bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the consequences of employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior: The moderating role of moral identity
Authors: Zhao Manlu , Qu Shiyou
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In recent years, employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) has become a social hot issue. This behavior benefits their organization or colleagues while violating core social ethics. Numerous studies have predominately focused on identifying the antecedents and formation mechanisms of UPB. However, only a few studies have focused on the effects and outcomes of UPB. Moreover, guilt triggered by unethical behaviors can motivate individuals to adopt pro-social behaviors, but studies on the effects of UPB on pro-social behavior of actors are rather limited. Therefore, this study explores the underlying relationship between employees’ UPB and their own pro-environmental behavior based on the conservation of resources theory.

Methods

Through collecting data (N = 319) from a Chinese online survey company in different time intervals, the theoretical model was tested by the application of Amos 27.0 and SPSS 25.0 for analysis of the data. The CFA, descriptive analysis, hierarchical regression were illustrated in the article.

Results

This study demonstrated that, through emotions of guilt, employees’ UPB is negatively correlated with their own environmental protection act. While this relationship is being examined, moral identity plays this mediating role, which can moderate the indirect relationship between employees’ UPB and their environmental behavior through guilt.

Discussion

The purpose of the research was to identify the influence mechanisms that contribute to employees’ pro-organizational but unethical behavior. With guilt serving as the mediating variable and moral identity serving as the moderating variable, a research model built on the principle of the conservation of resources theory was constructed. This research examines the impact mechanism and boundary conditions of UPB on individual pro-environmental behaviors from the perspective of employees. This paper discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the report’s results.
Communication in fragile X syndrome: Patterns and implications for assessment and intervention
Authors: Hoffmann Anne
Published: December 2022

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and is associated with a high rate of autism diagnosis. Language delays have been noted in the areas of overall communication and the specific areas of receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language, as well as in development of speech sounds and literacy. It has been widely noted that those individuals with a diagnosis of both FXS and autism tend to have more significant intellectual disability and language disorder. In this study, the research exploring the FXS language phenotype is presented, and the roles of cognition, autistic symptomatology, and gender are highlighted as possible. Implications for assessment and intervention approaches based on the strengths and weaknesses of the FXS language phenotype are provided.
The impact of current failures on predicted well-being for future success: Different mechanisms of action in high and low self-threat situations
Authors: Hou Zhijun , Wang Yuting , Li Lin , Song Jingjing
Published: December 2022

This study explored the effect of current performance on the predicted well-being for future success and its mechanism. This empirical research consists of two experiments. In Study 1, the individual’s predicted well-being of future performance in the tests was lower in good feedback condition compared with bad feedback condition. It means that individuals have a higher expectation of future success after an unimportant loss. Study 2 focused on the moderating role of self-threat situations and the mediating role of affect and self-esteem in the effect of current performance feedback on predicted well-being. The results showed that individuals who got bad feedback have a low predicted well-being of future success only in a high self-threatening condition. Self-threat plays a moderating role between current performance and predicted well-being. The serial mediation role of affect and self-esteem in the negative effect of current performance on predicted well-being holds in high self-threat situations. By specifying the behavioral consequences and analyzing the psychological process in high and low self-threat situations, this research expands the literature on development of appropriate cognitive theories and propose novel measures and practical implications of enhancing predicted well-being.
“Loyalty to organizations” or “loyalty to supervisors”? Research on differential leadership and employee loyalty behavior: A perspective of insiders and outsiders
Authors: Zhang Honglie , Du Linshen , Jiang Zhou
Published: December 2022

Loyalty has always been a hot topic in the field of organizational behavior, which is of great significance to the operation and management of organizations. Extant studies have found that leadership can have a great impact on loyalty. Differential leadership is a common and unique leadership style in Chinese organizations, but the research between differential leadership and loyalty is still lacking. Based on social exchange theory and social learning theory. This study discusses the relationship between differential leadership and loyalty. By using hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrap method. The results show that differential leadership has a positive effect on employees’ organizational loyalty and supervisory loyalty, and the degree of “loyalty to organizations” is generally lower than “loyalty to supervisors”; under differential leadership style, the supervisory loyalty from insiders is much higher than that from outsiders, but the influence and difference of the two groups (insider and outsider) do not have a significant effect on organizational loyalty. The supervisor developmental feedback mediates the relationship between differential leadership and organizational & supervisory loyalty; power distance positively moderates the relationship between supervisor developmental feedback and organizational & supervisory loyalty, and the higher the perceived power distance of employees, the stronger the indirect effect of developmental feedback from supervisors. This study not only enriches the theory of differential leadership but also provides empirical support for understanding the differences in cognitive behavior between insiders and outsiders.
Preschoolers’ temperament and social functioning in novel and routine contexts
Authors: Vaughan Helena Shoplik , Teglasi Hedwig
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The centrality of social competence to children’s short and long-term well-being has sparked interest in the factors that contribute to its development, including temperament, a set of biologically based dispositions. A large body of work documents two types of temperamental dispositions associated with young children’s social functioning: reactivity and regulation. There is consensus about the detrimental effects of negative reactive tendencies, called negative affective reactivity (NA), and about the beneficial effects of regulatory tendencies, called effortful control (EC), on social functioning. Another reactive component of temperament, Extraversion/Surgency (E/S) is less consistent in its relation with social functioning. Although NA is exacerbated by lack of familiarity, its contribution to social functioning in novel and routine contexts has not been systematically addressed.

Methods

To test this study’s hypotheses, we devised a structured interview of adaptive responsiveness in context (ARC) which was completed by parents of preschoolers along with a comprehensive temperament questionnaire. Additionally, children completed an individually administered task measuring emotion-situation knowledge (N = 92) and their teachers completed a standard social competence questionnaire.

Results and Discussion

A path analysis that controlled for variance shared across contexts and temperamental traits showed that NA was the only unique predictor of social functioning in the Novel context, that EC was the only unique predictor of social functioning in the Routine context and that E/S was not a unique predictor of social functioning in either context. Bivariate analyses, conducted without controlling for context overlap, showed all reactive emotional traits (subsumed within NA and E/S) to correlate exclusively with ARC in the Novel contexts. However, regulatory traits showed a mixed pattern. Inhibitory Control correlated with ARC in both contexts but more highly in the Routine context, and Perceptual Sensitivity correlated with ARC in the Novel context.
Exercise improves the social and behavioral skills of children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Toscano Chrystiane V. A. , Ferreira José P. , Quinaud Ricardo T. , Silva Keity M. N. , Carvalho Humberto M. , Gaspar Joana M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Currently, there is no standard treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but there are many ways to minimize the symptoms and maximize abilities. Some studies suggest that exercise and other physical activities with children with ASD may be beneficial. In this study, we hypothesized that a physical exercise program (48-week exercise-intervention) could improve symptomatology dyad among children and adolescents with ASD. Our main aim was to examine the effects of physical activity on the primary clinical symptoms and associated comorbidities in children and adolescents with ASD.

Methods

We allocated 229 children with ASD, ranging in age from 2.3–17.3 years (M= 7.8,SD= 3.2), into three groups: (a) exercise- intervention group, (b) control group from the same institution, and (c) control group from another institution. The exercise program was performed at moderate intensity in a 30 min section twice a week for 48 weeks. We used Bayesian multilevel regression modeling to examine participant outcomes and responses to the exercise-intervention.

Results

Our results showed that a 48-week exercise-intervention substantially decreased ASD social interaction problems, attention deficit, emotional reactivity, stereotypical verbal and motor behavior, and sleep disturbances. However, physical exercise did not affect eye contact and food selectivity. We also observed that ASD severity and socioeconomic status influence eye contact, attention deficit, and sleep disturbance responses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, children and adolescents with ASD exposed to a 48-week physical exercise-intervention program had important improvements in ASD symptoms. This study highlights that structured exercise programs can be a powerful complementary therapy for the ASD population.
The diversity of the intestinal microbiota in patients with alcohol use disorder and its relationship to alcohol consumption and cognition
Authors: Du Yishan , Li Lin , Gong Chengcheng , Li Ting , Xia Yan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has evolved into a severe social and medical issue. However, the exact environmental factors triggering AUD pathophysiology remain unknown. A growing body of research has shown that environmental elements can affect the brain via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Methods

We employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to investigate the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota in 32 AUD males and 35 healthy controls (HCs), as well as its relationship on cognitive function.

Results

Our findings showed that the alpha diversity indices in AUDs were much lower than HCs. The abundances of Faecalibacterium, Gemmiger, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, Megamonas, and Escherichia were significantly different between AUD and HC groups and could be used as a basis for judging whether excessive drinking. The abundances of Faecalibacterium, Gemmiger, Escherichia, and Fusobacterium can be used to judge the cognitive function of the population.

Conclusion

These data suggested that the gut dysbiosis in AUD patients, and some specific microbiota were considered to be related to alcohol intake and cognitive function. This study provides important information for further study of the pathogenesis of AUD from the perspective of intestinal microbiota.
The potency of psychiatric questionnaires to distinguish major mental disorders in Chinese outpatients
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Zhu Enzhao , Ai Pu , Liu Jun , Chen Zhihao , Wang Feng , Chen Fazhan , Ai Zisheng
Published: December 2022

Background

Considering the huge population in China, the available mental health resources are inadequate. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate whether mental questionnaires, serving as auxiliary diagnostic tools, have efficient diagnostic ability in outpatient psychiatric services.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of Chinese psychiatric outpatients. Altogether 1,182, 5,069, and 4,958 records of Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), respectively, were collected from March 2021 to July 2022. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied to subscale scores and total scores of SCL-90, HAM-A, and HAM-D between the two sexes (male and female groups), different age groups, and four diagnostic groups (anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia). Kendall's tau coefficient analysis and machine learning were also conducted in the diagnostic groups.

Results

We found significant differences in most subscale scores for both age and gender groups. Using the Mann–Whitney U test and Kendall's tau coefficient analysis, we found that there were no statistically significant differences in diseases in total scale scores and nearly all subscale scores. The results of machine learning (ML) showed that for HAM-A, anxiety had a small degree of differentiation with an AUC of 0.56, while other diseases had an AUC close to 0.50. As for HAM-D, bipolar disorder was slightly distinguishable with an AUC of 0.60, while the AUC of other diseases was lower than 0.50. In SCL-90, all diseases had a similar AUC; among them, bipolar disorder had the lowest score, schizophrenia had the highest score, while anxiety and depression both had an AUC of approximately 0.56.

Conclusion

This study is the first to conduct wide and comprehensive analyses on the use of these three scales in Chinese outpatient clinics with both traditional statistical approaches and novel machine learning methods. Our results indicated that the univariate subscale scores did not have statistical significance among our four diagnostic groups, which highlights the limit of their practical use by doctors in identifying different mental diseases in Chinese outpatient psychiatric services.
Work-related disease symptoms and occupational injuries among coffee processing industry workers in Bench-Sheko and Kaffa Zones Southwest, Ethiopia: A mixed-method study
Authors: Mekonnen Besufekad , Solomon Nahom , Wondimu Wondimagegn , Tesfaye Melkamsew , Negash Samuel
Published: December 2022

Background

Occupational injuries have become one of the most critical rooting causes paying to infirmities and life-threatening conditions in developed and developing countries. Workers in the coffee industry face some occupational health and safety issues. However, there is limited evidence on this important public health issue. Hence, this research was conducted to assess work-related disease symptoms and occupational injuries among coffee processing workers in Southwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative method was done. A total of 721 workers were involved in the study for quantitative information. In addition, we performed a total of 22 in-depth and five key informant interviews for generating qualitative evidence. Quantitative data was collected by an interview-based questionnaire which is adapted from similar studies. We conducted descriptive, binary logistic, and multivariable regression analysis as necessary, to ascertain the factors affecting occupational injuries. We collected qualitative data guided by an interview guide, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using ATLAS ti version-8 by applying a content analysis approach. Finally, quotes from participants that had exemplary ideas were triangulated along with quantitative findings.

Result

The overall prevalence rate of work-related symptoms and occupational injuries among coffee processing workers were 21.7 and 13.4% respectively. Age group 30–39 and 40–49 (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.95, 95% CI 1.37, 2.79, (AOR 3.28, 95% CI 1.89, 5.69, respectively, income level (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16, 0.36, p = 0.000), experience (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04, 2.60, p = 0.034), and smoking cigarette (AOR 5.59, 95% CI 2.78, 11.26, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with the work-related symptom. In addition, training related to the job (AOR 11.88, 95% CI1.34, 105.57, p = 0.026) was significantly associated with occupational injuries among coffee processing industry workers.

Conclusion

The prevalence of work-related symptoms and occupational injuries was high among coffee processing industry workers in southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, there is a need for regulations for both government and industry owners to advance the occupational conditions and ergonomic structure of coffee processing industries.
Estimation method for distance cost to access medical services: Policy and patient privacy implications in Taiwan
Authors: Guo Siao-Jing , Chen Hsing-Chu , Yen Chia-Feng
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Indicators of healthcare access with high reliability, validity, timeliness, and easy application can aid in an understanding of the supply and demand of a region's medical resources and assist governments in allocating resources more effectively. However, a key concern when developing indicators is the protection of private information, such as patients' residential addresses.

Objectives

We develop an estimation method for distance cost using official public information, including a region's disease prevalence rates and population.

Materials and methods

The method accounts for patients' privacy and addresses limitations associated with using the National Health Insurance Database. This cross-sectional study conducts a secondary data analysis using SPSS and QGIS. The data were divided into a validation group and an index development group with the medical distance calculated for each group. Data for the validation group were sourced from the medical records of patients with diabetes (n = 108–164) and hypertension (n = 243–348) in Yuli documented by a medical center in 2017–2019, and the data for the novel index development group included diabetes and hypertension prevalence sourced from national official public data. The study compared the consistency of the two groups' medical treatment distances to verify the accuracy of the estimation method.

Results

The estimated distances for the index development group showed a high consistency (ICC > 0.9). Further, the index development group had an excellent R-square after adjusting for age (98.1%) and gender (92.7%).

Conclusions

The proposed method to estimate healthcare on the basis of disease prevalence and population protects patient privacy and can be implemented by local governments.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation (IRB109-239-B).
Intrauterine exposure to preeclampsia does not impair vascular health in children
Authors: Varley Benjamin J. , Henry Amanda , Roberts Lynne , Davis Gregory , Skilton Michael R. , Craig Maria E. , Gow Megan L.
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives

Preeclampsia is a serious multisystem blood pressure disorder during pregnancy that is associated with increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease to the mother and offspring. We investigated the vascular health of children exposed to intrauterine preeclampsia.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional study of offspring in a prospective cohort of women with complications during pregnancy. Children aged between 2 and 5 years [median age 4.7 (2.8, 5.1) years] exposed to intrauterine preeclampsia (n = 26) or normotensive controls (n = 34), were recruited between July 2020 and April 2021. Vascular health was assessed by measuring aortic intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity. Univariate generalized linear regression models were used to explore associations between vascular measurements and explanatory variables.

Results

Children exposed to preeclampsia had a lower body mass index at assessment (15.5 vs. 16.2 kg/m2, p = 0.04), birth weight (2.90 vs. 3.34 kg, p = 0.004), gestational age at birth (37.5 vs. 39.4 weeks, p < 0.001) and higher frequency of preterm birth (27% vs. 6%, p = 0.02). There were no differences in vascular health between children exposed to preeclampsia vs. controls (mean aortic intima-media thickness 0.575 mm vs. 0.563 mm, p = 0.51, pulse wave velocity 4.09 vs. 4.18 m/s, p = 0.54) and there were no significant associations in univariate analyses.

Conclusions

There were no major adverse differences in vascular health which contrasts with existing studies. This suggests exposure to intrauterine preeclampsia may result in a less severe cardiovascular phenotype in young children. While reassuring, longitudinal studies are required to determine if and when exposure to intrauterine preeclampsia affects vascular health in children.
Self-medication in Chinese residents and the related factors of whether or not they would take suggestions from medical staff as an important consideration during self-medication
Authors: Ge Pu , Li Qiyu , Dong Murong , Niu Yuyao , Han Xiao , Xiong Ping , Bao Yuhan , Min Hewei , Liu Diyue , Wang Suqi , Zhang Jinzi , Zhang Ziwei , Yu Wenli , Sun Xinying , Yu Lian , Wu Yibo
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the status of Chinese residents' self-medication behavior and the important factors to consider when purchasing OTC drugs, and to explore the related factors of the possibility that Chinese residents take medical staff's suggestions as important factors to consider when purchasing OTC drugs.

Study design

A cross-sectional survey.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed for exploring the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, their self-medication status, and important considerations. The questionnaire includes several scales including Health Literacy Scale-Short Form (HLS-SF), EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (EQ-5D-VAS), Big Five Inventary-10 Items (BFI-10), and New General Self Efficacy Scale (NGSES). After carrying out a multi-stage sampling method, the questionnaire was conducted nationwide from July 10 to September 15, 2021. Next, descriptive statistics were conducted to analyze the general features. Logistic regression was then used to analyze the related factors of the possibility that the respondents took the suggestions of medical staff as an important consideration when purchasing OTC drugs.

Results

Nine thousand two hundred fifty-six qualified questionnaires were received. 99.06% of Chinese adults had self-medication behaviors. The types of OTC drugs purchased most by the respondents were NSAIDs (5,421/9,256 people, 58.57%) and vitamins/minerals (4,851/9,256 people, 52.41%). 86.2% of the respondents took the suggestions of medical staff as an important consideration when purchasing OTC drugs. The results of multi-factor logistic regression showed that women, those living in the central and western regions of China, those suffering from chronic diseases, those with high agreeableness, high conscientiousness, high neuroticism and openness, high health literacy, high EQ-5D-VAS, and those with high self-efficacy are more likely to take medical staff's suggestions as important factors to consider.

Conclusion

The vast majority of Chinese adults have self-medication behavior. Important considerations when purchasing OTC drugs include medical staff's suggestions, drug safety and drug efficacy. Whether residents take the suggestions of medical staff as an important consideration is related to their sociological characteristics, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness, health literacy, self-assessment health status, and self-efficacy. When purchasing and using OTC drugs, residents should carefully listen to the suggestions from medical staff. They should also carefully consider their own conditions before buying OTC drugs.
Evolutionary game analysis of community elderly care service regulation in the context of “Internet +”
Authors: Wang Qiangxiang , Liu June , Zheng Yue
Published: December 2022

Background

As an upgraded form of the elderly care service industry, “Internet + Community Elderly Care” integrates information technology, artificial intelligence, Internet thinking, and the construction of community elderly care service mechanisms. Research on “Internet + Community Elderly Care” has become a focus.

Methods

The four-party evolutionary game model of elderly service regulations was presented, which consists of the government, providers, platforms, and elderly people. By using Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of each player's strategy selection was analyzed. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the key parameters was discussed in detail using system dynamics.

Results and discussion

Online evaluations of elderly people have more positive effects on the regulatory system than offline evaluations. Both the penalties on providers and subsidies on platforms given by the government have thresholds. Moreover, government penalties for providers and subsidies for platforms could curb their speculative behavior and enable effective steering of providers and platforms.

Conclusion

The Omni-feedback mechanism for elderly people can effectively curb the speculative behavior of elderly care service providers and elderly care service information platforms. The government should dynamically adjust penalties and subsidy policies.
How to control the spatiotemporal spread of Omicron in the region with low vaccination rates
Authors: Tong Chengzhuo , Shi Zhicheng , Shi Wenzhong , Zhang Anshu
Published: December 2022

Currently, finding ways to effectively control the spread of Omicron in regions with low vaccination rates is an urgent issue. In this study, we use a district-level model for predicting the COVID-19 symptom onset risk to explore and control the whole process of spread of Omicron in South Africa at a finer spatial scale. We found that in the early stage of the accelerated spread, Omicron spreads rapidly from the districts at the center of human mobility to other important districts of the human mobility network and its peripheral districts. In the subsequent diffusion–contraction stage, Omicron rapidly spreads to districts with low human mobility and then mainly contracts to districts with the highest human mobility. We found that increasing daily vaccination rates 10 times mainly reduced the symptom onset risk in remote areas with low human mobility. Implementing Alert Level 5 in the three districts at the epicenter, and Alert Level 1 in the remaining 49 districts, the spatial spread related to human mobility was effectively restricted, and the daily onset risk in districts with high human mobility also decreased by 20–80%.
Use of statistical shape modeling to enhance the fluoroscopic evaluation of the bladder
Authors: Routzong Megan R. , Santiago-Lastra Yahir , Gallo Kelsey , Burnett Lindsey A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Video urodynamic studies (VUDS) use fluoroscopic imaging to visualize the bladder and multichannel urodynamics to assess its function. Qualitative assessment of bladder shape is used to identify abnormal features (e.g., diverticula) that correspond with pathophysiology; however, this assessment is limited in its ability to predict bladder function. Therefore, we developed a novel quantitative approach to assess bladder shape obtained from fluoroscopic VUDS images utilizing statistical shape modeling. This method was compared to existing binary and continuous shape quantification methods and used to identify relationships between bladder shape and measures of bladder physiology categorized as related to sensation, incontinence, or emptying.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 49 participants. Bladder walls were segmented from fluoroscopic images at rest with the bladder filled to approximately 300 mL. Bladder shape was evaluated in three ways: 1) binary categorization as typical or atypical based on clinical assessment, 2) quantification of height-to-width ratios, and 3) quantification by statistical shape modeling. Independent t-tests and correlations were used to assess associations between the three shape evaluation methods and to define relationships between shape and physiologic measures: 3 volumetric measures describing sensation, 2 dichotomous variables addressing incontinence, and 1 volumetric measure representing emptying.

Results

The statistical shape model generated 5 modes of variation. Mode 1 corresponded with height-to-width ratio (r=0.920, p<0.001), modes 2 and 3 with diagonal height-to-width ratio (r=0.66 and -0.585, p<0.001 and <0.001), and mode 3 with binary shape categorization (p<0.001). In terms of function, those with atypical bladder shape had impaired emptying (p=0.010), modes 4 and 5 were significantly associated with measures of bladder sensation, mode 3 with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence, and mode 3 with emptying in those able to void (r=0.368, p=0.021). The relationship between mode 3 and emptying across all patients is best fitted by a quadratic function (p<0.001).

Discussion

Our results demonstrate that binary shape categorization and bladder shape quantified by statistical shape modeling correspond with measures of bladder physiology. This foundational study establishes statistical shape modeling as a robust bladder shape quantification method that can be used to relate bladder shape with physiology.
Personality and willingness towards performance enhancement and body modification: A cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of Norwegians
Authors: Breivik Gunnar , Sagoe Dominic , Loland Sigmund
Published: December 2022

We conducted an exploratory investigation of the relationship between personality and willingness towards performance enhancement and body modification in Norway. The study is based on Norwegian Monitor data from a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 4,233 (females: 49.9%) persons aged 15 to 96 (45.92 ± 18.02) years. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing demographic questions and measures of physical appearance satisfaction, physical activity level, personality (five-factor model), and willingness towards performance enhancement (e.g., substances that improve creative thinking) and body modification (e.g., use of muscle-building substances). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. We found that 62.2% and 50.1% of our sample were either willing to use or contemplating using substances that reduce memory failure and enhance physical fitness respectively. Our sample was most willing or contemplating tattooing (30.0%) and generally skeptical of the other body modification methods with willingness to use or contemplating using substances to enhance muscularity least accepted (3.9%). Higher fantasy/openness and lower agreeableness were associated with higher willingness towards both performance enhancement and body modification. Additionally, higher extraversion and lower control/conscientiousness predicted higher willingness towards body modification. Our findings corroborate previous indications that performance enhancement and body modification are now mainstream. They also underline the importance of personality traits in willingness towards these practices.
Physical and culinary analysis of long gluten-free extruded pasta based on high protein quinoa flour
Authors: Córdoba-Cerón Deiny Maryeli , Carranza-Saavedra Darwin , Roa-Acosta Diego Fernando , Hoyos-Concha Jose Luis , Solanilla-Duque Jose Fernando
Published: December 2022

The consumption of foods with high protein content from pseudocereals is of great industrial interest. Pasta has a high gluten content; consequently, obtaining these gluten-free products is a technological challenge. The products obtained from quinoa show excellent results in protein and fiber with low glycemic index. This work focused on studying the effect of quinoa fat on the production of long pasta by extrusion in different mixtures of hyperprotein quinoa (HHP). It was observed that formulations with high percentages of starch showed a higher expansion rate, due to a higher fat content. Likewise, extruded pastes showed higher values of brightness than those containing lower percentages of starch and crude fat. The fracturability results were associated with the resistance of the paste to the pressure exerted for its deformation, which does not exceed 3.73 mm. The formulations with lower fat content presented high values in fracture stress due to the low diffusion of water and lipids. It was shown that fat has an indirect influence with a strong correlation with the expansion index and fracture stress and a moderate correlation (p > 0.05) with Young's modulus, indicating that increasing the added fat content increases the percentage of mass loss by baking. The melting and cohesiveness of all components improved during extrusion due to the pregelatinization of cassava starch, the addition of defatted HHP and the availability of quinoa starch granules.
Environmental challenges and perspectives of the fresh-cuts sector in Italy
Authors: Galioto Francesco , Zucaro Raffaella , Pergamo Raffaella
Published: December 2022

This perspective paper provides insights on the characteristics of the fresh-cut sector in Italy and on the key environmental challenges the sector is currently facing. Specifically, the paper investigates the factors that brought to the development of agro-industrial hubs for fresh-cuts, capable of influencing the income and employment of various local communities in Italy and the factors that contributed causing serious environmental issues, especially related to the disposal of packaging waste and to the consumption and pollution of water resources. Such issues were recently addressed by the EU through dedicated directives and regulations. These regulations require a serious reflection on the strategies to be undertaken for the future of the sector and the surrounding socioeconomic context. The paper concludes with some policy recommendation to overcome existing barriers and, eventually, transform them into opportunities.
The social impact of cultivated and plant-based meats as radical innovations in the food chain: Views from Brazil, the United States and Europe
Authors: Morais-da-Silva Rodrigo Luiz , Reis Germano Glufke , Sanctorum Hermes , Molento Carla Forte Maiolino
Published: December 2022

Cultivated and plant-based meats have been recognized as radical innovations that may revolutionize food production worldwide. Despite potentially being more sustainable than conventional meat, little is known about the consequences these innovations can bring to society. To help to clarify this topic, we studied the social impacts that cultivated and plant-based meats may bring to Brazil, the United States and Europe. Based on the perspective of 136 experts, our results are divided into market expectations, consumer access, consumer acceptance, impacts on farms, and business opportunities along the new chains. Experts generally predicted an optimistic picture of the social effects with several opportunities as alternative meats become available. However, the consequences for animal farmers seemed worrying in the experts' views. Overall, the opinion of Brazilian and American experts seemed more optimistic than that of Europeans. Our findings may be helpful for practitioners and people involved in rural policy interested in better guiding this transition process in the food production chain.
Preoperative tumor marking with indocyanine green prior of robotic colorectal resections
Authors: Konstantinidis Michael K. , Ioannidis Argyrios , Vasiliou Pantelis , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Papanikolaou Ioannis S. , Chand Manish , Pampiglione Tom , Karagiannis Dimitrios , Konstantinidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2022

This prospective case-series study aimed to assess the usefulness of preoperative colonoscopic marking of colorectal tumors using Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence in patients that underwent robotic surgical colorectal resections. Consecutive patients that were eligible for colorectal resection with intent to cure in a single hospital (Athens Medical Center), from February 2022 to June 2022, were included. ICG solution was injected into the submucosal layer at 2 opposite sites (180 degrees apart) distal to the tumor, without submucosal elevation. Identification of the tumor marking was then performed after switching to near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence mode. During the robotic procedure, qualitative evaluation of fluorescence was performed by the surgical team (primary surgeon, first assistant, second assistant, research fellow). All 10 patients underwent robotic surgical approach and operations included right-sided colectomy (n = 1), left-sided colectomy (n = 6) and low anterior resection (n = 3). Visualisation of this dye with near-infrared light was very clear with bright intensity in all patients when the marking was performed one day prior of surgery. Preoperative tumor marking with ICG was identified intraoperatively in all cases and the techinque was easily reproducible.
Prevalence, diagnosis, and manifestations of brucellosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khoshnood Saeed , Pakzad Reza , Koupaei Maryam , Shirani Maryam , Araghi Almas , Irani Golnaz Mokhtari , Moradi Melika , Pakzad Iraj , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Heidary Mohsen
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases common between humans and animals. Despite eradication efforts, the burden of the disease is well-known in endemic countries and in countries where brucellosis has not been an important health issue until recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, diagnosis, and manifestations of brucellosis.

Methods

In this study, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google scholar databases were systematically searched to find studies published from 2011 to 2021. The search was conducted using text words and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) Terms on the prevalence of brucellosis. Stata software 14.0 was used for all analyses.

Results

Based on the results, the pooled prevalence of brucellosis was 15.27% (95% CI: 9.68–21.86; heterogeneityI2index: 97.43;p< 0.001) for man and 15.33% (95% CI: 7.19–25.75; heterogeneityI2index: 98.19;p< 0.001) for woman. Age (coefficient: 0.240;p= 0.480), gender (coefficient: −0.017;p= 0.800), and publication year (coefficient: 0.114;p= 0.861) showed no significant effect on heterogeneity among studies. Egger's test indicated a significant publication bias for the prevalence of brucellosis (coefficient 3.894;p< 0.001). Moreover, the trim-and-fill method exhibited that the adjusted prevalence of brucellosis (18.30%, 95% CI: 14.10–22.52) was not significantly different from the original prevalence of brucellosis.

Conclusion

The pooled estimate for brucellosis prevalence was estimated as 15.53%. To better understand the epidemiology of brucellosis globally, more extensive studies are needed to be conducted throughout the world, especially in developing and low-income countries.
Analysis of Obligatory Involvement of Medical Students in Pandemic Response in the Czech Republic: Competencies, Experiences, and Legal Implications
Authors: Michenka Petr , Fialová Lydie , Šlegerová Lenka , Marx David
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Medical students in the Czech Republic were mandated by the law to take part in the COVID-19 pandemic response in order to expand healthcare capacity. Our study aimed to analyze student’s competencies defined in the legislation and compare them with competencies assigned to them in clinical settings during their deployment.

Methods: Online survey with statistical analysis of collected data.

Results: The survey was completed by 997 respondents. A major convergence between the system of credentials defined in the legal framework and the competencies that students performed were identified.

Conclusion: Medical students represented a valuable resource for addressing shortages of qualified healthcare staff in critical situation. However, the system of competencies and credentials must be aligned with the educational framework to clearly define acquisition of competencies during the course of medical studies and the legal framework regulating students’ deployment must ensure consistency of actual and formal competencies in order to guarantee high standards of care and safety of the patients.
Formation of Re-Aggregated Neonatal Porcine Islet Clusters Improves In Vitro Function and Transplantation Outcome
Authors: Honarpisheh M. , Lei Y. , Zhang Y. , Pehl M. , Kemter E. , Kraetzl M. , Lange A. , Wolf E. , Wolf-van Buerck L. , Seissler J. ,   the VANGUARD Consortium
Published: December 2022

Neonatal porcine islet-like cell clusters (NPICCs) are a promising source for islet cell transplantation. Excellent islet quality is important to achieve a cure for type 1 diabetes. We investigated formation of cell clusters from dispersed NPICCs on microwell cell culture plates, evaluated the composition of re-aggregated porcine islets (REPIs) and compared in vivo function by transplantation into diabetic NOD‐SCID IL2rγ−/− (NSG) mice with native NPICCs. Dissociation of NPICCs into single cells and re-aggregation resulted in the formation of uniform REPI clusters. A higher prevalence of normoglycemia was observed in diabetic NSG mice after transplantation with a limited number (n = 1500) of REPIs (85.7%) versus NPICCs (n = 1500) (33.3%) (p < 0.05). Transplanted REPIs and NPICCs displayed a similar architecture of endocrine and endothelial cells. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests revealed an improved beta cell function after transplantation of 1500 REPIs (AUC glucose 0–120 min 6260 ± 305.3) as compared to transplantation of 3000 native NPICCs (AUC glucose 0–120 min 8073 ± 536.2) (p < 0.01). Re-aggregation of single cells from dissociated NPICCs generates cell clusters with excellent functionality and improved in vivo function as compared to native NPICCs.
Regulatory and Market Trends for ESG Bonds and Funds, and Some of the Associated Risks of Sovereigns
Authors: Bokor László
Published: December 2022

Promoting the financing of the transition to a sustainable economy is one of today’s key issues. However, access to scarce resources is further complicated by a striking new phenomenon: both regulators and investors are becoming increasingly “choosy”, as they make their decisions on whom to give money to dependent on circumstances that go beyond green and scientific aspects. It is therefore no coincidence that an increasing number of investment funds are obtaining ESG1 ratings that formulate exclusion rules for sovereign bonds based on NGO indicators (e.g. civil liberties, level of corruption). If such criteria become an international standard, a sovereign that fails to meet them could be threatened with total exclusion from the green/ ESG market. The aim of this essay is to review the regulatory environment and the market situation through this lens. It is important to note, however, that both legislation and market preferences are in a quickly evolving, amorphous state, and thus continuous monitoring of the conditions is essential.
Controls of Seasonal and Interannual Variations on Soil Respiration in a Meadow Steppe in Eastern Inner Mongolia
Authors: Wang Xu , Fan Kaikai , Yan Yuchun , Chen Baorui , Yan Ruirui , Xin Xiaoping , Li Linghao
Published: December 2022

Understanding long-term seasonal and interannual patterns of soil respiration with their controls is essential for accurately quantifying carbon fluxes at a regional scale. During the period from 2009 to 2014, an automatic measurement system (LI-8150, Licor Ldt., Lincoln, NE, USA) was employed for the measurement of soil respiration in a meadow steppe of eastern Inner Mongolia. We found that the seasonal pattern of soil respiration was controlled mainly by the soil temperature, which explained about 82.19% of the variance. Annual soil respiration varied between 391.4 g cm−2 and 597.7 g cm−2, and significantly correlated with soil moisture, suggesting that soil moisture was the most predominant factor controlling the annual variations of soil respiration in this meadow steppe. A double factorial exponential model including both soil temperature (TS) and soil water content (SWC) (y = 6.084 × exp(0.098 TS × SWC) − 5.636) explains 72.2% of the overall variance in soil respiration. We also detected a temporal inconsistency of 2–3 months in the effects of precipitation on soil respiration versus canopy biomass production, which was presumably a main mechanism explaining the weak relationships between soil respiration and phytomass components in this ecosystem. Our findings have important implications for better understanding and accurately assessing the carbon cycling characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems in response to climate change in a temporal perspective.
Free-Grazing versus Enclosure Lead to an Increase in the Germination of the Leymus chinensis Seed Bank in the Hulunbuir Grassland
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Wu Yanling , Li Yingxin , Lv Shijie , Wei Zhijun , Chen Baorui , Xu Lijun , Yang Guixia , Xin Xiaoping , Yan Ruirui
Published: December 2022

Leymus chinensis is a primary plant in the meadow steppe and typical steppe of China. With global warming and increasing grazing intensity, grassland degradation is being exacerbated. To better protect the L. chinensis grassland in this area and provide a theoretical basis for restoring it, this paper compared the germinable seed bank in the soil and the germination characteristics of L. chinensis (including initial germination time, duration of germination, germination termination time, germination dynamics, and germination index) in free-grazing and enclosed areas. At the same time, combining information about the density of L. chinensis on the ground and previous research results, a comprehensive analysis was conducted. The major results were: (1) there was no significant difference in the number of germinable seeds in the soil between the free-grazing area and the enclosed area, and these seeds were mainly concentrated in the 0–2 cm soil layer. (2) The free-grazing area resulted in a significant increase in the number of germinable L. chinensis seeds and advanced the initial germination time. (3) The number of soil germinated seeds and the number of L. chinensis germinated seeds decreased with the increase in soil depth. (4) Livestock grazing behaviours increased seed burial, thus improving the L. chinensis germination rate. At the same time, the L. chinensis seed bearing percentage and seed quality and the number of germinable L. chinensis seeds were significantly higher in the free-grazing area than in the enclosed area. However, this result still needs to be further explored.
Microfluidic Biosensors for Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests
Authors: Trinh Kieu The Loan
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue of Biosensors, “Microfluidic Biosensors for Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests” aims to gather original research papers and comprehensive reviews detailing novel research, fabrication methods, and applications, as well as the challenges and prospects of developing microfluidics for improved biosensing and diagnostics [...]