bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for inclusive digital education: problem/project-based learning, cooperative learning, and service learning for students with special educational needs
Authors: D’Elia Paola , Stalmach Aleksandra , Di Sano Sergio , Casale Gino
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Inclusive digital education is a growing field that aims to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students, including those with special educational needs (SEN). This study investigates the effectiveness of three pedagogical methods - problem/project-based learning (PBL), cooperative learning (CL), and service learning (SL) - in promoting inclusive digital education.

Methods

We adopted a quantitative approach, collecting data through a structured questionnaire administered to nine media education and pedagogy experts from Italy and Austria.

Results

Results showed that PBL, CL, and SL are generally effective but require differentiated implementation approaches to maximize inclusivity. Practical implementation in the inclusive context of PBL requires promoting student reflection and self-assessment adapted to students’ individual needs; in CL, group projects supported by digital collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs) facilitate structured dialogue, peer collaboration, and shared responsibility, thereby increasing engagement; in SL, linking learning to real-world practice and designing experiences that reflect students’ abilities and interests emerge as crucial, especially for students with SEN.

Discussion

The implications of these findings suggest that educators should adopt flexible and adaptive strategies to successfully implement PBL, CL, and SL to ensure that they meet the diverse needs of students in digital environments. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future investigations are discussed to further develop this area of research.
Self-assessment of didactic performance of psychology and education professors in Mexico and Peru
Authors: Bazán-Ramírez Aldo , Capa-Luque Walter , Chávez-Nava Roberto , Dávila-Navarro Mónica C. , Ango-Aguilar Homero , Hervias-Guerra Edmundo , Bello-Vidal Catalina
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The evaluation of teaching performance in didactic interactions has generally been approached from the student’s perspective, with little literature on evaluation based on the teacher’s own perspective. Having an instrument that allows self-evaluation of teaching performance during didactic interactions will contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning at the university level.

Objectives

The validity and reliability evidence for the scores of the self-evaluation questionnaire of the teacher’s didactic performance are examined. The self-assessment of didactic performance is analyzed and the general didactic performance of the teacher and of his interactive episodes is contrasted according to some socio-academic characteristics. Method: Methodological, instrumental, descriptive, comparative and predictive cross-sectional study. A total of 203 teachers participated, of whom 64 were professors from a public university in northwestern Mexico, and 139 professors from two public universities in Peru.

Results

Satisfactory evidence of content-based validity was found, Aiken’s V estimates were higher than 0.70 for all items in the criteria: clarity, pertinence and relevance. As for the evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the construct, satisfactory results were found with the confirmatory factor analysis strategy for a multidimensional model of seven oblique factors (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.06) and a second-order factor model made up of two general factors and seven specific first-order factors (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.07). Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was also acceptable. The reliability for the overall score of the questionnaire as well as for the interactive episodes evidenced McDonald’s ordinal alpha and omega coefficients ≥0.94 and H coefficient ≥ 0.95. With respect to the comparative analyses according to the professional training discipline and the sex factor, differences were found for a small effect size (d > 0.20) in favor of education teachers and women both in general didactic performance and in the teaching and formative evaluation factors. Likewise, being an education teacher and a woman is more than twice as likely to have optimal teaching performance. As for the nationality of the teachers, no significant differences were found.
Effects of close-to-nature forest management on carbon stocks in Pinus tabulaeformis plantations in northern China
Authors: Xu Jinmei , Tian Huiling , Xiao Jun , Li Zhaochen , Xiao Wenfa , Yin Runsheng
Published: January 2025

Scientifically understanding how to increase the carbon stocks of plantations under the great demand for forest carbon sinks to meet the 2.0 or 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement is attracting mounting attention. As one of the most promising plantation management regimes, it is pertinent to ask whether close-to-nature management could improve the carbon stocks of Pinus tabuliformis plantations in trees, shrubs, grasses, litter, and soil. This study investigated and analyzed the effects of close-to-nature management, in comparison with no human intervention, on the carbon stocks of P. tabuliformis plantations in three age-classes (10-, 47-, and 56-year-old stands) over 6 years in the Wangyedian Experimental Forest Farm of Chifeng, China. The results showed under close-to-nature management and no human intervention, the amounts of carbon stocks of P. tabulaeformis plantations were similarly ranked (soil > trees > litter > grasses > shrubs), and the trees, vegetation, and ecosystem carbon stocks of P. tabuliformis plantations increased significantly with stand age (p < 0.05). Close-to-nature management increased the annual increment of the tree carbon stock in 47- and 56-year-old stands, as well as that of the soil carbon stock and ecosystem carbon stock in 56-year-old stands, and also that of litter carbon stock in all stands, whereas it decreased both soil and ecosystem carbon stocks’ annual increment in 10- and 47-year-old stands. The annual increment of the ecosystem carbon stock was greater in 56-year-old (7.49 Mg∙hm−2∙a−1) than 47-year-old stands (5.82 Mg∙hm−2∙a−1) under close-to-nature management, but vice versa under no human intervention (56-year-old: 3.98 Mg∙hm−2∙a−1 vs. 47-year-old: 6.78 Mg∙hm−2∙a−1). This inverted response indicates that reasonable management measures could increase the ecosystem carbon stock of mature forest as defined by current Chinese age classification standards. Additionally, since the tree carbon stock of ca. 60-year-old P. tabuliformis stands is still growing, this suggests the plantation maturity of this pine specie can and should be extended to produce timber with larger diameters that sequester more carbon.
Definition of clinical immunology around the globe
Authors: Crispín José C. , Cantaert Tineke , Pinzon-Charry Alberto , Mavilio Domenico , Seri Ahmed , Miossec Pierre
Published: January 2025

Immunology has gradually become a core part of many medical specialties. Immune cells and immune mediators are now known to participate in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases and therapies based on the modulation of immune function are increasingly used. Traditionally, clinical immunologists have studied patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI), previously known as primary immunodeficiencies, and with allergic conditions. More recently, clinical immunology has become involved with a broader array of disorders. The Clinical Immunology Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies set out to understand how clinical immunologists perceive their specialty to identify similarities and differences in training and practice around the globe. For this purpose, a specific questionnaire was designed and distributed amongst our member societies. More than 500 participants answered the questionnaire, 80% of whom had completed their training. Roughly two thirds of respondents were physicians directly involved in patient care. We found that though the number of diseases and processes in which immune mechanisms are involved has considerably grown, 90% of participants agree with the 1993 World Health Organization definition of Clinical Immunology. We propose that the increased complexity of the field opens a need for multidisciplinary teams of clinicians and basic researchers and for a broader training of specialists.
Ablation of the deubiquitinating enzyme cylindromatosis (CYLD) augments STAT1-mediated M1 macrophage polarization and fosters Staphylococcus aureus control
Authors: Schmidt Christina , Harit Kunjan , Traidl Stephan , Naumann Michael , Werfel Thomas , Roesner Lennart M. , Nishanth Gopala , Schlüter Dirk
Published: January 2025

In atopic dermatitis (AD), lesional skin is frequently colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, which promotes clinical symptoms of the disease. The inflammatory milieu in the skin is characterized by a Th2 response, including M2 macrophages, which cannot eradicate S. aureus. Therefore, repolarization of macrophages toward the M1 phenotype may foster control of S. aureus. Our data show that the deubiquitinating enzyme cylindromatosis (CYLD) is strongly expressed in macrophages of AD patients and prevents the clearance of S. aureus. Mechanistically, CYLD impaired M1 macrophage polarization by K63-specific deubiquitination of STAT1 and activation of the NF-κB pathway via its interaction with TRAF6, NEMO, and RIPK2. Inhibition of STAT1 and NF-κB, independently, abolished the differences between S. aureus-infected CYLD-deficient and CYLD-competent M1 macrophages. Infection of Cyld-deficient and wild-type mice with S. aureus confirmed the protective CYLD function. Collectively, our study shows that CYLD impairs the control of S. aureus in macrophages of AD patients, identifying CYLD as a potential therapeutic target.
Spatiotemporal distribution patterns of cephalopods and their responses to changes in the marine environment in the coastal waters of Zhejiang, China
Authors: Liang Jun , Zhou Yongdong , Wu Tian , Chen Feng , Xu Kaida , Fang Guangjie , Zhang Yazhou
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Like pelagic fishes, cephalopods represent fishery resources with high worldwide potential and an important evolutionary node animal group. Thus, exploring the spatial and seasonal variations in cephalopod distribution and their associations with environmental factors is important for elucidating cephalopod diversity and the distribution of cephalopods under changing environmental conditions and for developing reasonable resource management and conservation measures.

Methods

On the basis of trawl survey data from 123 stations in the coastal waters of Zhejiang, China, in the spring and autumn of 2021, the relationships among the cephalopod species composition and diversity characteristics and the spatial and seasonal changes and environmental factors were investigated via the relative importance index (IRI), the alpha diversity index, and the GAM.

Results

The results revealed that the cephalopods in the coastal waters of Zhejiang belonged to three orders, six families, and 10 genera and that the dominant species were gradually replaced by species of minor economic importance and endemic small-scale fishery species. In spring, Uroteuthis duvaucelii was the dominant species, the resource density in the southern coastal waters of Zhejiang was relatively high, and the overall distribution increased from northeast to southwest. In autumn, U. duvaucelii and Abralia multihamata were the dominant species, and the coastal waters of Zhejiang presented two high-density distribution areas in the northern and central waters, with lower resource density in the southern waters. Analysis of the alpha diversity index revealed relatively low cephalopod community diversity, with significant differences in spatial and seasonal distributions. The GAM revealed that, in spring, surface dissolved oxygen and sea bottom temperature led to significant changes in cephalopod resource density (p<0.05), and water depth significantly affected cephalopod resource density (p<0.01); in autumn, only water depth significantly affected cephalopod resource density (p<0.01).

Discussion

The cephalopod resources in the coastal waters of Zhejiang are under the dual stresses of fishing and environmental changes. The protection and restoration of traditional economic cephalopod resources are needed to ensure their sustainable development and utilization.
Antimicrobial properties of selected microalgae exopolysaccharide-enriched extracts: influence of antimicrobial assays and targeted microorganisms
Authors: Pointcheval Marion , Massé Anthony , Floc’hlay David , Chanonat Franck , Estival Jacques , Durand Marie-José
Published: January 2025

Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-enriched extracts derived from microalgae exhibit a wide range of bioactive properties, including antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, these properties vary depending on the microalgae species, the antimicrobial assay used, and selected targeted microorganisms. This study offers to investigate the antimicrobial properties of exopolysaccharide-enriched extracts obtained from five microalgae species scarcely studied in this context. The targeted microorganisms selected for this study included Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fungi (Cladosporium cladosporioides), and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). Well-diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay, and growth measurements using absorbance were used to compare the methods and fully estimate the antimicrobial properties. Using absorbance measurements, growth rate inhibitions of at least 80% were observed on all targeted species for at least one microalgal EPS-enriched extract. At a concentration of 500 mgGlcEq · L−1, most active extracts of B. subtilis were obtained from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (87.1% of growth inhibition), Nostoc commune (53.7%), and Eustigmatos polyphem (46.4%). EPS-enriched extracts from C. reinhardtii (86.2%), N. commune (59.9%), and Porphyridium cruentum (31.1%) were found to be the most effective against P. aeruginosa. Antifungal activities were the highest for EPS extracts from Microchloropsis gaditana (86.0%), C. reinhardtii (16.6%), and E. polyphem (17.8%). The results indicated microalgae growth inhibition by EPS-enriched extracts from N. commune (99.3%), C. reinhardtii (84.8%), and M. gaditana (84.1%). To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the algicidal properties of EPS-enriched extracts derived from microalgae, identifying promising candidates for future investigations into their potential applications.
Neural correlates of the non-optimal price: an MEG/EEG study
Authors: Gorin Aleksei , Kuznetsova Elizaveta , Kislov Andrew , Levchenko Egor , Klucharev Vasily , Moiseeva Victoria , Yurchenko Anna , Luzhin Alexander , Galkina Natalia , Shestakova Anna N.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Setting the right price is crucial for effectively positioning products in the market. Conversely, setting a “non-optimal price”—one that is perceived as much lower or higher than the product's true market value—can negatively influence consumer decisions and business results.

Methods

We conducted two electroencephalography (EEG) studies and one magnetoencephalography (MEG) study to investigate brain mechanisms underlying the perception of prices during a price judgment task. In each trial, participants were exposed to a mobile phone image (iPhone, Nokia, or Xiaomi) followed by a price, and instructed to judge whether the price was high or low based on a target word (“cheap” or “expensive”).

Results

In both EEG experiments, we found a strong N400-like response to the incongruent target words following prices that substantially differed from the real market value of the mobile phone. The MEG experiment extended these findings by localizing the brain source of the price-related, M400-like response, the magnetic counterpart to the N400 component, in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) implicated in value-based and reward-based learning, respectively. Our results demonstrate that both the brain sources and the timing of the price-related M400 response differed from those of the standard M400 evoked by semantically incongruent words.

Discussion

Overall, our results suggest that the N400-like response can serve as a neural marker of price-product incongruity, with potential applications in consumer research.
Global hotspots and trends of nutritional supplements for sick populations from 2000 to 2024
Authors: Shi Chaofan , Liu Haitao , Fu Te , Li Yuanquan , Zhao Haichang , Liu Feiyue
Published: January 2025

Background

Nutritional supplements (NS) can help patients by providing various nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals, helping to prevent and recover from diseases. This study provides a broad overview of the field of NS for sick people through bibliometrics and visualization analysis, to analyze the status and development dynamics, explore the popular research questions and directions, and reveal the development trends and research frontiers.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection databases for literature related to NS for diseased populations from 2000 to 2024. A total of 1,550 articles were included in the analysis after screening. Analyses performed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.

Results

The field of NS for the sick population has witnessed an overall rapid growth in the number of publications, which is divided into three phases: 2000–2008 was the exploratory phase, 2009–2017 was the sustained development phase, and 2018 to date is in the rapid development phase. Research focuses on dietary supplementation, oxidative stress, in vitro injections, development, antioxidant activity, double-blind trials, lipid supplements, functional foods, the health of diseased populations, and the risks of NS.

Conclusion

Different supplements each possess unique benefits and should be chosen according to the type of disease to ensure they contain the corresponding nutrients. Vitamin supplements are widely mentioned among patient populations across the globe. Future trends may focus on applying nutritional supplements in gut microbiota and bioactive compounds. Researchers frequently mention the application of NS in women, infants, and children. It should continue to be monitored and optimized in the future to enhance its therapeutic effects, thereby accelerating patients’ recovery and improving their quality of life.
Detection of melatonin and 5-HTP in dietary supplements based on multiple spectra
Authors: Yang Huiyu , Zhang Xinrui , Gao Yang , Peng Zhuang , Su Bo , Li Kai , Zhang Cunlin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Melatonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), known for benefits in regulating sleep and combating depression, respectively, are incorporated into dietary supplements. Rapid and accurate identification of dietary supplement types and their contents remains a significant challenge in ensuring food safety.

Methods

In this study, qualitative and quantitative analysis of melatonin and 5-HTP was performed using Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Purity and crystal structures of the samples were investigated using Raman spectroscopy and PXRD, establishing the foundation for terahertz (THz) simulations.

Results and discussion

The Raman spectroscopy results demonstrate that the characteristic Raman peaks of melatonin and 5-HTP in the range from 170 cm−1 to 1700 cm−1 were observed at 1356 cm−1 and 1,304 cm−1, respectively. Results of THz revealed that melatonin and 5-HTP each have five THz characteristic peaks, which distinguish these substances. The peak of melatonin at 1.23 THz shows a good linear fit with the mass fraction, while 5-HTP has a similar relationship at 1.14 THz. Then, L-tryptophan, a common contaminant in the production of melatonin and 5-HTP, was successfully identified within the mixture. Finally, it is demonstrated that THz technology can effectively detect melatonin and 5-HTP in commercial dietary supplements. This study establishes a rapid, efficient, and non-destructive approach for the regulation and quantitative analysis of dietary supplements.
Gelatin-based biomaterials as a delivery strategy for osteosarcoma treatment
Authors: Yang Qifan , Chen Xingpeng , Liu Jing , He Yeteng
Published: January 2025

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. Although surgery and chemoradiotherapy have made some progress in the treatment of osteosarcoma. However, the high recurrence and metastasis rate of osteosarcoma and bone defects caused by surgery are still the main problems faced by osteosarcoma. Gelatin has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, and has made phased progress in tumor treatment. In the treatment of osteosarcoma, gelatin-based biomaterials can be used in delivery strategies to enhance the anti-tumor activity of osteosarcoma and can improve the appropriate compressive strength to improve the bone defects faced after surgery. At present, gelatin-based hydrogels, gelatin scaffolds, and gelatin-based nanoparticles have been reported in preclinical studies. In this article, we introduce the application of gelatin-based biomaterials in the treatment of osteosarcoma, and summarize and look forward to them.
Sprayable solutions containing sticky rice oil droplets reduce western flower thrips damage and induce changes in Chrysanthemum leaf chemistry
Authors: Bierman Thijs V. , Fernandes Hocelayne P. , Choi Young H. , Seo Sumin , Vrieling Klaas , Macel Mirka , Knegt Bram , Kodger Thomas E. , van Zwieten Ralph , Klinkhamer Peter G. L. , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: January 2025

Thrips are one of the most challenging pests in agricultural crops, including Chrysanthemum. In this study we tested via two plant assays whether solutions containing sticky rice germ oil (RGO) droplets could effectively trap thrips and lower thrips damage on Chrysanthemum. In the first assay, we additionally assessed the metabolomic effects of these RGO droplet sprays and thrips presence on plant chemistry via 1H NMR and headspace GC-MS on multiple timepoints to investigate which plant metabolites were affected by spraying and their potential relation to plant resistance against thrips. In the second assay, we tested the individual RGO solution constituents against thrips. Our results suggested that the adhesive RGO droplets were not effective as a physical trap as only three out of 600 adult thrips were caught at the achieved coverage. However, average thrips damage was still reduced up to 50% and no negative effects on plant growth were observed up to 25 days. Results from the second plant assay indicated that the individual constituents of the solution containing RGO droplets may have direct effects against thrips. Metabolomics analysis of sprayed leaves via headspace GC-MS and 1H NMR indicated that fatty acids and several volatile compounds such as 4(10)-thujene (sabinene), eucalyptol, cis-4-thujanol, and isocaryophyllene were highest on day 10, while sucrose, malic acid, o-Cymene, and 3-Methyl-2-butenoic acid were highest on day 25. Plants with thrips showed higher flavonoid, carbohydrate and glutamine acetic acid levels, and lower fatty acids and malic acid levels. RGO application increased the levels of fatty acids and alcohols present on top of and inside the Chrysanthemum leaves, while decreasing the concentrations of volatile compounds such as eucalyptol, chrysanthenone and eugenol in the Chrysanthemum leaves. Most interestingly, the thrips effect on the plant metabolome was no longer visible in RGO treated plants at the later harvesttime, suggesting that RGO application may overrule or prevent the metabolomic effects of thrips infestation. In conclusion, our study provides new information on how the application of a new plant-based plant protection product affects insect herbivores and alters crop phytochemistry for improved herbivore resistance.
Coalitions, coordination, and contestation: a systematic review of the advocacy coalition framework and its implications for sustainability transitions research
Authors: Wesche Julius P. , Dütschke Elisabeth , Negro Simona O. , Hekkert Marko P.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Achieving sustainability transitions requires substantial policy changes, often driven by coalitions of actors advocating for institutional change and transformative agendas. While the transitions literature highlights the importance of coalition coordination, the underlying processes remain insufficiently understood. This study explores the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) to derive insights into the coordination and dynamics of advocacy coalitions relevant to sustainability transitions.

Methods

A systematic review of ACF literature was conducted, encompassing an initial corpus of over 700 articles and refining it to a final set of 45 documents. These documents were analyzed using qualitative coding to identify key factors influencing coalition coordination and to conceptualize coalition dynamics across the phases of sustainability transitions.

Results

The review identifies four categories of factors shaping coalition coordination: prerequisites for coordination, reasons to coordinate, instrumental factors that influence coordination, and internal organization of coalitions. Additionally, it outlines how coordination patterns evolve across four sustainability transition phases, leading to the development of a typology that integrates dynamics within coalitions and across coalitions with two transition pathways: technological substitution and reconfiguration.

Discussion

This study advances the understanding of the political processes underpinning sustainability transitions by integrating ACF insights into transition studies. It underscores the importance of belief systems, resource access, and trust in fostering effective coalition coordination. The proposed typology offers a conceptual framework to guide future empirical research on coalition dynamics and their role in accelerating sustainability transitions.
A study on the impact of sports participation support on the level of sports participation of urban junior high school girls in China
Authors: Dong Mingyuan , Niu Mingtian , Jiang Zhengxin , Choi Yongchul , Li Ning
Published: January 2025

Background

Social support has been identified as a key factor influencing adolescents’ engagement in physical activities. However, the relationship between middle school girls’ physical activity levels and the actual social support they receive remains unclear.

Aim

This study aims to explore the support mechanisms that promote increased physical activity participation among middle school girls.

Methods

A survey was conducted with 1,371 middle school girls from 16 regions and cities in China. The questionnaire included the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), the Social Support and Exercise Survey, the Physical Activity Rank Scale, and the Family Affluence Scale (FAS). Linear regression was used to examine the relationships among family support, out-of-school exercise behavior, in-school exercise behavior, and the physical activity levels of middle school girls.

Results

In-school physical activity participation (6.6%) was higher than out-of-school participation (5.5%) among urban middle school girls. Physical activity levels were significantly positively correlated with social support from family, peers, and teachers (p < 0.01). Linear regression and descriptive statistics consistently showed that family support was the highest (3.50 ± 1.06), followed by teacher support (3.17 ± 0.96) and peer support (2.88 ± 0.96). Emotional support was notably higher, while instrumental support was relatively low. The physical activity levels of urban middle school girls were associated with the age and grade of the individual, the economic conditions of the family, and the highest level of education of the parents.

Conclusion

Family support significantly enhances urban middle school girls’ participation in physical activities. Higher parental education levels may reduce girls’ activity participation, while improved family economic conditions may decrease emotional support but increase informational support. The support of friends and teachers will make up for the decrease in family support. A school-based social support network is essential to address disparities in activity support and implement health intervention programs for middle school girls.
Psychometric evaluation of the exercise-related cognitive errors questionnaire among Chinese emerging adults
Authors: Guo Mengyao , Kuang Jin , Wang Ting , Herold Fabian , Taylor Alyx , Ng Jonathan Leo , Hossain M. Mahbub , Kramer Arthur F. , Schinke Robert , Cheng Zhihui , Zou Liye
Published: January 2025

Background

Cognitive errors involve negatively biased or distorted thinking patterns that can hinder effective decision-making. When such a phenomenon occurs in the exercise domain, this is referred to as exercise-related cognitive error. Such exercise-related cognitive errors are typically assessed via a questionnaire, but a validated instrument for the application in Chinese-speaking populations is lacking. Thus, this study aims to validate the Chinese version of the Exercise-related Cognitive Errors Questionnaire (E-CEQ-C) among Chinese emerging adults, a self-report measure to evaluate cognitive errors of context-relevant information related to exercise.

Methods

Following a forward-backward translation of the E-CEQ (N = 24 items), the E-CEQ-C and the Chinese version of the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest-C) for gathering evidence of criterion-related validity were administered among a sample of Chinese emerging adults (N = 376, 29.0% male) through an online survey. After a two-week interval, 105 out of 376 participants attended a re-test of the E-CEQ-C. Item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity were analyzed.

Results

The findings from the CFA support the 24-item informed six-factor structure among Chinese emerging adults (χ2 = 699.038, RMSEA = 0.073, CFI = 0.919, TLI = 0.904, and SRMR = 0.055). Cronbach’s α of the six dimensions of the E-CEQ-C were all above 0.7. The test–retest reliability coefficients of each subscale and total scale were acceptable, ranging from 0.60 to 0.81. In accordance with the literature, we also observed positive associations between the six dimensions of E-CEQ-C and the constructs of the CD-Quest-C, which provided concurrent validity evidence for the E-CEQ-C.

Conclusion

This study showed that E-CEQ-C is a psychometrically sound measure to assess exercise-related cognitive errors in Chinese-speaking populations.
Emotional contagion in adult English education: a self-narrative study of teacher–student interactions in Yangshuo County
Authors: Jiang Hongji
Published: January 2025

This study aims to explore the emotional contagion dynamics between adult English learners and their teacher, focusing on the interplay of positive and negative emotional expressions across different proficiency levels and the pivotal role of learners as emotional initiators in shaping teacher–student interactions. Using a self-narrative study method, qualitative data were collected through interviews, informal exchanges, and reflective teaching logs involving 10 adult English learners at a private language training institution in Yangshuo County, China. As both the teacher and researcher, I captured and analyzed emotional exchanges, identifying three negative emotions: students’ anxiety, which triggered self-doubt in the teacher; students’ confusion, which led to the teacher’s disappointment; and students’ discontent, which evoked anger in the teacher. In contrast, two positive emotions were observed among intermediate and advanced learners: students’ calm fostering the teacher’s tranquility, and students’ happiness bringing the teacher relief. The findings challenge traditional assumptions by identifying adult learners as primary initiators of emotional contagion, with teachers often responding to these emotional cues. This study highlights how cultural norms, such as face-saving in China, and institutional pressures reshape teacher–student emotional dynamics. It provides practical implications for emotional regulation, culturally sensitive pedagogy, and the integration of communicative and traditional teaching methods, offering a foundation for future research on emotions in adult language learning contexts.
The lived experience of Iranian adults from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—A qualitative study
Authors: Pourmoradian Samira , Haghighian-Roudsari Arezoo , Khoubbin Khoshnazar Tahereh Alsadat , Milani-Bonab Ali
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The widespread impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on human health causes sudden lifestyle changes, through social distancing and isolation at home, with social and economic consequences. This qualitative study aimed to identify the lived experiences of recovered adult patients from COVID-19 in Iran.

Methods

This qualitative research was conducted using a national phenomenological approach. The participants were patients who recovered from COVID-19 through their treatment period in the hospital or at home. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were applied for 45 participants who were invited using purposeful sampling and continued to achieve data saturation. The five-stage inductive process to analyze the structure of lived experience (IPSE) approach was used to analyze the data using MAXQDA 2020 software.

Results

According to the statements of the participants in the study, five types of experiences extracted during the period of suffering from the disease: nutritional problems, physical problems, the psychological burden caused by the disease, the supporting role of others in the disease tolerance, and the unpleasant and better experiences of the disease.

Discussion

Patients with COVID-19 disease experience many physical and psychosocial consequences which affect their quality of life. Therefore, sociopsychological support provided by psychologists and family members can have ameliorating effects in reducing disease consequences. Further interventional studies were needed to capture these aspects of diseases.
Challenges of community participation in health emergency and disaster risk management in an Iranian context: a qualitative study
Authors: Mahmodi Mohammad Azim , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Najafi Mehdi , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeel , Khankeh Hamid Reza
Published: January 2025

Background

Disasters are considered one of the major threats to the health of communities. Given the global spread of disasters, there has been a renewed emphasis in recent years on using community participation approaches in disaster risk management. Community participation in field of emergency and disaster health in Low and Middle-income countries faces a lot of challenges.

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore the specific challenges faced by communities in Iran concerning their participation in health emergency and disaster risk management.

Methods

In this study, a qualitative content analysis as research methodology was employed. Purposeful sampling was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024 among community members who were willing to participate and had experience collaborating during disasters. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s method. The rigor of the study was ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Each interview was recorded, transcribed into a word document, and then uploaded into MAXQDA (2020). A total of 23 interviews were conducted with 20 participants.

Results

There were 15 males and five females participating in the study including healthcare managers, academic people, and laypeople. Data analysis revealed nine distinct categories, which were grouped into three overarching themes based on their similarities. These themes addressed issues of insufficient risk perception, community traumatization, and poor social capital.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the multifaceted challenges that hinder effective community participation in health emergency and disaster risk management in Iran. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing community resilience and ensuring effective disaster preparedness. To overcome these challenges, it is imperative for policymakers, healthcare managers, and community leaders to collaborate and implement comprehensive strategies that foster community participation.
A comparative analysis of COVID-19 seroprevalence rates, observed infection rates, and infection-related mortality
Authors: Ford Eric W. , Patel Kunal N. , Baus Holly Ann , Valenti Shannon , Croker Jennifer A. , Kimberly Robert P. , Reis Steven E. , Memoli Matthew J.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for data-driven decision making in managing public health crises. This study aims to extend previous research by incorporating infection-related mortality (IRM) to evaluate the discrepancies between seroprevalence data and infection rates reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and to assess the implications for public health policy.

Study design

We conducted a comparative analysis of seroprevalence data collected as part of an NIH study and CDC-reported infection rates across ten U.S. regions, focusing on their correlation with IRM calculations.

Methods

The analysis includes a revision of prior estimates of IRM using updated seroprevalence rates. Correlations were calculated and their statistical relevance assessed.

Results

Findings indicate that COVID-19 is approximately 2.7 times more prevalent than what CDC infection data suggest. Utilizing the lower CDC-reported rates to calculate IRM leads to a significant overestimation by a factor of 2.7. When both seroprevalence and CDC infection data are combined, the overestimation of IRM increases to a factor of 3.79.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of integrating multiple data dimensions to accurately understand and manage public health emergencies. The results suggest that public health agencies should enhance their capacity for collecting and analyzing seroprevalence data regularly, given its stronger correlation with IRM than other estimates. This approach will better inform policy decisions and direct effective interventions.
Study of height-spread sporadic-E layers observed in the South American Magnetic Anomaly
Authors: Moro Juliano , Xu Jiyao , Bageston José Valentin , da Silva Lígia Alves , Resende Laysa Cristina Araújo , De Nardin Clezio Marcos , Andrioli Vânia Fátima , Santos Angela Machado , Picanço Giorgio Arlan da Silva , Li Hui , Zhengkuan Liu , Wang Chi , Schuch Nelson Jorge
Published: January 2025

Spread echoes from the E-region observed in ionograms obtained at high latitudes are generally classified as auroral sporadic-E (Esa) layers. These layers have also been detected in nighttime ionograms collected at some ionospheric stations in the South American Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA) region in Brazil during the recovery phases of geomagnetic storms. However, similar echoes have also been observed in the SAMA during geomagnetically quiet periods or daytime, which are not caused by energetic particle precipitation. Therefore, investigating the occurrence of these spread echoes over a longer period, rather than focusing solely on case studies, has become important. Thus, this study aims to analyze the occurrences of spread echoes from the E-region, referred to here for the first time as “Height-Spread Es (HSEs) layers.” The analysis is based on Digisonde data obtained at the Santa Maria station (29.7° S, 53.8° W, ∼22.000 nT) in Brazil over 1 year (2019/2020). The study initially presents examples of these traces on ionograms and then examines their occurrence rates over several time intervals (hours, months, seasons). Among other findings, the statistical analysis reveals that the occurrence rate of HSEs layers is 9.8% during the analyzed period. The HSEs layers appeared predominantly at night and under geomagnetically quiet conditions. Most HSEs layers lasted between 1 h and 3 h 30 min, with a peak incidence during November, December, and January. Finally, the study discusses the most likely mechanisms responsible for HSEs layer formation, considering the geomagnetic conditions and time of their detection on ionograms.
Optimizing athletic engagement and performance of obese students: an adaptive approach through basketball in physical education
Authors: Slimi Oumayma , Muscella Antonella , Marsigliante Santo , Bahloul Mourad , Badicu Georgian , Alghannam Abdullah F. , Yagin Fatma Hilal
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Obesity in adolescents is associated with reduced physical activity and athletic engagement, highlighting the need for tailored physical education programs. This study evaluated the effects of a 7-week adapted basketball program on the performance and athletic engagement of students with obesity.

Methods

Sixty-two students with obesity (23 boys, 39 girls, aged 15-17) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 30; 11 boys, 19 girls) participating in adapted basketball sessions or a control group (CG, n = 32; 12 boys, 20 girls) attending standard basketball lessons. Both groups completed 52-minute sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included a questionnaire evaluating perceptions of physical education and athletic performance during final matches.

Results

The EG showed significant improvements in interest, motivation (p < 0.05), perceived competence (p < 0.001), and reduced exercise difficulty (p < 0.001). Perceived fitness levels increased significantly only in EG girls (p = 0.013). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the CG before and after the intervention for any of the parameters. During matches, the EG outperformed the CG, with more successful shots (girls: p = 0.0004; boys: p = 0.012), fewer missed shots (girls: p = 0.033; boys: p = 0.046), and more successful passes (p = 0.032, η² = 0.042).

Discussion

These results demonstrate that adapted physical education programs can serve as effective interventions for improving physical activity and promoting inclusion among adolescents with obesity while also serving as a preventive measure against obesity.
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals causal relationship between tonsillectomy and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Liu Huaiquan , Shao Shuoshuo , Chen Bo , Yang Shili , Zhang Xinyan
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study used two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to evaluate the causal relationship between tonsillectomy and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

We selected tonsillectomy as the exposure factor and IBS as the outcome variable, using GWAS data from the IEU Open GWAS project. Instrumental variables (IVs) were SNPs strongly correlated and independent of tonsillectomy. MR-PRESSO was used for outlier removal. IVW was the primary MR analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger regression, WM, WME, and simple mode. Cochran's Q tests assessed heterogeneity. MR-Egger intercept tested horizontal pleiotropy. Sensitivity analysis used a leave-one-out method.

Results

The IVW analysis indicated a positive association between genetically predicted tonsillectomy and IBS (OR = 1.682, 95% CI: 1.157–2.446, P = 0.006). Heterogeneity tests revealed the presence of heterogeneity at the SNPs (Cochran Q test, P = 3.13 × 10−5. The MR-Egger intercept test did not detect horizontal pleiotropy (egger_intercept = 0.000914, P = 0.789). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the stability of the results. All F-statistics were greater than 10, indicating the absence of weak instrument bias.

Conclusion

Genetics predicts a positive causal relationship between tonsillectomy and IBS, suggesting that prevention of IBS in tonsillectomy patients should be enhanced.
Grooming Risk Factors in Adolescents with Abuse Histories: Insights from Chilean Reparative Programs
Authors: Melo Laclote Pamela , Martínez-Líbano Jonathan , Céspedes Cristian , Fuentealba-Urra Sergio , Ramírez Nicolás Santander , Lara Roberto Iturra , Yeomans-Cabrera María-Mercedes
Published: January 2025

The increasing use of digital platforms by adolescents has brought to light critical vulnerabilities related to online grooming. This study explores the risk factors associated with grooming among adolescents aged 12 to 17 years enrolled in a Reparative Program for Abuse in Chile. Using a non-experimental, quantitative, exploratory cross-sectional design, a sample of 50 adolescents was evaluated. Data collection employed validated instruments, including the Okasha Scale for Suicidality (EOS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Subjective Well-being Scale (EBS-8), and the Online Grooming Risk Scale (OGR-S). Findings revealed significant associations between grooming and variables such as excessive cellphone use, number of virtual social networks, lack of social connections, economic hardships, and depressive symptoms. Regression analysis highlighted that adolescents with unrestricted internet access, poor social interaction skills in face-to-face contexts, and exposure to environmental risk factors exhibit a heightened likelihood of experiencing grooming. These results underscore the necessity for targeted preventive interventions and policy enhancements to safeguard adolescents in vulnerable circumstances.
Research on a New Multifunctional Cell Sample Automatic Culture Device for Use in the Chinese Space Station
Authors: Shi Kui , Yang Hongtao , Zhang Wei , Chen Weining , Yan Aqi , Peng Jianwei
Published: January 2025

In order to meet the needs of scientific research in space medicine and biology, a new multifunctional automated cell sample culture device for a Chinese space station has been designed. The temperature and carbon dioxide concentration are adjustable, making it convenient for cell culture in microgravity environments of the space station. A centrifuge is used to simulate the microgravity environment, allowing for synchronous gravity and microgravity comparison during cell culture. An automated focusing visible light microscope has been designed, capable of real-time photography of cultured cells, which can receive ground commands to complete automatic focusing and image transmission. The thermal design of the cell sample culture device uses an air heating method, and the rationality of the thermal control measures has been verified through thermal simulation analysis. The designed cell sample preparation device can monitor and display the cell growth environment parameters and device performance parameters in real time on orbit. It can also control the internal temperature within the temperature range required for cell culture. Thus, it can meet the urgent needs of various cell cultures, experiments, and scientific research on a Chinese space station.