bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propelling consumer engagement via entrepreneurs' live streaming?
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Wang Haizhong , Xue Jiaolong , Zhai Tianqi
Published: August 2022

Entrepreneurs' live streaming (ELS) is an important tool for marketing, and it can increase consumer engagement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous live streaming literature mainly focused on third-party live streaming, targeted at professional streamers and online celebrities. This study aims to discuss the factors underlying consumer engagement in the ELS. Using a mixed method of a quasi-experiment and an online survey, we analyzed the impact of the ELS on consumer engagement and the factors that drive consumer engagement in the ELS in each of 231 samples. In the enterprises' live streaming, the ELS has a significantly higher influence on consumer engagement compared with the employees' live streaming. In the ELS, based on source credibility theory and signaling theory, this study concludes that factors of ELS's credibility consist of internal factors (reputation, expertise, and interactivity) and external factors (guarantee, authenticity, and money-saving). The authors demonstrate that both internal and external factors positively affect trust in activities. Trust in activities positively affects consumer engagement and mediates the effects of reputation, expertise, interactivity, guarantee, and authenticity on consumer engagement. Moreover, reputation and expertise positively improve consumers' admiration toward the entrepreneur streamer and in turn, positively increase consumer engagement. Interactivity and expertise shorten the psychological distance. Psychological distance negatively affects consumer engagement and only helps increase the positive effect of interactivity on consumer engagement. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for live streaming e-commerce.
When timing is key: How autocratic and democratic leadership relate to follower trust in emergency contexts
Authors: Rosing Florian , Boer Diana , Buengeler Claudia
Published: August 2022

In emergency contexts, leaders’ ability to develop others’ trust in them is critical to leadership effectiveness. By integrating functional leadership and team process theories, we argue that democratic and autocratic leadership can create trust in the leader depending on the performance phase of the action team. We further argue that action and transition phases produce different task demands for leadership behavior to enhance trust in the leader, and different leader characteristics (i.e., leader benevolence and leader ability) mediate these effects. The results of a scenario experiment (N = 125) and field survey (N = 165) among firefighters revealed that autocratic rather than democratic leadership elevates trust in the leader during the action phase by increasing leader ability. In contrast, democratic rather than autocratic leadership enhances trust in the leader during the transition phase by elevating leader benevolence. These findings highlight the importance of leader characteristics in emergencies, demonstrating the value of mixing autocratic and democratic leadership behaviors across different team performance phases to build trust in the leader.
UK ethnic minority healthcare workers’ perspectives on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the UK ethnic minority community: A qualitative study
Authors: Sagoe Dominic , Ogunbode Charles , Antwi Philomena , Knizek Birthe Loa , Awaleh Zahrah , Dadzie Ophelia
Published: August 2022

Background

The experiences of UK ethnic minority (UKEM) healthcare workers are crucial to ameliorating the disproportionate COVID-19 infection rate and outcomes in the UKEM community. We conducted a qualitative study on UKEM healthcare workers’ perspectives on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (CVH) in the UKEM community.

Methods

Participants were 15 UKEM healthcare workers (11 females; age range: 26–58 [43.3 ± 9.4] years). Data were collected using individual and joint interviews, and a focus group, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

We generated three themes: heterogeneity (two subthemes), mistrust (six subthemes), and mitigating (six subthemes). Therein, participants distinguished CVH in the UKEM community in educational attainment and ethnicity. They pointed to the role of mistrust in CVH in the UKEM community. They opined that the mistrust underlying CVH in the UKEM community is rooted in history and religion, conspiracy theories, the speedy development and novelty of the vaccines, post-vaccination complications/side effects, false positive test results, and social media and social support/influence. Participants recommended that interventions targeted at mitigating CVH in the UKEM community need to, in a non-judgmental way, tackle dis/misinformation and provide education, and incorporate UKEM healthcare worker endorsement. They also suggested such interventions be community-oriented, enhance the convenience of vaccination centers and the possibility of vaccine choice, and appreciate that overcoming CVH and accepting vaccination is a gradual process involving personal assessment of risks and benefits.

Conclusion

CVH in the UKEM community is a multifaceted phenomenon requiring multicomponent interventions.
Family cohesion, shame-proneness, expressive suppression, and adolescent mental health—A path model approach
Authors: van Eickels Rahel L. , Tsarpalis-Fragkoulidis Achilleas , Zemp Martina
Published: August 2022

Objective

The family remains one of the most important relationship systems into early adulthood and provides an important foundation for lifelong mental health. Dysfunctional family cohesion can promote adjustment problems in adolescents and might also affect adolescents’ self-concept and strategies for coping with emotional distress. To test these relationships and the underlying mechanisms, we proposed a dual mediation model describing the associations between family cohesion and internalizing and externalizing problems, mediated by shame-proneness and expressive suppression.

Methods

A sample of 526 German-speaking adolescents aged 14 to 18 years from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland participated in an online self-report survey encompassing questionnaires on family cohesion, shame-proneness, expressive suppression, and psychological problems. We tested a path model to examine the indirect pathways of the associations between family cohesion and internalizing and externalizing problems via shame-proneness and expressive suppression, while controlling for age, gender, and guilt-proneness.

Results

We found a significant dual mediation of the associations between family cohesion and internalizing and externalizing problems by shame-proneness and expressive suppression. The indirect pathways were all significant, except for the indirect pathway from family cohesion to externalizing problems via shame-proneness.

Discussion

Our results provide a model for the mechanisms by which disrupted family cohesion can be related to psychological problems in adolescents. Expressive suppression emerged as crucial when considering the consequences of shame-proneness in adolescents, as it was only indirectly related to externalizing problems via expressive suppression.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of quality of life in life-threatening illness-family carer version
Authors: Wei Yitao , Xiao Huimin , Wu Hong , Yong Binbin , Weng Zhichao , Chen Weiling
Published: August 2022

Background

The Quality of Life (QOL) in Life-threatening Illness-Family Carer Version (QOLLTI-F) has been proven to be a brief, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring the caregivers’ QOL in western cultures. However, whether it is suitable to be used in Chinese culture is unclear. This study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of (QOLLTI-F-CV).

Materials and methods

A total of 202 family caregivers (FCs) of advanced cancer patients from Fujian Provincial hospice care center were investigated using the Chinese version of QOLLTI-F-CV from September 2019 to August 2020. The questionnaire was evaluated using an exploratory structural equation model. Its psychometric properties were examined in terms of factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability.

Results

Differently from the seven-domain original QOLLTI-F, its Chinese version had only three domains including caregiver’s self-feelings, caregiver’s stress, and caregiver’s outlooks. The total variance explanation rate for the domains was 55.4%. The Chinese version fitted well with the structure model (χ2 = 153.932, df = 75, P < 0.001); its comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.971; Tucker–Lewis index was 0.954; and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.072. The success rate of its convergent and discriminant validity calibration test was 100%. Its Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the whole questionnaire and three domains was from 0.650 to 0.874, and test–retest reliability was 0.836.

Conclusion

The 3-domain QOLLTI-F-CV is a valid and reliable instrument for identifying QOL concerns of FCs of advanced cancer patients in China. The refactoring structure optimally matches Chinese culture and value system well.
Applying Positive Psychology to the L2 Classroom: Acknowledging and Fostering Emotions in L2 Writing
Authors: Byrd David , Abrams Zsuzsanna
Published: August 2022

The process of learning a new language can be filled with many emotions, both positive and negative, for the learner. This is particularly true in the area of writing, where students may feel a close connection to their sense of self. Thus far, the foreign language teaching profession has tended to prioritize cognition over emotion in research and classroom practice, with limited attention paid to the role of emotions in language learning. Recently, however, scholars, influenced by psychology, have taken a more active look at how emotions might mediate language learning. Among these scholars, Rebecca Oxford proposed a model that integrates tenets of positive psychology and second language learning, which she has designated as EMPATHICS. This nine-component model examines emotions/empathy, meaning/motivation, perseverance, agency/autonomy, time, hardiness/habits of mind, intelligences, characteristics, and self-factors. In this paper, we apply the EMPATHICS model to teaching second language writing and offer suggestions for task design at different stages of the writing process. While many second language teachers already incorporate some aspects of positive psychology in their classroom, becoming explicitly aware of its potential to foster better learning outcomes behooves us all.
Globally competent teachers: English as a second language teachers’ perceptions on global competence in English lessons
Authors: Yaccob Nur Syafiqah , Yunus Melor Md. , Hashim Harwati
Published: August 2022

Due to the implementation of global education and global citizenship education in the 21st century, more focus is given to developing teachers’ global competence in English language teaching. This study aims to examine the perceptions of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers of (1) global competence integration in English teaching and (2) the professional development programs organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE) for their global competence development. A web-survey questionnaire was distributed to 172 Malaysian ESL teachers based on selected criteria. The data collected were analyzed descriptively. The main findings indicated that most ESL teachers showed positive perceptions regarding the importance of global competence and integration in English lessons. Although 83.1% of the 172 participants agreed to have attended 10 or more programs related to developing global competence, the descriptive analysis found the ESL teachers’ moderate knowledge and understanding of what constitutes global competence. In contrast, a high agreement was found regarding their perceptions of the importance of global competence in ESL lessons. Also, most respondents revealed the lack of support from the MOE through professional development programs specifically structured to develop ESL teachers’ global competence. The findings served as a template for a larger-scale study that focuses on implementing global competence in the local non-western context.
Innovative application of new media in visual communication design and resistance to innovation
Authors: Yu Ge , Akhter Shamim , Kumar Tribhuwan , Ortiz Geovanny Genaro Reivan , Saddhono Kundharu
Published: August 2022

It has become essential to create and apply new media in visual communication design due to social media existence. This study aims to investigate the role of innovative applications of new media in visual communication design in educational institutions. Traditional media design in visual communication lacks to disseminate information more effectively, which requires innovative change. Therefore, this study attempts to highlight the role of innovative application of new media in visual communication by considering visual expression design with information technology (IT), flexible layout, diversified modes of transmission, and interactivity of integration. For this purpose, this study adopted a quantitative research approach in which a cross-sectional research design is followed. A questionnaire survey is carried out to collect data from educational institutions in China. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis. Results of the study indicated that innovative applications of new media have central importance in visual communication. However, resistance to innovative change has a negative role in the relationship between innovative applications of new media and visual communication design. Results of the study highlighted that visual expression design with IT, flexible layout, diversified modes of transmission, and interactivity of integration have a positive effect on visual communication design. Therefore, among the educational intuitions of China, implementing innovative applications related to the new media can lead to visual communication design. The results of this study provided several insights for the practitioners to promote communication methods among educational institutions.
The effect of blind box product uncertainty on consumers’ purchase intention: The mediating role of perceived value and the moderating role of purchase intention
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Tianqi
Published: August 2022

As the younger generation, who like to pursue novelty and excitement, becomes the main consumer and the traditional consumption culture changes in China, the blind box has become a popular product among young people with its uncertain characteristics. Previous studies have mainly explored the role of uncertainty in promotion, while this paper focuses on the role of uncertainty in daily sales of blind box products. Based on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory, this paper conducted an online questionnaire survey and an empirical analysis in China, which examined the mechanism of the positive impact of uncertainty and the moderating effect of consumption purpose. The results show that uncertainty affects consumers’ purchase intention mainly through affecting their emotional value, which is one dimension of perceived value; consumer purpose also moderates the effect of uncertainty on perceived value, and the effect of perceived value on purchase intention. The results of this study are not only of great significance for understanding the uncertain marketing and blind box products, but also have management implications for enterprises to make use of the uncertain marketing.
Impact of online convenience on generation Z online impulsive buying behavior: The moderating role of social media celebrity
Authors: Lina You , Hou Deshuai , Ali Saqib
Published: August 2022

This research aims to determine which dimensions of online convenience influence generation z consumers’ cognitive and affective attitudes and online impulsive buying behavior. The moderating effect of social media celebrity is also investigated to examine the attitude-behavior gap. A total of 348 responses from Chinese users who followed digital celebrities were received using purposive sampling. Data analysis and hypothesis testing were carried out using SmartPLS, version 3 (partial least squares). The results indicated that relationship convenience, possession convenience, post possession conveniences, transaction convenience, and evaluation convenience have a crucial impact on cognitive and affective attitudes. Similarly, cognitive and affective attitudes are significant and positive predictors of generation z consumers’ online impulsive buying behavior. Moreover, empirical results supported the moderating role of social media celebrities that aid marketers in selecting a product endorser. The implications for marketers and policymakers are discussed based on the above research findings. Moreover, future research directions are suggested.
The Italian telephone-based Verbal Fluency Battery (t-VFB): standardization and preliminary clinical usability evidence
Authors: Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Preti Alice Naomi , Pucci Veronica , Diana Lorenzo , Corvaglia Alessia , Barattieri di San Pietro Chiara , Difonzo Teresa , Zago Stefano , Appollonio Ildebrando , Mondini Sara , Bolognini Nadia
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed at standardizing and providing preliminary evidence on the clinical usability of the Italian telephone-based Verbal Fluency Battery (t-VFB), which includes phonemic (t-PVF), semantic (t-SVF) and alternate (t-AVF) verbal fluency tasks.

Methods

Three-hundred and thirty-five Italian healthy participants (HPs; 140 males; age range = 18–96 years; education range = 4–23 years) and 27 individuals with neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular diseases were administered the t-VFB. Switch number and cluster size were computed via latent semantic analyses. HPs underwent the telephone-based Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Backward Digit Span (BDS). Construct validity, factorial structure, internal consistency, test-retest and inter-rater reliability and equivalence with the in-person Verbal Fluency tasks were assessed. Norms were derived via Equivalent Scores. Diagnostic accuracy against clinical populations was assessed.

Results

The majority of t-VFB scores correlated among each other and with the BDS, but not with the MMSE. Switch number correlated with t-PVF, t-SVF, t-AVF scores, whilst cluster size with the t-SVF and t-AVF scores only. The t-VFB was underpinned by a mono-component structure and was internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.91). Test-retest (ICC = 0.69–0.95) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.98–1) were optimal. Each t-VFB test was statistically equivalent to its in-person version (equivalence bounds yielding a p < 0.05). Education predicted all t-VFB scores, whereas age t-SVF and t-AVF scores and sex only some t-SVF scores. Diagnostic accuracy against clinical samples was optimal (AUC = 0.81–0.86).

Discussion

The t-VFB is a valid, reliable and normed telephone-based assessment tool for language and executive functioning, equivalent to the in-person version; results show promising evidence of its diagnostic accuracy in neurological populations.
COVID-19 vaccine uptake among physicians during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic: Attitude, intentions, and determinants: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Amer Samar A. , Shah Jaffer , Abd-Ellatif Eman Elsayed , El Maghawry Hala A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Developed within a short period of time, the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet widely accepted among the public despite its availability, including by physicians, who are considered a vulnerable group.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study selected 436 governmental physicians from different specializations, representing four random administrative regions in Egypt. The data were collected through a self-administrated online questionnaire and analyzed using suitable tests.

Results

Out of the studied 436 physicians, 229 (52.2%) [aged 20–30, 284 (65.1%)] were women, 270 (61.9%) were residents, 219 (50.2%) were married, 398 (91.3%) were non-smokers, and 263 (60.3%) were non-frontline caregivers. The majority of the physicians, 227 (52.1%) of them, hesitated to take the vaccine, 236 (54.1%) had not decided on the preferred type of vaccine, and 101 (23.2%) were neutrally confident in the Egyptian healthcare system; 302 (96.3%) had no history of drug or food hypersensitivity. There was no statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationship between the physicians' attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the studied demographic variables. There was a statistically significant connection between all of the doctors' intentions to get the COVID-19 vaccine and all of the four attitude domains that were looked at.

Conclusion

The study concluded that a low level of willingness among Egyptian physicians to take the COVID-19 vaccine is a prevalent problem. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and non-acceptance were linked to negative attitudes about natural immunity, mistrust of vaccine benefits, and concerns about commercial profiteering.
Collateral impact of the COVID−19 pandemic on the use of healthcare resources among people with disabilities
Authors: Sohn Minjeong , Koo Heejo , Choi Heekyoung , Cho Hyunsan , Han Euna
Published: August 2022

Objective

We assessed the collateral impact of the COVID−19 pandemic on healthcare service use among people with disabilities.

Methods

We utilized the COVID−19 database from the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims from 2015 until June 2020. We included 5,850 people with disabilities and matched 5,850 without disabilities among those who were neither tested nor diagnosed with COVID−19. We used a quasi–experimental setting with a COVID−19 outbreak as an external event in a difference–difference estimation with matching controls.

Results

Participants with disabilities recorded a larger decrease in the number of claims for total services (2.1 claims per 5 months) upon the COVID−19 pandemic's onset compared to those without disabilities (1.6 claims), and the difference–in–difference estimates were statistically significant (0.46 claims). The decline was driven by outpatient and emergency visits. The extent of the decline was large for the severe disability group overall. By disability type, those with a physical disability showed a statistically significant decline in the number of claims.

Conclusion

The COVID−19 pandemic has had a collateral impact on people with disabilities' use of healthcare services. Continued assessment is needed regarding whether the collateral impact has been sustained or is following a different path.
Usage behavior and health benefit perception of youth in urban parks: A case study from Qingdao, China
Authors: Yao Wenfei , Yun Jiayue , Zhang Yiping , Meng Tian , Mu Zhiyue
Published: August 2022

With the development of the urban park, people's cognition of the relationship between the environment and public health has been improved, and higher requirements for the living environment have been put forward. As an important group of park users, youths often have different needs regarding the health benefits brought by urban parks. To explore the potential relationship among youth's satisfaction with urban parks, their usage behavior, and health benefit perception, this article presents some constructive suggestions for the development of healthy landscapes in urban parks. Researchers have selected five typical urban parks from different areas in Qingdao, China. Furthermore, we have used the survey method by combining the practices of “issuing questionnaires, observing and interviewing” with the goal of collecting data on 500 park visitors in autumn, including information on social demography, the satisfaction of park landscape variables, and usage behavior and health perception. A linear regression model has been used to analyze the correlation among “landscape variables,” “usage behavior,” and “health benefit perception.” Results have shown that urban green landscapes and waterscapes can significantly affect youth's social health perception and static behavior. Moreover, static behaviors such as relaxation have a great impact on mental health perception. The results of this study will be beneficial in understanding youth's needs for landscapes when using urban parks. In addition, it will provide insight for the urban planners and landscape designers to design urban parks from the perspective of youth.
Chest wall reconstruction in benign and malignant tumors with non-rigid materials: An overview
Authors: Colella Sara , Brandimarte Alessandro , Marra Roberta , Marinari Stefano , D’Incecco Armida , Di Genesio Pagliuca Milena , De Vico Andrea , Crisci Roberto , Divisi Duilio
Published: August 2022

Several materials and techniques have been described for the procedure of chest wall reconstruction: the choice of using a technique or a material over another relies mainly on the surgeon's experience as well as thoracic defect localization and dimension, local availability of materials, and costs. From a technical point of view, autologous and alloplastic reconstruction are available, and, in both cases, rigid and non-rigid prostheses are found. Each material has its peculiarities, with advantages and disadvantages; thus, it is mandatory to be confident when planning the intervention to foresee possible complications and minimize them. We have reviewed the literature on chest wall reconstruction in chest wall tumors (both malignant and non malignant) with non-rigid prosthetic materials, focusing on safety outcomes.
„Zaanektowany” system certyfikacji znajomości języka polskiego jako obcego – stan obecny
Authors: Janowska Iwona
Published: August 2022

Certification of the command of Polish as a foreign language is a phenomenon
with an international reach and groundbreaking signifi cance for the promotion
and enhancement of the prestige of the Polish language across the world. The
certifi cation system for the Polish language was created in 2004 and, in the face of
new challenges, reformed in 2015. At present, it is the primary instrument of the
migration policy of Poland, which gives rise to diffi culties in its functioning. This
paper is an attempt at a comprehensive description of the phenomenon of state
certifi cation examinations. It discusses the scientifi c and legal grounds for the
examinations, amendments introduced over years to the legislation regulating
certifi cation and their consequences, as well as describes and diagnoses the
existing situation concerned with certifi cation of the command of Polish.
Od podejścia komunikacyjnego do podejścia ukierunkowanego na działanie. Uwagi na marginesie Dydaktyki i metodyki nauczania języka polskiego jako obcego i drugiego
Authors: Banach Małgorzata
Published: August 2022

Part one of this paper is a brief description of the contemporary changes in
the teaching of foreign languages related to the CEFR and CEFR/CV publication
and the birth of the action-oriented approach and infl uence of the European
language policy on teaching Polish to foreigners in the 21st c. Part two discusses
the genesis and concept of a textbook promoting the action-oriented approach,
i.e. Dydaktyka i metodyka nauczania języka polskiego jako obcego i drugiego
(Didactics and methodology of teaching Polish as a foreign and second language)
(Warszawa 2020) by P. Gębal and W. Miodunka. This part synthetically describes
the main topics covered in the book, such as: the place of didactics and
methodology of teaching Polish as a foreign and second language within Polish
glottodidactics, traditions and contemporary problems of such teaching, Polish
language didactics across the world, its promotion and language policy, teaching
of Polish as a second language and the latest directions in foreign language
didactics, methodology of developing linguistic competences and language
activities, teaching of Polish culture, the use of new technologies in teaching
Polish, planning of the course and classes, and language assessment. Part three
of the paper presents the comments inspired by the reading of P. Gębal and
W. Miodunka’s publication.
Język polski w Kazachstanie. Diagnoza i prognoza
Authors: Sagimbekova Assel
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the situation of the Polish language in Kazakhstan.
The sketch discusses the history and present situation of and prospects for
teaching Polish in this country. The author pays particular attention to the
description of the situation of the Polish community in Kazakhstan, where the
teaching of the Polish language is concentrated. Moreover, she presents partial
results of her study of the motivations for learning Polish among inhabitants of
Kazakhstan. The paper is an attempt at presenting all Kazakh centres where
the Polish language is taught and outlining the prospect for the development of
Polish in this country.
Łacińsko-polskie wydania Donata a początki polskiej terminologii gramatycznej.
Authors: Pawlicki Kamil
Published: August 2022

The bilingual Latin–Polish editions of the grammar book by Aelius Donatus,
published in the 16th–18th c., are among the earliest studies comprising Polish
grammatical terms. The terminology found in these editions forms an organised,
hierarchical structure, which was transferred from the Latin original to the Polish
translation. There are particular coincidences between Latin–Polish editions
of Donatus and the dictionary of 1542 by Bartholomew of Bydgoszcz, which
ascertains the thesis on a major infl uence of these editions on the dictionary and
might serve as an argument for the existence of an earlier version of Donatus,
one dating back to ca. 1530.
L-Carnitine Supports the In Vitro Growth of Buffalo Oocytes
Authors: Modak Avijit Kumar , Alam Md Hasanur , Islam Md Nuronnabi , Paul Nipa , Akter Ireen , Hashem Md Abul , Kabir AKM Ahsan , Moniruzzaman Mohammad
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of L-carnitine on the growth and subsequent nuclear maturation of buffalo small growing oocytes (92–108 µm in diameter) in vitro. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were dissected from early antral follicles of slaughtered buffaloes and cultured in in vitro growth (IVG) medium with the supplementation of different concentrations (0, 1.25, 1.875 or 2.5 mM) of L-carnitine for 6 days. The results revealed that L-carnitine increased the diameter of buffalo oocytes in vitro. The degeneration rate was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 2.5 mM of L-carnitine-treated oocytes (10%) than others (55%, 45% and 32.5% in 0, 1.25 and 1.875 mM of L-carnitine-supplemented groups, respectively). The OGCs showed antrum-like structures significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 2.5 mM of L-carnitine group (74.0%) than the 0- and 1.25-mM groups (34.6% and 38.1%, respectively). Furthermore, in vitro grown oocytes were placed in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium for 24 h to examine meiotic competence of in vitro grown oocytes with L-carnitine. The L-carnitine (1.875 and 2.5 mM) treated oocytes showed a higher rate of nuclear maturation up to the metaphase II (MII) stage and a lower rate of degeneration. In conclusion, L-carnitine enhances the growth, prevents degeneration, promotes the formation of antrum-like structures and supports nuclear maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro.
A KIT Variant Associated with Increased White Spotting Epistatic to MC1R Genotype in Horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Patterson Rosa Laura , Martin Katie , Vierra Micaela , Lundquist Erica , Foster Gabriel , Brooks Samantha A. , Lafayette Christa
Published: August 2022

Over 40 identified genetic variants contribute to white spotting in the horse. White markings and spotting are under selection for their impact on the economic value of an equine, yet many phenotypes have an unknown genetic basis. Previous studies also demonstrate an interaction between MC1R and ASIP pigmentation loci and white spotting associated with KIT and MITF. We investigated two stallions presenting with a white spotting phenotype of unknown cause. Exon sequencing of the KIT and MITF candidate genes identified a missense variant in KIT (rs1140732842, NC_009146.3:g.79566881T>C, p.T391A) predicted by SIFT and PROVEAN as not tolerated/deleterious. Three independent observers generated an Average Grade of White (AGW) phenotype score for 147 individuals based on photographs. The KIT variant demonstrates a significant QTL association to AGW (p = 3.3 × 10−12). Association with the MC1R Extension locus demonstrated that, although not in LD, MC1R e/e (chestnut) individuals had higher AGW scores than MC1R E/- individuals (p = 3.09 × 10−17). We also report complete linkage of the previously reported KIT W19 allele to this missense variant. We propose to term this variant W34, following the standardized nomenclature for white spotting variants within the equine KIT gene, and report its epistatic interaction with MC1R.
Characterization of Three Different Mediterranean Beef Fattening Systems: Performance, Behavior, and Carcass and Meat Quality
Authors: Sánchez Denise , Marti Sònia , Verdú Marçal , González Joel , Font-i-Furnols Maria , Devant Maria
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to characterize three different commercial dairy beef fattening systems for intensive Mediterranean fattening programs differing in gender, breed, nutrition, and days of feed in order to describe their performance, behavior, and carcass and meat quality when they were raised simultaneously under the same housing and care conditions. Treatments were three different production systems: (1) crossbred Holstein x beef breeds such as Charolais or Limousine heifers, slaughtered at 10 months of age (CBH10, n = 41); (2) Holstein bulls, slaughtered at 11 months of age (HB11, n = 42); and (3) crossbred Holstein x Angus bulls, slaughtered at 12 months of age (CAB12, n = 37). According to our results, moving from a production system based on Holstein bulls to the crossbred Angus production system has no technical support as no large production and meat quality improvements were observed, and only marketing strategies for meat differentiation and consumer trends could favor this decision.
Digestibility of a Lignocellulose Supplemented Diet and Fecal Quality in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Abd El-Wahab Amr , Chuppava Bussarakam , Siebert Diana-Christin , Visscher Christian , Kamphues Josef
Published: August 2022

Lignocellulose (LC) might be used as a substitute fiber source for dogs as a strategy to decrease energy density and enhance gastrointestinal functionality. The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of including different levels of LC on apparent nutrient digestibility and fecal parameters (dry matter (DM), fecal score, and daily fecal output), as well as fecal fatty acid concentrations. Four diets were tested: control diet (no supplementation of LC; LC0), and three control diets diluted with increasing levels of LC: 1, 2, and 4% (LC1, LC2, and LC4). Six Beagle dogs (BW 17.1 kg ± 1.22) participated in a crossover experimental design. Before each experimental period, five days were used as a wash-out period. The fecal consistency was scored based on a 5-point scale (1 = very hard; 2 = solid, well-formed “optimum”; 3 = soft, still formed; 4 = pasty, slushy; and 5 = watery diarrhea). The results demonstrated that the organic matter apparent digestibility (p = 0.01) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower for dogs fed LC4 compared to those fed LC0. Dogs fed LC2 and LC4 had a lower fecal consistency score (2.39 and 2.18, respectively; p < 0.05). The fecal DM was significantly the highest (p < 0.01), and the daily fecal output on fresh matter was lower (p < 0.05) when dogs were fed the LC4 diet compared with the LC0 diet. Including LC at 1% in the diet resulted in significantly higher fecal acidic pH levels. However, no differences among treatments were noted regarding fecal fatty acid concentrations.
Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Cutibacterium acnes Bacteriophages Isolated from Acne Patients
Authors: Kim Shukho , Song Hyesoon , Jin Jong Sook , Lee Weon Ju , Kim Jungmin
Published: August 2022

Cutibacterium acnes is a pathogen that can cause acne vulgaris, sarcoidosis, endodontic lesions, eye infections, prosthetic joint infections, and prostate cancer. Recently, bacteriophage (phage) therapy has been developed as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we attempted to isolate 15 phages specific to C. acnes from 64 clinical samples obtained from patients with acne vulgaris. Furthermore, we sequenced the genomes of these three phages. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the capsid and tape measure proteins are strongly hydrophobic. To efficiently solubilize the phage particles, we measured the adsorption rate, one-step growth curve, and phage stability using an SMT2 buffer containing Tween 20. Here, we report the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the novel C. acnes-specific phages.
Effects of Sodium Hexametaphosphate and Fluoride on the pH and Inorganic Components of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Biofilm after Sucrose Exposure
Authors: Hosida Thayse Yumi , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Cavazana Thamires Priscila , Sampaio Caio , de Morais Leonardo Antônio , Monteiro Douglas Roberto , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the anticaries effects of fluoridated products, the supplementation of these products has been considered a promising alternative for caries control. This study evaluated the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) and/or fluoride (F) on the inorganic components and pH of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual-species biofilms. The biofilms were treated 72, 78, and 96 h after the beginning of their formation with 0.25, 0.5, or 1% HMP-containing solutions with or without F (500 ppm, as sodium fluoride). F-containing solutions (500 ppm and 1100 ppm) and artificial saliva were used as controls. The biofilms were exposed to a 20% sucrose solution after the third treatment. Along with the biofilm pH, the concentrations of F, calcium, phosphorus (P), and HMP were determined. HMP, combined with F, increased F levels and decreased P levels in the biofilm fluid compared to that of the solution with 500 ppm F. Exposure to sucrose decreased the concentrations of all ions in the biomass, except for HMP; 1% HMP, combined with F, promoted the highest pH. It can be concluded that HMP affected the inorganic composition of the biofilm and exerted a buffering effect on the biofilm pH.
Design of a CW BISOL RFQ for Three Kinds of High-Charge-State Ions Simultaneous Acceleration
Authors: Han Meiyun , Lu Yuanrong , Wang Zhi , Peng Zhaohua , Liu Shuo , Wei Tianhao , Xia Ying
Published: August 2022

Based on the latest design requirements proposed by the Beijing On-Line Isotope Separation (BISOL) project, a new Sn22+-based, 81.25 MHz CW radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) with external bunching has been designed. This RFQ can accelerate Sn22+ to 0.5 MeV/u with an output longitudinal-normalized rms emittance of 0.20 keV/u·ns over a length of 5.6 m. The tolerance and error analysis results indicate that this RFQ can handle a wide range of non-ideal beams while maintaining relatively lower longitudinal emittance growth and higher transmission efficiency. To maintain the beam intensity, the RFQ will simultaneously accelerate three kinds of high-charge-state mixed ions (132Sn21+, 132Sn22+ and 132Sn23+), the simulation results given by Impact-T show that the RFQ can achieve high transmission of the mixed beam. Compared with the previous Sn21+-based internal bunching RFQ scheme, this RFQ has a shorter length and smaller output emittance, which is beneficial to the designs of subsequent Medium-energy Beam Transport (MEBT) and Drift Tube Linac (DTL). In electromagnetic design, a four-vane structure with 48 tuners and 16 π-mode stabilizers (PSLs) were chosen. The results of the multi-physics analysis show that the maximum temperature rise and the maximum deformation of the cavity are 13.6 K and 40.3 µm, respectively. The results simulated with CST Microwave Studio (CST) and HFSS software were consistent.
Relationships between Volatile Organic Compounds Released by Wheat Plants Following Artificial Stress and Their Potential Influence on Natural Pest Management
Authors: Piesik Dariusz , Aksoy Julia , Łyczko Jacek , Bocianowski Jan , Buszewski Bogusław , Piesik Magdalena , Mayhew Chris A.
Published: August 2022

There is an urgent need to establish new agro-technical practices that require the delivery of effective, natural, ecological, and verified solutions. The evaluation of possible applications in the field of cropping and farming in recent years has resulted in numerous products and approaches, which may potentially reduce our dependence on artificial pesticides. A major requirement to help establish these new agro-technical practices is to determine their efficiency. Here we present a study that investigates the relationship between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by Triticum sp. plants under two artificial stress conditions. We discuss their effectiveness in natural pest management and for use in monitoring crop health. Two varieties of spring wheat, “Kandela” and “Serenada”, were exposed to either mechanical (deliberate) wounding, to imitate the stress caused by insect attack, or exposure to methyl jasmonate, a defence volatile used by plants. Both stress factors caused an increased release of green leaf volatiles (C6 aldehydes and alcohols) and other volatile compounds, such as (E)-β-ocimene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, and (E)-β-farnesene. VOC emission rates are reported at three time points (24, 48, and 72 h) following a stress factor. Correlation coefficients between the emitted plant’s VOCs indicate the potential of monitoring just one single compound from the combination of volatiles emitted by plants to predict the overall condition of a crop. This has major implications for the development of a chemically specific and fieldable analytical sensor that could be used to provide an array of volatile monitoring stations delivering information continuously and in real-time. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the volatiles released by damaged spring wheat for pest management by exposing a shield bug (Bishop’s Mitre (Aelia acuminata L.), Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), to them.
Coupled Model of Heat and Power Flow in Unventilated PV/PCM Wall-Validation in a Component Scale
Authors: Wieprzkowicz Anna , Heim Dariusz , Knera Dominika
Published: August 2022

The paper concerns the problem of the modeling of the thermal interaction between the phase change material (PCM) and photovoltaic (PV) panel, in the case of unventilated construction. The study aims to develop the numerical model of such a building element to support its proper future design under variable boundary conditions. The need for such a study comes from the realization of the research project which aims at developing a novel energy-activated thermal insulation composite system. Two different methods of PCM simulation using ESP-r software were compared. The model that was finally proposed was validated against experimental data, which proved its robustness. The MBE for the simulated and measured temperatures on the back of the PV panel did not exceed 2.0 °C and the maximum observed energy production difference was 4 Wh/m2.
Special Issue on “Phase Change Materials: Design and Applications”
Authors: Kartsonakis Ioannis A.
Published: August 2022

In recent years, science and technology have revolutionized our way of life, improving well-being and comfort for all mankind [...]
A Rotor Winding Internal Short-Circuit Fault Protection Method for Variable-Speed Pumped Storage Units
Authors: He Rufei , Qiao Jian , Peng Yumin , Yin Xianggen , Wang Yikai , Zhang Hao , Wang Wenhui
Published: August 2022

In electrical machinery, the rotor windings’ internal short-circuit faults are addressed by the instantaneous over-current protection of the power electronic excitation device, which has low sensitivity and has difficulty meeting the safety requirements. In this paper, a rotor windings’ internal short-circuit fault protection method is proposed based on the harmonic characteristics of the circulating current between stator branches. The magnetomotive force distribution of the short-circuit coils in the rotor windings is theoretically deduced, and the characteristic frequencies of the circulating current between stator branches are analyzed. On this basis, the protection criterion of the rotor windings’ internal short-circuit fault is constructed by using the harmonic component of the circulating current. Then, an analytic model of the variable-speed pumped storage unit is established based on the multi-loop method, and the finite element method is used to verify the correctness of the proposed modeling method. An actual large variable-speed pumped storage unit is taken as an example, and the possible faults under different slip ratios are simulated. In the simulation results, the stator branch circulation has the obvious characteristic frequency harmonic components, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. It verifies the effectiveness of the proposed protection method. Finally, it is analyzed and verified that the proposed protection has a strong maloperation prevention ability under other kinds of faults.
Hybrid Analytic Hierarchy Process–Artificial Neural Network Model for Predicting the Major Risks and Quality of Taiwanese Construction Projects
Authors: Lin Chien-Liang , Fan Ching-Lung , Chen Bey-Kun
Published: August 2022

Construction projects are associated with risks, which influence projects’ performance and quality. To ensure the on-time completion of construction projects, project managers often use risk assessment and management methods to reduce risks in the project life cycle. Identifying risk factors and the relationship between major risk factors and the quality of construction projects facilitates construction management. In this study, 948 project records of construction inspection from 1993 to 2020 were collected from the Public Construction Management Information System (PCMIS) of the Taiwan central government to conduct an expert survey to identify five risk dimensions and 19 major risk factors associated with Taiwanese construction projects. The hybrid analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and an artificial neural network (ANN) were employed to develop a model for predicting major risk factors and construction quality. The AHP was used to calculate the weight of major risk factors to verify their influence on construction. The ANN was adopted to extract the features of major risk factors to predict the quality of a construction project. The accuracy of the prediction model was 85%. The project managers can reference the prediction results obtained with the proposed method to perform effective risk management and devise decision-making strategies for construction management.