bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of miRNA and Their Regulatory Effects Induced by Total Flavonoids From Dracocephalum moldavica in the Treatment of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Liu Mimin , Shan Guangzhi , Jiang Hailun , Zeng Li , Zhao Kaiyue , Li Yiran , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Li Zhuorong , Liu Rui
Published: December 2021

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a general term used to describe difficulties in memory, reasoning, judgment, and planning caused by a reduced blood flow to the brain and consequent brain damage, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved. Dracocephalum moldavica L. (D. moldavica) is traditionally used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases as well as VaD, but the biomolecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect are obscure. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of VaD by the total flavonoids from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) were explored by the identification of miRNA profiling using bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. A total of 2,562 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 3,522 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the GSE120584 and GSE122063 datasets, in which the gene functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network of 93 core targets, originated from the intersection of the top DEM target genes and DEGs, were established for VaD gene profiling. One hundred and eighty-five targets interacting with 42 flavonoids in the TFDM were included in a compound-target network, subsequently found that they overlapped with potential targets for VaD. These 43 targets could be considered in the treatment of VaD by TFDM, and included CaMKII, MAPK, MAPT, PI3K, and KDR, closely associated with the vascular protective effect of TFDM, as well as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The subsequent analysis of the compound-target gene-miRNA network indicated that eight miRNAs that mediated 43 targets had a close interaction with TFDM, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects were principally due to kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, which were mostly associated with the miR-3184-3p/ESR1, miR-6762-3p/CDK1, miR-6777-3p/ESRRA, and other related axes. Furthermore, the in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model demonstrated that the dysregulation of miR-3184-3p and miR-6875-5p found by qRT-PCR was consistent with the changes in the bioinformatics analysis. TFDM and its active compounds involving tilianin, luteolin, and apigenin showed significant effects on the upregulation of miR-3184-3p and downregulation of miR-6875-5p in OGD-injured cells, in line with the improved cell viability. In conclusion, our findings revealed the underlying miRNA-target gene network and potential targets of TFDM in the treatment of VaD.
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Algorithm for Drug Effect Prediction on Atrial Fibrillation: An in silico Population of Models Approach
Authors: Sanchez de la Nava Ana Maria , Arenal Ángel , Fernández-Avilés Francisco , Atienza Felipe
Published: December 2021

Background: Antiarrhythmic drugs are the first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but their effect is highly dependent on the characteristics of the patient. Moreover, anatomical variability, and specifically atrial size, have also a strong influence on AF recurrence.

Objective: We performed a proof-of-concept study using artificial intelligence (AI) that enabled us to identify proarrhythmic profiles based on pattern identification from in silico simulations.

Methods: A population of models consisting of 127 electrophysiological profiles with a variation of nine electrophysiological variables (GNa, INaK, GK1, GCaL, GKur, IKCa, [Na]ext, and [K]ext and diffusion) was simulated using the Koivumaki atrial model on square planes corresponding to a normal (16 cm2) and dilated (22.5 cm2) atrium. The simple pore channel equation was used for drug implementation including three drugs (isoproterenol, flecainide, and verapamil). We analyzed the effect of every ionic channel combination to evaluate arrhythmia induction. A Random Forest algorithm was trained using the population of models and AF inducibility as input and output, respectively. The algorithm was trained with 80% of the data (N = 832) and 20% of the data was used for testing with a k-fold cross-validation (k = 5).

Results: We found two electrophysiological patterns derived from the AI algorithm that was associated with proarrhythmic behavior in most of the profiles, where GK1 was identified as the most important current for classifying the proarrhythmicity of a given profile. Additionally, we found different effects of the drugs depending on the electrophysiological profile and a higher tendency of the dilated tissue to fibrillate (Small tissue: 80 profiles vs Dilated tissue: 87 profiles).

Conclusion: Artificial intelligence algorithms appear as a novel tool for electrophysiological pattern identification and analysis of the effect of antiarrhythmic drugs on a heterogeneous population of patients with AF.
Identification of a Strong Anthocyanin Activator, VbMYBA, From Berries of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb.
Authors: Zhang Ya-Ling , Lin-Wang Kui , Albert Nick W. , Elborough Caitlin , Espley Richard V. , Andre Christelle M. , Fang Zhi-Zhen
Published: December 2021

Wufanshu (Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb.), which is a wild member of the genus Vaccinium, accumulates high concentration of anthocyanin in its berries. In this study, the accumulated anthocyanins and their derivatives in Wufanshu berries were identified through UHPLC–MS/MS analysis. Candidate anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were identified from the transcriptome of Wufanshu berries. qRT-PCR analyses showed that the expression of anthocyanin structural genes correlated with anthocyanin accumulation in berries. The R2R3-MYB, VbMYBA, which is a homolog of anthocyanin promoting R2R3-MYBs from other Vaccinium species, was also identified. Transient expression of VbMYBA in Nicotiana tabacum leaves confirmed its role as an anthocyanin regulator, and produced a higher anthocyanin concentration when compared with blueberry VcMYBA expression. Dual-luciferase assays further showed that VbMYBA can activate the DFR and UFGT promoters from other Vaccinium species. VbMYBA has an additional 23 aa at the N terminus compared with blueberry VcMYBA, but this was shown not to affect the ability to regulate anthocyanins. Taken together, our results provide important information on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the high anthocyanin content in Wufanshu berries.
Activation of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Synthases Sets Stomatal Density and Clustered Ratio on Leaf Epidermis of Arabidopsis in Response to Drought
Authors: Jia Ming-zhu , Liu Ling-yun , Geng Chen , Jiang Jing
Published: December 2021

The adjustment of stomatal density and clustered ratio on the epidermis is the important strategy for plants to respond to drought, because the stoma-based water loss is directly related to plant growth and survival under drought conditions. But the relevant adjustment mechanism still needs to be explored. 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) is disclosed to promote stomatal development, while in vivo ACC levels depend on activation of ACC synthase (ACS) family members. Based on the findings of ACS expression involving in drought response and several ACS activity inhibitors reducing stomatal density and cluster in drought response, here we examined how ACS activation is involved in the establishment of stomatal density and cluster on the epidermis under drought conditions. Preliminary data indicated that activation of ACS2 and/or ACS6 (ACS2/6) increased stomatal density and clustered ratio on the Arabidopsis leaf epidermis by accumulating ACC under moderate drought, and raised the survival risk of seedlings under escalated drought. Further exploration indicated that, in Arabidopsis seedlings stressed by drought, the transcription factor SPEECHLESS (SPCH), the initiator of stomatal development, activates ACS2/6 expression and ACC production; and that ACC accumulation induces Ca2+ deficiency in stomatal lineage; this deficiency inactivates a subtilisin-like protease STOMATAL DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION 1 (SDD1) by stabilizing the inhibition of the transcription factor GT-2 Like 1 (GTL1) on SDD1 expression, resulting in an increases of stomatal density and cluster ratio on the leaf epidermis. This work provides a novel evidence that ACS2/6 activation plays a key role in the establishment of stomatal density and cluster on the leaf epidermis of Arabidopsis in response to drought.
To Be or Not to Be Expressed: The First Evidence of a Nucleolar Dominance Tissue-Specificity in Brachypodium hybridum
Authors: Borowska-Zuchowska Natalia , Robaszkiewicz Ewa , Mykhailyk Serhii , Wartini Joanna , Pinski Artur , Kovarik Ales , Hasterok Robert
Published: December 2021

Nucleolar dominance (ND) is an epigenetic, developmentally regulated phenomenon that describes the selective inactivation of 35S rDNA loci derived from one progenitor of a hybrid or allopolyploid. The presence of ND was documented in an allotetraploid grass, Brachypodium hybridum (genome composition DDSS), which is a polyphyletic species that arose from crosses between two putative ancestors that resembled the modern B. distachyon (DD) and B. stacei (SS). In this work, we investigated the developmental stability of ND in B. hybridum genotype 3-7-2 and compared it with the reference genotype ABR113. We addressed the question of whether the ND is established in generative tissues such as pollen mother cells (PMC). We examined condensation of rDNA chromatin by fluorescence in situ hybridization employing state-of-art confocal microscopy. The transcription of rDNA homeologs was determined by reverse-transcription cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence analysis. In ABR113, the ND was stable in all tissues analyzed (primary and adventitious root, leaf, and spikes). In contrast, the 3-7-2 individuals showed a strong upregulation of the S-genome units in adventitious roots but not in other tissues. Microscopic analysis of the 3-7-2 PMCs revealed extensive decondensation of the D-genome loci and their association with the nucleolus in meiosis. As opposed, the S-genome loci were always highly condensed and localized outside the nucleolus. These results indicate that genotype-specific loss of ND in B. hybridum occurs probably after fertilization during developmental processes. This finding supports our view that B. hybridum is an attractive model to study ND in grasses.
Millennials’ Entrepreneurial Values, Entrepreneurial Symbiosis Network and New Ventures Growth: Evidence From China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhou Xue , Shirshitskaia Ekaterina
Published: December 2021

The fate of new ventures incubated by the same corporate ecosystem is different. Can entrepreneurs’ ideas affect the way out of incubating companies? Based on self-verification theory and symbiosis theory, we took millennial entrepreneurs as the research object, combined with entrepreneurial enterprises’ data in the makerspace. We analyzed the impact of millennials’ entrepreneurial values on new ventures growth and explored the mediating role of entrepreneurial symbiosis networks. The following conclusions are obtained by analyzing the questionnaire of 191 millennial entrepreneurs: Millennials’ entrepreneurial values significantly promote new ventures growth. The strength and scale of the entrepreneurial symbiosis network have a positive impact on new ventures growth. The entrepreneur symbiosis network acts as an intermediary between the millennials’ entrepreneurial values and new ventures growth.
The Effects of a Mindfulness Program on Mental Health in Students at an Undergraduate Program for Teacher Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Real-Life
Authors: Juul Lise , Brorsen Eva , Gøtzsche Katinka , Nielsen Birgitte Lund , Fjorback Lone Overby
Published: December 2021

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a mindfulness program including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on the mental health of student teachers when offered at their educational institution in a real-life context.

Methods: A parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among self-selected student teachers at a Danish undergraduate program for teacher education in the autumns of 2019 and 2020. Participation was not recommended in case of (1) clinical depression or a diagnosis of psychosis or schizophrenia, (2) abuse of alcohol, drugs, and/or medicine. Randomization was performed by a Statistician who was blinded to the identity of the students. Data was collected using self-reported questionnaires. The primary outcome was a change in perceived stress 3 months from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were symptoms of anxiety and depression, well-being, resilience, mindfulness, and thoughts and feelings during rest. The effects were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle using mixed-effect linear regression models. Mediating effects of mindfulness skills on the mental health outcomes were explored using structural equation modeling.

Results: The study group included 67 student teachers with 34 allocated to the intervention group (median age: 25 years; women: n = 24, 71%); and 33 students (median age: 25 years; women: n = 25, 76%) allocated to a waiting list control group. At baseline, mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores were 18.88 (SD: 5.75) in the intervention group and 17.91 (SD: 6.36) in the waiting list control group. A total of 56 students completed the questionnaire at a 3-month follow-up (28 in both the intervention- and the control group). Statistically significant effects of the intervention were found on perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, well-being, and on three of seven resting-state dimensions. No effects were found on resilience or mindfulness. Statistically significant mediated effects via resting-state dimensions were found.

Conclusion The findings suggested that offering a mindfulness program at an undergraduate program for teacher education could significantly improve the mental health among self-selected students within 3 months. Results of mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that some of the effects might be explained by reduced distracting thoughts.

Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04558099].
Collegial Organizational Climate Alleviates Japanese Schoolteachers’ Risk for Burnout
Authors: Hashimoto Hirofumi , Maeda Kaede
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of individuals’ help-seeking preference (HSP) and their collective perception of the organizational climate in school on teachers’ mental health. Previous studies demonstrated that HSP was negatively associated with risk of burnout, suggesting that teachers who hesitate to seek help from their colleagues are more likely to have mental health problems. Thus, the current study hypothesized that a collegial organizational climate would be negatively associated with burnout. To test this hypothesis, we developed a scale to measure schoolteachers’ collective perception of their organizational climate (Study 1), and the newly developed scale was used to assess its relationship with HSP and teachers’ burnout risk (Study 2). The results demonstrated that younger teachers, a low level of help-seeking, and a less collaborative climate increased the risk of burnout. The results also showed a significant interaction effect, indicating that HSP was less closely associated with teachers’ burnout risk if their organization was perceived as having a collegial climate. These findings clearly show how the social environment of a school’s organizational climate can affect schoolteachers’ mental health in Japan.
Sensitivity Analysis in Nonrandomized Longitudinal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Tofighi Davood
Published: December 2021

Mediation analysis relies on an untestable assumption of the no omitted confounders, which posits that an omitted variable that confounds the relationships between the antecedent, mediator, and outcome variables cannot exist. One common model in alcohol addiction studies is a nonrandomized latent growth curve mediation model (LGCMM), where the antecedent variable is not randomized, the two covarying mediators are latent intercept and slope modeling longitudinal effect of the repeated measures mediator, and an outcome variable that measures alcohol use. An important gap in the literature is lack of sensitivity analysis techniques to assess the effect of the violation of the no omitted confounder assumption in a nonrandomized LGCMM. We extend a sensitivity analysis technique, termed correlated augmented mediation sensitivity analysis (CAMSA), to a nonrandomized LGCMM. We address several unresolved issues in conducting CAMSA for the nonrandomized LGCMM and present: (a) analytical results showing how confounder correlations model a confounding bias, (b) algorithms to address admissible values for confounder correlations, (c) accessible R code within an SEM framework to conduct our proposed sensitivity analysis, and (d) an empirical example. We conclude that conducting sensitivity analysis to ascertain robustness of the mediation analysis is critical.
Team Social Media Usage and Team Creativity: The Role of Team Knowledge Sharing and Team-Member Exchange
Authors: Wang Hui , Xiao Yuting , Su Xinwen , Li Xiangqing
Published: December 2021

Given that work teams have been widely used in a variety of organizations to complete critical tasks and that the use of social media in work teams has been growing, investigating whether and how team social media usage (TSMU) affects team creativity is imperative. However, little research has empirically explored how TSMU affects team creativity. This study divides TSMU into two categories, namely, work-related TSMU and relationship-related TSMU. Basing on communication visibility theory and social exchange theory, this study constructs a moderating mediation model to understand how TSMU affects team creativity. In this model, team knowledge sharing is used as mediating role and team-member exchange (TMX) is used as moderating role. Two-wave research data collected from 641 employees in 102 work teams in Chinese organizations are used for regression analysis. Results show that (1) Work-related TSMU and relationship-related TSMU are positively affect team creativity. (2) Team knowledge sharing plays a partly mediating effect on the relationship between work-related TSMU and team creativity and that between relationship-related TSMU and team creativity. (3) TMX not only positively moderates the indirect effect of work-related TSMU and relationship-related TSMU on team creativity through team knowledge sharing. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Thank You for Hearing My Voice – Listening to Women Combat Veterans in the United States and Israeli Militaries
Authors: Daphna-Tekoah Shir , Harel-Shalev Ayelet , Harpaz-Rotem Ilan
Published: December 2021

The military service of combat soldiers may pose many threats to their well being and often take a toll on body and mind, influencing the physical and emotional make-up of combatants and veterans. The current study aims to enhance our knowledge about the combat experiences and the challenges that female soldiers face both during and after their service. The study is based on qualitative methods and narrative analysis of in-depth semi-structured personal interviews with twenty military veterans. It aims to analyze the narratives of American and Israeli female combat soldiers regarding their military service, with emphasis on the soldiers’ descriptions, in their own words, about their difficulties, challenges, coping and successes during their service and transition to civilian life. A recurring theme in the interviews with the veterans of both militaries was the need to be heard and the fact that societies, therapists, and military institutions do not always truly listen to female veterans’ experiences and are not really interested in what actually ails them. Our research suggests that conventional methods used in research relating to veterans might at times be inadequate, because the inherent categorization might abstract, pathologize, and fragment a wide array of soldiers’ modes of post-combat being. Moreover, female veterans’ voices will not be fully heard unless we allow them to be active participants in generating knowledge about themselves.
The Influence of the Debunker’s Identity and Emotional Expression on the Sharing Behavior of Debunking Information
Authors: Chao Fan , Wang Xin , Yu Guang
Published: December 2021

Owing to the proliferation of rumors on social media, it is necessary to disseminate debunking information to minimize the harm caused by them. Using content analysis, sentiment analysis, and regression analysis, this study examined the mediating role of follower count in the relationship between the debunker’s identity and sharing behavior, and it explored the relationship between the text sentiment of debunking information and sharing behavior based on data on the spread of three rumors that circulated extensively on social media. Using an ordinary account as a reference, we found that the mediating or suppression effect (i.e., when direct and indirect effects are significant and opposite) of follower count in the relationship between debunker’s identity (celebrity, media, or government) and sharing behavior was significant. The three test identities (celebrity, media, and government) had more followers than the ordinary account, which resulted in a significant positive effect on the number of reposts. The debunker’s identity did not have a positive effect on the sharing of debunking information when controlling for mediating variables. Debunking information with emotional overtones (positive or negative) was shared more widely compared with information with neutral emotions, and the dominant emotional polarity was different in the three different rumors. These findings can contribute to the generation of debunking information content, which can aid in the development of effective communication strategies and improvement in the efficiency of crisis management.
T-Pattern Detection and Analysis of Football Players’ Tactical and Technical Defensive Behaviour Interactions: Insights for Training and Coaching Team Coordination
Authors: Fernandes Tiago , Camerino Oleguer , Castañer Marta
Published: December 2021

This article aims to study the coordination of the defenders’ tactical and technical behaviour of successful teams to recover the ball according to contextual variables. A total of 15,369 (480.28 ± 112.37) events and 49 to 12,398 different patterns in 32 games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup’s play-offs were detected and analysed. Results evidenced a T-pattern of the first defender pressuring the ball carrier and his teammates concentrating at the same zone to cover him or space, leading to ball recovery. Field zones, first defender tactical and technical behaviours, and ball carrier first touch constituted opportunities for defenders to coordinate themselves. Moreover, the third defender had a predominant role in his teammates’ temporisation and covering zone behaviours. In the draw, first half, second-tier quality of opponent and play-offs excluding third place and final matches, the ball regularly shifted from upper to lower field zones in short periods, resulting in ball recovery or shot on goal conceded. Defenders performed behaviours farther from the ball carrier, and player-marking were most recurrent to an effective defence. This study’s findings could help coaches give specific tips to players regarding interpersonal coordination in defence and set strategies to make tactical behaviour emerge globally.
Digital Interventions for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Saramago Pedro , Gega Lina , Marshall David , Nikolaidis Georgios F. , Jankovic Dina , Melton Hollie , Dawson Sarah , Churchill Rachel , Bojke Laura
Published: December 2021

Background: Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common mental health condition based on weekly prevalence. Digital interventions have been used as alternatives or as supplements to conventional therapies to improve access, patient choice, and clinical outcomes. Little is known about their comparative effectiveness for generalized anxiety disorder.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing digital interventions with medication, non-digital interventions, non-therapeutic controls, and no intervention.

Results: We included 21 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2,350 participants from generalized anxiety disorder populations. Pooled outcomes using analysis of Covariance and rankograms based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curves indicated that antidepressant medication and group therapy had a higher probability than digital interventions of being the “best” intervention. Supported digital interventions were not necessarily “better” than unsupported (pure self-help) ones.

Conclusions: Due to very wide confidence intervals, network meta-analysis results were inconclusive as to whether digital interventions are better than no intervention and non-therapeutic active controls, or whether they confer an additional benefit to standard therapy. Future research needs to compare digital interventions with one-to-one therapy and with manualized non-digital self-help and to include antidepressant medication as a treatment comparator and effect modifier.
Peri-Traumatic Distress and Its Relationship to Resilience and Coping Among Medical Students in Malaysia During COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Mohamed Salina , Ismail Zaliha , Shuib Norley , Ali Nur Faizah
Published: December 2021

Background: Medical students are not spared from the challenges related to the Covid-19 lockdown. The fear and uncertainties may lead to traumatic symptoms and test their resilience and sense of coping. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence of peri-traumatic distress symptoms and its association with the level of resilience and the coping strategies used during the lockdown among medical students.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey involving medical students from a public university in Malaysia. It was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown or Movement Control Order (MCO) where the students were asked to fill in the COVID-19 Peri-traumatic Distress Index (CPDI), Brief COPE Inventory, and Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRS-25).

Results: A total of 282 clinical and 172 pre-clinical medical students were involved. Peri-traumatic distress symptoms were reported by 27% out of the total students. This study found that those who were having peritraumatic distress symptoms were from the pre-clinical years, had poor internet access, as well as lower resilience levels, and used more dysfunctional coping strategies. Pre-clinical medical students with difficult internet access were eight times more likely to have peritraumatic distress symptoms.

Conclusions: Given the high level of peri-traumatic distress symptoms reported by medical students during the lockdown, it is vital to identify the vulnerable students, assess their needs and risks to mental health problems during this challenging time as the pandemic is still ongoing with countries going in and out of lockdown depending on the cases at the time. The university administration for each University in Malaysia will need to have a clear academic guideline and policy as well as providing improved infrastructure to minimize the distress faced by medical students.
Differential Impact of COVID-19 Risk Factors on Ethnicities in the United States
Authors: Athavale Prashant , Kumar Vijay , Clark Jeremy , Mondal Sumona , Sur Shantanu
Published: December 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has revealed existing health inequalities in racial and ethnic minority groups in the US. This work investigates and quantifies the non-uniform effects of geographical location and other known risk factors on various ethnic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic at a national level. To quantify the geographical impact on various ethnic groups, we grouped all the states of the US. into four different regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West) and considered Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asian (NHA) as ethnic groups of our interest. Our analysis showed that infection and mortality among NHB and Hispanics are considerably higher than NHW. In particular, the COVID-19 infection rate in the Hispanic community was significantly higher than their population share, a phenomenon we observed across all regions in the US but is most prominent in the West. To gauge the differential impact of comorbidities on different ethnicities, we performed cross-sectional regression analyses of statewide data for COVID-19 infection and mortality for each ethnic group using advanced age, poverty, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes as risk factors. After removing the risk factors causing multicollinearity, poverty emerged as one of the independent risk factors in explaining mortality rates in NHW, NHB, and Hispanic communities. Moreover, for NHW and NHB groups, we found that obesity encapsulated the effect of several other comorbidities such as advanced age, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. At the same time, advanced age was the most robust predictor of mortality in the Hispanic group. Our study quantifies the unique impact of various risk factors on different ethnic groups, explaining the ethnicity-specific differences observed in the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings could provide insight into focused public health strategies and interventions.
Perception of Law Enforcement Officers on Preventing Road Traffic Injury in Vanuatu: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fanai Saen , Mohammadnezhad Masoud , Salusalu Mosese
Published: December 2021

Background: Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) cause approximately 1. 35 million deaths annually, and is the leading cause of death among people between ages 5 and 29. Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) deal with Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) and have contact with RTI victims at a daily basis, they possess an excellent perspective on preventing RTI. This study aimed to explore LEOs perceptions on risk factors and preventive measures of RTI in Vanuatu.

Methods: This study employed qualitative methods that used Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to gather data from 25 LEOs between October 14th and November 30th, 2020. Self-identified Ni-Vanuatu LEOs who have been serving for over 6 months and residing at the study setting were included in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants from three municipalities in Vanuatu. A semi-structured open ended questionnaire was designed to guide the FGDs. Data obtained were sorted out using thematic analysis processed with some preconceived themes based on theory, and also allowing the data to determine new themes.

Results: Data saturation was reached from conducting 5 FGDs with 25 LEOs who were traffic officers and municipal wardens. Five main themes and sixteen subthemes were generated from the study. The main themes include driving and alcohol, the challenges to effective enforcement, barriers to effective care and support for RTI victims, measures for road traffic control and promoting road traffic safety. The respondents perceived that addressing resources issues and the legislations on road traffic control act and vehicle regulation act will enhance prevention of RTI.

Conclusion: This study explored the risk factors of RTI and the barriers to effectively prevent RTI in Vanuatu. The study also generated suggestions of a combination of road traffic control measures that could be implemented to prevent RTI. Future research should look at effective strategies of preventing RTIs in resource deficit settings.
Effect of Aerobic-Based Exercise on Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life Among Older People: A Middle East Study
Authors: Shams Amir , Nobari Hadi , Afonso José , Abbasi Hamed , Mainer-Pardos Elena , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Bayati Mahdi , Bahrami Alireza , Carneiro Lara
Published: December 2021

The aimed to evaluate the effects of low and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on psychological well-being (PWB) and quality of life (QoL) among older people. Forty-five male Iranian adults aged 65–80 years were selected according to the eligibility criteria and randomly assigned to a low-intensity group (LIG) (40–50% of maximum heart rate), moderate-intensity group (MIG) (60–70% of maximum heart rate) and control group (CG). The exercise protocols consisted of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (two sessions per week). Psychological well-being and QoL were assessed through the Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale and the World Health Organization QoL Questionnaire. The statistical analysis for psychological well-being indicated that a significant main group (between-group) (F = 11.777, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.359), time (within-group) (F = 58.983, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.584) and interaction effect (group × time) (F = 20.146, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.490) for PWB total score. Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that the PWB total score in the MIG group was more significant than both LIG (p = 0.003) and CG (p < 0.001). Results for PWB components including self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, autonomy, purposeful life, and environmental mastery revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). While there was a significant difference between the groups for personal growth component. Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that the personal growth in the MIG group was more significant than both LIG (p = 0.028) and CG (p < 0.001). Result for QoL indicated significant differences for the main group (F = 13.277, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.387), time (F = 25.533, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.378) and interaction effect (F = 9.992, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.332) for QoL total scale. Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that the QoL total scale in the MIG group was more significant than both LIG (p = 0.003) and CG (p < 0.001). Results for QoL components including Physical health, Social relationships, Health environment revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05), while there was a significant difference between the groups for the Psychological health component. Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that the Psychological health in the MIG group was more significant than both LIG (p = 0.009) and CG (p = 0.002). Therefore, aerobic exercise improves PWB and QoL in older adults, moderate-intensity exercise seems to produce higher benefits than low-intensity, demonstrating a positive dose-response relationship.
Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) and China's Export Fluctuation in the Post-pandemic Era: An Empirical Analysis based on the TVP-SV-VAR Model
Authors: Hu Guoheng , Liu Shan
Published: December 2021

In the COVID-19 pandemic, the bidirectional policy adopted by the governments to stimulate domestic economy and reinforce foreign trade control is making the trade environment abnormally complex. China is facing a new challenge in export trade growth. Based on the continuous monthly data from January 2002 to April 2021, this paper uses the time-varying TVP-SV-VAR model to study the impulse response of China's export trade to economic policy uncertainty (EPU). It is found that (1) on the whole, the shock of global EPU and China's EPU on China's export to the OBOR/RCEP member countries is time-varying, different, and structurally significant; (2) during the pandemic, EPU has a significant short-term negative shock on China's gross exports and export to OBOR/RCEP members, and this shock is especially big in the case of global EPU. In the post-pandemic era, China should strengthen pandemic control and economic risk monitoring, continue with execution of multilateral FTAs and create a sustainably stable export trade environment.
Position Soft-Sensing of Direct-Driven Hydraulic System Based on Back Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Shuzhong , Chen Tianyi , Minav Tatiana , Cao Xuepeng , Wu Angeng , Liu Yi , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: December 2021

Automated operations are widely used in harsh environments, in which position information is essential. Although sensors can be equipped to obtain high-accuracy position information, they are quite expensive and unsuitable for harsh environment applications. Therefore, a position soft-sensing model based on a back propagation (BP) neural network is proposed for direct-driven hydraulics (DDH) to protect against harsh environmental conditions. The proposed model obtains a position by integrating velocity computed from the BP neural network, which trains the nonlinear relationship between multi-input (speed of the electric motor and pressures in two chambers of the cylinder) and single-output (the cylinder’s velocity). First, the model of a standalone crane with DDH was established and verified by experiment. Second, the data from batch simulation with the verified model was used for training and testing the BP neural network in the soft-sensing model. Finally, position estimation with a typical cycle was performed using the created position soft-sensing model. Compared with the experimental data, the maximum soft-sensing position error was about 7 mm, and the error rate was within ±2.5%. Furthermore, position estimations were carried out with the proposed soft-sensing model under differing working conditions and the errors were within 4 mm, but the periodically cumulative error was observed. Hence, a reference point is proposed to minimize the accumulative error, for example, a point at the middle of the cylinder. Therefore, the work can be applied to acquire position information to facilitate automated operation of machines equipped with DDH.
Sliding Mode Fault Tolerant Control for a Quadrotor with Varying Load and Actuator Fault
Authors: Yang Pu , Wang Zixin , Zhang Zhiqing , Hu Xukai
Published: December 2021

In this paper, an adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant control scheme based on prescribed performance control and neural networks is developed for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) quadrotor carrying a load to deal with actuator faults. First, a nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control strategy is presented. In virtue of the proposed strategy, fast convergence and high robustness can be guaranteed without stimulating chattering. Secondly, to obtain correct fault magnitudes and compensate the failures actively, a radial basis function neural network-based fault estimation scheme is proposed. By combining the proposed fault estimation strategy and the NFTSM controller, an active fault-tolerant control algorithm is established. Then, the uncertainties caused by load variation are explicitly considered and compensated by the presented adaptive laws. Moreover, by synthesizing the proposed sliding mode control and prescribed performance control (PPC), an output error transformation is defined to deal with state constraints and provide better tracking performance. From the Lyapunov stability analysis, the overall system is proven to be uniformly asymptotically stable. Finally, numerical simulation based on a quadrotor helicopter is carried out to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Corporate Social Responsibility Engagement through Social Media. Evidence from the University of Salerno
Authors: Esposito Benedetta , Sessa Maria Rosaria , Sica Daniela , Malandrino Ornella
Published: December 2021

Over the last few decades, stakeholders’ growing attention towards social and environmental issues has challenged universities’ traditional accountability boundaries, imposing the adoption of innovative reporting tools that facilitate stakeholders’ engagement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and performances. Against this backdrop, online communication tools, such as websites and social media platforms, have gained momentum as a pivotal means to increase dialogue with the myriad of stakeholders, especially during the pandemic period, as it has dramatically reduced physical interactions. Based on these premises, this study aims to dive deep into the use of social media to communicate CSR strategies in the university context by exploring the case of the University of Salerno. To this end, all posts published by the University of Salerno’s official Twitter account from 2015 to 2021 have been extracted and analyzed. Accordingly, the degree of interactions with stakeholders and the communication direction and balance level have been examined based on Carroll’s pyramid. Findings show a higher level of engagement for CSR posts and, in particular, for the philanthropic dimension. Results also highlight that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Salerno has empowered CSR disclosure through Twitter. The methodology adopted could be replicated for other universities to understand better how public universities use social media to involve a broader range of stakeholders in their CSR practices.
Analysis of Selected Water Quality Indicators from Runoff during Potato Cultivation after Natural Precipitation
Authors: Oppeltová Petra , Kasal Pavel , Krátký František , Hajšlová Jana
Published: December 2021

When growing wide-row crops on sloped lands, there is significant surface runoff. In relation to the runoff process, potatoes are classified as a risk crop. This study aimed to grow potatoes in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, where the protection zone of the water supply reservoir of Švihov is also located. At selected experimental areas, water samples were taken after precipitation events when surface runoff and water erosion occurred. These samples were analysed (nitrates, total P, and selected pesticides used for potato growing) in an accredited laboratory. We located three different variants of nitrogen fertilisation in each experimental area. Precipitation and the amount of water from surface runoff after each higher precipitation event were also measured in the experimental areas. By knowing the acreage of each experimental area, the volume of surface runoff water and the concentration of nitrates, phosphorus, and pesticides, it was possible to calculate the balance of these substances. We also calculated the percentage of surface runoff. The results imply that a new potato cultivator in the technology of stone windrowing should be designed for weed control as part of a weed control system with reduced herbicide application requirements. Innovative agrotechnical processes reducing pollution of water sources by phosphorus and nitrates should also be enhanced. These are based on a precise application of mineral fertiliser into the root area of plants within the period of an intensive intake of nutrients.
Polyphasic Analysis of Isolates from Kiwifruit Reveal New Genetic Lineages of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidifoliorum Look-Alike
Authors: Morán Félix , Marco-Noales Ester , Landeras Elena , Roselló Montserrat , Abelleira Adela , Gonzalez Ana J. , López María M.
Published: December 2021

Currently, kiwifruit cultivation arouses great economic interest in the agricultural sector in several countries of the European Union due to high consumer demand and good results achieved in terms of production potential and fruit quality. One of the main bacterial species that cause yield losses in kiwifruit plants is Pseudomonas syringae. Diseases such as bacterial canker, caused by pathovar (pv.) actinidiae; floral bud necrosis caused by pv. syringae and leaf spots caused by pv. actinidifoliorum (Pfm) are clear examples. Between 2014 and 2017, in the main kiwifruit producing areas in the north and east of Spain, several surveys were carried out in search of these pathogens. Analyses realized from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants of Actinidiadeliciosa revealed the existence of new bacterial isolates close to Pfm. These new isolates werelow virulence pathogens similar to Pfm but belonging to a new group of P. syringae that affected the leaves of A. chinensis var. deliciosa. This study focused on the characterization and classification of these new isolates by a polyphasic approach in order to provide more information for understanding how the different populations of P.syringae affecting kiwifruit. They had the phenotypic characteristics of Pfm but by molecular approaches, they constituted a supported genetic lineage closely-related to Pfm independent of the five lineages described so far. This work revealed the great diversity found in P. syringae species affecting kiwifruit plants and supports the hypothesis that Pfm is a low virulence pathogen which is long established in Europe.
Physiological and Morphometric Response of Forage Grass Species and Their Biomass Distribution Depending on the Term and Frequency of Water Deficiency
Authors: Mastalerczuk Grażyna , Borawska-Jarmułowicz Barbara
Published: December 2021

Periodic and repeated water scarcity has become an increasing concern on grasslands, causing not only to a reduction in productivity but also negative alterations in the carbon balance. The objective of this work was to comprehensively investigate some physiological performance traits of forage grasses, their roots morphometric features and distribution of biomass under simulated water deficit applied in different terms over a period of study. Plants were exposed to water shortage for 21 days, and then grown in optimal substrate moisture conditions. The gas exchange parameters and the main traits of root system architecture of three grass forage species and their cultivars were analyzed: Festulolium braunii (Richt.) A. Camus, cvs. Felopa and Sulino, Lolium perenne L., cvs. Bajka and Gagat and Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cvs. Odys and Rahela. Rapid decrease in the values of parameters related to the gas exchange process in grasses in the following days of water shortage was noticed. Water use efficiency (WUE) value was low in drought conditions due to increased transpiration of plants and was associated with a low C:N ratio in shoots. No obvious, positive effect of previously experienced drought stress on survival of tested grass species after another stress was observed. Cutting of plants after drought period most probably underlied the lack of memory and also additional factor weakened plant regrowth. When the drought was applied for the second time in spring during intensive plant growth, higher biomass allocation to the roots was observed. It was associated with the reduction of plant dry biomass, a decrease of carbon accumulation and the C:N ratio in the shoots. Due to the drought applied for the second time in summer, some biometric features of the roots were strongly and positively correlated with WUE, which is an important feature from the point of view of yield optimization and moisture use by plants.