The results confirm the hypothesis that resilience helps to stabilize emotions. Individuals with low resilience may be more emotionally sensitive in confined environments, while receiving social support may help to alleviate low moods.
Development and psychometric testing of a pediatric chronic graft-versus-host disease symptom scale: protocol for a two-phase, mixed methods study
Authors: Mitchell Sandra A. , Hunter Rachael , Fry Abigail , Pavletic Steven Z. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Wiener Lori
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a debilitating late complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is often accompanied by extensive symptom burden. No validated cGVHD patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure exists to evaluate cGVHD symptom bother in children and adolescents younger than 18 years. This paper presents the study protocol for a multi-center, two-phase protocol to develop a psychometrically valid pediatric cGVHD Symptom Scale (PCSS) and a companion caregiver-proxy measure to capture the symptom burden experienced by children with cGVHD. In the first phase of the study, our aim is to evaluate the comprehension, clarity and ease of response of the PCSS through cognitive interviewing and to iteratively refine the measure to optimize content validity. In the second phase of the study, we will quantitatively examine the measurement properties of the PCSS in children and their caregiver-proxies.

Methods and analysis

Eligible participants are children/adolescents ages 5–17 with cGVHD who are receiving systemic immunosuppressive treatment or have recently tapered to discontinuation. In the first phase, we are enrolling 60 child and caregiver-proxy dyads in three child age strata (5–7, 8–12, and 13–17 years old). Semi-scripted cognitive debriefing interviews are conducted to assess comprehension, clarity, and ease of response of each PCSS item with the child alone, and then jointly with the caregiver-proxy to explore discordant ratings. In phase two, an age-stratified cohort of 120 child-caregiver dyads will be enrolled to evaluate test–retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness. Anchors for known-groups validity include the PedsQL module and clinical variables, including cGVHD clinician-rated severity scores. In participants ages 13–17, we will also compare responses on the PCSS with those from the Lee cGVHD Symptom Scale, to gauge the youngest age at which adolescent respondents can comprehend this adult measure.

Discussion

This study will yield a well-validated, counterpart measure to the Lee cGVHD Symptom Scale for use in children with cGVHD and their caregiver-proxies. This new patient-reported outcome measure can be integrated into clinical trials and care delivery for pediatric transplant survivors to improve the precision and accuracy with which their cGVHD symptom experience is captured.

Clinical trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04044365.
An empirical study on the development of metaphorical comprehension of Chinese children
Authors: Cheng Lulu , Guan Yingming , Zhang Ting , Zhan Linlin , Liu Yanqin , Wang Peng , Yu Shanshan , Peng Yule
Published: January 2024

Metaphor affects how people focus, remember, and process information and significantly influences children’s language development. The study explored metaphorical comprehension by Chinese children of different ages (5–8 years). We collected response times and accuracy rates when they processed metaphorical and literal sentences with the graded salience. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed that Chinese children’s metaphorical ability improved with age. Subsequent analysis found that the perception period of metaphorical knowledge was at age 5, the development stage of metaphorical knowledge was at age 6 and 7, and the rational decision period of metaphorical ability was at age 8. After 8-year-old, children can invoke the knowledge of the intention schema while activating the source domain, and this knowledge can be automatically and quickly mapped to the target domain. Meanwhile, language development and cognitive processing influenced the metaphorical comprehension of Chinese children, especially children of 8 years of age who had the highest correct rate and the shortest reaction time to process low-saliency metaphorical sentences, while 5-year-old children had the highest accuracy in high-saliency metaphorical sentence and 6-year-old children got the longest reaction time to process sentence in high-saliency metaphor. This study may provide evidence for improving and training metaphor comprehension in children with special needs such as those with an autism spectrum disorder.
How followers’ perception of followership prototype–traits fit impacts their job performance: a moderated polynomial regression analysis
Authors: Yu Jing , Feng Jian
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Previous studies about the drivers of follower performance focused on leadership, and most followership studies have used a single perspective to investigate this topic from the followers’ lens. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore whether, how, and when followers’ perception of followership prototype–traits fit influences their job performance.

Methods

The study adopted a questionnaire survey (Study 1) and a scenario experiment (Study 2). First, in the questionnaire survey, we collected 72 leaders and 262 followers from 72 teams of 14 companies in China using a two–wave research design. Second, in the scenario experiment, we invited 160 undergraduates from a university in southwest China to participate in the experiment after verifying the effectiveness of the manipulated materials.

Results

(1) compared with the misfit, followership prototype–traits fit is more likely to stimulate followers’ taking charge; (2) compared with low levels of fit, high-level followership prototype–traits fit is more likely to stimulate followers’ taking charge; (3) compared with high followership prototype and low followership traits condition, low followership prototype and high followership traits condition is more likely to stimulate followers’ taking charge; (4) followers’ taking charge mediates the impact of the followership prototype–traits fit on followers’ job performance; and (5) the impact of followership prototype–traits fit on followers’ taking charge is more salient for male followers than for female followers.

Discussion

This study not only helps capture the bidirectional and complex process of the interaction between leaders and followers during the followership, but also obtains a more comprehensive understanding of how this interaction affects followers’ behaviors and performance. The results have practical implications for improving followers’ job performance by highlighting the effects of followership prototype–traits fit on followers’ behaviors and performance.
An integrated model: marital effect on adolescent behavioral problems through siblings
Authors: Li Zhaoyi , Zhao Yunyan , He Ran , Luo Rui , Luo Yuhan , Yang Zhengqian , Qi Mengdi , Chen Fumei
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Few studies have simultaneously focused on the effects of marital conflict and marital intimacy on adolescent development, and little is known about the role of sibling relationships. Thus, this study examined the association between marital relationships and adolescent behavioral problems, including depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior. At the same time, we explored the mediating role of sibling hostility and sibling affection and the moderating effect of birth order in multichild families in China.

Methods

Participants included 842 adolescents (Mage = 12.60, 46.2% boys) from Henan Province. Marital relationship, sibling relationship, birth order, depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. SEM was then used to examine the role of sibling relationships and birth order in the association between marital relationship and adolescent behavioral problems.

Results

Our results showed that marital intimacy was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior, while marital conflict was positively correlated with them. Marital intimacy was associated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior through both sibling hostility and sibling affection. Marital conflict was indirectly associated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior through sibling hostility. In addition, the first-born adolescents were more sensitive to marital intimacy.

Discussion

Given that the occurrence of adolescent behavioral problems is more common in contemporary society, our findings suggest that establishing a more intimate and warmer family atmosphere and promoting positive interactions between siblings may help control adolescent mental health problems.
The role of parents in the motivation of young athletes: a systematic review
Authors: Gao Zhendong , Chee Chen Soon , Norjali Wazir Mohd Rozilee Wazir , Wang Jiaxu , Zheng Xiaojian , Wang Tao
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Parents are one of the main social agents that shape young athletes’ experiences and participation in sports, but they are also the least explored group in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of research on the role of parents in the motivation of young athletes.

Method

The systematic literature review consisted of four electronic databases from which 29 articles published in English and in full-text form in peer-reviewed journals between 1999 and 2023 were retrieved.

Results

A total of 29 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies collectively surveyed 9,185 young athlete participants and 2,191 parent participants. The sample comprised 26 quantitative studies and 3 qualitative studies. The findings underscore that parents play both unique and synergistic multidimensional roles in motivating young athletes. Parents’ positive goals and values, autonomy-supportive parenting styles, moderate parental involvement, positive parent–child relationships, and a parent-initiated task climate are identified as optimal parenting strategies.

Conclusion

While parents undeniably play a crucial role in motivating young athletes, the manner and extent of their involvement are key.
Design strategies for VR science and education games from an embodied cognition perspective: a literature-based meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Xiuyu , Li Runbo , Chen Zhirong , Xiong Jiayi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Natural science education, as an important means to improve the scientific literacy of citizens, combines science education games with virtual reality (VR) technology and is a major developmental direction in the field of gamified learning.

Methods

To investigate the impact of VR science education games on learning efficiency from the perspective of embodied cognition, this study uses the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases as the main source of samples. A meta-analysis of 40 studies was conducted to examine teaching content, game interaction, and immersion mode.

Results

The study found that (1) VR science and education games have a moderately positive impact on the overall learning effect; (2) regarding teaching content, the learning effect of skill training via VR science and education games is significant; (3) regarding interaction form, the learning effect on active interaction is significantly better than that of passive interaction; (4) regarding immersion mode, somatosensory VR games have a significant impact on the enhancement of students’ learning; (5) regarding application disciplines, VR science education games have a greater impact on science, engineering, language and other disciplines; (6) regarding academic segments, the learning effect on college students is most significant; and (7) regarding experimental intervention time, short-term intervention is most effective.

Discussion

Accordingly, this article proposes strategies for VR science game design from the perspective of embodied cognition: a five-phase strategy including skill training, human-computer interaction, and environmental immersion, aiming to improve the learning effect and experience of users.
Validation of a computerized driving simulator test of cognitive abilities for fitness-to-drive assessments
Authors: Gårdinger Max Bremberg , Johansson Robert , Lidestam Björn , Selander Helena
Published: January 2024

Background

Driving requires a series of cognitive abilities, many of which are affected by age and medical conditions. The psychosocial importance of continued driving ushers the need for valid measurements in fitness-to-drive assessments. A driving simulator test could prove useful in these assessments, having greater face validity than other off-road tests and being more cost-effective and safer than ordinary on-road testing. The aim of this study was to validate a driving simulator test for assessment of cognitive ability in fitness-to-drive assessments.

Methods

The study included 67 healthy participants. Internal consistency of the simulator subtests was estimated. A correlation analysis between results on the simulator and the cognitive tests Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B and the Useful field of View test (UFOV) and multiple regression analysis were conducted. Finally, a comparison of results between age groups (>65 years) and (<65 years) was done.

Results

Results showed good internal consistency. Significant and moderate correlations were found for all reaction time in the simulator’s subtests and UFOV 3, and all but two with TMT A. Lane positioning in the simulator showed significant and low to moderate correlations with UFOV 3 in all subtests. Reaction time and Double reaction time on subtest 3 were significantly correlated with UFOV 2 and UFOV 3 and TMT A, respectively. Test on Centerline (position) in subtest 3 as dependent variable was significantly correlated with UFOV 3. Significant means differences and large effect sizes between the age groups were found for all reaction time and lane positioning tests.

Conclusion

The findings of concurrent validity, especially with TMT A and UFOV 3 and its sensitivity for age-related differences, indicate potential for the simulator to be used as a complement in fitness-to-drive assessments. However, a clinical study is necessary to further examine its usefulness for patients with cognitive deficits.
Impairments in psychological functioning in refugees and asylum seekers
Authors: Baumgartner Josef S. , Renner Antonia , Wochele-Thoma Thomas , Wehle Peter , Barbui Corrado , Purgato Marianna , Tedeschi Federico , Tarsitani Lorenzo , Roselli Valentina , Acartürk Ceren , Uygun Ersin , Anttila Minna , Lantta Tella , Välimäki Maritta , Churchill Rachel , Walker Lauren , Sijbrandij Marit , Cuijpers Pim , Koesters Markus , Klein Thomas , White Ross G. , Aichberger Marion C. , Wancata Johannes
Published: January 2024

Refugees are at increased risk for developing psychological impairments due to stressors in the pre-, peri- and post-migration periods. There is limited knowledge on how everyday functioning is affected by migration experience. In a secondary analysis of a study in a sample of refugees and asylum seekers, it was examined how aspects of psychological functioning were differentially affected. 1,101 eligible refugees and asylum seekers in Europe and Türkiye were included in a cross-sectional analysis. Gender, age, education, number of relatives and children living nearby, as well as indicators for depressive and posttraumatic symptoms, quality of life, psychological well-being and functioning, and lifetime potentially traumatic events were assessed. Correlations and multiple regression models with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12-item version’s total and six subdomains’ scores (‘mobility’, ‘life activities’, ‘cognition’, ‘participation’, ‘self-care’, ‘getting along’) as dependent variables were calculated. Tests for multicollinearity and Bonferroni correction were applied. Participants reported highest levels of impairment in ‘mobility’ and ‘participation’, followed by ‘life activities’ and ‘cognition’. Depression and posttraumatic symptoms were independently associated with overall psychological functioning and all subdomains. History of violence and abuse seemed to predict higher impairment in ‘participation’, while past events of being close to death were associated with fewer issues with ‘self-care’. Impairment in psychological functioning in asylum seekers and refugees was related to current psychological symptoms. Mobility and participation issues may explain difficulties arising after resettlement in integration and exchange with host communities in new contexts.
The effects of multicultural family support services on the longitudinal changes of acculturative stress, peer relations, and school adjustment
Authors: Ahn Hyun Seon , Lee Jeesoo , Jin Yuanying
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the long-term trends of acculturative stress, peer relationship, and school adjustment among adolescents from multicultural families in South Korea, and examined the concurrent and lagged effects of multicultural family support services (MFSS) on the longitudinal changes in the variables of interest. Concurrent and lagged models as well as developmental trajectories via latent growth modeling (LGM) were employed on a sample of 1,443 middle school students (706 boys, 737 girls) from the Multicultural Youth Panel Survey (MAPS). The results revealed that peer relationships and school adjustment perceived by adolescents demonstrated consistent, gradual declines across 3-year time points while there was a lack of significant change in acculturative stress during the same period. The absence of significant change in acculturative stress could be attributed to floor effects, stemming from its initial low mean level. Nevertheless, the LGM modeling also exhibited significant concurrent and lagged effects of MFSS at the first and third time points of investigation. The intermittent significant effects of MFSS and the direction of its improvement were discussed. More educational interventions guiding students from multicultural families would be needed as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.
How flow and mindfulness interact with each other in mindfulness-based augmented reality mandala coloring activities
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Chao , Zhang Ayuan , Lu Wen-Qian , Wu Kan , Chiou Wen-Ko
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study explores the effects of different types of augmented reality (AR) mandala coloring activities on mindfulness and flow in college students.

Methods

A total of 76 college students participated in the study and were divided into two groups based on their drawing skills: the high-skilled group (n = 38) and the low-skilled group (n = 38). With the help of AR technology, two groups of subjects carried out three mandala coloring experiments with structured mandala, free mandala and cooperative mandala in order. The measurement evaluation in the experimental program included a pre-test before all the experiments (Time 0) and each post-test after three mandala coloring activities (Time 1, Time 2 and Time 3). The balance dimensions of flow and challenge skills of the two groups were measured.

Results

ANOVA results showed that a single 30-min short-term datura coloring activity did not significantly improve mindfulness (f = 2.339, p = 0.074, η2 = 0.031), but did significantly improve flow (f = 11.918, p = < 0.001, η2 = 0.139). Linear regression results found positive correlations between mindfulness and certain dimensions of flow (e.g., focus on a task, unambiguous feedback, sense of control, challenge -- skill balance, and automatic experience). Mindfulness was also found to be negatively correlated with the loss of the self-conscious component of flow. We also found that the free mandala was quite challenging for subjects in the low-skill group, while the teamwork in the cooperative mandala helped them overcome difficulties and cope with challenges.

Discussion

Flow can be quickly and effectively improved through short AR mandala coloring exercises. The contribution of this study is to provide inspiration and reference for further exploring how AR mandola coloring can improve subjects’ mental state and promote the perfection and development of positive psychological mechanism.
A qualitative study on the attitudes of women politicians toward their roles in politics: a case of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Artaç Niyper Hayal , Oğurlu Ebru
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Politics is a mechanism of cooperation for the common interest of society. In this mechanism, each individual is expected to participate equally in the leadership and decision-making mechanisms. Women's participation in politics is essential for the spread of good governance and democracy. Globally, political participation is disaggregated by gender, with men's participation greater than women's. A lower representation of women in politics is also observed in Northern Cyprus. The attitudes or views of society and politicians may determine the political participation of women in leadership positions. This study examines the obstacles and determining factors that make it difficult for women to reach leadership positions even though their political role is increasing.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 female participants for this research. Eleven of them are female ministers in parliament and represent the three main political parties in the country. The remaining 10 female participants are also members of the central executive body of the three parties and the National Assembly.

Results and discussion

Women politicians believe that problems related to gender equality in politics prevent women from entering active politics and rising to leadership positions. Although there was no gender discrimination in Northern Cyprus means that women have gained equal rights with men in many areas, it was concluded that the traditional political culture keeps women out of politics.
Research on the design of panoramic virtual learning environment screen elements
Authors: Huang Guan , Zhou Li , Chen Dan , Chen Wen , Liu Rui
Published: January 2024

Panoramic video and virtual reality technologies create learning environments that provide learners with an “immersive” experience. In recent years, panoramic video design to create immersive learning environments, in particular, has become an increasingly popular topic in teacher education and educational research. However, few studies have explored the elements of panoramic virtual learning environment screens regarding the design of learning environments. Therefore, this experimental study uses eye-tracking technology to investigate how learners are guided by panoramic video elements in a panoramic virtual learning environment. Participants (n = 90) were randomly assigned to one of six conditions: (1) no caption + live interpretation, (2) no caption + AI interpretation, (3) 120-degree caption + live interpretation, (4) 120-degree caption + AI interpretation, (5) static follow caption + live interpretation, and (6) static follow caption + AI interpretation. The results of the study show that when learners experience a panoramic virtual learning environment with different narration methods, the live interpretation method is more likely to attract learners’ attention and bring better emotion and experience than the AI interpretation method. When experiencing a panoramic virtual learning environment with different caption presentation methods, the caption presentation methods induced learners’ attention, learning emotions, and experiences in the order of no caption >120-degree caption > static following caption. Finally, the rules for optimizing the design of panoramic virtual learning environment screens are given based on the findings of the study, which provide new ideas for designing and developing panoramic video teaching resources.
Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective
Authors: Rosendahl Jenny , Alldredge Cameron T. , Haddenhorst Antonia
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Documented use and investigation of hypnosis spans centuries and its therapeutic use has received endorsement by multiple medical associations. We conducted a comprehensive overview of meta-analyses examining the efficacy of hypnosis to provide a foundational understanding of hypnosis in evidence-based healthcare, insight into the safety of hypnosis interventions, and identification of gaps in the current research literature.

Methods

In our systematic review, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of hypnosis in patients with mental or somatic health problems compared to any control condition published after the year 2000 were included. A comprehensive literature search using Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, HTA Database, Web of Science and a manual search was conducted to identify eligible reviews. Methodological quality of the included meta-analyses was rated using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Effect estimates on various outcomes including at least three comparisons (k ≥ 3) were extracted and transformed into a common effect size metric (Cohen’s d). If available, information on the certainty of evidence for these outcomes (GRADE assessment) was obtained.

Results

We included 49 meta-analyses with 261 distinct primary studies. Most robust evidence was reported for hypnosis in patients undergoing medical procedures (12 reviews, 79 distinct primary studies) and in patients with pain (4 reviews, 65 primary studies). There was a considerable overlap of the primary studies across the meta-analyses. Only nine meta-analyses were rated to have high methodological quality. Reported effect sizes comparing hypnosis against control conditions ranged from d = −0.04 to d = 2.72. Of the reported effects, 25.4% were medium (d ≥ 0.5), and 28.8% were large (d ≥ 0.8).

Discussion

Our findings underline the potential of hypnosis to positively impact various mental and somatic treatment outcomes, with the largest effects found in patients experiencing pain, patients undergoing medical procedures, and in populations of children/adolescents. Future research should focus on the investigation of moderators of efficacy, on comparing hypnosis to established interventions, on the efficacy of hypnosis for children and adolescents, and on identifying patients who do not benefit from hypnosis.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023395514, identifier CRD42023395514
Can dialectical behavior therapy skills group treat social anxiety disorder? A brief integrative review
Authors: Villalongo Andino Mara , Garcia Katelyn M. , Richey John A.
Published: January 2024

The purposes of this brief integrative review are to identify and critically evaluate recent work in the area of Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Skills Group (DBT-SG) for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) with suicidal ideation (SI) and to suggest further how DBT-based skills may be applied to cognitive maintenance factors of SAD. Accordingly, we first evaluate the relevance of DBT in treating SI in other disorders. Second, we evaluate the relationship between SI and SAD, providing considerations for the complexity of comorbid disorders and presentations. Finally, we extend this knowledge to discuss considerations for the use of DBT-SG skills to target specific etiological and maintenance elements of SAD, with a focus on four themes (interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance). Overall, we conclude that DBT-SG may prove beneficial in reducing SI and symptoms in SAD that impact social and emotional functioning.