bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medically assisted reproduction and the risk of being born small and very small for gestational age: Assessing prematurity status as an effect modifier
Authors: Gorgui Jessica , Sheehy Odile , Trasler Jacquetta , Bérard Anick
Published: September 2022

Over the last decade, the use of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) has steadily increased but controversy remains with regards to its risks. We aimed to quantify the risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA) and very SGA (VSGA) associated with MARs overall and by type, namely ovarian stimulators (OS) and assisted reproductive technology (ART). We conducted a cohort study within the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort. Pregnancies coinciding with Quebec’s MAR reimbursement PROGRAM period (2010–2014) with a singleton liveborn were considered. MAR was first defined dichotomously, using spontaneous conception as the reference, and categorized into three subgroups: OS alone (categorized as clomiphene and non-clomiphene OS), ART, OS/ART combined. SGA was defined as being born with a birth weight below the 10th percentile based on sex and gestational age (GA), estimated using populational curves in Canada, while VSGA was defined as being born with a birth weight below the 3rd percentile. We then estimated odds ratios (OR) for the association between MAR and SGA as well as VSGA using generalized estimated equation (GEE) models, adjusted for potential confounders (aOR). Two independent models were conducted considering MAR exposure overall, and MAR subgroup categories, using spontaneous conceptions as the reference. The impact of prematurity status (less than 37 weeks gestation) as an effect modifier in these associations was assessed by evaluating them among term and preterm pregnancies separately. A total of 57,631 pregnancies met inclusion criteria and were considered. During the study period, 2,062 women were exposed to MARs: 420 to OS alone, 557 to ART, and 1,085 to OS/ART combined. While no association was observed between MAR and SGA nor VSGA in the study population, MAR was associated with an increased risk for SGA (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.08–2.66; 25 exposed cases) among preterm pregnancies; no increased risk of SGA was observed in term pregnancies. MARs are known to increase the risk of preterm birth and our results further confirm that they also increase the risk of SGA among preterm pregnancies.
Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling and dosing evaluation of gentamicin in neonates using PhysPK
Authors: Zazo Hinojal , Lagarejos Eduardo , Prado-Velasco Manuel , Sánchez-Herrero Sergio , Serna Jenifer , Rueda-Ferreiro Almudena , Martín-Suárez Ana , Calvo M. Victoria , Pérez-Blanco Jonás Samuel , Lanao José M.
Published: September 2022

Each year, infections caused around the 25% of neonatal deaths. Early empirical treatments help to reduce this mortality, although optimized dosing regimens are still lacking. The aims were to develop and validate a gentamicin physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and then potentially explore dosing regimens in neonates using pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic criteria. The PBPK model developed consisted of 2 flow-limited tissues: kidney and other tissues. It has been implemented on a new tool called PhysPK, which allows structure reusability and evolution as predictive engine in Model-Informed Precision Dosing (MIPD). Retrospective pharmacokinetic information based on serum levels data from 47 neonates with gestational age between 32 and 39 weeks and younger than one-week postnatal age were used for model validation. The minimal PBPK model developed adequately described the gentamicin serum concentration-time profile with an average fold error nearly 1. Extended interval gentamicin dosing regimens (6 mg/kg q36h and 6 mg/kg q48h for term and preterm neonates, respectively) showed efficacy higher than 99% with toxicity lower than 10% through Monte Carlo simulation evaluations. The gentamicin minimal PBPK model developed in PhysPK from literature information, and validated in preterm and term neonates, presents adequate predictive performance and could be useful for MIPD strategies in neonates.
Detoxification technology and mechanism of processing with Angelicae sinensis radix in reducing the hepatotoxicity induced by rhizoma Dioscoreae bulbiferae in vivo
Authors: Song Lingling , Wang Junming , Gong Mingzhu , Zhang Yueyue , Li Yamin , Wu Xiaohui , Qin Lingyu , Duan Yaqian
Published: September 2022

Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae (RDB) was effective on relieving cough and expectorant but accompanied by severe toxicity, especially in hepatotoxicity. A previous study found that processing with Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) reduced RDB-induced hepatotoxicity. However, up to now, the optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB has not been explored or optimized, and the detoxification mechanism is still unknown. This study evaluated the detoxification technology and possible mechanism of processing with ASR on RDB-induced hepatotoxicity. The optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB was optimized by the content of diosbulbin B (DB), the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and histopathological analysis. The processing detoxification mechanism was evaluated by detecting the antioxidant levels of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLM), and the levels of downstream antioxidant factors of Nrf2. Besides, the antitussive and expectorant efficacy of RDB was also investigated. This work found that processing with ASR attenuated RDB-induced hepatotoxicity, which can be verified by reducing the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, and reversing the pathological changes of liver histomorphology. And the optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB is “processing at a mass ratio of 100:20 (RDB:ASR) and a temperature of 140°C for 10 min.” Further results corroborated that the intervention of processed products of ASR-processed RDB remarkably upregulated the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1/GCLM protein expression levels in liver, and conserved antitussive and expectorant efficacy of RDB. The above findings comprehensively indicated that the optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB was “processing at a mass ratio of 100:20 (RDB:ASR) and a temperature of 140°C for 10 min,” and the processing detoxification mechanism involved enhancing the level of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense in liver as a key target organ.
Herbaceous peony PlACLB2 positively regulates red petal formation by promoting anthocyanin accumulation
Authors: Luan Yuting , Chen Zijie , Wang Xin , Zhang Hechen , Tao Jun , Zhao Daqiu
Published: September 2022

ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) gene catalyzes the formation of acetyl-CoA to provide intermediate precursors for many secondary metabolites, and also plays an important role in anthocyanin biosynthesis of plants. Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is an international cut flower known for its rich flower colors, however, the function of the ACL gene in flower color regulation is still unclear. Here, double-colored P. lactiflora ‘Hebao Jinlian’ were used to study the molecular mechanism of red petal, and acetyl-CoA and anthocyanin biosynthesis related PlACLB2, PlCHS, PlDFR, PlANS, and PlbHLH1 genes were initially found to highly expressed in the red outer-petals. The expression pattern of PlACLB2 was consistent with the spatial accumulation of anthocyanins. The correlation analysis of PlACLB2 expression pattern, acetyl-CoA content, and anthocyanin accumulation revealed that PlACLB2 was positively correlated with the acetyl-CoA and anthocyanin contents with correlation coefficients of 0.82 and 0.80. Moreover, multiple sequence alignment identified two typical conserved domains in PlACLB2, and phylogenetic analysis clustered PlACLB2 into the ACLB clade. PlACLB2 was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. On the one hand, silencing PlACLB2 in P. lactiflora red outer-petal resulted in lighter petal color and decreased acetyl-CoA accumulation, and quantitative analysis detected that PlACLB2-silenced petals lost more anthocyanins than the control groups with a decrease of 31.0%, and the main pigment component cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside was reduced by 31.9%. On the other hand, overexpression of PlACLB2 significantly promoted red coloration, acetyl-CoA content, and anthocyanin accumulation in tobacco flowers. These results demonstrated that PlACLB2 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by increasing the abundance of its precursor substrate acetyl-CoA, thereby regulating the formation of the red petals in P. lactiflora.
Discovering candidate SNPs for resilience breeding of red clover
Authors: Osterman Johanna , Hammenhag Cecilia , Ortiz Rodomiro , Geleta Mulatu
Published: September 2022

Red clover is a highly valuable crop for the ruminant industry in the temperate regions worldwide. It also provides multiple environmental services, such as contribution to increased soil fertility and reduced soil erosion. This study used 661 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers via targeted sequencing using seqSNP, to describe genetic diversity and population structure in 382 red clover accessions. The accessions were selected from NordGen representing red clover germplasm from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark as well as from Lantmännen, a Swedish seed company. Each accession was represented by 10 individuals, which was sequenced as a pool. The mean Nei’s standard genetic distance between the accessions and genetic variation within accessions were 0.032 and 0.18, respectively. The majority of the accessions had negative Tajima’s D, suggesting that they contain significant proportions of rare alleles. A pairwise FST revealed high genetic similarity between the different cultivated types, while the wild populations were divergent. Unlike wild populations, which exhibited genetic differentiation, there was no clear differentiation among all cultivated types. A principal coordinate analysis revealed that the first principal coordinate, distinguished most of the wild populations from the cultivated types, in agreement with the results obtained using a discriminant analysis of principal components and cluster analysis. Accessions of wild populations and landraces collected from southern and central Scandinavia showed a higher genetic similarity to Lantmännen accessios. It is therefore possible to link the diversity of the environments where wild populations were collected to the genetic diversity of the cultivated and wild gene pools. Additionally, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models revealed associations between variation in temperature and precipitation and SNPs within genes controlling stomatal opening. Temperature was also related to kinase proteins, which are known to regulate plant response to temperature stress. Furthermore, the variation between wild populations and cultivars was correlated with SNPs within genes regulating root development. Overall, this study comprehensively investigated Nordic European red clover germplasm, and the results provide forage breeders with valuable information for further selection and development of red clover cultivars.
An ounce of prevention or a pound of cure? Multi-level modelling on the antecedents of mobile-wallet adoption and the moderating role of e-WoM during COVID-19
Authors: Zamil Ahmad M. A. , Ali Saqib , Poulova Petra , Akbar Minhas
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 epidemic, personal safety has received increasing attention, leading to behavioral changes. Mobile-wallet (m-wallet) makes it easier for people to keep social distance, which helps stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Evolving Internet technology has brought about changes in consumer lifestyle. The current situation of COVID-19 has created a business environment to shift from traditional ways and adopt e-commerce solutions worldwide. Grounded in technology acceptance model (TAM) theory, this study’s objective is two-fold: First, this study intends to examine perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, perceived severity of COVID-19, insecurity and discomfort as the predictors of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). Second, the current research intends to test the moderating effect of electronic words-of-mouth (eWOM) on the relationship between attitude and usage intention. Using survey methods, 226 usable responses were collected through a mall intercept survey in Pakistan. Data were analyzed using partial least square (PLS). The results revealed that PEOU and PU positively influence attitude toward M-wallet. This study has found that attitude positively influences the usage intention in adopting M-wallet. The results also support the moderating role of eWOM. These findings contribute to the marketing literature in several ways, particularly in Pakistan. This is the first study to use eWOM as a moderating variable in the TAM theory. In addition, this study adds to the current body of knowledge by considering eWOM as a multi-dimensional construct novel in m-wallet literature.
The views of school leaders regarding gaining universal values in socio-cultural trips
Authors: Öztürk Semattin , Akcil Umut
Published: September 2022

In the globalizing world, it is seen that life is more intertwined with different cultures. Therefore, intercultural sensitivity has vital importance for a peaceful harmonious common life. In order to ensure this sensitivity, societies must unite with common accepted values. In this regard, the adoption of universal values expressed by the UNESCO-UNICEF has particular importance. Therefore, schools have important responsibilities. Schools may prefer out-of-class activities in the development of positive sensitivity behaviors. In this study, the sensitivities developed by secondary-school students, who are the target group, toward living universal values after participating in out-of-school socio-cultural short-term trip activities were examined. The research adopts the phenomenological approach, which is one of the qualitative research methods. Interview techniques were used in accordance with this model. In line with the purpose of this research, the school administrators, who have the ability to witness the changes in the behavior of the children during and after the socio-cultural planned trip activities and who can best interpret them by filtering, have been reached. According to this criterion, 51 school administrators were selected. The results of the research revealed that short-term socio-cultural trips abroad have effects on living-universal values. It was observed that the positive behaviors in the school environment continued after the trip. We can say that, the development of sensitivity toward living-universal values also positively affects students’ intercultural sensitivity. As a result, it is recommended that school administrators give importance to such activities.
Assessing young children's national identity through human-computer interaction: A game-based assessment task
Authors: Hong Xiumin , Liu Qianqian
Published: September 2022

As a way of human-computer interaction, game-based assessment is more suitable for young children because it is situational, interesting, and effective. National identity is an important factor affecting the overall development of young children and the future development of a country, which has attracted extensive attention from researchers. Nevertheless, the assessment of young children's national identity is still based on traditional evaluation, including questionnaires and interviews, which have the limitations of being inaccurate, dull, and time-consuming. To understand the characteristics of children's national identity, it is necessary to use scientific and interactive assessment methods. The present study investigated whether the game-based assessment we developed specifically would be an appropriate tool to measure young children's national identity. The results show that the game-based assessment had good item discrimination. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated the game covered three aspects: national cognition mastery, national emotion engagement, and national behavior tendency. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the model with three factors fit the data well. The internal consistency, the split-half reliability, and the test-retest reliability meet standards. Overall, the results indicated that this game can be successfully used to assess young children's national identity with acceptable validity and reliability. Our study provides strong evidence for the use of human-computer interaction in child measurement. These findings are the first to demonstrate the promise of game-based assessment in assessing children's national identity reliably and effectively.
Boosting effect of regular sport practice in young adults: Preliminary results on cognitive and emotional abilities
Authors: Passarello Noemi , Varini Ludovica , Liparoti Marianna , Troisi Lopez Emahnuel , Sorrentino Pierpaolo , Alivernini Fabio , Gigliotta Onofrio , Lucidi Fabio , Mandolesi Laura
Published: September 2022

Several studies have shown that physical exercise (PE) improves behavior and cognitive functioning, reducing the risk of various neurological diseases, protecting the brain from the detrimental effects of aging, facilitating body recovery after injuries, and enhancing self-efficacy and self-esteem. Emotion processing and regulation abilities are also widely acknowledged to be key to success in sports. In this study, we aim to prove that regular participation in sports enhances cognitive and emotional functioning in healthy individuals. A sample of 60 students (mean age = 22.12; SD = 2.40; M = 30), divided into sportive and sedentary, were subjected to a neuropsychological tests battery to assess their overall cognitive abilities (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, APM), verbal and graphic fluency (Word Fluency Task and modified Five Point Test, m-FPT), as well as their emotional awareness skills (Toronto Alexithymia Scale, TAS-20). Our results showed that sportive students performed better than sedentary ones in all cognitive tasks. Regarding emotional processing abilities, significant differences were found in the TAS-20 total score as well as in the Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF) subscale and the Difficulty Identifying Feeling (DIF) subscale. Lastly, gender differences were found in the External-Oriented Thinking (EOT) subscale. Overall, our findings evidence that PE has positive effects on cognitive functioning and emotion regulation, suggesting how sports practice can promote mental health and wellbeing.
Sociocultural correlates of eating pathology in college women from US and Iran
Authors: Sahlan Reza N. , Akoury Liya M. , Habashy Jessica , Culbert Kristen M. , Warren Cortney S.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The buffering role of the hijab as a protective factor against eating pathology has been questioned in countries where wearing the hijab is compulsory, such as Iran; and, cross-cultural comparisons of body image in Iranian and Western women are sparse. Consequently, we examined sociocultural correlates of eating pathology in US and Iranian women.

Method

College women from the US (n = 709) and Iran (n = 331) completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Sociocultural Attitude Toward to Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4). Prior to examining main hypotheses, we evaluated whether the scales perform similarly (i.e., establish measurement invariance) by culture.

Results

The EDE-Q and SATAQ-4 were not invariant by culture indicating that the scales performed differently across groups, so separate analyses were conducted in each sample. Thin-ideal internalization and pressures for thinness were significant positive predictors of eating pathology in both US and Iranian women.

Conclusion

Both pressures for thinness and thin-ideal internalization appear to be relevant to eating pathology in women from both cultures. However, there may be important cross-cultural differences in the interpretation or experience of these constructs. Further understanding of this measurement non-invariance and the ways in which Iranian women may be uniquely impacted by Western values of appearance is a critical next step.
The impact of challenge and hindrance stressors on newcomers’ organizational socialization: A moderated-mediation model
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhang Zhijun , Wu Shengnan , Zhou Ju
Published: September 2022

The importance of work stress on newcomers’ organizational socialization has been a topic of substantial interest. However, the impact mechanism of different stressors on newcomers’ organizational socialization is still in the early stages of theory development. This study, based on the theory of the dual work stress model, explored how to challenge stressors and hindrance stressors impact newcomers’ organizational socialization via the mediation of job crafting. Based on the empirical data from 247 newcomers, we found that challenge stressors positively affected newcomers’ organizational socialization; on the contrary, hindrance stressors would result in negative influences. In addition, leader-member exchange enhanced the positive effect of challenge stressors on newcomers’ job crafting and further moderated the indirect influence of challenge stressors on newcomers’ organizational socialization via job crafting. These findings provide a practical guide for organizations to apply stress management and promote newcomers’ socialization.
Sub-groups (profiles) of individuals experiencing post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Blom Denise M. , Sulkers Esther , Post Wendy J. , Schroevers Maya J. , Ranchor Adelita V.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Some people experience post-traumatic growth (PTG), entailing positive changes such as a greater appreciation of life following traumatic events. We examined PTG in the context of the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, notably working from home and social distancing. We aimed to assess whether distinct sub-groups (profiles) of individuals experiencing PTG could be identified by how they appraised and coped with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

For this cross-sectional study, we used convenience sampling. In total, 951 participants from the general population completed an online questionnaire with items focusing on primary and secondary appraisal, positive reappraisal, rumination, and coping flexibility. For the latent profile analysis, we selected a sample of 392 individuals who had experienced moderate degrees of pandemic-related PTG, reporting at least two of the 10 positive changes in the PTG Inventory-Short Form.

Results

We identified two distinct profiles among people experiencing PTG. The first was characterised by low levels of primary appraisal and stressfulness and higher levels of secondary appraisal (e.g., resilient group), increased coping flexibility and greater use of positive reappraisal. The second was characterised by higher levels of stressfulness and primary appraisal (e.g., stressed group) and greater use of rumination.

Conclusion

The two sub-groups evidently appraised and coped with the COVID-19 pandemic differently. Therefore, future research should account for these different profiles of people experiencing PTG.
Fostering preservice teachers’ expectancies and values towards computational thinking
Authors: Weber Anke M. , Bastian Morten , Barkela Veronika , Mühling Andreas , Leuchter Miriam
Published: September 2022

Theory

Digital technologies have become an integral part of everyday life that children are exposed to. Therefore, it is important for children to acquire an understanding of these technologies early on by teaching them computational thinking (CT) as a part of STEM. However, primary school teachers are often reluctant to teach CT. Expectancy-value theory suggests that motivational components play an important role in teaching and learning. Thus, one hindrance to teachers’ willingness to teach CT might be their low expectancies of success and high emotional costs, e.g., anxiety towards CT. Thus, introducing preservice teachers to CT during their university years might be a promising way to support their expectancies and values, while simultaneously alleviating their emotional costs. Prior CT competences might contribute to these outcomes.

Aims

We investigated whether a specifically designed seminar on CT affected preservice teachers’ expectancies and values towards programming.Method: A total of 311 German primary school and special education preservice teachers took part in the study. The primary school preservice teachers received a seminar on CT and programming with low-threshold programming tasks, while the special education teachers served as a baseline group. The seminar was specifically designed to enhance expectancies and values and decrease emotional costs, following implications of research on expectancy-value theory.

Results

The preservice teachers who visited the seminar gained higher expectancies and values towards CT and programming compared to the baseline group. Moreover, their emotional costs decreased. CT was positively related to change in expectancies and values and negatively related to emotional costs.

Discussion

Interventions with low-threshold programming tasks can support primary school preservice teachers in finding trust in their abilities and values towards CT. Moreover, their anxiety towards CT and programming can be alleviated. Thus, first steps in preparing preservice teachers to teach CT in their future classrooms can be taken in university.
Formation mechanism of the quarantine hotel booking intention of potential consumers
Authors: Wu Guihua , Wang Yanwen , Li Xuejia , Lin Meizhen
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we investigated the quarantine hotel (QH) booking intention (BI) of potential consumers from a corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspective. Mixed methods were adopted to explore the formation mechanisms of QH BI of potential consumers when the COVID-19 pandemic recedes. In Study 1, we constructed a theoretical model of QH BI of potential consumers based on grounded theory and put forward research propositions. In Study 2, we tested the robustness of the model and identified the mediating effect through two situational experiments. The research results showed that: (1) Potential customers are more willing to book QHs than normal hotels (NHs). (2) Multiple mediating mechanisms are involved in the effect of the operation as a quarantine facility on BI of potential consumers, including “QH-corporate social responsibility (CSR)-customer trust (CT)-BI” and “QH-CSR-customer gratitude (CG)-BI.” This research not only has theoretical significance for deepening and expanding social exchange theory and hotel CSR theories but also provides guidance for the participation of the hotel industry in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic and hotel marketing after the pandemic ends.
A systematic review of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) during humanitarian crises and/or emergencies in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Patel Kripalini , Panda Nishisipa , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Saxena Shipra , Chouhan Narendra Singh , Singh Pratibha , Ghosh Upasona , Panda Bhuputra
Published: September 2022

Background

Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is linked to adverse health, and quality of life, particularly during emergencies. Although in recent times increased emphasis is being laid upon MHM during humanitarian crises—pandemics, disasters and conflicts, the essential components of complete MHM during an emergency are not clearly spelt out. We conducted a systematic review to examine, analyse and describe the existing evidence related to the challenges experienced by women and girls in practicing MHM during humanitarian crises and / or public health emergencies.

Methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022328636). We searched online repositories: PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO for articles published between January 2000 and April 2022. For presenting key findings, we used the descriptive statistics and thematic analysis approach.

Results

We identified a total of 1,078 published articles, out of which 78 were selected for a full-text review, and finally 21 articles were included. The pooled prevalence of lack of access to sanitary pads during humanitarian crises was 34 percent (95 percent CI 0.24–0.45). The prevalence of safe and proper sanitary pad disposal practices ranged from 11 to 85 per cent, with a pooled prevalence of 54 per cent (95 per cent CI 0.21–86). Qualitative analyses projected three themes that emerged on MHM during humanitarian crises (1) Availability and affordability of menstrual products, and accessibility to water, sanitation and health (WASH) services, (2) Availability of support system and coping with “period poverty,” and (3) Gender dimensions of menstrual hygiene management. Most studies reported non-availability of MHM products and WASH services during emergencies. Existence of barriers at systemic and personal level posed challenges in practicing menstrual hygiene. Privacy was identified as a common barrier, as emergency shelters were reportedly not women-friendly.

Conclusion

Availability of limited evidence on the subject is suggestive of the need to invest resources for strengthening primary research in low- and middle-income countries and more specifically during emergencies. Context-specific state level policies on MHM during emergencies would help to guide district and sub-district managers in strengthening systems and address barriers for the provision of MHM services during emergencies.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022328636, identifier CRD42022328636.
Demand analysis of telenursing among empty-nest elderly individuals with chronic diseases based on the Kano model
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Tao Chunhua , Yu Ping , Wang Yanwei , Kitayama Akio , Takashi En , Yanagihara Kiyoko , Liang Jingyan
Published: September 2022

Aim

The increase in empty-nest elderly individuals with chronic diseases poses a major challenge to the provision of public health services in China. Telenursing can effectively relieve the pressure of public health services to a certain extent. This study aims to explore the telenursing needs of empty-nest elderly individuals with chronic diseases based on the Kano model to provide references for improving the quality of telenursing.

Methods

Participants were selected from five rural communities and five urban communities in Yangzhou and Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 348 empty-nest elderly individuals with chronic diseases were included. The participants received a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, and their telenursing needs were surveyed and analyzed based on the Kano model.

Results

Of the 15 quality attributes evaluated by the participants, 3 telenursing services were categorized as “must-be quality”, 5 were categorized as “one-dimensional quality”, 5 were categorized as “attractive quality”, and 2 were categorized as “indifferent quality”. The proportion of individuals who desired telenursing services ranged from 47.41 to 83.62%, the better values (satisfaction) ranged from 35.29–83.98%, and the worse values (dissatisfaction) ranged from 10.91 to 63.27%. There were no significant differences in any items of telenursing needs for between participants in Yangzhou and Nantong (all P > 0.05), and there were also no significant differences in all items between rural and urban communities (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Based on the Kano model, it was found that empty-nest elderly individuals with chronic diseases had a positive attitude toward telenursing and that they had different levels of need for different telenursing services. These findings provided a theoretical basis for medical decision-makers to formulate medical policies and provided a scientific foundation for nursing managers to improve telenursing services to meet the needs of the empty-nest elderly individuals with chronic diseases.
Estimation of starch content in cassava based on coefficient of reflection measurement
Authors: Odedeyi Temitope , Rabbi Ismail , Poole Clive , Darwazeh Izzat
Published: September 2022

This technology report validates the application of radio frequency (RF) coefficient of reflection (Γ) measurement as a viable and accurate means to estimate the starch content of fresh cassava roots. A clear relationship between cassava dry matter as an indicator of starch content and the Γ is experimentally verified both from the measurement of cassava flour in water at different concentrations and by direct probing of cassava root samples at a specific frequency of 30 MHz. A prototype test instrument designed with goals of portability, low cost and ease of use is also reported. The test instrument displays estimated starch content in five categories, from “low” to “high”, using an array of five LEDs. The performance of the test instrument is experimentally verified in the field, and a reliable correlation between cassava dry matter content and LED indication is demonstrated.
Polarimetric information content of Sentinel-1 for land cover mapping: An experimental case study using quad-pol data synthesized from complementary repeat-pass acquisitions
Authors: Braun Andreas , Offermann Eric
Published: September 2022

This work presents a technique to merge two Sentinel-1 image products of complementary polarimetric information (HH/HV and VH/VV) to derive pseudo-polarimetric features, such as polarimetric covariance, but also model-based and eigenvalue-based decompositions and an unsupervised Wishart classification of scattering types. The images were acquired within a 6-day period over Southern Germany and have been processed to mimic an actual quad-pol product. This was analyzed statistically, visually and within several classification processes to get an understanding of how well such a dataset depicts scattering mechanisms and other polarimetric features as inputs for land use and land cover mapping. A systematic comparison with the original dual-polarization product showed an increase in information content and largely feasible polarimetric features. Yet, especially the average Alpha angle was found to be biased and too high for some of the compared surfaces. Despite these inaccuracies, the polarimetric features turned out to improve potential land cover mapping as compared with backscatter intensities and dual-polarization features of the input products alone. Among the most significant variables related to land use and cover reported by an independent dataset, Entropy, the co-polarization ratio and the C22 element of the covariance matrix generated the strongest impact on the class separability, although misclassifications between physically related classes remain. Yet, the findings are encouraging concerning further investigation of the polarimetric potential to combine repeat-pass acquisitions of Sentinel-1 for a better description of more specific types of land cover.
Dietary self-efficacy and social support interactions in junior athletes' acquisition of life skills
Authors: Shudo Yuka , Yamaura Kazuho , Yasuda Jun , Sato Ai , Ebi Kumiko
Published: September 2022

Objective

According to the stages of change, this study identified the association between dietary control self-efficacy and social support for healthy diets as factors influencing life skills acquisition in dietary habits among adolescents in Japan.

Research design

This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2018 among eight high school baseball teams in Japan.

Method

Participants included 180 Japanese high school baseball players. Survey items evaluated life skills (dependent variables), self-efficacy's influence on dietary control, social support (explanatory variables), and stages of change. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to reveal the associations.

Results

In the pre-action stage, although there was no significant association between the interaction of self-efficacy and social support on total life skills (β = 0.11, p = 0.158), a significant association was observed in the action/maintenance stage (β = 0.32, p < 0.05). The interaction between self-efficacy and social support showed a significant association with goal setting in the pre-action stage (β = 0.19, p < 0.05) and with communicating in the action/maintenance stage (β = 0.34, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The acquisition of life skills amidst dietary situations can be facilitated by providing social support that considers self-efficacy in relation to dietary control, according to the stages of change.
Microplastics, potential threat to patients with lung diseases
Authors: Lu Kuo , Zhan Danting , Fang Yingying , Li Lei , Chen Guobing , Chen Shanze , Wang Lingwei
Published: September 2022

Air pollution is one of the major risk factors for lung disease. Microplastics are a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, both indoors and in outdoor air. Microplastics have also been found in human lung tissue and sputum. However, there is a paucity of information on the effects and mechanisms of microplastics on lung disease. In this mini-review, we reviewed the possible mechanisms by which air microplastics’ exposure affects lung disease and, at the same time, pointed out the limitations of current studies.
A Brief Analysis of the Contribution of Women to Soil Science
Authors: Díaz-Raviña Montserrat , Caruncho Cristina
Published: September 2022

Soil science has traditionally been dominated by men, and women remain a minority in this field today. Despite soil science being more recent than other scientific disciplines, many women have made significant contributions to the field, although these are not generally recognized. Recent studies have shown a lack of gender balance and low levels of diversity and inclusion in soil science in several countries worldwide. Although partial and fragmentary, the information provided by the present study of the involvement of women in soil science research reinforces the idea that science should be looked at from a gender perspective in order to promote real equality between men and women. Science and soil science are both the result of historical and cultural events and social context. Science is not neutral: it is social and gendered and always will be, but we can try to make it more inclusive.
Milk Yield and Milk Fatty Acids from Crossbred F1 Dairy Cows Fed on Tropical Grasses and Supplemented with Different Levels of Concentrate
Authors: Hernández Laura Haydeé Vallejo , Hernández Arni Xochitemol , Gallegos Epigmenio Castillo , Gonzalez-Ronquillo Manuel , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Corona Luis
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to determine milk fatty acids from crossbred F1 dairy cows fed on tropical grasses and supplemented with different levels of concentrate. Twelve dairy cows (50% Holstein × 50% Brahman) with 60 days of lactation grazing tropical grasses were assigned to a Switchback design, with three periods of 15 days with different concentrate levels: 0, 150, 300 and 450 g /kg. Milk samples were obtained on the last five days of each experimental period. Milk yield and milk composition were not affected. Cows fed with 300 g/kg of concentrate had higher contents of C15:0 (p = 0.004), C22:0 (p = 0.031), and C24:0 (p = 0.013). C17:1 cis9 was higher (p = 0.039) with 150 g/kg and lowest with 450 g/kg. C18:1 cis9 was higher (p = 0.042) with 150 g/kg. C18:2n6trans was higher (p = 0.05) with 300 g/kg and lower (p = 0.018) with 450 g/kg. This study shows that adding up to 450 g/kg of concentrate to crossbred F1 dairy cows fed on tropical grasses does not have negative effects on milk yield and milk quality. Therefore, under these production conditions, farmers can rely on tropical grasses and reduce feeding costs.
Effect of Adding Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Hair Sheep Lambs’ Diets on Productive Performance, Ruminal Fermentation Kinetics and Rumen Ciliate Protozoa
Authors: Arcos-Álvarez Darwin N. , Aguilar-Urquizo Edgar , Sanginés-García José R. , Chay-Canul Alfonso J. , Molina-Botero Isabel , Tzec-Gamboa Magnolia , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Piñeiro-Vázquez Ángel T.
Published: September 2022

This study determined productive performance, ruminal fermentation kinetics and rumen ciliate protozoa in hair sheep lambs fed different levels of olive oil. Twenty-four growing lambs were used, with an initial live weight of 10.5 ± 2.9 kg, and randomly assigned into four treatments (six animals per treatment) containing increasing levels of extra virgin olive oil (0, 2, 4 and 6% of dry matter). Animals were fed for 80 days, and sampling was carried out weekly. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and metabolizable energy (ME) differed between treatments (p < 0.05), with a linear and cubic tendency to decrease when oil concentrations were increased. Digestibility coefficients of OM, CP and NDF were not affected; however, the relationship between total intake and nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, NDF, ADF) increased with 2% DM olive oil. Compared with all treatments, the concentration of propionic acid increased by 16% with 4% olive oil. The intake of olive oil did not affect the protozoa population and live weight gain. Overall, the inclusion of olive oil in low concentrations (2% of DM) positively influences feed intake and nutrient digestibility in hair sheep lambs.
Effects of Macleaya cordata Extract on Blood Biochemical Indices and Intestinal Flora in Heat-Stressed Mice
Authors: Wang Mingcan , Huang Xiuqiong , Liu Yisong , Zeng Jianguo
Published: September 2022

Heat stress (HS) leads to disturbance of homeostasis and gut microbiota. Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and gut health maintenance properties. Still, the specific effects of MCE on blood biochemical indices and gut microbiota homeostasis in heat-stressed mice are not entirely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MCE on blood biochemical indices and gut microbiota in heat-stressed mice. A control group (CON) (25 °C, n = 6) and HS group (42 °C, n = 6) were gavaged with normal saline 0.2 mL/g body weight/day, and HS plus MCE group (HS-MCE) (42 °C, n = 6) was gavaged with 5 mg MCE/kg/day. HS (2 h/d) on 8–14 d. The experiment lasted 14 days. The results showed that HS increased mice’ serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase activities, heat shock protein 70 level, and malondialdehyde concentrations, and decreased serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. HS also disrupted microbiota diversity and community structure in mice, increasing the Bacteroidetes and decreasing Firmicutes and Lactobacillus; however, MCE can alleviate the disturbance of biochemical indicators caused by HS and regulate the flora homeostasis. Furthermore, MCE was able to moderate HS-induced metabolic pathways changes in gut microbiota. The Spearman correlation analysis implied that changes in serum redox status potentially correlate with gut microbiota alterations in HS-treated mice.
Traditional Conceptions of the Legal Person and Nonhuman Animals
Authors: Montes Franceschini Macarena
Published: September 2022

Since Roman law, the category of the legal person has been the most relevant legal category, allowing humans and entities to act within the law and enter into legal relations. The legal system does not consider nonhuman animals as legal persons but as property or as sentient beings regulated by the rules of property. Throughout history, there have been different concepts of the legal person, and some are still relevant today. This article examines four traditional concepts of legal personhood, arguing that nonhuman animals can be considered persons according to each concept. The article reaches three main conclusions. First, the legal person is not the same as the human. Second, the debate between the equivalence and the subset views poses a dilemma between a revolution or the reform of animals’ legal status. Third, an ecumenical defense of animal legal personhood may benefit animals as it supports animal persons according to any of the traditional concepts of legal personhood.
A Systematic Review of the Effect of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring on Patient Health Outcomes during Treatment with Carbapenems
Authors: Luxton Timothy N. , King Natalie , Wälti Christoph , Jeuken Lars J. C. , Sandoe Jonathan A. T.
Published: September 2022

Adjusting dosing regimens based on measurements of carbapenem levels may improve carbapenem exposure in patients. This systematic review aims to describe the effect carbapenem therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has on health outcomes, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Four databases were searched for studies that reported health outcomes following adjustment to dosing regimens, according to measurements of carbapenem concentration. Bias in the studies was assessed with risk of bias analysis tools. Study characteristics and outcomes were tabulated and a narrative synthesis was performed. In total, 2 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 17 non-randomised studies, and 19 clinical case studies were included. Significant variation in TDM practice was seen; consequently, a meta-analysis was unsuitable. Few studies assessed impacts on AMR. No significant improvement on health outcomes and no detrimental effects of carbapenem TDM were observed. Five cohort studies showed significant associations between achieving target concentrations and clinical success, including suppression of resistance. Studies in this review showed no obvious improvement in clinical outcomes when TDM is implemented. Optimisation and standardisation of carbapenem TDM practice are needed to improve intervention success and enable study synthesis. Further suitably powered studies of standardised TDM are required to assess the impact of TMD on clinical outcomes and AMR.
Weather Preferences for Ski Tourism: An Empirical Study on the Largest Ski Resort in Greece
Authors: Kapetanakis Dimitrios , Georgopoulou Elena , Mirasgedis Sevastianos , Sarafidis Yannis
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated the tourism industry to be especially sensitive to weather and climate variability. Snow-related tourism, being largely dependent on climatic resources, is particularly affected by climate change. Our study provides a new index to reflect the climatic suitability of a given destination for snow-related tourism activities, focusing on resorts with usually limited snowfall. The proposed Skiing Utility Index (SUI) is based purely on the weather preferences of skiers, extracted by questionnaires distributed at the Parnassos ski center (Greece). The index incorporates four different weather variables considered to be the most influential for this type of tourism. The ideal temperature for skiing was found to be close to 0 °C, the ideal wind speed between 0–3.3 m/s, the ideal cloud cover between 0–25% and the snowfall duration between 1–2 h, with the latter found to be the most important variable for skiing. For each climatic variable, a mean utility score profile was developed from all respondents. Following, a utility function was fitted via linear regression to the above-mentioned utility score. All four utility functions were aggregated into one total SUI score. When combined with climate projections, the SUI can support the assessment of climate change risks for snow-related tourism destinations.