bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference quality genome sequence of Indian pomegranate cv. ‘Bhagawa’ (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Roopa Sowjanya P. , Shilpa Parashuram , Patil Goudappa Prakash , Babu Dhinesh Karuppannan , Sharma Jyotsana , Sangnure Vipul R. , Mundewadikar Dhananjay M. , Natarajan Purushothaman , Marathe Arvind Rajiv , Reddy Umesh K. , Singh Vikram Nripendra
Published: September 2022

Pomegranate is an important fruit crop for ensuring livelihood and nutrition security in fragile semi-arid regions of the globe having limited irrigation resources. This is a high-value, nutritionally rich, and export-oriented agri-commodity that ensures high returns on investment to growers across the world. Although it is a valuable fruit crop, it has received only a limited genomics research outcome. To fast-track the pomegranate improvement program,de novowhole-genome sequencing of the main Indian cultivar ‘Bhagawa’ was initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Research Center on Pomegranate (ICAR–NRCP). We have demonstrated that a combination of commercially available technologies from Illumina, PacBio, 10X Genomics, and BioNano Genomics could be used efficiently for sequencing and reference-gradede novoassembly of the pomegranate genome. The research led to a final reference-quality genome assembly for ‘Bhagawa’ of 346.08 Mb in 342 scaffolds and an average N50 of 16.12 Mb and N90 of 1088.62 Kb. This assembly covered more than 98% of the estimated pomegranate genome size, 352.54 Mb. The LTR assembly index (LAI) value of 10 and 93.68% Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness score over the 1,440 ortholog genes of the completed pomegranate genome indicates the quality of the assembled pomegranate genome. Furthermore, 29,435 gene models were discovered with a mean transcript length of 2,954 bp and a mean coding sequence length 1,090 bp. Four transcript data samples of pomegranate tissues were mapped over the assembled ‘Bhagawa’ genome up to 95% significant matches, indicating the high quality of the assembled genome. We have compared the ‘Bhagawa’ genome with the genomes of the pomegranate cultivars ‘Dabenzi’ and ‘Taishanhong.’ We have also performed whole-genome phylogenetic analysis using Computational Analysis of Gene Family Evolution (CAFE) and found thatEucalyptus grandisand pomegranate diverged 64 (60–70) million years ago. About 1,573 protein-coding resistance genes identified in the ‘Bhagawa’ genome were classified into 32 domains. In all, 314 copies of miRNA belonging to 26 different families were identified in the ‘Bhagawa’ genome. The reference-quality genome assembly of ‘Bhagawa’ is certainly a significant genomic resource for accelerated pomegranate improvement.
Effect of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial strain that survives drought stress on corn compensatory growth upon post-drought rewatering
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ling , Ma Ke , Qi Lin , Liu Yu-Hua , Shi Jiang , Li Xue-Lin , Zhang Li-Xia , Liu Wei , Song Peng
Published: September 2022

A pot experiment was performed under rain–shelter conditions to explore the effects of drought stress and post-drought rewatering on the abundance of an ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) strain in corn (Zea mays L.) rhizosphere soils and the relationship between the AOB strain and corn (Zea mays L.) compensatory growth after drought stress rewatering. Corn seedlings were used as test materials, and one AOB strain was isolated and screened from the soil. The experimental design included six treatments: (1) wet (WT), (2) wet with AOB strain inoculation during wetness (WI), (3) wet with AOB strain inoculation during rewatering (WR), (4) post-drought rewatering (DT), (5) post-drought rewatering with AOB strain inoculation during wetness (DI), and (6) post-drought rewatering with AOB strain inoculation during rewatering (DR). Wetness and drought stress were obtained by keeping the soil water content at 75–80% and 50–55% of the field capacities, respectively. The results showed that the isolated and screened AOB strain (S2_8_1) had 100% similarity to Ensifer sesbaniae. The inoculation of S2_8_1 during the wet period in the DI treatment caused it to colonize the rhizosphere soil. Drought stress decreased its abundance, but rewatering resulted in a great increase. The S2_8_1 in the DI treatment increased the total biomass, water use efficiencies, net photosynthetic rates, rhizosphere soil nitrification rates, leaf cytokinin concentrations, xylem sap cytokinin concentrations, copy number of S2_8_1 in rhizosphere soils, and organic carbon contents in rhizosphere soils by 23, 104, 35, 30, 18, 29, 104, and 23% on day 10 after rewatering compared with WT treatment. In the DI treatment, the increase in rhizosphere soil nitrification rates caused by S2_8_1 during wetness was closely related to the cytokinin delivery from roots to leaves and increased leaf cytokinin concentrations. The increase in leaf cytokinin concentrations improved rewatering corn growth, which caused compensatory growth and increased water use. Compensatory and over-compensatory growths occurred in DT and DR treatments, respectively. Therefore, the coexistence of the strain of AOB with corn in rhizosphere soil increased the corn compensatory growth by regulating soil nitrification and root-induced leaf cytokinin.
Effect of ozonated water, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl on the phyllosphere microbial diversity of strawberry
Authors: Sun Ping , Wu Jiaqi , Lin Xianrui , Wang Yi , Zhu Jianxi , Chen Chenfei , Wang Yanqiao , Jia Huijuan , Shen Jiansheng
Published: September 2022

Phyllosphere microorganisms are closely linked to plant health. This study investigated the effect of ozonated water, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl on phyllosphere microorganisms in strawberry plants of the “Hongyan” variety. Sequencing analysis of the phyllosphere bacterial and fungal communities was performed using 16S rRNA gene fragment and ITS1 region high-throughput sequencing after spraying ozonated water, mancozeb, thiophanate-methyl, and clear water. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyla in strawberry. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria (82.71%) was higher in the ozonated water treatment group than in the other treatment groups, while the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (9.38%) was lower than in the other treatment groups. The strawberry phyllosphere fungal communities were mainly found in the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. The relative abundance of Basidiomycota was highest in the ozonated water treatment group (81.13%), followed by the mancozeb treatment group (76.01%), while the CK group only had an abundance of 43.38%. The relative abundance of Ascomycota was lowest in the ozonated water treatment group (17.98%), 23.12% in the mancozeb treatment group, 43.39% in the thiophanate-methyl treatment group, and 55.47% in the CK group. Pseudomonas, Halomonas, and Nesterenkonia were the dominant bacterial genera on strawberry surfaces, while Moesziomyces, Aspergillus, and Dirkmeia were the dominant fungal genera. Ozonated water was able to significantly increase the richness of bacteria and fungi and decrease fungal diversity. However, bacterial diversity was not significantly altered. Ozonated water effectively reduced the relative abundance of harmful fungi, such as Aspergillus, and Penicillium, and enriched beneficial bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Actinomycetospora, more effectively than mancozeb and thiophanate-methyl. The results of the study show that ozonated water has potential as a biocide and may be able to replace traditional agents in the future to reduce environmental pollution.
What do we know from the transcriptomic studies investigating the interactions between plants and plant growth-promoting bacteria?
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit
Published: September 2022

Major crops such as corn, wheat, and rice can benefit from interactions with various plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Naturally, several studies have investigated the primary mechanisms by which these PGPB promote plant growth. These mechanisms involve biological nitrogen fixation, phytohormone synthesis, protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, etc. Decades of genetic and biochemical studies in the legume-rhizobia symbiosis and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis have identified a few key plant and microbial signals regulating these symbioses. Furthermore, genetic studies in legumes have identified the host genetic pathways controlling these symbioses. But, the same depth of information does not exist for the interactions between host plants and PGPB. For instance, our knowledge of the host genes and the pathways involved in these interactions is very poor. However, some transcriptomic studies have investigated the regulation of gene expression in host plants during these interactions in recent years. In this review, we discuss some of the major findings from these studies and discuss what lies ahead. Identifying the genetic pathway(s) regulating these plant-PGPB interactions will be important as we explore ways to improve crop production sustainably.
The effect of social media on the development of students’ affective variables
Authors: Chen Miao , Xiao Xin
Published: September 2022

The use of social media is incomparably on the rise among students, influenced by the globalized forms of communication and the post-pandemic rush to use multiple social media platforms for education in different fields of study. Though social media has created tremendous chances for sharing ideas and emotions, the kind of social support it provides might fail to meet students’ emotional needs, or the alleged positive effects might be short-lasting. In recent years, several studies have been conducted to explore the potential effects of social media on students’ affective traits, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and so on. The present paper reviews the findings of the exemplary published works of research to shed light on the positive and negative potential effects of the massive use of social media on students’ emotional well-being. This review can be insightful for teachers who tend to take the potential psychological effects of social media for granted. They may want to know more about the actual effects of the over-reliance on and the excessive (and actually obsessive) use of social media on students’ developing certain images of self and certain emotions which are not necessarily positive. There will be implications for pre- and in-service teacher training and professional development programs and all those involved in student affairs.
How generativity affects organic dining intention: Case study of Shanghai
Authors: Pan Yu , Luo Jian Ming , Xu Jiajia
Published: September 2022

With people’s concerns about the environment growing, the demand for organic food has increased. However, few studies have focused on organic dining intention. Therefore, this study examined generativity, which is defined as the direction and care for the growth of future generations through self-expanding forms, and its influence on attitude toward organic food, environment concern and dining intention. The moderating effect of age was also examined. A total of 418 responses were collected through a face-to-face survey from Shanghai respondents. PLS-SEM was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships among the constructs. The results show that generativity directly influences environmental concerns, attitudes toward organic food and dining intentions. Furthermore, environmental concerns and attitudes toward organic food are mediating variables for generativity to affect dining intentions. The older the age group, the more likely it is for generativity to have a positive influence on attitude toward organic food and environmental concerns. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed in this study.
Out of sight out of mind: Psychological distance and opinion about the age of penal majority
Authors: Caldas Ivete Furtado Ribeiro , Paim Igor de Moraes , Leite Karla Tereza Figueiredo , de Mello Junior Harold Dias , Bataglia Patrícia Unger Raphael , Martins Raul Aragão , Pereira Antonio
Published: September 2022

The growth of urban violence in Brazil, as in other countries, has led citizens to demand more severe and punitive measures to solve the problem of juvenile crime. One motion submitted to the Brazilian parliament, for instance, proposes to reduce the age of penal majority (APM) from 18 to 16 years. Our hypothesis is that popular opinions about this proposal are largely constrained by construal levels and psychological distance. Accordingly, we expect that the knowledge and proximity to the circumstances associated with juvenile transgression will influence opinions about the proposal. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated how opinion against or for the proposal can be explained by psychological distance and moral development theory. We studied two samples, composed of people who do not have a deep experience with the subject (passersby in a public square (N = 77) and workers from a juvenile justice court (N = 157). After collecting socio-demographic information from the subjects and their answer to moral dilemmas, the data was subjected to a multivariate analysis by multimodal logistic regression for socio-demographic characteristics, Kohlberg moral stages, and opinion on the reduction of APM (agree, indifferent, and disagree) as dependent variables. Our findings suggest that 1) opinion about the APM depends on psychological distance and 2) socioeconomic variables may influence the average construal level of adolescent transgressors in the public’s perspective.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and associated factors in breast cancer patients during the first COVID-19 lockdown in France
Authors: Yahi Feriel , Lequesne Justine , Rigal Olivier , Morel Adeline , Leheurteur Marianne , Grellard Jean-Michel , Leconte Alexandra , Clarisse Bénédicte , Joly Florence , Lefèvre-Arbogast Sophie
Published: September 2022

Introduction

We aimed to study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Materials and methods

We included BC patients receiving medical treatment during the first COVID-19 lockdown in France. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire. Quality of life [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G)], cognitive complaints [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog)], insomnia [Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)], and psychosocial experiences during lockdown were also evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify clinical factors (from medical records) and psychosocial factors (from questionnaires) associated with PTSD symptoms.

Results

Among the 253 included BC patients (mean age: 58), 46% had metastatic cancer and 52% were treated by chemotherapy alone. COVID-19-induced adjustments in medical oncology practices were experienced by 27% of patients (mainly teleconsultations). No case of COVID-19 was reported; 23% of BC patients had PTSD symptoms. Compared to other patients, patients with PTSD symptoms had more fears relative to COVID-19 infection (83 vs. 60%, p = 0.009), had more feeling of isolation (69 vs. 41%, p = 0.003), and had more prescription or increased use of psychotropic drugs (49 vs. 20%, p = 0.001). In the multivariable model adjusted for clinical factors, fears relative to COVID-19 and increased use of psychotropic drugs were independently associated with PTSD symptoms (OR [95% CI] = 3.01 [1.20–8.44] and 3.45 [1.48–8.17], respectively). Besides, patients with PTSD symptoms had poor quality of life (QoL), and more cognitive complaints and insomnia.

Conclusion

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were observed in 23% of BC patients during the first COVID-19 lockdown in France. Psychological supports are needed for patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patient and economic benefits of psychological support for noncompliant patients
Authors: Reed Phil , Osborne Lisa A. , Whittall C. Mair , Emery Simon , Truzoli Roberto
Published: September 2022

The current paper provides an overview of treatment noncompliance at various points in the treatment pathway, especially with respect to treatment for Pelvic-floor Dysfunction (PFD). The effects of noncompliance on healthcare are considered, and examples of supporting patients psychologically to increase compliance are discussed. An outline of a method to identify costs of non-compliance, and where such costs most intensely impact the healthcare system, is provided. It is suggested that psychological support is effective in terms of increased compliance and improved healthcare economics. The model is presented for PFD, but the principles developed can be generalised to many aspects of healthcare.
Brain gain—Is the cognitive performance of domestic hens affected by a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene?
Authors: Dudde Anissa , Phi Van Loc , Schrader Lars , Obert Arnd J. , Krause E. Tobias
Published: September 2022

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) plays an important role in regulating serotonergic transmission via removal of serotonin (5-HT) from synaptic clefts. Alterations in 5-HTT expression and subsequent 5-HT transmission have been found to be associated with changes in behaviour, such as fearfulness or activity, in humans and other vertebrates. In humans, alterations in 5-HTT expression have been suggested to be able to lead to better learning performance, with more fearful persons being better at learning. Similar effects of the variation in the 5-HTT on fearfulness have been found in chickens, and in this study, we investigated effects on learning. Therefore, we tested 52 adult laying hens, differing in their functional 5-HTT genotype (W/W, W/D and D/D) in an operant learning paradigm in three different phases (initial learning, reversal learning and extinction) and in a tonic immobility test for fearfulness. We found that the 5-HTT polymorphism affects the initial learning performance of laying hens, with homogeneous wild-type (W/W) hens being the slowest learners, and the most fearful birds. W/W hens, showed significantly more choices to solve the initial learning task (LME, p = 0.031) and had the highest latencies in a tonic immobility test (p = 0.039), indicating the highest fearfulness. Our results provide interesting first insights into the role of 5-HTT in chickens and its sensitive interaction with the environment. We further suggest that the 5-HTT gene can be an interesting target gene for future breeding strategies as well as for further experimental studies.
The career identity of young working fathers in dual-earner relationships: A family-relatedness of work decisions perspective
Authors: Crafford Anne , Koekemoer Eileen
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Taking on an identity lens, we explore how young working fathers (in the establishment phase of their careers), experience their careers in the context of their changing family roles (shifting ideologies of fathering). We propose that working fathers’ work experiences, work decisions, and career identity are the product of social and cognitive processes in a dual-earner relationship.

Materials and methods

This qualitative study was conducted using an interpretive, and qualitative survey. The data was collected amongst a purposive sample of 45 young South African, well-educated, working fathers, using semi-structured interviews, until data saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The three main themes extracted from the data were: “the meaning of family identity,” “the impact of family identity on career identity,” and finally, “the types of negotiation scenarios” used by working fathers in dual-earner relationships, and how they balance the work-family challenges they face.

Conclusion

This study provides strong empirical support for the family-relatedness of the work decisions perspective, as we highlight the roles of working fathers as indicative of their family identities, and how these then influence their career decisions. Furthermore, our findings shed light on how dual-earner couples negotiate their work-family needs to foster positive work-family outcomes.
The analysis of dynamic emotional contagion in online brand community
Authors: Liu Dewen , Zhang Sikang , Li Qi
Published: September 2022

Online brand communities (OBCs) could benefit firms in many usages, ranging from collecting consumers’ suggestions or advice to interacting with community members directly and transparently. Creating a positive emotional atmosphere is essential for such communities’ healthy development as its boosts the continuous involvement of each member. However, the dynamic cross-influences and evolution of emotions in OBCs have not been fully explored, which was the research gap this paper tried to fill. Based on emotional contagion theory, this study identifies three sources of textual sentiment through machine learning methods in OBCs: member’s posts, other members’ feedback, and the focal firm’s official feedback. This study further tested the dynamic emotional contagion process among these sources on valence (mean) and volatility (dispersion), namely how they affected each other. Data was collected from the MIUI forum, a large forum launched by Xiaomi corporate on August 1, 2011, which contained 17,622 posts and 99,426 feedback. Results showed that: (1) in the emotional contagion process, there existed differences in the influence of emotional valence and volatility from different sources; (2) all emotional interactions were temporary and mostly lasted no more than three days; (3) the most significant contributor of each sources’ emotion was itself, which could be explained by lagged effect; (4) the valence of focal firm’s emotion (focal firm’s official feedback) was the second contributor of the valence of member’s emotion (member’s posts) and other members’ emotion (other members’ feedback). Three sources of emotion in OBCs and emotional valence/volatility should be considered when firms try to guide the emotional changes in such communities. Furthermore, firms could proactively influence members’ emotions by carefully designing the feedback to members’ posts. Besides, since all interactions are temporary, firms need to engage in online communities frequently, like consistently offering feedback.
Impact of entrepreneurial curriculum on entrepreneurial competencies among students: The mediating role of the campus learning environment in higher education
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Asghar Muhammad Zaheer , Asghar Ali , Waqar Yasira
Published: September 2022

This study explored the direct and indirect influences of the entrepreneurial curriculum on entrepreneurial competencies, using the campus learning environment as a mediator. In this study, a survey questionnaire composed of 48 items was used to collect data on the entrepreneurial curriculum, entrepreneurial competencies, and campus learning environment from pre-service vocational teachers enrolled in six universities located in Hunan Province, China. The entrepreneurial curriculum has four components, namely, curriculum content, curriculum material, teaching strategies, and feedback and assessment. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used through SmartPLS 3.3.3 to measure the effects. The curriculum content has a direct, significant, and positive influence on entrepreneurial competencies. For the indirect influence, all four dimensions of the entrepreneurial curriculum influenced the campus learning environment, which, in turn, was positively associated with entrepreneurial competencies. The campus learning environment was therefore revealed to play a mediating role between the entrepreneurial curriculum and entrepreneurial competencies. The study explored that effective entrepreneurial curriculum delivery and campus learning environment are helpful for developing entrepreneurial competencies among the pre-service vocational teachers. Universities should take initiatives to update the entrepreneurial curriculum and create a conducive campus learning environment that brings a positive change to develop entrepreneurial competencies among their students. Moreover, practical implications and future research directions are also discussed in this article.
A phenomenological study of online assessment during a pandemic crisis: Insights from Malaysia, Lithuania, and Spain
Authors: Annamalai Nagaletchimee , Ramírez García Antonia , Mažeikienė Viktorija , Alqaryouti Marwan Harb , Rashid Radzuwan Ab , Uthayakumaran Arulselvi
Published: September 2022

Many countries, namely, Malaysia, Lithuania, and Spain, shifted to online assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative case study, which involved 18 undergraduate students from the three countries, was conducted to probe insights into their online assessment experience. Data were interpreted from the perspective of the expectancy-value theory of motivation, which focuses on intrinsic attainment, utility, and cost values. The findings revealed that students were motivated to complete their assessment since they experienced flexibility besides having effective assessment guidelines. The positive experiences were related to intrinsic and attainment values; however, the students were also demotivated when stressed, indicating the high-cost value. Utility value was found to overlap with cost value in this study because students were dissatisfied with the online assessment and expressed less preference for this approach in future. This contributes to our understanding that educators must consider utility values when preparing online assessments. The pedagogical implications of this study revolve around the importance of a checklist, mock exams, alternative assessment (Plan B), and video demos for an effective assessment.
A multilevel investigation of leader–member exchange differentiation’s consequences: A moral disengagement perspective
Authors: Al-Atwi Amer Ali , Alshaibani Elham , Bakir Ali , Shoaib Haneen M. , Dahlan Mohanad
Published: September 2022

We examine the effects of leader–member exchange (LMX) differentiation on team members’ outcomes (customer-oriented constructive and destructive deviant behaviors) by using team moral disengagement as a psychological mechanism mediating this relationship and LMX differentiation bases (i.e., performance and personal liking) moderating the relationship. Analysis of multilevel data collected from 289 frontline employees organized into 76 finance-related customer service teams shows that LMX differentiation significantly reduced team moral disengagement only when the performance basis was high, and that the negative relationship between LMX differentiation and team moral disengagement was significant only when the personal liking basis was low. Furthermore, we found that the LMX bases moderated the indirect effect of LMX differentiation on team members’ outcomes through team moral disengagement. The findings advance team moral disengagement as a novel mechanism for cross-level relationship between LMX differentiation and team members’ outcomes at the individual level, and project differentiation bases as a condition under which LMX differentiation unpacks the reasons for team members’ favorable or unfavorable responses. They reveal LMX differentiation as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, whose essence can only be understood if examined from multiple levels. We also contribute to the literature by revealing the cognitive pathway through which LMX differentiation may be associated with team members outcomes.
The impact of self-compassionate mindfulness on online learning behavioral engagement of international students during COVID-19: Positive emotion and self-improvement motivation as mediators
Authors: Chen Junmei , Lin Guoyao , Lyu Yong
Published: September 2022

Focusing on the domain of self-compassion, this study explored the promotion mechanism of online learning behavioral engagement (OLBE) of international students in China under COVID-19. Positive emotion and self-improvement motivation were selected as mediators. Participants were 606 international students from 8 countries who were studying online in their own countries due to the international travel restriction of COVID-19. Results showed positive emotion and self-improvement motivation completely mediated self-compassionate mindfulness (SCM) and OLBE of international students. Positive emotion and self-improvement partially mediated SCM and OLBE of international students respectively. Students with higher SCM engage with online learning more in that they possess more positive emotion and self-improvement motivation. This study suggested that SCM may facilitate OLBE via positive emotion and effective self-improvement motivation.
School-based group intervention in attention and executive functions: Intervention response and moderators
Authors: Paananen Mika , Husberg Henrik , Katajamäki Heli , Aro Tuija
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study investigated the effects of a school-based skill-training intervention in attention control and executive functions for pupils with hyperactivity-impulsivity (H-I) and cognitive control (CC) deficits. The main aim was to examine whether the intervention differently influenced H-I and CC, and whether cognitive abilities or conduct problems moderated response to the intervention.

Method

Elementary school pupils from 41 schools participated the study and were divided into an intervention group (n = 71) and a waitlist control group (n = 77). Intervention outcomes were assessed with an inventory assessing executive function difficulties (including H-I and CC) completed by classroom teachers.

Results

Significant intervention effects and positive changes were detected in CC but not in H-I. Significant intervention effects were found mainly among pupils with low levels of conduct problems.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a skill-training intervention has specific positive effects on CC, but conduct problems may diminish response to intervention.
Enterprise digital transformation and customer concentration: An examination based on dynamic capability theory
Authors: Liu Laihui , An Suxia , Liu Xiangyu
Published: September 2022

Digital transformation of traditional enterprises can better develop new customer relationships and help mitigate the business risk of their over-reliance on single-customer relationships. However, little research has been conducted on the internal mechanisms of how enterprise digitalization reshapes corporate customer relationships. In this manuscript, from the perspective of dynamic capability theory, we construct conceptual models of enterprise digital transformation, innovation capability, operational cost, and customer satisfaction, and explore the internal mechanisms of enterprise digital transformation to reduce the dependence of enterprises on large customers. The model is empirically studied by obtaining data on the degree of digital transformation of enterprises through “search statistics” of keywords in the annual reports of Chinese listed companies during 2011–2019. This manuscript finds that digital transformation significantly reduces the concentration of large customers and has become a powerful driver of business model innovation in the digital economy, and this finding remains robust to the use of PSM and instrumental variable methods to address endogeneity. Digital transformation reduces firms’ dependence on large customers through three mechanisms: improving firms’ innovation capabilities, reducing firms’ operating costs, and increasing customer satisfaction. The impact of digital transformation on reducing the dependence of non-state enterprises on large customers is greater than that of state-owned enterprises; the implementation of digital transformation strategies is more helpful for enterprises that have active interactions with customers to reduce their customer concentration; and the reduction of customer concentration is greater for enterprises in regions with higher levels of digital development compared to those in regions with lower levels of digital development. The economic consequence test finds that digital transformation diversifies customer structure and reduces business risks. The analysis of the innovation effect and customer satisfaction effect on reducing the concentration of large customers of enterprisesby implementing digital transformation enriches and expands the dynamic capability theory and provides important insights for enterprises to diversify their customer structure.
Satisfaction and associated factors among psychiatry service users at Amanuel mental specialized hospital. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kibrom Esayas , Naser Zebiba , Seyoum Merga , Mengesha Atakilit , Adem Kemeria , Dechasa Deribe Bekele , Asfaw Henock
Published: September 2022

Background

Patient service satisfaction is the central point for the health system. Worldwide, around 450 million people suffer from mental and behavioral disorders. Clients who are dissatisfied with the service will miss appointments, abandon the treatment plan, and eventually relapse from the illness. Despite improved access to health services, the satisfaction from health institution services was decreasing from time to time and there is little information on health service consumer satisfaction.

Objective

To assess the satisfaction and associated factors among psychiatric service consumers at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021/2022.

Methods and materials

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 psychiatric service users from December 15 to January 16, 2021/2022. Systematic random sampling was used. A face-face interview technique and chart review were used to collect the data and a standard and validated tool called the mental health service satisfaction scale (MHSSS) was used to measure satisfaction. The collected data was entered into EPI info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the data and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associated factors with satisfaction. The level of significance was reported at P < 0.05.

Results

The study showed that the magnitude of patient satisfaction was 63.3% [95% CI 58.3–67.9%). Sex (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI (1.072–2.88)], educational status (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.64–1.8), residency [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.098–3.19)], distance from the hospital [AOR 0.56, (0.34–0.93)] were significantly associated with patient satisfaction at p < 0.05.

Conclusion

The magnitude of patient satisfaction was high. The study showed that Sex, educational status, residence, and distance from the hospital were significantly associated with satisfaction. Prioritizing care for female patients and those coming from a distance is necessary. More ever, it is preferable to routinely and continually monitor healthcare facilities so that timely feedback can be given and problems that affect patient satisfaction can be resolved.
The effectiveness of exposure and response prevention combined with pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Lingyun , Hu Maorong , Luo Lan , Wu Yunhong , Lu Zihang , Zou Jingzhi
Published: September 2022

Objective

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention (ERP) combined with medication on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, Embase, and Science Direct databases were searched to include randomized controlled trials of ERP combined with medication for OCD that met the criteria. The Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was used as the primary outcome indicator, and Depression scales were used as secondary outcome indicators. An evaluation of bias risk was conducted to identify possible sources of bias based on methodological and clinical factors. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software was used to perform meta-analysis of the extracted data.

Results

A total of 21 studies with 1113 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that ERP combined with medication therapy was significantly better than medication therapy alone including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, clomipramine and risperidone (MD = –6.60, 95% CI: –8.35 to –4.84, P < 0.00001), but D-cycloserine (DCS) drugs do not enhance the effect of ERP intervention in patients with OCD (MD = 0.15, 95% CI: –0.87 to 1.17, P = 0.77). There is more significant maintenance by combined treatment method of medication plus ERP than medication treatment alone during the follow-up period (MD = –7.14, 95% CI: –9.17 to –5.10, P < 0.00001). DCS drugs did not enhance the effect of ERP intervention on depression in patients with OCD (SMD = –0.08, 95% CI: –0.31 to 0.15, P = 0.50). ERP combined with drug improved patients’ depression levels significantly better than providing drug alone (SMD = –0.40, 95% CI: –0.68 to –0.11, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Patients with OCD have significant improvement in symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression when ERP is combined with medication, however, not enough to prove that DCS can enhance ERP effectiveness.
Strategies for screening, occupational prevention, and management of COVID-19 in outpatient clinics in Shandong
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lu Yan , Tang Juan , Sun Yu , Zhao Ze-Hua , Jian Xiang-Dong , Gao Xi-Mei
Published: September 2022

Objective

We hope to analyze the information of outpatients in a tertiary care hospital during the epidemic of COVID-19, so as to formulate effective regulations for the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Methods

We collected information from outpatients from January 28, 2020 to March 2, 2020 and performed the statistical analysis.

Results

During the study period, there were more than 60,000 outpatients. Among them, 404 patients with a body temperature above 37.3°C who had not been to Wuhan and had no contact with people from Wuhan. There were 8 people who had contact with people from Wuhan, such as 4 people with fever, 3 people with normal body temperature but cough symptoms, and 1 person with normal body temperature and no other discomfort. There were 2 patients with high body temperature from the epidemic area in Wuhan, and one novel Coronavirus patient was confirmed as the final result.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient medical staff should enhance their awareness of protection, hospitals should standardize the outpatient COVID-19 prevention and control system, improve the prevention and emergency system, and reduce occupational exposure hazards and the occurrence of post-exposure infections.
Global key concepts of civil-military cooperation for disaster management in the COVID-19 pandemic—A qualitative phenomenological scoping review
Authors: Ries Markus
Published: September 2022

Background

In the context of a holistic and comprehensive disaster response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries across the globe mobilized their military forces in order to cope with sudden and exponential surges of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in stretched healthcare systems.

Objective

The purpose of this work is to identify, map, and render world-wide key concepts of civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) in disaster management during the COVID-19 crisis visible.

Material and methods

Literature was systematically searched in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) on 26 January 2022, and analyzed with qualitative, mixed narrative-phenomenological methods in compliance with PRISM-ScR and SRQR.

Results

Forty-five publications were included in the analysis; pertinent authors were from 22 countries covering five continents. We identified three key thematic clusters in the published literature: Cluster (1) Medico-scientific contributions with the participation of military medical personnel or institutions: members of the military acted as subject matter experts, clinical and experimental (co-) investigators as well as co-founders for enabling COVID-19 relevant research. Areas covered were relevant to the COVID-19 patient's clinical journey from prevention, exposure, diagnostics, and treatment and included pertinent fields such as digital health and telemedicine, global and public health, critical care, emergency and disaster medicine, radiology, neurology, as well as other medical specialties, i.e., respiratory care, pulmonology, burn medicine, and transfusion medicine, in addition to environmental and occupational sciences as well as materials science. Cluster (2) CIMIC field experiences or analyses included areas such as political framework, strategy, structure, nature of civil-military interaction, and concrete mission reports in selected countries. Themes covered a broad spectrum of pandemic disaster management subjects such as capacity and surge capacity building, medical and pharmaceutical logistics, patient care under austere circumstances, SARS-CoV-2 testing support, intelligent and innovative information management, vaccination support, and disaster communication. Cluster (3) The military as a role model for crisis management.

Conclusion

Civil-military cooperation made a significant contribution to the level of resilience in crisis management on a global scale, positively impacting a broad spectrum of core abilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
QuickVR: A standard library for virtual embodiment in unity
Authors: Oliva Ramon , Beacco Alejandro , Navarro Xavi , Slater Mel
Published: September 2022

In the last few years the field of Virtual Reality (VR) has experienced significant growth through the introduction of low-cost VR devices to the mass market. However, VR has been used for many years by researchers since it has proven to be a powerful tool across a vast array of research fields and applications. The key aspect of any VR experience is that it is completely immersive, which means that the virtual world totally surrounds the participant. Some game engines such as Unity already support VR out of the box and an application can be configured for VR in a matter of minutes. However, there is still the lack of a standard and easy to use tool in order to embody participants into a virtual human character that responds synchronously to their movements with corresponding virtual body movements. In this paper we introduce QuickVR, a library based on Unity which not only offers embodiment in a virtual character, but also provides a series of high level features that are necessary in any VR application, helping to dramatically reduce the production time. Our tool is easy to use by coding novices, but also easy extensible and customizable by more experienced programmers.
Establishment of a Novel Prognostic Prediction Model for Gastric Cancer Based on Necroptosis-Related Genes
Authors: Zhu Zhong-zhong , Zhang Guanglin , Liu Jianping
Published: September 2022

Background: Necroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of multiple types of cancer. However, the role of necroptosis in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to establish a necroptosis-related prediction model, which could provide information for treatment monitoring.

Methods: The TCGA-STAD cohort was employed to establish a prognostic prediction signature and the GEO dataset was employed for external validation. The correlation between the risk score and the immune landscape, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), as well as therapeutic responses of different therapies were analyzed.

Results: We constructed a prognostic model based on necroptosis-associated genes (NAGs), and its favorable predictive ability was confirmed in an external cohort. The risk score was confirmed as an independent determinant, and a nomogram was further established for prognosis. A high score implies higher tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) scores and more significant TIME cell infiltration. High-risk patients presented with lower TMB, and low-TMB patients had worse overall survival (OS). Meanwhile, Low-risk scores are characterized by MSI-high (MSI-H), lower Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score, and higher immunogenicity in immunophenoscore (IPS) analysis.

Conclusion: The developed NAG score provides a novel and effective method for predicting the outcome of GC as well as potential targets for further research.
A Model Architecture for Public Transport Networks Using a Combination of a Recurrent Neural Network Encoder Library and a Attention Mechanism
Authors: Reich Thilo , Hulbert David , Budka Marcin
Published: September 2022

This study presents a working concept of a model architecture allowing to leverage the state of an entire transport network to make estimated arrival time (ETA) and next-step location predictions. To this end, a combination of an attention mechanism with a dynamically changing recurrent neural network (RNN)-based encoder library is used. To achieve this, an attention mechanism was employed that incorporates the states of other vehicles in the network by encoding their positions using gated recurrent units (GRUs) of the individual bus line to encode their current state. By muting specific parts of the imputed information, their impact on prediction accuracy can be estimated on a subset of the available data. The results of the experimental investigation show that the full model with access to all the network data performed better in some scenarios. However, a model limited to vehicles of the same line ahead of the target was the best performing model, suggesting that the incorporation of additional data can have a negative impact on the prediction accuracy if they do not add any useful information. This could be caused by poor data quality but also by a lack of interaction between the included lines and the target line. The technical aspects of this study are challenging and resulted in a very inefficient training procedure. We highlight several areas where improvements to our presented method are required to make it a viable alternative to current methods. The findings in this study should be considered as a possible and promising avenue for further research into this novel architecture. As such, it is a stepping stone for future research to improve public transport predictions if network operators provide high-quality datasets.
Gruel Creep Feeding Accelerates Growth and Alters Intestinal Health of Young Pigs
Authors: Boston Timothy E. , Wang Feng , Lin Xi , Leonard Suzanne , Kim Sung Woo , McKilligan Denny , Fellner Vivek , Odle Jack
Published: September 2022

To combat the stress of weaning, we utilized novel gruel creep feeders to supplement suckling pigs with divergent soluble (n = 6 litters) versus insoluble (n = 6) diets compared with un-supplemented controls (n = 6). Post-weaning, pigs were fed a common phase 1 diet. Average daily weight gains of pigs fed soluble and insoluble creep diets were 53% and 17% greater than control pigs, respectively (p < 0.01). Creep intake was higher (82%) for pigs fed the soluble diet, and the accompanying weight increase was sustained post-weaning (p < 0.02). Villus measures were prematurely altered in soluble-creep-fed pigs (p < 0.01), with decreases in villi length, crypt depth, and villus area pre-weaning. No effects of treatment were detected for VFA concentrations and pH in the cecum. There was an interaction between treatment and age for several pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.01), where soluble-creep-fed pigs had increased cytokine levels with age, whereas cytokine levels in the insoluble and control groups decreased over time. We conclude that a soluble creep diet fed in a gruel state during the pre-weaning period has a positive impact on weaning weight that is sustained post-weaning, and is accompanied by alterations in the intestinal health of young pigs.