bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating behavioral engagement among higher education’s prospective students through social media marketing activities: The role of brand equity as mediator
Authors: Ruangkanjanases Athapol , Sivarak Ornlatcha , Wibowo Ardy , Chen Shih-Chih
Published: October 2022

In today’s competitive environment, higher education needs to find an effective way to convey its brand to prospective students. Given that the “digital native” (Gen Z) is becoming college aged, social media marketing has become an essential approach to engage with them. However, blasting out recruiting content on its social feeds just isn’t working. By developing the higher education adjusted SMMA, structural equation modeling was adopted to figure out its effects on higher education brand equity and prospective student behavioral engagement, quantitatively. 356 3rd grade high school students in Indonesia were employed to assess the structural model. According to the findings of this study, SMMA has a considerable influence on brand equity and behavioral engagement, and brand equity has a noteworthy effect on behavioral engagement. Moreover, brand equity was found as a statistically meaningful mediator in the relationship between SMMA and behavioral engagement. The outcome advised the higher education need to organize its social in fun and interactive ways by leveraging higher education’s SMMA as a pillar or benchmark on arranging social media posts and content. Yet, the content and posts should still need prioritize institution awareness and the good image of a higher education. The theoretical and managerial implication were discussed further.
Parent-reported quality of life in children with cochlear implants differs across countries
Authors: Warner-Czyz Andrea D. , Nelson Jackie A. , Kumar Roshini , Crow Sarah
Published: October 2022

Pediatric cochlear implantation affects communication skills and quality of life, specifically how children interact with others and feel about themselves. Numerous studies worldwide examine well-being among pediatric cochlear implant users, but none to date compare condition-specific quality of life across countries. This retrospective study compares parent-reported cochlear implant-specific quality of life summary data across 14 published studies spanning 11 countries and 9 languages. Sample size ranged from 7 to 370 participants, and children across studies varied in mean chronologic age (3.1–12.2 years), implantation age (1.5–4.6 years), and cochlear implant experience (1.3–8.2 years). Parents completed the Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives (CCIPP) questionnaire, an instrument assessing parent-reported cochlear implant-specific quality of life, in their home language. Analysis of variance tests were run for each CCIPP subscale across studies using summary data to determine significant differences between published manuscripts. Across countries, parents of children with cochlear implants appraise communication, social relations, and self-reliance most positively, and the effects of implantation and supporting the child least positively. Cross-country analyses revealed a significant effect of study (country) on quality of life ratings in each domain, with the largest differences in the communication domain. Limited access to implant-related accommodations, cultural awareness of hearing loss, and varying parent expectations may explain country differences in parental ratings of quality of life. Culturally sensitive psychoeducation for the entire family may foster improved life satisfaction for pediatric cochlear implant users and their families.
Research on the cultivation of sustainable development ability of higher vocational students by creative thinking teaching method
Authors: Li Xin-Zhu , Chen Chun-Ching , Kang Xin
Published: October 2022

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is an important guideline for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students' creative thinking can be applied to various disciplines, promoting sustainable learning. Most of Taiwan's beauty and hairdressing technical education teachers mainly teach students to imitate, and students' works lack creativity and thinking. A total of 43 higher vocational college students participated, 23 of whom were in the experimental group using the creative thinking teaching method and 20 of whom were in the control group using the traditional teaching method. The results show that the creative thinking teaching method can effectively improve students' learning outcomes in the multimedia material creation course, including breaking through the limitation of thinking, putting forward different ideas and answers, and constantly innovating, to make the presented results more creative and meaningful. The creative thinking teaching methods solve students' trouble in creative problem solving, enhance students' problem solving and critical thinking skills, and improve students' involvement in the study.
Technology obsolescence across the adult lifespan in a USA internet sample
Authors: Gray Nicholas , Charness Neil
Published: October 2022

We know that older adults are less likely to own certain technological devices, such as smartphones, a technology now integral to telehealth. However, for those older adults who do own devices, we know very little about how their devices may differ from those of younger adults. The age of a device can determine the types of programs it can run, as well as the level of protection it has against malicious code. The following study is an attempt to understand the ages of devices owned by different demographic groups. An electronic survey was sent to American adults from ages 19–97, querying the types of devices they own, how old those devices are, when they plan on replacing them, and demographic information. Regression models were employed to determine the factors that predict device ownership and the age of the devices owned. We replicate the finding that older adults are less likely to own certain devices, like smartphones and laptops. However, they may be more likely to own more dated devices, such as non-smart mobile phones. Models of device age showed that older adults are more likely to own older smartphones, as well as older desktop and laptop computers. Thus, older adults may be more susceptible to hacking, due to obsolete technology. In some cases, they also may not have devices modern enough for technology-based health interventions. Thus, obsolete devices may present an additional barrier for adoption of technology-based interventions by older adults.
Contemporary and dynamic effects of socio-economic factors on physical (in)activity: Does intensity matter?
Authors: García-Witulski Christian M.
Published: October 2022

Objective

This paper identifies varying contemporary and dynamic effects of socio-economic factors on individuals' decisions to allocate their time to physical activities when the intensity of these activities comes into play.

Methods

Based on repeated cross-sectional data sourced from the Argentinean National Risk Factor Surveys of 2005, 2009, and 2013, we developed 18 fictitious cohorts to set up a pseudo panel. To address endogeneity problems, four econometric specifications were estimated: OLS, Heckman two-stage model, fixed- and random-effects models.

Results

We find that changes in the opportunity cost of time are highly significant and provide shifts in individuals' decisions regarding the allocation of their time to physical activity consumption. When considering the intensity at which physical activities are consumed, increased income impacts less, suggesting that individuals faced with a wage increase reduce the time of consumption but increase its intensity. An interesting finding is that employed people consume more physical activity than inactive individuals. This indicates that the substitution effect produced by an increase in the wage rate is less than the income effect. Additionally, the increase in the coefficient of employed persons is greater when the intensity factor is considered, indicating that for employed individuals a trade-off between time and intensity is generated. We also found that higher levels of education increase the probability of participating in physical activities, but decrease the time spent in such activities. Furthermore, there are heterogeneous impacts on physical activity consumption between males and females, which can be observed in the strong effect of household production for women with at least one child. Finally, such impacts remain in a variety of estimated specifications.

Conclusions

These results may be useful in order to suggest some tools for the design of interventions that are aimed at increasing participation in physical activities.
Investigating socioecological obesogenic factors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kim TaeEung , Kwon Eun Hye
Published: October 2022

Obesity-related information in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is limited, and research findings are contradictory. Thus, this study aimed to use a nationwide non-clinical sample to examine the association of sociological factors with overweight status in children with ASD and reveal the degree of differences in the risk factors for overweight in children with and without ASD. The data for this cross-sectional study, based on the modified ecological system theory model, were obtained from the 2019 National Survey of Children's Health. The weighted logistic regressions were performed to determine the factors associated with overweight status in children with ASD, controlling for demographics, physical activity-related behaviors, and family and environmental conditions. A total of 529 children were identified (mean age 13.78 years, 83.21% boys). Two-parent households, less healthy parents and households, households with smokers, poor sleep quality, and greater participation in organized activities were associated with a higher likelihood of overweight in children with ASD (all P < 0.05). The determinants of obesity among children with ASD go beyond the individual level; family and community support are important. Therefore, greater attention should be directed toward the families of children with ASD and community-level administrative policies to improve quality of life by preventing or reducing obesity in children with ASD.
Using implementation mapping to develop strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases in Japanese small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Odawara Miyuki , Saito Junko , Yaguchi-Saito Akiko , Fujimori Maiko , Uchitomi Yosuke , Shimazu Taichi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Workplace programs to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the workplace can help prevent the incidence of chronic diseases among employees, provide health benefits, and reduce the risk of financial loss. Nevertheless, these programs are not fully implemented, particularly in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study was to develop implementation strategies for health promotion activities to prevent NCDs in Japanese SMEs using Implementation Mapping (IM) to present the process in a systematic, transparent, and replicable manner.

Methods

Qualitative methods using interviews and focus group discussions with 15 SMEs and 20 public health nurses were conducted in a previous study. This study applied the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and IM to analyze this dataset to develop implementation strategies suitable for SMEs in Japan.

Results

In task 2 of the IM, we identified performance objectives, determinants, and change objectives for each implementation stage: adoption, implementation, and maintenance; to identify the required actors and actions necessary to enhance implementation effectiveness. Twenty-two performance objectives were identified in each implementation stage. In task 3 of the IM, the planning group matched behavioral change methods (e.g., modeling and setting of graded tasks, framing, self-re-evaluation, and environmental re-evaluation) with determinants to address the performance objectives. We used a consolidated framework for implementation research to select the optimal behavioral change technique for performance objectives and determinants and designed a practical application. The planning team agreed on the inclusion of sixteen strategies from the final strategies list compiled and presented to it for consensus, for the overall implementation plan design.

Discussion

This paper provides the implementation strategies for NCDs prevention for SMEs in Japan following an IM protocol. Although the identified implementation strategies might not be generalizable to all SMEs planning implementation of health promotion activities, because they were tailored to contextual factors identified in a formative research. However, identified performance objectives and implementation strategies can help direct the next steps in launching preventive programs against NCDs in SMEs.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupoint for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wei Ying , Yuan Nairong , Dong Yan , Wang Lixia , Ding Jiru
Published: October 2022

Background

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over an acupoint (acu-TENS), a new technique applied in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, has been gradually used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effects of acu-TENS have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, this review was conducted to assess the effects of acu-TENS on COPD.

Methods

A total of seven electronic databases were searched from their inception to September 2021 for randomized controlled trials of acu-TENS for COPD. Two investigators independently performed data extraction and methodological quality assessment. Heterogeneity was examined by Cochrane χ2 and I2 tests. The source of heterogeneity was investigated by subgroup analysis or sensitivity analysis.

Results

In our review, ten studies between 2008 and 2021 were included. The aggregated results indicated that acu-TENS showed positive effects in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) [MD = 0.13 L, 95% CI (0.11–0.16), P < 0.00001], FEV1% predicted [MD = 5.92%, 95% CI (3.43–8.41), P < 0.00001], 6-min walk distance (6MWD) [MD = 14.68m, 95% CI (6.92–22.44), P = 0.0002], dyspnea visual analog scale (DVAS) [MD = −7.58, 95%CI (−14.33 to −0.84), P = 0.03], modified Borg scale (MBS) [MD = −0.46, 95% CI (−0.86 to −0.06), P = 0.03], and COPD assessment test (CAT) [MD = −4.25, 95% CI (−5.24 to −3.27), P < 0.00001]. Although six studies reported adverse effects, only one patient had shoulder pain after acu-TENS.

Conclusion

Acu-TENS seems to be effective in improving pulmonary function and health status in patients with COPD, with little effect on exercise capacity and dyspnea. However, this result should be interpreted with caution, and high-quality RCTs were needed for further verification.
Chronic health effects associated with electronic cigarette use: A systematic review
Authors: Wasfi Rania A. , Bang Felix , de Groh Margaret , Champagne Andre , Han Arum , Lang Justin J. , McFaull Steven R. , Melvin Alexandria , Pipe Andrew Lawrence , Saxena Shika , Thompson Wendy , Warner Emily , Prince Stephanie A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Over the last decade, e-cigarette use has been on the rise but with growing health concerns. The objective of this systematic review was to update findings for chronic health outcomes associated with e-cigarette use from the 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report.

Methods

Three bibliographic databases were searched to identify studies comparing the chronic health effects of e-cigarette users (ECU) to non-smokers (NS), smokers, and/or dual users indexed between 31 August 2017 and 29 January 2021. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Data were extracted by one reviewer and verified by a second one. Outcomes were synthesized in a narrative manner using counts and based on statistical significance and direction of the association stratified by study design and exposure type. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence was assessed. The protocol was prospectively registered on Open Science Framework https://osf.io/u9btp.

Results

A total of 180 articles were eligible. This review focused on 93 studies for the 11 most frequently reported outcomes and from which 59 reported on daily e-cigarette use. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was very low because of study design (84% cross-sectional) and exposure type (27% reported on exclusive ECU, i.e., never smoked traditional cigarettes). Overall, the summary of results for nearly all outcomes, including inflammation, immune response, periodontal and peri-implant clinical parameters, lung function, respiratory symptoms, and cardiovascular disease, suggested either non-significant or mixed results when daily ECU was compared to NS. This was also observed when comparing exclusive ECU to NS. The only notable exception was related to oral health where most (11/14) studies reported significantly higher inflammation among daily ECU vs. NS. Compared to the smokers, the exclusive-ECUs had no statistically significant differences in inflammation orperiodontal clinical parameters but had mixed findings for peri-implant clinical parameters.

Conclusions

This review provides an update to the 2018 NASEM report on chronic health effects of e-cigarette use. While the number of studies has grown, the certainty of evidence remains very low largely because of cross-sectional designs and lack of reporting on exclusive e-cigarette exposure. There remains a need for higher quality intervention and prospective studies to assess causality, with a focus on exclusive e-cigarette use.
Analysis of upper atmospheric effects on material per onboard atomic oxygen monitor system of SLATS
Authors: Kimoto Yugo , Tsuchiya Yuta , Miyazaki Eiji , Goto Aki , Yukumatsu Kazuki , Imamura Shunsuke
Published: October 2022

JAXA has proposed an innovative idea for satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The Super-Low Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS), also known as TSUBAME, is the first Earth observation satellite to occupy a Super-Low Orbit (S-LEO) or Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), below 300 km. The purposes of SLATS are 1) testing the maintenance of the satellite’s altitude with its ion engine against high atmospheric drag at a super-low altitude, 2) acquiring data on atmospheric density and atomic oxygen (AO), and 3) testing optical Earth observation. SLATS was successfully launched on 23 December 2017. SLATS was then altitude-controlled for 636 days to 271.7 km using chemical thrusters, aerodynamic drag, and ion engine propulsion. SLATS finally maintained its orbit of 167.4 km for 7 days and finished its operation on 1 October 2019. All the SLATS and Atomic oxygen MOnitor (AMO) data was acquired during these operations. The AMO is one of the mission sensors that monitor AO and its effects on spacecraft materials. The data from the AMO contributes to the choice of materials in future S-LEO satellite design. The data obtained by the AMO are valuable in that they provide considerable knowledge on AO fluence and its effects on space materials. A precise atmospheric density model and atmospheric composition model are indispensable for predicting the trajectory or re-entry of debris in orbit. Atmospheric models such as NRLMSISE-00, JB 2008, and DTM2013 have been developed, but few studies compare these models and the actual atmospheric environment in LEO. The average atmospheric density obtained from SLATS is lower than the value predicted by the atmospheric models (NRLMSISE-00, JB 2008, and DTM 2013). Understanding the model’s accuracy will contribute to the orbit control of future S-LEO satellites and the orbit prediction and control of debris in LEO.
To Excel in Sport, Take Care of Your 5Cs!
Authors: Harwood Chris , Steptoe Karl
Published: October 2022

Youth sport offers an important opportunity for young people to develop their technical and physical skills. However, these are not the only important elements of performance. A young athlete’s mental and social skills are vital for coping with some of the challenges that sport brings. In this article, we introduce you to the 5Cs—a new method used by coaches to help develop mental and social skills in their athletes. We describe the behaviors that we see in athletes who show high levels of the 5Cs: commitment, communication, concentration, control, and confidence. We discuss how recent research with youth football coaches has helped them to apply coaching strategies and techniques to aid the development of these important qualities in young athletes and their teammates.
Take it or leave it? Investigating the ambivalence and willingness to pay for suboptimal fruits and vegetables among organic consumers in Germany
Authors: Puteri Berlianti , Buttlar Benjamin , Jahnke Benedikt
Published: October 2022

Organic fruits and vegetables are often visually “suboptimal” because organic farming uses neither pesticides nor synthetic fertilisers to improve the cosmetic appearance of the produce. Despite the organic sector's natural and sustainable image, such foods often never reach the market or are left on the shelf, greatly increasing food waste. The current work hypothesised that an important factor in the rejection of suboptimal food is consumers' experience of ambivalence regarding these products. Data were collected through an online survey of (occasional) organic consumers in Germany (n = 493), including an online mouse-tracking experiment. We investigated the interplay of ambivalence with environmental concerns and attitudes towards suboptimal food that influence people's willingness to pay (WTP) for suboptimal fruits and vegetables. Our findings suggest that environmentally concerned consumers have more favourable attitudes and experience less ambivalence towards suboptimal food. Only subjective ambivalence was found to be directly associated with consumers' WTP, however, while attitudes were not. Based on these results, we propose measures for policymakers and food retailers to reduce such ambivalence and thus increase organic consumers' acceptance for suboptimal food.
Effects of biochar and ligneous soil amendments on greenhouse gas exchange during extremely dry growing season in a Finnish cropland
Authors: Kulmala Liisa , Peltokangas Kenneth , Heinonsalo Jussi , Pihlatie Mari , Laurila Tuomas , Liski Jari , Lohila Annalea
Published: October 2022

Organic soil amendments such as manure, biochar and compost are among the most efficient and widely used methods to increase soil carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. Even though their benefits are well known, many wood-derived materials are not yet utilized in Nordic agriculture due to a lack of incentives and knowledge of their effects in the local climate. We studied greenhouse gas exchange, plant growth and soil properties of a clay soil cultivated with oat in southern Finland in an extremely dry year. Two years earlier, the field was treated with three ligneous soil amendments—lime-stabilized fiber from the pulp industry, willow biochar and spruce biochar—which we compared against fertilized and non-fertilized controls. We found that the soil amendments increased porosity and the mean soil water holding capacity, which was most noticeable in plots amended with spruce biochar. There was a trend indicating that the mean yield and overall biomass production were larger in plots with soil amendments; however, the difference to unamended control was seldom significant due to the high variance among replicates. Manual chamber measurements revealed that carbon dioxide and methane exchange rates were reduced most probably by the exceptionally hot and dry weather conditions, but no differences could be found between the amended and unamended treatments. The nitrous oxide emissions were significantly smaller from the vegetated soil amended with willow biochar compared with the unamended control. Emissions from non-vegetated soil, representing heterotrophic respiration, were similar but without significant differences between treatments. Overall, the studied soil amendments indicated positive climatic impact two years after their application, but further research is needed to conclusively characterize the specific effects of organic soil amendments on processes affecting greenhouse gas exchange and plant growth.
The Entrepreneurs: Dairy farmer perspectives on finding an industry solution for the surplus calf issue—A participatory case study
Authors: Proudfoot Kathryn L. , Hendricks Jillian , Higgins Amy , Roche Steven , Ritter Caroline , Renaud David L. , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G.
Published: October 2022

Current systems for managing surplus dairy calves are wrought with ethical and animal welfare concerns. Resolving complex problems in the dairy industry requires engagement from dairy farmers and other stakeholders. The main objective of this case study was to pilot a novel methodology to deepen our understanding of how dairy producers envision the future of surplus calves in Atlantic Canada, including identifying who they felt were important to speak to as they discussed this topic. A second objective was to understand the perspectives of a key group the producers requested to speak to, representing a variety of dairy industry partners, including veterinarians, genetics companies, and animal welfare scientists amongst others (referred to as the allied industry) on the future of surplus calves. To reach these objectives, we used an inclusive participatory approach that, to our knowledge, has not yet been applied to the surplus calf issue. This approach included a series of five participatory group discussions with volunteer dairy farmers from Atlantic Canada; the allied industry group was invited to two group discussions. Participants discussed the feasibility of creating a dairy beef system as a potential solution to the surplus dairy calf issue. During the discussions, participants were encouraged to make requests to speak to individuals that would help them design a dairy beef system. Audio-recorded transcripts were subjected to inductive qualitative content analysis where short descriptors were assigned to pieces of the discussion relevant to study objectives. Four key themes from the discussions included: (1) challenges with surplus calf production on the dairy farm, such as a lack of knowledge about what type of calf would be desired by the marketplace, (2) the role of leadership and partnership in the creation of a dairy beef system, including the need to overcome communication barriers between different stakeholders, (3) post-farm gate aspects of surplus calf production, including the desire to cater to a local market, and (4) ensuring that the proposed system is economically and socially viable. Knowledge gained from this type of participatory engagement can help stakeholders align their goals to resolve complex issues such as surplus calf management.
Suppression of weed and insect populations by living cover crop mulches in organic squash production
Authors: Bruce Dylan , Silva Erin M. , Dawson J. C.
Published: October 2022

Living mulch systems can provide multiple agronomic and ecosystem benefits, including reducing erosion and decreasing weed and pest pressure. However, inconsistent yields and lack of best practices for weed and pest management have contributed to their lack of adoption by farmers. In 2018 and 2019, living mulch practices for organic zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) production were assessed in Wisconsin on certified organic land. Living mulches of Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and a mix of Dutch white clover and annual ryegrass were compared with full tillage cultivated ground and straw mulch controls for effect on yield, fruit marketability, weed and pest counts, and weed management time. Mixed species living mulch, cultivated, and straw mulch treatments were consistently higher yielding than clover treatments, while ryegrass had variable results. No differences were observed in the number of squash bug (Anasa tristis) egg clusters per plant across mulch treatments, but clover treatments had fewer adult squash bugs, with ryegrass and mixed species living mulches also trending lower. Lower counts of striped cucumber beetles (Acalymma trivittatum) were also observed in living mulch treatments. Ryegrass and mixed species living mulches were generally more weed suppressive than clover and cultivated aisles, although living mulch treatments generally had more weeds than straw mulched aisles, apart from comparable suppression of grass weeds for ryegrass in 2019. Time required for weed management was greater for the living mulch treatments than straw, while cultivated treatments took longer to manage than all other treatments in 2019 and longer than ryegrass and straw in 2018. Despite higher weed counts in clover than in cultivated aisles in 2019, all living mulches required less time for weed management than cultivation, indicating that managing living mulches with mowing can be more efficient than hand cultivation, even with higher weed counts. Our results support previous evidence that certain living mulch species may reduce pest and weed pressure, but also reinforces that living mulch systems can negatively impact yield depending on species selection and environment.
Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection vs. transanal total mesorectal excision in overweight patients with low rectal cancer
Authors: Li Zhengbiao , Wang Qi , Feng Qingbo , Wang Xingqin , Xu Fujian , Xie Ming
Published: October 2022

Objective

Anus-preserving surgery in overweight patients with low rectal cancer has been a challenge due to the narrow operating space. Intersphincteric resection (ISR) was once a standard therapeutic option for low rectal cancer. The effectiveness of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in treating this group of patients remains uncertain as a new surgical strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of taTME with ISR in overweight patients with low rectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 53 patients with low rectal cancer were treated with taTME in 31 cases and ISR in 22 cases. The surgery-related data, pathological manifestations of surgical specimens, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications were compared.

Results

Patients in both groups completed the surgery successfully. There were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss, anastomotic distance from the anal verge and ileostomy between the two groups (P > 0.05). TaTME group performed or virtually finished resection of the rectal mesentery, and no positive cases of Circumferential Resection Margin (CRM) or Distal Resection Margin (DRM) were detected in either group. The number of lymph nodes found in surgical specimens did not change significantly between the two groups (P = 0.391). In the subgroup analysis, however, more lymph nodes were detected in female patients undergoing taTME than in male patients (P = 0.028). The ISR group took less time to remove the drainage tubes (P = 0.013) and the same results were obtained in both groups of male patients in the subgroup analysis (P = 0.011). There were no statistically significant differences in time to start liquid diet, time to remove catheters, time to start flatus, time to begin ambulation, postoperative hospital stay, and readmission within 30 days after surgery between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, female patients in the taTME group were initiated ambulation earlier than males in the subgroup analysis (P = 0.034). The difference was insignificant in the occurrence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

taTME is safe and feasible for the treatment of overweight patients with low rectal cancer.
Patellofemoral arthroplasty in combination with high tibial osteotomy can achieve good outcome for patients with medial-patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Authors: Peng Yonggang , Lin Wei , Zhang Yufeng , Wang Fei
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of our study is to report on the clinical outcomes of patients who undergoing patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) in combination with a high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Due to this procedure's conservative and kinematics-preserving characteristics, we hypothesized that PFA in combination with HTO would result in good clinical outcomes in patients with medial and patellofemoral compartment osteoarthritis (MPFOA).

Methods

Patients who underwent PFA in combination with HTO for MPFOA from January 2018 to April 2020 were included in the study. Clinical outcomes were analyzed by comparing the Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, Range of Motion, and Forgotten Joint Score before and after the procedure. Radiological evaluations were also performed to assess the tibiofemoral osteoarthritis progression and implant loosening. For all tests, the value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of nine consecutive patients who underwent PFA in combination with HTO were included. Two were males, seven were females. The average follow-up period was 2.6 ± 0.4 years. Clinical outcomes showed a significant improvement in the Knee Society Score (clinical score: 90.3 ± 8.5 and function score: 90.8 ± 7.8), Oxford Knee Score (43.6 ± 3.6), Forgotten Joint Score (71.2 ± 10.2), and knee Range of Motion (130.4 ± 8.1°) at the final follow-up. Additionally, hip–knee–ankle angle significantly decreased from −9.3 ± 2.1° preoperatively to 2.2 ± 1.2° at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). There were no complications for any patient during the follow-up time.

Conclusion

This study shows that patients who underwent PFA in combination with HTO for the treatment of MPFOA achieved good clinical and radiological outcomes. This combined surgery could be an effective alternative to treat MPFOA in well-selected patients.
Ryanodine receptor-active non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls cause neurobehavioral deficits in larval zebrafish
Authors: Yaghoobi Bianca , Miller Galen W. , Holland Erika B. , Li Xueshu , Harvey Danielle , Li Shuyang , Lehmler Hans-Joachim , Pessah Isaac N. , Lein Pamela J.
Published: October 2022

Although their production was banned in the United States in 1977, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continue to pose significant risks to the developing nervous system. Perinatal exposure to PCBs is associated with increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, perhaps due to altered patterns of dendritic arborization of central neurons. Non-dioxin-like (NDL) PCB congeners enhance dendritic arborization of developing mammalian neurons via sensitization of ryanodine receptors (RYR). Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of RYR sensitization by PCBs have been demonstrated using mammalian and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) tissue homogenates. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this SAR translates to developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) of PCBs in vivo, a question that has yet to be tested. To address this gap, we leveraged a zebrafish model to evaluate the developmental neurotoxicity potential of PCBs 28, 66, 84, 95, 138, and 153, congeners previously shown to have broadly different potencies towards sensitizing RYR. We first confirmed that these PCB congeners exhibited differing potency in sensitizing RYR in zebrafish muscle ranging from negligible (PCB 66) to moderate (PCB 153) to high (PCB 95) RYR activity. Next, enzymatically dechorionated embryos were statically exposed to varying concentrations (0.1–10 μM) of each PCB congener from 6 h post-fertilization to 5 days post-fertilization (dpf). Embryos were observed daily using stereomicroscopy to assess mortality and gross malformations and photomotor behavior was assessed in larval zebrafish at 3, 4, and 5 dpf. The body burden of each PCB was measured by gas chromatography. The key findings are: 1) None of these PCBs caused death or overt teratology at the concentrations tested; 2) A subset of these PCB congeners altered photomotor behavior in larval zebrafish and the SAR for PCB behavioral effects mirrored the SAR for RYR sensitization; and 3) Quantification of PCB levels in larval zebrafish ruled out the possibility that congener-specific effects on behavior were due to differential uptake of PCB congeners. Collectively, the findings from this study provide in vivo evidence in support of the hypothesis that RYR sensitization contributes to the DNT of PCBs.
Factors Affecting COVID-19 Testing Behaviours Among the Population in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Amoo Olufemi Samuel , Tijani Bosun , Onuigbo Tochukwu Ifeanyi , Oraegbu Joy Isioma , Kareithi Dorcas Njeri , Obi Josephine Chioma , Adeniji Esther Temilade , Dosunmu Adenike Aderonke , Karera Steven , Filani Temi , Akinreni Temidayo , Ezike Emmanuella , Owoseni Kehinde , Audu Rosemary Ajuma , Salako Babatunde Lawal
Published: October 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the factors affecting testing behaviours amongst the population in Ondo and Lagos States.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 704 individuals who were considered eligible for COVID-19 testing in 4 local governments in Lagos (307) and Ondo (397) states in Nigeria, was conducted from April-June 2021. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling. A close-ended questionnaire was administered using a digital survey platform known as SurveyCTO. Data were analyzed using R 4.1.0.

Results: In Lagos state, 52.4% were females, 47.2% were males while in Ondo, 55.2% were females, 44.6% were male. Chi-square tests of association revealed that socio demographic factors significantly associated with testing patterns was education level in Lagos, and none in Ondo. Testing behavior associated with testing patterns included awareness of nearby COVID-19 testing centers, internet access, knowledge of preexisting conditions and having another member of the family testing positive at 5% significance level.

Conclusion: Knowledge of pre-existing conditions, knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, and knowing where to go when having symptoms were significantly associated with testing and willingness to test.
Socio-cultural process as a category of cultural discourse
Authors:   Academy of Marketing and Social and Information Technologies, Krasnodar, Petrov I.F. , Petrova S.I. ,   Academy of Marketing and Social and Information Technologies, Krasnodar
Published: October 2022

At the moments of bifurcations, random social factors prevail, ensuring the multivariance of social development. The socio-cultural processes taking place in society represent a complex self-organizing system. Socio-cultural changes occur when the previous ordering of social ties does not guarantee the effectiveness of the functioning of the system. The article is devoted to the analysis of various points of view on the socio-cultural process and its determinants. It is shown that society, as a self-rganizing system, constantly changes regimes, implements variability at different social levels. Socio-cultural changes lead to the transformation of society in its morphology, the creation of social forms and structures. Their determinants are mass actions of people. The interpretation of the socio-cultural process reflects the evolution of socio-philosophical thinking. In most approaches, researchers were based on the belief that the laws of the social world are similar to the laws of nature, that society dominates the individual. One of the main features of socio-cultural processes, since they belong to a wide class of self-organization processes, is that they do not have a permanent structure over time and that the changes occurring in them are mostly spontaneous and only partially depend on external influences.
Effect of Washing on the Storage Stability of Selaroides leptolepis and Aristichthys nobilis Surimi
Authors: SIAH W.M.
Published: October 2022

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of washing and storage on the quality of Selaroides leptolepis and Aristichthys nobilis surimi kept at -20°C for 24 weeks. Surimi was prepared from unwashed, once-washed and twice-washed minces. Analyses conducted include changes in texture profile, expressible moisture, color, elasticity, moisture content, pH, salt-soluble protein, trimethylamine, total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid. Results showed that twice-washed surimi of both species were generally more stable than once-washed and unwashed surimi. The storage quality in terms of texture, color, elasticity, moisture content, pH and salt soluble protein values for all samples showed significant decreases during storage. There were increases in expressible moisture, trimethylamine, total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid.
Comparative Growth of Brown-Marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal) and Camouflage Grouper E. polyphekadion (Bleeker) Under Hatchery and Growout Culture Conditions
Authors: JAMES C.M.
Published: October 2022

The growth of the brown marbled grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal) and the camouflage grouper E. polyphekadion (Bleeker) was evaluated under hatchery, nursery and growout culture conditions in the hypersaline waters off the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Under hatchery culture conditions, the growth of E. fuscoguttatus larvae was significantly faster (P<0.05) than that of E. polyphekadion after day 30 and larval metamorphosis initiated from day 35 onwards in E. f1,scog1Lttatus and after day 40 in E. polyphekadion. On day 45, the metamorphosed larval size of E. fuscoguttatus was significantly higher (P<0.001) than that of E. polyphekadion. The fast larval metamorphosis of E. fuscoguttatus compared to that of E. polyphekadion is of great advantage for commercial applications. Faster growth rate and high food conversion efficiency of E. fuscoguttatus compared to E. polyphekadion during the nursery rearing period shows that it is possible to obtain about 50g-sized fingerlings of E. fuscoguttatus for stocking in the growout production facilities in about two months compared to the four months required to achieve the same size in E. polyphekadion. Under growout culture conditions using a flow-through tank culture system, the growth performance of these groupers under different stocking densities of 5, 15 and 45 fish m·3 was evaluated for the first time. After seven months, the size of E. fuscoguttatus averaged 578.0-Gl8.5g, with FCR averaging 1.24-1.73. After 12 months, E. polyphekadion size averaged 513.3-544.Gg, with FCR averaging 2.05-3.75. A significant increase (P<0.05) in growth (2.34:t:0.llg fish·1 d·1 ) and yield (26.07:t:2.28kg m·3) in E. fuscoguttatus at a high stocking density of 45 fish m·3 compared to E. polyphekadion (growth 1.31:t: 0.77g fish·1 d·1 and yield 17.33±0.53kg m·3) show that E. fuscoguttatus is more suitable for commercial applications than E. polyphekadion. The present investigation suggests the possibility of raising groupers to marketable size in land-based intensive tank culture systems, instead of in conventional sea cages.
Comparative Precision and Bias of Five Different Ageing Methods for the Large Tropical Snapper Lutjanus johnii
Authors:   Cooperative Research Centre for Ecologically Sustainable Development of the Great Barrier Reef James Cook University Townsville, Queensland Australia, 4811, MARRIOTT R.
Published: October 2022

Five common methods of age determination were compared to determine their usefulness in monitoring the catch structure of a small Australian sportfishery for Lutjanus johnii. Presumed annuli were visible on scales, whole otoliths, sectioned otoliths, whole vertebrae and sectioned vertebrae of Lutjanus johnii in a sample of 44 younger fish up to 793 mm FL and 12+ years of age. An inexperienced reader produced estimates of age with acceptable levels of precision after three replicate counts using all these methods with the exception of scale reading. The most precise methods used whole otoliths, sectioned vertebrae and sectioned otoliths. Linear comparisons showed promise for calibration of results from whole and sectioned otoliths, and sectioned otoliths and whole and sectioned vertebrae, for fish less than half the known longevity of the species. However, examination of the relative position of presumed annuli and tetracycline marks showed bias and underestimation of fish age in the interpretation of the margins of vertebral centra. Comparison of the scale and otolith readings amongst experienced and inexperienced readers revealed systematic bias in the interpretation of the position of presumed annuli for fish less than 3+. It was concluded that sectioned otoliths provide the best method to determine the age of Lutjanus johnii.
Changes in the Epidermal Ultrastructure of Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) Yolk-sac Larvae Exposed to Copper
Authors:   Department of Fresh Water Biology & Fisheries University of Sindh Jamshoro, Sindh Pakistan, ABBASI A.R.
Published: October 2022

The effects of copper on the yolk-sac larvae of Clupea harengus (Clupeidae) hatched from eggs previously exposed to copper were examined in terms of epidermal ultrastructure. The dermal cells of the larvae hatched in 0.03 or 0.05 mgl-1 copper showed the following changes; extensive vacuolation, degeneration of mitochondria and golgi complexes, dilation of endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear spaces, disruption of the nuclear membrane, disappearance of felt-like fibrous plate and increase in the size and number of microvilli. The chloride cells in copper-exposed larvae had fewer and smaller mitochondria. These ultrastructural changes probably affect respiration and osmoregulation, thus the survival of herring larvae exposed to copper.
Effect of Sanitizers on Listeria Biofilm on Contact Surfaces
Authors:   Department of Fish Processing Technology Fisheries College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Thoothukkudi 628 008, India, JEYASEKARAN G.
Published: October 2022

The effectiveness of sanitizers on biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes (NCTC 1994) developed on stainless steel and plastic (high density polyethylene, HDPE) surfaces was studied. There was more biofilm formation on the surface of stainless steel than on plastic with the latter being more resistant to the sanitizers than the former. Upon exposure to 100 ppm hypochlorite and 10 ppm iodophor for five minutes, there was a three to four log decrease in counts on the stainless steel surfaces, while on plastic surfaces, the reduction was one to two log cycles. Hypochlorite was more effective than iodophor in inactivating biofilm cells grown on both the surfaces. Two hundred ppm hypochlorite for five minutes. completely inactivated the adherent microcolony cells on stainless steel surfaces but failed to do so on plastic surfaces. Total inactivation of planktonic cells of L. monocytogenes was achieved using permitted concentrations of hypochlorite (10 ppm) and iodophor (1 ppm) for five minutes.
Changes in the Community Structure of the Laizhou Bay
Authors:   Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute 106 Nanjing Road Qingdao 266071 China, JIN X.
Published: October 2022

The properties of the community structure of the Laizhou Bay were described based on the surveys in May, the main spawning season. The spawning stocks of fishery species have dramatically declined to a very low level and shift of dominant species had been observed. The slope from size spectrum analysis that is inversely proportional to the overall fishing effort could be an indicator of fishing mortality. The diversity and evenness index decreased from 1959 to 1993 and then increased in 1998. It is concluded that changes in the community structure are attributed to the anthropogenic activities, including direct high fishing pressure and marine pollution mainly from the drainage of waste waters.