bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of 4-Week Tangeretin Supplementation on Cortisol Stress Response Induced by High-Intensity Resistance Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Meng , Zhang Zheng , Qin Chunli , Lv Bingqiang , Mo Shiwei , Lan Tao , Gao Binghong
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 4-week tangeretin supplementation on the cortisol stress response induced by high-intensity resistance exercise.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial of twenty-four soccer players was conducted during the winter training season. The experimental group (EG) took the oral supplement with tangeretin (200 mg/day) and the control group (CG) took placebo for 4 weeks. Before and after the 4-week intervention, all players performed a high intensity bout of resistance exercise to stimulate their cortisol stress responses. Serum cortisol, adreno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were obtained by collecting blood samples before (PRE), immediately after (P0), and 10 (P10), 20 (P20) and 30 minutes (P30) after the exercise.

Results: The serum cortisol level (PRE, p = 0.017; P10, p = 0.010; P20, p = 0.014; P30, p = 0.007) and ACTH (P10, p = 0.037; P30, p = 0.049) of experimental group significantly decreased after the 4-week intervention. Compared with control group, EG displayed a significantly lower level of the serum cortisol (PRE, p = 0.036; P10, p = 0.031) and ACTH (P30, p = 0.044). Additionally, EG presented significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity level compared with CG at P30 (p = 0.044). The white blood cell of EG decreased significantly (PRE, p = 0.037; P30, p = 0.046) and was significantly lower than CG at P20 (p = 0.01) and P30 (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Four-week tangeretin supplementation can reduce serum cortisol and ACTH, which may ameliorate the cortisol stress response in soccer players during high-intensity resistance exercise training. It can also enhance antioxidant capacity, accelerate the elimination of inflammation throughout the body, and shorten recovery time after high-intensity exercise.
Depicting Precise Temperature and Duration of Vernalization and Inhibiting Early Bolting and Flowering of Angelica sinensis by Freezing Storage
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Luo Mimi , Li Mengfei , Wei Jianhe
Published: May 2022

Angelica sinensis is a perennial rhizomatous herb that is widely used for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, which largely rely on metabolites, such as alkylphthalides, polysaccharides, and ferulic acid. This plant must experience low-temperature vernalization and long-day conditions for the occurrence of early bolting and flowering (EBF) that reduces yield and quality of fleshy root. In current commercial planting, the EBF of more than 40% is mainly attributed to the completion of vernalization of seedlings during overwinter storage. While effects of storage temperatures [vernalization temperature (0–10°C) and freezing temperature (−2 to −12°C)] and seedling sizes on the EBF have been observed in previous studies, the precise vernalization temperature and duration for different size seedlings, the effective freezing storage to avoid vernalization of seedlings, and physiological characteristics have not been systematically investigated. Here, the EBF rate, the anatomical structure of shoot apical meristem (SAM), and physiological characteristics of different size seedlings at different storage temperatures (0, 3, 5, −3, and −5°C) and durations (14–125 d) are reported. The vernalization duration of seedlings was predicated from 57 to 85 d with temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C based on the linearization regression analysis via Matrix Laboratory software. The EBF can be effectively inhibited by freezing storage. The anatomical structure of SAM, levels of primary metabolites (soluble sugar, starch, amino acid, and protein), and endogenous hormones (GA3, IAA, and ABA), exhibited a dynamical change in the seedlings at different storage temperatures. These findings will provide useful information for predicting the vernalization of seedlings and inhibiting the EBF in large-scale commercial cultivation.
Research Progress in the Field of Microbial Mitigation of Drought Stress in Plants
Authors: Shaffique Shifa , Khan Muhamad Aaqil , Imran Muhamad , Kang Sang-Mo , Park Yong-Sung , Wani Shabir Hussain , Lee In-Jung
Published: May 2022

Plants defend themselves against ecological stresses including drought. Therefore, they adopt various strategies to cope with stress, such as seepage and drought tolerance mechanisms, which allow plant development under drought conditions. There is evidence that microbes play a role in plant drought tolerance. In this study, we presented a review of the literature describing the initiation of drought tolerance mediated by plant inoculation with fungi, bacteria, viruses, and several bacterial elements, as well as the plant transduction pathways identified via archetypal functional or morphological annotations and contemporary “omics” technologies. Overall, microbial associations play a potential role in mediating plant protection responses to drought, which is an important factor for agricultural manufacturing systems that are affected by fluctuating climate.
The Root Clock as a Signal Integrator System: Ensuring Balance for Survival
Authors: Bustillo-Avendaño Estefano , Serrano-Ron Laura , Moreno-Risueno Miguel A.
Published: May 2022

The root system is essential for the survival of terrestrial plants, plant development, and adaptation to changing environments. The development of the root system relies on post-embryonic organogenesis and more specifically on the formation and growth of lateral roots (LR). The spacing of LR along the main root is underpinned by a precise prepatterning mechanism called the Root Clock. In Arabidopsis, the primary output of this mechanism involves the generation of periodic gene expression oscillations in a zone close to the root tip called the Oscillation Zone (OZ). Because of these oscillations, pre-branch sites (PBS) are established in the positions from which LR will emerge, although the oscillations can also possibly regulate the root wavy pattern and growth. Furthermore, we show that the Root Clock is present in LR. In this review, we describe the recent advances unraveling the inner machinery of Root Clock as well as the new tools to track the Root Clock activity. Moreover, we discuss the basis of how Arabidopsis can balance the creation of a repetitive pattern while integrating both endogenous and exogenous signals to adapt to changing environmental conditions. These signals can work as entrainment signals, but in occasions they also affect the periodicity and amplitude of the oscillatory dynamics in gene expression. Finally, we identify similarities with the Segmentation Clock of vertebrates and postulate the existence of a determination front delimiting the end of the oscillations in gene expression and initiating LR organogenesis through the activation of PBS in an ARF7 dependent-manner.
Seed Germination Response and Tolerance to Different Abiotic Stresses of Four Salsola Species Growing in an Arid Environment
Authors: Chen Pengyou , Jiang Li , Yang Weikang , Wang Lei , Wen Zhibin
Published: May 2022

Land degradation caused by soil salinization and wind erosion is the major obstruction to sustainable agriculture in the arid region. Salsola species have the potential to prevent land degradation. However, there is limited information about seed germination requirements and tolerance to salinity and drought for representative Salsola species. This study aimed to assess the effects of the winged perianth (seed structural features) and abiotic factors (light, temperature, salinity, and drought) on the seed germination of these species. These Salsola species varied considerably in seed germination characteristics. Compared with naked seeds, winged seeds had lower germination percentages for S. heptapotamica S. rosacea, and S. nitraria species. Darkness decreased the germination percentage of winged and naked seeds of S. rosacea, however, for S. heptapotamica and S. nitraria, decreased seed germination was only when the winged perianth existed. Germination of S. heptapotamica, S. rosacea, and S. nitraria seeds depended on the perianth and light conditions. The naked seeds of these three species could germinate at a wide range of temperatures, especially in light. The presence of perianth, light, and temperature did not significantly influence the germination of S. ruthenica seeds. When cultivating these species, it is beneficial to remove the winged perianth of seeds and sow it on the soil surface when the temperature is above 5/15°C. In addition, seed germination of Salsola displayed high tolerance to salinity and drought. Compared with winged seeds, naked seeds showed lower recovery germination under high salinity but had a similar recovery of germination under high PEG concentration. Our study provides detailed germination information for the cultivation of these four representative Salsola species in degraded saline soils of the arid zone.
Priming Partisan Identities and Support for Political Violence
Authors: Kacholia Suhan , Neuner Fabian Guy
Published: May 2022

Individuals in the United States appear increasingly willing to support and justify political violence. This paper therefore examines whether making partisan identities salient increases support for political violence. We embed priming manipulations in a sample of roughly 850 U.S. adults to investigate whether activating positive partisan identity, negative partisan identity, instrumental partisan identity, and American national identity might lead to differences in reported support for political violence. While we uncover no effects of priming various identities on support for political violence, we replicate and extend previous research on its correlates. Specifically, we demonstrate how various measures of partisan identity strength as well as negative personality traits are correlated with acceptance of political violence.
Influence of Emojis on Online Trust Among College Students
Authors: Zhang Mei , Ding Shuheng , Liu Yining , Li Hailong , Zhu Yanchun , Qin Chunlei
Published: May 2022

Emojis are increasingly used in online communication and expression, however, most previous studies have focused on describing this phenomenon, but less on how it affects interpersonal trust relationships. Therefore, this study examines the effect of emojis on online interpersonal trust among college students through three experiments. A total of 62 college students were recruited for Experiment 1. The results demonstrated that positive emoji () improved the level of trust of trustors in the trust game [t(60) = –2.79,p= 0.007], whereas that of the control group exerted no effect on the initial level of online trust among college students. Then, 74 college students were selected for Experiment 2. The results indicated no significant differences between the experiment and control groups in terms of the influence of negative emojis () on initial online trust using. A joint analysis (viaANOVA) of Experiments 1 and 2 illustrated that the type of emoji exerted a significant effect [F(2,96) = 3.96,p= 0.02, η2= 0.08] on college students’ online trust. Finally, we recruited 111 participants for Experiment 3 to explore the role of emojis on online trust among acquaintances. The results suggested that the individual propensity to trust plays a moderate role in the relationship between emojis and online trust among acquaintances. That is, emojis influenced interpersonal trust among acquaintances only if the level of propensity to trust, is low.
Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic by Brazilian People With Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Simieli Lucas , Santinelli Felipe B. , Costa Elisa C. , Kuroda Marina H. , Oliveira Lorena R. , Penedo Tiago , Pilon Julia , Silveira Aline P. B. , Assis Iramaia S. A. , Tardelli Erica , Okamoto Erika , Barbieri Fabio A.
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 in Brazil is threatening, and it has forced the government to adopt partial lockdown as a strategy to stop the spread of the virus in the first wave of pandemic (March 2020). These preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the perception during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on motor and non-motor symptoms, and also measure physical activity level, quality of life, and sleep quality in Brazilian people with PD and MS. One hundred and fifty-three participants (PD-97 and MS-56) answered an online survey to identify the perception of motor and non-motor symptoms, and characterize the physical activity level, and quality of life and sleep in these neurological Brazillian population. During the beginning of pandemic lockdown in Brazil, our results indicated that 69% of people with PD and 55% of people with MS reported worse on motor aspects and lower amount of physical activity performed. Also, 75.2% (PD) and 92.9% (MS) of our cohort were considered inactive or sedentary. Based on the perception and behavior of the population studied, people with PD and MS should be encouraged to perform more physical activity in order to reduce the effects of isolation in motor and non-motor aspects of the diseases. Teleinterventions, such as home-based exercise, should be included in the new routine of people with PD and MS to reduce the impacts of lockdown and to maintain quality of life at a good level.
What Makes Human Resource Professionals Effective? An Exploratory Lesson From Techno-Based Telco Firms of a Developing Country
Authors: Fareed Muhammad , Ahmad Aqeel , Salleh Sri Sarah Maznah Mohd , Noor Wan Shakizah Wan Mohd , Isa Mohd Faizal Mohd
Published: May 2022

Extant research primarily focuses on the driving factors of human resource (HR) professionals’ effectiveness in Telco firms of Pakistan. That is due to the need for HR professionals to be effective has risen in the 21st century for gaining sustainable competitive advantage. This research paper aims to examine the level of HR professionals’ effectiveness in Telco firms of Pakistan and explores the strategic functions and their elements, owing to which HR professionals can be effective in fulfilling their tasks and duties. Ten HR executives from five Telco firms were interviewed. The study finds nine key strategic functions along with their forty elements, which indicate the effectiveness of HR professionals. Successful implementation of these strategic functions and their elements offers Telco firms to sustain competitive advantage. Hence, it extends the resource-based view (RBV) theory by accumulating the additional determinants in the context of Pakistan. The research provides the insights for policy makers and practitioners, which explain the key strategic functions and substantial variables through which HR professionals can augment their effectiveness in sustaining competitive advantage.
Leader’s Implicit Followership and Employees’ Innovative Behavior: Chain Mediation Effect of Leader–Member Exchange and Psychological Empowerment
Authors: Liang Wei , Lv Chen , Yu Yongchang , Li Tingyi , Liu Peng
Published: May 2022

In the Chinese society, where power distance is high, leaders’ attitudes and behavior toward employees determine their career development as well as affect the entire team’s performance. Therefore, exploring the kind of employees that leaders expect in China is essential. Based on implicit followership theory perspective, this study considers leaders’ positive implicit followership (LPIF) as the main research variable and examines its influence on employees’ innovative behavior (EIB). Moreover, it explores the multiple mediation effect of the leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship and psychological empowerment (PE) in this influence mechanism. The study sample comprised 389 leaders and their direct employees at 45 large- and medium-sized enterprises in Shandong, Beijing, Hebei, Shanghai, Shanxi, Zhejiang, and other regions of China. We used the leader–employee 1:1 matching questionnaire, and the longitudinal research design was adopted to avoid homology variance, making the study results more realistic and reliable. This study used the SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0 statistical software to verify the hypotheses. Our findings show that LPIF has a significant positive effect on EIB, and LMX and PE have multiple mediation effects on the relationship between LPIF and EIB. When the level of LPIF is high, LMX and PE are also enhanced, which in turn promotes the increase in EIB. This study provides a new perspective for subsequent research on the psychological mechanism of employees and suggests an important method for understanding leadership and following processes in an organization. It plays a guiding role for the management practice of an enterprise, selection of leaders, and training of employees.
Visual Attention, Behavioral Intention, and Choice Behavior Among Older Consumers Toward Sports Marketing Images: An Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Wang Tsai-Chiao , Tang Ta-Wei , Tsai Chia-Liang
Published: May 2022

Mental health benefits (i.e., relaxing and relieving pressure) can influence consumers’ consumption decisions. However, there is still no clear understanding of the impact of mental health benefits on visual attention, behavioral intention, and choice behavior. Study 1 was thus aimed at exploring the visual attention and behavioral intention of older consumers with respect to exercise consumption. A sample of 186 older consumers was investigated. An eye-tracking analysis was used to evaluate the visual attention of participants observing health promotion messages, and questionnaires were used to assess the behavioral intention of the older consumers under consideration in this work. The findings confirmed that marketing pictures combining natural sportscapes with prevention focus messages (i.e., conveying information to consumers that it is safe and not easy to be injured when engaging in yoga activities in natural settings) can best capture older consumers’ visual attention (e.g., fixation numbers and fixation times) and behavioral intentions. In Study 2, 75 participants were recruited. It was found that marketing pictures combining natural sportscapes with prevention focus messages were selected more by the participants, with health communication images successfully attracting them to choose the sports program products being presented. The findings of the two studies suggested that marketing pictures can effectively stimulate consumers’ visual attention and has effects on their behavioral intention and choices toward exercising in a safe, natural environment.
Couples Coping With Hematological Cancer: Support Within and Outside the Couple – Findings From a Qualitative Analysis of Dyadic Interviews
Authors: Bodschwinna Daniela , Weissflog Gregor , Döhner Hartmut , Niederwieser Dietger , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Gündel Harald , Ernst Jochen , Goerling Ute , Hönig Klaus
Published: May 2022

Objective

Cancer affects the patients as well as their partners. Couples use different strategies to cope with cancer and the associated burden: individual coping, dyadic coping, and support from the social network and from professional health care. The aim of this qualitative dyadic interviews is to gain a deeper and more differentiated understanding of the support system inside and outside of the couple.

Methods

Ten heterosexual couples (patients: seven men and three women) with different ages (patients: range = 22–75; spouses: range = 22–74), different hematological cancer (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and cancer stages (initial diagnosis or relapse) participated in the study. Semi-structured dyadic interviews were conducted. Data of the verbatim transcripts were systematically coded and analyzed following structuring content analysis.

Results

Three main categories (individual coping, dyadic coping, and outside support) and ten subcategories about coping and support strategies in hematological cancer patients and their spouses could be identified. All couples described cohesion in relationship as an essential common dyadic coping strategy. Most strategies were focused on the patient’s wellbeing. Furthermore, couples reported different common plans for the future: while some wanted to return to normality, others were reaching out for new goals.

Conclusion

Couples used various coping and support strategies, that differed in type and frequency between patients and spouses. Most of the strategies were perceived as beneficial, but some also triggered pressure. Overall, spouses seem to need more psychological support to improve their own wellbeing.
Collaboration Between Humans and Robots in Organizations: A Macroergonomic, Emotional, and Spiritual Approach
Authors: Firescu Violeta , Gaşpar Mirabela-Luciana , Crucianu Ioan , Rotariu Eliade
Published: May 2022

The new managerial challenges are related to finding solutions for complex problems, inside some more and more complex management systems, in a continuously changing organizational context. Competitivity and progress imply a continuous positive change and the need to accept, respond, and adapt to the organization’s internal and external environments changes. This brief research report aims to point out the organizational ergonomics’ contribution to employees’ wellbeing through a systemic, emotional, and spiritual approach to man’s interaction with technology, systems, and organizational environment. The research methods used were the multidisciplinary bibliographic study and the interview. Three semi-structured interviews were taken to explore today’s challenges and new 4.0 technologies’ impact, especially robots, on the company and on employees’ wellbeing and spiritual fulfillment. The novelty comes from the analysis of new technologies’ impact on the human factor from the spiritual point of view. Our main results have to do with the shaping of a model for human capital’s valorization and with suggesting a list for monitoring human capital valorization in the company. This article’s main conclusion shows that the organizations’ management must be prepared to manage future challenges by improving the employee’s abilities, adaptability to change, and collaboration with robots.
Mediating Effect of Financial Behaviour on the Relationship Between Perceived Financial Wellbeing and Its Factors Among Low-Income Young Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Sabri Mohamad Fazli , Wahab Rozita , Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Magli Amirah Shazana , Rahim Husniyah Abd
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this study is to investigate the associations between financial knowledge, locus of control (LOC) and perceived financial wellbeing (FWB) with financial behaviour as a mediator among young adults from low-income households in Malaysia, controlling for education and income. The sample of this study consisted of 482 young adults from five different zones in Peninsular and East Malaysia, which were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a set of questionnaire-based surveys. The data were then analysed using Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study found that financial knowledge and external LOC as well as financial behaviour were significantly correlated with the perceived FWB of low-income young adults in Malaysia. The results also revealed that financial behaviour mediates the influence by financial knowledge and internal LOC on perceived FWB controlling for education and income. The findings of this study provide insights into the factors of perceived FWB of low-income young adults in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Policymakers, government and non-government organisations may utilise this study to develop new policies, financial programmes or campaigns to enhance the FWB of low-income young adults in Malaysia.
The Impact of Financial Redundancy on Corporate Social Responsibility Performance: Evidence From Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: He Ling , Gan Shengdao , Zhong Tingyong
Published: May 2022

This study examines the impact of financial redundancy on corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2020. The results indicate that financial redundancy has a significant positive effect on CSR. However, financially redundant resources are not balanced in terms of how they encourage firms to undertake different dimensions of social responsibility; specifically, firms actively take social responsibility toward shareholders and the public but take less responsibility for employees and the environment. The incentive for firms with financially redundant resources to promote CSR initiatives is attributable to their high level of social awareness and pursuit of reputation. Consistent with their motives, our economic consequence analysis reveals that the incremental effect of CSR driven by financial redundancy improves corporate reputation but has no enhancement effect on corporate performance. Finally, our extended analysis reveals that the relative impact of financial redundancy on CSR depends on several organizational variables that influence a firm’s preferences for CSR investments. The positive impact of financial redundancy on CSR is stronger among firms with high managerial career concerns and firms in regions with high market competition. This research provides a necessary structure for future CSR studies to follow. By delving deeply into the relationship between financial redundancy and CSR, it enables scholars to better address the critical management question of whether wealthy firms do more good for society compared to those that are less wealthy.
Fertility Intentions for a Second Child and Their Influencing Factors in Contemporary China
Authors: Li Mingming , Xu Xinxin
Published: May 2022

Although the Chinese government has shifted from a one-child policy to a two-child policy (allowing a couple to have up to two children) since 2016 in response to the aging population, the policy results have been unsatisfactory. This is the first paper to systematically investigate the factors influencing residents’ intentions to have a second child. The research focuses on the perspective of individual, family, and social characteristics based on the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) from 2017 to 2018. Three machine learning methods are used in conjunction with logistic regression to reveal that the intention of having a second child increases heavily with age, more siblings in the family of origin, and better health. The family income, which is currently the focus of the literature and is statistically significant, is only sixth most important. This study further reveals differences between genders: Women with a lower level of education and religious beliefs prefer to have a second child, whereas for men, non-agricultural hukou and marriage are the position factors. The results of this study also illustrate the importance of future research focusing on the relationship of individuals to their family of origin and districts.
The Impact of Hospitality Work Environment on Employees’ Turnover Intentions During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Work-Family Conflict
Authors: Abdou Ahmed Hassan , Khalil Ayman Ahmed Farag , Mahmoud Hassan Marzok Elsayed , Elsaied Mohamed Ahmed , Elsaed Ahmed Anwar
Published: May 2022

Employees’ turnover intentions and work-family conflict as a result of the hospitality work environment are considered the major global challenges confronted by hospitality organizations, especially in the era of COVID-19. This study aims at identifying the impact of the hospitality work environment on work-family conflict (WFC), as well as turnover intentions and examining the potential mediating role of WFC in the relationship between work environment and turnover intentions, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of three- and four-star resorts in Egypt. A total of 413 resorts employees from Egyptian destinations (Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada) participated in the study. The findings of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that the hospitality work environment significantly and positively affects employees’ turnover intentions and WFC. In the context of the mediating role of WFC, results illustrated that WFC significantly partially mediates the relationship between the hospitality work environment and turnover intentions. Upon these findings, the study suggests that to prevent WFC and eliminate turnover intentions among resorts’ employees, an urgent need to create a better work environment is vitally important. limitations and future research directions have been discussed.
Relationship Between Mental Health and Death Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Staff and Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jazaiery Mahta , Rezaeifar Kosar , Sayyah Mehdi , Cheraghi Maria
Published: May 2022

Objective:

We aimed to determine the mental health and death anxiety among dental staff and students in school of dentistry during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study among students (n = 300) and staff (n = 60) in School of dentistry in Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences during 2020. The instruments were a demographic questionnaire, Death Anxiety Scale, and Kessler Questionnaire. Data was analyze by using SPSS version 22, in all tests, the significance level was set at <0.05.

Results

The mean age of dental students and personnel was 23.96 and 40.08 years, respectively. The mean scores of death anxiety were higher in dental staff (8.53) than students (6.02) and the mean scores of mental health status were higher in students (14.78) than personnel (9.18). This indicates that death anxiety was higher in Dental staff, while students were in better mental health status. The correlation coefficient between death anxiety and mental health status was 0.366 among students (p < 0.001), while it was 0.429 among dental staff (p < 0.001), showing a medium relationship between death anxiety and mental health in both groups.

Conclusion

The overall findings represent a significant but contradictory relationship between mental health status and death anxiety among dental staff and students during the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests the impact of confounding factors in this area, which can be studied by future researchers and policy makers to design health promotion interventions.
Internalized and Perceived Stigma and Depression in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Do They Explain the Relationship Between Drug Sensitivity Status and Adherence?
Authors: Pradhan Anmol , Koirala Prakash , Bhandari Samrat Singh , Dutta Sanjiba , García-Grau Pau , Sampath Harshavardhan , Sharma Indralal
Published: May 2022

Background

Adherence to medication for tuberculosis (TB) has been found to be deleteriously affected by psychosocial issues, including internalized and perceived stigma (IPS) and depression, usually resulting in the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The objective of the study was to find the prevalence of depression among patients receiving treatment for pulmonary TB, and how stigma and depression affect the relationship between drug sensitivity status (DSS) and treatment adherence.

Method

It was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between January 2019 and July 2020 in two centers in Sikkim, India. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Internalized Social Stigma Scale (ISSS), and Tuberculosis Medication Adherence Scale were used to assess depression, IPS, and medication adherence, respectively. A path analysis was performed with DSS, treatment adherence, IPS, and depression. Education in years was included in the model as it was significantly correlated with IPS.

Results

A total of 71 patients who were on drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB) regimen (n = 26) and MDR-TB regimen (n = 45) participated in the study. Notably, 56.3% (n = 40) of the participants were found to have depression. Among the depressed participants, 32.5% were on the DS-TB regimen and 67.5% were on the MDR-TB regimen. The path analysis indicated that IPS and depression were serially mediating the relationship between DSS and treatment adherence (β = −0.06, p < 0.05, 95% CI = −3.20, −0.02). Finally, years of education had an exogenous predictor role, not only directly affecting IPS (β = −0.38, p < 0.001, 95% CI = −0.99, −0.31) but also affecting treatment adherence through IPS and depression (β = 0.08, p = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.47). This indicated that with more years of education, the IPS decreases, which decreases depression and ultimately leads to better adherence.

Conclusion

We found an important relationship between different psychosocial factors which may affect treatment adherence. Patients who have higher IPS are more likely to develop depression which negatively affect adherence. Patients on the MDR-TB regimen have higher stigma. There is an urgent need to integrate mental health services with TB Control Programs.
The Protective Effect of Health Literacy on Reducing College Students' Stress and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ying Yuting , Jing Chunxia , Zhang Fan
Published: May 2022

Background

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic threatens people's health and well–being all around the world, resulting in increased stress and anxiety. Existing literature has found health literacy has a protective effect on health, and the study has taken a closer look at the effects of health literacy on perceived stress and anxiety among Chinese college students.

Methods

With structural questionnaires, a cross–sectional survey was conducted to collect the responses of 1,251 participants from different universities in Hubei and Guangdong, China. Participants' health literacy and perceived stress and anxiety symptoms were evaluated.

Results

Only 11.83% of the participants reported sufficient health literacy. Compared with college students from Hubei and Guangdong with a major in medicine showed a higher percentage of having sufficient literacy. Moreover, having sufficient health literacy showed a protective effect in reducing the risk of stress (OR = 0.14, 95%CI= 0.01–0.04; p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 0.02, 95%CI = 0–0.61; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Health literacy was found to have a protective effect in reducing anxiety and stress among college students. This effect has remained among students from different majors and locations. However, it is noteworthy that the overall level of health literacy is relatively low among college students, particularly among those from Hubei Province or with non–medical majors. Therefore, more effort should be put into developing health education programs promoting health literacy and mental health on campus.
Knowledge of Fertile Period and Its Determinants Among Women of Childbearing age in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis Based on 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Wolde Maereg , Kassie Ayenew , Shitu Kegnie , Azene Zelalem Nigussie
Published: May 2022

Background

The knowledge of the fertile period is one of the science techniques used to delay pregnancy. Although it is a highly effective method, most women lack correct knowledge about it and end up with unintended pregnancies and undergo through unsafe abortion, which is among the leading factors for maternal death. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the knowledge about fertile period and its determinant factors among reproductive age women in Ethiopia.

Methods

The data were extracted from the 2016 national cross-sectional Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The data were collected using a two-stage cluster design. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings. The determinants of knowledge about fertile period were analyzed using a multilevel binary logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 15,683 women were included. From this, 23.6% (95% CI: 23–24) had knowledge about fertile period. Age group of 20–24 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years, 35–39 years, 40–44 years, and 45–49 years; accomplishment of primary education, secondary education, and higher education; partner high level of education; wealth status of poorer, middle, richer, and richest; a person listened to radio < once a week; and a person who watch TV at least once in a week and who ever heard about family planning; internet usage in the last 12 months, being protestant religion follower; and community family planning message exposure were significantly associated with knowledge about fertile period.

Conclusion

The number of reproductive age women who know about fertile period is low in Ethiopia. Age above 19 years, respondent's education attainment from primary to higher education, partner high level of education, being from poorer to richest wealth status, listening to radio, watching TV, ever heard of FP, internet usage in the last 12 months, being protestant religion follower, and community family planning exposure were significantly associated with good knowledge about fertile period.
A Moderated Mediation Model Explaining the Relationship Between Risk-Group Membership, Threat Perception, Knowledge, and Adherence to COVID-19 Behavioral Measures
Authors: Sattler Sebastian , Taflinger Shannon , Ernst André , Hasselhorn Fabian
Published: May 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a threat to individual and global health, thus, reducing the disease's spread is of significant importance. However, adherence to behavioral measures against the spread of COVID-19 is not universal, even within vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of exposure to the virus or severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study investigates how risk-group membership relates to adherence to COVID-19 behavioral measures, whether perceived threat of COVID-19 is a mechanism explaining this relationship, and whether knowledge about COVID-19 moderates these effects.

Methods

We conducted a web-based survey (N = 4,096) representative of the adult population in Germany with regard to gender, age (18 to 74), and province. Therein, we assessed risk group membership with two indicators (risk of exposure to COVID-19 and risk of severe COVID-19 infection), perceived COVID-19 threat with the Perceived Coronavirus Threat Questionnaire, knowledge about COVID-19 with a knowledge test; and adherence to six behavioral measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., keeping distance, using mouth-nose protection, and following contact restrictions). We used moderated mediation models to test whether perceived threat mediates the relationship between risk-group membership and adherence and whether knowledge about COVID-19 moderates this relationship.

Results

We found that risk group members had more perceived COVID-19 threat and that knowledge about COVID-19 increased perceived threat. Moreover, risk group membership had a positive direct effect on adherence to most behavioral measures and risk group members with less knowledge about COVID-19 violated measures more frequently. Risk-group membership also had positive indirect effects on adherence via perceived COVID-19 threat. The moderated indirect effects of threat indicate that threat led to more adherence when knowledge was low, but lost relevance as knowledge increased.

Conclusion

The results may help to evaluate disease-regulation measures and to combat the pandemic more effectively. For example, increasing COVID-19 knowledge in the general population could increase adherence to COVID-19 behavioral measures. However, policy makers should be mindful that this could also have negative mental health implications as knowledge increases perceived COVID-19 threat.
The Use of Photovoice Methodology to Assess Health Needs and Identify Opportunities Among Migrant Transgender Women in the U.S.-Mexico Border
Authors: Chavez-Baray Silvia M. , Martinez Omar , Chaparro Perla , Moya Eva M.
Published: May 2022

Psychosocial, social and structural conditions have rarely been studied among transgender women in the U.S.-Mexico Border. This study used Photovoice methodology to empower migrant transgender women of color (TWC) to reflect on realities from their own perspectives and experiences and promote critical dialogue, knowledge, and community action. Sixteen participants documented their daily experiences through photography, engaged in photo-discussions to assess needs and identify opportunities, and developed a community-informed Call to Action. Four major themes emerged from the participants' photographs, discussions, and engagement: (1) mental health, (2) migration experiences and challenges, (3) stigma, discrimination, and resiliency, and (4) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through active community engagement, a Call to Action was developed. A binational advisory committee of decision makers and scholars reviewed a set of recommendations to better respond to the needs of TWC in the U.S.-Mexico Border. Photovoice served as an empowerment tool for TWC to assess the myriad of syndemic conditions, including mental health, stigma, discrimination and COVID-19, affecting them daily and identify initiatives for change.
Dealing With Immunoglobulin Shortages: A Rationalization Plan From Evidence-Based and Data Collection
Authors: Solís-Díez Gerard , Turu-Pedrola Marta , Roig-Izquierdo Marta , Zara Corinne , Vallano Antoni , Pontes Caridad
Published: May 2022

Background

The demand and consumption of immunoglobulins (IgGs) are growing, and there are many difficulties in obtaining supplies. The aim of the study was to analyze the evolution of IgG consumption and cost over a decade, describe the measures implemented for clinical management in the context of regional public health system, and evaluate the initial impact of these measures.

Methods

We performed a retrospective longitudinal study including patients of all public health systems in Catalonia. First, we analyzed data on consumption and cost of IgGs during a period between 1 January, 2010 and 31 December 2021. Second, we analyzed the impact of a set of regional measures in terms of annual consumption and cost of IgGs. Regional measures were based on rational evidence-based measures and computer registries. We compared the data of year before applying intervention measures (1 January and 31 December 2020) with data of year after applying clinical management interventions (1 January and 31 December 2021). In addition, detailed information on clinical indications of IgG use between 1 January and 31 December 2021 was collected.

Results

Overall, in terms of population, the consumption of IgGs (g/1,000 inhabitants) increased from 40.4 in 2010 to 94.6 in 2021. The mean cost per patient increased from €10,930 in 2010 to €15,595 in 2021. After implementing the measures, the mean annual estimated consumption per patient in 2021 was statistically lower than the mean annual estimated consumption per patient in 2020 (mean difference −47 g, 95% CI −62.28 g, −31.72 g, p = 0.03). The mean annual estimated cost per patient in 2021 was also lower than the mean annual estimated cost per patient in 2020 (the mean difference was –€1,492, 95% CI –€2,132.12, –€851.88; p = 0.027). In 2021, according to evidence-based classification, 75.66% treatments were prescribed for a demonstrated therapeutic evidence-based indication, 12.17% for a developed therapeutic evidence-based indication, 4.66% for non-evidence-based therapeutic role indication, and 8.1% could not be classified because of lack of information.

Conclusion

The annual consumption and cost of IgGs have grown steadily over the last decade in our regional public health system. After implementing a set of regional measures, the annual consumption of IgGs per patient and annual cost per patient decreased. However, the decrease has occurred in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which may have influenced their clinical use. Managing the use of IgGs through a rational plan with strategies including evidence-based and data collection may be useful in a shortage situation with growing demand. Registries play a key role in collection of systematic data to analyze, synthesize, and obtain valuable information for decision support. The action developed needs close monitoring in order to verify its effectiveness.
Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Mediated and Moderated Model
Authors: Sun Jianmin , Sarfraz Muddassar , Khawaja Kausar Fiaz , Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim
Published: May 2022

In the global business environment, sustainability has become a competitive priority of most enterprises. Sustainability as a differentiation approach enables organizations to compete in today's environment. However, despite the increasing adaptability to sustainability practices, pharmaceutical supply chain management is still facing challenges in preserving the global environment. The study contemplates the impact of sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable competitive advantage while considering the mediating role of sustainable supply chain practice and moderating role of sustainability inhibitors. The data was collected from the 180 employees working in the pharmaceutical companies of Pakistan. The study applied a quantitative approach for testing a theoretical model, using discriminant validity analysis, assessment of measurement model, composite reliability & validity analysis to assess the dimensions and model's reliability and validity. The study results show a positive relationship between sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable competitive advantage. Sustainable supply chain practice mediates the relationship between sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable competitive advantage, while sustainability inhibitors strengthen the relationship between sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable supply chain practice. This study will help managers develop impactful sustainable supply chain management practices that will lead to sustainable performance.
Tandem Use of Multiple Tracers and Metrics to Identify Dynamic and Slow Hydrological Flowpaths
Authors: Dwivedi Ravindra , Eastoe Christopher , Knowles John F. , McIntosh Jennifer , Meixner Thomas , Ferre Paul A. Ty , Minor Rebecca , Barron-Gafford Greg , Abramson Nathan , Stanley Michael , Chorover Jon
Published: May 2022

Current understanding of the dynamic and slow flow paths that support streamflow in mountain headwater catchments is inhibited by the lack of long-term hydrogeochemical data and the frequent use of short residence time age tracers. To address this, the current study combined the traditional mean transit time and the state-of-the-art fraction of young water (Fyw) metrics with stable water isotopes and tritium tracers to characterize the dynamic and slow flow paths at Marshall Gulch, a sub-humid headwater catchment in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, USA. The results show that Fyw varied significantly with period when using sinusoidal curve fitting methods (e.g., iteratively re-weighted least squares or IRLS), but not when using the transit time distribution (TTD)-based method. Therefore, Fyw estimates from TTD-based methods may be particularly useful for intercomparison of dynamic flow behavior between catchments. However, the utility of 3H to determine Fyw in deeper groundwater was limited due to both data quality and inconsistent seasonal cyclicity of the precipitation 3H time series data. Although a Gamma-type TTD was appropriate to characterize deep groundwater, there were large uncertainties in the estimated Gamma TTD shape parameter arising from the short record length of 3H in deep groundwater. This work demonstrates how co-application of multiple metrics and tracers can yield a more complete understanding of the dynamic and slow flow paths and observable deep groundwater storage volumes that contribute to streamflow in mountain headwater catchments.