bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-locus genome-wide association study reveals the genetics underlying muscadine antioxidant in berry skin
Authors: Park Minkyu , Darwish Ahmed G. , Elhag Rashid I. , Tsolova Violeta , Soliman Karam F. A. , El-Sharkawy Islam
Published: August 2022

Muscadine berries display enhanced nutraceutical value due to the accumulation of distinctive phytochemical constituents with great potential antioxidant activity. Such nutritional and health merits are not only restricted to muscadine, but muscadine berries accumulate higher amounts of bioactive polyphenolics compared with other grape species. For the genetic study of the antioxidant trait in muscadine, a multi-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 350 muscadine genotypes and 1,283 RNase H2 enzyme-dependent amplicon sequencing (rhAmpSeq) markers was performed. Phenotyping was conducted with several antioxidant-related traits, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, and FRAP antioxidant assay in muscadine berry skin. The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that the TPC, and DPPH/FRAP activities were significantly correlated. Through the GWAS analysis, 12 QTNs were identified from the four traits, of which six were pleiotropic QTNs. Two pleiotropic QTNs, chr2_14464718 and chr4_16491374, were commonly identified from the TPC and DPPH/FRAP activities. Co-located genes with the two pleiotropic QTNs were isolated, and two candidate genes were identified with transcriptome analysis. UDP-glycosyltransferase and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoglutarate aldolase were the candidate genes that are positively and negatively correlated to the quantitative property of traits, respectively. These results are the first genetic evidence of the quantitative property of antioxidants in muscadine and provide genetic resources for breeding antioxidant-rich cultivars for bothMuscadiniaandEuvitisspecies.
Latent profiles of sleep quality, financial management behaviors, and sexual satisfaction in emerging adult newlywed couples and longitudinal connections with marital satisfaction
Authors: Saxey Matthew T. , Li Xiaomin , Wikle Jocelyn S. , Hill E. Jeffrey , LeBaron-Black Ashley B. , James Spencer L. , Brown-Hamlett Jessica L. , Holmes Erin K. , Yorgason Jeremy B.
Published: August 2022

Emerging adult newlywed couples often experience many demands on their time, and three common problems may surface as couples try to balance these demands—problems related to finances, sleep, and sex. We used two waves of dyadic data from 1,001 emerging adult newlywed couples to identify four dyadic latent profiles from husbands’ and wives’ financial management behaviors, sexual satisfaction, and sleep quality:Flounderers,Financially Challenged Lovers,Drowsy Budgeters, andFlourishers. We then examined how husbands’ and wives’ marital satisfaction, in relation to profile membership, varied at a later wave. We found that Financially Challenged Lovers and Flourishers had significantly higher marital satisfaction than Drowsy Budgeters and Flounderers (mostly medium effect sizes). Whereas, Financially Challenged Lovers and Flourishers did not differ in terms of marital satisfaction, Drowsy Budgeters seemed to have slightly higher marital satisfaction than Flounderers for wives only (small effect size). However, we did not find evidence that these connections meaningfully differed by sex. Implications for the efforts of clinicians and educators are discussed.
Carbon information disclosure quality, greenwashing behavior, and enterprise value
Authors: Cao Qilin , Zhou Yunhuan , Du Hongyu , Ren Mengxi , Zhen Weili
Published: August 2022

As global warming becomes increasingly prominent, countries worldwide advocate for a low-carbon economy to cope with the pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Chinese government has proposed a “dual carbon” goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2060. The disclosure of carbon information by Chinese enterprises has attracted widespread attention from society. This study selects the constituents of the Social Responsibility Index of China Shanghai Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2020 as samples to empirically analyze the relationship between the level of carbon information disclosure and corporate value, and the moderating effect of greenwashing behavior. Results indicated that the quality of carbon disclosure is positively correlated with the enterprise value. Greenwashing behavior promotes the positive impact of carbon disclosure quality on enterprise value in the short run, but this promoting effect fades in the long run. We further found that the carbon information disclosure of non-heavy-pollution enterprises has a more obvious positive impact on enterprise value than that of heavily polluting enterprises. Additionally, the positive impact of carbon information disclosure on enterprise value is more visible among enterprises in a good legal environment than those in a poor legal environment. This study enriches the relevant literature on carbon information disclosure and enterprise “greenwashing” behavior and has practical significance for promoting China’s low-carbon development in the context of ecological civilization and improving the enthusiasm for the quality of enterprise carbon information disclosure.
Does creative thinking contribute to the academic integrity of education students?
Authors: Eshet Yovav , Margaliot Adva
Published: August 2022

The current research focuses on the nature of the relationship comprising personality traits, creative thinking, and academic integrity. Scholars have confirmed that personality traits and creative thinking correlate positively with academic integrity. However, a discussion of academic integrity, personality traits, and creative thinking is missing in the scholarly literature. This study used a questionnaire survey based on the Big Five Factor to identify personality characteristics, the Academic Integrity Inventory, and the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. The sample included 976 students studying in four academic colleges in Israel, of which two are teacher training colleges and two colleges awarding a degree in education. The findings show that most of the students (71%) reported they had cheated at some point during their academic studies, and only one-fifth (21%) thought that they would condemn their peers’ lack of integrity. Creative thinking students and emotionally stable persons tend to be more ethical. Hence, we conclude that it is recommended to deliver creative thinking courses in the teacher’s educational training programs to improve creative thinking levels, reduce academic dishonesty, and create more effective curricula.
Internalizing and externalizing pathways to high-risk substance use and geographic location in Australian adolescents
Authors: Willis Bailey M. , Kersh Phereby P. , Buchanan Christy M. , Cole Veronica T.
Published: August 2022

One specific instantiation of the storm-and-stress view of adolescence is the idea that “normal” adolescence involves high-risk substance use behaviors. However, although uptake of some substance use behaviors is more common during adolescence than other life stages, it is clear that not all adolescents engage in risky substance use—and among those who do, there is much variation in emotional, behavioral, and contextual precursors of this behavior. One such set of predictors forms the internalizing pathway to substance use disorder, whereby internalizing symptoms in childhood such as negative affect and anxiety set off a chain of consequences culminating in high-risk substance use in late adolescence. However, findings linking internalizing symptoms to substance use are mixed, and it is clear that this link varies across adolescents and contexts. One heretofore unanswered question is whether and how geographic location, specifically whether the adolescent lives in an urban or rural location, moderates this link. The current report is a secondary analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC; N = 2,285), in which we examined the link between internalizing symptoms in childhood and initiation of substance use through age 19. Using a multiple event process survival mixture model (MEPSUM), we identified three trajectories of substance use initiation in adolescence: one (65.7% of the sample) characterized by near-complete abstinence until late adolescence, another (27.2%) by earlier initiation of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, and another (7.2%) by early initiation of these substances and later initiation of more hazardous drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Although childhood externalizing symptoms increased the risk of being in the second or third class, internalizing symptoms decreased risk when rural and non-rural adolescents were considered together. Few effects of rurality were found, but the negative relationship between internalizing at age 10 and high-risk substance use was only observed among non-rural adolescents. This finding, which was inconsistent with our initial predictions that rurality might confer higher risk for substance use, instead suggests a potentially protective effect of internalizing symptoms for engagement in risky substance use which may differ based on an adolescent’s geographical context.
Do learners with higher readiness feel less anxious when studying online at home?
Authors: Qin Chao , He Hao , Zhu Jiawen , Hu Jie , Yu Jia
Published: August 2022

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in many parts of the world, online education has become a more viable option. Some studies have assessed undergraduate students’ readiness for online learning, while others examined students’ anxiety about online learning at home. The relationship between readiness and anxiety about online learning is, however, not well explored. This paper has two purposes: (1) to develop a new and valid instrument—the Home-based Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire (HOLRQ)—to measure students’ readiness to study online at home based on a theoretical framework of self-regulated learning. As a replacement for the previous readiness scale, this new instrument adds a section on learning strategies and updates and develops new items. (2) to investigate the relationship between readiness and anxiety in online learning. In order to explore those issues, 527 undergraduate students in China were surveyed in this study. The results indicated that HOLRQ was validated in the following six domains: motivation, self-efficacy, information technology skills, resource management, learning strategies and help-seeking. Chinese undergraduate students were more prepared in resource management, motivation, and help seeking, but less prepared in learning strategies, information technology skills, and self-efficacy. However, the regression analysis showed that readiness did not predict online learning anxiety. It means even highly prepared self-regulated learners may experience anxiety when learning online from home. The findings provide insights for instructors and administrators to determine how students really feel about learning from home with online education.
Music and neuro-cognitive deficits in depression
Authors: Raghavendra Prathima A. , Hegde Shantala , Philip Mariamma , Kesavan Muralidharan
Published: August 2022

Background

Cognitive deficits are one of the core features of major depressive disorder (MDD) that play crucial role in functional recovery. Studies have explored cognitive deficits in MDD, however, given inconsistent results, especially in mild-moderate MDD. Recently, studies have explored music as cognitive ability in various clinical conditions. In MDD, large focus has been on evaluating emotion deficits and just a handful on music cognition. With growing evidence on use of music based intervention to target cognitive deficits, it is imperative to explore nature of music cognitive ability in MDD.

Aim

To examine musical and neuro-cognitive deficits in patients with mild-moderate MDD.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with mild or moderate MDD (n = 19) and matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 18) were evaluated on selected tests from NIMHANS Neuropsychological test battery and Montreal battery for evaluation of amusia (MBEA).

Results

MDD group performed significantly lower than HC on working memory (p = 0.007), verbal learning (p = 0.02) and retention (p = 0.03). Three indices were computed for a comprehensive evaluation. Groups did not differ significantly in any of the indices- focused attention, executive function, learning and memory as well as on music cognition. Focused attention and memory index predicted music cognition in HC and the combined group (MDD + HC) (p < 0.01). Attention alone contributed to 62.1% of variance in music cognition. Similarly, music cognition significantly predicted focused attention (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Individuals with mild-moderate MDD show significant deficits in working memory, verbal learning and memory, however, not in music cognition. There exists a significant relationship between music cognition and attention, which could be implicated in use of music interventions to ameliorate cognitive deficits. Limitations of study include small sample size and heterogeneity. Future studies on larger cohort examining musical emotion perception and neurocognition is imperative to have deeper understanding of this debilitating condition.
Empowering teachers to screen, guide, and refer schoolchildren with behavioral and mental health problems. A pilot study to promote mental health in Iran
Authors: Afshari Ramin , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri , Doolub Damien , Jaafari Nematollah , Ostovarfar Jeyran
Published: August 2022

Background

Schools are ideal for promoting the mental health of school-age children, but the teachers' current knowledge is insufficient to play an influential role in mental health services at schools. Fortunately, however, teachers have a high sense of responsibility, interest, and talent to receive knowledge and the ability to participate in this field. This study aimed to examine whether a protocol focused on the role of teachers could identify, guide, and care for school-age children with behavioral and mental health problems.

Method

The current research was a “before and after” pilot quasi-experimental study conducted in three elementary, secondary, and high schools. The main intervention consisted of a 5-h workshop based on a ready-to-use booklet for teachers conducted separately in each school. A total of 58 teachers and 872 school-age children were included using a judgmental sampling technique.

Results

The pre-and post-workshop mean scores of teachers' knowledge about common mental disorders in school-age children were 6.21 ± 4.58 and 12.50 ± 7.27, respectively. According to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the teachers made 127 referrals, of whom 102 school-age children had problems. Consultants diagnosed 114 school children who reflected 90% of all teachers' recommendations needing psychological care and counseling. Finally, only 50 diagnosed school-age children were followed up and attended therapy sessions at counseling centers. The sensitivity and specificity of this brief intervention in detecting school-age children with psychological problems were respectively 80.3 and 98.0%.

Conclusions

This study's results support teacher empowerment training's effectiveness in identifying and guiding school-age children needing mental health care. Psychological counseling programs in schools in various quantitative and qualitative dimensions, including responding to school-age children's needs and psychological problems, should be adequately evaluated, and appropriate measures should be taken to promote mental health services. Collaboration between health systems and the education department will increase the effectiveness of mental health programs' promotion and drug abuse prevention. These pilot data lead the way to designing scientifically sound follow-up studies that will concretely ascertain the benefit of this program.
Moderators of pre-post changes in school-based mental health promotion: Psychological stress symptom decrease for adolescents with mental health problems, knowledge increase for all
Authors: Lehner Laya , Gillé Vera , Baldofski Sabrina , Bauer Stephanie , Becker Katja , Diestelkamp Silke , Kaess Michael , Krämer Jennifer , Lustig Sophia , Moessner Markus , Rummel-Kluge Christine , Thomasius Rainer , Eschenbeck Heike ,   the ProHEAD Consortium
Published: August 2022

Background

School-based mental health promotion aims to strengthen mental health and reduce stress. Results on the effectiveness of such programs are heterogeneous. This study realized a school-based mental health promotion program (StresSOS) for all students and aimed to identify moderators (mental health status, gender, grade level) of pre- to post-changes in stress symptoms and knowledge.

Methods

Participants were N = 510 adolescents (from 29 classes; 46.7% female) aged 12–18 years (M = 13.88, SD = 1.00; grade levels 7–10). They were without mental health problems (65.9%), at risk for mental health problems (21.6%), or with mental health problems (12.5%) and participated in a 90 min per week face-to-face training with 8 sessions in class at school. Demographic variables, mental health status, stress symptoms, and knowledge about stress and mental health were collected at baseline. Program acceptance, stress symptoms, and knowledge were collected post-intervention. Multilevel mixed effects models were conducted with the fixed effects time (within factor), mental health status, gender, and grade level (between factors). Random effects for students within classes were included.

Results

In the pre-post comparison, mental health status moderated the changes on psychological stress symptoms (p < 0.05). In adolescents with mental health problems the largest reduction in stress symptoms was observed between pre- and post-assessment. Gender and grade level were less relevant. For all adolescents knowledge gains were revealed (p < 0.001). Program acceptance was moderated by mental health status and grade level (p < 0.01). Mentally healthy adolescents and within the group of adolescents at-risk or with mental health problems, especially younger students (7th/8th grade), rated program acceptance higher.

Conclusion

Psychological stress symptoms decreased among adolescents with mental health problems and not among adolescents at risk for or without mental health problems. Mental health-related knowledge increased for all adolescents. The results add to knowledge on school-based mental health intervention research and practice. Its implications for different prevention strategies (universal, selective or a combination of both) are discussed.
An assessor-blinded, randomized comparative trial of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with cranial electroacupuncture vs. citalopram for depression with chronic pain
Authors: Li Shaoyuan , Zhang Zixuan , Jiao Yue , Jin Guixing , Wu Yue , Xu Fengquan , Zhao Yufeng , Jia Hongxiao , Qin Zongshi , Zhang Zhangjin , Rong Peijing
Published: August 2022

Background

Depression accompanying chronic pain (CP) is one of the most common comorbid psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) acupoints compared with citalopram.

Methods

Sixty patients with depression and pain comorbidity were enrolled in a prospective 8-week, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either taVNS combined with electroacupuncture treatment (taVNS: 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week; electroacupuncture: 8 weeks, twice per day, no drugs) or citalopram treatment (8 weeks, 40 mg/day). The primary outcome was Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The secondary endpoints were evaluated using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), self-reported 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA).

Results

Both the taVNS combined with electroacupuncture and citalopram groups had significant reductions in depressive and pain symptoms, as indicated by the decrease in MARDS and SF-MPQ scores. Regarding the analgesic effect, the pain intensity score of the SF-MPQ showed a larger reduction with citalopram than with taVNS combined with electroacupuncture at 6 weeks (P = 0.036). The reduction in the BP score of the SF-36 was higher at week 4 (P = 0.000), with no significant difference observed at week 8 (P = 0.1110). This result indicated that the pain intensity can be improved rapidly with citalopram compared with taVNS combined with electroacupuncture. Similarly, the comparison of PSQI scores at 4, 6, and 8 weeks indicates that there was no significant difference between groups, except in the use of sleeping medications. At week 6, higher medication use was found in the citalopram group than in the taVNS combined with electroacupuncture group (P = 0.049).

Conclusion

In summary, compared with citalopram, taVNS combined with electroacupuncture produces similar positive effects on depressive and pain symptoms in patients with depression and chronic pain, which last for at least 8 weeks.
Identification of molecular signatures associated with sleep disorder and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liang Lucong , Yan Jing , Huang Xiaohua , Zou Chun , Chen Liechun , Li Rongjie , Xie Jieqiong , Pan Mika , Zou Donghua , Liu Ying
Published: August 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and sleep disorders are both neurodegenerative conditions characterized by impaired or absent sleep. However, potential common pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases are not well characterized.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using publicly available human gene expression profiles GSE5281 for AD and GSE40562 for sleep disorder. DEGs common to the two datasets were used for enrichment analysis, and we performed multi-scale embedded gene co-expression network analysis (MEGENA) for common DEGs. Fast gene set enrichment analysis (fGSEA) was used to obtain common pathways, while gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was applied to quantify those pathways. Subsequently, we extracted the common genes between module genes identified by MEGENA and genes of the common pathways, and we constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. The top 10 genes with the highest degree of connectivity were classified as hub genes. Common genes were used to perform Metascape enrichment analysis for functional enrichment. Furthermore, we quantified infiltrating immune cells in patients with AD or sleep disorder and in controls.

Results

DEGs common to the two disorders were involved in the citrate cycle and the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and several common DEGs were related to signaling pathways regulating the pluripotency of stem cells, as well as 10 other pathways. Using MEGENA, we identified 29 modules and 1,498 module genes in GSE5281, and 55 modules and 1,791 module genes in GSE40562. Hub genes involved in AD and sleep disorder were ATP5A1, ATP5B, COX5A, GAPDH, NDUFA9, NDUFS3, NDUFV2, SOD1, UQCRC1, and UQCRC2. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and T helper 17 cells had the most extensive infiltration in both AD and sleep disorder.

Conclusion

AD pathology and pathways of neurodegeneration participate in processes contributing in AD and sleep disorder. Hub genes may be worth exploring as potential candidates for targeted therapy of AD and sleep disorder.
Recruiting and exploring vulnerabilities among young people at risk, or in the early stages of serious mental illness (borderline personality disorder and first episode psychosis)
Authors: Gajwani Ruchika , Wilson Naomi , Nelson Rebecca , Gumley Andrew , Smith Michael , Minnis Helen
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Many gaps exist in our understanding of the developmental pathways to severe mental illness (SMI), including borderline personality disorder (BPD) and psychosis. However, those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at an increased risk and there is evidence to suggest that one of the earliest markers is emotional dysregulation. An area which has received relatively less research attention is the role neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) play. The aim of this feasibility study was therefore to explore the clinical profiles of young people early in the course of SMI, including their profiles of ACEs, emotional regulation difficulties, borderline personality traits and NDDs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of young people (aged 15–25) at risk of SMI, currently being seen within NHS mental health services, was conducted. This included those with early symptoms of psychosis and/or BPD as assessed by diagnostic interview. Eligible participants self-completed a battery of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological measures in the company of a researcher. This included assessments of: symptoms of NDDs; borderline pathology traits; ACEs; and difficulties in emotional regulation. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests and multiple regression.

Results

Of the 118 potentially eligible participants who were referred, 48 were ultimately included in the study. Young people early in the course of SMI reported a high prevalence of ACEs and deficits in emotional regulation. In total, 79% met criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Emotional dysregulation was found to significantly mediate the association between both ACEs and the frequency of NDDs and borderline personality traits, however given the small sample size these results are preliminary in nature.

Conclusion

Young people early in the course of SMI are at an increased risk of experiencing multiple childhood adversities and our results indicate a high prevalence of NDDs amongst them. Emotional dysregulation emerged as a potentially significant early marker of future clinical severity. We suggest that the clinical implications of our findings include routine screening for NDDs and ACEs and an increased recognition of the significance of emotional dysregulation. However, larger scale longitudinal studies are needed to investigate these preliminary findings further.
The DEMATEL method explores the interdependent relationship structure and weights for diagnosis-related groups system
Authors: Zou Tong , Jin Yanjun , Chuang Yen-Ching , Chien Ching-Wen , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study constructs a structure of interaction between dimensions and criteria within the diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) system from a quantitative system and identifies key factors affecting the overall performance of medical services.

Method

From September to December 2020, the influence relation structure diagram (IRSD) of the dimensions and corresponding criteria was developed from the practical experience of a group of domain experts, based on the DEMATEL method. Subsequently, all dimensions and criteria construct influential weights from a systems perspective. Finally, the main influential factors were identified based on the analysis results.

Results

The IRSD results showed that, in the overall performance of medical services, “Medical service capacity (C1)” was the main influential dimension, influencing both “Medical service efficiency (C2)” and “Medical service safety (C3).” At the criteria level, “Case-mix index (CMI) (C12),” “Time efficiency index (C21),” and “Inpatient mortality of medium-to-low group (C32)” were the main influential criteria in the corresponding dimensions. The influential weight results showed that “Medical service capacity (C1)” was also a key dimension. “Case-mix index (CMI) (C12),” “Cost efficiency index (C22),” and “Inpatient mortality of medium-to-low group (C32)” were the key criteria in their respective dimensions.

Conclusion

Patients and managers should first focus on the capacity of medical service providers when making a choice or deciding using the results of the DRGs system. Furthermore, they should pay more attention to medical safety even if it is not as weighted as medical efficiency.
Pivoting from systems “thinking” to systems “doing” in health systems—Documenting stakeholder perspectives from Southeast Asia
Authors: Srivastava Siddharth , Nambiar Devaki
Published: August 2022

Applications of systems thinking in the context of Health Policy and Systems Research have been scarce, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Given the urgent need for addressing implementation challenges, the WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, in collaboration with partners across five global regions, recently initiated a global community of practice for applied systems thinking in policy and practice contexts within LMICs. Individual one on one calls were conducted with 56 researchers, practitioners & decision-makers across 9 countries in Southeast Asia to elucidate key barriers and opportunities for applying systems thinking in individual country settings. Consultations presented the potential for collaboration and co-production of knowledge across diverse stakeholders to strengthen opportunities by applying systems thinking tools in practice. While regional nuances warrant further exploration, there is a clear indication that policy documentation relevant to health systems will be instrumental in advancing a shared vision and interest in strengthening capacities for applied systems thinking in health systems across Southeast Asia.
The Relationship Between Enterprise Financial Risk and R&D Investment Under the Influence of the COVID-19
Authors: Li Xinfei , Cheng Baodong , Li Yueming , Duan Jingyang , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a considerable blow to the development of Chinese enterprises. Therefore, exploring how to reduce the enterprise financial risk under the impact of the COVID-19 has become a current research hotspot. We select the data of 3,098 A-share companies in the quarters of 2019 and 2020, use the Z-score model to reasonably evaluate enterprise financial risk, and analyze the impact of Research and Development (R&D) investment on enterprise financial risk under the COVID-19.The results show that: ① The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of high-risk enterprises. ② R&D investment can effectively reduce the enterprise financial risk, and enterprises that attach importance to scientific research are relatively less affected by the COVID-19. ③ Compared with non-state-owned enterprises, R&D investment under state-owned enterprises can better help enterprises reduce financial risk. ④ When the enterprise financial risk is lower, the role of R&D investment in reducing financial risk is more significant. With the increase of financial risk, the effect of R&D investment on it is weakened. The research results are beneficial to help enterprises to correctly assess their financial risks during the COVID-19, so that enterprises can reasonably invest in research and development, and ultimately ensure the sustainable development of enterprises under the COVID-19.
Impact of the self-directed learning approach and attitude on online learning ineffectiveness: The mediating roles of internet cognitive fatigue and flow state
Authors: Shao Mingming , Hong Jon-Chao , Zhao Li
Published: August 2022

Online learning has become an important learning approach in universities. However, since many students may have been exposed to online learning for the first time during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality factors of online learning and psychological distress of students need to be considered in the research on their learning. This paper discusses factors that influence the learning effect of university students in the online learning environment. A total of 377 university students participated in the survey. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the research hypotheses. The results show that the self-directed learning (SDL) approach and attitude can negatively predict students' Internet cognitive fatigue (ICF) and positively predict their Flow, whereas perceived learning ineffectiveness can be predicted by Internet cognitive fatigue positively and by Flow state negatively. The results can be a reference for online teachers to enhance students' online SDL attitude, and to discipline their SDL approach so as to promote online learning effectiveness.
Global research trends in MERS-CoV: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Ahmad Tauseef
Published: August 2022

Background

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. So far, the cases of MERS-CoV have been reported in 27 countries. The virus causes severe health complications, resulting high mortality.

Aim

The current study aimed to evaluate the global research trends and key bibliometric indices in MERS-CoV research from 2012 to 2021.

Methods

A retrospective bibliometric and visualized study was conducted. The Science Citation Index Expanded Edition of Web of Science Core Collection database was utilized to retrieve published scientific literature on MERS-CoV. The retrieved publications were assessed for a number of bibliometric attributes. The data were imported into HistCiteTM and VOSviewer software to calculate the citations count and perform the visualization mapping, respectively. In addition, countries or regions collaboration, keywords analysis, and trend topics in MERS-CoV were assessed using the Bibliometrix: An R-tool.

Results

A total of 1,587 publications, published in 499 journals, authored by 6,506 authors from 88 countries or regions were included in the final analysis. Majority of these publications were published as research article (n = 1,143). Globally, these publications received 70,143 citations. The most frequent year of publication was 2016 (n = 253), while the most cited year was 2014 (11,517 citations). The most prolific author was Memish ZA (n = 94), while the most published journal was Emerging Infectious Diseases (n = 80). The United States of America (USA) (n = 520) and Saudi Arabia (n = 432) were the most influential and largest contributors to the MERS-CoV publications. The extensively studied research area was infectious diseases. The most frequently used author keywords other than search keywords were Saudi Arabia, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, epidemiology, transmission, spike protein, vaccine, outbreak, camel, and pneumonia.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into MERS-CoV-related research for scientific community (researchers, academicians) to understand and expand the basic knowledge structure, potential collaborations, and research trend topics. This study can also be useful for policy makers. After the emergence of MERS-CoV, a significant increase in scientific production was observed in the next 4 years (2013–2016). In 2021, the trend topics in MERS-CoV-related research were COVID-19, clinical characteristics, and cytokine storm. Saudi Arabia had the strongest collaboration with the USA, while the USA had the highest collaboration with China.
Bibliometric analysis of the global research status and trends of the association between Vitamin D and infections from 2001 to 2021
Authors: He Wenfang , Deng Yali , Luo Xuemei
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was the visualization of hot spots and evolving trends in research on the association between vitamin D and infections through the use of bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Based on 3046 relevant articles collected in the Web of Science Core Collection for the period of 2001–2021, the data were processed using CiteSpace software. GraphPad software was used for some of the graphics.

Results

A total of 3,046 literature were retrieved, with an average citation frequency of 27.89 times. The number of published papers in the direction of “Immunology” (453 articles, 14.9%) and “Infectious diseases” (312 articles, 10.2%) is much higher. The United States presents the highest publication count (890, 29.2%) and shows a strong leadership in this field. Country burst shows that since 2015, many developing countries and low-income countries have carried out enthusiastic research in this regard, including China, Pakistan, and Iran. As for institutions, the League of European Research Universities produces a larger proportion of articles (220, 7.2%). In terms of authors, Martineau AR and Camargo CA have the highest number of published articles, contributing 30 (0.99%) and 28 articles (0.92%), respectively. Major studies are supported by the United States Department of Health Human Services funding (394, 12.9%). According to the keyword co-occurrence diagram, the 10 most frequent keywords from 2001 to 2021 are “vitamin D”, “infection”, “d deficiency”, “risk”, “association”, “expression”, “disease”, “d supplementation”, “vitamin d deficiency”, and “children”. The top 10 cited articles in 2021 are all related to COVID-19, suggesting it is a hotspot in recent times.

Conclusion

Research on the association between vitamin D and infection has grown rapidly since 2012 and is generally developing well. While developed Western countries continue to be leading roles in this field, research trends in developing countries are also very promising. It is demonstrated that the relationship between vitamin D and respiratory infections, especially respiratory viruses and the more recently COVID-19, has received a lot of attention in the last two decades, suggesting that this is the hotspot and frontier of research issue.
Stressful life events and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents: A moderated mediation model of depression and resilience
Authors: Wei Chang , Li Zhiyong , Ma Tao , Jiang Xiaxia , Yu Chengfu , Xu Qian
Published: August 2022

Stressful life events are associated with an increased risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescence, but the mechanisms explaining this association are unclear. Based on the experiential avoidance model of NSSI, and the protective factor model of resilience, the current study tested depression as a mediator and resilience as a moderator of this association. Chinese adolescents (N = 643; Mage = 15.91; 52.10 % female), anonymously completed self-report measures in classrooms. Results showed that stressful life events was linked to adolescent NSSI in part because of adolescent depression, and resilience was a protective factor that buffered this effect. These findings can inspire practitioners to pay attention to the interaction of risk factors and protective factors when providing prevention and intervention for adolescent NSSI.
Estimating COVID-19 cases in Puerto Rico using an automated surveillance system
Authors: Martinez-Lozano Marijulie , Gadhavi Rajendra , Vega Christian , Martinez Karen G. , Acevedo Waldo , Joshipura Kaumudi
Published: August 2022

Due to concerns regarding limited testing and accuracy of estimation of COVID-19 cases, we created an automated surveillance system called “Puerto Rico Epidemiological Evaluation and Prevention of COVID-19 and Influenza” (PREPCOVI) to evaluate COVID-19 incidence and time trends across Puerto Rico. Automated text message invitations were sent to random phone numbers with Puerto Rican area codes. In addition to reported COVID-19 test results, we used a published model to classify cases from specific symptoms (loss of smell and taste, severe persistent cough, severe fatigue, and skipped meals). Between 18 November 2020, and 24 June 2021, we sent 1,427,241 messages, 26.8% were reached, and 6,975 participants answered questions about the last 30 days. Participants were aged 21–93 years and represented 97.4% of the municipalities. PREPCOVI total COVID-19 cases were higher among women and people aged between 21 and 40 years and in the Arecibo and Bayamón regions. COVID-19 was confirmed, and probable cases decreased over the study period. Confirmed COVID-19 cases ranged from 1.6 to 0.2% monthly, although testing rates only ranged from 30 to 42%. Test positivity decreased from 13.2% in November to 6.4% in March, increased in April (11.1%), and decreased in June (1.5%). PREPCOVI total cases (6.5%) were higher than cases reported by the Puerto Rico Department of Health (5.3%) for similar time periods, but time trends were similar. Automated surveillance systems and symptom-based models are useful in estimating COVID-19 cases and time trends, especially when testing is limited.
Development of a rapid homogeneous immunoassay for detection of rotavirus in stool samples
Authors: Wang Ye , Zheng Yuling , Li Yan , Zhang Shengwei , Wang Xin , Zong Huijun , Huang Wenhua , Kong Decong , Jiang Yongqiang , Liu Peng , Lv Qingyu , Jiang Hua
Published: August 2022

Rotavirus is the main pathogen causing acute viral gastroenteritis. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of rotavirus infection is important to determine appropriate treatment, prevention of unnecessary antibiotics use and control of infection spread. In this study, we established a rapid, accurate, and sensitive amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA) for detecting rotavirus and evaluated its efficacy in human stool samples. Our results demonstrated that the sensitivity of AlphaLISA (5−8) significantly exceeded that of the immunochromatographic assay (ICA, 5−4) for rotavirus antigen detection. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 2.99–3.85% and 5.27–6.51%, respectively. Furthermore, AlphaLISA was specific for rotavirus and did not cross-react with other common diarrhea viruses. AlphaLISA and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR, which is considered a gold standard for detecting diarrhea viruses) tests showed consistent results on 235 stool samples, with an overall consistency rate of 97.87% and a kappa value of 0.894 (P < 0.001). The overall consistency rate of ICA compared with RT-qPCR was 95.74%. AlphaLISA showed better consistency with RT-qPCR than the routinely used ICA for rotavirus detection in stool samples. The AlphaLISA method can be used in clinical practice for the rapid, accurate, and sensitive detection of rotavirus infection.
Getting in touch: Communication in physical therapy practice and the multiple functions of language
Authors: Ahlsen Birgitte , Nilsen Anne Birgitta
Published: August 2022

In physical therapy, communication that actively involves the patient is seen as the foundation of patient-centered treatment. Research on communication in physical therapy highlights how patients' opportunity to actively participate is often limited by the therapists' focus on biomedical facts and clinical tasks. Few studies have explored aspects of communication in clinical practice that may promote patients' active participation. The aim of this study is to shed light on verbal and nonverbal communication used by physical therapists to get in touch with patients and how this physical and linguistic touching may contribute to encouraging patients' participation. The selected case is from a qualitative observational case study of the first encounter between a female physical therapist and a male patient with chronic neck pain. Drawing on theories about communication and the metafunctions of language, the findings highlight how the therapist's use of unfinished sentences, repetitions of the patient's own words, touch, gaze and accepting interruptions from the patient promotes the patient's participation. Demonstrations of the use of linguistic communication theory in this study may contribute to enhancing physical therapists' self-awareness around communication and how to get in touch with patients, which is a fundamental element in patient-centered treatment.
Inland Navigation Contributes to the Remobilization of Land-Based Plastics Into Riverine Systems
Authors: Climo Joshua D. , Oswald Stephanie B. , Buschman Frans A. , Hendriks A. Jan , Collas Frank P. L.
Published: August 2022

Riverine systems are directly affected by plastic pollution and function as pathways for plastic transport to the sea. Plastic litter can enter the water by remobilization from the bed or from the riverbank, after which it can be transported with the flow. The process of remobilization is still poorly understood. To get a detailed understanding of the role rivers play in plastic transport and hence develop management measures to prevent or mitigate plastic transport it is vital to get a fundamental understanding of the factors contributing to remobilization of plastic on the riverbank. Therefore, we investigated how the wave action of inland navigation, one of the dominant actors in anthropogenic rivers, affects the remobilization of land-based plastics. Quantification of remobilization was performed along the riverbank of an intensely navigated river in the Netherlands (the river Waal) allowing for a real-world assessment of remobilization. Plastic pieces were placed at standardized distances from the average waterline to determine the plastic remobilization along the riverbank at different locations. Subsequently, wave actions of passing inland navigation was used to assess plastic remobilization. Inland navigation induced wave action was found to significantly cause remobilization of plastics present on the riverbank. The distance of the plastic object to the waterline combined with the wave height, riverbank slope and plastic size significantly affected remobilization probability. Overall, the remobilization effect was strongest on plastics present within ≤ 1.0 m from the waterline. With a wave height ≥ 0.5 m all plastics present up to 3.0 m from the waterline were remobilized and thereby potentially transported downstream through the river.
Use of digital media for family planning information by women and their social networks in Kenya: A qualitative study in peri-urban Nairobi
Authors: Zinke-Allmang Anja , Hassan Rahma , Bhatia Amiya , Gorur Krittika , Shipow Amy , Ogolla Concilia , Shirley Sarah , Keizer Kees , Cislaghi Beniamino
Published: August 2022

Access to information about family planning (FP) continues to have financial, physical and social barriers among young women living in Kenya. This paper draws on social norms theory to explore how young women and their social networks access FP information on digital media (e.g., WhatsApp, websites). Qualitative phone interviews were conducted with 40 participants – young women, their partners and key influencers – in seven peri-urban wards in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings suggested that young women, their partners and key influencers predominately accessed FP information online through their informal networks, but identified healthcare workers as the most trusted sources of FP information. In digital spaces, participants described being more comfortable sharing FP information as digital spaces allowed for greater privacy and reduced stigma to talk about FP openly. Our findings highlight the importance of digital media in disseminating FP information among young women and their networks, the differences in norms governing the acceptability to talk about FP online vs. in-person and the significance of targeting misinformation about FP in digital media spaces.