bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing athlete leadership and cohesion using a social network analysis approach
Authors: Flemington Ashley , Loughead Todd M. , Desrosiers Marie
Published: February 2023

The study of athlete leadership has gained momentum over the past 15 years and is recognized as a vital component of team performance. Specifically, athlete leadership has been most studied with regards to its impact on the outcome of cohesion. As a result, a current gap in this area of research is the analysis of attribute data, such as tenure and self-reported athlete leadership, and how this attribute data is related to outcomes, such as cohesion. However, much of current research examining this relationship has utilized traditional statistical methods, limiting interpretation of data because team members are inherently interdependent. One approach that considers the interdependence of team members is social network analysis (SNA). SNA facilitates the study of social structures within networks of people, such as a sports team, as well as individual attributes influencing or being influenced by the network. The present study used SNA to examine athlete leadership and cohesion within a sports team of 22 female professional hockey players. Participants self-reported tenure, completed a self-rated athlete leadership questionnaire, and rated each of their team members on network variables of athlete leadership and cohesion. The results showed that high network density and low degree centralization was found for both athlete leadership and cohesion networks, with high indegree centralities for each team member. Further, a strong correlation was found between the athlete leadership and cohesion networks (p < 0.001), indicating a positive relationship between the athlete leadership ties and the cohesion ties. Lastly, significant correlations were found between self-rated athlete leadership and the networks of athlete leadership and cohesion. Together these data suggest that a cohesive team shares leadership responsibilities with many ties between teammates.
Positive cyberpsychology as a field of study of the well-being of people interacting with and via technology
Authors: Fortuna Paweł
Published: February 2023

The aim of the article is to postulate introducing and developing positive cyberpsychology (PCyb) as a subdiscipline of cyberpsychology, which emerges at the intersection of cyberpsychology, positive psychology, and well-being informed design, and focuses on studying determinants of human well-being through interactions with and via technology. The article presents the rationale for considering the emergence of PCyb based on the importance of research on the positive transformation of people in the era of progressive digitalization and cyborgization, and the growing partnership of cyberpsychology, positive psychology, and well-being informed design in the form of paradigms and ongoing research. Moreover, it highlights the need to reframe cyberpsychology dominated by the study of the “dark side” of technology and the need to integrate and increase the “visibility” of research results on the beneficial effects of technology. The article also accentuates the opening perspective of a more in-depth analysis of the positive transformation process than the one existing within the well-being informed design and underlines a broader plan of innovation use than is taken into account in cyberpsychology and positive psychology. Lastly, it discusses the use of the results of research conducted within PCyb in the design of new technologies, consulting, and education, as well as the possibility of strengthening the voice of psychologists in the debate about the future of humans functioning in the constantly changing technosphere.
A multilevel selection model for prosocial well-being
Authors: Larsen Mads , Witoszek Nina , Yeung June Chun
Published: February 2023

This article proposes an evolutionary model for well-being informed by multilevel selection. We posit that people’s subjective assessment of their own quality of life is the sum their happiness, which is related to individual selection, and their sense of having a meaningful life, which is related to group selection. Conceptualizing life quality as “Happiness + Meaning = Well-being” offers insights into how the human well-being system helps people navigate between individual and group needs. We define happiness as the cluster of affects that reward individuals for solving adaptively relevant problems. We approach meaning as a reward individuals experience when contributing to their community. While people derive happiness from cooperation and competition, meaning originates from prosocial (cooperative/altruistic) behavior. Since increased within-group competition often reduces societal well-being, public policy should aim at cooperative means for good living. Our model brings attention to these dynamics. The Nordic countries, which score highest on quality of life, facilitate multilevel well-being, that is, individual prosperity and altruistic opportunity. Our preliminary quantitative study confirmed the correlation between some markers of prosociality and well-being at a national level. To investigate the psychological mechanisms behind this correlation, we conducted in-depth interviews of Nordic and Slavonic helpers of Ukrainian refugees in Norway (n = 32). A primary ambition was to illuminate how the human quest for meaning contributes both to individual flourishing and group selection. In line with Nesse’s view on happiness not as an affect meant to be maximized, but an evolutionary signal, we use a qualitative approach that allows for a deeper understanding of how individuals adapt to these signals. Our findings suggest that happiness is transient so that the well-being system’s signal sensitivity can be preserved. Meaning is enduring since it assesses and reinforces social belonging. These insights are relevant for our era’s turn toward more holistic development policies. Compared to often materialistic, competition-driven happiness pursuits, meaning-driven well-being is a more sustainable alternative for individuals, communities, and the planet.
Promote or inhibit? The effect of the whole chain development of intellectual property on manufacturing firm performance
Authors: Yu Liyan , Zhao Chengfan
Published: February 2023

With the promotion of intellectual property strategy, the whole chain development of intellectual property environment faced by manufacturing firms has been improved, but the effect of the whole chain development of intellectual property on firm performance still needs to be studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the whole chain development of intellectual property on different types of manufacturing firm performance. A panel regression model is constructed based on listed manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2020, and this is tested empirically. The results of the study show that the whole chain development of intellectual property has a promotion effect on manufacturing firm performance, among which the promotion effect of intellectual property services is the strongest, followed by intellectual property utilization and intellectual property creation, and the promotion effect of intellectual property management has a significant lag, while the relationship between intellectual property protection and manufacturing firms performance is significantly negative. The promotion effect of the whole chain development of intellectual property on different types of manufacturing firm performance is heterogeneous, and the promotion effect of the whole chain development of intellectual property on the performance of small-scale, non-state-owned, medium-high-technology manufacturing firms is stronger than that of large-scale, state-owned, low-technology manufacturing firms. This study not only extends the research direction of intellectual property, but also adds to the literature on firm performance. In addition, the findings of this paper help government authorities to further optimize the strategic layout of the whole chain development of intellectual property, promote manufacturing firms to solve internal management problems, and achieve a positive interaction between the top-level design of the intellectual property and the bottom-level logic of manufacturing firms.
Influence of letter shape on readers’ emotional experience, reading fluency, and text comprehension and memorisation
Authors: Medved Tanja , Podlesek Anja , Možina Klementina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The amount of educational material delivered to pupils and students through digital screens is increasing. This method of delivering educational materials has become even more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. To be as effective as possible, educational material must be properly designed not only in terms of content, but also in terms of form, e.g., the typeface. The present study investigated the effect of letter shape on readers’ feelings of pleasantness during reading, reading fluency, and text comprehension and memorisation.

Methods

To find out whether age influences the effects of typeface shape on reading measures, we divided the participants into a group of less experienced readers (children) and more experienced readers (adults). Both groups read texts in eight different typefaces: four of them were round or in rounded shape, and four were angular or in pointed shape. With an eye-tracker, the reading speed and the number of regressive saccades were recorded as measures of reading fluency and changes in pupil size as an indicator of emotional response. After reading each text, the participants rated the pleasantness of the typeface, and their comprehension and memorisation of texts were checked by asking two questions about the text content.

Results

We found that compared to angular letters or letters in pointed shape, round letters or letters in round shape created more pleasant feelings for readers and lead to a faster reading speed. Children, as expected, read more slowly due to less reading experiences, but, interestingly, had a similar number of regressive saccades and did not comprehend or remember the text worse than university students.

Discussion

We concluded that softer typefaces of rounder shapes should be used in educational materials, as they make the reading process easier and thus support the learning process better for both younger and adult readers. The results of our study also showed that a comparison of findings of different studies may depend on the differences among the used letter shapes.
Relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement in Chinese kindergarten teachers: Vocational delay of gratification as a mediator
Authors: Zang Lingling , Feng Yuanchun
Published: February 2023

Job satisfaction as a positive job-related emotional state affects teachers’ work engagement. This study explored the relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement in kindergarten teachers and the mediating role of vocational delay of gratification. Six hundred and eleven kindergarten teachers from China were surveyed with the Job Satisfaction Scale, Work Engagement Scale, and Vocational Delay of Gratification Scale. Results showed that kindergarten teachers’ job satisfaction and vocational delay of gratification were positively correlated with work engagement, and vocational delay of gratification played a mediating role between job satisfaction and work engagement. Results of the relationship among job satisfaction, vocational delay of gratification, and work engagement were discussed considering the background of Chinese culture.
The influence of individual characteristics on perceived restorativeness and benefits associated with exposure to nature in a garden
Authors: Sella Enrico , Meneghetti Chiara , Muffato Veronica , Borella Erika , Carbone Elena , Cavalli Raffaele , Pazzaglia Francesca
Published: February 2023

This study newly explored the relationship between individual characteristics (i.e., connectedness to nature, a preference for natural rather than built environments, personality, visuospatial preferences) with perceived restorativeness, as well as affective and memory-related benefits of exposure to the nature. Eighty adults were individually exposed to nature by walking in a landscape garden. Measures of connectedness to nature, preference for natural environments, personality traits, and visuospatial preferences were administered. Before and after walking in the garden, participants completed measures of affect (positive and negative emotions) and memory (short-term and working memory, and spatial memory). After walking they completed a Perceived Restorativeness scale. Perceived Restorativeness was found to be significantly explained by Extraversion (personality trait) and Connectedness to Nature. There was no significant influence of individual characteristics on benefits to affect and memory measures. Overall, the results showed that perception of the restorative effect of a natural environment is related to connectedness to nature and personality (extraversion trait). Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of considering individual characteristics to better capture restorative/recovery effects of a natural environment in an individual, and to tailor/implement nature-based solutions to ensure a sustainable urban green environment and to promote quality of life for their citizens.
“Believe me, only I know how I feel.” An autoethnographic account of experiences of epistemic injustice in mental health care
Authors: Hultman Lill , Hultman Maya
Published: February 2023

In Sweden, support and service for people with disabilities is provided under the Swedish disability legislation, which has a clear focus on the individual’s right to a life like that of any other citizen and on promoting equality and participation in society. Nevertheless, having a physical impairment makes it clear that equal mental health care is not provided in practice. This becomes particularly salient when there is a need for mental health in-patient care. In this article, the aim is to explore our own experiences of epistemic injustice in relation to mental health care provision in a situation where one of us has a mobility impairment that require the presence of personal assistants in everyday life. Critical personal narrative is applied to highlight the different, but intertwined experiences of a young female mental health user with a physical disability and her mother. Diary entrances, shared discussions and extracts from health care records are used to illustrate how epistemic injustice may occur in health care practices. In the analysis, we use Fricker’s concepts that relate to different aspects of epistemic injustice, to show how power is exerted. Healthcare professionals’ inability to value and integrate patients experience-based knowledge into practice where the lack of a holistic perspective visualizes what happens when people do not fit into predefined categories. Instead of strengthening patients’ rights, health care professionals discredit patients’ and family members knowledge, and thereby giving themselves epistemic privilege. People with the combined experience of both disabilities and mental health issues are vulnerable to epistemic injustice and epistemic harm since they are commonly denied both epistemic credibility and authority. Our results highlight the importance of counteracting resilient structures of social privilege and power and identifying and, in as far as possible, removing the mechanisms that exclude the epistemic resources of people with disabilities and their family members from being part of shared epistemic resources.
Co-expression network of mRNA and DNA methylation in first-episode and drug-naive adolescents with major depressive disorder
Authors: Tao Yuanmei , Zhang Hang , Jin Meijiang , Xu Hanmei , Zou Shoukang , Deng Fang , Huang Lijuan , Zhang Hong , Wang Xiaolan , Tang Xiaowei , Dong Zaiquan , Wang Yanping , Yin Li
Published: February 2023

Objective

We explored the DNA methylation and messenger RNA (mRNA) co-expression network and hub genes in first-episode, drug-naive adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). To preliminarily explore whether adolescent MDD has unique mechanisms compared with adult MDD.

Methods

We compared DNA methylation and mRNA profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from four first-episode and drug-naive adolescents with MDD and five healthy adolescent controls (HCs). We performed differential expression analysis, constructed co-expression network, and screened the hub genes. And enrichment analysis was performed based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We also downloaded DNA methylation and mRNA datasets of adults with MDD (GSE113725/GSE38206) from the GEO database, and performed differential expression and enrichment analysis.

Results

Our clinical data showed that 3034 methylation sites and 4190 mRNAs were differentially expressed in first-episode, drug-naive adolescents MDD patients compared with HCs. 19 hub genes were screened out according to the high degree value in the co-expression network. The results from the GEO database showed that compared with adult HCs, there were 290 methylation sites and 127 mRNAs were differentially expressed in adult MDD patients.

Conclusion

Compared with adolescent HCs and adult MDD patients, the DNA methylation and mRNA expression patterns of first-episode, drug-naive adolescent MDD patients were different. The co-expression network of DNA methylation and mRNA and the screened hub genes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MDD in first-episode, drug-naive adolescents. Compared with adult MDD, adolescent MDD is more enriched in metabolism in terms of function and pathways.
Executive control network resting state fMRI functional and effective connectivity and delay discounting in cocaine dependent subjects compared to healthy controls
Authors: Woisard Kyle , Steinberg Joel L. , Ma Liangsuo , Zuniga Edward , Lennon Michael , Moeller F. Gerard
Published: February 2023

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to study functional connectivity of brain networks in addictions. However, most studies to-date have focused on the default mode network (DMN) with fewer studies assessing the executive control network (ECN) and salience network (SN), despite well-documented cognitive executive behavioral deficits in addictions. The present study assessed the functional and effective connectivity of the ECN, DMN, and SN in cocaine dependent subjects (CD) (n = 22) compared to healthy control subjects (HC) (n = 22) matched on age and education. This study also investigated the relationship between impulsivity measured by delay discounting and functional and effective connectivity of the ECN, DMN, and SN. The Left ECN (LECN), Right ECN (RECN), DMN, and SN functional networks were identified using FSL MELODIC independent component analysis. Functional connectivity differences between CD and HC were assessed using FSL Dual Regression analysis and FSLNets. Effective connectivity differences between CD and HC were measured using the Parametric Empirical Bayes module of Dynamic Causal Modeling. The relationship between delay discounting and functional and effective connectivity were examined using regression analyses. Dynamic causal modeling (DCM) analysis showed strong evidence (posterior probability > 0.95) for CD to have greater effective connectivity than HC in the RECN to LECN pathway when tobacco use was included as a factor in the model. DCM analysis showed strong evidence for a positive association between delay discounting and effective connectivity for the RECN to LECN pathway and for the DMN to DMN self-connection. There was strong evidence for a negative association between delay discounting and effective connectivity for the DMN to RECN pathway and for the SN to DMN pathway. Results also showed strong evidence for a negative association between delay discounting and effective connectivity for the RECN to SN pathway in CD but a positive association in HC. These novel findings provide preliminary support that RECN effective connectivity may differ between CD and HC after controlling for tobacco use. RECN effective connectivity may also relate to tobacco use and impulsivity as measured by delay discounting.
The association of insufficient gestational weight gain in women with gestational diabetes mellitus with adverse infant outcomes: A case-control study
Authors: Huang Dabin , Liang Mulin , Xu Bin , Chen Shan , Xiao Yan , Liu Hui , Yin Dan , Yang Jun , Wang Ling , Pan PianPian , Yang Yihui , Zhou Wei , Chen Juncao
Published: February 2023

Background

To investigate the association between insufficient maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) during dietary treatment, and neonatal complications of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants born to mothers with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted, involving 1,651 infants born to mothers with GDM. The prevalence of a perinatal outcome and maternal GWG were compared among SGA, adequate- (AGA), and large-for-gestational-age (LGA); association with birth weight and GWG was identified using Pearson's correlation analysis; binary logistic regression was performed to determine the odds ratio (OR) associated with SGA.

Results

In total, 343 SGA, 1025 AGA, and 283 LGA infants met inclusion criteria. The frequency of SGA infants who were siblings (41.7 vs. 4.3 vs. 1.9%) and composite of complications (19.2 vs. 12.0 vs. 11.7%) were higher in SGA infants than in those in AGA or LGA infants group (both P < 0.01). GWG and pre-partum BMI were lower among the SGA mothers with GDM group (11.7 ± 4.5 kg, 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2) than AGA (12.3 ± 4.6 kg, 26.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2) or LGA (14.0 ± 5.1 kg, 28.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2) mothers with GDM group. Binary logistic regression showed that siblings who were SGA (AOR 18.06, 95% CI [10.83–30.13]) and preeclampsia (AOR 3.12, 95% CI [1.34–7.30]) were associated with SGA, but not GWG below guidelines (P > 0.05). The risk of SGA (25.7 vs. 19.1 vs. 14.2%) and FGR (15.3 vs. 10.9 vs. 7.8%) was higher in GWG below guidelines group than those in GWG above and within guidelines group, the risk of low Apgar score (6.4 vs. 3.0 vs. 2.8%) was higher in GWG above guidelines group than that in GWG below and within guidelines group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that GWG above and below guidelines, compared with GWG within guidelines, had a higher risk of adverse infant outcomes. Our findings also suggested that GWG below guidelines did not increase the risk for SGA, though SGA infants had more adverse outcomes among neonates born to mothers with GDM.
A bibliometric analysis of sleep in older adults
Authors: Liu Haitao , Liu Feiyue , Ji Haoyuan , Dai Zuanqin , Han Wenxiu
Published: February 2023

Background

Sleep problems severely affect the quality of life in the elderly and have gradually gained attention among scholars. As a major hot spot of current research, sleep in older adults is highly exploratory and of great significance for human health.

Objective

Therefore, in this study, the current state of the art of sleep research in older adults was analyzed through the visual mapping function of CiteSpace software. Using this software, we analyzed popular research questions and directions and revealed the development trends and research frontiers of this field.

Methods

In this paper, we searched the Web of Science database for sleep-related studies focusing on older adults and analyzed the number of publications, journals, authors, institutions, country regions, and keywords by using CiteSpace software.

Results

Our results revealed that the number of publications concerning sleep in older adults has gradually increased; after 2017, this field underwent rapid development. The journal Sleep has published the majority of the articles on sleep in older adults and has the highest citation frequency. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has the highest impact factor and CiteScore among the top 10 journals in terms of the number of published articles. The United States has the highest number of publications and most of the leading institutions in this field are located in the United States, with the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Pittsburgh having the highest number of publications. Dzierzewski JM is the most published author and has played an important role in guiding the development of this field. Research in this area is focused on insomnia, sleep quality, depression, and sleep duration.

Conclusion

The rapid development of sleep research in older adults, which shows a yearly growth trend, indicates that this field is receiving increasing attention from researchers. Insomnia in older adults is the most concerning problem in this field. At the same time, future research should continue to focus on the impact of sleep disorders on older adults to improve sleep and quality of life in older adults.
Metabolomic profiles in night shift workers: A cross-sectional study on hospital female nurses
Authors: Borroni Elisa , Frigerio Gianfranco , Polledri Elisa , Mercadante Rosa , Maggioni Cristina , Fedrizzi Luca , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Fustinoni Silvia , Carugno Michele
Published: February 2023

Background and aim

Shift work, especially including night shifts, has been found associated with several diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cancers, and cardiovascular, mental, gastrointestinal and sleep disorders. Metabolomics (an omics-based methodology) may shed light on early biological alterations underlying these associations. We thus aimed to evaluate the effect of night shift work (NSW) on serum metabolites in a sample of hospital female nurses.

Methods

We recruited 46 nurses currently working in NSW in Milan (Italy), matched to 51 colleagues not employed in night shifts. Participants filled in a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle habits, personal and family health history and work, and donated a blood sample. The metabolome was evaluated through a validated targeted approach measuring 188 metabolites. Only metabolites with at least 50% observations above the detection limit were considered, after standardization and log-transformation. Associations between each metabolite and NSW were assessed applying Tobit regression models and Random Forest, a machine-learning algorithm.

Results

When comparing current vs. never night shifters, we observed lower levels of 21 glycerophospholipids and 6 sphingolipids, and higher levels of serotonin (+171.0%, 95%CI: 49.1–392.7), aspartic acid (+155.8%, 95%CI: 40.8–364.7), and taurine (+182.1%, 95%CI: 67.6–374.9). The latter was higher in former vs. never night shifters too (+208.8%, 95%CI: 69.2–463.3). Tobit regression comparing ever (i.e., current + former) and never night shifters returned similar results. Years worked in night shifts did not seem to affect metabolite levels. The Random-Forest algorithm confirmed taurine and aspartic acid among the most important variables in discriminating current vs. never night shifters.

Conclusions

This study, although based on a small sample size, shows altered levels of some metabolites in night shift workers. If confirmed, our results may shed light on early biological alterations that might be related to adverse health effects of NSW.
Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on the rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure: A meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Mengqiao , Luo Ziyan , Hu Shuqin , Chen Hu , Yang Jiechao , Geng Dandan , Li Weina , Liao Xiaoqin
Published: February 2023

Background

With the development of rehabilitation medicine, exercise therapy has gradually become one of the methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. It is widely used in clinic because it can further reduce the mortality rate, improve clinical symptoms, restore the activity ability of the body, improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the hospitalization rate. Traditional Chinese exercises have developed rapidly in recent years, which mainly include Baduanjin, Tai Ji, etc. However, meta-analyses of all types of exercises are not well characterized.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) on the rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) using a meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TCEs for patients with CHF in 13 databases (PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, etc.). Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3) after two investigators independently screened the studies, assessed the quality of the studies, and extracted the data.

Results

Meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials which involved 1,665 patients with chronic heart failure showed that practicing TCEs was effective in improving patients' physiological outcomes such as VO2max [MD = 2.14, 95% CI (1.02, 3.26), P < 0.001], AT [MD = 1.61, 95% CI (1.06, 2.16), P < 0.001], and left ventricular ejection fraction [MD = 2.60, 95% CI (1.17, 4.02), P < 0.001]. Non-physiological outcomes benefited from the application of TCEs: 6-min walking distance [MD = 38.55, 95% CI (36.67, 40.42), P < 0.001], quality of life [MD = 5.52, 95% CI (3.17, 7.88), P < 0.001], and single-item TCM symptom scores in CHF patients: tiredness and fatigue [MD = 0.78, 95% CI (0.03, 1.53), P = 0.04], shortness of breath [MD = 0.44,95% CI (0.26, 0.62), P < 0.0001], facial puffiness and limb swelling [MD = 0.44,95% CI (0.12, 0.76), P = 0.007], palpitations [MD = 0.68,95% CI (0.14, 1.21), P = 0.01] were improved.

Conclusions

TCEs improved several recovery indicators, heart failure-related clinical symptoms, quality of life, and physiological indicators in patients with CHF. It is worthwhile to expand the participants for practical application in clinical practice, but the existing evidence is insufficient and the heterogeneity of outcome is large. Therefore, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to support these results.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42022383246].
Narratives of heritage and legacy: Child and adolescent mental health trainees portrayed
Authors: Ayotunde Ayobello , Siegel Karen , Feibel Adelaide , Benoit Laelia , Martin Andrés
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We sought to embellish a child and adolescent mental health space by creating and displaying a large painting imbued with meaning and symbolism specific to the field. In it, we featured a broad array of trainees in the disciplines of child psychiatry, psychology, and social work. We used the portraiture sessions as opportunities for participants to reflect on their professional trajectories and developmental progression.

Methods

The lead author painted Heritage and Legacy, a 6 × 4 ft oil painting of 15 trainees (8 women), between February 2020 and December 2022. Each studio sitting lasted approximately four hours and included an in-depth interview that was recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis. We used narrative inquiry as our analytic approach, a method that attends to unique stories and aims to make meaning out of individuals' life experiences.

Results

We organized our analytic framework chronologically: (1) Heritage (past influences); (2) Becoming (the current process of professionalization); and (3) Legacy (reflections about the future). Through these life stages, we consider findings from three complementary vantage points: (1) the unique methodology of using a collective portrait as the basis for a qualitative study using narrative inquiry; (2) the participants' individual and collective trajectories of professionalization and professional identity formation; and (3) their transitions and legacy—including through mentorship and generativity, as much as through concrete objects and places, such as the oil painting itself and the space in which it will permanently reside.

Conclusions

The lengthy process of creating an oil canvas depicting a multidisciplinary group of professionals in training proved a powerful vehicle for self-reflection by those portrayed. It has yielded insights of broader relevance to the training and education of the next generation of practitioners.
Unintentional synchronization with self-avatar for upper- and lower-body movements
Authors: Boban Loën , Strauss Lucas , Decroix Hugo , Herbelin Bruno , Boulic Ronan
Published: February 2023

The subjective experience of embodying an avatar when immersed in virtual reality (VR) is known to support the sense of presence and to help with the interaction in a virtual environment. Virtual embodiment is often thought of as the consequence of replacement of the physical body by a virtual one, with a sense of agency for the avatar obtained by making the avatar’s body follow the user’s movements. This unidirectional motor link was, however, challenged by studies observing the opposite effect under different circumstances, for example, in a slow-motion context or when an arm movement was snapped on a predefined axis. These reports are, however, still rare or anecdotal. With the idea of a generalized bidirectional relationship between the user and the avatar in mind, we established a methodology to systematically provoke and study the circumstances under which participants follow the movements of their avatar during long repetitive movements without having been instructed to do so. A preliminary study confirmed that our virtual experimental setup, using full-body motion capture, avatar animation, and virtual mirrors, supports a strong sense of agency and body ownership for the avatar while enabling the experimental manipulation of the avatar’s movement. In the main experimental study, where participants performed repetitive upper- and lower-body movements while their avatar animations were either congruent or out-of-phase, we observed that almost all participants synchronized with their avatar at least once, for ∼47% of trials for lower limb movements and ∼38% for upper limb movements. Participants still reported low agency and ownership for the avatar under the incongruent condition, but, most interestingly, some of them also reported that their movements were not influenced by the avatar despite the behavioral effect. Our methodological approach and results contribute to the characterization of the conditions of occurrence of the self-avatar follower effect and, thereby, to identifying an enriched interaction design for VR, involving complex avatar–user mutual interdependencies.
Changes in imatinib plasma trough level during long-term treatment in patients with intermediate- or high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Relationship between covariates and imatinib plasma trough level
Authors: Wu Xingye , Ge Yinggang , He Xuemei , Li Juan , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

Imatinib is the first-line adjuvant treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Considering that some studies have suggested that imatinib (IM) plasma trough levels (Cmin) change with time, the aim of this study is to assess the changes in IM Cmin in patients with GIST in a long-term study and to elucidate the relationships between clinicopathological features and IM Cmin.

Methods

In 204 patients with intermediate- or high-risk GIST who were taking IM, IM Cmin was analyzed. Patient data were grouped according to the duration of medication (A: 1–3 months, B: 4–6 months, C: 7–9 months, D: 10–12 months, E: ≤12 months, F: 12<–≤36 months, G: >36 months). The correlation between IM Cmin at different time stages and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between Groups A, C, and D (P = 0.049 and 0.01, respectively). In Group E, IM Cmin correlated with sex (P = 0.049) and age (P = 0.029) and negatively correlated with body weight, height, and body surface area (P = 0.007, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). In Groups F and G, IM Cmin was significantly higher in non-gastric operation patients than in patients with gastrectomy (P = 0.002, 0.036) and was significantly higher in patients with the primary sites of others than in the stomach (P < 0.001, = 0.012). In addition, IM Cmin was much higher in patients with mutation sites other than KIT exon 11 in Group F (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

This is the first study of IM Cmin during the long-term treatment of patients with intermediate- or high-risk GIST. IM Cmin was the highest for the first 3 months and then declined, and long-term administration of IM showed a relatively stable plasma trough level. The IM Cmin correlated with different clinical characteristics at different durations of medication. This meant that future “trough level–clinicopathological characteristics” analyses should be time-point-specific. We also need to formulate time-specific medication monitoring plans in clinical practice to study disease progression caused by the occurrence of drug resistance.
A retrospective case series of the treatment of spontaneous quadriceps tendon rupture in patients with uremia and secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Wu Shuang , Wang Huihui , Zhu Yanlin , Fu Weili
Published: February 2023

Background

Spontaneous quadriceps tendon rupture (QTR) is a rare complication of uremia. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is considered the leading cause of QTR in uremia patients. QTR in patients with uremia and SHPT are treated with active surgical repair along with the treatment of SHPT using medication or parathyroidectomy (PTX). The impact of PTX for SHPT on tendon healing remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to introduce surgical procedures for QTR and to determine the functional recovery of the repaired quadriceps tendon (QT) after PTX.

Methods

Between Jan 2014 and Dec 2018, eight uremia patients underwent PTX after a ruptured QT was repaired by figure-of-eight trans-osseous sutures with an overlapping tightening suture technique. Biochemical indices were measured before and one year after PTX to evaluate the control of SHPT. The changes in bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by comparing x-ray images at pre-PTX and during follow-up. The assessment of the functional recovery of the repaired QT was conducted at the last follow-up using multiple functional parameters.

Results

Eight patients (fourteen tendons) were retrospectively evaluated at an average follow-up of 3.46 ± 1.37 years after PTX. ALP and iPTH levels one year after PTX were significantly lower than at pre-PTX (P = 0.017,P < 0.001, respectively). Although there was no statistical differences compared to pre-PTX, serum phosphorus levels decreased and returned to normal one year after PTX (P = 0.101). BMD significantly increased at the last follow-up compared to pre-PTX. The average Lysholm score was 73.5 ± 11.07 and the average Tegner activity score was 2.63 ± 1.06. The active knee ROM after repair averaged an extension of 2.85 ± 3.78° to a flexion angle of 113.21 ± 10.12°. The quadriceps muscle strength was grade IV and the mean Insall-Salvati index was 0.93 ± 0.10 in all of the knees with tendon ruptures. All patients were able to walk without external help.

Conclusions

Figure-of-eight trans-osseous sutures with an overlapping tightening suture technique is an economical and effective treatment for spontaneous QTR in patients with uremia and SHPT. PTX may promote tendon-bone healing in patients with uremia and SHPT.
Exploring the potential of using simulation games for engaging with sheep farmers about lameness recognition
Authors: Jones Matt L. , Barnish Maxwell S. , Hughes Robert R. , Murray Aimee K. , Mansour Omid , Loni Tiziana , Vickery Holly M. , Evans Myfanwy L. , Green Laura , Verdezoto Nervo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Computer simulation games are increasingly being used in agriculture as a promising tool to study, support and influence real-life farming practices. We explored the potential of using simulation games to engage with sheep farmers on the ongoing challenge of reducing lameness. Working with UK stakeholders, we developed a game in which players are challenged with identifying all the lame sheep in a simulated flock. Here, we evaluate the game's potential to act as a tool to help assess, train and understand farmers' ability to recognize the early signs of lameness.

Methods

Participants in the UK were invited to play the game in an online study, sharing with us their in-game scores alongside information relating to their real-life farming experience, how they played the game, and feedback on the game. Mixed methods were used to analyze this information in order to evaluate the game. Quantitative analyses consisted of linear modeling to test for statistical relationships between participants' in-game recall (% of the total number of lame sheep that were marked as lame), and the additional information they provided. Qualitative analyses of participants' feedback on the game consisted of thematic analysis and a Likert Scale questionnaire to contextualize the quantitative results and identify additional insights from the study.

Results

Quantitative analyses identified no relationships between participants' (n = 63) recall scores and their real life farming experience, or the lameness signs they looked for when playing the game. The only relationship identified was a relationship between participants' recall score and time spent playing the game. Qualitative analyses identified that participants did not find the game sufficiently realistic or engaging, though several enjoyed playing it and saw potential for future development. Qualitative analyses also identified several interesting and less-expected insights about real-life lameness recognition practices that participants shared after playing the game.

Discussion

Simulation games have potential as a tool in livestock husbandry education and research, but achieving the desired levels of realism and/or engagingness may be an obstacle to realizing this. Future research should explore this potential further, aided by larger budgets and closer collaboration with farmers, stockpeople, and veterinarians.
Administration of GnRH at day 20 of AI and embryonic losses in synchronized crossbred buffalo
Authors: Abulaiti Adili , Naseer Zahid , Liu Wenju , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Abdelrahman Mohamed , Shaukat Aftab , Pang Xunsheng , Wang Shujuan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Following the application of different artificial insemination and synchronization protocols, the synchronized buffaloes had a higher incidence of early embryonic or fetal death, thus impairing reproductive performance. Therefore, there is a need to devise a synchronizing program that can improve conception, allow early pregnancy diagnosis, reduce early embryonic losses, and provide an early clue for pregnancy diagnosis and establishment. The present study aimed (1) to determine the effect of administration of different GnRH doses at day 20 of artificial insemination (AI) on the reproductive performance of buffaloes and (2) to observe the influence of synchronization protocol, parity, age, milk production, and body condition score (BCS) on early embryonic loss and progesterone (P4) levels in crossbred buffaloes.

Methods

Crossbred buffaloes (n = 101) were synchronized using the GPGMH protocol. At day 20 of AI, the synchronized buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and administrated GnRH doses (0, 100, 150, and 200 μg). The buffaloes were monitored for ovarian dynamics, P4 level, non-return rate, embryonic/fetal losses, and pregnancy rates. The previously synchronized buffaloes were also classified for synchronization protocol (with or without GnRH), parity (nulli- or multiparous), milk production (high or low), BCS (low, medium, or good) or age (>3 or < 3 years) groups for observing the embryonic loss and P4 level variations.

Results

The results indicated no difference (P > 0.05) in CL size, P4 level, pregnancy rate and embryo/fetal losses across the treatment groups at different observation periods. There was a high (P < 0.05) incidence of early embryonic mortality in aged, multiparous, low BCS and low milk-producing buffaloes treated without GnRH.

Conclusion

The data suggest that GnRH 200 μg at day 20 of AI improves embryo survival and pregnancy maintenance in crossbred buffaloes.
Variable Stiffness Technologies for Soft Robotics: A Comparative Approach for the STIFF-FLOP Manipulator
Authors: Pagliarani Niccolò , Arleo Luca , Albini Stefano , Cianchetti Matteo
Published: February 2023

Soft robots offer a number of advantages over traditional rigid robots in applications such as minimally invasive surgery, where safety and dexterity are required. In previous works, the STIFF-FLOP manipulator has been introduced as a new concept of using soft materials to develop endoscopic tools with high dexterity and intrinsic safety. However, due to its inherent low stiffness, the ability to generate higher forces and stability when required remains to be further explored. In the state-of-the-art technology, there is no optimal solution that satisfies all the desired requirements in terms of miniaturized dimensions, free lumen for passing tools up to the tip, stiffness variation, and dexterity. In this paper, we compare different variable stiffness technologies and present a novel design that comprises a stiffening system based either on a fiber jamming (FJ) transition or low-melting-point alloys (LMPAs) that can be embedded in the manipulator to widen its applicability by increasing its stability and load bearing capability. The two approaches have been evaluated and compared in terms of variable stiffness capability and dexterity. The results suggest that the LMPA-based solution significantly outperforms previous approaches using similar designs with a higher stiffness variation combined with a good degree of flexibility, while the solution based on FJ guarantees fast transition times and fully satisfies the required safety measures.
Path Tracking Control of Intelligent Vehicles Considering Multi-Nonlinear Characteristics for Dual-Motor Autonomous Steering System
Authors: Shi Haozhe , Geng Guoqing , Xu Xing , Xie Ju , He Shenguang
Published: February 2023

In the path tracking control of intelligent vehicles, the traditional linear control method is prone to high tracking errors for uncertain parameters of the steering transmission system and road conditions. Therefore, considering the mechanical friction in the dual-motor autonomous steering system and the nonlinearity of tires, this paper proposes a path tracking control strategy of intelligent vehicles for the dual-motor autonomous steering system that considers nonlinear characteristics. First, a dual-motor autonomous steering system considering mechanical friction and the variation of tire cornering stiffness under different tire–road friction coefficients was established based on the structure of an autonomous steering system. Second, a tire–road friction coefficient estimator was designed based on a PSO-LSTM neural network. The tire cornering stiffness under different tire–road friction coefficients was estimated through the recursive least-square algorithm. Then, the control strategy of the dual-motor autonomous steering system was designed by combining the LQR path tracking controller with the adaptive sliding mode control strategy based on field-oriented control. Here, mechanical friction and the variation of tire cornering stiffness were considered. Finally, simulation and HiL tests validated the method proposed in this paper. The results show that the proposed control strategy significantly improves the tracking accuracy and performance of the dual-motor autonomous steering system for intelligent vehicles.