bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core belief challenge moderated the relationship between posttraumatic growth and adolescent academic burnout in Wenchuan area during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zeng Zhengyu , Wang Xiaogang , Chen Qiuyan , Gou Yushi , Yuan Xiaojiao
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the characteristics of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and academic burnout among adolescents in an ethnic minority area in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, and examines the moderating role of core belief challenge on the association between PTG and academic burnout. This study surveyed 941 secondary school students in Wenchuan using the posttraumatic growth inventory, adolescent academic burnout inventory, core beliefs inventory, and a self-designed demographic questionnaire. The results showed that: (1) Five months after the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the level of PTG among adolescents in the Wenchuan area was high and its prevalence was 32.3%. Among them, the dimension of perceived changes in self was the highest, and the PTG level of junior high school students was higher than that of high school students. The academic burnout level of adolescents, particularly emotional exhaustion, was also high. The academic burnout level of the high school students was higher than that of junior high school students. (2) There was a significant negative correlation between PTG and academic burnout among adolescents. (3) Core belief challenge moderated the relationship between PTG and academic burnout. PTG had a significant negative predictive effect on adolescents’ academic burnout only when the core belief challenge was above a moderate level. These results showed the uniqueness of PTG and psychological behavioral problems of adolescents in ethnic minority areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also emphasized the key role of core belief challenge in the process of PTG in reducing adolescents’ academic burnout. Based on these results, recommendations are provided to alleviate academic burnout among adolescents in Wenchuan against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. While providing full play to ethnic minority cultural characteristics to promote posttraumatic growth, guiding adolescents’ value reflection and cognitive reconstruction should be focused on.
Exploring the impact of innovation guidance on user participation in online communities: A mixed methods investigation of cognitive and affective perspectives
Authors: Li Yang , Gou Xiaona , Hu Haiqing , Zhang Hongying
Published: September 2022

In recent years, many online communities have launched opinion-gathering activities to promote user participation in innovation and improve the quality of new products. The current methods for online innovation activities can be divided into two categories: cognitive guidance and affective guidance. However, the studies on online communities have mainly focused on user engagement motivations, and little attention has been paid to investigating the impact and underlying mechanism of innovation guidance on user participation at the linguistic level. This study first collected secondary data from NetEase.com and conducted an econometric model to explore the impact of cognitive guidance and affective guidance on users’ participation in online innovation activities. Subsequently, we investigated the impact mechanism of different innovation guidance methods on user participation through two experiments, here by drawing on mental simulation theory. The experimental results showed that outcome simulation and process simulation imposed a dual mediating effect of innovation guidance on user participation. In addition, we also found that product types moderate the dual mediating effect of outcome simulation and process simulation. The findings can deepen and expand the research on user participation while providing practical implications for companies and platforms as they attempt to promote user participation in innovation activities.
Assessment of water safety competencies: Benefits and caveats of testing in open water
Authors: Duijn Tina van , Cocker Kane , Seifert Ludovic , Button Chris
Published: September 2022

Drowning has been the cause of over 2.5 million preventable deaths in the past decade. Despite the fact that the majority of drownings occur in open water, assessment of water safety competency typically occurs in swimming pools. The assessment of water safety competency in open water environments brings with it a few difficulties, but also promises tremendous benefits. The aim of this position paper is to discuss the benefits and caveats of conducting assessments in open water environments as opposed to closed and controlled environments, and to provide recommendations for evidence-based practice. The first theoretical section discusses the effects of the environment and key variables (such as temperature and water movement) on various factors of assessment. These discussions are linked to the two perspectives of representative learning design (based on ecological dynamics) and information processing theory. The second section presents two pilot studies of relevance and provides practical implications for assessment of water safety competency. It seems that a combination of pool-based practice and open water education may be ideal in assessing aquatic skills competency. Assessment in open water presents clear benefits regarding validity, but often poses seemingly unsurmountable barriers, which providers may have reservations about in the absence of clear evidence. Hence this article provides a robust discussion about competency assessment and signals the practical importance of faithfully reproducing the environment in which skilled behavior is most relevant.
Bodies out of control: Relapse and worsening of eating disorders in pregnancy
Authors: Sommerfeldt Bente , Skårderud Finn , Kvalem Ingela Lundin , Gulliksen Kjersti S. , Holte Arne
Published: September 2022

Background

Being pregnant is a vulnerable period for women with a history of eating disorders. A central issue in eating disorders is searching control of one’s body and food preferences. Pregnancy implies being increasingly out of control of this. Treatment and targeted prevention start with the patient’s experience. Little is known about how women with a history of eating disorder experience being pregnant.

Method

We interviewed 24 women with a history of eating disorder at the time of pregnancy, recruited from five public pregnancy controls at local family health centers in Norway. Interviews were analyzed by means of ideal type analysis, with a particular focus on how the participants experienced pregnancy and perceived triggers in possible experiences of relapse or worsening during pregnancy. All participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and were diagnosed (DSM-5) by using the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE).

Results

On becoming pregnant, 23 of the 24 participants experienced worsening or relapse of their disorder. This occurred both at first time and after several pregnancies, and either interviewed early or late in pregnancy. Ideal type analyses indicated seven different personal features associated with worsening or relapse: the “chaotic” “rigid” “perfect” “worried” “shameful” “motherhood fearing” and “the mother with lost identity” Perceived triggers of worsening or relapse were: “loss of control” “unpredictability” “competition” “change of appearance” “shame and nausea” and “loss of identity.”

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a vulnerable period for women with a history of eating disorders. A great variation in personal psychological dynamics seems to interact with perceived triggers in worsening or relapse of eating disorder. Our findings have important implications in understanding mechanisms of relapse in pregnancy, preventing relapse and help tailoring adequate intervention.
The interaction of occupational stress, mental health, and cytokine levels on sleep in Xinjiang oil workers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Xue , Xue Qiaoyun , Yi Xiaoting , Liu Jiwen
Published: September 2022

Background

Sleep occupies one third of a person’s life, and good sleep quality is an important factor to ensure good health.

Purpose

This study investigated and analyzed the occupational stress, mental health and sleep quality of oil workers, analyzed the effects of occupational stress and mental health on sleep, and explored the effects of the interaction between occupational stress, mental health and cytokines on sleep.

Materials and methods

In this study, stratified cluster random sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey on the occupational stress, mental health and sleep quality of 1,141 oil workers in the Occupational Health Examination Department of Karamay Central Hospital, from June 2019 to January 2020, and 30% of the participants were randomly selected for measurement of their cytokine levels: interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The objectives were to analyze the effects of occupational stress and mental health on sleep quality, and to explore the effects of occupational stress, mental disorders and cytokine interactions on sleep.

Results

There were 646 individuals (56.6%) who suffered from sleep disorders; the incidence of sleep disorders differed according to sex, age, professional title, working years, type of work and shift (P < 0.05). The scores for occupational stress, mental health, and sleep quality were positively correlated (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (30–45 years) (OR = 1.753, 95% CI: 1.067–2.881), junior college and above (OR = 1.473, 95% CI: 1.025–2.118), borehole operation (OR = 2.689, 95% CI: 1.508–4.792), extraction of oil (OR = 2.405, 95% CI: 1.229–4.705), drilling (OR = 1.791, 95% CI: 1.017–3.155), shift work (OR = 2.144, 95% CI: 1.615–2.846), occupational stress (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.002–1.013), and mental disorders (OR = 1.020, 95% CI: 1.009–1.032) are risk factors for sleep disorders. In the high occupational stress group and the mental disorders group as the control group, the results showed that the interaction between IL-2 and moderate occupational stress (OR = 0.778, 95% CI: 0.778–0.942), IL-2 and non-mental disorders (OR = 0.398, 95% CI: 0.398–0.468) were protective factors for the occurrence of sleep disorders. The results of structural equation modeling analysis showed that occupational stress and mental health had positive predictive effects on IL-2 level and sleep quality [normalized path coefficients (β) were 0.10\0.06\0.05\0.71, respectively]. Occupational stress had a direct positive predictive effect on mental disorder (β = 0.25), and sleep disorder had a direct negative predictive effect on IL-2 concentration (β = −0.21).

Conclusion

Oil workers have serious sleep problems, so effective measures should be taken to reduce occupational stress and relieve mental health problems, and cytokine levels can be used as a predictor of sleep disorders.
Factors associated with a borderline personality disorder diagnosis in the emergency department
Authors: Artioli Mariasole , Bougon Emmanuelle , Mathur Anjali , Salles Juliette
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Research on borderline personality disorder (BPD) has shown that less intensive care is especially effective when patients have been told about their condition. However, problems with diagnosing the disorder are also described in the literature. This study thus aims to explore the factors associated with the challenges of identifying and then communicating a BPD diagnosis to patients.

Methods

We analyzed a database of 202 patients of Toulouse University Hospital (France) who had a CIM−10 F60.3 diagnosis. This data was used to identify the sociodemographic and clinical benchmarks associated with patients who had received an established BPD diagnosis prior to their attendance at the hospital's emergency department (ED) in the study period.

Results

Sixty-three percentage of the patients admitted to our psychiatric ED had been given an earlier diagnosis of BPD. Those who had not been diagnosed were more likely to: not have undergone any psychiatric follow-up; not have been hospitalized in the psychiatry department; and not have previously attended at the ED. Patients with BPD and a comorbidity of MDD were also less likely to have received a BPD diagnosis before their ED admission.

Conclusion

This study found that patients without an established BPD diagnosis who present at the ED are more likely to not be known to the psychiatric care system. This suggests that EDs have a specific role to play in making a diagnosis and the subsequent orientation of care.
Safety, effectiveness and tolerability of sublingual ketamine in depression and anxiety: A retrospective study of off-label, at-home use
Authors: Hassan Kazi , Struthers William M. , Sankarabhotla Aditya , Davis Patrick
Published: September 2022

Intravenous and intranasal ketamine have been shown to be effective therapeutic options in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The use of sublingual (SL), rapid dissolve ketamine tablets (RDT) offers a novel approach for delivery for mental health indications. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of self-administration of off-label, SL, rapid dissolve ketamine tablets (RDT) at-home for depression and anxiety. Intake scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were compared to scores after treatments of three doses of ketamine RDT, and after six doses of ketamine RDT. After three doses of SL ketamine, 47.6% of patients showed a significant decrease in PHQ-9 scores, and 47.6% of patients showed a significant reduction in GAD-7 scores. Reduction rates were higher in those patients who completed a clinically recommended six doses of RDT ketamine. This study demonstrates that SL ketamine is a novel, safe, and effective treatment for TRD and treatment-resistant anxiety. SL ketamine offers an alternative therapeutic approach to IV ketamine when treating those with TRD.
Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the revised illness perception questionnaire for patients with hypertension
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Sameer , Al Muaddi Alhaytham Mohammed , Alqahtani Nawaf Ali , Alhasoon Tamim Yahya , Basalem Abdulaziz Abdullah , Altamimi Abdulrahman Abdullah
Published: September 2022

Background

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia affecting 31.4% of the population. The Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) is a validated and reliable tool for assessing the perception of hypertension among patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to translate the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) into Arabic and validate it among Arabic patients with hypertension from the outpatient departments of the Prince Sattam University Hospital and King Khalid Hospital (KKH) in Al-Kharj City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A bilingual panel of doctors and medical translators was assembled to translate the IPQ-R into Arabic. The questionnaire was administered to 100 adult Arabic speaking patients with clinically diagnosed primary hypertension. Patients with secondary hypertension or complications of hypertension were excluded from the study.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (57%) were male and sixty-five (65%) were older than 40 years. Headache was the most common symptom of hypertension reported by 65% of the participants. The internal consistency of the questionnaire excluding the domain of ‘Disease Identity' was 0.76 indicating satisfactory consistency. There were weak to moderate positive linear correlations (r = 0.003–0.561) between the domains of IPQ–R suggesting a reasonable discriminant validity among the domains.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the IPQ-R for hypertensive patients is a consistent, valid, and reliable tool to be used by researchers or clinicians for assessing knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of Arabic speaking patients with hypertension living in Saudi Arabia.
Regulations on nutrition in Indonesia and its relation to early childhood caries
Authors: Amalia Rosa , Siregar Fitrina R. , Alfian M. Fahmi , Arie Sandy Leny P.
Published: September 2022

There is a close relationship between food and nutrition policies and oral health. The relationship between nutrition and dental problems has been widely discussed, including the major dental problem in children: early childhood caries (ECC). Health-oriented national policies are the main principles of public health welfare. This article is a policy brief that provide a review of the food and nutrition policies in Indonesia that may have a relationship with ECC. It is concluded that some policies support the efforts to prevent ECC however, other technical explanations are still needed for health workers and especially parents regarding its simple implementation in everyday life. Multisectoral approaches that includes health, nutrition and education are needed to address ECC.
Informing hydrogeological models with remotely sensed evapotranspiration
Authors: Gelsinari Simone , Doody Tanya M. , Thompson Sally E. , Doble Rebecca , Daly Edoardo , Pauwels Valentijn R. N.
Published: September 2022

Remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET) rates can provide an additional constraint on the calibration of groundwater models beyond typically-used water table (WT) level observations. The value of this constraint, measured in terms of reductions in model error, however, is expected to vary with the method by which it is imposed and by how closely the ET flux is dependant to groundwater levels. To investigate this variability, four silvicultural sites with different access to groundwater were modeled under three different model-data configurations. A benchmark model that used only WT levels for calibration was compared to two alternatives: one in which satellite remotely sensed ET rates from MODIS-CMRSET were also included in model calibration, and one in which the satellite ET data were assimilated, through the Ensemble Kalman Filter, into the model. Large error reductions in ET flux outputs were achieved when CMRSET data were used to calibrate the model. Assimilation of CMRSET data further improved the model performance statistics where the WT was < 6.5 m deep. It is advantageous to use spatially distributed actual ET data to calibrate groundwater models where it is available. In situations where vegetation has direct access to groundwater, assimilation of ET observations is likely to improve model performance.
Factors affecting farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana
Authors: Bessah Enoch , Donkor Emmanuel , Raji Abdulganiy O. , Taiwo Olalekan J. , Ololade Olusola O. , Strapasson Alexandre , Amponsah Shadrack K. , Agodzo Sampson K.
Published: September 2022

Climate change, especially the variability of rainfall patterns, poses a threat to maize production in Ghana. Some farmers harvest rainwater and store it for maize production to cope with unpredicted rainfall patterns. However, there are only a few studies on the adoption of rainwater harvesting for maize production. This study analyses the factors that influence farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana. A probit regression model is applied for the empirical analysis, using primary data from 344 maize farmers. The results show that 38% of the farmers harvest rainwater. We found that male farmers, farmers with primary education, large-scale farmers, experienced farmers, and those with access to weather information are more likely to harvest rainwater, while older farmers, those with limited access to extension services and labor, and those who perceive changes in rainfall pattern and amount of rainfall are associated with a lower probability to harvest rainwater for maize production. The findings suggest that enhancing farmers' access to weather information and extension services and improving awareness of climate change are needed to promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting. For gender inclusiveness in the adoption of rainwater harvesting, policies need to consider the needs of women.
‘Say Cheese!': Humane halos from environmental practices in dairy production
Authors: Zamzow Heidi , Basso Frédéric
Published: September 2022

Awareness of the negative impacts of our food choices on planetary, human and animal health is growing. Research shows an increasing number of consumers consider ethical consequences when purchasing food. A new market sector has emerged which caters to the demands of these value-driven consumers. However, attempts to change the market through ethical purchases may be thwarted by advertising strategies which exploit the ‘halo effect', a cognitive bias which manifests when first impressions of one attribute influence subsequent evaluations of unknown attributes. This research investigates how two ethical domains, environmentalism and animal welfare, interact to influence consumer choice. In an online experiment, we recruited 267 participants and randomly assigned them to read either a pro-environmental, anti-environmental, or ethically neutral vignette about a cheese company. After being asked to rate the dairy on how well it treats its cows—an issue on which no information had been provided—participants indicated how frequently they would recommend the cheese compared to other brands. Results confirm that information about the company's environmental practices influenced perceptions of its animal welfare practices: a ‘humane halo' effect. Further, humane ratings predicted product consumption recommendations, indicating the humane halo acted as a mediator. Exploratory analyses suggest the strength of this mediated relationship depends on participants' environmental protection values, particularly if they received negative information. Our findings establish the existence of a cross-domain halo in food ethics and shed light on ways to increase the effectiveness of policies designed to shift consumers to more sustainable diets.
Single-site multiport vs. conventional multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A propensity score matching comparative study
Authors: Hou Weibin , Wang Bingzhi , Zhou Lei , Li Lan , Li Chao , Yuan Peng , Ouyang Wei , Yao Hanyu , Huang Jin , Yao Kun , Wang Long
Published: September 2022

Objective

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a dynamically evolving technique with its new evolution of single-site RARP. Here we sought to describe our extraperitoneal technique, named the single-site multiport RARP (ssmpRARP) using the da Vinci Si® platform and compare it with the transperitoneal conventional multiport RARP (cmpRARP).

Materials and Methods

Data were retrospectively collected for patients who underwent RARP for localized prostate cancer from June 2020 to January 2022 in a single center. Propensity score matching was performed based on age, prostate size, body mass index, neoadjuvant hormonal therapy usage, prostate-specific antigen levels, and clinical T stage. The differences between the matched two groups were investigated.

Results

Of the patients, 20 underwent ssmpRARP and 42 underwent cmpRARP during the period. After matching, 18 patients from each group were selected. Median follow-up was 7.8 months (2–12 months) for the ssmpRARP group, and 15.0 months (3–26 months) for cmpRARP. The demographic features between the two groups were comparable. The median total operative time, estimated blood loss, pathologic data, early follow-up outcomes, and hospitalization stays and costs were similar between the two groups. The ssmpRARP group tended to return to their bowel activities earlier (44.78 ± 10.83 h vs. 54.89 ± 12.97 h, p = 0.016). There were no significant differences in complication rates.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility and safety of performing extraperitoneal ssmpRARP using the da Vinci Si® robotic platform. Our technique showed comparable short-term outcomes with the transperitoneal cmpRARP. Prospective trials and long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm these results.
Deep vein thrombosis in donor or recipient veins encountered during lower extremity reconstruction with a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap: How do we deal with it?
Authors: Jeong Seong-Ho , Namgoong Sik , Dhong Eun-Sang , Han Seung-Kyu
Published: September 2022

Background

The free anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap has been successfully adopted to reconstruct traumatic soft tissue defects in the lower extremities. However, the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in donor or recipient veins has been overlooked, and there has been no reliable guideline to manage it. Therefore, in this study, we review our cases where the ALTP flaps were transferred to traumatic lower limbs even though DVT was found in the pedicle or recipient veins. Furthermore, based on our experiences, we suggest an algorithmic approach for dealing with DVT.

Patients and methods

This study included 108 patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction using a free ALTP flap between January 2014 and January 2021. All medical records were reviewed, including preoperative assessment data, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications. Notably, when DVT was found in both the donor and recipient veins, we thoroughly assessed operative findings, surgical solutions, and final outcomes.

Results

Sixty-one of 108 (56.4%) patients underwent computed tomographic venography (CTV) preoperatively, revealing DVT in 11 of these 61 (18%) patients. Three of these 11 patients had iliofemoral DVT, and surgery was delayed more than two weeks after detection. The remaining eight patients had calf DVT and underwent free ALTP flap transfer as scheduled. Conversely, 47 of 108 (43.6%) patients did not undergo CTV, and an occult DVT was found in five of these 47 (10.6%) patients. In two of these five patients, free flap surgery was replaced with amputation and local flap coverage. In the remaining three patients and one patient with an occult DVT that was not found on CTV, the free ALTP flap transfer was carried out. In 15 patients with DVT, free ALTP flap transfer was performed using various alternative methods for venorrhaphy. Consequently, all flaps survived, with partial necrosis occurring in two patients.

Conclusion

If DVT-affected veins are appropriately managed, the free ALTP flap can be successfully transferred to the traumatic lower limb even when DVT occurs in donor or recipient veins. The author's algorithm can help surgeons overcome the insufficiency of veins for pedicle anastomosis due to DVT and avoid postoperative thromboembolic complications.
An exploratory study on differences in maternal care between two ecotypes of Nigerian indigenous chicken hens
Authors: Oyeniran Victor J. , Iyasere Oluwaseun S. , Durosaro Samuel O. , Fasasi Fasasi B. , Odetayo Peace O. , Ogunfuyi Sulaiman A. , Odetunde Paul O. , Akintayo Taiwo C. , Daramola James O.
Published: September 2022

The Yoruba (YRE) and Fulani (FLE) are the two notable indigenous chicken ecotypes in Nigeria. They exhibit broodiness and post-hatch care of their chicks. Studies on welfare, productivity, and maternal behaviors of these two ecotypes are scarce, hence the need for this study. Separate flocks of these ecotypes were housed intensively and hens that showed broodiness (ten YRE and five FLE) were monitored. Brooding behaviors were monitored for 3 days in the 1st and 2nd weeks of brooding and daily in the 3rd week of brooding for 6 h/day (07:00–09:00 h, 11:00–13:00 h, and 15:00–17:00 h). During brooding, surface body temperatures (eye, brood patch and under the wings), egg temperature and body weight of the hens were measured. Chicks hatched (44 chicks from the YRE and 24 chicks from the FLE) by these hens were subjected to tonic immobility tests on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-hatch and to a simulated predator test on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd days post-hatch to determine their level of fear. In each ecotype, brooding behaviors did not change over the three weeks, but the YRE hens spent longer time sitting on their eggs at the 2nd (U= 5.000,z= −2.454,P= 0.014) and 3rd (U= 9.000,z= −1.961,P= 0.050) week of brooding. The surface body temperatures of both ecotypes, egg temperature, and relative weekly weight loss were similar over the brooding period, but relative weekly weight loss was greater (P< 0.05) at the 3rd than 1st and 2nd week of brooding. The surface body temperatures were positively correlated (P< 0.01) with egg temperature. In both ecotypes, attempts to induce and duration of tonic immobility were similar over the test periods but on the 7th day post-hatch, the duration of tonic immobility was longer (U= 323.000,z= −2.632,P= 0.008) and on the 14th day post-hatch, the number of attempts to induce tonic immobility was less (U= 332.000,z= −2.630,P= 0.009) in the YRE chicks. In conclusion, YRE hens sat more on the eggs and their chicks were more fearful.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound features of focal pancreatic lesions in cats
Authors: Burti Silvia , Zotti Alessandro , Rubini Giuseppe , Orlandi Riccardo , Bargellini Paolo , Bonsembiante Federico , Contiero Barbara , Marcuzzi Mabel , Banzato Tommaso
Published: September 2022

A large overlap in the ultrasound (US) features of focal pancreatic lesions (FPLs) in cats is reported. Furthermore, only a small number of studies describing the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of FPLs in cats have been conducted today. The aim of this study is to describe the B-mode US and CEUS features of FPLs in cats. Ninety-eight cats cytologically diagnosed with FPL were included. The lesions were classified as adenocarcinoma (n = 40), lymphoma (n = 11), nodular hyperplasia (n = 17), other benign lesion (OBL) (n = 20), cyst (n = 4) or other malignant lesion (OML) (n = 6). Several qualitative and quantitative B-mode and CEUS features were described in each case. OMLs and cysts were not included in the statistical analysis. A decision tree to classify the lesions based on their B-mode and CEUS features was developed. The overall accuracy of the cross-validation of the decision tree was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63–0.83). The developed decision tree had a very high sensitivity and specificity for nodular hyperplasia (1 and 0.94, respectively) as well as good sensitivity and specificity for both adenocarcinomas (0.85 and 0.77, respectively) and OBLs also (0.70 and 0.93, respectively). The algorithm was unable to detect any specific feature for classifying lymphomas, and almost all the lymphomas were classified as adenocarcinomas. The combination between CEUS and B-mode US is very accurate in the classification of some FPLs, especially nodular hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas. Cytopathology and or histopathology is still a fundamental step FPL diagnostic workflow.
The Hybrid Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Home Healthcare Nurses’ Job Satisfaction Evaluation and Improvement
Authors: Wang YanJiao , Ye YaQin , Jin Yanjun , Chuang Yen-Ching , Chien Ching-Wen , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To investigate and evaluate the key factors related to job satisfaction performance of home healthcare nurses (HHNs).

Methods: A total of 31 HHNs from three community hospitals in Zhejiang province were invited to participate in the study. They completed a questionnaire survey based on the home healthcare nurse job satisfaction scale (HHNJS) from February to March 2022. Consistent fuzzy preference relation (CFPR) methods and important-performance analysis (IPA) were used to obtain the attribute weights and performance for HHNs job satisfaction.

Results: The results showed that the attributes of C13, C14, C15, C23, C24, C42, C51, and C52 were key factors influencing HHNs job satisfaction.

Conclusion: The hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model can help home-healthcare-agency administrators better understand the key factors related to HHNs job satisfaction and establish reasonable improvement strategies.
Influence of Consumer Landscape on Place Attachment in Agritourism—The Case of Huatung, Taiwan
Authors: Shen Ching-Cheng , Wang Dan , Loverio Jennifer Pasion
Published: September 2022

The offerings and demand for agritourism have increased in the past four decades as farms seek to expand and diversify their income and urban dwellers pursue a slower pace during travel. Taiwan’s Huatung area organic agricultural tourism is an environmentally friendly type of tourism that has emerged in recent years, and more and more tourists are engaged in agricultural tourism. Developing the landscape resources of organic agricultural tourists to make them stand out and attract more tourists is not an easy task. This research establishes a comprehensive model to explore how the consumer landscape (LAN) affects place attachment (PAT), with attention recovery theory (ART) as a mediating variable. A quantitative questionnaire survey was conducted, and the LISREL was used as an analysis tool to verify the relationship between variables. The result shows that attention restoration substantially influences PAT, and the LAN positively affects attention restoration and PAT. In addition, this research found that the impact of LAN on PAT through attention recovery was more significant than that of LAN directly, which verified that attention recovery was an important mediating variable. The findings not only break through the theoretical gap but also provide practical suggestions for developing organic agriculture.
Characterization of Tan Spot Races in Kazakhstan
Authors: Maulenbay Akerke , Zakarya Kunsulu , Moldazhanova Raushan , Rsaliyev Aralbek
Published: September 2022

Tan spot disease, which is caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr), is one of the most significant wheat diseases in Kazakhstan, an important wheat-growing region in Central Asia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the race composition of Ptr responsible for tan spot in Kazakhstan through the phenotypic and genotypic characterization. During 2019–2020, samples of Ptr isolates were collected for analysis in six regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan from commercial and experimental fields of bread and durum wheat affected by tan spot disease. Race classification was based on inoculation bioassay of 167 isolates to four corresponding differential wheat genotypes, with a PCR assay used to identify the effector genes. The characterization of these isolates showed they belonged to four different known races (Races 1–4) in addition to one potential atypical race that does not fit into the current race system. We identified two races, Races 1 and 2, as critical for wheat production in Kazakhstan, as they occur throughout the study area. Most isolates exhibited amplification of the ToxA gene, a necrosis-causing effector, which is consistent with the inoculation results; only Races 3 and 4 did not show amplification of the ToxA gene. Inoculating wheat with the sixteen isolates of Ptr resulted in disease, the classification of which was similar to that caused by Race 8, according to the current wheat differential set. However, according to the genetic characterization, these isolates did not possess the associated effector gene expected for Race 8 assignment; therefore, we designated them as isolates of an atypical race. According to our results, race classification should be based on both phenotypic and genotypic analyses, where possible, to adequately capture the breadth of physiological variation among Ptr isolates, in addition to the possible expansion of the differential set.
Fabrication of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Passiflora edulis Extract for the Estimation of Antioxidant Potential and Photocatalytic Methylene Blue Dye Degradation
Authors: Yasin Amina , Fatima Urooj , Shahid Sammia , Mansoor Sana , Inam Hina , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Alrbyawi Hamad , Somaily Hamoud H. , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem
Published: September 2022

In the present work, copper oxide nanoparticles have been fabricated by using a biological method. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have received more attention than other metal oxides due to their distinctive properties and applications. Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has gained the attention of researchers because of its simple and ecologically sustainable approach. The biosynthesis of CuO NPs included the use of Passiflora edulis leaf extract that acts as a stabilizing and reducing agent. A non-toxic, cost-effective, and ecologically acceptable method was the use of plant leaf extract in the biogenesis of nanoscale materials. UV-vis, SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques were used to examine the biologically produced copper oxide nanoparticles. The findings of the SEM examination, which gives morphological information, demonstrate that the synthesized NPs have a spherical shape and have an average particle size of between 60 and 65 nm. CuO has been further investigated in the current study as a photo-catalyst in the methylene blue (MB) dye degradation and as an antioxidant in free radical scavenging activities. The decolorization efficiency was approximately 93% after 160 min. Furthermore, CuO nanoparticles were tested for antioxidant performance by scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate free radicals (DPPH) and evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The result showed that biologically synthesized CuO NPs can be used as an effective antioxidant. The half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 of copper oxide nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 0.13–0.20.
The Application of Nitrogen Source in Regulating Lignin Biosynthesis, Storage Root Development and Yield of Sweet Potato
Authors: Meng Ya-Yi , Wang Ning , Si Cheng-Cheng
Published: September 2022

The understanding of the effects of nitrogen sources on lignin synthesis in sweet potato during storage root formation is limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of different nitrogen source on sweet potato storage root formation and development, as well as lignin synthesis in potential storage roots. The sweet potato cultivars Shangshu 19 and Jixu 23 were used in field experiments in 2019 and 2020. Three treatments were tested: (a) no nitrogen fertilizer application (control); (b) 60 kg hm−2 ammonium nitrogen; and (c) 60 kg hm−2 amide nitrogen. The results indicate that during sweet potato storage root formation, ammonium nitrogen significantly enhanced root activity compared to that of the control. The ammonium nitrogen treatment promoted IbEXP1 and inhibited Ibkn1 and Ibkn2 expression during the early stages of storage root formation, then increased gibberellic acid and decreased zeatin riboside content, enhanced phenylalanine ammonia lyase and peroxidase activities, and promoted lignin synthesis in potential storage roots. The opposite effects of ammonium nitrogen treatment on gene expression, hormone contents, and enzyme activity were observed in the late stages of storage root formation. Relative to the control, the ammonium nitrogen treatment significantly increased the number of storage roots during canopy closure. The ammonium nitrogen treatment produced the highest storage root yield and number of storage roots per plant. These results indicated that the ammonium nitrogen can inhibit root lignin synthesis, then promote storage root formation and increase the yield of sweet potato.
Deflowering as a Tool to Accelerate Growth of Young Trees in Both Intensive and Super-High-Density Olive Orchards
Authors: Famiani Franco , Cinosi Nicola , Paoletti Andrea , Farinelli Daniela , Rosati Adolfo , Lodolini Enrico Maria
Published: September 2022

In 2019–2020, trials were carried out in both intensive (cultivar Moraiolo) and super-high-density (cultivar Sikitita) young olive orchards to drastically reduce early production and, consequently, accelerate tree growth. Different concentrations of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0 ppm–control, 20 ppm, 40 ppm, 80 ppm, 160 ppm and 250 ppm) were applied at full bloom (open flowers > 80%), using a shoulder sprayer, and their effects on vegetative growth and reproductive behavior were evaluated, also compared to manually deflowered trees. The treatments with NAA reduced fruit set (down to values close to zero) compared to the control, and the reduction was correlated with the NAA concentration. In particular, 160 ppm virtually eliminated fruit set and thus production in both Moraiolo and Sikitita cultivars. In Moraiolo, 160 ppm NAA and manual deflowering determined similar shoot and trunk growths, which were greater than in control trees. Application of 160 ppm NAA for two consecutive years gave a progressively higher increase in trunk growth compared to the control. In conclusion, in young olive trees, the treatment with 160 ppm NAA at full bloom practically eliminated fruit set and production, with a parallel great increase in vegetative growth. This can be exploited as a powerful technique to accelerate the growth of young olive trees in both intensive and super-high-density orchards, as well as in nurseries. A more rapid transition to the adult stage/size of the trees and to full production of the orchard allows us to anticipate the use of mechanical harvesting and the recovery of the planting investment.
Identification of Phenotypic Traits Associated with Tuber Yield Performance in Non-Staking Cultivation of Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.)
Authors: Hamaoka Norimitsu , Moriyama Takahito , Taniguchi Takatoshi , Suriyasak Chetphilin , Ishibashi Yushi
Published: September 2022

For sustainable food production, labor-saving cultivation systems are required. Yam, a major food crop, is cultivated mostly with supports such as stakes (staking), which increases tuber yield (TY) but involves high material and labor costs. We, therefore, focused on non-staking water yam cultivation, in which no stakes are used. The effects of different cultivation methods (staking vs. non-staking) on TY, yield components, shoot traits, and tuber shape of six cultivars were investigated in a two-year field experiment, and phenotypic traits related to yielding ability in non-staking cultivation were analyzed. Averaged across years and cultivars, TY was significantly lower (by 19%) in non-staking than in staking cultivation because of smaller single-tuber weight. TY was significantly affected by the cultivation × cultivar interaction. We found no difference among cultivars in staking cultivation. In non-staking cultivation, Yamatomakousha and Shirokoushaman 1 cultivars had higher TY than the other cultivars, which was similar to their TY in staking cultivation. Shoot dry weight and vine number were closely associated with TY in both cultivations, whereas lower tuber length-to-width ratio was strongly related to higher TY only in non-staking. Tubers of Yamatomakousha and Shirokoushaman 1 were more rounded than those of other cultivars. In non-staking cultivation, these two cultivars showed a higher vine number and, thus, maintained higher TY owing to higher above-ground growth. Therefore, rounded tubers and high vine number are target traits for non-staking cultivation of water yam.
Impact of Soil Temperature on Prizm Zoysiagrass Establishment from Sprigs
Authors: Carr Tyler Q. , Sorochan John C. , Brosnan James T. , Horvath Brandon J.
Published: September 2022

Zoysiagrasses (Zoysia spp. Willd.) are commonly used on golf course fairways and tees in addition to residential and commercial lawns due to lower input requirements relative to bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). This has led to increased interest in using zoysiagrass for golf course putting greens; however, zoysiagrass establishment from sprigs is prolonged compared to bermudagrass. Research was conducted in Knoxville, TN to determine the effect of soil temperature on ‘Prizm’ zoysiagrass establishment from sprigs. The study was conducted over replicate experimental runs in separate glasshouses in 2022. Prizm zoysiagrass was exposed to high, medium, and low 5 cm soil temperature treatments, which were imposed via water bath. Over the 49-day study period, the high, medium, and low treatments averaged ~36 °C, ~32 °C, and ~28 °C, respectively. The medium and low treatments averaged 92% turfgrass coverage 49 days after planting (DAP) in run A, which was significantly greater than the high-soil-temperature treatment (70%). In run B, the medium soil temperature achieved 92% turfgrass coverage 44 DAP, which was significantly greater than the low (78%) and high (74%) treatments. Independent of other environmental variables, results from this study imply that an average daily 5 cm soil temperature of approximately 32 °C would likely result in the most rapid establishment of Prizm zoysiagrass from sprigs.
The MyoD1 Promoted Muscle Differentiation and Generation by Activating CCND2 in Guanling Cattle
Authors: Zhou Di , Wang Yan , Yang Rong , Wang Fu , Zhao Zhonghai , Wang Xin , Xie Lingling , Tian Xingzhou , Wang Guoze , Li Bo , Gong Yu
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the transcriptome of MyoD1 gene knockout MDBK cells (bovine kidney cells) using high-throughput sequencing. For the first time, CRISPR/CAS9 technology was used to construct a MyoD1 knockout in MDBK cells and transcriptome sequence analysis was used to examine MyoD1-related target gene expression. Transcriptome sequencing indicated the presence of 723 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by comparing wild type and MyoD1 knockout MDBK cells and included 178 upregulated and 72 downregulated genes. The DEGs are mainly enriched in Pl-3-kinase and AKT, p53 signaling pathways. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that PDE1B, ADAMTS1, DPT, and CCND2 were highly expressed in the leg muscle, longissimus dorsi, and shoulder of Guanling cattle, and CCND2 was inhibited after MyoD1 knockout, suggesting it may be a key downstream gene of MyoD1 and associated with muscle formation and differentiation in Guanling cattle. This provides experimental data for subsequent studies on the regulatory mechanisms of muscle differentiation in Guanling cattle.
Effects of the In Ovo and Dietary Supplementation of L-Ascorbic Acid on the Growth Performance, Inflammatory Response, and Eye L-Ascorbic Acid Concentrations in Ross 708 Broiler Chickens
Authors: Mousstaaid Ayoub , Fatemi Seyed Abolghasem , Elliott Katie Elaine Collins , Levy April Waguespack , Miller William Wadd , Gerard Patrick D. , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen Hussen , Peebles Edgar David
Published: September 2022

Effects of the dietary and in ovo administration of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on the performance, plasma nitric oxide, and eye L-AA concentrations of Ross 708 broilers were investigated. At 17 days of incubation, live embryonated hatching eggs were randomly assigned to a non-injected or sham-injected (100 μL of saline) control group, or a group injected with either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA suspended in 100 μL of saline. Chicks received a commercial diet with or without 200 mg/kg of supplemental L-AA and were randomly assigned to each of 6 replicate floor pens in each in ovo injection-dietary treatment combination. Weekly live performance variables through 14 days of post hatch age (doa) and the eye weights in both sexes at 0, 7, and 14 doa were determined. At 0 and 14 doa, plasma nitric oxide levels and eye L-AA concentrations of one bird of each sex in each pen were determined. Dietary supplemental L-AA decreased feed intake and growth between 0 and 7 doa, but from 8 to 14 doa; all birds fed supplemental L-AA had a lower feed conversion ratio. At 14 doa, male chicks had higher eye L-AA concentrations and lower plasma nitric oxide levels when treated in ovo with 12 mg of L-AA. In conclusion, dietary L-AA may be used to improve feed conversion in the second week of broiler post hatch growth. However, the in ovo administration of 12 mg of L-AA can increase male eye L-AA concentrations and is effective in reducing their general inflammatory response.