bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of regional laboratory networks in East and West Africa on national health security capacities
Authors: League Avery , Bangure Donewell , Meyer Mark J. , Salyer Stephanie J. , Wanjohi Dorcas , Tebeje Yenew Kebede , Sorrell Erin M. , Standley Claire J.
Published: May 2023

National laboratories are a fundamental capacity for public health, contributing to disease surveillance and outbreak response. The establishment of regional laboratory networks has been posited as a means of improving health security across multiple countries. Our study objective was to assess whether membership in regional laboratory networks in Africa has an effect on national health security capacities and outbreak response. We conducted a literature review to select regional laboratory networks in the Eastern and Western African regions. We examined data from the World Health Organization Joint External Evaluation (JEE) mission reports, the 2018 WHO States Parties Annual Report (SPAR), and the 2019 Global Health Security Index (GHS). We compared the average scores of countries that are members of a regional laboratory network to those that are not. We also assessed country-level diagnostic and testing indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found no significant differences in any of the selected health security metrics for member versus non-member countries of the either the East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project (EAPHLNP) in the Eastern Africa region, nor for the West African Network of Clinical Laboratories (RESAOLAB) in the Western Africa region. No statistically significant differences were observed in COVID-19 testing rates in either region. Small sample sizes and the inherent heterogeneities in governance, health, and other factors between countries within and between regions limited all analyses. These results suggest potential benefit in setting baseline capacity for network inclusion and developing regional metrics for measuring network impact, but also beyond national health security capacities, other effects that may be required to justify continued support for regional laboratory networks.
The influence of background music and narrative setting on anthropomorphic judgements of killer whale (Orcinus orca) emotional states and subsequent donation behavior
Authors: Manitzas Hill Heather M. , Svetieva Elena , Dietrich Sarah , Gallegos Emily , Humphries Jeffery , Mireles Nicolas , Salgado Mario , Lara Roberto , Zwahr Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Animal documentary films such asBlackfish, considered nonfiction accounts of reality, nonetheless use rhetorical devices to engage viewers and shape their emotional experience for maximum effect. Such devices can also influence attitudes and alter behavior. In animal documentaries, anthropomorphic impressions of the animals by audiences are key. Using general population samples in the US, three online experiments assessed the influence of background music and narrative setting on how viewers emotionally appraised the emotional state of a killer whale (Orcinus orca) and subsequently donated to causes affiliated with killer whales. While happy music led to perceptions of a happy whale, sad music led to perceptions of a sad whale. mediation analyses showed that these perceptions indirectly influence donation behavior, via beliefs about the killer whale’s welfare and wellbeing. Analyses also indicated that the highest donation amounts towards killer whales were elicited from footage depicting a killer whale in the wild, with sad background music. These findings highlight the potential power that animal and nature documentaries have over viewers, which, when combined with human tendencies toward anthropomorphism, can have significant influence on conservation attitudes and behavior.
Beyond market share: Accounting for doctoral program size in recent rates of anthropology faculty job placement
Authors: Mackie Madeline E. , Rockwell Heather
Published: May 2023

Job placement trends in higher education at US institutions are bleak. Within anthropology and other social science disciplines this problem appears to be particularly pronounced. Recent studies focusing on placement in Anthropology using market share analysis have suggested that specific doctoral programs offer a greater chance of placing their graduates in faculty positions. Here we expand on that work, looking beyond market share to the number of graduates placed in positions relative to the total number of program graduates. Our results suggest that while large programs do indeed command the majority of tenure track placements by market share, much of this may be a product of the high numbers of graduates from these programs. Smaller programs can be proportionally as successful at placing their students in tenure track positions. The majority of PhDs in anthropology should anticipate gaining employment outside of a tenure track position. Training students for positions in private industry, government, and other non-faculty opportunities is essential.
Perceiving politicians as true to themselves: Development and validation of the perceived political authenticity scale
Authors: Luebke Simon M. , Engelmann Ines
Published: May 2023

The authenticity of political candidates receives increasing attention in political and academic discourse. Although being perceived as authentic is seen as a success factor in contemporary political communication, little attention has been paid to how citizens evaluate politicians’ authenticity. The state of research thus lacks a valid instrument to measure citizens’ perceptions of politicians’ authenticity. This article addresses this gap in the literature and proposes a new multidimensional scale of perceived political authenticity. We conducted three consecutive studies to test the instrument’s composition, performance, and validity and present a final 12-item scale. Results from an expert panel and two online quota surveys (Sample 1:N= 556, Sample 2:N= 1,210) show that citizens rely on three political authenticity dimensions to judge politicians’ authenticity: ordinariness, consistency, and immediacy. Factor analyses were used to establish construct validity and demonstrate that the new scale is a robust and reliable measure. Finally, we find that higher perceived political authenticity for specific politicians is positively associated with party identification and the intention to vote for politicians.
Psychosocial correlates in patterns of adolescent emotional eating and dietary consumption
Authors: Joseph Patrece L. , Gonçalves Carolina , Fleary Sasha A.
Published: May 2023

Unhealthy eating behaviors, such as consumption of unhealthy diet and emotional eating, are common in adolescence and tend to co-occur. However, how these behaviors are patterned may vary among adolescents. This study identified patterns of dietary consumption and emotional eating behaviors in adolescents and examined the sociodemographic and psychosocial (e.g., self-efficacy beliefs and motivation) covariates associated with these eating patterns. Data were from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating study. Latent class analysis was used to estimate adolescent dietary patterns from dietary consumption (i.e., fruits, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, junk food, etc.) and emotional eating variables (i.e., eating when feeling sad or anxious). The sample included 1,568 adolescents (Mean age = 14.48-years-old, 49% girls, 55% White). A four-class solution best fit the data (e.g., Bayesian Information Criteria [BIC] = 12263.568, three-class model BIC = 12271.622). Four unhealthy eating behavior patterns were identified: poor diet/high emotional eating, mixed diet/high emotional eating, poor diet/low emotional eating, and mixed diet/low emotional eating. Compared to the poor diet/high emotional eating group, the other groups were less likely to include older adolescents, girls, and adolescents who experienced food insecurity, and more likely to have higher self-efficacy for eating fruits and vegetables and limiting junk foods as well as motivation for consuming fruits and vegetables and limiting junk foods. Our findings highlight adolescents’ complex dietary patterns that include dietary consumption and emotional eating behaviors. Future studies should examine other potential dietary patterns that include emotional eating. Efforts to address unhealthy patterns of adolescents’ dietary consumption and emotional eating behaviors should be expanded.
The level of health anxiety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Norbye Anja Davis , Farbu Erlend Hoftun , Terjesen Christoffer Lilja , Fleten Nils , Höper Anje Christina
Published: May 2023

Background

Concerns about disease and an increase in health anxiety levels are expected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there have been few longitudinal studies of health anxiety in the general population during this time period. The aim of this study was to examine health anxiety levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in an adult, working population in Norway.

Material and methods

This study included 1012 participants aged 18–70 years with one or more measurements of health anxiety (1402 measurements total) from the pre-pandemic period (2015 to March 11, 2020) and/or during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 12, 2020 to March 31, 2022). Health anxiety was measured with the revised version of the Whiteley Index-6 scale (WI-6-R). We estimated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health anxiety scores with a general estimation equation analysis, and age, gender, education, and friendship were included in subgroup analyses.

Results

We found no significant change in health anxiety scores during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period in our adult, working population. A sensitivity analysis restricted to participants with two or more measurements showed similar results. Moreover, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health anxiety scores was not significant in any subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

Health anxiety remained stable, with no significant change observed between the pre-pandemic period and the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in an adult, working population in Norway.
Impact of Korea’s emissions trading scheme on publicly traded firms
Authors: O. Nyonho , Miteva Daniela A. , Lee Yehchan
Published: May 2023

Reducing fossil fuel energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is vital to protecting life on the planet. Globally, emissions trading schemes are gaining traction as one way to curb emissions. However, the evidence of their effectiveness remains scarce. To address this gap, we examine the impact of Korea’s Emissions Trading Scheme (KETS), the first nationally mandated cap-and-trade program in East Asia to reduce GHG emissions, relative to its pre-existing command-and-control regulation called the Target Management System for Greenhouse Gases and Energy (TMS). Using panel data for publicly traded firms between 2011 and 2017, we apply a combination of panel data estimators and matching methods. We find that KETS did not significantly reduce emissions by firms but may have improved the aggregate efficiency in energy use in the energy and manufacturing sectors. Given the low levels of noncompliance with the first phase of the policy, it is likely that firms purchased permits and offsets or used previously banked permits to meet policy targets. Our work is one of the first efforts to understand the impact of KETS and the mechanisms underpinning its impact.
Character composition: A new framework for TV serial drama characters
Authors: Ianniello Marco
Published: May 2023

From an industry and craft perspective, despite the many manuals and ‘how to’ guides, feature film paradigms (notably three- to five-act structures) and character arc frameworks (e.g., the hero’s journey) dominate the discussions of character development in serial TV drama. The work of structure-based industry writers, notably Christopher Booker, Christopher Vogler, Linda Aronson and Craig Batty, focuses on feature films and this article will connect their influential frameworks and analyses with the practice of serial TV drama screenwriting. While there are several key screenwriting manuals specifically for writing television, particularly Pamela Douglas’s Writing the TV Drama Series (2018) and John Yorke’s Into the Woods (2014), these texts only briefly investigate long-form character development, instead focusing on single episodes. Therefore, expanding these ideas and examining the practice of long-form serial drama screenwriting across multiple episodes and seasons is necessary. What this article will arrive at is a new framework for criticism and creative practice: character composition.
Clinical Nurses’ Educational Needs for Safe Anticancer Drug Management in General Hospitals
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Ha Boo Young , Lee Insook
Published: May 2023

This research investigated clinical nurses’ educational needs for safe anticancer drug management. A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 225 clinical nurses who responded to self-reporting questionnaires was conducted from May 26 to June 20, 2021. Descriptive statistics, a paired t-test, and demand analysis utilizing Borich analysis and the Locus for Focus model were used to evaluate the data. As a results, the categories with the highest priority were “coping with exposure to anticancer drugs,” “environmental control of the handling of anticancer drugs,” “safe administration of an anticancer drug,” “handling of patients’ blood, body fluids, and excretion,” “fulfilling education on the safe management of anticancer drugs,” and “using personal protective equipment.” These findings will help develop educational programs for clinical nurses who deal with anticancer drugs. Future studies should concentrate on developing and evaluating a program for the safe management of anticancer drugs.
The Influence of Post-Disaster Experience on Maladaptation Among Disaster Victims Who Experience Downpour Harms: Focus on the Mediating Effect of Community Resilience
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kim Dong-Soon
Published: May 2023

This Study aims to examine the mediating effect of community resilience in the relationship between post-disaster experience and maladaptation disaster victims experience downpour harms. The participants were 454 adult of the disaster victims who experience downpour harms, with data taken the 3rd years on disaster victims panel study. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the mediating effect of community resilience in the between post-disaster and maladaptation among disaster victims that experience downpour harms. Further, to examine the mediating effect was conducted a bootstrapping. The results shows that post-disaster experience was found to have positive impact on the maladaptation. Further, full mediating effect of community resilience was found in the relationship between post-disaster and maladaptation. Through this research, practical and political implications were suggested. The importance of restoration for heavy rain disasters and the national disaster safety system for natural disasters caused by weather changes were proposed.
Cure for weak manhood: A persuasive euphemism strategies in selected Nigerian herbal medicines advertisements
Authors: Onipede Festus Moses
Published: May 2023

The study examined herbal medicines advertising discourse as unique terms of depicting weak manhood euphemistically in order not to sound vulgar. Twelve advertisements (ads) served as the data of investigation. The data were taken from Facebook advertisements (both texts and images) and analyzed from the purviews of Barthesian denotative and connotative annotations, Halliday's transitivity concepts, and critical discourse analysis. This study aims to examine how weak manhood is portrayed, the ideology behind its portrayal, and the persuasive techniques used in the ads. The study revealed concealments in form of sexual satisfaction (e.g. next match, lasting gbola, bigga gbola, better something, leg shaking) and power/activeness (e.g. big carrot, strongest bamboo, Manpower, 45 mins, inner chamber, excellence in the other room, power to do more, and extra time/large). The study suggested that further researches to analyze from a multimodal perspective on how different visual and linguistic choices deployed in the herbal cure for weak manhood ads contribute to the euphemistic and persuasive import of taboo-related advertising. Again, however acceptable euphemistic expressions may be in certain context; they are considered too explicit, pinged with negative connotation and therefore create war among readers.
Association between patient, clinic, and geographical-level factors and 1-year surveillance colonoscopy adherence
Authors: Savage Talicia , Sun Qin , Bell-Brown Ari , Katta Anjali , Shankaran Veena , Fedorenko Catherine , Ramsey Scott D. , Issaka Rachel B.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Surveillance colonoscopy 1-year after surgical resection for patients with stages I-III colorectal cancer (CRC) is suboptimal and data on factors associated with lack of adherence are limited. Using surveillance colonoscopy data from Washington state, we aimed to determine the patient, clinic, and geographical factors associated with adherence.

Methods:

Using administrative insurance claims linked to Washington (WA) cancer registry data we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with stage I-III CRC between 2011 and 2018 with continuous insurance for at least 18 months after diagnosis. We determined the adherence rate to 1-year surveillance colonoscopy and conducted logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with completion.

Results:

Of 4,481 stage I-III CRC patients identified, 55.8% completed a 1-year surveillance colonoscopy. The median time to colonoscopy completion was 370 days. On multivariate analysis, older age, higher stage CRC, Medicare insurance or multiple insurance carriers, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score and living without a partner were significantly associated with decreased adherence to 1-year surveillance colonoscopy. Among 29 eligible clinics, 51% (n=15) reported lower than expected surveillance colonoscopy rates based on patient mix.

Conclusion:

Surveillance colonoscopy 1-year after surgical resection is sub-optimal in WA state. Patient and clinic factors, but not geographic factors (Area Deprivation Index), were significantly associated with surveillance colonoscopy completion. This data will inform the development of patient and clinic level interventions to address an important quality of care issue across Washington.
Efficacy of long-term octreotide therapy of acromegaly as the first-line medical treatment
Authors: Dzeranova L. K. , Yevloyeva M. I. , Perepelova M. A. , Pigarova E. A. , Shutova A. S. , Dorovskikh A. V. , Azizyan V. N. , Przhiyalkovskaya E. G.
Published: May 2023

Acromegaly is a severe neuroendocrine disease characterized by hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) caused in 95% of cases by pituitary adenoma, which leads to the development of pathology of various organs and systems. The severity of the condition is due not only to the direct effect of somatotropic hormone on the body and the effect of the adenoma on the surrounding structures, but also to the age of the patient and complications associated with the disease. Improvement in treatment methods allows for a personalized approach to patient management, taking into account various aspects of the clinical case. It is important for a specialist to take into account comorbidity in acromegaly, both in terms of pathological disorders and the impact on the patient’s psycho-emotional state. We present a clinical case of successful treatment with somatostatin analogues (ASS) in a patient who is afraid of surgery and has cardiovascular complications of acromegaly. Since the onset of acromegaly, confirmed by an elevated level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and an endosellar pituitary macroadenoma measuring 11x9.5x8 mm, ASS therapy was initiated in the patient. The choice in favor of conservative treatment was due to a burdened cardiovascular history and the patient’s fear of surgery. Within three years from the start of drug therapy, there was a significant improvement in overall well-being, a tendency to reduce the size of the pituitary adenoma, and biochemical remission was achieved. The clinical case described by us confirms the possibility of successful primary treatment of ASS in a patient with acromegaly, taking into account all individual characteristics.
Post-vaccination and post-infectious immune response against new coronavirus infection on the background of obesity and overweight
Authors: Klimchuk A. V. , Beloglazov V. A. , Yatskov I. A. , Agzamova Yu. M. , Kamshii A. A. , Zayaeva A. A.
Published: May 2023

In the fall of 2019, global health was confronted with a new RNA virus — severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2. Against the background of the rapid spread of infection, research centers around the world began to develop specific vaccines against COVID-19, using the accumulated experience and empirical data on the stereotypes of the structure and physiology of other viral agents of this family (severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). However, even before the development of anti-COVID vaccines, it was suggested that they are probably less effective in a number of individuals, in particular, in people who are overweight or obese. This hypothesis arose on the basis of past studies using vaccines for other purposes in this categories of people, as well as in numerous experiments on mice, thanks to which scientists came to the conclusion that, due to an excess amount of adipose tissue in the body, there is a state of a permanent inflammatory process, some immune dysfunction, and, as a result, a reduced local and systemic response. resistance against bacterial and viral agents.

In this literature review, using current publications obtained by searching for “covid-19 vaccination and obesity” and “vaccination and obesity” in the PubMed databases and “covid-19 vaccination and obesity” and “vaccination and obesity” in the e- Library discusses changes in the immune response both to infection itself and to immunization in the presence of overweight or obesity.
Hypogonadism and visceral obesity in men are full–fledged components of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Troshina E. A. , Terekhov Р. A.
Published: May 2023

Hypogonadism in men can cause the development of obesity, primarily abdominal, associated with high cardio-metabolic risks. Chronic obesity, in turn, almost inevitably leads to the manifestation of hypogonadism, which requires treatment and aggravates cardiovascular risks. Testosterone therapy, prescribed according to indications, has a significant positive effect not only on a man’s sexual function, but also on body weight, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, bone metabolism and the emotional component of men’s health. The improvement of many metabolic parameters in men with verified hypogonadism occurs against the background of fairly long-term testosterone therapy. Hypogonadism and visceral obesity are now considered as components of the metabolic syndrome, mutually burden each other and require a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
Agreement of body adiposity index (BAI), bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound scanning in determining body fat
Authors: Bondareva E. A. , Parfenteva O. I. , Vasileva A. A. , Kulemin N. A. , Gadzhiakhmedova A. N. , Kovaleva O. N. , Sultanova B. A. , Mazurina N. V. , Troshina E. A.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing number of people with obesity requires the development of simple and accurate methodological approaches to assess the absolute and relative amount of body fat mass. The body adiposity index (BAI) is one of the indices proposed to assess the body fat percentage. However, the comparison analysis of common methods, i.e., of bio-electrical impedance analysis and ultrasound scanning, and BAI was not performed for the Russian population.

AIM: Comparison analysis of the body fat percentage estimates by bio-electrical impedance analysis, ultrasound scanning, and body adiposity index in the group of adult male and females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An examination of healthy males and females from Moscow was conducted. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured. The body fat percentage was obtained by bio-electrical impedance analysis — BIA (ABC-02 Medas), ultrasound scanning — US (BodyMetrixTM, IntelaMetrix), and body adiposity index.

RESULTS: 263 females and 134 males aged 18 to 73 years participated in the study. Correlation coefficients between BAI values and the body fat percentage obtained by BIA and US were 0.749 and 0.763 (p<0.000), respectively. Comparison of body fat percentage measurements obtained by BAI, BIA and US showed the low agreement (ССС<0.90) between BAI and other methods in pooled sample as well as in the female and male groups. Comparison of the US and BAI methods revealed higher level of agreement (ССС=0.84 [0.80–0.86]) and no systematic bias. Lower level of agreement was obtained in the group of males.

CONCLUSION: Conducted study allows to conclude that, at the individual level, BAI is not an appropriate method for estimating the body fat percentage relatively to other indirect methods. However, all three methods can be used in the group of pooled males and females when testing at the population level.
Reliability and Validity of the Embouchure Dystonia Severity Rating Scale
Authors: Mantel Tobias , Lee André , Furuya Shinichi , Morise Masanori , Altenmüller Eckart , Haslinger Bernhard
Published: May 2023

Objective Embouchure dystonia (ED) is a task-specific movement disorder that leads to loss of fine motor control of the embouchure and tongue muscles in wind musicians. In contrast to musicians’ hand dystonia, no validated severity rating for ED exists, posing a major obstacle for structured assessment in scientific and clinical settings. The aim of this study is to validate an ED severity rating scale (EDSRS) allowing for a standardized estimation of symptom severity in ED.Methods The EDSRS was set up as a composite score of six items evaluating audio-visual disease symptoms during the performance of three standardized musical tasks (sustained notes, scales, and fourths) separately for each body side. For validation, 17 musicians with ED underwent standardized audiovisual recordings during performance. Anonymized and randomized recordings were assessed by two experts in ED (raters). Statistical analysis included metrics of consistency, reliability, and construct validity with the fluctuation of the fundamental frequency of the acoustic signal (F0) (extracted in an audio analysis of the sustained notes).Results The EDSRS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.975−0.983, corrected item-total correlations r = 0.90−0.96), interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] for agreement/consistency = 0.94/0.96), intrarater reliability over time (ICC per rater = 0.93/0.87) and good precision (standard error of measurement = 2.19/2.65), and correlated significantly with F0 variability (r = 0.55–0.60, p = 0.011–0.023).Conclusion The developed EDSRS is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of ED severity in the hands of trained expert raters. Its easy applicability makes it suitable not only for routine clinical practice but also for scientific studies.
Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: Neuro-Gastroenterology Perspectives on a Multifaceted Problem
Authors: Tan Ai Huey , Chuah Kee Huat , Beh Yuan Ye , Schee Jie Ping , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Lim Shen-Yang
Published: May 2023

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face a multitude of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including nausea, bloating, reduced bowel movements, and difficulties with defecation. These symptoms are common and may accumulate during the course of PD but are often under-recognized and challenging to manage. Objective testing can be burdensome to patients and does not correlate well with symptoms. Effective treatment options are limited. Evidence is often based on studies in the general population, and specific evidence in PD is scarce. Upper GI dysfunction may also interfere with the pharmacological treatment of PD motor symptoms, which poses significant management challenges. Several new less invasive assessment tools and novel treatment options have emerged in recent years. The current review provides an overview and a practical approach to recognizing and diagnosing common upper and lower GI problems in PD, e.g., dyspepsia, gastroparesis, small bowel dysfunction, chronic constipation, and defecatory dysfunction. Management aspects are discussed based on the latest evidence from the PD and general populations, with insights for future research pertaining to GI dysfunction in PD.
Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) fruits: As a medicinal plant rich in human health-promoting compounds
Authors: Sakar Ebru , Ercisli Sezai , Marc Romina Alina , Gulen Hatice , Assouguem Amine , Ullah Riaz , Shahat Abdelaaty A. , Bari Ahmed , Farah Abdellah
Published: May 2023

Morus nigra, black mulberry, is the most attractive among mulberry species. The study aimed to determine human health-promoting content and antifungal activity in fruits of seven black mulberry genotypes grown in the Tortum district of Turkey. The genotypes exhibited significant differences in most of the human health-promoting content. Among individual sugars and organic acids, glucose (6.98–8.03 g/100 g fresh weight base) and malic acid (6.33–10.45 g/100 g fresh weight base) were predominant. The ascorbic acid content of genotypes was found between 18.13 and 26.77 mg/100 g fresh weight base, indicating that black mulberry fruits had moderate ascorbic acid content. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, and total anthocyanin contents in fruit extracts of seven black mulberry genotypes were also investigated. The results showed that the levels of the aforementioned parameters changed depending on genotypes. The total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents were in the range of 1,656–2,348 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 623–804 μg C3GE (cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent)/g, respectively. The genotypes had antioxidant capacity between 17.41 and 3.86 μg/mL and between 10.08 and 14.11 μmol TE/g measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. Some of the genotypes (TOR-1 and TOR-2) had high antifungal activity particularly against C. albicans. It was determined that the people living in the region traditionally use mulberries as blood enhancer, immune system booster, and mouth lesion treatments to protect themselves against different types of cancers and against inflammation. The present results confirm that attractive fruits of black mulberry are a rich natural source of phenolic antioxidants and can contribute to the dietary intake of antioxidants, depending on genotypes.
Perspective-taking and intersubjectivity in oral narratives of people with a schizophrenia diagnosis: a cognitive linguistic viewpoint analysis
Authors: van Schuppen S. Linde , van Krieken Kobie , Claassen Simon A. , Sanders José
Published: May 2023

Disruptions in theory of mind faculties and the ability to relate to an intersubjective reality are widely thought to be crucial to schizophrenic symptomology. This paper applies a cognitive linguistic framework to analyze spontaneous perspective-taking in two corpora of stories told by people with a schizophrenia diagnosis. We elicited natural narrative language use through life story interviews and a guided storytelling task and analyzed the linguistic construal of viewpoint in these stories. For this analysis, we developed a reliable and widely applicable viewpoint model that allows for the categorization and quantification of speakers’ linguistic presentation and navigation of spatiotemporal domains. We found that our participants skillfully presented, navigated and embedded different narrative viewpoints through a variety of linguistic viewpoint devices. They presented complex viewpoints of other people in both the here-and-now of the interaction and the there-and-then of a narrative, and made use of transition markers to demarcate spatiotemporal discourse domains. We found no differences in viewpoint variables when comparing their guided stories to a control group. If problems with intersubjectivity are indeed an essential part of schizophrenia, an explanation of how this group can take on and navigate complex linguistic viewpoints in natural narrative interaction is called for.
From “screen time” to screen times: Measuring the temporality of media use in the messy reality of family life
Authors: Mascheroni Giovanna , Zaffaroni Lorenzo Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

The discrepancy between children’s actual amount of viewing time and parents’ accounts of their concerns, rules, and parental mediation choices has been documented in empirical research, and typically interpreted through the lens of the Uses and Gratifications theory – showing how parents change their attitudes towards screen media in order to satisfy their own needs. Based on a qualitative longitudinal research project, including app-based media diaries, with 20 families with at least one child aged eight or younger, we aim to make two contributions to the literature. With regard to theory, we aim to highlight the heterogeneous and contingent ways of balancing the place of digital media in children’s lives that arise from parents navigating screen time discourses, social pressures, and daily schedules. With regard to methods, we argue for the combination of qualitative data and app-based media diaries to contextualise and interpret potential discrepancies between reported screen time and parental anxieties or hopes about digital media.
How Does Entrepreneurial Role Model Connect to Entrepreneurial Perceptions: The Moderating Role of Psychological Distance
Authors: Zhao Haiyuan , Jiang Hui , Fang Qinyi , Weng Qingxiong
Published: May 2023

The influence of entrepreneurial role models on individuals could be regarded as a social learning process. However, we still lack an in-depth understanding of under what conditions the impacts of entrepreneurial role models are stronger or weaker. This paper draws on social learning theory and construal level theory to explore how entrepreneurial role models relate to individuals’ entrepreneurial perceptions under different psychological distance dimensions. A representative sample of 322 final-year students from nine universities in China was analyzed. The results demonstrated that entrepreneurial role model was positively associated with feasibility and desirability perceptions. Further, we found that the spatial distance and social distance as boundary conditions, respectively, moderated the main effects. This study extends prior research on the functions of entrepreneurial role model by providing a psychological distance perspective.
PQ event identification in PV-wind based distribution network with variational mode decomposition and novel feature enabled random forest classifier
Authors: Mishra Sairam , Nayak Pravati , Mallick Ranjan Kumar , Gadanayak Debadatta A. , Panda Gayadhar
Published: May 2023

The complexity raised due to the exponential growth of renewable power generators in modern power system evokes the necessity of detecting the potential power quality threats. With this context, the article proposes a novel power quality (PQ) detection method in PV and wind generator integrated distribution networks. In the first stage, the variational mode decomposition (VMD) technique is utilized to pull out the characteristic modes out of the voltage signal for nine different PQ events. In the later stage, a set of features are extracted from the decomposed signal to train a novel Feature Enabled Random Forest Classifier (FERFC). The feature enabling capability of Random Forest classifier is reckoned with the help of a single decision tree. It has been proved that the proposed novel VMD-FERFC has the ability to accurately identify and classify the PQ disturbances in the PV-wind-based distribution network. The performance of the suggested technique is verified in presence of noise. Further the supremacy of the method is established by comparing with other competitive reported PQ detection methods.
Performance enhancement of passive optical network with improved bandwidth utilisation and allocation
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Sharma Sharad
Published: May 2023

In the past decade optical network is growing very rapidly due to the low noise, less bit error rate as well as bandwidth utilization of the network. In this paper explored the bandwidth utilization with the improved gain with less noise and low bit error rate. Previously worked had been done on this area up to the 2nd stage of the optical networks. Previous worked explain the utilization of the bandwidth also explore the allocation of bandwidth in between the two different networks. They also find out the different optimized parameters like bit error rate, delay, gain, and low noise using different methods. But this paper explored up to the fifth stage of the optical network with the optimum parameters has been found out after the simulation. It also explains the bandwidth reuse to the next level of the optical network without any delay provided in between the two consecutive stages. In this explored the future prospective of the next generation optical network and also explain the different module of the stages.
Acquired idiopathic isolated ACTH deficiency with associated autoimmune thyroiditis in pediatrics: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Giannakopoulos Aristeidis , Efthymiadou Alexandra , Chrysis Dionisios
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD) is defined as an impaired secretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland without any other anterior pituitary hormonal deficits. The idiopathic form of IAD has been described mainly in adults and is thought to be caused by an autoimmune mechanism.

Case presentation

Herein, we present an 11-year-old _prepubertal previously healthy boy, who suffered a severe hypoglycemic episode short after the initiation of thyroxine for autoimmune thyroiditis and was finally diagnosed with secondary adrenal failure due to idiopathic IAD, after all other etiologies were excluded, thought an extensive diagnostic work-up.

Conclusions

Idiopathic IAD is a rare entity of adrenal insufficiency in pediatrics that should be considered as an etiology of secondary adrenal failure in children, when clinical signs of glucocorticoid deficiency are present and other causes are excluded.
Solution-processed Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 ternary heterojunction photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Li Xinli , Wang Sha , Wang Kunjie , Yang Jiachen , Wang Kexuan , Han Chao , Li Lihua , Yu Renhong , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2023

TiO2 is an important component of photoelectric devices. How to broaden the light absorption of TiO2 and accelerate the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes is the focus of the current research. Building heterojunction with narrow band gap semiconductor and TiO2 is one of the important measures to improve its photoelectric performance. We prepared BiVO4/TiO2 binary heterojunction by the simple hydrothermal method and analyzed the effect of BiVO4 precursor solution concentration on the microstructure and photoelectric performance of the heterojunction. BiVO4/TiO2 binary heterojunction can effectively improve the photoelectric performance of TiO2, and the transient current density reaches 85 μA/cm2. To further boost the photocurrent of BiVO4/TiO2, Bi2S3 was in situ grown on the heterojunction to form Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 ternary heterojunction. The results show that the band gap of Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 composites is significantly narrowed compared with that of TiO2. The light absorption has been expanded to the visible range, and the photogenerated current density is also greatly boosted (0.514 mA/cm2). This Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 ternary heterojunction accelerates the separation of photo-carriers and improves the photoelectric performance of the device. The possible transport mechanism of photo-carriers in ternary heterojunction is analyzed. The current study provides an effective strategy for in situ construction of novel multicomponent heterojunction and provides a basis for the application of Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 in the optoelectronic field.
Anemarrhenasaponin I suppresses ovarian cancer progression via inhibition of SHH signaling pathway
Authors: Deng Simin , Xu Yuan , Gao Binbin , Yu Tingting , Kuang Lun , Han Bo’ang , Feng Shaolun , Chi Haodong , Cao Qing , Yue Shen , Liu Chen
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is essential in animal development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant activation of SHH pathway has been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression of several cancers, including ovarian cancer. Therefore, targeting SHH pathway may pave the way for successful ovarian cancer treatment.

Methods

To identify the potential SHH inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines, we herein employed two in vitro cell models. In addition, western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of Anemarrhenasaponin I (An-I) on SHH signaling in ovarian cancer cells. Cell proliferation assay and transwell assay were used to assess the effect of An-I on tumorigenicity. We also applied RNA-seq to examine the potential mechanism of An-I against ovarian cancer.

Results

Drug screening results showed that An-I drastically inhibited SHH signaling. More importantly, An-I effectively suppressed ovarian cancer cell proliferation and aggressiveness. RNA-seq-based transcriptome data showed that An-I affected ovarian cancer cells by suppressing SHH-WNT-Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) pathway.

Conclusions

An-I suppressed ovarian cancer progression by inhibiting SHH-WNT-MMP signaling transduction, providing a new treatment strategy for ovarian cancer.
Effects of stress response induced by laparoscopic colectomy and laparotomy on TLR-mediated innate immune responses in colon cancer patients
Authors: Cui Qingfeng , Li Lei , Hu YongJun , Wang Fang , Zhang Chan , Li Change
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Colon cancer patients were analyzed to compare the effects of surgical trauma on immune function by detecting the activation degree of cell inflammatory cytokines levels after different surgical procedures.

Methods

In total, 107 patients with colon cancer were divided into open surgery group and laparoscopic surgery group. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2) levels were detected before, after and one day after surgery.

Results

Serum CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in both groups were significantly increased at all postoperative time points after surgery compared with those preoperatively. CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the laparoscopic group were lower than that in the open surgery group at all time points after surgery. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels in open surgery group were significantly lower than those in the laparoscopic surgery group after LPS stimulation. Laparoscopic surgery led to the decrease of serum CD14, TLR4 and MD-2 levels. The incidence of postoperative complications in laparoscopic group was significantly less as compared to the open surgery group.

Conclusions

Cellular immunity may be better presented after laparoscopic surgery in comparison with open surgery. Laparoscopic complete mesenteric resection surgery is effective in the treatment of colon cancer.
Experience of patients with metastatic breast cancer in France: results of the 2021 RÉALITÉS survey and comparison with 2015 results
Authors: Frenel Jean-Sébastien , Guiu Séverine , Guéroult-Accolas Laure , Zernik Nicole , Lefeuvre-Plesse Claudia , Moley-Massol Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and its treatments can significantly impact patient quality of life (QoL). In 2015, the RÉALITÉS 1 study documented the disease experience of 230 French patients. The objective of RÉALITÉS 2 was to analyse the evolution of QoL and the management of patients with MBC five years later.

Methods

Between September 2020 and February 2021, 266 patients with MBC completed a self-administered questionnaire on their understanding of their disease, its treatments and their impact on QoL.

Results

Compared to 2015, patients had better knowledge of the metastatic status of their cancer (76 vs. 65%, p<0.01) and of treatment-related adverse events (81 vs. 71%, p<0.05). They felt that their oncologist listened to them more (78 vs. 68%, p<0.01) and were more likely to feel good when taking their treatment (73 vs. 60%, p<0.01). Although the use of certain supportive care increased, such as social assistance (36 vs. 26%, p<0.05) and aesthetic advice (26 vs. 16%, p<0.01), 44% of patients still did not make use of it. Anxiety (67% of patients in 2020–21) still has a major impact on the mental health of patients.

Conclusions

While many aspects of the QoL and management of patients with MBC have improved since 2015, there are still areas for improvement, such as access to supportive care and managing the impact of the psychological burden of the disease, for which different solutions may be considered.
If You Have Faith, Exu Responds on-line: The Day-to-Day Life of Quimbanda on Social Networks
Authors: Bahia Joana , Nogueira Farlen de Jesus
Published: May 2023

The present work analyzes the interface between Quimbanda and the digital environment in the daily life of a Quimbandeiro. Quimbanda is an Afro-Brazilian faith that has grown in the virtual universe through consultations and other uses of digital media. In addition to analyzing the Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram pages of these religious groups, we interviewed and followed the daily life of a teacher and also conducted bibliographic research on the subject. In their daily practices, Quimbandeiros use the internet as a space for interaction, quotidian practices of care, and the manufacture of spells. We analyze how digital interaction presents this religious belief in the virtual public sphere and the interconnections between religious and technological narratives. Quimbanda, a somewhat stigmatized religion, expands its boundaries in virtual mode. In the case analyzed in this article, Quimbandeiro work is directly linked to the movements of Exu, the entity who controls the crossroads. Through the mediation of the production of religious images, Exu expands his spiritual and technological presence offline, flooding online communities with meaning.