bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Lexicality, Frequency, and Markedness on Mandarin Tonal Categorization
Authors: Yang Tzu-Hsuan , Jin Shao-Jie , Lu Yu-An
Published: July 2022

While the Ganong lexicality effect has been observed for phonemic and tonal categorization, the effects of frequency and markedness are less clear, especially in terms of tonal categorization. In this study, we use Mandarin Chinese to investigate the effects of lexicality, tone frequency and markedness. We examined Mandarin speakers’ tonal categorization of tokens on all possible tonal continua with one end being a word and the other being a tonotactic gap (i.e., an unattested syllable-tone combination). The results of a forced-choice identification experiment showed a general bias against the gap endpoints, with the noted exception of continua involving T4 (X51), the most frequent lexical tone. Specifically, when T4 served as the gap endpoint, no obvious bias against it was observed regardless of its lexical status. Moreover, on the T3–T4 continua, there was an apparent bias against T3 (X214), the tone with the most complex contour, again, regardless of lexicality, suggesting a strong markedness effect. Taken together, the results of this study show the individual effects of lexicality, tone frequency and markedness, as well as their interactions, which contribute to our understanding of tonal categorization in relation to lexical statistics (tone frequency) and phonology (markedness).
Unlock the innovation potential of meaning of work: An empirical study of scientific and technological workers in China
Authors: Liang Kexin , Lin Sheng , Liu Jinlan , Zhu Yifan
Published: July 2022

Creativity and innovation have significantly increased in the past years. Amabile and Pratt were the leading proponents of creativity who integrated a dynamic componential model of creativity and innovation in organizations. The present study discusses the concept of innovative behavior within the scientific and technological environment based on the dynamic componential model of creativity and innovation and the Triadic Reciprocal Determinism Theory. The study investigates the mediating effect of achievement motivation and the moderating effect of the organizational innovative climate between the meaning of work and innovative behavior. Meaning of work has a positive impact on innovative behavior based on the structural equation modeling and the results of data collected from the survey of 4,666 scientific and technological workers in China. In addition, achievement motivation plays a partial intermediary role between the meaning of work and innovative behavior. However, innovation within organizational climate plays a negative regulatory role between achievement motivation and innovative behavior. The study finds some existing weaknesses through the Importance-Performance Map Analysis. Lastly, we examine the critical findings and present hypothetical suggestions.
Study on the negative effect of internal-control willingness on enterprise risk-taking
Authors: Chen Lijun , Li Yanxi , Liu Bin
Published: July 2022

In the traditional cognition, the factors that affect the level of internal control are usually based on the objective factors such as corporate characteristics, financial status, and governance structure. However, the internal control defects of many famous companies expose the phenomenon of subjective manipulation, and this leads us to focus on the subjective factor of internal control, which we call internal-control willingness. We define “internal-control willingness” as the degrees of subjective initiative of the internal-control construction and execution activities. Additionally, we propose a method for measuring internal-control willingness, using text analysis and machine learning. Then, we examine the impact of internal-control willingness on enterprise risk-taking, through the internal-control, financial, and market data of China A-share main board enterprises in 2011–2018. The study found that (1) internal-control willingness has a significant positive impact on internal-control level, which can fairly achieve the measurement of internal-control subjective initiative. (2) It confirms that internal-control willingness lowers corporate risk-taking. (3) Further research finds that state-owned enterprises strengthen internal-control willingness and their risk-taking level is significantly lower than that of non-state-owned enterprises. This paper suggests that the regulatory authorities actively urge the board of directors to strengthen internal-control willingness.
Cognitive remediation for depression vulnerability: Current challenges and new directions
Authors: Vander Zwalmen Yannick , Hoorelbeke Kristof , Liebaert Eveline , Nève de Mévergnies Constance , Koster Ernst H. W.
Published: July 2022

It is increasingly acknowledged that cognitive impairment can play an important role in depression vulnerability. Therefore, cognitive remediation strategies, and cognitive control training (CCT) procedures have gained attention in recent years as possible interventions for depression. Recent studies suggest a small to medium effect on indicators of depression vulnerability. Despite initial evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of CCT, several central questions remain. In this paper we consider the key challenges for the clinical implementation of CCT, including exploration of (1) potential working mechanisms and related to this, moderators of training effects, (2) necessary conditions under which CCT could be optimally administered, such as dose requirements and training schedules, and (3) how CCT could interact with or augment existing treatments of depression. Revisiting the CCT literature, we also reflect upon the possibilities to evolve toward a stratified medicine approach, in which individual differences could be taken into account and used to optimize prevention of depression.
Similar Attitudes, Different Strategies: A Limited Survey of the Discourse Strategies to Oppose Genetically Modified Organisms Conspiracy Theories by Chinese Scientist Communicators and Citizen Communicators on Zhihu
Authors: Yang Zheng
Published: July 2022

The development of the digital media environment has led to a diversification in the role of science communicators. Both scientists and non-scientist citizens can act as science communicators in relation to online discussion of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Through a limited study, based on thematic and open coding of 60 answers provided by scientist science communicators and citizen science communicators on GMOs on Zhihu, the biggest Chinese knowledge sharing network, it has been found that “business conspiracy theories” about GMOs are the most mentioned and discussed theories, followed by the conspiracy theory of “GMOs as state control tool” on Zhihu. Both citizen science communicators and scientist science communicators are inclined to show oppositional attitudes to GMOs conspiracy theories on Zhihu, despite the differences in their scientific backgrounds; however, they use very different discourse strategies. Citizen science communicators tend to use “lay logic” with more rhetoric, while scientist science communicators tend to use direct scientific knowledge and logic with less rhetoric.
You are simply not funny: Development and validation of a scale to measure failed humor in leadership
Authors: Pundt Alexander , Kutzner Juana , Haberland Katarina , Algner Mona , Lorenz Timo
Published: July 2022

Research has recently established the notion that humor in leadership contributes to the development of a positive professional relationship between leaders and followers. This relationship has been supposed to be the core mechanism via which humor in leadership unfolds its effects on work attitudes and behaviors. However, research has neglected the option that humor used by leaders might fail to amuse their followers. In this study, we investigate the role of failed humor for the relationship between leader and follower. More concretely, we develop a new scale for measuring failed humor in leadership and demonstrate its factorial and criterion-related validity. Using an automated item selection algorithm, we optimized the newly developed scale and derived a well-fitting six-item scale out of a pool of 12 items. In a study based on a sample of 385 employees, we were able to show that our newly developed scale is factorially valid. Moreover, we showed a negative correlation between failed humor and leader-member exchange. Furthermore, we showed incremental validity of failed humor in that failed humor predicted variance in leader-member exchange beyond well-established humor constructs such as affiliative and aggressive humor. Our study contributes to the development of the field of humor in leadership and opens up new options for further inquiry. Moreover, our study demonstrates the use of automated item selection algorithms in the applied field.
Effects of Psychological Discomfort on Social Networking Site (SNS) Usage Intensity During COVID-19
Authors: Jo Hyeon
Published: July 2022

To cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are implementing social measures. Social distancing, working from home, and non-face-to-face lectures have led to major changes in people's activities. Since face-to-face classes are restricted, students in higher education become to feel psychological and cognitive discomforts such as isolation and risk perception. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of psychological discomforts on the social network site (SNS) usage intensity of University students. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), this study applied SmartPLS 3.3.9 to analyze 271 valid samples. The results show that the affective risk perception significantly affects social distancing attitude. Cognitive risk perception is positively related to social distancing intention. In addition, cabin fever syndrome influences SNS usage intensity, affective risk perception, and cognitive risk perception. In conclusion, psychological discomfort partially affects the intensity of SNS use. Therefore, the government should set policies by reflecting citizens' mental difficulties and SNS activities together. Moreover, companies are needed to carefully consider the risk of the sense of isolation when marketing to SNS users.
Individuating multiple (not one) persons reduces implicit racial bias
Authors: Qian Miao , Heyman Gail D. , Wu Mingzhan , Fu Genyue
Published: July 2022

Individuation training that helps humans see multiple other-race targets as distinct rather than as interchangeable can reduce children’s implicit racial bias in the form of more negative other-race associations than own-race associations. However, little is known about which aspects of these interventions are critical for their effectiveness. The present research examines whether children need to learn to differentiate among multiple other-race individuals for these interventions to reduce their level of implicit racial bias, or whether differentiating a single other-race individual is sufficient. We addressed this question among 4-to-6-year-old Chinese children (N = 66, 31 girls) who engaged in coordinated movement with Black instructors for 2 min. There were two between-subject conditions: in a differentiation condition, there were four different Black instructors, and children had to learn to tell them apart, and in a no-differentiation condition, there was only one Black instructor. Implicit bias was measured using the IRBT, an implicit association test that was developed based on the IAT but is appropriate for young children. We found a reduction in implicit bias against Black people after this interaction in the differentiation condition, but not in the no-differentiation condition. These findings suggest that learning to differentiate among multiple other-race individuals plays a critical role in reducing children’s implicit racial bias.
Development of the function of autobiographical memories evoked by odor scale for older Japanese people
Authors: Yamamoto Kohsuke , Yokomitsu Kengo , Kobayashi Takefumi
Published: July 2022

Odor-evoked autobiographical memory and related psychological changes have been evaluated based on several factors, such as emotionality, clarity, and re-experience. We developed the Function of Autobiographical Memories Evoked by Odor Scale (FAMOS) for older Japanese people as a new method for comprehensively evaluating the functions of odor-evoked autobiographical memory. We used the diary method; participants were instructed to record the contents of everyday involuntary autobiographical memories triggered by odor and complete the FAMOS. In Study 1, 600 older adults were surveyed to select items for the FAMOS and examine the factor structure. An exploratory factor analysis with PROMAX rotation using the maximum likelihood method resulted in four factors: (1) Evoking positive emotion, (2) Identity, (3) Facilitating communication, and (4) Coping with negative emotion. Sufficient reliability was demonstrated. In Study 2, the FAMOS's validity was examined in 600 older adults. We found significant correlations (Pearson) with the affective valence of odors, the Odor-evoked Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire, and other scales, confirming the validity of the FAMOS. In Study 3, the FAMOS was administered to 600 younger and 600 older adults; generational differences were compared for further validity. Older adults had higher “Evoking positive emotion,” “Identity,” and “Facilitating communication” scores on the FAMOS than younger adults, suggesting a fair degree of reliability and validity of the FAMOS.
The Chinese Translation Study of the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire
Authors: Cao Ting , Zhang Shifang , Yu Mingming , Zhao Xiaoyan , Wan Qiaoqin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to perform the translation and adaption of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire into Chinese and assess the reliability of the Chinese version.

Materials and Methods

The Chinese version of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire was created from a standard forward-backward translation. A total of 371 volunteers, aged between 20 and 89 years, participated in this survey. Participants were divided into three age-groups (Young, Middle-aged, and Elderly), and subgroup differences were examined by independent samples t-tests, ANOVA analysis as well as post-hoc analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to test the association between the total scores and each subscore (CRI-Education, CRI-WorkingActivity, and CRI-LeisureTime). The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire were assessed. The test-retest reliability was measured among 40 participants with a 2-week interval using intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Strong correlations were observed between the total scores and each subscore (CRI-Education, CRI-WorkingActivity, and CRI-LeisureTime: r = 0.65, 0.79, and 0.70, respectively). In contrast, it was found low to moderate correlations among three subscores. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.68). The intraclass correlation coefficient for total scores of the Chinese version of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire was 0.87 (95% CI 0.74–0.93).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire was a potentially reliable and practical tool for evaluating cognitive reserve accumulated through a person's life span.
Unpaid leave on COVID-19: The impact of psychological breach contract on emotional exhaustion: The mediating role of job distrust and insecurity
Authors: Qadri Syed Usman , Li Mingxing , Ma Zhiqiang , Qadri Safwan , Ye Chengang , Usman Muhammad
Published: July 2022

This research intends to increase awareness of the existence of psychological breach contracts on emotional exhaustion in the context of a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, with the function of organizational distrust (OD) and job insecurity (JI) serving as mediating factors. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to look at the 437 questionnaires that private sector workers in Pakistan filled out during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings of direct and indirect effects show that (PBC) psychological breach contract directly leads to emotional exhaustion (EH) and has a significant indirect relationship through job insecurity (JI). Moreover, psychological contract breach (PBC) directly leads to emotional exhaustion (EH) and has a significant indirect relationship through organization distrust (OD). The study shows both theoretical and practical implications, as well as areas where more research needs to be done.
The metonymic mechanism of English translation of Chinese intangible cultural heritage terms from the perspective of cognitive psychology
Authors: Jiang Liping , Al-Shaibani Ghayth K. Sh. , Yang Fenglin , Cheng Mengmeng , Huang Minghuan
Published: July 2022

The translation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) terms is an important practical aspect of cross-lingual expressions related to ICH knowledge. Chinese ICH terms are heavily loaded with specific historical and cultural knowledge and regional characteristics. Based on cognitive psychology, this paper analyzes the metonymic mechanism of traditional translation techniques such as substitution in the English translation of Chinese ICH terms. The English translation of Chinese ICH nominal terms can be realized based on the metonymic mechanism of replacing either a superordinate with a subordinate of the linguistic structure or a subordinate of the linguistic structure with a subordinate of the linguistic structure in the pair language, English-Chinese. The English translation of Chinese ICH verbal terms can regard the whole verbal action as an event process and can highlight one aspect of the process through a metonymic mechanism as well. This paper holds that metonymy is an important psychological motivation and cognitive mechanism for translation skills such as substitution as it brings the relationship between the corresponding items of the target language and the source language into a unified interpretation framework. Hence, this may add some significance to the research of translation theory and translation practice. This also contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal number 17 which seeks global parternship for sustainable development.
An empirical investigation between brand orientation and brand performance: Mediating and moderating role of value co-creation and innovative capabilities
Authors: Yueqiang Zhao
Published: July 2022

This study analyses the function of value co-creation in mediating the relationship between brand orientation, brand performance, and innovation capacities in China’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using the organization’s size differential characteristic, additional testing of these criteria across disaggregated SME levels is performed. The empirical examination of 240 enterprises in an emerging market setting was conducted using Structure Equation Modeling (SEM). According to the results of the moderation and mediation research, value co-creation and capabilities often displayed positive moderating effects across all organization sizes, but they are conditional and not invariant when disaggregated by enterprise size. The research reveals that business owners and managers must decide the most successful complements to their brand orientation efforts based on the appropriate combinations of business abilities for the size of their particular firms.
The Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form: An item response theory analysis of Italian workers
Authors: Svicher Andrea , Gori Alessio , Di Fabio Annamaria
Published: July 2022

Background

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (BTPS-SF) using Rasch and Mokken item response theory (IRT) analyses, which have not previously been applied to the BTPS-SF.

Materials and methods

A total of 401 Italian workers (Mage = 46.78; SD = 10.1; male = 48.9%; female = 51.1%) completed the BTPS-SF questionnaire. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses of the BTPS-SF and IRT analyses using the generalized partial credit model (GPCM) and Mokken scale analysis. Discrimination and difficulty parameters were calculated. The Loevinger coefficient of scalability was computed. Item characteristic curves (ICC), test information function (TIF), and differential item functioning (DIF) for gender were calculated.

Results

A three-factor solution revealed the best fit. Thus, IRT analyses were performed for each BTPS-SF factor: rigid perfectionism (RP), self-critical perfectionism (SP), and narcissistic perfectionism (NP). All the items showed Loevinger coefficients from medium to strong and discrimination parameters from medium to very high. No DIF for gender was found.

Conclusion

The Big BTPS-SF shows good psychometric properties for Italian workers. Future research is warranted to examine the findings in workers from different countries.
Developmental trauma: Conceptual framework, associated risks and comorbidities, and evaluation and treatment
Authors: Cruz Daniel , Lichten Matthew , Berg Kevin , George Preethi
Published: July 2022

Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and pervasive interpersonal traumas may go on to develop PTSD and, in most cases, will further undergo a significant shift in their developmental trajectory. This paper examines contemporary research on Developmental Trauma (DT), which is inextricably linked to disruptions in social cognition, physiological and behavioral regulation, and parent-child attachments. Developmental trauma associated with early experiences of abuse or neglect leads to multi-faceted and longstanding consequences and underscores critical periods of development, complex stress-mediated adaptations, and multilevel, trans-theoretical influences in the diagnostic formulation and treatment of traumatized children, adolescents, and adults. Psychological and medical correlates of Developmental Trauma Disorder are considered, and directions for future research are discussed.
Financial Hardship, Hope, and Life Satisfaction Among Un/Underemployed Individuals With Psychiatric Diagnoses: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Jiménez-Solomon Oscar , Primrose Ryan , Moon Ingyu , Wall Melanie , Galfalvy Hanga , Méndez-Bustos Pablo , Cruz Amanda G. , Swarbrick Margaret , Laing Taína , Vite Laurie , Kelley Maura , Jennings Elizabeth , Lewis-Fernández Roberto
Published: July 2022

Background

Individuals with psychiatric diagnoses who are unemployed or underemployed are likely to disproportionately experience financial hardship and, in turn, lower life satisfaction (LS). Understanding the mechanisms though which financial hardship affects LS is essential to inform effective economic empowerment interventions for this population.

Aim

To examine if subjective financial hardship (SFH) mediates the relationship between objective financial hardship (OFH) and LS, and whether hope, and its agency and pathways components, further mediate the effect of SFH on LS among individuals with psychiatric diagnoses seeking employment.

Methods

We conducted structured interviews with participants (N = 215) of two peer-run employment programs using indicators of OFH and SFH and standardized scales for hope (overall hope, hope agency, and hope pathways) and LS. Three structural equation models were employed to test measurement models for OFH and SFH, and mediational relationships. Covariates included gender, age, psychiatric diagnosis, race/ethnicity, education, income, employment status, SSI/SSDI receipt, and site.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for items measuring OFH and SFH supported two separate hypothesized factors. OFH had a strong and significant total effect on SFH [standardized beta (B) = 0.68] and LS (B = 0.49), and a weak-to-moderate effect on hope (B = –0.31). SFH alone mediated up to 94% of the effect of OFH on LS (indirect effect B = –0.46, p < 0.01). The effect of SFH on LS through hope was small (indirect effect B = –0.09, p < 0.05), primarily through hope agency (indirect effect B = –0.13, p < 0.01) and not hope pathways. Black and Hispanic ethno-racial identification seemed to buffer the effect of financial hardship on hope and LS. Individuals identifying as Black reported significantly higher overall hope (B = 0.41–0.47) and higher LS (B = 0.29–0.46), net of the effect of OFH and SFH.

Conclusion

SFH is a strong mediator of the relationship between OFH and LS in our study of unemployed and underemployed individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. Hope, and particularly its agency component, further mediate a modest but significant proportion of the association between SFH and LS. Economic empowerment interventions for this population should address objective and subjective financial stressors, foster a sense of agency, and consider the diverse effects of financial hardship across ethno-racial groups.
The multidimensional relative poverty of rural older adults in China and the effect of the health poverty alleviation policy
Authors: Zeng Weihong , Zhao Pianpian , Zhao Yuan , Saddique Rashida
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Although, especially in the past decade, poverty measurement approaches have been duly developed in two paths (from unidimensional to multidimensional poverty and from absolute to relative poverty), merely a few studies have focused on the combination of both perspectives. However, with global aging, poverty among older adults simultaneously presents multidimensionality and relativity characteristics. This paper explores a multidimensional relative poverty index (MRPI) relative to the aged group in four dimensions, namely, health, social, mental, and material, and then empirically evaluates the specific effects on the MRPI of one of the key targeted anti-poverty policies, that is, the health poverty alleviation policy (HPAP), which includes public health service, medical expense reimbursement, rewarding assistance, basic medical insurance, and so on.

Methods

Using pooled cross-sectional data of poverty alleviation from 2014 to 2020 with a total of 83,521 observations aged 60+ in County J, Shaanxi Province in China, we calculate the MRPI for the older adults via a fuzzy set approach. Statistical difference testing is used to analyze the characteristics and trends of the MRPI. In policy evaluation, to address endogenous problems, the treatment effect model based on Heckman's two-stage regression and finite distributed lag model are used with a controlled township cluster structure.

Results

From 2014 to 2020, the MRPI shows a significant upward trend for older adults in rural China, and the health component takes the dominant MRPI position. Empirically, we find that the HPAP can significantly alleviate the MRPI of older adults. Furthermore, among the health poverty alleviation measures, basic medical insurance is the most effective anti-poverty policy to support older adults. Specifically, empirical evidence shows that there is a more statistically significant reduction in the MRPI with the HPAP for the sub-group of older adults with chronic diseases or disabilities.

Conclusion

Both relativity and multidimensionality should be emphasized when analyzing poverty vis-à-vis the aging society, and for this, the MRPI is one of the effective tools. Comparing the relativity with the aged group engenders a more accurate understanding of their poverty situation. Moreover, the importance of the health component among all the four dimensions is more conducive to the detailed analysis of their poverty. The empirical analysis results show that regarding poverty reduction approaches in China, developing integrated health promotion systems is necessary and imminent, especially in the long run, such as long-term care insurance that covers typical disabled older adults with chronic diseases.
How is “solidarity” understood in discussions about contact tracing apps? An overview
Authors: Tretter Max
Published: July 2022

Background

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much discussion about contact tracing apps, their use to contain the spread of the virus as well as the ethical, legal, and social aspects of their development, implementation, acceptance, and use. In these discussions, authors frequently mention “solidarity” when making key points in arguments. At the same time, authors rarely specify how they understand “solidarity”. This lack of specification about how they understand “solidarity” can lead to misunderstandings in discussions.

Objective

To prevent such misunderstandings, it is important to specify how one understands “solidarity” when mentioning it in the discussions on contact tracing apps. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to elaborate how “solidarity” is understood in the context of contact tracing apps, i.e., how different authors understand “solidarity” when using it in discussions about these apps.

Methods

In order to find out how different authors understand “solidarity” when discussing contact tracing apps, I conduct a literature review. I collect papers from several databases, inductively work out central differences and similarities between the different uses of “solidarity”, and use them to code and analyze relevant passages.

Results

In the final sample, five different understandings of “solidarity” in the context of contact tracing apps can be identified. These understandings differ in how different authors (1) imagine the basic concept of solidarity, i.e., what “solidarity” refers to, (2) how they temporally relate solidarity to contact tracing apps, and (3) how they perceive the causal interactions between solidarity and contact tracing apps, i.e., the different ways in which solidarity and contact tracing apps influence each other.

Conclusions

The five understandings of “solidarity” in the context of contact tracing apps presented here can serve as guidance for how “solidarity” can be understood in discussions—thus contributing to a better mutual understanding and preventing communicative misunderstandings.
China's community-based crisis management model for COVID-19: A zero-tolerance approach
Authors: Shangguan Ziheng , Wang Mark Yaolin
Published: July 2022

At present, the zero-tolerance and co-existence approaches are the two basic concepts used to manage COVID-19. With the increase in vaccination rates and the continuing impact of the pandemic on people's lives, the co-existence approach has become the mainstream global practice. However, its high infection rate is still an inevitable fact. China was the first country to adopt the zero-tolerance approach to deal with COVID-19 and successfully control it. Due to its immediate effects and low infection rates, this approach has been used in China until now. Through the co-operation of the government and community, China has achieved precise regional lockdowns and patient identification. This article uses the CBCM model to interpret how China has achieved its zero-tolerance approach. Finally, the secondary hazards and applicability of China's CBCM model are discussed. This article draws the following conclusions: (1) China's CBCM basically replicates Singapore's crisis management model for SARS. With the co-operation of the community, it achieved universal coverage of prevention, detection and control; (2) Government leadership in dealing with major crises is very important; (3) In addition to relying on the extreme power of the government to realize China's CBCM model, the two major factors of a submissive society and collectivism have played an important role; (4) China's CBCM model is essentially an excessive anti-pandemic strategy.
Inhibition or Promotion?–The Effect of Agricultural Insurance on Agricultural Green Development
Authors: Hou Dainan , Wang Xin
Published: July 2022

Based on China's provincial panel data from 2007 to 2019, this article discusses the impact of agricultural insurance on agricultural green development, and discusses the issue of regional heterogeneity. This article first studies the impact mechanism of agricultural insurance on agricultural green development, calculates the agricultural green development index, and empirically analyzes the impact of agricultural insurance on agricultural green development. The empirical results show that agricultural insurance has an inhibitory effect on agricultural green development, and that the impact of agricultural insurance on agricultural green development in the three functional areas is heterogeneous. Finally, it puts forward countermeasures and suggestions to build a low-carbon subsidy mechanism for agricultural insurance, enrich agricultural insurance products, improve the coverage of agricultural insurance, and build an agricultural production mode of internal planting and breeding combined with recycling through policy incentives.
Barriers to COVID-19 Health Products in Low-and Middle-Income Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Systematic Review and Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Boro Ezekiel , Stoll Beat
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified the urgency in addressing pressing global health access challenges and has also laid bare the pervasive structural and systemic inequities that make certain segments of society more vulnerable to the tragic consequences of the disease. This rapid systematic review analyses the barriers to COVID-19 health products in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). It does so from the canon of global health equity and access to medicines by proposing an access to health products in low-and middle-income countries framework and typology adapted to underscore the complex interactive and multiplicative nature and effects of barriers to health products and their root cause as they coexist across different levels of society in LMICs.

Methods

Modified versions of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) reviewers' manual for evidence synthesis of systematic reviews and the PRISMA-ScR framework were used to guide the search strategy, identification, and screening of biomedical, social science, and gray literature published in English between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2021.

Results

The initial search resulted in 5,956 articles, with 72 articles included in this review after screening protocol and inclusion criteria were applied. Thirty one percent of the articles focused on Africa. The review revealed that barriers to COVID-19 health products were commonly caused by market forces (64%), the unavailability (53%), inaccessibility (42%), and unaffordability (35%), of the products, incongruent donors' agenda and funding (33%) and unreliable health and supply systems (28%). They commonly existed at the international and regional (79%), health sectoral (46%), and national cross-sectoral [public policy] (19%) levels. The historical heritage of colonialism in LMICs was a commonly attributed root cause of the barriers to COVID-19 health products in developing countries.

Conclusion

This review has outlined and elaborated on the various barriers to health products that must be comprehensively addressed to mount a successful global, regional, national and subnational response to present and future epidemics and pandemics in LMICs.
Mental health status and associated contributing factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Liu Fengyu , Ruan Wenqian , Chen Yating , Qu Shuming , Wang Wenxin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Little is known about the mental health of the Hakka elderly. This study explores the status of, and factors associated with mental health among Hakka elderly populations from Fujian, China.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, community-based survey study containing a total of 1,262 valid samples. The Chinese version Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) was used to assess the mental health status of the Hakka elderly. We used t-tests to compare the differences for 10 dimensions of SCL-90-R scores between the Chinese national norm and the Hakka elderly. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed by using linear regression analysis to identify the main socio-demographic factors that were most predictive of the total score of SCL-90-R in the Hakka elderly.

Results

The scores of somatization (1.78 ± 0.55 vs. 1.40 ± 0.46, P < 0.001) and phobic anxiety (1.21 ± 0.36 vs. 1.17 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) for the Hakka elderly in Fujian appeared to be significantly higher than the Chinese norm. The higher total scores of SCL-90-R were found among females (β = 0.030, P = 0.044), widowed persons (β = 0.053, P = 0.021), those with parent(s) alive (β = 0.047, P = 0.019), and those with poorer self-rated health status (β = 0.110, P < 0.001). The lower total scores of SCL-90-R were found among those who were currently living in town, those with lower education level, those with higher average annual household incomes, and those who were living with spouse or children.

Conclusion

The worse mental health conditions of the Hakka elderly in somatization and phobic anxiety were detected. The overall mental health status was shown to be worse among females, widowed persons, those who were living in village, those with lower education, and those with father or/and mother alive.
Health status and public health education for internal older migrants in China: Evidence from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Zeng Wen , Wang Cui , Chen Hongbo , Tong Beibei , Li Dan , Zou Ziqiu , Liu Peiyuan , Yao Yuanrong , Shang Shaomei
Published: July 2022

Background

Self-rated health has been widely used as a useful screening tool to subjectively evaluate individuals' health status. Under the context of the rapid growth of aging, there was a dramatic rapid expansion in internal older migrants in China. Serious concerns on the issues of health status continue to attract quite a lot of attention over the past decades. Public health education is one of the most important health care services and methods to improve individuals' health status. However, most previous studies focus on the utilization of public health services such as visiting to doctors, physical examination, and hospitalization. There was limited evidence on the self-rated health and public health education of older migrants.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate self-rated health and the associated determinants in older migrants, as well as to gain a deeper insight into the current status of public health education received by older migrants.

Methods

We derived the data from the National Migrants Population Health and Family Planning Dynamic Monitor Survey 2018, a cross-sectional study, for secondary analysis. Internal migrants aged 60 years old or over were included in the study. Self-rated health was the dependent variable, while sociodemographic characteristics were the independent variable. The univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by Stata 15.1.

Results

A total of 5,589 older migrants were included in the study. Eighty-two percentage of older migrants reported healthy self-rated health. There was a significant association between age, gender, minzu, education level, monthly income, public health education, and self-rated health (P < 0.5). However, the proportion of older migrants that received specific public health education was <50%. The most common approach to receiving public health education was through the leaflet, while <20% of older migrants received public health education through public consultation and one-to-one education.

Conclusions

It was necessary to promote the publicity of public health education in older migrants through easy access and diverse approaches in order to effectively spread health-related knowledge to older migrants to satisfy their health needs and maintain their health.
Nimotuzumab Increases the Recovery Rate of Severe and Critical COVID-19 Patients: Evaluation in the Real-World Scenario
Authors: Diaz Henrry , Jiménez Jorge , Hernández Aray , Valdés Leivis , Martínez Ariadna , Porto Leonor , Hernández Raity , Travieso Nadina , Jova Julio Héctor , Medel Loipa , Troche Mayelin , Gorte Annia , Batista Delmis , Valls Ana Rosa , Cabrera Leticia , Domeq Milagros , Pérez Leslie , Lorenzo-Luaces Patricia , Sánchez Lizet , Saavedra Danay , Ramos Mayra , Crombet Tania
Published: July 2022

EGFR signaling is an important regulator of SARS-CoV induced lung damage, inflammation and fibrosis. Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-EGFR antibody registered for several cancer indications. An expanded access study was conducted to evaluate the safety and recovery rate of severe and critical patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, treated with nimotuzumab in combination with the standard of care in the real-world scenario. The antibody was administered as an intravenous infusions every 72 h, up to 5 doses. In order to assess the impact of nimotuzumab, the recovery rate was compared with a paired retrospective cohort. Control patients received standard treatment according the national protocol but not nimotuzumab. Overall, 1,151 severe or critical patients received nimotuzumab in 21 hospitals of Cuba. Median age was 65 and 773 patients had at least one comorbidity. Nimotuzumab was very well-tolerated and mild or moderate adverse events were detected in 19 patients. 1,009 controls matching with the nimotuzumab patients, were selected using a “propensity score” method. The 14-day recovery rate of the nimotuzumab cohort was 72 vs. 42% in the control group. Controls had a higher mortality risk (RR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.38) than the nimotuzumab treated patients. The attributable fraction was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.44%; 0.58), and indicates the proportion of deaths that were prevented with nimotuzumab. Our preliminary results suggest that nimotuzumab is a safe antibody that can reduce the mortality of severe and critical COVID-19 patients.
Blunt splenic injury: Assessment of follow-up CT utility using quantitative volumetry
Authors: Dreizin David , Yu Theresa , Motley Kaitlynn , Li Guang , Morrison Jonathan J. , Liang Yuanyuan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Trials of non-operative management (NOM) have become the standard of care for blunt splenic injury (BSI) in hemodynamically stable patients. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the utility of follow-up CT exams and relevant CT features. The purpose of this study is to determine imaging predictors of splenectomy on follow-up CT using quantitative volumetric measurements.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent a trial of non-operative management (NOM) with follow-up CT performed for BSI between 2017 and 2019 were included (n = 51). Six patients (12% of cohort) underwent splenectomy; 45 underwent successful splenic salvage. Voxelwise measurements of splenic laceration, hemoperitoneum, and subcapsular hematoma were derived from portal venous phase images of admission and follow-up scans using 3D slicer. Presence/absence of pseudoaneurysm on admission and follow-up CT was assessed using arterial phase images. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of decision to perform splenectomy.

Results

Factors significantly associated with splenectomy in bivariate analysis incorporated in multivariate logistic regression included final hemoperitoneum volume (p = 0.003), final subcapsular hematoma volume (p = 0.001), change in subcapsular hematoma volume between scans (p = 0.09) and new/persistent pseudoaneurysm (p = 0.003). Independent predictors of splenectomy in the logistic regression were final hemoperitoneum volume (unit OR = 1.43 for each 100 mL change; 95% CI: 0.99–2.06) and new/persistent pseudoaneurysm (OR = 160.3; 95% CI: 0.91–28315.3). The AUC of the model incorporating both variables was significantly higher than AAST grading (0.91 vs. 0.59, p = 0.025). Mean combined effective dose for admission and follow up CT scans was 37.4 mSv.

Conclusion

Follow-up CT provides clinically valuable information regarding the decision to perform splenectomy in BSI patients managed non-operatively. Hemoperitoneum volume and new or persistent pseudoaneurysm at follow-up are independent predictors of splenectomy.
IRC-Safe Graph Autoencoder for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection
Authors: Atkinson Oliver , Bhardwaj Akanksha , Englert Christoph , Konar Partha , Ngairangbam Vishal S. , Spannowsky Michael
Published: July 2022

Anomaly detection through employing machine learning techniques has emerged as a novel powerful tool in the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Historically similar to the development of jet observables, theoretical consistency has not always assumed a central role in the fast development of algorithms and neural network architectures. In this work, we construct an infrared and collinear safe autoencoder based on graph neural networks by employing energy-weighted message passing. We demonstrate that whilst this approach has theoretically favorable properties, it also exhibits formidable sensitivity to non-QCD structures.
Shaping a Communitarian Ethos in an Era of Ecological Crisis
Authors: Barkin David
Published: July 2022

In response to the deep social and ecological crisis for which the international community is proving incapable of attenuating, many Peasants and Indigenous peoples in Mexico, and in other parts of the Global South, are transforming their visions of their futures, shaping a new ethos of self-management and conviviality, consistent with a responsible relationship to their territories. From the vantage point of the Global South, these peoples constitute a social and economic force that is altering the social and productive dynamics in many countries, proposing models of organization and building alliances among themselves regionally and internationally to exchange information, develop common strategies, and provide political support. In Mexico, many continue to produce traditional crops, while modifying their techniques to incorporate agroecological experiences from other communities, diversifying output and protecting the environment. Recently, they are enriching local practices with a systematization of their inherited traditions and cosmologies, creating effective models of social, political and environmental organization that lend authority to their claims to be able to manage their territories autonomously. There is a growing body of scientific literature that substantiates this capacity, demonstrating that the collective knowledge of the global networks of local communities is more effective in protecting biodiversity and attending to their own basic needs while improving their quality of life than that of societies more fully integrated into the global economy. In conclusion, we describe how these visions are shaping international networks, defining new channels for collaboration, improving the quality of life for people in these communities, while protecting them from the continuing incursions of capital.
Developing an Accessibility Metric for VR Games Based on Motion Data Captured Under Game Conditions
Authors: Thiel Felix J. , Steed Anthony
Published: July 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) games are not as accessible as conventional video games because they heavily rely on the motion of the body as the main means of input. This causes large accessibility issues because it prevents some physically impaired players from using them. It also makes it more difficult to develop accessibility tools to address the issues. Given these challenges, it is of particular importance that an impaired player can determine whether they will be able to play a game before they buy it. We propose the first prototype of a metric that aims at visually presenting the important aspects of the body motion that a game requires. Instead of manual classification, the metric is based on data captured from able-bodied players that play the game as designed. In this work, we introduce the metric itself, demonstrate how it differentiates six popular VR games based on data we collected in a user study, and discuss limitations and routes for further development.