bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of transplanting and AMF inoculation on the fruit yield of African eggplants (Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum anguivi) in Tanzania
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Dinssa Fekadu Fufa , Minja Ruth , Mwaijande Violeth , Mbwambo Omary , Mziray Zainab , Stavridou Eleftheria , Bishop Gerard J.
Published: December 2023

The African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L., Gilo group) is one of the most common traditional vegetables in Tanzania. The yield of the African eggplant in Tanzania is far lower than the potential yield expected, which is due primarily to biotic and abiotic stresses. We conducted experiments at two locations in Tanzania to study whether or not plant growth and the fruit yield of the Gilo group of African eggplant can be significantly improved through transplanting coupled with the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) at sowing. Many plants, particularly for the directly sown treatment, died well before harvesting, and, in addition, many surviving plants showed symptoms of wilting. The transplanting of tray seedlings and using AMF inocula at sowing led to an overall significant increase in fruit yield by 30%–40% and 20%–25%, respectively. Increased fruit yield per experimental plot resulted primarily from a greater number of plants that survived and reached the harvesting stage. The exact effect of planting method (i.e., transplanting or direct sowing) and AMF inoculation, however, varied greatly with plant accessions. Further research is needed to understand the cause(s) for plant mortality in order to develop appropriate plant management practices.
Personalized antibiotic selection in periodontal treatment improves clinical and microbiological outputs
Authors: Žiemytė Miglė , Lopez-Roldan Andrés , Carda-Diéguez Miguel , Reglero-Santaolaya Marta , Rodriguez Ana , Ferrer María D. , Mira Alex
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Periodontitis is a biofilm-mediated disease that is usually treated by non-surgical biofilm elimination with or without antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment in periodontal patients is typically selected empirically or using qPCR or DNA hybridization methods. These approaches are directed towards establishing the levels of different periodontal pathogens in periodontal pockets to infer the antibiotic treatment. However, current methods are costly and do not consider the antibiotic susceptibility of the whole subgingival biofilm.

Methods

In the current manuscript, we have developed a method to culture subgingival samplesex vivoin a fast, label-free impedance-based system where biofilm growth is monitored in real-time under exposure to different antibiotics, producing results in 4 hours. To test its efficacy, we performed a double-blind, randomized clinical trial where patients were treated with an antibiotic either selected by the hybridization method (n=32) or by the one with the best effect in theex vivogrowth system (n=32).

Results

Antibiotic selection was different in over 80% of the cases. Clinical parameters such as periodontal pocket depth, attachment level, and bleeding upon probing improved in both groups. However, dental plaque was significantly reduced only in the group where antibiotics were selected according to theex vivogrowth. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing showed a larger reduction in periodontal pathogens and a larger increase in health-associated bacteria in theex vivogrowth group.

Discussion

The results of clinical and microbiological parameters, together with the reduced cost and low analysis time, support the use of the impedance system for improved individualized antibiotic selection.
Clinical efficacy and safety of adjunctive treatment of chronic ischemic heart failure with Qishen Yiqi dropping pills: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xingmeng Wang , Guohua Dai , Hui Guan , Wulin Gao , Huiwen Qu , Maoxia Fan , Runmin Li , Lili Ren
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Our study was to evaluate the effect of Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pills(QSYQ) on the prognosis of chronic ischemic heart failure(CIHF) and its safety.

Methods

Databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and EMbase were searched from their inception to April 2023 to screen relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary indicators included readmission rates, rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and all-cause mortality rates. The quality of the literature was assessed according to the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook 5.0 and the Modified Jadad Scale (with a score of 4–7 rated as high quality). Meta-analysis was performed using the meta-package created by R software version 4.2.3, continuous data were compared using SMDs, and dichotomous and ordered data were compared using ORs; and the I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity.

Results

Fifty-nine studies out of 1,745 publications were finally included, totalling 6,248 patients. Most studies were poorly designed and had some publication bias, with only 26 high-quality papers (Jadad score ≥4). Meta-analysis showed that the combined application of QSYQ was able to reduce the readmission rate [OR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.33, 0.53), P < 0.001], all-cause mortality rate [OR = 0.43, 95% CI (0.27, 0.68), P < 0.001], and the incidence of MACE [OR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.31, 0.56), P < 0.001]. Also, the treatment method can improve clinical effectiveness [OR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.97, 2.58), P < 0.001], increase 6-min walking distance (6MWD) [SMD = 1.87, 95% CI (1.33, 2.41), P < 0.0001] and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [SMD = 1.08, 95% CI (0.83, 1.33), P < 0.0001], and decrease the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scores [SMD = −2.03, 95% CI (−3.0, −1.07), P < 0.0001], BNP levels [SMD = −2.07, 95% CI (−2.81, −1.33), P < 0.0001] and NT-ProBNP levels [SMD = −2.77, 95% CI (−4.90, −0.63), P < 0.05]. A total of 21 studies (n = 2,742) evaluated their adverse effects, of which 13 studies reported no adverse effects and 8 studies reported minor adverse effects.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the combined application of QSYQ can further improve patients' cardiac function and exercise tolerance, improve their quality of life, and ultimately improve patients' prognosis with a favorable safety profile. Nonetheless, limited by the quality and high heterogeneity of the literature, we must be conservative and cautious about the present results.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42023449251).
Cryoballoon vs. laser balloon ablation for atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaochi , Zhao Shenyu , Yu Simin , Cui Kaijun
Published: December 2023

Background

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and laser balloon ablation (LBA) are two innovative ways for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon ablation and laser balloon ablation in patients with AF.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science and other databases for comparative trials comparing CB and LB ablation in the treatment of AF, from establishment of database to August, 2023.

Results

A total of 13 studies and 3,582 patients were included (CBA, n = 2,308; LBA, n = 1,274). There was no difference between CBA and LBA in acute PVI rate per vein, 12-months recurrence rate of AF, 12-months recurrence rate of atrial arrhythmia, occurrence rate of pericardial tamponade, occurrence rate of inguinal complications. LBA presented a lower acute PVI rate per patients (CBA 97.0% vs. LBA 93.4%, RR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.07). Transient nerve palsy was more likely to occur after CBA (CBA 2.7% vs. LBA 0.7%, RR = 4.25, 95%CI: 2.06–8.76). However, the occurrence of persistent nerve palsy between CBA and LBA groups were similar (CB 1.4% vs. LB 1.0%, RR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.55–2.14). In terms of procedural duration, the procedural time of CBA was shorter than that of LBA (WMD = −26.58, 95%CI: −36.71–16.46).

Conclusions

Compared with LBA, CBA had a shorter procedural duration. There was a higher incidence of transient but not persistent phrenic nerve palsy after CBA.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=272607 Identifier (CRD42021272607).
Practicing psychologists’ accounts of demand avoidance and extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents
Authors: Haire Lauren , Symonds Jennifer E. , Senior Joyce , Pace Ugo
Published: December 2023

The construct of pathological or extreme demand avoidance (EDA) is used to describe the experience of avoiding demands and having an extreme need for control. However, the EDA construct is contested by researchers and educational psychology practitioners. To investigate the utility and validity of the construct of EDA, this qualitative study explored psychologists’ experience and conceptualisation of demand avoidance and extreme demand avoidance, and their approach to working with children and adolescents who avoid demands. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 psychologists (female = 9) working in private, education and disability services. Thematic analysis yielded six themes: (i) reason for the psychologists’ involvement, (ii) psychologists understanding of child’s presentation, (iii) psychologists’ focus in supporting the child, (iv) challenges for psychologists, (v) enablers for psychologists and (vi) success for psychologists. Results indicated that psychologists do not view the construct of EDA as necessary for their work and achieve success with children who avoid demands by drawing on range of approaches focusing on the underlying needs of those children.
Epidemiology of eye diseases: outcomes from a free provincial eye clinic in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Owusu-Afriyie Bismark , Gende Theresa , Silki Frederick , Ishmael Bolgii , Kuiaha Joelda
Published: December 2023

Aim

To ascertain the prevalence and pattern of eye problems in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.

Materials and methods

A six-month retrospective study was performed at Madang Provincial Hospital Eye Clinic. Convenience sampling was used in this study and all patient records from January to June 2020 were included. Data was extracted using Microsoft Excel and the data included gender, age, occupation, district where the patient lived, presenting visual acuity, and diagnosis. It was then analyzed using International Business Machines Corporation’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 1,715 patients received services at the eye clinic between January and June 2020, and 1,664 were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 39.3 ± 20.3 years. There were slightly more males (50.4%) than females. The overall leading ocular morbidities were corneal ulcers and keratitis (20.7%), refractive errors (17.4%), and cataracts (16.8%). More than half of the patients (56.2%) were either visually impaired or blind. Nearly half of the patients (41.8%) traveled long distances to seek services at the eye clinic. There was a significant association between demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and level of visual impairment.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of potential causes of visual impairment and blindness in Madang Province and these conditions affect all age groups and genders. It is essential to increase accessibility to eye care services in the country.
The study on the impact of sex on the structure of gut microbiota of bamboo rats in China
Authors: Gan Yang , Wu Yan-jun , Dong Yuan-qiu , Li Qian , Wu Shu-guang , Jin Yuan-qing , Lu Tao-feng
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Bamboo rats are rodents that eat bamboo, and their robust capacity for bamboo digestion is directly correlated with their gut flora. Chinese bamboo rat (Rhizomys sinensis) is a common bamboo rat in Chinese central and southern regions. As a single-stomach mammal, bamboo rats are a famous specificity bamboo-eating animal and their intestinal microbial composition may also play a key role in the digestion of cellulose and lignin. So, the gut microbiota of bamboo rat may play an important role in the adaptation of bamboo rats for digesting lignocellulose-based diet.

Methods

To study the microbiome differences of bamboo rats from different sexes, the microbial genomic DNA was extracted from each fecal sample and the V4 region of 16S rRNA genes was amplified and sequencing on an IlluminaHiSeq6000 platform. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were classified, the OTUs in different sexes was identified and compared at phylum and genus levels. For isolation and screening of cellulose degradation bacteria from bamboo rats, fresh feces from randomly selected bamboo rats were collected and used for the isolation and screening of cellulose degradation bacteria using Luria Bertani (LB) Agar medium containing Carboxymethyl cellulose. The cellulase activity, biochemical characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the purified bacteria strains were characterized.

Results and discussion

A total of 3,833 OTUs were classified. The total microbial diversity detected in the female and male rats was 3,049 OTUs and 3,452 OTUs, respectively. The Shannon index revealed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05), though they were all captive and had the same feeding conditions. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were prominent in the microbial community. At the genus level, the microbial community was dominated by Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Prevotella, but there was a significant difference between the two groups of bamboo rats; ~90 bacteria genus in the female group was significantly higher than the male group. Among them, Bacteroides, Colidextribacter, and Oscillibacter were significantly higher genera, and the genera of Lachnoclostridium, Oscillibacter, and Papillibacter had the highest FC value among the male and female bamboo rats. The KEGG function annotation and different pathways analysis revealed that membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism were the most enriched metabolic pathways in the two groups, and multiple sugar transport system permease protein (K02025 and K02026), RNA polymerase sigma-70 factor (K03088), and ATP-binding cassette (K06147) were the three different KEGG pathways (p < 0.05). Two cellulose degradation bacteria strains—Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis—were isolated and characterized from the feces of bamboo rats.
Potential roles for mitochondria-to-HSF1 signaling in health and disease
Authors: Labbadia Johnathan
Published: December 2023

The ability to respond rapidly and efficiently to protein misfolding is crucial for development, reproduction and long-term health. Cells respond to imbalances in cytosolic/nuclear protein homeostasis through the Heat Shock Response, a tightly regulated transcriptional program that enhances protein homeostasis capacity by increasing levels of protein quality control factors. The Heat Shock Response is driven by Heat Shock Factor 1, which is rapidly activated by the appearance of misfolded proteins and drives the expression of genes encoding molecular chaperones and protein degradation factors, thereby restoring proteome integrity. HSF1 is critical for organismal health, and this has largely been attributed to the preservation of cytosolic and nuclear protein homeostasis. However, evidence is now emerging that HSF1 is also a key mediator of mitochondrial function, raising the possibility that many of the health benefits conferred by HSF1 may be due to the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. In this review, I will discuss our current understanding of the interplay between HSF1 and mitochondria and consider how mitochondria-to-HSF1 signaling may influence health and disease susceptibility.
Clinical performance of a multiparametric MRI-based post concussive syndrome index
Authors: Meyers Steven P. , Hirad Adnan , Gonzalez Patricia , Bazarian Jeffrey J. , Mirabelli Mark H. , Rizzone Katherine H. , Ma Heather M. , Rosella Peter , Totterman Saara , Schreyer Edward , Tamez-Pena Jose G.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has revealed measurable changes in the brains of patients with persistent post-concussive syndrome (PCS). Because of inconsistent results in univariate DTI metrics among patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), there is currently no single objective and reliable MRI index for clinical decision-making in patients with PCS.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed PCS Index (PCSI) derived from machine learning of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to classify and differentiate subjects with mTBI and PCS history from those without a history of mTBI.

Materials and methods

Data were retrospectively extracted from 139 patients aged between 18 and 60 years with PCS who underwent MRI examinations at 2 weeks to 1-year post-mTBI, as well as from 336 subjects without a history of head trauma. The performance of the PCS Index was assessed by comparing 69 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PCS with 264 control subjects. The PCSI values for patients with PCS were compared based on the mechanism of injury, time interval from injury to MRI examination, sex, history of prior concussion, loss of consciousness, and reported symptoms.

Results

Injured patients had a mean PCSI value of 0.57, compared to the control group, which had a mean PCSI value of 0.12 (p = 8.42e-23) with accuracy of 88%, sensitivity of 64%, and specificity of 95%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the PCSI values when comparing the mechanism of injury, sex, or loss of consciousness.

Conclusion

The PCSI for individuals aged between 18 and 60 years was able to accurately identify patients with post-concussive injuries from 2 weeks to 1-year post-mTBI and differentiate them from the controls. The results of this study suggest that multiparametric MRI-based PCSI has great potential as an objective clinical tool to support the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of patients with post-concussive syndrome. Further research is required to investigate the replicability of this method using other types of clinical MRI scanners.
Effectiveness of a novel bubble CPAP system for neonatal respiratory support at a referral hospital in the Philippines
Authors: Rauschendorf Paula , Bou Saba Ghassan , Meara Grace K. , Roodaki Navid , Conde-Agudelo Agustin , Garcia Daisy Evangeline C. , Burke Thomas F.
Published: December 2023

Aim

To examine the impact of introducing and implementing the Vayu bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) system on neonatal survival and neonatal respiratory outcomes in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the Philippines.

Methods

We compared clinical outcomes of 1,024 neonates before to 979 neonates after introduction of Vayu bCPAP systems into a NICU. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Analyses were undertaken separately for the entire NICU population and for neonates who received any form of respiratory support.

Results

The introduction of the Vayu bCPAP system was associated with (1) significant reductions in intubation (aOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58–0.96) and in the use of nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) (aOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50–0.96) among the entire NICU population and (2) a significant increase in survival to discharge (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.09–2.17) and significant reductions in intubation (aOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.38–0.71), surfactant administration (aOR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.40–0.89), NIPPV use (aOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.36–0.76), and a composite neonatal adverse outcome (aOR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84) among neonates who received any form of respiratory support.

Conclusion

The use of the Vayu bCPAP system in a NICU in the Philippines resulted in significant improvement in neonatal respiratory outcomes.
The effects of curcumin on hepatic T2*MRI and liver enzymes in patients with β‐thalassemia major: a double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Eghbali Aziz , Nourigheimasi Shima , Ghasemi Ali , Afzal Roghayeh Rahimi , Ashayeri Neda , Eghbali Aygin , Khanzadeh Shokoufeh , Ghaffari Kazem
Published: December 2023

Background: Curcumin present in turmeric has been considered due to its cancer-preventive features, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a reasonable sample size and longer intervention period was conducted to investigate how oral curcumin affected cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI and liver enzymes in patients with β‐thalassemia major.

Method: This clinical trial study was conducted on 171 patients over 5 years old. The subjects were randomly divided into a curcumin-treatment group and a placebo group to receive either curcumin capsules twice daily or placebo for 6 months. Patients were examined once a month for 6 months to receive capsules and measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct and total bilirubin, ferritin and cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI.

Result: There was a significant decrease in levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin (direct and total) in the curcumin group compared with the placebo group by the end of the study (p < 0.05). The levels of serum ferritin remained unchanged in both groups at the end of the follow‐up period (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the curcumin and placebo groups at baseline values or at the end of the study of cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI and serum magnesium.

Conclusion: Administration of curcumin has some beneficial effects on liver function by reducing liver enzymes in patients with beta-thalassemia major.
Motion of an active bent rod with an articulating hinge: exploring mechanical and chemical modes of swimming
Authors: Raj Ritu R. , Ganguly Arkava , Becker Cora , Shields C. Wyatt , Gupta Ankur
Published: December 2023

Swimming at the microscale typically involves two modes of motion: mechanical propulsion and propulsion due to field interactions. During mechanical propulsion, particles swim by reconfiguring their geometry. When propelled by field interactions, body forces such as phoretic interactions drive mobility. In this work, we employ slender-body theory to explore how a bent rod actuator propels due to a mechanical mode of swimming via hinge articulations and due to a chemical mode of swimming via diffusiophoretic interactions with a solute field. Although previous theoretical studies have examined mechanical and chemical modes of swimming in isolation, the simultaneous investigation of both modes has remained unexplored. For the mechanical mode of swimming, our calculations, both numerical and analytical, recover Purcell’s scallop theorem and show that the bent rod actuator experiences zero net displacement during reciprocal motion. Additionally, we calculate the trajectories traced by a bent rod actuator under a non-reciprocal hinge articulation, revealing that these trajectories are influenced by the amplitude of the hinge articulation, geometric asymmetry, and the angular velocity distribution between the two arms of the bent rod actuator. We provide intuitive explanations for these effects using free-body diagrams. Furthermore, we explore the motion induced by simultaneous hinge articulations and self-diffusiophoresis. We observe that hinge articulations can modify the effective phoretic forces and torques acting on the bent rod actuator, either supporting or impeding propulsion. Additionally, during self-diffusiophoretic propulsion, reciprocal hinge articulations no longer result in zero net displacement. In summary, our findings chart a new direction for designing micron-sized objects that harness both mechanical and chemical modes of propulsion synchronously, offering a mechanism to enact control over trajectories.
A novel approach for sports injury risk prediction: based on time-series image encoding and deep learning
Authors: Ye Xiaohong , Huang Yuanqi , Bai Zhanshuang , Wang Yukun
Published: December 2023

The rapid development of big data technology and artificial intelligence has provided a new perspective on sports injury prevention. Although data-driven algorithms have achieved some valuable results in the field of sports injury risk assessment, the lack of sufficient generalization of models and the inability to automate feature extraction have made it challenging to deploy research results in the real world. Therefore, this study attempts to build an injury risk prediction model using a combination of time-series image encoding and deep learning algorithms to address this issue better. This study used the time-series image encoding approach for feature construction to represent relationships between values at different moments, including Gramian Angular Summation Field (GASF), Gramian Angular Difference Field (GADF), Markov Transition Field (MTF), and Recurrence Plot (RP). Deep Convolutional Auto-Encoder (DCAE) learned the image-encoded data for representation to obtain features with good discrimination, and the classifier was performed using Deep Neural Network (DNN). The results from five repeated experiments show that the GASF-DCAE-DNN model is overall better in the training (AUC: 0.985 ± 0.001, Gmean: 0.930 ± 0.007, Sensitivity: 0.997 ± 0.003, Specificity: 0.868 ± 0.013) and test sets (AUC: 0.891 ± 0.026, Gmean: 0.830 ± 0.027, Sensitivity: 0.816 ± 0.039, Specificity: 0.845 ± 0.022), with good discriminative power, robustness, and generalization ability. Compared with the best model reported in the literature, the AUC, Gmean, Sensitivity, and Specificity of the GASF-DCAE-DNN model were higher by 23.9%, 27.5%, 39.7%, and 16.2%, respectively, which confirmed the validity and practicability of the model in injury risk prediction. In addition, differences in injury risk patterns between the training and test sets were identified through shapley additivity interpretation. It was also found that the training volume was an essential factor that affected injury risk prediction. The model proposed in this study provides a powerful injury risk prediction tool for future sports injury prevention practice.
Examining the fluidity of innovation teams: a conceptual framework
Authors: Linhardt Rylee M. , Salas Eduardo
Published: December 2023

As innovative endeavors have become more complex and time-intensive, there has become an increasing reliance on expert teams in organizations. Expert innovation teams are comprised of team members with extensive experience and mastery in a particular discipline. These teams utilize fluid membership that expands the available knowledge of the team but creates challenges for effective teamwork. We argue that the mechanism for creating an enduring impact and developing a product to fruition requires the cognitive and social integration of fluid team members. This article focuses on how teams effectively integrate knowledge with diverse, and possibly fluid, team members and how teams can organize knowledge through planning and reflection to implement the idea successfully. Knowledge integration and team reflexivity are considered in tandem to emphasize the multi-faceted nature of generating and implementing innovative solutions and the conflicting teamwork processes that hinder innovative efforts. To understand how these competing teamwork processes required for successful innovation interact, we developed a framework that considers resilience as the factor that elicits team creative performance. In doing so, we discuss how innovation teams build resilience over time and how creative failure can lead to greater levels of innovation.
Precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence during the 2023 Finnish Padel championship in high level men’s players
Authors: Conde-Ripoll Rafael , Escudero-Tena Adrián , Suárez-Clemente Vicente Javier , Bustamante-Sánchez Álvaro
Published: December 2023

The aim of the current study was to assess precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence in high level men’s padel players from Finland. Twenty eight men’s padel players from the highest category participated in the research (87.5% of the target population). The CSAI-2R (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised) and STAI-S (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory – State) questionnaires were used and descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed, including the Kruskal Wallis’s H and Mann–Whitney’s U tests. The results show that seeded players presented lower levels of cognitive anxiety (η2 = 0.111). Moreover, losers of first round presented more state anxiety than winners (η2 = 0.302). Before the first match, state anxiety was higher than prior to the second match (η2 = 0.148). Furthermore, lower ranked players of first round, compared to second, presented more state anxiety and somatic anxiety (η2 = 0.487 and η2 = 0.277, respectively). However, according to the results obtained, self-confidence was not affected by any of the variables analyzed (ranking, seed, result or round). These findings may be of great interest to players, coaches and sports psychologists, as they allow an enhanced comprehension of the player’s level of anxiety and self-confidence.
Relationship between gaming disorder across various dimensions among PUBG players: a machine learning-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Hassan Ali , Shahzad Muhammad , Daniyal Muhammad , Hafez Wael , Javaid Syed Fahad , Khan Moien AB
Published: December 2023

Background

PlayerUnknown’s battlegrounds (PUBG), a widely played multiplayer online game, has sparked interest and concern regarding its impact on players. This study explored the relationship between factors such as cultivation level, motivation, religious engagement, gaming disorder, and addiction among PUBG players.

Methods

This study employed a convenience sampling technique to select a sample of 500 PUBG players. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was used to identify the primary factors contributing to the level of cultivation.

Results

Male participants exhibited a higher level of cultivation than their female counterparts did. According to the ANN model, gaming disorder exhibited the greatest normalized importance, with a value of 100%. This was followed by the religious level, which had a normalized importance of 54.6%. Additionally, motivation level and gaming addiction demonstrated normalized importance values of 47.6 and 44.4%, respectively. This study revealed a statistically significant correlation between engaging in PUBG and the cultivation effect observed among respondents.

Conclusion

This study highlights several noteworthy factors, including gaming disorder, religious affiliation, motivation level, and gaming addiction. These factors offer valuable insights into understanding gaming behavior and devising effective interventions.
Pica in a girl with non-suicidal self-injury: a case report
Authors: Liu Bo , Jiang Lijun , Yuan Minlan , Zhu Hongru , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2023

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is on the rise globally, posing a significant societal challenge. Pica, an eating disorder, presents difficulties in treatment due to the absence of effective medications. In this report, we discuss a complex case involving the co-occurrence of pica and non-suicidal self-injury. A 13-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital due to ingesting two batteries. She features a persistent, intense appetite along with sudden and compulsive behaviors such as consuming inedible items or self-inflicted cutting. After receiving a combination of pharmacological treatments (quetiapine, lithium and sertraline), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) for 25 days, she was discharged with relief from her clinical symptoms.
Psychosocial interventions for suicidal and self-injurious-related behaviors among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese practices
Authors: Lu Junjie , Gao Wanting , Wang Zexin , Yang Nan , Pang Weng Ian Phoenix , In Lok Grace Ka , Rao Wenwang
Published: December 2023

Background

Suicidal and self-injurious-related behaviors (SSIRBs) are a serious public health challenge in China. However, a comprehensive systematic review of psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents has not been performed. To fill this gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

Eight international (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Clinical Trial, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and four Chinese (Wanfang, SinoMed, CEPS, and CNKI) databases were searched from inception to 31 January 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently conducted by two groups of researchers. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were both used.

Results

The initial search yielded 16,872 titles. Of the 649 full texts reviewed, 19 intervention articles focusing on SSIRBs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen out of the 19 included studies involved cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT). Seven non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) studies assessing self-injurious behaviors were included (six short-term studies and three long-term studies). Compared with long-term interventions [−1.30 (95% CI: –1.84, −0.76)], short-term psychosocial interventions had a higher standardized mean difference (SMD) value [1.86 (95% CI: –2.72, −0.99)]. Meta-regression showed an inverse relationship between the treatment response and sample size (slope = 0.068, Z = 2.914, p = 0.004) and proportion of females (slope = 1.096, Z = 5.848, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that compared with the “less than 1 month” group [−0.494 (−0.783, −0.205)], in the “immediate postintervention” group, the pooled estimate was significantly lower [−2.800 (−4.050, −1.550), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

Our review systematically summarized the key characteristics and effectiveness of existing psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents. Short-term psychosocial interventions for NSSI were significantly effective in reducing self-injurious behavior scores, especially in the immediate postintervention period. More favorable treatment responses could be observed in both male and small samples.
Latent profile analysis of psychological needs thwarting in Chinese school teachers: longitudinal associations with problematic smartphone use, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support
Authors: Liao Xiao-Ling , Cao Cui-Hong , Gamble Jeffrey H. , Li Ling-Ling , Jiang Xing-Yong , Bo Cun-Xu , Chen I-Hua
Published: December 2023

Introduction

In light of the significant impact that teachers have on education quality and student growth, their mental health warrants special attention. With the increasing popularity of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the rise of online teaching during the pandemic, teachers have become a group prone to developing problematic smartphone use (PSU). Psychological need thwarting (PNT) has been shown to be closely related to PSU, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support. However, most previous studies have adopted a variable-centered approach, which may overlook the possibility that the three basic needs are not closely associated and could form distinct profiles. Therefore, this study aims to apply latent profile analysis to identify different PNT profiles and their associations with PSU, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support.

Methods

A longitudinal survey was conducted using convenience and purposive sampling methods. The survey involved 1,642 primary and middle school teachers working in China over a two-month interval, with the first assessment in November 2021 (Time 1) and the second in January 2022 (Time 2).

Results

The results indicate that a three-profile model, intricately based on the PNT data gathered at Time 1, is most optimal: Class 1 is labeled as ‘High autonomy-High competence and Moderate relatedness thwarting’, Class 2 as ‘High autonomy-High competence and High relatedness thwarting’, and Class 3 as ‘Low psychological needs thwarting’. Distinct associations were observed among the three profiles concerning PSU, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support. Specifically, in terms of PSU, the score of Class 2 was higher than Class 1, with that of Class 3 being the lowest at Time 1, while at Time 2 no significant difference was found between any two of these three groups; in terms of distress, the scores of the three profiles were arranged from high to low as Class 2, 1, and 3 at both time points; and in terms of perceived administrative support, the order was just the opposite, with 3, 1, and 2 from high to low at both Time 1 and Time 2.

Conclusion

Notably, the consistent ranking of the three classes in terms of psychological distress and administrative support suggests a lasting influence of PNT. Future studies should explore this enduring impact further by employing additional longitudinal data sets and examining potential mediators or moderators beyond the current study’s scope.
Diagnosing the voids of knowledge in the transformation process in managing and standardizing smart city development: the case of the government of Indonesia
Authors: Panjaitan Jenri M. P. , Bastian Indra , Unggara Ilham , Susanto Efa Agus , Sumiyana Sumiyana
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates smart city development projects implemented by the Government of Indonesia (GoI) from 2017 at the regional and municipal levels. Moreover, it provides a critical perspective on the lack of knowledge of the transformation process, substantive knowledge, and the wide-regime-shifting balance of knowledge required to accomplish smart city development. From the project scope perspective, this research elaborates on technical defaults of the regional and municipal GoI's initiating, constructing, and implementing smart cities.

Research methodology

The authors conducted semi-structured interviews to explore how these project doers operate in each stage of the smart city development, including initiation, work in progress, implementation, and reporting. In addition, the research questions of this semi-structured interview are derived from this study's critical perspective and the knowledge domains of smart city development.

Originality

First, this study sheds light on the development of 100 smart cities by the GoI, with 50 financed but unfinished projects since 2017, indicating design failure. Second, we argue that the blueprint designed by the GoI smart communities does not demonstrate comprehensive political will or the conducting of socio-cultural and technical analyses to encourage and support the development of smart cities. Third, this study uniquely highlights that the GoI wants to build smart cities using collective cognition or mutual understanding, but lacks knowledge of the transformation process and substantive knowledge for system analysis and design, development, and implementation, leading to uncertainty and non-uniform approaches to smart city developments across various regions and municipalities. Fourth, this research criticizes the misalignment and imbalance of knowledge between the GoI, the targeted regions and municipalities, and all agents involved in developing smart cities.

Findings

The authors find four unique theme formulations: the GoI's behaviors in equivalencing with regular procurement, the voids of knowledge in the transformation process, substantive knowledge boundaries, and letting these projects progress without accompanying committed knowledge boundaries and working for a future without a signifier. Finally, this study suggests that the government should prioritize mastery of knowledge of the transformation processes in smart city development and implement agile strategies to ensure these projects' success and future benefits.
Sustainable soil and land management: a systems-oriented overview of scientific literature
Authors: Mason Eloïse , Bispo Antonio , Matt Mireille , Helming Katharina , Rodriguez Elena , Lansac Rocio , Carrasco Violeta , Hashar Mohammad Rafiul , Verdonk Loes , Prokop Gundula , Wall David , Francis Nancy , Laszlo Peter , Löbmann Michael T.
Published: December 2023

Healthy soil is vital for our wellbeing and wealth. However, increasing demand for food and biomass may lead to unsustainable soil and land management practices that threaten soils. Other degradation processes such as soil sealing also endanger soil resources. Identifying and accessing the best available knowledge is crucial to address related sustainability issues and promote the needed transition towards sustainable soil and land management practices. Such knowledge has to cover all knowledge domains, system knowledge, target knowledge, and transformation knowledge. However, a comprehensive overview of existing research addressing societal needs related to soil is still missing, which hinders the identification of knowledge gaps. This study provides a detailed analysis of scientific literature to identify ongoing research activities and trends. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific literature related to sustainable soil and land management was conducted. A systems-oriented analytical framework was used that combines soil and land related societal challenges with related knowledge domains. Our analysis revealed a significant increase in scientific publications and related interest in soil and land use-related research, above the average increase of publications within all scientific fields. Different forms of reduction and remediation of soil degradation processes (e.g. erosion, contamination) have been studied most extensively. Other topic areas like land take mitigation, soil biodiversity increase, increase of ecosystem services provision and climate change mitigation and adaption seem to be rather recent concerns, less investigated. We could highlight the importance of context-specific research, as different regions require different practices. For instance, boreal, tropical, karst and peatland regions were less studied. Furthermore, we found that diversifying soil management practices such as agroforestry or including livestock into arable systems are valuable options for increasing biomass, mitigating/adapting to climate change, and improving soil related ecosystem services. A recent trend towards the latter research topic indicates the transition from a soil conservation-oriented perspective to a soil service-oriented perspective, which may be better suited to integrate the social and economic dimensions of soil health improvement alongside the ecological dimension.
Body composition as a marker of performance and health in military personnel
Authors: Cialdella-Kam Lynn , Bloedon Taylor K. , Stone Michael S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Body composition standards are set to ensure operational readiness in active-duty military personnel. To meet body composition standards, some individuals, however, may engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors (i.e., weight cycling and disordered eating). The objectives of this review are to: (1) evaluate the evidence regarding body composition and the associations to physical and military specific performance; (2) discuss body composition and potential health consequences; and (3) examine the evidence of weight cycling and disordered eating behaviors in military personnel for weight control.

Methods

A systematic search to identify peer-reviewed research articles was conducted in PubMed on 2/20/2023 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) including but not limited to “Military Personnel”, “Tactical Athlete”, “Weight Loss”, “Body Composition”, and “Weight Cycling”.

Results

A total of 225 research articles were identified. The list was narrowed down to articles from the last 20 years (2003–2023) in military personnel. Only studies in which percent body fat was directly measured were included resulting in 17 research articles for this review.

Discussion

Evidence-based research is limited on the relationship between body composition and operational readiness. Weight cycling and disordered eating behaviors also has been reported for weight control, yet additional research is needed. Specifically, future research should focus on female service members, racial and ethnic differences, age, and postpartum status and include other service branches (i.e., Air Force and Navy). A comprehensive survey on weight cycling, disordered eating, and weight management would be valuable to determine the prevalence and extent of this issue. This information along with performance data would guide policy makers on the relevance and appropriateness of existing body composition standards.
Natural language processing for the automated detection of intra-operative elements in lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Biswas Sayan , McMenemy Lareyna , Sarkar Ved , MacArthur Joshua , Snowdon Ella , Tetlow Callum , George K. Joshi
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to develop natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to conduct automated identification of incidental durotomy, wound drains, and the use of sutures or skin clips for wound closure, in free text operative notes of patients following lumbar surgery.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective case series analysis was conducted between January 2015 and June 2022, analysing operative notes of patients aged >18 years who underwent a primary lumbar discectomy and/or decompression at any lumbar level. Extreme gradient-boosting NLP algorithms were developed and assessed on five performance metrics: accuracy, area under receiver-operating curve (AUC), positive predictive value (PPV), specificity, and Brier score.

Results

A total of 942 patients were used in the training set and 235 patients, in the testing set. The average age of the cohort was 53.900 ± 16.153 years, with a female predominance of 616 patients (52.3%). The models achieved an aggregate accuracy of >91%, a specificity of >91%, a PPV of >84%, an AUC of >0.933, and a Brier score loss of ≤0.082. The decision curve analysis also revealed that these NLP algorithms possessed great clinical net benefit at all possible threshold probabilities. Global and local model interpretation analyses further highlighted relevant clinically useful features (words) important in classifying the presence of each entity appropriately.

Conclusions

These NLP algorithms can help monitor surgical performance and complications in an automated fashion by identifying and classifying the presence of various intra-operative elements in lumbar spine surgery.
Improving Clustering Accuracy of K-Means and Random Swap by an Evolutionary Technique Based on Careful Seeding
Authors: Nigro Libero , Cicirelli Franco
Published: December 2023

K-Means is a “de facto” standard clustering algorithm due to its simplicity and efficiency. K-Means, though, strongly depends on the initialization of the centroids (seeding method) and often gets stuck in a local sub-optimal solution. K-Means, in fact, mainly acts as a local refiner of the centroids, and it is unable to move centroids all over the data space. Random Swap was defined to go beyond K-Means, and its modus operandi integrates K-Means in a global strategy of centroids management, which can often generate a clustering solution close to the global optimum. This paper proposes an approach which extends both K-Means and Random Swap and improves the clustering accuracy through an evolutionary technique and careful seeding. Two new algorithms are proposed: the Population-Based K-Means (PB-KM) and the Population-Based Random Swap (PB-RS). Both algorithms consist of two steps: first, a population of J candidate solutions is built, and then the candidate centroids are repeatedly recombined toward a final accurate solution. The paper motivates the design of PB-KM and PB-RS, outlines their current implementation in Java based on parallel streams, and demonstrates the achievable clustering accuracy using both synthetic and real-world datasets.