bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH RUMAH TANGGA ORGANIK MENJADI PUPUK ORGANIK DI DESA SUMBERSARI
Authors: Bagaskoro Angga Dwi , Juliandara Luthpiyah , Iskandar Tatang
Published: September 2024

This community service reflects the increasing waste problem in Indonesia, especially in Bekasi Regency, which is caused by population growth and the lack of adequate waste management infrastructure. Organic waste is the main component of waste produced in residential areas and can contribute to environmental and health problems. A waste management approach based on community participation is a solution to reduce the negative impacts of this waste. Recycling is also an important alternative in overcoming the waste problem in urban areas. This research tries to overcome the knowledge gap in the community, especially in Hamlet 1 Sumbersari through education and outreach about managing household organic waste into compost. The methods used include community education, science and technology diffusion, and training. The results of implementing this program show that the community can understand and carry out the processing of organic waste into compost well. Implementation of this program provides significant benefits in increasing public awareness about waste management and recycling. Apart from that, the implementation of this program also has a positive impact on the environment and economy. By increasing understanding about organic waste management, the community can actively participate in reducing waste production and improving the quality of agricultural land through the use of organic fertilizer. Thus, this approach can be a positive step in overcoming the waste problem and improving the quality of life of the community in  Sumbersar Village and its surroundings.
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN VIDEO PEMBELAJARAN MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI CANVA BAGI GURU
Authors: Azzahra Hapsah , Ardi Ardi , Chairunnisa Nurlaila Maysaroh
Published: September 2024

The use of learning media by utilizing technology is very important and necessary for the success of the learning process. Learning media can be visual, audio and audio-visual. Interesting learning media can create learning activities that are easy to remember and understand. Canva is a graphic design application that helps users create various types of multimedia-based teaching materials. Using Canva as a learning media can make it easier for teachers to design learning media. The aim is to hold training in making learning videos using the Canva application so that teachers are able to make videos that are interesting, easy to understand and useful and increase students' learning motivation. The methods used are socialization, training and evaluation. The existence of training activities in making learning media can improve teachers' abilities in providing material and teachers are also increasingly able to utilize technology, being able to make learning videos and get new references regarding learning media.
LncRNAs, Critical Regulators of Cellular Stress in Cancer: A New Player in the Old Game
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Shaulian Eitan
Published: September 2024

Due to deregulated control of the cell cycle, proliferation and metabolism, cancer cells are constantly exposed to a wide range of stresses, including DNA damage, nutrient deprivation, heat shock, hypoxia, and oxidative stresses, often, in a non-exclusive manner. Maintaining homeostasis, survival, and proliferation under these adverse conditions is a hallmark of cancer cells. Understanding the factors that enable cancer cells to endure such harsh environments is an important topic in cancer pathology. Recently, the range of these factors have expanded from regulatory proteins, mostly described as oncogenes and tumor suppressors, to non-coding RNAs, particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA). LncRNAs have been found to play crucial roles in regulating stress responses at the molecular level, with implications on cell survival and tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we explore recent studies that underscore the importance of lncRNA in regulating cellular stress responses, homeostasis, and survival.
ACE 2/Ang (1-7)/Mas, Non-conventional RAS Axis: Endogenous Contributor of Cardio, and Reno-protective Responses
Authors: Sarkar Supriya , Jayachandra K. , Vishwanath Bannikuppe Sannanaik
Published: September 2024

The Renin angiotensin system (RAS) is an intricate pathway that regulates homeostasis. The proliferative arm of RAS that includes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II (Ang II), and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) contributes to pathophysiological responses such as vasoconstriction, hypertension, and cardiovascular, cerebral, and renal complications. The discovery of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2), the analog of ACE, synthesizes angiotensin (1-7) [Ang (1-7)] from Ang II or even from angiotensin I (Ang I) or angiotensin (1-9) [Ang (1-9)] less efficiently. Ang (1-7) is a biologically active peptide, also the endogenous antagonist of Ang II, and opposes the derogatory activities of the conventional axis of RAS. The functional binding site for Ang (1-7) is a G protein-coupled, AT1R and Mas receptor. ACE 2/Ang (1-7)/Mas is therefore termed the non-conventional axis of RAS, which is an endogenous counter-regulatory arm within RAS against the conventional axis. In conclusion, the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis is the protective component of the renin-angiotensin system, counteracting the effects of angiotensin II and supporting cardiovascular and renal health. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of RAS as a whole still remains elusive due to the fact that RAS is highly organ, gender, and species/strain-specific, and much focus is needed in this area.

This review examines the non-conventional RAS axis, focusing on its impact on cardiovascular and renal systems, metabolism, and its potential interactions with AT1R, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT2R), and Mas. Evidence suggests that enhancing the ACE 2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis can improve outcomes in diseases related to RAS dysregulation, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular and renal conditions. Additionally, the review explores how leveraging the ACE 2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis could lead to new pharmacological treatments for hypertension and related cardiovascular, renal, cerebral, and metabolic syndromes.
Validatation of the time-space collocation method in simulating the inlet distortion flows in transonic compressor
Authors:   Research institute of aero-engine, Beihang University, Wu Lei , Du Pengcheng ,   Research institute of aero-engine, Beihang University, Ning Fangfei ,   Research institute of aero-engine, Beihang University
Published: September 2024

The aerodynamic performance of transonic compressor, especially the stall margin will be significantly influenced by inlet distortion. The time marching method is often used to simulate such flow phenomenon, but it is extremely time consuming. To achieve a better balance between accuracy and computational cost, a novel time-space collocation method is proposed to simulate inlet distortion flows in transonic compressor. In this method, the perturbations of the unsteady flow variables are approximated by a linear combination of temporal and spatial Fourier disturbances. Consequently, the solving of unsteady flow governing equations is converted to obtain the steady-state flow filed of several selected temporal and spatial samples. The effectiveness of this method were validated by simulating the unsteady flows in a two stage compressor with circumferential inlet total pressure distortion. Notably, the interaction effects of adjacent blade rows have little impact on the dominated flow patterns caused by inlet distortion, thus these can be ignored when evaluating the performance degradation due to inlet distortion. The results show that employing three spatial harmonics is enough to resolve the dominant effects of inlet distortion. About an order of speed-up was achieved compared to the time marching method, indicating that the time-space collocation method has promising engineering applications.
Bridging biosafety and biosecurity gaps: DURC and ePPP policy insights from U.S. institutions
Authors: Gillum David R. , Tran An , Fletcher Jennifer , Vogel Kathleen M.
Published: September 2024

Overview

This study provides empirical data on the knowledge and practices of biosafety and biosecurity professionals and researchers involved in research on enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (ePPPs) and Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) within various U.S. sectors. The goal is to improve public health interventions and oversight for DURC and ePPP, contributing valuable insights for policy development. A notable finding was the association between larger biosafety/biosecurity teams and a higher likelihood of conducting high-risk biological research.

Methods

A survey of 541 biosafety and biosecurity professionals was conducted between March 8 and 10 April 2024, with results analyzed using SAS at a significance level of 0.05. The study received approval from the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) at Arizona State University and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Results

Government organizations were more likely to conduct DURC compared to other sectors (e.g., Academic, Commercial, Consulting). Public institutions reviewed more experiments outside the scope of the U.S. DURC Policy than private for-profit institutions. Institutions with larger biosafety/biosecurity teams reported greater research activity and more effective non-compliance reporting mechanisms (e.g., anonymous hotlines, reporting forms). Additionally, financial support and the challenges of policy implementation varied significantly across sectors.

Discussion

The findings emphasize the need for appropriate staffing and resource allocation for high-risk biosafety and biosecurity research. A differentiated regulatory approach and equitable distribution of resources are essential for effective oversight. Moreover, robust non-compliance reporting systems are critical to mitigating the risks associated with DURC and ePPP research.
Allocating inter-provincial CEA in China based on the utility perspective --a method for improving the variable weight function
Authors: Guo Zhiping , Xiong Chaohua
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

At different times, China has pursued different carbon emission reduction targets, so it is crucial to develop a reasonable and flexible allocation scheme for Chinese carbon emissions quotas, referred to as Chinese Emission Allowance (CEA), in order to achieve carbon reduction goals. As important responsible entities for carbon reduction, each province needs to rely on a well-designed CEA allocation scheme to help achieve their emission reduction goals.

Methods:

Therefore, based on the utility perspective, this paper constructs allocation principles and methods to formulate the inter-provincial CEA allocation scheme for China in 2030. Specifically, the entropy method, SBM model, improved variable weight function, and ARIMA time series model are sequentially adopted to simulate the re-allocation scheme, examine its rationality, and develop CEA allocation schemes under different principles.

Results and Discussion:

The following conclusions are drawn: 1) The allocation scheme formulated based on historical emission simulation methods, industry benchmark methods, and other current CEA allocation methods has certain irrationality, and future CEA allocation should not follow the original methods; 2) The improved variable weight function is better suited for allocation in CEA than the current original allocation method. The allocation scheme developed under this method, which balances fairness and efficiency principles, is more appropriate for the actual reduction of carbon emissions in China.
Galectin-9 – ligand axis: an emerging therapeutic target for multiple myeloma
Authors: Shil Rajib K. , Mohammed Norhan B. B. , Dimitroff Charles J.
Published: September 2024

Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a tandem-repeat galectin with diverse roles in immune homeostasis, inflammation, malignancy, and autoimmune diseases. In cancer, Gal-9 displays variable expression patterns across different tumor types. Its interactions with multiple binding partners, both intracellularly and extracellularly, influence key cellular processes, including immune cell modulation and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Notably, Gal-9 binding to cell-specific glycoconjugate ligands has been implicated in both promoting and suppressing tumor progression. Here, we provide insights into Gal-9 and its involvement in immune homeostasis and cancer biology with an emphasis on multiple myeloma (MM) pathophysiology, highlighting its complex and context-dependent dual functions as a pro- and anti-tumorigenic molecule and its potential implications for therapy in MM patients.
Next-generation sequencing-based comparative mapping and culture-based screening of bacterial rhizobiome in Phytophthora capsici-resistant and susceptible Piper species
Authors: Hima Parvathy A. , Santhoshkumar R. , Soniya E. V.
Published: September 2024

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), a highly valued spice crop, is economically significant as one of the most widely traded spices in the world. The global yield and quality of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) are affected by foot rot-causing soil-borne oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici. To gain initial insights toward developing an approach that utilizes microbial genetic resources for controlling foot rot disease in black pepper, we mapped the rhizobiome communities in susceptible Piper nigrum L. and wild-resistant Piper colubrinum. The analysis showed compositional differences in the rhizobiome of two Piper species, which revealed higher diversity and the presence of more differentially abundant genera in P. colubrinum. Furthermore, P. colubrinum rhizobiome had a significantly higher abundance of known anti-oomycete genera, such as Pseudomonas, and a higher differential abundance of Janthinobacterium, Variovorax, and Comamonas, indicating their probable contribution to pathogen resistance. Predictive functional profiling in P. colubrinum rhizobiome showed highly enriched functional gene orthologs (KOs), particularly chemotaxis proteins, osmoprotectants, and other transport systems that aid in pathogen resistance. Similarly, pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and other antimicrobial synthesis were enriched in P. colubrinum rhizobiome. The culturable diversity of the resistant root endosphere, which harbors efficient biocontrol agents such as Pseudomonas, strengthens the possible role of root microbiome in conferring resistance against soil-borne pathogens. Our results depicted a clear distinction in the rhizobiome architecture of resistant and susceptible Piper spp., suggesting its influence in recruiting bacterial communities that probably contribute to pathogen resistance.
Mapping the research of nursing in Parkinson’s disease: a bibliometric and quantitative analysis
Authors: Liao Han-Bing , Fang Yan-Lin , Chen Shu-Yi , Yin Yu-Shan , Li Jiao , Zhou Peng , Li Bin , Jiang Xing-Zuan , Lei Ying-Fang
Published: September 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Clinically, the therapeutic strategy of PD could only alleviate the symptoms. Nursing plays a crucial role in providing patient education, symptom management, and psychosocial support. This study aims to analyze the current state and prospects of research in the field of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its associated nursing care through bibliometric methods to explore the trends that May guide its future development.

Methods

Literature related to Parkinson’s disease and nursing care was systematically searched by the Web of Science database from 1991 to 2023. Quantitative analysis of cooperative networks was conducted using bibliometric tools VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

Results

The analysis covered 2,649 publications in the field of PD and nursing care, authored by 12,576 researchers from 3,869 institutions across 94 countries. The number of articles has steadily increased over the past 20 years. In this research field, the United States and the United Kingdom emerged as leading countries, and Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen was positioned as an international hub. Movement Disorders was identified as the journal with the highest output and with the most co-citation. Prof. Bastiaan R. Bloem published the most papers in the area, and Prof. Per Odin had the highest average citation. The major fields of these publications are clinical neurology, geriatrics & gerontology, multidisciplinary sciences, and health care sciences & services. Hot topics in the field predominantly revolve around Parkinson’s disease, quality of life, and dementia.

Conclusion

Research in Parkinson’s disease and nursing care is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with continuous expansion in research scope and depth of investigation. One of the trends identified is the increasing focus on quality of life and the management of dementia in PD patients, reflecting the importance of these areas in research. The study further suggests that future advancements in the field May rely significantly on strengthening international collaborations and addressing global disparities in resource distribution, particularly by promoting research inclusivity and cooperation among low-resource countries.
Specific and shared cognitive predictors of drawing and block building in typically developing children
Authors: Zappullo Isa , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Trojano Luigi , Cecere Roberta , Conson Massimiliano
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Spatial construction is a complex ability involving attention, global/local visual processing, mental representation, visuo-motor coordination and, to varying extent, working memory and executive functions, and verbal abilities. In developmental neuropsychology, little attention has been paid to comprehend whether and to what extent the above cognitive processes are involved in two main spatial construction tasks, that is drawing and block building.

Method

We used path analysis to test shared and specific effects of verbal and spatial working memory, spatial attention, inhibition, verbal abilities (vocabulary and naming), figure disembedding, mental rotation, and visual-motor coordination, as well as of demographics (sex, age and socio-economic status), on two classical drawing (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure; ROCF) and block building (Block design; BD) tasks in a sample of 195 typically developing children (age range: 7–11 years).

Results

Figure disembedding and visuo-motor coordination were the only shared predictors of both spatial construction tasks. Moreover, ROCF score was directly related with spatial attention and inhibition, while BD score was directly related with sex, vocabulary, mental rotation and backward spatial working memory.

Discussion

These findings distinguish between abilities involved in spatial construction regardless of the type of task and those specifically related to ROCF or Block Design, thus providing clues relevant to neuropsychological assessment and intervention in children with spatial construction disorders.
Therapeutic and preventive effects of astaxanthin in ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Hongyan , Wang Gaihua , He Ziqiao , Cui Xueting , Song Feiyu , Li Jinhua , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2024

Ischemic stroke poses a significant global health challenge with limited treatment options. Tissue plasminogen activator, the only effective medication, has strict restrictions, limiting its benefits only to a small number of patients. Astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid found in algae, shrimp, and crabs, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective properties in models of ischemic stroke. This article reviews the novel finding of neuroprotective impact of astaxanthin in ischemic stroke, highlighting its benefits in various protective mechanisms such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, enhancement of DNA repair, anti-cell death, protection of blood–brain barrier, and promotion of neuronal survival. This analysis underscores the therapeutic and preventive potential of astaxanthin in ischemic stroke, positioning it as a prospective pharmaceutical agent against ischemic stroke.
Effects of lower back foam rolling on the pressure pain threshold and the range of motion of the lumbar spine in healthy individuals
Authors: Fijavž Julia , Frangež Maja , Vauhnik Renata
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the short- and long-term effects of foam rolling (FR) on the pressure pain threshold and the range of motion of the lumbar spine in healthy subjects.

Methods

43 healthy subjects without back problems were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). The subjects in the EG underwent a 4-week FR program (12 sessions). The subjects in the CG received no intervention. Range of motion was measured using the modified-modified Schober test for flexion and fingertip-to-floor distance for lateral flexion. The pressure pain threshold was measured with a hand-held pressure algometer. The measurements were taken before and after the first FR, after the 4-week program and at the 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05 and the desired power of the test was 92%.

Results

We found an improvement in flexion (p = 0.03) and lateral flexion (p < 0.001) in the EG after the first FR and recorded a significant improvement in all measured variables (flexion, lateral flexion and algometry: p < 0.001) at the end of the entire 4-week program. The effects were noticeable up to 6 months after the end of the program (p ≤ 0.03) and were statistically significantly better than in the CG (p ≤ 0.04). The calculated Cohen's d value was 1.15 for flexion, 1.06 for lateral flexion and 0.98 for algometry, which represents a large effect size.

Discussion

FR improves the pressure pain threshold and mobility of the lumbar spine in healthy subjects. The effects are noticeable at least 6 months after the end of an FR program.
Perceived social support on objective measured sedentary behavior of stroke patients: the mediating role of exercise self-efficacy
Authors: Wei Jianing , Yang Fanjiayi , Dong Xiaofang
Published: September 2024

Introduction

As stroke patients may have impaired motor function, there may have increased sedentary behavior. Factors associated with sedentary behavior need to be explored to develop targeted interventions. Although studies explore the effects of exercise self-efficacy and perceived social support on sedentary behavior, the relationship is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy on perceived social support and objective measured sedentary behavior in stroke patients.

Methods

The random sampling method was adopted to select 275 stroke patients from the neurology department of a third-grade hospital of Henan Province from June 2023 to March 2024 in a cross-sectional descriptive study. A general data questionnaire, exercise self-efficacy scale, perceived social support scale, and ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer were used to investigate. The structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy between perceived social support and sedentary behavior.

Results

The mean sedentary behavior time in stroke patients in this study was (479.65 ± 112.65) min, the mean score of perceived social support was (47.53 ± 17.16), and the mean score of exercise self-efficacy was (24.19 ± 6.25). The correlation analysis revealed that, the sedentary behavior of stroke patients was negatively correlated with exercise self-efficacy and perceived social support. The results of the mediation analysis showed that exercise self-efficacy played a partial mediating role between perceived social support and sedentary behavior.

Conclusion

Perceived social support and exercise self-efficacy were influential factors in sedentary behavior. Moreover, the impact of perceived social support on sedentary behavior was partially mediated by exercise self-efficacy. Therefore, to decrease the sedentary behavior, it is crucial to improve the level of perceived social support in stroke patients. Patients with less perceived social support can improve their exercise self-efficacy and thus perceive more social support.
The care of non-institutionalized ADL-dependent people in the Orcasitas neighborhood of Madrid (Spain) during the Covid-19 pandemic and its relationship with social inequalities, intergenerational dependency and survival
Authors: Martín Moreno Vicente , Martínez Sanz María Inmaculada , Martín Fernández Amanda , Sánchez Rodríguez Elena , Sánchez González Irene , Herranz Hernando Julia , Fernández Gallardo Miriam , Recuero Vázquez Miguel , Benítez Calderón María Palma , Sevillano Fuentes Eva , Pérez Rico Elena , Calderón Jiménez Laura , Guerra Maroto Sara , Alonso Samperiz Helena , León Saiz Irene
Published: September 2024

Background

Mortality among people with dependency to perform basic activities of daily living (ADL) is higher than that of non-dependent people of the same age. Understanding the evolutionary course and factors involved in non-institutionalized ADL dependency, including the influence of the family structure that supports this population, would contribute to improved health planning.

Methods

A longitudinal study carried out in the ADL-dependent population of the Orcasitas neighborhood, Madrid (Spain), between June 2020, when the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown ended, and June 2023. A total of 127 patients participated in the study, 78.7% of whom were women and 21.3% were men. Risk analysis was performed via odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR). Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression.

Results

A total of 54.33% of the ADL-dependent persons did not live with their adult children and 45.67% did, being associated living independently with economic capacity and the married marital status but not with the dependency level. In women, being married increased the probability of living independently of their adult children (OR = 12.632; 95% CI = 3.312–48.178). Loss of mobility (OR = 0.398; 95% CI = 0.186–0.853), economic capacity of the dependent (HR = 0.596; 95% CI = 0.459–0.774), and living independently and having better economic capacity (HR = 0.471; 95% CI = 0.234–0.935) were associated with 3-year survival. Those who lived with their adult children had a worse autonomy profile and higher mortality (HR = 1.473; 95% CI = 1.072–2.024). Not being employed, not being married, and not owning a home were significantly associated with being an essential family caregiver. Caregivers were mostly women (OR = 1.794; 95% CI = 1.011–3.182).

Conclusion

Among ADL-dependent persons, economic capacity influenced the ability to living independently and affected survival after 3 years. Loss of mobility (wheelchair use) was a predictor of mortality. Social inequalities promote that adult children end up as essential family caregivers. This generates reverse dependency and maintains a vulnerability that is transmitted from generation to generation, perpetuating social and gender inequalities. Dependent parent care in this cohort maintained an archaic pattern in which the eldest daughter cared for her parents. This study made it possible to show that ADL dependence is accompanied by complex interrelationships that must be considered in socio-health planning.
Investigating older adults users’ willingness to adopt wearable devices by integrating the technology acceptance model (UTAUT2) and the Technology Readiness Index theory
Authors: Wu Chengzhen , Lim Gyoo Gun
Published: September 2024

Objective

With the continuous advancement of wearable technology, smart wearable devices are increasingly recognized for their value in health monitoring, assessment, and intervention for the older adults, thus promoting intelligent older adults care. This study, based on the theoretical framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) and the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) model, aims to identify and explore the key factors influencing older adults consumers’ willingness to adopt smart wearable devices and their impact mechanisms.

Method

A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect valid data from 389 older adults respondents. Empirical analysis validated the model’s applicability and explored the key factors influencing acceptance.

Results

Factors influencing the use of smart wearable devices by the older adults include performance expectancy (β = 0.152, p < 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.154, p < 0.001), social influence (β = 0.135, p < 0.05), facilitating conditions (β = 0.126, p < 0.05), hedonic motivation (β = 0.166, p < 0.001), price value (β = 0.182, p < 0.001), and digital health literacy (β = 0.189, p < 0.001). Additionally, optimism (β = 0.208, p < 0.001), innovativeness (β = 0.218, p < 0.001), and discomfort (β = −0.245, p < 0.001) significantly positively influenced performance expectancy, while optimism (β = 0.282, p < 0.001), innovativeness (β = 0.144, p < 0.01), discomfort (β = −0.239, p < 0.001), and insecurity (β = −0.117, p < 0.05) significantly positively influenced effort expectancy. Insecurity did not significantly influence performance expectancy. Performance expectancy and effort expectancy partially mediated the relationship between personality traits (optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity) and behavioral intention. Digital health literacy significantly negatively moderated the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention, as well as between effort expectancy and behavioral intention.

Discussion

The study confirms that integrating the UTAUT2 model and TRI theory effectively explains the acceptance of smart wearable devices among older adults consumers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing digital health literacy in the design and promotion of smart health devices. The findings provide guidance for developers, increasing the acceptance and usage rate of these devices among the older adults.
The impact of social participation on the quality of life among older adults in China: a chain mediation analysis of loneliness, depression, and anxiety
Authors: Liang Lu-Yin
Published: September 2024

This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of social participation on the quality of life (QOL) among older adults in China. Using convenience sampling, data were collected from 508 individuals aged 60 and above (M_age = 70.53 ± 7.90 years; 56.5% women). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSSAU software, including Pearson correlation analysis to assess relationships between social participation, psychological health indicators (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and QOL. Multiple regression analysis and chain mediation analysis were subsequently performed to explore the mediating effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL. The results indicated significant correlations between social participation and loneliness (r = −0.313, p < 0.001), depression (r = −0.487, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = −0.305, p < 0.001), and QOL (r = 0.476, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis revealed significant chain mediation effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL (β = 0.006, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.001, 0.007]). Higher levels of social participation were associated with lower levels of loneliness, which in turn reduced depression and anxiety, thereby enhancing QOL. These findings highlight the importance of promoting social participation to improve psychological wellbeing and QOL among older adults in China. The study advocates for active social engagement and the provision of relevant services, as well as psychological support and emotional counseling for those facing mental health challenges due to insufficient social participation.
Algorithmic management and human-centered task design: a conceptual synthesis from the perspective of action regulation and sociomaterial systems theory
Authors: Röttgen Carsten , Herbig Britta , Weinmann Tobias , Müller Andreas
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to explain potential psychological effects of algorithmic management (AM) on human-centered task design and with that also workers’ mental well-being. For this, we link research on algorithmic management (AM) with Sociomaterial System Theory and Action Regulation Theory (ART). Our main assumption is that psychological effects of sociomaterial systems, such as AM, can be explained by their impact on human action. From the synthesis of the theories, mixed effects on human-centered task design can be derived: It can be expected that AM contributes to fewer action regulation opportunities (i.e., job resources like job autonomy, transparency, predictability), and to lower intellectual demands (i.e., challenge demands like task complexity, problem solving). Moreover, it can be concluded that AM is related with more regulation problems (i.e., hindrance demands like overtaxing regulations) but also fewer regulation problems (like regulation obstacles, uncertainty). Based on these considerations and in line with the majority of current research, it can be assumed that the use of AM is indirectly associated with higher risks to workers’ mental well-being. However, we also identify potential positive effects of AM as some stressful and demotivating obstacles at work are often mitigated. Based on these considerations, the main question of future research is not whether AM is good or bad for workers, but ratherhowwork under AM can be designed to be humane. Our proposed model can guide and support researchers and practitioners in improving the understanding of the next generation of AM systems.
Promotion strategies of food delivery O2O supply chain with anti-food waste regulation
Authors: Xu Guangye , Tang Yan , Xu Shiqi
Published: September 2024

This paper connects food waste with food delivery service and aims to explore the impacts of the anti-food waste regulation on food waste generation and the selection of promotion strategy in an Online-to-Offline (O2O) supply chain. Using a game-theoretical approach, we focus on three prominent promotion strategies—a no-promotion strategy (N strategy), a price discount strategy (D strategy), or a volume-based price discount strategy (S strategy). Our research results indicate that the restaurant’s choice of promotion strategy is almost independent of the intensity of anti-food waste penalties. However, the optimal strategy of the platform and the amount of waste are influenced by it. Under certain conditions, restaurants and platforms were able to achieve a win-win situation through promotion strategies. In the case of the relaxation of anti-food waste regulations, both restaurants and platforms tend to adopt the D strategy. In contrast, when penalties are stronger, platforms may be forced to accept D or S strategy because of the proactive behaviors of restaurants, even if they would prefer not to adopt promotion strategies. Overall, the government should consider bringing restaurants under regulation to protect platform revenue and effectively reduce food waste.
A Multi-Pointer Network for Multiple Agile Optical Satellite Scheduling Problem
Authors: Liu Zheng , Xiong Wei , Han Chi , Zhao Kai
Published: September 2024

With the rapid growth in space-imaging demands, the scheduling problem of multiple agile optical satellites has become a crucial problem in the field of on-orbit satellite applications. Because of the considerable solution space and complicated constraints, the existing methods suffer from a huge computation burden and a low solution quality. This paper establishes a mathematical model of this problem, which aims to maximize the observation profit rate and realize the load balance, and proposes a multi-pointer network to solve this problem, which adopts multiple attention layers as the pointers to construct observation action sequences for multiple satellites. In the proposed network, a local feature-enhancement strategy, a remaining time-based decoding sorting strategy, and a feasibility-based task selection strategy are developed to improve the solution quality. Finally, extensive experiments verify that the proposed network outperforms the comparison algorithms in terms of solution quality, computation efficiency, and generalization ability and that the proposed three strategies significantly improve the solving ability of the proposed network.
How Farm Machinery Rental Services and Off-Farm Work Affect Household Income in China
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Yang Zhihai , Gu Xiangqun , Mugera Amin , Yin Ning
Published: September 2024

(1) Background: Most nations struggle to close significant income gaps between high and low earners. While the adoption of farm machinery rental services and off-farm employment may be beneficial, it is unclear whether jointly applying both approaches can raise income levels in rural households or help narrow the income gap within the farm sector. This study investigated scenarios involving both participation in farm machinery rental markets and in off-farm work, analyzing their varied impacts on household incomes based on survey data from 1027 rice producers in rural China. (2) Methods: We employed a two-stage econometric procedure encompassing a bivariate ordered probit model with an endogeneity-corrected unconditional quantile regression model. (3) Results: Rice farmers often simultaneously rent farm machinery services and engage in off-farm work. Both activities positively affect their household incomes; however, these effects vary across different income levels. Renting farm machinery provides greater marginal benefits for lower-income households, while off-farm employment has a stronger impact on higher-income households. Farm machinery rental services appear to benefit disadvantaged households more than off-farm employment opportunities do. (4) Suggestions: To enhance the welfare of lower-income households, policymakers should focus on expanding access to farm machinery rental services.
Drought Characteristics during Spring Sowing along the Great Wall Based on the MCI
Authors: Wang Guofang , Wang Juanling , Sun Wei , Huang Mingjing , Zhang Jiancheng , Huang Xuefang , Zhang Wuping
Published: September 2024

The region along the Great Wall is a typical dryland agricultural zone, serving as both a potential area for staple grain production and a key region for specialty crops like coarse grains and cool-climate vegetables. Studying the characteristics of drought during the spring sowing period is crucial for developing diversified planting strategies and ensuring food security. This study analyzes the drought conditions along the Great Wall from 1960 to 2023, revealing the spatial and temporal distribution of drought in the region and quantifying the impact of climate change on drought frequency and intensity. By doing so, it fills a gap in the existing drought research, which often lacks the long-term, multi-dimensional analysis of spring sowing drought characteristics. Using daily meteorological data from April 20 to May 20 during the spring sowing period between 1960 and 2023, the study employs the Meteorological Composite Drought Index (MCI) to quantitatively identify drought conditions and examine the spatial and temporal evolution of drought in the region. The results show that, on a daily scale, the frequency of mild and moderate droughts is 60.45% and 25.19%, respectively, with no occurrences of severe or extreme drought. On an annual scale, the intensity of drought and the ratio of affected stations show an increasing trend, with a decrease in mild drought frequency and an increase in moderate and severe drought occurrences. Additionally, the spatial distribution of drought frequency follows a pattern of “higher in the east than in the west” and “higher in the north than in the south”. The study also finds that the migration of drought frequency centers shows a clear temporal evolution, with the center shifting southwestward from the 1960s to the 2000s, and then moving northeastward from the 2000s to 2023. These findings provide critical data support for optimizing agricultural drought resistance strategies and offer new insights for future research on the relationship between drought and climate change. It is suggested that agricultural practices and water resource management policies should be adjusted according to the spatial migration of drought centers, with a particular focus on optimizing drought mitigation measures during the spring sowing period.
Optimising Nitrogen Fertilisation in a Potato–Oat Rotation and Implications for Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Volcanic Soils
Authors: Alfaro Marta , Hube Sara , Salazar Francisco , Beltrán Ignacio , Ramírez Luis , Saggar Surinder
Published: September 2024

High nitrogen (N) fertiliser rates are usually applied to increase agricultural yields, leading to high nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. This is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and depletes the ozone layer. This study aimed to optimise N use efficiency and quantify N2O emission factors (EF1) by measuring the effect of N rates on the yield of a potato-cover crop rotation, apparent N use efficiency (NUE) and N2O emissions. The two-year experiment was carried out on volcanic soils (1.6% carbon, 1.4% N) in southern Chile (40°52′ S, 73°03′ W). Three N application rates were evaluated (80, 150 and 300 kg N ha−1), 35% of which was applied at the planting stage (granular) and 65% at the tubering stage. A control treatment with no N addition was also included. Reducing N fertilisation to 80 kg N ha−1 increased NUE by three times, reduced N2O-N emissions by 33% and reduced emission intensity by 27% without a detrimental impact on crop yield and marketable tuber calibre. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the N2O emission factor (EF1) because of a low rainfall year. The results suggest that in rainfed agriculture systems, N fertiliser application can be significantly reduced without sacrificing potato yield, favouring the economic and environmental sustainability of potato production.
Nuancing ‘Emotional’ Social Play: Does Play Behaviour Always Underlie a Positive Emotional State?
Authors: Cordoni Giada , Norscia Ivan
Published: September 2024

This review focuses on social play, a complex behaviour that is often difficult to categorize. Although play has been typically associated with positive emotional states, a thorough examination of the literature indicates that it may relate to different emotional systems, from attachment to conflict. Play oscillates between competition and cooperation, and includes a spectrum in between; thus, quantitatively identifying and demonstrating the emotional nature of play remains challenging. We considered examples from human and non-human animal studies and explored the emotional and neuro-hormonal systems involved in play. We assessed ethological data possibly indicating the emotional states underlying play, and we focused on the cooperative and competitive elements of play. We investigated the relationship between play and affiliative/aggressive behaviours, the communicative meaning of play signals (especially primate play faces), and the motor and possibly emotional contagion function of rapid motor mimicry during play. From all the literature on play, this review selects and combines studies in an innovative way to present the methods (e.g., play indices and social network analysis), tools (e.g., sequential analysis and facial coding software), and evidence indicative of the emotional states underlying play, which is much more complex than previously thought.
Effect of Spicatoside a on Anti-Osteosarcoma MG63 Cells through Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and the Inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathway
Authors: Yun Hyung-Mun , Kim Soo Hyun , Kwon Yoon-Ju , Park Kyung-Ran
Published: September 2024

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumor found in the bones of children and adolescents. Unfortunately, many patients do not respond well to treatment and succumb to the illness. Therefore, it is necessary to discover novel bioactive compounds to overcome therapeutic limitations. Liriope platyphylla Wang et Tang is a well-known herb used in oriental medicine. Studies have shown that metabolic diseases can be clinically treated using the roots of L. platyphylla. Recent studies have demonstrated the anticarcinoma potential of root extracts; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-osteosarcoma activity of a single compound extracted from the dried roots of L. platyphylla. We purified Spicatoside A (SpiA) from the dried roots of L. platyphylla. SpiA significantly inhibited the proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SpiA also regulated the expression of various downstream proteins that mediate apoptosis (PARP, Bcl-2, and Bax), cell growth (cyclin D1, Cdk4, and Cdk6), angiogenesis (VEGF), and metastasis (MMP13). The Proteome Profiler Human Phospho-Kinase Array Kit showed that the AKT signaling protein was a target of SpiA in osteosarcoma cells. We also found that SpiA suppressed the constitutive activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR-p70S6K1 signaling pathway. We further validated the effects of SpiA on the AKT signaling pathway. SpiA induced autophagosome formation and suppressed necroptosis (a form of programmed cell death). SpiA increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-induced inhibition of ROS generation reduced SpiA-induced AKT inhibition, apoptotic cell death, and anti-metastatic effects by suppressing cell migration and invasion. Overall, these results highlight the anti-osteosarcoma effect of SpiA by inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway through ROS generation, suggesting that SpiA may be a promising compound for the treatment of human osteosarcoma.
DPTracer: Integrating Log-Driven Accountability into Data Provision Networks
Authors: Lee JongHyup
Published: September 2024

Emerging applications such as blockchain, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, federated learning, self-consistent large language models (LLMs), and multi-agent LLMs increasingly rely on the reliable acquisition and provision of data from external sources. Multi-component networks, which supply data to the applications, are defined as data provision networks (DPNs) and prioritize accuracy and reliability over delivery efficiency. However, the effectiveness of the security mechanisms of DPNs, such as self-correction, is limited without a fine-grained log of node activities. This paper presents DPTracer: a novel logging system designed for DPNs that uses tamper-evident logging to address the challenges of maintaining a reliable log in an untrusted environment of DPNs. By integrating logging and validation into the data provisioning process, DPTracer ensures comprehensive logs and continuous auditing. Our system uses Process Tree as a data structure to store log records and generate proofs. This structure permits validating node activities and reconstructing historical data provision processes, which are crucial for self-correction and verifying data sufficiency before results are finalized. We evaluate the overheads introduced by DPTracer regarding computation, memory, storage, and communication. The results demonstrate that DPTracer incurs reasonable overheads, making it practical for real-world applications. Despite these overheads, DPTracer enhances security by protecting DPNs from post-process and in-process tampering.