bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A potential role of a special type of abortive seeds in Cunninghamia lanceolata: promoting the growth of healthy seedlings in active aluminum ions-rich soil
Authors: Mu Shi-Yan , Yang Ya-Ting , Qu Xiao-Yu , Wang Fang-Fang , Ma Fang-Fang , Ding Zhen-Ning , Ye Ling-Peng , Zhang Ya-Ling , Zhang Jia-Jun , Lyu Meng-Meng , Li Shu-Bin , Cao Guang-Qiu , Wu Chao , Ding Guo-Chang , Chen Yu 
Published: November 2024

Background and aims“Astringent seed” is a type of abortive seed frequently observed in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata). It is widely recognized but poorly understood for its underlying causes. This study investigates the potential of astringent seeds to alleviate the toxic effects of active aluminum ions.MethodsThis study involved treating seeds and seedlings with two distinct concentrations of astringent seeds water extracts under the aluminum ion stress. Then the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings were evaluated and compared.ResultsUnder aluminum stress, both seed germination and seedling growth were notably inhibited. Treatment with a low-concentration of the extract significantly alleviated this inhibition. Root elongation in the seedlings increased by 36.95% compared to the control group, and the aluminum ion accumulation at the root tips was reduced by 38.89% relative to the aluminum-stressed group. This treatment also normalized the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roots and leaves, enhanced the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and restored the levels of endogenous hormones including gibberellin (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), methyl jasmonate (Ja-ME), and abscisic acid (ABA). Furthermore, the low-concentration of the extract positively impacted the disorganized chloroplast structures. In contrast, a high-concentration of the extract failed to revert most of these stress indicators.ConclusionLow concentrations of astringent seed water extract effectively alleviate the inhibitory effects of aluminum ions on seed and seedling. This implies that in natural environments, the proximity of healthy seeds to astringent seeds could potentially enhance their growth.
Belief in a just world as a moderator in the face of ageism: a comparative analysis of just world theory and worldview verification theory
Authors: Kim Eunha 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionBased on the Just World Theory (JWT) and Worldview Verification Theory (WVT), we conducted two studies to investigate whether a belief in a just world for the self (BJW-self) moderates the relationship between perceived discrimination against older adults (ageism) and self-esteem in a sample of South Koreans older adults.MethodsIn Study 1, we collected survey data from 304 South Koreans aged 65 and older using the scales of perceived ageism, BJW-self, and self-esteem. In Study 2, we randomly assigned 140 South Koreans aged 65 and older to read one of two articles: one describing ageism as pervasive or one describing ageism as rare.ResultsStudy 1 revealed that perceived ageism negatively correlated with self-esteem at low levels of BJW-self than at high levels of BJW-self. In Study 2, older adults who were told that ageism is pervasive had lower self-esteem than those who were told that ageism is rare, but this difference was greater for those who rejected BJW-self than for those who endorsed BJW-self.DiscussionThe results support the notion of the JWT that BJW-self mitigates the deleterious effects of perceived ageism on self-esteem.
The implementation process of decentralization of health services: a qualitative perspective from Sudan
Authors: Noory Bandar , Hassanain Sara , Kassak Kassem 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundHealth system reform initiatives have increasingly embraced decentralization as a key trend. The implementation process and its outcomes are influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic forces, political dynamics, and ideological factors. Comprehending and carefully examining the implementation phase of decentralization and its consequences to achieve desired outcomes is crucial. Notably, this phase is often considered the weakest aspect of policy reforms, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and analyze the implementation phase of decentralization and its implications as essentials for achieving intended goals. The study objectives evolved around examining the entire decentralization as a multifaceted social and political process in Khartoum State, Sudan, from its early stages of decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation process and the influencing contextual factors.MethodsThis study was an exploratory qualitative study that employed in-depth interviews to gather perspectives of healthcare providers and policymakers, semi-structured observations, and thematic analysis. The study utilized Grindle’s framework for analysis.FindingsThis study revealed a political nature of decision-making, with a top–down approach to the implementation, which also lacked stakeholder involvement. It showed a lack of transparency, official documentation, and proper handover procedures from the Ministry of Health to the devolved hospitals during the implementation process. A conflict of interest between the federal and the state level was also reported. It is important to note that this process occurred within the context of structural adjustment program (SAP) schemes, which had already empowered the private sector in Sudan.ConclusionThis study documented the implementation process of decentralization of health services and its influencing factors. The study recommended reforming the decentralization policy through consultative stakeholder involvement and by implementing a concurrent responsibility paradigm that divides authority between the federal and state levels.
Hospitalization costs in patients with stroke in southeastern China: a retrospective population-based cohort study, 2019–2022
Authors: Xu Jing , Ye Ruixue , Zhao Jingpu , Fan Xuehui , Xue Kaiwen , Li Xiaoxuan , Zhu Xiaolong , Gao Yan , Wang Yulong 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionStroke remains a predominant cause of mortality and accounts for one-third of all stroke-related fatalities worldwide. Increasing expenses associated with stroke are a matter of significant concern; however, this aspect has been insufficiently examined.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to analyze in-hospital stroke costs and explore potential factors influencing them across stroke subtypes. The records of stroke patients from 50 hospitals in southeastern China between 2019 and 2022 were reviewed using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We focused on the cost patterns of four stroke types and used multivariate linear regression to identify cost determinants.ResultsA total of 417 (1.1%) patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), 9309 (25.9%) had intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 22,248 (61.8%) had ischemic stroke (IS), and 4025 had transient ischemic attack (TIA). The number of stroke patients has sharply increased since the onset of COVID-19, with a majority of them being male (72.2%). Despite the fact that hospitalization costs are highest in tertiary hospitals (Chinese yuan [CNY] 30610.8/United States dollar [USD] 4551.0, interquartile range [IQR] 9944.9, 29668.4/1478.6, 4410.9), the majority of patients are admitted to tertiary hospitals (74.6%) or public hospitals (90.2%). Across all stroke subtypes, patients with SAH had the highest costs (CNY 93,454.9/USD13894.4, IQR 12273.2, 169920.0/1824.7, 25262.8), followed by those with ICH (CNY 48,724.2/USD 7244.0, IQR 16789.6, 57540.7/2496.2, 8554.8), IS (CNY 26,550.3/USD3947.4, IQR 8684.2, 28697.7/1291.1, 4266.6), and TIA (CNY 11,170.1/USD1660.7, IQR 6823.7, 12965.2/1014.5, 1927.6). Therapy fees comprised a significant portion of costs in ICH and IS cases (47.9% and 42.7%, respectively). Materials accounted for the highest proportion of expenses for SAH (56.1%), whereas patients with TIA spent more time on examinations (34.1%). Linear regression analysis revealed that length of stay (LOS), stroke subtype, hospital level, and stroke type were key factors influencing hospitalization costsDiscussionThe visiting rate and charges were highest in tertiary public hospitals, and hospitalization costs were higher in hemorrhagic types of stroke than in ischemic types of stroke; the proportion of hospitalization cost categories varied among different types of stroke, with LOS, hospital type, and level substantially affecting hospitalization costs. Enhancing medical insurance reimbursement rates for hemorrhagic strokes, implementing a hierarchical medical system, tailoring cost categories to accommodate varying stroke subtypes, and shortening LOS may help alleviate the economic burden of stroke.
Successful Aging Scale: Urdu Translation and Validation Study on Older Adults
Authors: Anwar Mubeen , Masood Sobia 
Published: November 2024

Background. Despite the recent work on successful aging, there are few valid and reliable measures available for capturing this construct.Objective. One of the widely used measure is Successful Aging Scale (SAS; Reker, 2009) and the present study aimed to translate and validate this scale for using it with the Pakistani older population.Method. This study consisted of two parts. Part 1 dealt with the translation of the scale following Brislin’s (1970) guidelines while in Part 2 validity was established. Part 2 consisted of two phases: In Phase I, cross-language validation was determined on a sample of 60 older adults and the findings of the test-retest conditions over a two-week time period showed that the Urdu version of SAS has better comprehension properties as compared to the English original version. In Phase II of the Part 2, construct validity was established on a sample of 300 older adults (150 men, 150 women) with age ranging from 50 to 87 (M = 58.71, SD = 6.91).Results. Findings of confirmatory factor analysis showed that after removing two items from SAS, the model best fit the data. Alpha coefficient Correlation between age-related stereotype and successful aging provided evidence for the convergent validity of SAS. Implications. Overall, the Urdu version of SAS appeared to be a reliable and valid measure for the use among the Pakistani population.
Development and Validation of Cyber Victimization Scale (CVS)
Authors: Riaz Nida , Iram Hina , Iqbal Nazia , Hassan Bushra 
Published: November 2024

Objective. Present study was carried to develop a scale to measure Cyber Victimization.
Method. The research was carried out in three phases. Phase I consisted of the development of cyber victimization scale. After extensive literature review of available scale and theories of cyber-victimization, focused group discussions were held to generate item pool. Thirty five items were identified after subjective evaluation by experts.
Analyses. Scale items were evaluated empirically for content validation and factor analysis on college and university students (N=317) both boys (n=138) and girls (n=179). The result indicated that cyber-victimization scale (CVS) is an internally consistent scale with five factors (? ranged between.73-.90). Phase II was aimed to establish psychometric properties of the scale and the scale was proved to be valid and reliable measure for future use. Study III was conducted on an independent sample of school and college students (N=75). Test – test reliability, split half reliability and coefficient alpha was used to establish reliability of the scale and was paved to be a reliable measure. The convergent and discriminant validity was established with the help of Cyber Bully/Victim scale (Horzum, 2010). Results of phase III showed that Cyber-victimization scale is a valid measure. In last phase gender differences in cyber-victimization and relationship between time spent on social networking sites and cyber victimization was also measured. There was significant mean gender difference in cyber-victimization and there was also a significant positive relationship (r=.52**) between time spent on social networking sites and cyber-victimization.

Keywords: cyber victimization, development, focused group, factor analysis, validation, convergent validity, discriminant validity
JEL classification: HEC
Masculinity Ideologies of Adult Pakistani Men and Women
Authors: Imtiaz Sara , Kamal Anila 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background. Masculinity related ideologies are rooted in most cultures and Pakistan is not different, however not much is known about these ideologies in recent times. This study investigated masculinity ideologies in adult men and women of Pakistan.
Method. In across-sectional design,a convenient sample of 268 men and 173 women (N = 441)was taken that ranged in age from 19 to 51 (M = 29.21, SD = 5.44) years. We used Masculinity Ideologies Scale (Imtiaz& Kamal, 2023) that measures four aspects of masculinity includingmale privilege and power, traditional roles and responsibilities, avoiding effeminacy, and restricted emotionality as subscales.
Results. Results revealed that men endorsed significantly greater traditional masculinity ideologies than women and particularly significantly moremale privilegeand power and restricted emotionality than women; however, no significant differences were found for traditional roles and responsibilities and avoiding effeminacy across genders.
Conclusion. We discuss masculinity in a cultural context where patriarchy prevails, where male masculinity is held as a symbol of authority.
Keywords. Gender differences, masculinity ideologies, Pakistani adults, patriarchy
The Impact of Different Footwear Conditions on Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics During Single-Leg Drop Landing Movements in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: Wang Zilong , Lu Mengya , Wu Jun , Liu Rongsen , Kong Lingyu , Li Chenjin , Meng Lingyue , Zhang Qiuxia 
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: This study investigated the impact of different footwear conditions on the biomechanics of individuals with Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) during single-leg drop landing movements. (2) Methods: Fifteen participants with FAI and a control group were tested. Kinematics and kinetics were measured using Vicon (Model: MX13, Oxford, UK) and Kistler (Model: 9287B, Switzerland) equipment. A mixed-ANOVA analyzed the impact of footwear conditions. (3) Results: At the initial contact (IC), under the shoe-wearing condition, the FAI group exhibited a significantly smaller ankle-joint plantarflexion angle compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The FAI group exhibited a significantly smaller ankle-joint plantarflexion angle under the shoe-wearing condition compared to the barefoot condition at the IC (p < 0.001). At the IC moment, regardless of the footwear conditions in this study, the FAI group showed a larger knee flexion angle (p = 0.028) and a shorter time to vertical ground reaction force (T_vGRF) (p = 0.020) compared to the control group. (4) Conclusions: The study concluded that footwear conditions significantly influence the biomechanics of FAI individuals, with shoes enhancing ankle stability and barefoot conditions leading to biomechanics similar to healthy individuals. The effect of socks on FAI individuals was not significant. Future research should further explore the impact of footwear on FAI rehabilitation.
Searching for New Antibacterial Compounds Against Staphylococcus aureus: A Computational Study on the Binding Between FtsZ and FtsA
Authors: Demesa-Castañeda Alba V. , Pérez David J. , Millán-Pacheco César , Hernández-Mendoza Armando , Razo-Hernández Rodrigo Said 
Published: November 2024

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that has become resistant to different antibiotics, which makes it a threat to human health. Although the first penicillin-resistant strain appeared in 1945, nowadays, there are just a few alternatives to fight it. To circumvent this issue, novel approaches to develop drugs to target proteins of the bacteria cytoskeleton, essential for bacteria’s binary fission, are being developed. FtsZ and FtsA are two proteins that are key for the initial stages of binary fission. On one side, FtsZ forms a polymeric circular structure called the Z ring; meanwhile, FtsA binds to the cell membrane and then anchors to the Z ring. According to the literature, this interaction occurs within the C-terminus domain of FtsZ, which is mainly disordered. Objective: In this work, we studied the binding of FtsZ to FtsA using computational chemistry tools to identify the interactions between the two proteins to further use this information for the search of potential protein-protein binding inhibitors (PPBIs). Methods: We made a bioinformatic analysis to obtain a representative sequence of FtsZ and FtsA of Staphylococcus aureus. With this information, we built homology models of the FtsZ to carry out the molecular docking with the FtsA. Furthermore, alanine scanning was conducted to identify the key residues forming the FtsZ–FtsA complex. Finally, we used this information to generate a pharmacophore model to carry out a virtual screening approach. Results: We identified the key residues forming the FtsZ-FtsA complex as well as five molecules with high potential as PPBIs.
Paramedic or GP consultations in primary care: prospective study comparing costs and outcomes
Authors: Hollingworth William , Gadah-Jeynes Nouf S , Taylor Hazel , Garfield Kirsty , Voss Sarah , Booker Matthew 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundGeneral practice faces pressures because of increased demand and a shortage of GPs. Paramedics in general practice (PGPs) increasingly contribute to managing minor illnesses, conducting home visits, and providing urgent consultations.AimTo explore the impact of paramedic consultations on patient-reported experience, safe management, and NHS costs.Design and settingProspective cohort study comparing PGP with GP consultations at 34 GP sites in England.MethodEligible participants had a consultation with a PGP (25 PGP sites) or GP (nine non-PGP sites) between May 2022 and February 2023. Questionnaires were provided after the initial consultation and 30 days later. Questionnaires assessed patient experience, outcomes, and perceived safety (PCOQ and PREOS PC), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and healthcare use.ResultsOf 715 participants recruited, 489 completed the 30-day questionnaire. No evidence was found that PGP consultations resulted in greater improvement/deterioration in patient-reported health and wellbeing (−0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.09 to 0.04); confidence in health provision (−0.05, 95% CI = −0.15 to 0.05); health knowledge (0.05, 95% CI = −0.04 to 0.15); or confidence in the health plan (−0.06, 95% CI = −0.11 to −0.01) over the 30-day period. However, the PGP group reported lower confidence in health provision (mean 4.0 versus 4.5;P<0.001), poorer perceptions of practice engagement in safety promotion (median 75 versus 88;P<0.001), and more communication problems with staff (17% versus 8%;P<0.001) immediately after the initial consultation. Patients receiving PGP consultations reported fewer GP appointments during the 30-day period; however, savings to the NHS were offset by higher use of other healthcare professionals.ConclusionWell-designed training and supervision are needed to ensure PGPs have the right knowledge and can clearly convey healthcare plans to patients. While PGPs may reduce GP workload pressure, they do not necessarily reduce NHS costs.
КАК НАШ МОЗГ ЗАПИСЫВАЕТ ПОСЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬНОСТИ СИГНАЛОВ И ПОЧЕМУ ЭТО ВАЖНО ДЛЯ СОЗДАНИЯ СИЛЬНОГО ИСКУССТВЕННОГО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТА
Authors: В.А. Сычев 
Published: November 2024

В таламусе находятся популяции нейронов, называемые иногда матрица и получающие иннервацию одновременно от большого количества рецепторов. Эти нейроны реагируют на ситуации во внешней среде важные для выживания, например, наличие движения или лица в поле зрения. Афференты от них приходят не в четвёртый уровень коры, а к пирамидным нейронам с маленьким пучком уровня 5а, которые в свою очередь возбуждают пирамидные нейроны с большим пучком уровня 5b. Эти нейроны соединены в локальные сети и благодаря STDP эффекту могут сохранять последовательности сигналов из внешней среды совпадающие по времени с важными для выживания событиями. Такой способ обучения, принципиально отличается от способов обучения искусственного интеллекта применяемых в данный момент, когда в интеллектуальную систему пытаются поместить весь доступный на данный момент объём информации.
The thalamus contains populations of neurons, sometimes called the matrix, that receive innervation simultaneously from a large number of receptors. These neurons respond to situations in the external environment that are important for survival, such as the presence of movement or a face in the visual field. Afferents from them do not come to the fourth level of the cortex, but to pyramidal neurons with a small bundle of level 5a, which in turn excite pyramidal neurons with a large bundle of level 5b. These neurons are connected into local networks and, thanks to the STDP effect, can store sequences of signals from the external environment that coincide in time with events important for survival. This method of training is fundamentally different from the methods of training artificial intelligence currently used, when they try to place the entire amount of information currently available into an intelligent system.
РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ НЕВЕРБАЛЬНОГО ТЕСТА ВОСПРИЯТИЕ ВРЕМЕНИ В ДИАПАЗОНЕ ОТ 1 ДО 15 СЕКУНД В СОБЫТИЙНЫХ КОНТЕКСТАХ РАЗНЫХ ПО УРОВНЮ АКТИВАЦИИ
Authors: Т.А. Швец 
Published: November 2024

Восприятие времени является одним из базовых процессов, лежащим в основе адаптации, являясь постоянным объектом изучения многих наук. В публикации представлены результаты невербального теста восприятия времени в диапазоне от 1 до 15 секунд, сконструированного на платформе КОГНИТОМ (apway.ru) в событийных контекстах разных по уровню активации – БОС-тренинг по ЧСС, просушивание релаксирующей музыки, выполнения приседаний и контрольной группы. Всего в исследовании приняли участи 65 человек в возрасте от 18 до 25 лет (14 мужчин и 51 женщина). Показано, что активирующие события уменьшают субъективное время в диапазоне больше 6 секунд, в то время как, как расслабляющие контексты, наоборот, увеличивают, а при отсутствии внешнего воздействия испытуемые определяют время точнее по сравнению с всеми событийными контекстами. Также были выявлены различия субъективного времени для стимулов меньше и больше 6 секунд. Обсуждается вопрос о физиологических механизмах, лежащих в основе того, что разные по степени активации событийные контексты влияют на функциональную систему, обеспечивающую восприятие времени, превышающим 6 секунд.
The perception of time is one of the basic processes underlying adaptation, being a constant object of study in many sciences. The publication presents the results of a non-verbal test of time perception in the range from 1 to 15 seconds, constructed on the COGNITOM platform (apway.ru) in event contexts of different activation levels - biofeedback training based on heart rate, drying out relaxing music, performing squats and a control group. In total, 65 people aged 18 to 25 years (14 men and 51 women) took part in the study. It has been shown that activating events reduce subjective time in a range of more than 6 seconds, while relaxing contexts, on the contrary, increase it, and in the absence of external influence, subjects determine time more accurately compared to all event contexts. Differences in subjective time were also found for stimuli less than and greater than 6 seconds. The question of the physiological mechanisms underlying the fact that event contexts of different degrees of activation influence the functional system that provides the perception of time exceeding 6 seconds is discussed.