bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies of tree species to adapt to drought from leaf stomatal regulation and stem embolism resistance to root properties
Authors: Chen Zhicheng , Li Shan , Wan Xianchong , Liu Shirong
Published: September 2022

Considerable evidences highlight the occurrence of increasing widespread tree mortality as a result of global climate change-associated droughts. However, knowledge about the mechanisms underlying divergent strategies of various tree species to adapt to drought has remained remarkably insufficient. Leaf stomatal regulation and embolism resistance of stem xylem serves as two important strategies for tree species to prevent hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, as comprising interconnected physiological mechanisms underlying drought-induced tree mortality. Hence, the physiological and anatomical determinants of leaf stomatal regulation and stems xylem embolism resistance are evaluated and discussed. In addition, root properties related to drought tolerance are also reviewed. Species with greater investment in leaves and stems tend to maintain stomatal opening and resist stem embolism under drought conditions. The coordination between stomatal regulation and stem embolism resistance are summarized and discussed. Previous studies showed that hydraulic safety margin (HSM, the difference between minimum water potential and that causing xylem dysfunction) is a significant predictor of tree species mortality under drought conditions. Compared with HSM, stomatal safety margin (the difference between water potential at stomatal closure and that causing xylem dysfunction) more directly merge stomatal regulation strategies with xylem hydraulic strategies, illustrating a comprehensive framework to characterize plant response to drought. A combination of plant traits reflecting species’ response and adaptation to drought should be established in the future, and we propose four specific urgent issues as future research priorities.
Playing 7 vs. 6 with an empty goal: Is it really an option for coaches? A comparative analysis between Portugal and the other teams during the Men’s European Handball Championship 2020
Authors: Prudente João Nunes , Cardoso Americo Ramos , Rodrigues Ana Jose , Mendes João Noite , Fernando Catarina , Lopes Helder , Sousa Duarte Filipe
Published: September 2022

The dynamic of changes in the rules in team games materialize from research and debate between experts and coaches before being implemented by the International Federations. In Handball, the last changes occurred in 2016, and one of them was to substitute the goalkeeper with an additional field player allowing teams to play “empty goal” while using the additional field player.

This study aimed to analyze and characterize the use of the 7 vs. 6 strategical-tactical option for the attack in the 2020 Men’s European Championship. We also analyzed whether the game time and partial score influenced the use of 7 vs. 6 and its efficiency. Observational methodology and a mixed ad hoc instrument combining field format and category systems validated by experts were used. Data were taken from 28 matches involving teams in the first 12 positions in the 2020 Men’s European Championship. The total number of offensive sequences in an organized attack method in 7 vs. 6 with an empty goal (n = 123) were analyzed. Sequential analysis techniques with lags, prospective and retrospective, and polar coordinate analysis were used. The results showed that (a) these solutions had poor efficiency, except for the Portuguese National Team; (b) teams using the 7 vs. 6 tactic option had no negative consequences or increased risk with the opponent response; (c) partial score influenced the decision to use 7 vs. 6 strategic option, and (d) game time was associated with 7 vs. 6 play options and detected patterns.
Beyond two modes of thought: A quantum model of how three cognitive variables yield conceptual change
Authors: Winslow Mika , Gabora Liane
Published: September 2022

We re-examine the long-held postulate that there are two modes of thought, and develop a more fine-grained analysis of how different modes of thought affect conceptual change. We suggest that cognitive development entails the fine-tuning of three dimensions of thought: abstractness, divergence, and context-specificity. Using a quantum cognition modeling approach, we show how these three variables differ, and explain why they would have a distinctively different impacts on thought processes and mental contents. We suggest that, through simultaneous manipulation of all three variables, one spontaneously, and on an ongoing basis, tailors one's mode of thought to the demands of the current situation. The paper concludes with an analysis based on results from an earlier study of children's mental models of the shape of the Earth. The example illustrates how, through reiterated transition between mental states using these three variables, thought processes unfold, and conceptual change ensues. While this example concerns children, the approach applies more broadly to adults as well as children.
Classroom perception in higher education: The impact of spatial factors on student satisfaction in lecture versus active learning classrooms
Authors: Jin Shitao , Peng Lei
Published: September 2022

Driven and influenced by learning theory and information technology, the form of the classroom environment in higher education is constantly changing. While traditional lecture classrooms focus on efficient learning modes and economical space layouts, active learning classrooms focus more on active learning psychology and adaptive space perception. Although existing studies have explored the development of educational and technological domains in the classroom, a comparative study of these two classroom environments and students’ learning perceptions has not been conducted. Hence, using a questionnaire, this study collected subjective perception reports from 316 students in traditional lecture classrooms versus active learning classrooms. By analyzing Likert scales of student satisfaction in two classroom environments, the study found the following: learning support dimensions in both classroom environments required improvements; space and furniture perception, physical and decorative environment are critical factors in improving students’ perceptions in the lecture classroom; space perception is the critical factor in enhancing students’ perception in the active learning classroom. These findings can serve as good references and useful insights for future classroom design and optimization to build enriched and inclusive learning environments to help students gain a more positive perception of learning.
Examining the differences between information professional groups in perceiving information ethics: An analytic hierarchy process study
Authors: Yueh Hsiu-Ping , Huang Ching-Yin , Lin Weijane
Published: September 2022

Information and communication technology (ICT) has a great impact on contemporary society and people’s lives. Especially with the pervasive access to rapidly developing technology, the impact of ICT on society and human values, the norms of ICT use, and the ethical issues derived from them are beyond the past ethical framework and deserve more research attention. The purpose of this study was to explore the key factors that influence the decision-making behaviors of information professionals when they are faced with information ethics issues. The study adopted the analytic hierarchical process method to develop the evaluation framework and criteria for information professional ethics and employed the professional fields of library and information science and information technology as examples to compare whether information professionals in different fields make different judgments on the aforementioned decision-making criteria. The results of the study validated the professional information ethics hierarchy and criteria and contributed to the field of information ethics research by providing information on the aspects that need attention in the cultivation of professionals in different fields.
Moments of meeting: A case study of Shared Reading of poetry in a care home
Authors: Tangerås Thor Magnus
Published: September 2022

There is a growing research interest in the value of participative arts-based strategies for enhancing wellbeing amongst adults living with dementia. One such intervention, centred around literature, is the group activity called Shared Reading. The purpose of this case study of weekly Shared Reading sessions of poetry in a care home in Merseyside is to investigate instances of how participants with mild to moderate dementia collaborate in processes of meaning-making that allow them shared experiences of being moved by poetry. An under-thematised aspect of psychological wellbeing is the capacity for being moved and for sharing such moments. This article addresses the following question: how can the specific multimodality of the text (participants have a copy of the text before them, the poem is read aloud and there may be use of non-verbal aids) in the Shared Reading model help to bring about such experiences? Using Stern’s concepts of Now Moments and Moments of Meeting, this case study discusses various instances of unpredictable, surprising and spontaneous intersubjective moments between participant and poem, participant and reader leader, participant and staff, participant and relative.
Association between bodyweight perception, nutritional status, and weight control practices: A cross-sectional analysis from the Chilean Health Survey 2016–2017
Authors: Nazar Gabriela , Alcover Carlos-María , Lanuza Fabián , Labraña Ana María , Ramírez-Alarcón Karina , Troncoso-Pantoja Claudia , Leiva Ana María , Celis-Morales Carlos , Petermann-Rocha Fanny
Published: September 2022

This research aimed (1) to examine the agreement between body mass index (BMI)-based nutritional status and perceived nutritional status overall and by socio-demographic factors and (2) to state the association between the accuracy of weight perception and weight control practices in the Chilean adult population. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 5,192 Chilean adult participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017. Agreement between BMI-based weight status and body weight perception for the total sample and across subgroups was determined using the weighted kappa coefficient. The agreement between BMI-based and perceived nutritional status of the total sample was fair (kappa = 0.38). A higher rate of weight perception accuracy was identified in women, younger respondents, and participants with higher education, a higher income, and from urban areas than their counterparts. Respondents with overweight or obesity tended to underestimate their nutritional status. Actions to lose weight were higher in those who had the right perception of their overweight/obesity condition and those who overestimated their body weight, regardless of their nutritional status. In all groups, weight loss behaviors were more related to the perceived than the BMI-based nutritional status. The consequences of accurate perception of the nutritional status are discussed including its effects on body weight and mental health.
Metacognitions associated with reproductive concerns: A cross-sectional study of young adult female cancer survivors in China
Authors: Xiao Pan Pan , Ding Si Qing , Duan Ying Long , Luo Xiao Fei , Zhou Yi , Cheng Qin Qin , Liu Xiang Yu , Xie Jian Fei , Cheng Andy SK
Published: September 2022

Objective

Cancer and its treatments affect patients’ fertility potential. This study examined the prevalence of reproductive concerns and their relationship with metacognitions among Chinese young adult female cancer survivors (YAFCS).

Methods

A total of 318 YAFCS (aged 18–39) completed an online survey from March to December 2021. Participants reported sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive concerns and metacognitions. Reproductive concerns were measured using the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer scale (RCAC), and metacognitions were measured by the Short Form of Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30). We used Pearson correlation analysis to examine associations between metacognitions and reproductive concerns across multiple domains and multivariable linear regression to determine the influencing factors of reproductive concerns.

Results

The mean score of reproductive concern among YAFCS was 49.97 ± 12.52. A total of 57.9% of participants reported a high level of concern regarding at least one dimension of reproductive concerns, and they were most concerned about their child’s health and least concerned about partner disclosure of fertility status. We also found a moderate association between RCAC and MCQ-30 scores (r = 0.408, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, metacognitions, especially negative metacognitive beliefs had an impact on reproductive concerns among YAFCS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher reproductive concerns were associated with higher metacognitions among YAFCS, especially with negative metacognitive beliefs. Oncology professionals should pay attention to assessing reproductive concerns in patients who want to have children or who have no children. Moreover, metacognitive beliefs may be an intervention target for alleviating reproductive concerns among YAFCS.
The contribution of activity theory to modeling multi-actor decision-making: A focus on human capital investments
Authors: Marocco Silvia , Talamo Alessandra
Published: September 2022

Making investment decisions is usually considered a challenging task for investors because it is a process based on risky, complex, and consequential choices (Shanmuganathan, 2020). When it comes to Investments in human capital (IHC), such as startups fundings, the aspect of decision-making (DM) becomes even more critical since the outcome of the DM process is not completely predictable. Indeed, it has to take into consideration the will, goals, and motivations of each human actor involved: those who invest as well as those who seek investments. We define this specific DM process as multi-actor DM (MADM) since not a group is making decisions but different actors, or groups of different actors, who – starting from non-coinciding objectives – need to reach a mutual agreement and converge toward a common goal for the success of the investment. This review aims to give insights on psychological contributions to the study of complex DM processes that deal with IHC to provide scholars and practitioners with a theoretical framework and a tool for describing the complex socio-ecological systems involved in the DM processes. For this purpose, we discuss in the paper how the third generation of activity theory (Leont’ev, 1974, 1978;Engeström, 1987, 2001) could be used as an appropriate model to explain the specificities of MADM construct, focusing on the particular case of startup funding. Design thinking techniques will be proposed as a methodology to create a bridge between different activity systems.
Dual path mechanism of promoting classical furniture and customer responses: From the perspective of empathy
Authors: Cai Jiajun , Yu Lixia
Published: September 2022

The correlation between empathy and customer responses may be a key to solve the problem of classical furniture advertising design. To explore the relationship between empathy and consumer purchasing response, this study proposes a model of dual path mechanism of empathy influencing consumer purchase intentions in classical furniture through advertising design related to furniture brand Tanjuyuan. The results not only prove the hypotheses, but also indicate that: (1) cultural empathy and empathy fusion have a more significant impact on consumers’ purchase intention than practical empathy; (2) cultural empathy plays a dominant role in influencing consumers’ purchase intention; (3) empathy fusion is a key mediator between cultural empathy and practical empathy in influencing consumers’ purchase intention. These findings provide issues for subsequent research from various perspectives, such as enhancing the practical perceptions of consumers of classical furniture products, cultural value perceptions, and the interdisciplinary application of empathy.
COVID-19 and psychiatric disorders: The impact of face masks in emotion recognition face masks and emotion recognition in psychiatry
Authors: Escelsior Andrea , Amadeo Maria Bianca , Esposito Davide , Rosina Anna , Trabucco Alice , Inuggi Alberto , Pereira da Silva Beatriz , Serafini Gianluca , Gori Monica , Amore Mario
Published: September 2022

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, reading facial expressions has become more complex due to face masks covering the lower part of people's faces. A history of psychiatric illness has been associated with higher rates of complications, hospitalization, and mortality due to COVID-19. Psychiatric patients have well-documented difficulties reading emotions from facial expressions; accordingly, this study assesses how using face masks, such as those worn for preventing COVID-19 transmission, impacts the emotion recognition skills of patients with psychiatric disorders. To this end, the current study asked patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and healthy individuals to identify facial emotions on face images with and without facial masks. Results demonstrate that the emotion recognition skills of all participants were negatively influenced by face masks. Moreover, the main insight of the study is that the impairment is crucially significant when patients with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia had to identify happiness at a low-intensity level. These findings have important implications for satisfactory social relationships and well-being. If emotions with positive valence are hardly understood by specific psychiatric patients, there is an even greater requirement for doctor-patient interactions in public primary care.
The feasibility of using smartphone apps as treatment components for depressed suicidal outpatients
Authors: Nuij Chani , van Ballegooijen Wouter , de Beurs Derek , de Winter Remco F. P. , Gilissen Renske , O’Connor Rory C. , Smit Jan H. , Kerkhof Ad , Riper Heleen
Published: September 2022

Mental health smartphone apps could increase the safety and self-management of patients at risk of suicide, but it is still unclear whether it is feasible to integrate such apps into routine mental healthcare. This study reports on the feasibility of using a safety planning app (BackUp) and a self-monitoring app (mEMA) as components of the routine treatment of depressed outpatients with suicidal ideation. Clinicians were trained in working with both of the apps, and they invited their eligible patients with suicidal ideation for study participation. Patients used the apps for 3 months and discussed these with their clinician during treatment. Patients completed assessments at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1) and post-test (T2, 12 weeks after baseline). Both patients and clinicians also participated in telephone interviews. Feasibility was assessed in terms of usability (score > 70 on System Usability Scale, SUS), acceptability (score > 20 on Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8, CSQ-8), and uptake (sufficient rates of component completion and app usage in treatment). The sample included 17 adult outpatients (52.9% male, age range 20–50 years) diagnosed with a depressive disorder and suicidal ideation at baseline. BackUp was rated by patients at above the cut-off scores for usability (SUS mean score at T1 75.63 and at T2 77.71) and acceptability (CSQ-8 mean score at T1 23.42 and at T2 23.50). mEMA was similarly rated (SUS mean score at T1 75.83 and at T2 76.25; CSQ-8 mean score at T1 23.92 and at T2 22.75). Telephone interviews with patients and clinicians confirmed the usability and acceptability. The uptake criteria were not met. Our findings suggest that mobile safety planning and mobile self-monitoring can be considered acceptable and usable as treatment components for depressed suicidal outpatients, but the integration of apps into routine treatment needs to be further explored.
Predictors of e-cigarette initiation and use among middle school youth in a low-income predominantly Hispanic community
Authors: Gaddy M. Yvonne , Vasquez Denise , Brown Louis D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

E-cigarette use among middle and high school youth increased from 2. 5 million in 2014 to 9.2 million in 2019, becoming the most common tobacco product used among youth. Hispanic youth, the largest ethnic minority in the United States, have higher rates of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, than non-Hispanics. Identifying factors that put youth at risk for future e-cigarette use is vital to focusing prevention efforts. Informed by social cognitive theory, this study identifies predictors of e-cigarette uptake among e-cigarette naïve youth in a predominantly low-income Hispanic community.

Methods

1,249 students (6–8th grades) from two middle schools in El Paso, Texas consented to participate in this longitudinal survey during the 2016–2017 school year. The study sample for analysis was restricted to e-cigarette naïve students (n = 862). Outcome measures were e-cigarette initiation and current use at follow-up. Logistic regression models tested six hypotheses about predictors of e-cigarette initiation and current use: (1) intention, (2) outcome expectations, (3) knowledge, (4) friendship network exposure, (5) normative beliefs, and (6) social acceptability.

Results

Among e-cigarette naïve students at baseline, 8% (n = 71) reported initiation at follow-up; of these, 3% (n = 23) reported current use. Significant predictors of initiation were intention (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.69–3.59; p < 0.001), outcome expectations (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.14–2.61; p = 0.009), friendship network exposure (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.11–2.11; p =0.01), normative beliefs (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.47–3.08; p < 0.001), and social acceptability (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.28–2.85; p = 0.002). Significant predictors of current use were intention (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.07–3.69; p = 0.03) and friendship network exposure (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.06–2.70; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, age appropriate and culturally sensitive prevention strategies tailored at altering these predictive factors are essential in preventing future e-cigarette use.
Seasonal variation, treatment outcome, and its associated factors among the snakebite patients in Somali region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdullahi Ahmed , Yusuf Nejib , Debella Adera , Eyeberu Addis , Deressa Alemayehu , Bekele Habtamu , Ketema Indeshaw , Abdulahi Ibsa Mussa , Weldegebreal Fitsum
Published: September 2022

Background

Snakebite is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in many areas, particularly in the rural tropics, and is a major public health problem around the world. It also imposes significant economic burdens on snakebite victims due to treatment-related expenses and lost productivity.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess seasonal variation, treatment outcomes, and its associated factors among snakebite in Denan health center in the Somali region, Ethiopia.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 30 September 2020 in Denan health center, Somali region, Ethiopia. All snakebite cases in Denan health center from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2020 were included. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured checklist from the patient cards. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, 2013). The prevalence was reported by proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0. 05.

Result

The overall prevalence of poor outcome of venomous snakebites was 31.4% (95% CI 26.3% 35.4%). Study participants with an age of less than 10 years old (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.39, 4.05), age between 10 and 30 years old (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.39, 9.30), arrival times greater than or equal to 6 hours (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI 1.39, 4.05), and timing of snakebite (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.31–0.87) were factors found to be significantly associated with poor treatment outcome.

Conclusion

According to this study, about one in every three snakebite patients have a poor outcome. Patients with poor outcomes were those who did not improve as a result of treatment or died as a result of it. Designing appropriate engagement of public health education about snakebite prevention techniques, particularly during entry and exit of rainy seasons and establishment of appropriate case management protocol is strongly recommended, as well as increasing the accessibility or availability of antivenoms will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the reduction of mortality and disability related to that of the snakebites.
Tolerance for three commonly administered COVID-19 vaccines by healthcare professionals
Authors: Melanson Stacy E. F. , Zhao Zhen , Kumanovics Attila , Love Tanzy , Meng Qing H. , Wu Alan H. B. , Apple Fred , Ondracek Caitlin R. , Schulz Karen M. , Wiencek Joseph R. , Koch David , Christenson Robert , Zhang Y. Victoria
Published: September 2022

Importance

Most healthcare institutions require employees to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and many also require at least one booster.

Objective

We determine the impact of vaccine type, demographics, and health conditions on COVID-19 vaccine side effects in healthcare professionals.

Design

A COVID-19 immunity study was performed at the 2021 American Association for Clinical Chemistry Annual Scientific meeting. As part of this study, a REDCap survey with cascading questions was administered from September 9, 2021 to October 20, 2021. General questions included participant demographics, past and present health conditions, smoking, exercise, and medications. COVID-19 specific questions asked about SARS-CoV-2 vaccine status and type, vaccine-associated side effects after each dose including any boosters, previous infection with COVID-19, diagnostic testing performed, and type and severity symptoms of COVID-19.

Results

There were 975 participants (47.1% male, median age of 50 years) who completed the survey. Pfizer was the most commonly administered vaccine (56.4%) followed by Moderna (32.0%) and Johnson & Johnson (7.1%). There were no significant differences in vaccine type received by age, health conditions, smoking, exercise, or type or number of prescription medications. Side effects were reported more frequently after second dose (e.g., Moderna or Pfizer) (54.1%) or single/only dose of Johnson & Johnson (47.8%). Males were significantly more likely to report no side effects (p < 0.001), while females were significantly more likely to report injection site reactions (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001), headache (p < 0.001), muscle pain (p < 0.001), chills (p = 0.001), fever (p = 0.007), and nausea (p < 0.001). There was a significant upward trend in participants reporting no side effects with increasing age (p < 0.001). There were no significant trends in side effects among different races, ethnicities, health conditions, medications, smoking status or exercise. In multivariate logistic regressions analyses, the second dose of Moderna was associated with a significantly higher risk of side effects than both the second dose of Pfizer and the single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Conclusions and relevance

Younger people, females, and those receiving the second dose of Moderna had more COVID-19 vaccine side effects that per self-report led to moderate to severe limitations. As reported in other studies, the increase in side effects from Moderna may be explained by higher viral mRNA concentrations but be associated with additional protective immunity.
Bibliometric analysis of human monkeypox research from 1975 to 2022 and novel prevention and control strategies
Authors: Lin Jiyong , Li Guiyu , Zhong Peiling , Zeng Qiang , Liu Lei , Chen Liang
Published: September 2022

Background

Since human monkeypox was reported, many related literatures have been published. This study aimed to evaluate the research hotspots and future development trends of human monkeypox by a bibliometric analysis, to analyze the preventive and control measures of various countries in response to human monkeypox outbreaks.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for all monkeypox related literature published from 1975 to 2022, and the search strategy was “TS = monkeypox.” Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer software based on retrieval data. Contribution metric methods and visualization were used to analyze the top issues in the field of human monkeypox.

Results

From 1975 to 2022, a total of 1,068 monkeypox research papers were included, of which American researchers published 663 papers, and it was also the country that participated in the most international cooperation. Centers for Disease Control Prevention USA is the most prolific institution and a leader in research collaborations. The Journal of Virology has the largest number of published papers on monkeypox. In addition, Damon Inger K has made significant contributions to monkeypox research, with both the most published and the most citation. A total of 2,847 keywords were identified, four top topics were obtained through cluster analysis: (1) human monkeypox epidemiology and species research. (2) human monkeypox virus vaccine and experimental research. (3) human monkeypox disease diagnosis and treatment studies. (4) human monkeypox disease prevention and immunization studies. To curb the spread, regions or countries have developed and implemented detailed managements. The prevention and control measures focus on the isolation of suspected or confirmed patients, the investigation and tracking of the source of the disease, the disposal of pollutants, vaccination and the protection of health workers.

Conclusions

The number of human monkeypox literature has grown since 2003. Infection, vaccine and efficacy were the top topic over the past 47 years while the contact tracing, testing, surveillance and vaccination have been the major concerns since the human monkeypox outbreak in May 2022. The treatment and management of human monkeypox deserves further attention.
An ensemble deep learning approach to evaluate haptic delay from a single trial EEG data
Authors: Alsuradi Haneen , Eid Mohamad
Published: September 2022

Haptic technologies are becoming increasingly valuable in Human-Computer interaction systems as they provide means of physical interaction with a remote or virtual environment. One of the persistent challenges in tele-haptic systems, communicating haptic information over a computer network, is the synchrony of the delivered haptic information with the rest of the sensory modalities. Delayed haptic feedback can have serious implications on the user performance and overall experience. Limited research efforts have been devoted to studying the implication of haptic delay on the human neural response and relating it to the overall haptic experience. Deep learning could offer autonomous brain activity interpretation in response to a haptic experience such as haptic delay. In this work, we propose an ensemble of 2D CNN and transformer models that is capable of detecting the presence and redseverity of haptic delay from a single-trial Electroencephalography data. Two EEG-based experiments involving visuo-haptic interaction tasks are proposed. The first experiment aims to collect data for detecting the presence of haptic delay during discrete force feedback using a bouncing ball on a racket simulation, while the second aims to collect data for detecting the severity level (none, mild, moderate, severe) of the haptic delay during continuous force feedback via grasping/releasing of an object in a bucket. The ensemble model showed a promising performance with an accuracy of 0.9142 ± 0.0157 for detecting haptic delay during discrete force feedback and 0.6625 ± 0.0067 for classifying the severity of haptic delay during continuous force feedback (4 levels). These results were obtained based on training the model with raw EEG data as well as their wavelet transform using several wavelet kernels. This study is a step forward towards developing cognitive evaluation of the user experience while interaction with haptic interfaces.
High-quality facial-expression image generation for UAV pedestrian detection
Authors: Tang Yumin , Fan Jing , Qu Jinshuai
Published: September 2022

For UAV pedestrian detection in the wild with perturbed parameters, such as lighting, distance, poor pixel and uneven distribution, traditional methods of image generation cannot accurately generate facial-expression images for UAV pedestrian detection. In this study, we propose an improved PR-SGAN (perceptual-remix-star generative adversarial network) method, which combines the improved interpolation method, perceptual loss function, and StarGAN to achieve high-quality facial-expression image generation. Experimental results show that the proposed method for discriminator-parameter update improves the generated facial-expression images in terms of image-generation evaluation indexes (5.80 dB in PSNR and 24% in SSIM); the generated images for generator-parameter update have high robustness against color. Compared to the traditional StarGAN method, the generated images are significantly improved in high frequency details and textures.
Hip-hop, identity, and conflict: Practices and transformations of a metropolitan culture
Authors: Benvenga Luca
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I expose how it is possible to investigate the hip-hop culture on three levels of analysis—historical, semiotic, and phenomenological—precisely as theorized by Cohen (1997) for his study on modern subcultures. The analysis will focus on the hip-hop of the beginning, since the middle of the Seventies and Eighties in the United States, but then it will broaden to a reflection on its diffusion and re-invented, with particular reference to the interactions with the globalization and the changes occurred in contemporary metropolis. In this sense, considering hip-hop as a subculture in the following pages, I reflect (a) on the origin of rap music, its interrelation with the Afro-American culture and the concept of blackness which it conveys. Subsequently, I clarify (b) that the art of writing, in the form of Tag, and break dance have certificated the presence of young people from the United States outskirts, and then the passage to a precise historical moment. Finally, I try to demonstrate (c) that today, a different dimension of hip-hop is implemented, whose features have changed in parallel with the transformations that have affected the metropolis and the youth cultures. These last one are increasingly hybrid and involved in a recreational, market system, where the changing nature of hip-hop allows: its enormous success, with the domain of the musical market and other assimilation processes, such as clothing, which have contributed to its mutation in a global culture, some margins of autonomy.
Assessing inverse relationship in joint farm decision-making households: An empirical evidence from Eastern India
Authors: Malabayabas Maria L. , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: September 2022

In the eastern India region, due to the dominance of fragmented and smaller land holdings and lack of irrigation facilities, the adoption of green revolution technologies has progressed slowly. Economic growth, income, and land fragmentation have induced families to allocate labor to non-farm jobs. In the absence of male decision-makers, spouses are responsible for making farming-related decisions jointly with their husbands. This study examines the inverse relationship between farm size and rice productivity in joint farm decision-making among married couples. The study uses survey data from four eastern states of India. The finding confirms the inverse relationship between cultivated rice area and rice yields. The inverse relationship holds but weakens when we control for farm and household characteristics and land quality. Smallholders in India tend to have dual employment, and as a result, more farm management decisions are being made jointly with spouses. Findings indicate that joint farming decision-making may have an adverse effect on rice productivity. Socially advantaged farmers have a lower yield. Finally, the study reveals that off-farm income from off-farm employment increases rice productivity. Policymakers can strengthen extension services to disseminate farming knowledge (agronomic practices and technology) to socially disadvantaged farmers and off-farm job opportunities for smallholders.
A clinical observational study on the application of enhanced recovery after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liao Rui , Li Jun-Cai , Chen Jie , Wei Xu-Fu , Yan Xiong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) are unclear. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the impact of ERAS protocols for LPD.

Patients and methods

Between March 2016 and December 2018, a total of 34 consecutive patients with ERAS for LPD were prospectively enrolled and compared with 68 consecutive patients previously treated for non-ERAS after LPD during an equal time frame. The intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and comparatively analyzed.

Results

The mean length of postoperative hospital stay (15.8 ± 3.4 and 23.1 ± 5.1 days, P < 0.001) was reduced significantly in ER group than those in non-ER group. The operation time (462.7 ± 117.0 vs. 450.9 ± 109.8 min, P = 0.627) and intraoperative blood loss (523.5 ± 270.0 vs. 537.5 ± 241.8 ml, P = 0.800) were similar in the two groups. The complications (ER: 32.4% vs. non-ER: 35.3%, P > 0.05) and their severities (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥3 complications, 2 vs. 5 patients; P = 0.783) of patients with ERAS protocols were not increased. No difference in mortality and readmission rates was found. Finally, the total medical costs ($2.1 ± 0.7 × 104 and $2.3 ± 0.7 × 104, P = 0.017) in ER group were lower than those in non-ER group.

Conclusion

the ERAS is safe and effective in the perioperative period of LPD. It could effectively reduce the length of postoperative stay and medical costs, and does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.
Minimally Invasive Tensiometry: A New Modality for Per-Operative Measurement of Medialization and Tension During Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Authors: Den Hartog F. P. J. , Van Koten E. F. , Van Den Dobbelsteen J. J. , Tanis P. J. , Van Der Elst M. , Bloemendaal A. L. A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Newly developed techniques for minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) for complex ventral hernia are continuously evolving. In order to achieve hernia defect closure, the aponeurotic edges of the hernia defect need to be approximated. Currently, surgeons have no way to objectively measure and quantify the traction required to approximate these edges. This study presents minimally invasive tensiometry (MINT), a novel technology for measuring fascial tension, as well as initial experiences and results using it.

Methods: The MINT device was designed using rapid prototyping principles. It was designed as an add-on tool for any existing laparoscopic instrument, enabling objective assessment of abdominal wall tension by the use of a manually operated linear spring. Pre-clinical measurements of medialization at 10 and 20 N of tension during AWR were performed on fresh-frozen Post-Mortem Human Specimens (PMHS).

Results: Three specimens were included, and a total number of 36 measurements of medialization at three different levels of the abdominal wall were performed under structured and similar circumstances. Median total medialization with 20 Newton (N) of applied tension was 25 mm (mm) cranially, 37.5 mm at the umbilicus and 27.5 mm at the caudal level. The highest rate of medialization was seen at the umbilical level (2.25 mm/N).

Conclusion: MINT is a novel non-invasive technique, which allows surgeons to intraoperatively measure fascial tension when performing AWR. The MINT device is easy to use and reproduce. The next step is to start performing clinical measurements applying MINT during AWR.
Production of Xylooligosaccharide from Cassava Pulp’s Waste by Endo-β-1,4-D-Xylanase and Characterization of Its Prebiotic Effect by Fermentation of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Ratnadewi Anak Agung Istri , Rahma Marena Thalita , Nurhayati Nurhayati , Santoso Agung Budi , Senjarini Kartika , Labes Antje , Reza Muhammad
Published: September 2022

This study explores the production of prebiotic xylooligosaccharide (XOS) from cassava pulp waste and its effectiveness for the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). We successfully produced and characterized XOS from cassava pulp xylan using a Bacillus sp. endo-β-1,4-D-xylanase. The XOS was added to modify the MRS medium (MRSm) in various concentrations (0, 1, 3 and 5%) in which the L. acidophilus was inoculated. The growth of L. acidophilus was observed every 12 h for 2 days, and the fermentation products were analyzed for pH, sugar content, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in terms of types and amount. The study showed that L. acidophilus grew well in MRSm. The optimum XOS concentration in MRSm was 5%, indicated by the highest growth of L. acidophilus (8.61 log CFU mL−1). The profile of SCFA products is 14.42 mM acetic acid, 0.25 mM propionic acid, 0.13 mM isobutyric acid, 0.41 mM n-butyric acid, 0.02 mM n-valeric acid, 0.25 mM isovaleric acid, and 25.08 mM lactic acid.
An interrupted time-series analysis of the effects of withdrawal of financial incentives on diagnosis of atrial fibrillation as resolved. Does withdrawal of an incentive reverse its unintended effects?
Authors: Quinn Laura , Hosier Isaac , Adderley Nicola Jaime , Marshall Tom
Published: September 2022

Background

The UK introduced financial incentives for management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in 2006, after which there was an increase in the proportion of patients with AF diagnosed as resolved. Removal of incentives in Scotland provides a natural experiment to investigate the effects of withdrawal of an incentive on diagnosis of resolved AF.

Aim

To investigate the effects of introduction and withdrawal of financial incentives on the diagnosis of resolved AF.

Design & setting

Cohort study in a large database of UK primary care records, before and after introduction of incentives in April 2006 in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, and their withdrawal in April 2016 in Scotland.

Method

Interrupted time-series analysis of monthly rates of resolved AF from January 2000–September 2019.

Results

A total of 251 526 adult patients with AF were included, of whom 14 674 were diagnosed as resolved AF. In April 2006 there were similar shift-changes in rates of resolved AF per 1000 in England 1.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 2.00) and Northern Ireland 1.54 (95% CI = 0.91 to 2.18), and a smaller increase in Scotland 0.79 (95% CI = 0.04 to 1.53). There were modest downward post-introduction trends in all countries. After Scotland’s withdrawal of the incentive in April 2016 there was a small, statistically non-significant, downward shift in rate of resolved AF per 1000 (0.39 [95% CI = -3.21 to 2.42]) and no change in post-removal trend.

Conclusion

Introduction of a financial incentive coincided with an increase in resolved AF but no evidence was found that its withdrawal led to a reduction.
Trends analysis in nursing studies in Korea from the perspective of a nursing metaparadigm : using topic modeling analysis method
Authors:   Korean Society of Nursing Research, Kim Taehyun , Hong Jineui
Published: September 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to analyze the keywords of the papers published in the Korean Journal of Nursing from the perspective of a nursing metaparadigm in order to confirm the characteristics of the recent nursing studies.
Methods : Text mining was conducted using online journal information to analyze 844 papers published in 26 nursing journals from January 1 to December 31, 2021, from the perspective of a nursing metaparadigm.
Results : Four topics could be derived via topic modeling analysis. The main keywords constituting the first topic were nurses, care, experience, Korea, research, development, Koreans, COVID-19, patients, and health, and the title was “Disease and Personal Experience : Human and Environment.” The main keywords constituting the second topic were factors, health, behavior, patients, women, research, life, cancer, influence, and Koreans, and the title was “Minority and Health-related Behavior : Human and Health.” The main keywords constituting the third topic were nursing, influence, student, care, factors, influence, patients, hospitals, clinics, and cancer, and the title was “Health and Influencing Factors : Health and Environment.” The main keywords constituting the fourth topic were effects, programs, patients, considerations, interventions, development, nurses, education, care, and adults, and the title was “Nursing and Scientific Evidence : Nursing.”
Conclusion : Nursing research includes at least one of the paradigms of human, environment, health, and nursing even when new science and technology are introduced and interdisciplinary convergence occurs due to changes in the times, and it is confirmed that the value of the nursing metaparadigm does not change.
Analysis of research trends related to menopause intervention research in middle-aged women
Authors:   Korean Society of Nursing Research, Choi Eun Young
Published: September 2022

Purpose : This study is a descriptive research study which has analyzed the research trends of menopause management among the korean for the middle-aged women over the last 10 years (2011∼2021) in Korea.
Methods : A review was performed by using the domestic databases including RISS, KISS, DBpia, and NDSL. Eighteen papers were analyzed according to general characteristics, key variables regarding reflection, and findings regarding reflection.
Results : The middle-aged women who had or are undergoing menopause were studied for the 18 atricles and among the key words, those with the highest frequency were ‘menopause’, ‘middle aged women’, ‘climacterium’. As an intervention method, Pilates (16.7%) and an integrated menopause management program accounted for 11.1%, and as a major variable, depression were found to be the largest at 27.8%.
Conclusion : It is determined that it can be utilized as the basic data for the development of the menopause intervention program for the middle-aged women and the revitalization of the studies for which nursing practice is applied in the future
The relationship between environmental stress and sleep quality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit for stroke : Sleep disturbance mediating effect
Authors:   Korean Society of Nursing Research, Yeom Jeong Won , Park In Hee
Published: September 2022

Purpose : The aim of this research was to identify the mediating effect of sleep disturbance on the relationship between environmental stress and sleep quality in stroke patients admitted to the stroke intensive care unit.
Method : The participants in the study were 99 patients, the analysis was based on Baron and Kenny’s model to examine the mediating effects of sleep disturbance on the relationship between environmental stress and sleep quality of stroke patients.
Result : In the first and second step, environmental stress was identified as a significant predictor of sleep disturbance (β＝.45, p＜.001) and sleep quality (β＝-.32, p＝.001). In the third step, sleep disturbance (β＝-.23, p＝.001) was observed as a significants predictor of sleep quality, and the direct relationship between environmental stress and sleep quality was significant (β＝-.22, p＝.001). Sleep disturbance was found to exhibit a complete mediating effect on the relationship between environmental stress and sleep quality.
Conclusion : The result of this study suggests that strategies for managing the sleep quality of stroke patients should include effective ways to manage environmental stress and sleep disturbance.