bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinically elevated depression scores do not produce negative attentional biases in caregivers of autistic children
Authors: Lovell Brian , McCarty Kris , Penfold Phoebe , Wetherell Mark A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Depression scores in caregivers of autistic children often fall in the clinical range. The attention of clinically depressed individuals tends to be biased toward negatively toned information. Whether caring for an autistic child might also be characterized by a negative attentional bias was explored here.

Methods

A sample of N = 98 (57 caregivers and 41 controls) completed questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms. Orienting attention to (i.e., vigilance), and shifting attention away from (i.e., disengagement), negative information was assessed via an online version of the emotional face dot probe task.

Results

Mean depression scores in caregivers, falling in the borderline clinical range, were significantly higher compared with controls. Groups, however, were indistinguishable with respect to vigilance and disengagement, and these attentional indices were unrelated to depression scores.

Conclusion

Caring for an autistic child, while associated with borderline clinical depression scores, was not characterized by a negative attentional bias. Findings are discussed in the context of methodological shortcomings and recommendations for future research.
Exploring factors influencing domestic violence: a comprehensive study on intrafamily dynamics
Authors: Lanchimba Cintya , Díaz-Sánchez Juan Pablo , Velasco Franklin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This econometric analysis investigates the nexus between household factors and domestic violence. By considering diverse variables encompassing mood, depression, health consciousness, social media engagement, household chores, density, and religious affiliation, the study aims to comprehend the underlying dynamics influencing domestic violence.

Methods

Employing econometric techniques, this study examined a range of household-related variables for their potential associations with levels of violence within households. Data on mood, depression, health consciousness, social media usage, household chores, density, and religious affiliation were collected and subjected to rigorous statistical analysis.

Results

The findings of this study unveil notable relationships between the aforementioned variables and levels of violence within households. Positive mood emerges as a mitigating factor, displaying a negative correlation with violence. Conversely, depression positively correlates with violence, indicating an elevated propensity for conflict. Increased health consciousness is linked with diminished violence, while engagement with social media demonstrates a moderating influence. Reduction in the time allocated to household chores corresponds with lower violence levels. Household density, however, exhibits a positive association with violence. The effects of religious affiliation on violence manifest diversely, contingent upon household position and gender.

Discussion

The outcomes of this research offer critical insights for policymakers and practitioners working on formulating strategies for preventing and intervening in instances of domestic violence. The findings emphasize the importance of considering various household factors when designing effective interventions. Strategies to bolster positive mood, alleviate depression, encourage health consciousness, and regulate social media use could potentially contribute to reducing domestic violence. Additionally, the nuanced role of religious affiliation underscores the need for tailored approaches based on household dynamics, positioning, and gender.
Psychological well-being and associated factors among parents of adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xia Qian , Zhang Yan , Huang Xuehua
Published: September 2023

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) impacts not only adolescents who engage in it but also their parents. However, there has been limited research into the psychological well-being of these parents. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the symptoms of anxiety and depression among parents of adolescents who engaged in NSSI in China and the factors associated with them.

Methods

A total of 400 parents of adolescents with NSSI were included. Socio-demographic information of these parents was collected. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were used to assess symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological resilience, respectively.

Results

The majority of the parents were female (83.5%), married (86.3%), and had a senior high school or equivalent and lower education level (67.1%). The study found that 35.3% of the parents experienced clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 7) and 40.1% had clinically significant symptoms of depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 7). Parents with larger ages and lower levels of psychological resilience were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Parents who reported bad parent–child relationships showed a higher level of anxiety.

Conclusion

This study provides important insights into the symptoms of anxiety and depression among parents of adolescents with NSSI. Parental age, parent–child relationship, and psychological resilience were associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression in these parents. Implications for the development of interventions aimed at addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents of adolescents with NSSI were discussed.
Projecting the burden of dental caries and periodontal diseases among the adult population in the United Kingdom using a multi-state population model
Authors: Elamin Amal , Ansah John P.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

With the aging United Kingdom population, oral diseases are expected to increase. Exploring credible projections is fundamental to understanding the likely impact of emerging population-level interventions on oral disease burden. This study aims at providing a credible, evidence-based projection of the adult population in the United Kingdom with dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Methods

We developed a multi-state population model using system dynamics that disaggregates the adult population in the United Kingdom into different oral health states. The caries population was divided into three states: no caries, treated caries, and untreated caries. The periodontal disease population was disaggregated into no periodontal disease, pocketing between 4 and < 6 mm, 6 and < 9 mm, and 9 mm or more. Data from the 2009 dental health survey in the United Kingdom was used to estimate age and gender-specific prevalence rates as input to the multi-state population model.

Results

Of the population 16 years and older, the number with carious teeth is projected to decrease from 15.742 million in the year 2020 to 15.504 million by the year 2050, representing a decrease of 1.5%. For individuals with carious teeth, the older adult population is estimated to constitute 62.06% by 2050 and is projected to increase 89.4% from 5.079 million in 2020 to 9.623 million by 2050. The adult population with periodontal pocketing is estimated to increase from 25.751 million in 2020 to 27.980 million by 2050, while those with periodontal loss of attachment are projected to increase from 18.667 million in 2020 to 20.898 million by 2050. The burden of carious teeth and periodontal diseases is anticipated to shift from the adult population (16–59 years) to the older adult population. The older adult population with carious teeth is estimated to rise from 32.26% in 2020 to 62.06% by 2050, while that for periodontal disease is expected to increase from 42.44% in 2020 to 54.57% by 2050.

Conclusion

This model provides evidence-based plausible future demand for oral health conditions, allowing policymakers to plan for oral health capacity to address growing needs. Because of the significant delay involved in educating and training oral health personnel, such projections offer policymakers the opportunity to be proactive in planning for future capacity needs instead of being reactive.
Investigating the effectiveness of protection motivation theory in predicting behaviors relating to natural disasters, in the households of southern Iran
Authors: Faryabi Reza , Rezabeigi Davarani Fatemeh , Daneshi Salman , Moran Declan Patrick
Published: September 2023

Background

Disasters can lead to large human casualties, destruction of property and economic and environmental resources. The purpose of the present study was to answer the question whether the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is effective in predicting behaviors related to the harmful effects of natural disasters in the households of southern Iran.

Materials and methods

This quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted on 528 households in Jiroft city. Sampling was done by combined method (the combination of cluster, simple random, proportional and systematic random sampling). A total of 528 households were included. The tools for collecting data were demographic information and a researcher-made questionnaire related to PMT constructs and preventive behaviors from the harmful effects of natural disasters. Data was analyzed using SPSS v21 software, and the necessary analyzes (descriptive tests, chi-square, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test) were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Using Amos v 21 software, the predictors of safety behaviors were determined using path analysis.

Results

The results showed 51.7% lived in the city and 62.1% of residential buildings were of brick without markings. There is a significant difference between preventive behaviors and direct exposure to disasters (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.004), monthly income (p = 0.004) and source of information (p = 0.040). There was also a significant correlation between preventive behaviors and the number of vulnerable family members (p = 0.001, r = 0.160). The adjusted model of the path analysis test showed that protection motivation (β = 0.547), fear (β = 0.147) and perceived vulnerability (β = 0.135) had the greatest role among the constructs of the protection motivation theory.

Conclusion

According to the results of the study, it is suggested that health planners design and implement educational interventions based on the structures of the mentioned model to increase the preparedness of households against natural disasters.
To vaccinate or to isolate? Establishing which intervention leads to measurable mortality reduction during the COVID-19 Delta wave in Poland
Authors: Walkowiak Marcin Piotr , Walkowiak Dariusz , Walkowiak Jarosław
Published: September 2023

Background

During the Delta variant COVID-19 wave in Poland there were serious regional differences in vaccination rates and discrepancies in the enforcement of pandemic preventive measures, which allowed us to assess the relative effectiveness of the policies implemented.

Methods

Creating a model that would predict mortality based on vaccination rates among the most vulnerable groups and the timing of the wave peak enabled us to calculate to what extent flattening the curve reduced mortality. Subsequently, a model was created to assess which preventive measures delayed the peak of infection waves. Combining those two models allowed us to estimate the relative effectiveness of those measures.

Results

Flattening the infection curve worked: according to our model, each week of postponing the peak of the wave reduced excess deaths by 1.79%. Saving a single life during the Delta wave required one of the following: either the vaccination of 57 high-risk people, or 1,258 low-risk people to build herd immunity, or the isolation of 334 infected individuals for a cumulative period of 10.1 years, or finally quarantining 782 contacts for a cumulative period of 19.3 years.

Conclusions

Except for the most disciplined societies, vaccination of high-risk individuals followed by vaccinating low-risk groups should have been the top priority instead of relying on isolation and quarantine measures which can incur disproportionately higher social costs. Our study demonstrates that even in a country with uniform policies, implementation outcomes varied, highlighting the importance of fine-tuning policies to regional specificity.
Updates on developing and applying biosensors for the detection of microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance genes and antibiotics: a scoping review
Authors: Magnano San Lio Roberta , Barchitta Martina , Maugeri Andrea , La Rosa Maria Clara , Favara Giuliana , Agodi Antonella
Published: September 2023

Background

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in clinical and non-clinical settings contributes to the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Contemporary endeavours are focused on exploring novel technological methodologies, striving to create cost-effective and valuable alternatives for detecting microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and/or antibiotics across diverse matrices. Within this context, there exists an increasingly pressing demand to consolidate insights into potential biosensors and their implications for public health in the battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Methods

A scoping review was carried out to map the research conducted on biosensors for the detection of microorganisms, ARGs and/or antibiotics in clinical and environmental samples. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used. Articles published from 1999 to November 2022 and indexed in the following databases were included: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, BIOSIS Citation index, Derwent Innovations index, and KCI-Korean Journal.

Results

The 48 studies included in the scoping review described the development and/or validation of biosensors for the detection of microorganisms, ARGs and/or antibiotics. At its current stage, the detection of microorganisms and/or ARGs has focused primarily on the development and validation of biosensors in clinical and bacterial samples. By contrast, the detection of antibiotics has focused primarily on the development and validation of biosensors in environmental samples. Asides from target and samples, the intrinsic characteristics of biosensors described in the scoping review were heterogenous. Nonetheless, the number of studies assessing the efficacy and validation of the aforementioned biosensor remained limited, and there was also a lack of comparative analyses against conventional molecular techniques.

Conclusion

Promoting high-quality research is essential to facilitate the integration of biosensors as innovative technologies within the realm of public health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance AMR. Adopting a One-Health approach, it becomes imperative to delve deeper into these promising and feasible technologies, exploring their potential across diverse sample sets and matrices.
Prevalence of hepatitis E virus in China from 1997 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Kexin , Wu Xiaoyue , Yang Mengya , Chen Can , Zhang Xiaobao , Jiang Daixi , Du Yuxia , Chen Mengsha , You Yue , Zhou Wenkai , Qi Jiaxing , Chen Dingmo , Yan Rui , Miao Ziping , Yang Shigui
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Several studies have reported on hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalence in various regions of China, but the results vary widely. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the seroprevalence, RNA-positive rate, genotype distribution of HEV in China, and its risk factors.

Methods

We included 208 related studies involving 1,785,569 participants published between 1997 and 2022. Random-effects models were used to pool prevalence, and subgroup analyses were conducted by population, gender, age, study period, regions, and rural–urban distribution. The meta regression models and pooled odds ratios (OR) were performed to identify risk factors for HEV infections.

Results

The pooled anti-HEV IgG, IgM, and Ag seroprevalence, and RNA detection rates in China from 1997 to 2022 were 23.17% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.23–26.25], 0.73% (95% CI: 0.55–0.93), 0.12% (95% CI: 0.01–0.32), and 6.55% (95% CI: 3.46–12.05), respectively. The anti-HEV IgG seropositivity was higher in the occupational population (48.41%; 95% CI: 40.02–56.85) and older adult aged 50–59 years (40.87%; 95% CI: 31.95–50.11). The dominant genotype (GT) of hepatitis E in China was GT4. Notably, drinking non-tap water (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.50–2.20), consumption of raw or undercooked meat (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17–1.84), and ethnic minorities (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.29–1.73) were risk factors of anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence.

Discussions

Overall, the prevalence of hepatitis E was relatively high in China, especially among older adults, ethnic minorities, and humans with occupational exposure to pigs. Thus, there is a need for preventive measures, including HEV infection screening and surveillance, health education, and hepatitis E vaccine intervention in high-risk areas and populations.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023397036.
Physical and mental health impairments experienced by operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants during laparoscopic surgery: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Liu Junjie , Qiao Xi , Xiao Yi , Deng Zhuofan , Cui Ji , Wu Mingdong , Zhang Haolong , Ran Kun , Luo Hailong , Tang Bo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Surgeons may experience physical and mental health problems because of their jobs, which may lead to chronic muscle damage, burnout, or even withdrawal. However, these are often ignored in camera-holder assistants during laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to analyze the differences between operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants.

Methods

From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the muscle pain, fatigue, verbal scolding, and task load for operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Space Administration Task Load Index, and the Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) were combined in the questionnaire.

Results

2,184 operations were performed by a total of 94 operating surgeons and 220 camera assistants. 81% of operating surgeons and 78% of camera-holder assistants reported muscle pain/discomfort during the procedure. The most affected anatomic region was the shoulders for operating surgeons, and the lower back for camera-holder assistants. Intraoperative fatigue was reported by 41.7% of operating surgeons and 51.7% of camera-holder assistants. 55.2% of camera-holder assistants reported verbal scolding from the operating surgeons, primarily attributed to lapses in laparoscope movement coordination. The SURG-TLX results showed that the distributions of mental, physical, and situational stress for operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants were comparable.

Conclusion

Like operating surgeons, camera-holder assistants also face similar physical and mental health impairments while performing laparoscopic surgery. Improvements to the working conditions of the camera-holder assistant should not be overlooked.
Anthropomorphic framing and failure comprehensibility influence different facets of trust towards industrial robots
Authors: Roesler Eileen
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Utilizing anthropomorphic features in industrial robots is a prevalent strategy aimed at enhancing their perception as collaborative team partners and promoting increased tolerance for failures. Nevertheless, recent research highlights the presence of potential drawbacks associated with this approach. It is still widely unknown, how anthropomorphic framing influences the dynamics of trust especially, in context of different failure experiences.

Method: The current laboratory study wanted to close this research gap. To do so, fifty-one participants interacted with a robot that was either anthropomorphically or technically framed. In addition, each robot produced either a comprehensible or an incomprehensible failure.

Results: The analysis revealed no differences in general trust towards the technically and anthropomorphically framed robot. Nevertheless, the anthropomorphic robot was perceived as more transparent than the technical robot. Furthermore, the robot’s purpose was perceived as more positive after experiencing a comprehensible failure.

Discussion: The perceived higher transparency of anthropomorphically framed robots might be a double-edged sword, as the actual transparency did not differ between both conditions. In general, the results show that it is essential to consider trust multi-dimensionally, as a uni-dimensional approach which is often focused on performance might overshadow important facets of trust like transparency and purpose.
An exploration of agro-food chain distributive, procedural and interactional fairness in food products
Authors: Samoggia Antonella , Argiriou Anagnostis , Mallidis Ioannis , Früh Simon , Beyhan Zeynep , Fantini Andrea , Ettinger Tamara , Mouchtaropoulou Evangelia , Benmehaia Amine M. , Parodos Leonidas , Gianotti Andrea , Archour Lofti , Kacem Adnen , Ayfantopoulou Georgia
Published: September 2023

Fairness and ethical values in agro-food chain lay at the center of the current debate on agro-food chain sustainability. The food labels may contain elements focused on agro-food chain management fairness practices. The objective of the present study is to explore what types of fairness agro-food companies value in the food products they commercialize, and if the characteristics of agro-food companies have a relationship with the type of fairness valued. The research study collected 226 commercialized food products containing information on the agro-food chain fairness practices companies adopted to produce the food products. Data elaboration included a cluster analysis to identify groups of fair products, and a multinomial logistic regression to explore the relationship between the identified clusters and fairness types, organic, nutritional and functional claims, and price. Results support that fairness-oriented products provide information on different types of fairness that is distributive, procedural, and interactional. Some products provide economic information on the distribution of price between upstream and downstream actors. Other products focus on procedural and interactional fairness practices, such as dignity, respect and transparent relationship in agro-food chain; technologies used in the production and distribution of the product; and ethical certifications that companies hold. Fairness-oriented information differ depending both on the type of chain actor commercializing the product, and on the type of brand, that is whether commercial brand or private label. The main conclusion is that companies convey fairness-related information to consumers differently according to company’s role in the agro-food chain. Yet, there is need to exploit further the potential role of fairness practices in defining effective business strategies to contribute to higher equity and sustainability in the agro-food system.
Heparan sulfate is the attachment factor associated with channel catfish virus infection on host cells
Authors: Yu Fei , Chen Hongxun , Xu Jiehua , Wang Yu , Nie Chunlan , Song Siyang , Meng Lihui , Hao Kai , Zhao Zhe
Published: September 2023

Channel catfish virus (CCV; family Alloherpesviridae) infects channel catfish, causing great harm to aquaculture fisheries and economic development. Attachment is the first step in viral infection and relies on the interaction of virions with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The present study aimed to explored the role of the main three ECM components in CCV attachment. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that neither collagen nor hyaluronic acid treatments had significant effects on CCV attachment. When exogenous heparin was used as a competitive inhibitor, the adhesion of heparin sodium salt to CCV was dose-dependent. When the concentration of heparin sodium salt was 10 mg/mL, the inhibitory effect on CCV infection of channel catfish ovary (CCO/BB) cells was more than 90%. Heparinase I could significantly prevent CCV attachment by digesting heparan sulfate on the cell surface, and both heparin sodium salt and heparinase I could dose-dependently reduce CCV titers, suggesting that heparin plays an important role in CCV attachment. In addition, the binding experiments between heparin-agarose beads and virions showed that CCV virions could specifically bind to heparin in a dose-dependent manner. The above results suggested that heparan sulfate might be an attachment factor involved in CCV infection of CCO/BB cells. These results increase our understand of the attachment mechanism of CCV and lay the foundation for further research on antiviral drugs.
Mediating Role of Workplace Learning between HR Practices and Employee Well-Being in IT Supplier Industry
Authors: Raza Nasir Ali , Ullah Irfan , Irfan Muhammad
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine impact of HR practices on employee wellbeing with mediating role of work place learning in IT supplier industry of Pakistan. Employment security, participative decision making, extensive training, career advancement, performance based reward system and performance appraisals were taken as HR practices and psychological, physical and social well-being were examined as employee well-being at workplace. Questionnaire was used to collect data from targeted respondents. A total of 180 questionnaires were distributed from which 152 were received in useable form. Utilization of HR practices were found to be essential for enhancing individual employee well-being at workplace. It was also determined that workplace learning mediates the relationship between HR practices and employee well-being in the organization.
Impact of Digitization on Consumer Buying Behavior with Respect to Consumer Demographic Factors
Authors: Ahmad Ameer , Ul Hadi Noor
Published: September 2023

Since dependence on digitization is growing day by day both in the developing and the developed world. Therefore, the aim of this study is to answer a recently raised question that what is the role of digitization on consumer buying behavior together with consumer demographic factors? In answering this, data was collected conveniently from 300 respondents in the twin cities of Pakistan. SPSS version 23 was used to conduct the statistical tests of independent sample t-test; one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA and simple regression. The hypothesis tests proved that digitization affected the consumer buying behavior directly and together with consumer demographic factors, meaning to say that the direct and interactive role of demographic factors were found to be crucial like age of consumers affects the relationship between digitization and consumer buying behavior. Moreover, the direct role of other variables such as gender and qualification were found to be significant. The study recommends that while, designing digitized advertisements and packages companies should focus on the Age brackets of their consumers. The study findings provide practitioners and scholars with valuable information. Also, limitations and future research recommendations were discussed.
The role and analysis of Microfinance Banks in Pakistan
Authors: Iftikhar Kiani Osama , Awais Muhammad , Ahmed Waqas , Bashir Dar Imran , Shafiq Muhammad
Published: September 2023

The previous decades are marked with the observable and documented economically developmental role of Microfinance banks (MFBs) in country, which is developing and transitional economy, yet no exhaustive research on the role and analysis of MFBs has been done to map its issues & challenges in terms of local fit and in a global setting. The researchers have addressed this empirical-cum-academic call to pave the way for further convergence-oriented research to deeply learn about the contemporary areas untapped. This study aims at presenting the basic objectives, functions, scarcity mitigation capacity, and economic connection of MFBs with common public at large. The performance of MFBs in Pakistan is analyzed through Financial Ratio Analysis (FRAs) to characterize on the performance on besieged MFBs. The results depicted that the MFBs in Pakistan have a definite role and performance-based impact on the economic development of the country, which has been overlooked for long period. At firm level, the performance of NRSP and Khushhali Banks (KBs) was observed to be surpassing among 8 MFBs selected for the research. The NRSP retained net profit of Rs. 821,474 and KBs produced Rs. 1.8 M (million). Moreover, NRSP composed investment of Rs. 2.69 M and KBs Rs. 16.29 M. The return on assets of NRSP of 2.45% and return on equity of 21.23%. Furthermore, the Return on assets of KBs 3.05% and return on equity is 28.34%. The strategies adapted by these two MFBs are learning grounds for others for bottom-up prosperity by financially supporting the small entrepreneurs, as per the need of the present.
Impact of On Job Training, Training Design and Training Delivery Style on Organizations Performance
Authors: Kashif Abdul Rauf , Shafiq Dr. Muhammad , Tahir Abdul Haseeb , Wahid Sumaira , Ahmed Shabaz
Published: September 2023

Organizations are struggling hard for the success and attainment of competitiveness utilizing skilled human resource. The particular problem discussed in this research is to determine the influence of training on performance of employee and organization within the education sector of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. For getting the primary data about the concepts of people, a survey through questionnaire comprising of 15 questions was carried out. The questionnaires were sent to 300 people, in Rawalpindi/ Islamabad. To depict a good representative of the study, the sample size was chosen randomly. The replies were collected on paper. The independent variables of the study were three in numbers (On job training, Training design, Delivery Style) and Organizational performance is a dependent variable which is being affected by these independent variables by mediation of employee's performance. The data has been tested on SPSS. To find the importance of these variables and to evaluate the results Cronbach’s Alpha, descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and ANOVA were used. The results show that the independent variables training design, delivery style and on the job training has positive and significant relationship with the dependent variable organizational performance by mediating variable employee’s performance and clearly depicts the strong variability among variables
Politics in the Government Organizations: The Moderating Role of Optimism to Control Deleterious Effects
Authors: Riaz Dr. Adnan , Afzal Dr. Malik Muhammad , Rehman Dr. Kashif Ur , Khan Dr. Rao Amir
Published: September 2023

Organizational politics severely disrupt the productivity and performance of government organizations and their employees. The prime objective of this study is to appear the vulnerabilities of politics in the outcomes of government organizations in terms of declining of affective commitment and whistle blowing, instigating to turnover intentions and counterproductive behavior towards assigned work. The moderating effect of “optimism” between the perception and adverse effects of politics has also been appraised. Employees working at managerial and executive level in federal government organization of capital territory, are treated as population. Simple random sampling and simple linear regression statistical techniques are used for data collection and data analysis. Perceived politics lessen employee’s commitment and increase counterproductive behavior as well as turnover intentions are the findings in response of 144 government employees. This is visible by this research that optimism as a psychological resource may counter the negative effects of organizational politics on various concerns and government employees are lessen involved in counterproductive activities and highly dedicated towards their job and organization.
A Review on White Mango Scale Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Management
Authors: Raza Syed Turab , Khan Abid Hameed , Hameed Asifa , Muhammad Noor , Grewal Abdul Ghaffar , Malik Muhammad Tariq , Imran Muhammad , Mustafa Ghulam , Iqbal Atif
Published: September 2023

The white mango scale (WMS) insect, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a polyphagous, multivoltine pest which is a serious threat to qualitative mango production and export. The WMS insect sucks sap from leaves, branches and fruits. The heavy infestation of this pest may cause the falling of young leaves, drying up of twigs, poor flowering, and, finally, reduce the quality of fruits by producing pink spots on fruits’ surface. This review paper was written to provide comprehensive information about pest biology, ecology and management in different parts of the world. WMS was first reported on the island of Formosa on Mangifera indica in 1929 and later on in the Caribbean Islands, India and Brazil. Now it is found in almost 69 mango-producing countries of the world. The thermal regime may affect the population of pests. In Australia, the life cycle is completed in 35–40 days in summer and 70–85 days in winter. Variety, age of plants, number of trees per acre, canopy size and sunlight penetration affect the density of WMS. Different Coccinellid beetles and parasitoid Encarsia femorosa feed on WMS; however, farmers most commonly use insecticides to get rid of this pest. In Pakistan, WMS is a growing threat to the export of mangoes; hence IPM plan is needed to reduce the pest numbers and enhance qualitative mango production.
Fields of the Future: Pivotal Role of Biosaline Agriculture in Farming
Authors: Gheyi Hans Raj , Sandhu Devinder , de Lacerda Claudivan Feitosa
Published: September 2023

Worldwide, groundwater quality is in decline, growing progressively saltier [...]
Effects of Certain Pesticides on the Predatory Mite Typhlodromus ndibu Pritchard and Baker (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Thao Nguyen T. P. , Thuy Nguyen T.
Published: September 2023

Typhlodromus ndibu Pritchard and Baker (Acari: Phytoseiidae), collected from citrus orchards in the southern region of Vietnam, has been identified as a natural enemy of the citrus red mite Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae). It holds potential as a laboratory-reared predator for biological control purposes. However, the research on T. ndibu remains limited. This study focuses on investigating the effects of fenpyroximate, alpha-cypermethrin, pymetrozin, buprofezin, matrine, and azadirachtin on this predatory mite in laboratory conditions. Fenpyroximate was the most toxic substance against T. ndibu, affecting its fertility, egg-hatching rate, and population establishment ability. The mortality rate among adult female T. ndibu is (73.97 ± 2.43%), and (89.09 ± 0.00%) in the immature stages after 72 h of exposure to fenpyroximate. Matrine and azadirachtin—active ingredients of plant origin—were classified as slightly harmful to T. ndibu with mortality rates among adult females and the immature stages being less than 50%. The implications of the obtained results regarding the integration of biological and chemical control methods may facilitate the more effective development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Nociception in Chicken Embryos, Part II: Embryonal Development of Electroencephalic Neuronal Activity In Ovo as a Prerequisite for Nociception
Authors: Kollmansperger Sandra , Anders Malte , Werner Julia , Saller Anna M. , Weiss Larissa , Süß Stephanie C. , Reiser Judith , Schneider Gerhard , Schusser Benjamin , Baumgartner Christine , Fenzl Thomas
Published: September 2023

Chicken culling has been forbidden in Germany since 2022; male/female selection and male elimination must be brought to an embryonic status prior to the onset of nociception. The present study evaluated the ontogenetic point at which noxious stimuli could potentially be perceived/processed in the brain in ovo. EEG recordings from randomized hyperpallial brain sites were recorded in ovo and noxious stimuli were applied. Temporal and spectral analyses of the EEG were performed. The onset of physiological neuronal signals could be determined at developmental day 13. ERP/ERSP/ITC analysis did not reveal phase-locked nociceptive responses. Although no central nociceptive responses were documented, adequate EEG responses to noxious stimuli from other brain areas cannot be excluded. The extreme stress impact on the embryo during the recording may overwrite the perception of noniceptive stimuli. The results suggest developmental day 13 as the earliest embryonal stage being able to receive and process nociceptive stimuli.
In Vivo Efficacy of Purified Quillaja Saponin Extracts in Protecting against Piscirickettsia salmonis Infections in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Cortés Hernán , Castillo-Ruiz Mario , Cañon-Jones Hernán , Schlotterbeck Trinidad , San Martín Ricardo , Padilla Leandro
Published: September 2023

Piscirickettsiosis, the main infectious disease affecting salmon farming in Chile, still has no efficient control measures. Piscirickettsia salmonis is a facultative intracellular bacterium that can survive and replicate within the host macrophages, evading the immune response. Triterpenic saponins obtained from the Quillaja saponaria tree have been widely studied, and have been shown to be immunomodulatory agents, suitable for feed and vaccine applications for veterinary and human uses. The impact of the oral administration of two extracts of Quillaja saponins on the infection of P. salmonis in Salmo salar and the corresponding gene expressions of immunomarkers were studied under three in vivo models. In the intraperitoneal challenge model, the group fed with Quillaja extracts showed lower mortality (29.1% treated vs. 37.5% control). Similar results were obtained in the cohabitation model trial (36.3% vs. 60.0%). In the commercial pilot trial, the results showed a significant reduction of 71.3% in mortality caused by P. salmonis (0.51% vs. 1.78%) and antibiotic use (reduction of 66.6% compared to untreated control). Also, Quillaja extracts significantly modulated the expression of IFN-II and CD8. These results represent evidence supporting the future use of purified Quillaja extracts as a natural non-pharmacological strategy for the prevention and control of P. salmonis infections in salmon.
Advances in the Discovery of Efflux Pump Inhibitors as Novel Potentiators to Control Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens
Authors: Zhang Song , Wang Jun , Ahn Juhee
Published: September 2023

The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in clinical settings and food-producing animals, posing significant challenges to clinical management and food control. Over the past few decades, the discovery of antimicrobials has slowed down, leading to a lack of treatment options for clinical infectious diseases and foodborne illnesses. Given the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the limited availability of effective antibiotics, the discovery of novel antibiotic potentiators may prove useful for the treatment of bacterial infections. The application of antibiotics combined with antibiotic potentiators has demonstrated successful outcomes in bench-scale experiments and clinical settings. For instance, the use of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) in combination with antibiotics showed effective inhibition of MDR pathogens. Thus, this review aims to enable the possibility of using novel EPIs as potential adjuvants to effectively control MDR pathogens. Specifically, it provides a comprehensive summary of the advances in novel EPI discovery and the underlying mechanisms that restore antimicrobial activity. In addition, we also characterize plant-derived EPIs as novel potentiators. This review provides insights into current challenges and potential strategies for future advancements in fighting antibiotic resistance.
A Second Life for Seafood Waste: Therapeutical Promises of Polyhydroxynapthoquinones Extracted from Sea Urchin by-Products
Authors: Melotti Luca , Venerando Andrea , Zivelonghi Giulia , Carolo Anna , Marzorati Stefania , Martinelli Giordana , Sugni Michela , Maccatrozzo Lisa , Patruno Marco
Published: September 2023

Coping with a zero-waste, more sustainable economy represents the biggest challenge for food market nowadays. We have previously demonstrated that by applying smart multidisciplinary waste management strategies to purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) food waste, it is possible to obtain both a high biocompatible collagen to produce novel skin substitutes and potent antioxidant pigments, namely polyhydroxynapthoquinones (PHNQs). Herein, we have analyzed the biological activities of the PHNQs extract, composed of Spinochrome A and B, on human skin fibroblast cells to explore their future applicability in the treatment of non-healing skin wounds with the objective of overcoming the excessive oxidative stress that hinders wound tissue regeneration. Our results clearly demonstrate that the antioxidant activity of PHNQs is not restricted to their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species; rather, it can be traced back to an upregulating effect on the expression of superoxide dismutase 1, one of the major components of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes defense system. In addition, the PHNQs extract, in combination with Antimycin A, displayed a synergistic pro-apoptotic effect, envisaging its possible employment against chemoresistance in cancer treatments. Overall, this study highlights the validity of a zero-waste approach in the seafood chain to obtain high-value products, which, in turn, may be exploited for different biomedical applications.
Phlorotannins: Novel Orally Administrated Bioactive Compounds That Induce Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Cancer
Authors: Simón Layla , Arazo-Rusindo Migdalia , Quest Andrew F. G. , Mariotti-Celis María Salomé
Published: September 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an interesting therapeutic target to help reduce cancer deaths, and the use of bioactive compounds has emerged as a novel and safe approach to solve this problem. Here, we discuss the information available related to phlorotannins, a type of polyphenol present in brown seaweeds that reportedly functions as antioxidants/pro-oxidants and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic agents. Specifically, available evidence indicates that dieckol and phloroglucinol promote mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Phlorotannins also reduce pro-tumorigenic, -inflammatory, and -angiogenic signaling mechanisms involving RAS/MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and VEGF. In doing so, they inhibit pathways that favor cancer development and progression. Unfortunately, these compounds are rather labile and, therefore, this review also summarizes approaches permitting the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, like phlorotannins, and their subsequent oral administration as novel and non-invasive therapeutic alternatives for cancer treatment.
Improved Learning-Automata-Based Clustering Method for Controlled Placement Problem in SDN
Authors: Amin Azam , Jahanshahi Mohsen , Meybodi Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2023

Clustering, an unsupervised machine learning technique, plays a crucial role in partitioning unlabeled data into meaningful groups. K-means, known for its simplicity, has gained popularity as a clustering method. However, both K-means and the LAC algorithm, which utilize learning automata, are sensitive to the selection of initial points. To overcome this limitation, we propose an enhanced LAC algorithm based on the K-Harmonic means approach. We evaluate its performance on seven datasets and demonstrate its superiority over other representative algorithms. Moreover, we tailor this algorithm to address the controller placement problem in software-defined networks, a critical field in this context. To optimize relevant parameters such as switch–controller delay, intercontroller delay, and load balancing, we leverage learning automata. In our comparative analysis conducted in Python, we benchmark our algorithm against spectral, K-means, and LAC algorithms on four different network topologies. The results unequivocally show that our proposed algorithm outperforms the others, achieving a significant improvement ranging from 3 to 11 percent. This research contributes to the advancement of clustering techniques and their practical application in software-defined networks.
Tissue Response to a Heat Resistant Silicate-Based and an Epoxy Resin-Based Endodontic Sealer Implanted in Rat Tibias
Authors: Zmener Osvaldo , Pameijer Cornelis H. , Della Porta Roberto , de Lucca Romina
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The effect of high temperatures on the properties of endodontic sealers during warm compaction of gutta-percha may be a matter of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of heat on the biocompatibility and bioactivity of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (ESHF; Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA) and AH Plus (AHPS; Dentsply, De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) when implanted into the bone tissue of rat tibias. Methods: Medical-grade silicone tubes containing freshly prepared ESHF or AHPS were heated to 100 °C and then cooled down to 65 °C before being implanted in the tibias of 24 Wistar rats. The outer walls of the tubes served as controls. After 10, 30 and 90 days, the animals were euthanized and the implants and their surrounding tissues were dissected, fixed in formalin, and processed for microscopic evaluation. Results: After 10 days postoperatively, a severe inflammatory reaction without reactionary bone formation was observed in contact with ESHF and AHPS. The severity of the reaction had decreased at the 30-day observation period for both sealers but only ESHF samples showed new bone formation adjacent to the sealer. After 90 days, no inflammatory cells were found in contact with ESHF, while a thin fibrous tissue capsule and complete bone reparation of the surrounding areas were observed in contact with the material. For AH Plus, a fibrous connective tissue containing scarce remaining inflammatory cells could be observed in most of the samples, however, in the absence of new bone formation. No significant differences (p > 0.05) between ESHF and AHPS were found at the 10-day observation period. At the 30 and 90-day, significant differences (p < 0.05) between both materials were observed. The reaction to the controls showed significant differences with ESHF and AHPS for all experimental periods. Significant differences (p < 0.05) for the total effect of time were also found between both sealers (p < 0.05). Conclusions: At the end of the experiment, heated ESHF reacted as a biocompatible/bioactive material and stimulated continued development of new healthy bone. Although AHPS was tolerated well by the surrounding tissues, the sealer did not promote new reparative bone formation.