bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing an aphid-specific gene SmDSR33 for aphid control through plant-mediated RNAi in wheat
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Li Huiyuan , Zhong Xue , Tian Jinfu , Segers Arnaud , Xia Lanqin , Francis Frédéric
Published: January 2023

Grain aphid (Sitobion miscanthi) is one of the most dominant and devastating insect pests in wheat, which causes substantial losses to wheat production each year. Engineering transgenic plants expressing double strand RNA (dsRNA) targeting an insect-specific gene has been demonstrated to provide an alternative environmentally friendly strategy for aphid management through plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi). Here we identified and characterized a novel potential RNAi target gene (SmDSR33) which was a gene encoding a putative salivary protein. We then generated stable transgenic wheat lines expressing dsRNA for targeted silencing of SmDSR33 in grain aphids through plant-mediated RNAi. After feeding on transgenic wheat plants expressing SmDSR33-dsRNA, the attenuated expression levels of SmDSR33 in aphids were observed when compared to aphids feeding on wild-type plants. The decreased SmDSR33 expression levels thus resulted in significantly reduced fecundity and survival, and decreased reproduction of aphids. We also observed altered aphid feeding behaviors such as longer duration of intercellular stylet pathway and shorter duration of passive ingestion in electroneurography assays. Furthermore, both the surviving aphids and their offspring exhibited decreased survival rates and fecundity, indicating that the silencing effect could be persistent and transgenerational in grain aphids. The results demonstrated that SmDSR33 can be selected as an effective RNAi target for wheat aphid control. Silencing of an essential salivary protein gene involved in ingestion through plant-mediated RNAi could be exploited as an effective strategy for aphid control in wheat.
Establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation in nematode feeding sites
Authors: Bennett Morgan , Hawk Tracy E. , Lopes-Caitar Valeria S. , Adams Nicole , Rice J. Hollis , Hewezi Tarek
Published: January 2023

A growing body of evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, play key regulatory roles in plant-nematode interactions. Nevertheless, the transcriptional activity of key genes mediating DNA methylation and active demethylation in the nematode feeding sites remains largely unknown. Here, we profiled the promoter activity of 12 genes involved in maintenance and de novo establishment of DNA methylation and active demethylation in the syncytia and galls induced respectively by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in Arabidopsis roots. The promoter activity assays revealed that expression of the CG-context methyltransferases is restricted to feeding site formation and development stages. Chromomethylase1 (CMT1), CMT2, and CMT3 and Domains Rearranged Methyltransferase2 (DRM2) and DRM3, which mediate non-CG methylation, showed similar and distinct expression patterns in the syncytia and galls at various time points. Notably, the promoters of various DNA demethylases were more active in galls as compared with the syncytia, particularly during the early stage of infection. Mutants impaired in CG or CHH methylation similarly enhanced plant susceptibility to H. schachtii and M. incognita, whereas mutants impaired in CHG methylation reduced plant susceptibility only to M. incognita. Interestingly, hypermethylated mutants defective in active DNA demethylation exhibited contrasting responses to infection by H. schachtii and M. incognita, a finding most likely associated with differential regulation of defense-related genes in these mutants upon nematode infection. Our results point to methylation-dependent mechanisms regulating plant responses to infection by cyst and root-knot nematodes.
Validation of carbon isotopologue distribution measurements by GC-MS and application to 13C-metabolic flux analysis of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Brassica napus leaves
Authors: Dellero Younès , Berardocco Solenne , Berges Cécilia , Filangi Olivier , Bouchereau Alain
Published: January 2023

The estimation of metabolic fluxes in photosynthetic organisms represents an important challenge that has gained interest over the last decade with the development of 13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis at isotopically non-stationary steady-state. This approach requires a high level of accuracy for the measurement of Carbon Isotopologue Distribution in plant metabolites. But this accuracy has still not been evaluated at the isotopologue level for GC-MS, leading to uncertainties for the metabolic fluxes calculated based on these fragments. Here, we developed a workflow to validate the measurements of CIDs from plant metabolites with GC-MS by producing tailor-made E. coli standard extracts harboring a predictable binomial CID for some organic and amino acids. Overall, most of our TMS-derivatives mass fragments were validated with these standards and at natural isotope abundance in plant matrices. Then, we applied this validated MS method to investigate the light/dark regulation of plant TCA cycle by incorporating U-13C-pyruvate to Brassica napus leaf discs. We took advantage of pathway-specific isotopologues/isotopomers observed between two and six hours of labeling to show that the TCA cycle can operate in a cyclic manner under both light and dark conditions. Interestingly, this forward cyclic flux mode has a nearly four-fold higher contribution for pyruvate-to-citrate and pyruvate-to-malate fluxes than the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc) flux reassimilating carbon derived from some mitochondrial enzymes. The contribution of stored citrate to the mitochondrial TCA cycle activity was also questioned based on dynamics of 13C-enrichment in citrate, glutamate and succinate and variations of citrate total amounts under light and dark conditions. Interestingly, there was a light-dependent 13C-incorporation into glycine and serine showing that decarboxylations from pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and TCA cycle enzymes were actively reassimilated and could represent up to 5% to net photosynthesis.
Transcriptome-wide characterization of bHLH transcription factor genes in Lycoris radiata and functional analysis of their response to MeJA
Authors: Wang Ning , Shu Xiaochun , Zhang Fengjiao , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2023

As one of the biggest plant specific transcription factor (TF) families, basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) protein, plays significant roles in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, there has been minimal research about the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment on the bHLH gene family in Lycoris radiata (L’Her.) Herb. In this study, based on transcriptome sequencing data, 50 putative L. radiata bHLH (LrbHLH) genes with complete open reading frames (ORFs), which were divided into 20 bHLH subfamilies, were identified. The protein motif analyses showed that a total of 10 conserved motifs were found in LrbHLH proteins and motif 1 and motif 2 were the most highly conserved motifs. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of LrbHLH genes revealed their involvement in regulation of plant growth, jasmonic acid (JA) mediated signaling pathway, photoperiodism, and flowering. Furthermore, subcellular localization revealed that most LrbHLHs were located in the nucleus. Expression pattern analysis of LrbHLH genes in different tissues and at flower developmental stages suggested that their expression differed across lineages and might be important for plant growth and organ development in Lycoris. In addition, all LrbHLH genes exhibited specific spatial and temporal expression patterns under MeJA treatment. Moreover, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and yeast two-hybrid assay showed that numerous LrbHLHs could interact with jasmonate ZIM (zinc-finger inflorescence meristem) domain (JAZ) proteins. This research provides a theoretical basis for further investigation of LrbHLHs to find their functions and insights for their regulatory mechanisms involved in JA signaling pathway.
Research on the influence mechanism of privacy invasion experiences with privacy protection intentions in social media contexts: Regulatory focus as the moderator
Authors: Chen Subai , Gu Chenyu , Wei Juan , Lv Mingjie
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In recent years, there have been numerous online privacy violation incidents caused by the leakage of personal information of social media users, yet there seems to be a tendency for users to burn out when it comes to privacy protection, which leads to more privacy invasions and forms a vicious circle. Few studies have examined the impact of social media users' privacy invasion experiences on their privacy protection intention. Protection motivation theory has often been applied to privacy protection research. However, it has been suggested that the theory could be improved by introducing individual emotional factors, and empirical research in this area is lacking.

Methods

To fill these gaps, the current study constructs a moderated chain mediation model based on protection motivation theory and regulatory focus theory, and introduces privacy fatigue as an emotional variable.

Results and discussion

An analysis of a sample of 4800 from China finds that: (1) Social media users' previous privacy invasion experiences can increase their privacy protection intention. This process is mediated by response costs and privacy fatigue. (2) Privacy fatigue plays a masking effect, i.e., increased privacy invasion experiences and response costs will raise individuals' privacy fatigue, and the feeling of privacy fatigue significantly reduces individuals' willingness to protect their privacy. (3) Promotion-focus individuals are less likely to experience privacy fatigue than those with prevention-focus. In summary, this trend of “lie flat” on social media users' privacy protection is caused by the key factor of “privacy fatigue”, and the psychological trait of regulatory focus can be used to interfere with the development of privacy fatigue. This study extends the scope of research on privacy protection and regulatory focus theory, refines the theory of protection motivation, and expands the empirical study of privacy fatigue; the findings also inform the practical governance of social network privacy.
Father presence and resilience of Chinese adolescents in middle school: Psychological security and learning failure as mediators
Authors: Wei Xueyan , Zhuang Miao , Xue Linfang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the association between father presence and adolescent resilience and the mediating role of psychological security and learning failure. Examining the mediating effects of learning failure and the chain mediating effect of psychological security and learning failure elucidated the link between father presence and adolescent resilience.

Methods

The present study conducted a questionnaire survey among Chinese middle school students on father presence, resilience, psychological security, and learning failure. The survey collected 626 valid responses.

Results

The findings showed that father presence, psychological security, learning failure, and resilience were significantly positively correlated; father presence had a direct effect on adolescent resilience, and psychological security and learning failure both mediated the relationship between father presence and adolescent resilience; psychological security and learning failure served as chain mediators between father presence and adolescent resilience.

Discussion

This study aimed to provide theoretical and practical insights into the field of family education.
Multi-domain computerized cognitive training for children with intellectual developmental disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Jingsong , Peng Juan , Li Zhaoying , Deng Haiyin , Huang Zhenming , He Youze , Tu Jingnan , Cao Lei , Huang Jia
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To verify the effects of multi-domain computerized cognitive training on intellectual function and adaptive functioning in children with intellectual developmental disorder (IDD).

Methods

Children with IDD were randomized to a multi-domain computerized cognitive training (CCT) group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Both groups received a 5-week training program. Intellectual function was assessed by Chinese-Wechsler Young Children scale (C-WYCSI) and adaptive functioning was assessed by the Chinese Vineland Adaptive Behavior Rating Scale (VABS-C), which were used at baseline, post-training, and 3-month follow-up.

Results

There were significant differences for intellectual function and adaptive functioning between the two groups. The CCT group showed significant improvements in total full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) score the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (F[60] = 31.97, p < 0.01) and its subdomain VIQ score (F[60] = 33.83, p < 0.01). For adaptive functioning, CCT had a better adaptive developmental quotient (ADQ) score (F[60] = 28.05, p < 0.01), and subdomain communication (F[60] = 10.86, p < 0.01) and socialization scores (F[60] = 4.35, p < 0.015). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between FSIQ changes and ADQ changes in the CCT group (rs = 0.74, p < 0.01). A greater increase in VIQ score was associated with a greater increase in adaptive functioning (bootstrapping CI: [0.16, 3.30]) in the CCT group.

Conclusion

Multi-domain CCT improves the intellectual function and adaptive functioning of children with IDD.
Revalidation of preservice physical education teacher’s teacher identity scale in Chinese physical education student teachers
Authors: Yang Anlu , Wang Yongshun , Yao Lei , Hamilton Xiaofen D.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Teacher identity (TI) is a crucial aspect to pre-service physical education teachers (PPETs) to becoming high quality teachers and plays an important role in their career choice. Thus, a deep understanding of their TI may help improve the quality of future PE teachers. This study aimed to provide further evidence of reliability and validity for Preservice Physical Education Teacher’s Teacher Identity Scale (PPET-TI scale).

Methods

The study went through a three-stage development process: (a) examining the content validity of original scale; (b) data collection using a sample of student teachers in physical education; (c) re-test the reliability and validity of the scale developed by Zhang.

Results and Discussion

After having re-examined the content validity, the domain of affects was deleted. The modified scale then consisted of the three domains (i.e., value and expectation, perceived confidence of teaching PE, and professional growth). A total of 944 physical education student teachers in China participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to investigate the construct validity, the results suggested the data did not fit the original model. After the unfitted item was excluded. All CFA fit indices were within the acceptable range. Reliability of the scale was then examined by calculating G-C alphas. The alpha values were within the acceptable range. The modified model was reliable and valid. The revalidation of the scale provided more us with a scale that could produce reliable and valid score measuring PPETs’ TI.
Cooperative behavior in the workplace: Empirical evidence from the agent-deed-consequences model of moral judgment
Authors: Sattler Sebastian , Dubljević Veljko , Racine Eric
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Moral judgment is of critical importance in the work context because of its implicit or explicit omnipresence in a wide range of work-place practices. The moral aspects of actual behaviors, intentions, and consequences represent areas of deep preoccupation, as exemplified in current corporate social responsibility programs, yet there remain ongoing debates on the best understanding of how such aspects of morality (behaviors, intentions, and consequences) interact. The ADC Model of moral judgment integrates the theoretical insights of three major moral theories (virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism) into a single model, which explains how moral judgment occurs in parallel evaluation processes of three different components: the character of a person (Agent-component); their actions (Deed-component); and the consequences brought about in the situation (Consequences-component). The model offers the possibility of overcoming difficulties encountered by single or dual-component theories.

Methods

We designed a 2 × 2 × 2-between-subjects design vignette experiment with a Germany-wide sample of employed respondents (N = 1,349) to test this model.

Results

Results showed that the Deed-component affects willingness to cooperate in the work context, which is mediated via moral judgments. These effects also varied depending on the levels of the Agent- and Consequences-component.

Discussion

Thereby, the results exemplify the usefulness of the ADC Model in the work context by showing how the distinct components of morality affect moral judgment.
China public emotion analysis under normalization of COVID-19 epidemic: Using Sina Weibo
Authors: Zhang Fa , Tang Qian , Chen Jian , Han Na
Published: January 2023

The prevention and control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in China has entered a phase of normalization. The basis for evaluating and improving public health strategies is understanding the emotions and concerns of the public. This study establishes a fine-grained emotion-classification model to annotate the emotions of 32,698 Sina Weibo posts related to COVID-19 prevention and control from July 2022 to August 2022. The Dalian University of Technology (DLUT) emotion-classification system was adjusted to form four pairs (eight categories) of bidirectional emotions: good-disgust, joy-sadness, anger-fear, and surprise-anticipation. A lexicon-based method was proposed to classify the emotions of Weibo posts. Based on the selected Weibo posts, the present study analyzed the Chinese public's sentiments and emotions. The results showed that positive sentiment accounted for 51%, negative sentiment accounted for 24%, and neutral sentiment accounted for 25%. Positive sentiments were dominated by good and joy emotions, and negative sentiments were dominated by fear and disgust emotions. The proportion of positive sentiments on official Weibo (accounts belonging to government departments and official media) is significantly higher than that on personal Weibo. Official Weibo users displayed a weak guiding effect on personal users in terms of positive sentiment and the two groups of users were almost completely synchronized in terms of negative sentiment. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on the two negative emotions of fear and disgust in the personal posts. The present study found that the emotion of fear was mainly related to COVID-19 infection and death, control of people with positive nucleic acid tests, and the outbreak of local epidemic, while the emotion of disgust was mainly related to the long-term existence of the epidemic, the cost of nucleic acid tests, non-implementation of prevention and control measures, and the occurrence of foreign epidemics. These findings suggest that Chinese attitudes toward epidemic prevention and control are positive and optimistic; however, there is also a notable proportion of fear and disgust. It is expected that this study will help public health administrators to evaluate the effectiveness of possible countermeasures and work toward precise prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic.
The link between self-uncertainty and conspicuous consumption: Tolerance of uncertainty as a moderator
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Zhu Hongjin , Zhao Qinying , Song Chaoqi , Wang Xiuxin
Published: January 2023

This study, based on self-affirmation theory, aims to investigate the impact of self-uncertainty on individual consumption behavior. Self-uncertainty was categorized into moral, cognitive, and interpersonal self-uncertainty, and different types of self-uncertainty were manipulated through four experiments, including a moral dilemma, a recall paradigm, and a picture quiz task written by E-Prime software to examine the effects of different types of self-uncertainty on conspicuous consumption and their possible boundary conditions. Our results show that moral, cognitive, and interpersonal self-uncertainty contribute to a stronger tendency to engage in conspicuous consumption. Our results also suggest that tolerance of uncertainty moderates the effect of self-uncertainty on conspicuous consumption, meaning that subjects with a high tolerance of uncertainty are less inclined to engage in conspicuous consumption than those with a low tolerance of uncertainty, even if they have high self-uncertainty. This study may provide an explanation for conspicuous consumption behavior, further validating the theory of compensatory consumption. Additionally, the results from this study also provide a reference for understanding people’s decision-making behavior in an uncertain social context and can provide new guidance to control irrational consumption behavior.
“We don’t normally require that in other contexts, do we”: Interpersonal meanings of tag questions in British university seminars based on the BASE corpus
Authors: Wei Lifang , Leung Alex Ho-Cheong , Sun Yufeng
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the interpersonal meanings expressed by English tag questions in the context of British university seminars from two dimensions: evidential modification of tags and conduciveness of responses. The data for the study derive from seminars in the British Academic Spoken English (BASE) Corpus, which is herein both quantitative and qualitative analyzed. The findings reveal that: (1) three-quarters of tag questions in the data are utilized by teachers, and the unmarked form of tag questions in university seminars are generally positive-negative forms, with a few examples of other varieties; (2) regarding evidential modification of tags, depending on the degree of epistemic certainty of the speakers on the proposition of the anchor, the default function of teachers’ tag questions in the data is to convey emphasis, followed by confirmatory function, with only a few cases of informational function; and (3) regarding conduciveness of responses, over 70% of tag questions are followed by no verbal response, while less than 30% are followed by explicit responses. Accordingly, these findings raise the question of whether tag questions can really provide sufficient scope for interactions in classroom. It is hoped that this nuanced, corpus-based analysis of tag question utilization within the context of British university seminars would empirically reveal the interpersonal relations between teachers and students and thereby shed light on more efficient seminar discussions.
The effect of reverse intergenerational support on the happiness of Chinese older adults: A moderating effect analysis based on role conflict
Authors: Zhang Hongfeng , Li Shunyi , Dai Wenwen , Wang Hanning
Published: January 2023

Intergenerational support is bidirectional, and reverse intergenerational support refers to parents providing financial support, time support, and spiritual support to their offspring. The emergence of reverse intergenerational support has created role conflicts among different groups of older adults. Based on survey data from 3,170 elderly people in eight sample provinces in China, this paper empirically investigates the relationship between reverse intergenerational support and the happiness of the elderly in contemporary China and the moderating effect of role conflict in it, using an ordered logit model. It was found that, first, reverse economic support reduces the happiness of the elderly, and reverse time support and reverse spiritual support can significantly enhance the happiness of the elderly. Second, in the presence of role conflict, the effect of reverse time support and reverse spiritual support on the enhancement of older adults’ happiness was suppressed; in the presence of role enhancement, the effect of reverse economic support on the reduction of older adults’ happiness was mitigated. The above findings provide new empirical evidence for understanding the relationship between reverse intergenerational support and the happiness of the elderly, which is prevalent in contemporary China, and offer new insights for enhancing happiness.
Exploring the influence of cultural participation on the subjective well-being of victims in Mexico
Authors: Reyes-Martínez Javier , Martínez-Martínez Oscar A. , Lombe Margaret , Piñeros-Leaño María
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Considering the increasing incidence of crime in Mexico, it is necessary to understand the strategies that individuals utilize in response to victimization and the effects of this on their subjective well-being.

Methods

A generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) analysis with data from the 2012 Self-reported Well-Being Survey (BIARE,n = 10,654); dependent variables: subjective well-being (i.e., cognitive well-being and affective balance); independent variables: self-reported victimization (i.e., by domestic violence, community violence, and structural violence) and cultural participation (i.e., cultural attendance, engagement, and consumption).

Results

Results show an overall positive and statistical influence of the cultural participation activities on the subjective well-being of victims of community and structural violence (but not of domestic violence), because, for those who reported higher levels of cultural participation, the probability of better subjective well-being were higher.

Conclusions

Victims potentially coped and adapted to stressful and traumatic situations (i.e., experiences of victimization) via cultural participation activities. However, there are distinctive effects according to different forms of violence, which may be accounted for in formulating public policies related to victims. This has implications for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in improving the general quality of life of victims and the general population.
Photobiomodulation improves frontal lobe cognitive functions and mental health of older adults with non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment: Case studies
Authors: Cheung Mei-Chun , Lee Tsz-Lok , Sze Sophia L. , Chan Agnes S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) on improving the frontal lobe cognitive functions and mental health of older adults.

Methods

Three older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of the non-amnestic type received 18-session tPBM stimulation for 9 weeks and were assessed with neuropsychological tests of memory and executive functions and standardized questionnaires on depressive and anxiety symptoms, global cognitive functions, and daily functioning abilities before and after tPBM stimulation.

Results

At baseline, their intrusion and/or perseveration errors in a verbal memory test and a fluency test, as measures of the frontal lobe cognitive functions, were in the borderline to severely impaired range at baseline. After tPBM stimulation, the three older adults showed various levels of improvement in their frontal lobe cognitive functions. One older adult’s intrusion and perseveration errors improved from the <1st–2nd percentile (moderately to severely impaired range) to the 41st–69th percentile (average range), another older adult’s intrusion errors improved from the 11th percentile to the 83rd percentile, and the third older adult’s intrusion errors improved from the 5th percentile to the 56th percentile. Moreover, improvements in their anxiety and/or depressive symptoms were also observed. One older adult’s depressive and anxiety symptoms improved from the severe range at baseline to the mild range after the intervention. The other two older adults’ depressive symptoms improved from the mild range at baseline to the normal range after the intervention.

Discussion

These findings provide preliminary support for the potential of tPBM to improve the frontal lobe cognitive functions and mental health of older adults with MCI. Given the small sample size of only three older adults and the absence of a placebo control group, larger randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm its potential.
Overcome social anxiety disorder and develop visionary leadership in uncertain environments: The important role of psychological resilience
Authors: Guan Yi , Wang Yao , Zhang Jiaojiao , Cao Yuan
Published: January 2023

Uncertainty is the main feature of the business environment in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. People taking leadership positions in an uncertain environment constantly encounter unprecedented risks and challenges. Many of them have difficulties adapting to such an environment and thus experience severe anxiety, showing the symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD), failing to exert effective leadership in social interaction contexts. How can leaders overcome SAD and effectively motivate their subordinates in an uncertain environment? This study explores the important role of psychological resilience. Using sample data collected from 82 leaders and 363 subordinates of eight enterprises in China from May to June 2020, the current study reveals that a high degree of psychological resilience enables leaders to maintain intrinsic motivated at work in an uncertain environment. Leaders with a high degree of psychological resilience perform better in identifying the organizations’ vision and displaying visionary leadership than those with a low degree. The current study enriches the knowledge of leaders’ psychological well-being and effective leadership in the post-COVID-19 era.
Reconstructing the expression of placement events in Danish as a second language
Authors: Cadierno Teresa , Ibarretxe-Antuñano Iraide , Hijazo-Gascón Alberto
Published: January 2023

Cross-linguistic research on event typology has revealed considerable variation in the linguistic conceptualization of placement events. Previous studies on second language acquisition have primarily dealt with the semantic re-categorization of placement verbs in a second language, but placement constructions have received less attention. The present study fills this gap by examining the constructions used by Spanish learners of L2 Danish (B1 and B2 levels) and by monolingual speakers of both languages. Data were elicited by means of the PUT task consisting of oral video descriptions and then classified into six main placement construction categories based on their frequency and structure. Results from the learner group suggest learning difficulties when reconstructing the expression of placement events in L2 Danish. In contrast to L1 Danish data, learners (i) kept using their L1 Spanish basic placement construction more often, (ii) avoided semantically more complex constructions, (iii) employed fewer spatial particles, (iv) showed difficulties in selecting the L2 appropriate spatial particles for specific placement scenes, and (v) used non-caused motion constructions. These findings suggest the creation of a linguistic conceptualization pattern on the part of the learners that is different from the respective L1 and L2 monolingual patterns, thus providing further empirical support for proposals arguing that bilinguals’ multicompetence is not equivalent to those of two monolinguals.
The happy learner: Effects of academic boredom, burnout, and engagement
Authors: Bekker Christiaan I. , Rothmann Sebastiaan , Kloppers Magdalena M.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of demographic and contextual variables on boredom in English and mathematics, and to test structural models of boredom, learner burnout, learner engagement, and life satisfaction. Using a cross-sectional survey design and employing a convenience sampling technique, 544 secondary school learners in the Sedibeng District, Gauteng, South Africa, took part in the study. The participants completed the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire – English, the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire – Mathematics, the Schoolwork Engagement Inventory, the School Burnout Inventory, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Latent variable modeling was used to test measurement and structural models of boredom, burnout, engagement, and life satisfaction. The indirect effects of boredom on life satisfaction were also computed. The results showed that Afrikaans as the home language, the final mark for English in the previous examination, caregivers that cannot help with English homework, and disliking the English teacher predicted boredom in English. Afrikaans as the home language, marks for mathematics in the previous examination, not having the ability to focus on schoolwork at home, and disliking the mathematics teacher predicted boredom in mathematics. Boredom in mathematics and English resulted in an increase in learner burnout and a decrease in learner engagement. Furthermore, boredom in mathematics and English indirectly affected life satisfaction via learner burnout and engagement.
Women and entrepreneurship for economic growth in Indonesia
Authors: Setyaningrum Retno Purwani , Norisanti Nor , Fahlevi Mochammad , Aljuaid Mohammed , Grabowska Sandra
Published: January 2023

Business and entrepreneurship are certainly not a monopoly on men. As inhabitants of half the world, women also have the right to engage in the business world. In line with the ideals of emancipation, many women currently have the opportunity to become business partners of men. This research aims to clarify the role of absorptive capacity and entrepreneurial competencies in strengthening women’s leadership toward success. This research was conducted in 3 provinces in Indonesia involving 114 women entrepreneurs in the MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) category. This research used a structural equation model with the SmartPLS software tool. The results of this research showed that absorptive capacity and entrepreneurial competencies were able to increase women’s leadership toward successful entrepreneurship. City and age moderation failed to moderate the effect of women’s leadership on successful entrepreneurship. The government on a macro scale needs to pay attention to providing understanding or special training for women MSME business actors who are trying to build their business from scratch. Business challenges for women entrepreneurs are heavier than for men because there are several social, value, and cultural barriers that require special treatment and strategies in developing the potential of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Prevalence of suicidal behavior in a northeastern Mexican border population during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Villarreal Sotelo Karla , Peña Cárdenas Fabiola , Zamorano González Benito , Vargas Orozco Cynthia Marisol , Hernández Rodríguez Ignacio , Landero Pérez Carolina
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Before the pandemic, suicide was already considered a global public health problem. The outbreak of COVID-19, a coronavirus-related infectious disease, began to impact people's physical and mental health. The factors that either contribute to or mitigate this risk need to be better understood, and this can only be accomplished through research. Therefore, this study aimed to study the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior in Tamaulipas, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 659 participants, of whom 194 (29.5%) were men and 465 (70.5%) participants were oldwomen, ranging in age between 16 and 68 years (M = 22.56, SD = 7.26). An adapted version of the Spanish version of the Columbia Suicidal Severity Rating Scale was used to assess the seriousness of suicidal ideation and behavior.

Results

The higher rates of suicidal indicators were suicidal ideation with “wish to dead” (39.9%), while the lower was suicidal ideation with a specific plan (8.2%). A total of 18.2% of participants reported “suicidal attempts before COVID-19,” of whom 40% reported “suicidal attempts in the last 3 months.” Suicidal behavior rates were lower: 13.7% of participants reported “non-specific preparatory behavior” and 13.3% reported “actual suicide attempts.” Women were more likely than men to exhibit almost all indicators of suicidal ideation and behavior (OR = 1.63–2.54; 95% CI = 1.11–2.41, 1.76–3.68), as well as confinement (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.73–3.91). Confinement for more than 40 days (OR = 0.55–0.66; 95% CI = 0.40–0.75, 0.47–0.93) and knowing a person infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.57–2.01; 95% CI = 1.02–2.42, 1.20–3.34) were associated with a higher risk of exhibiting several suicidal indicators and having previously attempted suicide.

Conclusion

Being a woman, knowing a person infected with COVID-19, and being confined, especially for longer than 40 days, are all risk factors for suicidal ideation. Therefore, intervention programs are needed to reduce the suicide risk prevalence, especially these days because of the influence of the pandemic, and should be primarily focused on those who present the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior identified in this study.
Severity in the ICD-11 personality disorder model: Evaluation in a Spanish mixed sample
Authors: Gutiérrez Fernando , Aluja Anton , Rodríguez Claudia , Gárriz Miguel , Peri Josep M. , Gallart Salvador , Calvo Natalia , Ferrer Marc , Gutiérrez-Zotes Alfonso , Soler Joaquim , Pascual Juan Carlos
Published: January 2023

Severity is the main component of the ICD-11 personality disorder (PD) classification, but pertinent instruments have only recently been developed. We analyzed the psychometric properties of the ICD-11 Personality Disorder Severity scale (PDS-ICD-11) in a mixed sample of 726 community and clinical subjects. We also examined how the different components of the ICD-11 PD system —five trait domains, the borderline pattern specifier, and severity, all of them measured through self-reports— are interconnected and operate together. PDS-ICD-11 properties were adequate and similar to those of the original instrument. However, regressions and factor analyses showed a considerable overlap of severity with the five personality domains and the borderline specifier (72.6%). Bifactor modeling resulted in a general factor of PD (g-PD) that was not equivalent to severity nor improved criterion validity. The whole ICD-11 PD system, i.e., five personality domains, borderline, and severity, explained an average of 43.6% of variance of external measures of well-being, disability, and clinical problems, with severity contributing 4.8%. Suggestions to further improve the ICD-11 PD taxonomy include remodeling the present definition of severity to give more weight to the real-life consequences of traits.
3-day intervention program for family members of hikikomori sufferers: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kubo Hiroaki , Urata Hiromi , Sakai Motohiro , Nonaka Shunsuke , Kishimoto Junji , Saito Kazuhiko , Tateno Masaru , Kobara Keiji , Fujisawa Daisuke , Hashimoto Naoki , Suzuki Yuriko , Honda Yoko , Nakao Tomohiro , Otsuka Kotaro , Kanba Shigenobu , Kuroki Toshihide , Kato Takahiro A.
Published: January 2023

Backgrounds

Hikikomori, pathological social withdrawal, is becoming a crucial mental health issue in Japan and worldwide. We have developed a 3-day family intervention program for hikikomori sufferers based on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). This study aims to confirm the effectiveness of the 3-day program by a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

This study was registered on the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000037289). Fifteen parents were assigned to the treat as usual (TAU) group (TAU only; Age Mean, 65.6; SD, 7.8), and 14 to the Program group (program + TAU; Age Mean, 67.9; SD, 8.6). This study was discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the recruitment rate was 36.3% of our target sample size of 80.

Results

Perceived skills improved temporally and stigma temporally worsened in the TAU group. Confidence decreased and attitude showed no change in both groups. Aggressive behaviors of hikikomori sufferers were significantly worsened in the Program group; however, no serious domestic violence was reported. In the TAU group, Avoidance and irregular life patterns were improved. Activity levels were worsened in both groups. Two participants (16.7%) in the Program group and one participant (7.7%) in the TAU group reported actual behavioral changes (e.g., utilizing support).

Conclusion

We could not draw general conclusions on the effectiveness of the program due to the study discontinuation. Nevertheless, this study indicates the necessity for revision of the program to improve family members’ confidence in engaging with hikikomori sufferers, with safer approaching by families.
Prevalence and effects of sleep-disordered breathing on middle-aged patients with sedative-free generalized anxiety disorder: A prospective case-control study
Authors: Chen Tien-Yu , Kung Yen-Ying , Lai Hsiao-Ching , Lee Li-Ang , Jen I-An , Chang Hsin-An , Liu Chia-Yu , Kuo Terry B. J. , Yang Cheryl C. H.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) share similar symptoms, such as poor sleep quality, irritability, and poor concentration during daily activities. This study aims to investigate the proportion of undiagnosed SDB and its impacts on anxiety severity and autonomic function in newly diagnosed, sedative-free GAD patients.

Methods

This prospective case-control study included newly diagnosed GAD patients and control participants with matched age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) in Taiwan. All participants completed questionnaires for sleep and mood symptoms and a resting 5-min heart rate variability (HRV) examination during enrollment. The participants also used a home sleep apnea test to detect SDB. An oxygen desaturation index (ODI) ≥ 5 was considered indicative of SDB.

Results

In total, 56 controls and 47 newly diagnosed GAD participants (mean age 55.31 ± 12.36 years, mean BMI 23.41 ± 3.42 kg/m2) were included. There was no significant difference in the proportion of undiagnosed SDB in the control and sedative-free GAD groups (46.43 vs. 51.06%). Sedative-free GAD patients with SDB scored significantly higher on Beck Anxiety Inventory (23.83 ± 11.54) than those without SDB (16.52 ± 10.61) (p < 0.001). Both control and sedative-free GAD groups with SDB had worse global autonomic function than the control group without SDB, as evidenced by the HRV results (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Average age 55 years and mean BMI 23 kg/m2 patients with GAD and matched controls had an undiagnosed SDB prevalence of approximately 50%. SDB correlated with worsening anxiety severity and reduced cardiac autonomic function. Moreover, age and BMI were considered major risk factors for predicting undiagnosed SDB.
Experiencing COVID-19, home isolation and primary health care: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Parisi Sandra , Lehner Nina , Schrader Hanna , Kierer Leonard , Fleischer Anna , Miljukov Olga , Borgulya Gabor , Rüter Gernot , Viniol Annika , Gágyor Ildikó
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Although the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are treated in primary care, patients' experiences during home isolation have been little studied. This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with acute COVID-19 and to identify challenges after the initial adaptation of the German health system to the pandemic (after first infection wave from February to June 2020).

Methods

A mixed-method convergent design was used to gain a holistic insight into patients experience. The study consisted of a cross-sectional survey, open survey answers and semi-structured telephone interviews. Descriptive analysis was performed on quantitative survey answers. Between group differences were calculated to explore changes after the first infection wave. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on open survey answers and interviews. The results were then compared within a triangulation protocol.

Results

A total of 1100 participants from all German states were recruited by 145 general practitioners from August 2020 to April 2021, 42 additionally took part in qualitative interviews. Disease onset varied from February 2020 to April 2021. After the first infection wave, more participants were tested positive during the acute disease (88.8%; 95.2%; P < 0.001). Waiting times for tests (mean 4.5 days, SD 4.1; 2.7days, SD 2.6, P < 0.001) and test results (mean 2.4 days, SD 1.9; 1.8 days, SD 1.3, P < 0.001) decreased. Qualitative results indicated that the availability of repeated testing and antigen tests reduced insecurities, transmission and related guilt. Although personal consultations at general practices increased (6.8%; 15.5%, P < 0.001), telephone consultation remained the main mode of consultation (78.5%) and video remained insignificant (1.9%). The course of disease, the living situation and social surroundings during isolation, access to health care, personal resilience, spirituality and feelings of guilt and worries emerged as themes influencing the illness experience. Challenges were contact management and adequate provision of care during home isolation. A constant contact person within the health system helped against feelings of care deprivation, uncertainty and fear.

Conclusions

Our study highlights that home isolation of individuals with COVID-19 requires a holistic approach that considers all aspects of patient care and effective coordination between different care providers.
Continuous voluntary community care services for older people in China: Evidence from Wuhu
Authors: Xin Ying , An Jianzeng , Xu Jia
Published: January 2023

Introduction

China has limited formal care services and weak unpaid informal care support for older people, which has caused a care service shortage for them. Voluntary community care services are thus a type of formal care service that aims to meet older people's unmet care needs. However, the continuity of such voluntary community care services is important for the degree to which these unmet care needs of older people can be satisfied. Therefore, this study examines what motivates volunteers to provide voluntary community care services for older people in China. It argues that providing continuous voluntary community care services can be motivated by the interaction of volunteers' internal and external motivations.

Methods

This study employs the grounded theory approach, including open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and saturation testing, and derives the data from 15 semi-structured interviews with volunteers from September to December 2021 in Wuhu, China.

Results

The analysis identifies three internal motivations (altruism, social interaction, and self-fulfillment) and three external motivations (social support, standardized management, and relevant benefits) as well as the interaction between them as factors that impact volunteers' willingness to offer continuous voluntary community care services for older people.

Discussion

The study's findings highlight the impact of continuous volunteering on society, which is significant to provide voluntary community care services for older people. It thus contributes to the development of China's care policy and future care supply services as well as serves as a reference for care development models in other welfare states, particularly in places where both formal and informal care are underdeveloped such as China.