bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception of the McGurk effect in people with one eye depends on whether the eye is removed during infancy or adulthood
Authors: Moro Stefania S. , Qureshi Faizaan A. , Steeves Jennifer K. E. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe visual system is not fully mature at birth and continues to develop throughout infancy until it reaches adult levels through late childhood and adolescence. Disruption of vision during this postnatal period and prior to visual maturation results in deficits of visual processing and in turn may affect the development of complementary senses. Studying people who have had one eye surgically removed during early postnatal development is a useful model for understanding timelines of sensory development and the role of binocularity in visual system maturation. Adaptive auditory and audiovisual plasticity following the loss of one eye early in life has been observed for both low-and high-level visual stimuli. Notably, people who have had one eye removed early in life perceive the McGurk effect much less than binocular controls.MethodsThe current study investigates whether multisensory compensatory mechanisms are also present in people who had one eye removed late in life, after postnatal visual system maturation, by measuring whether they perceive the McGurk effect compared to binocular controls and people who have had one eye removed early in life.ResultsPeople who had one eye removed late in life perceived the McGurk effect similar to binocular viewing controls, unlike those who had one eye removed early in life.ConclusionThis suggests differences in multisensory compensatory mechanisms based on age at surgical eye removal. These results indicate that cross-modal adaptations for the loss of binocularity may be dependent on plasticity levels during cortical development.
Antidepressant-like effects of the Punica granatum and citalopram combination are associated with structural changes in dendritic spines of granule cells in the dentate gyrus of rats
Authors: Vega-Rivera Nelly-Maritza , González-Trujano María Eva , Luna-Angula Alexandra , Sánchez-Chapul Laura , Estrada-Camarena Erika 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Natural products such as phytoestrogens-enriched foods or supplements have been considered as an alternative therapy to reduce depressive symptoms associated with menopause. It is known that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum (AE-PG) exerts antidepressant-like effects by activating β-estrogen receptors and facilitates the antidepressant response of the clinical drug citalopram (CIT). However, the effects on neuroplasticity are unknown. Objectvie investigated the antidepressant-like response of combining AE-PG and CIT at sub-optimal doses, analyzing their effects on the formation and maturation of dendrite spines in granule cells as well as on the dendrite complexity.Methods: Ovariectomized Wistar rats (3-month-old) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: A) control (saline solution as vehicle of CIT and AE-PG, B) AE-PG at a sub-threshold dose (vehicle of CIT plus AE-PG at 0.125 mg/kg), C) CIT at a sub-threshold dose (0.77 mg/kg plus vehicle of AE-PG), and D) a combination of CIT plus AE-PG (0.125 mg/kg and 0.77 mg/kg, respectively). All rats were treated intraperitoneally for 14 days. Antidepressant-like effects were evaluated using the force swimming test test (FST). The complexity of dendrites and the number and morphology of dendrite spines of neurons were assessed in the dentate gyrus after Golgi-Cox impregnation. The expressions of the mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in plasma and of mBDNF and synaptophysin in the hippocampus, as markers of synaptogenesis, were also determined.Results: Administration of CIT combined with AE-PG, but not alone, induced a significant antidepressant-like effect in the FST with an increase in the dendritic complexity and the number of dendritic spines in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, revealed by the thin and stubby categories of neurons at the granular cell layer. At the same time, an increase of mBDNF and synaptophysin expression was observed in the hippocampus of rats that received the combination of AE-PG and CIT.
Evaluating the influence of straw mulching and intercropping on nitrogen uptake, crop growth, and yield performance in maize and soybean
Authors: Liu Siping , Wang Lixue , Chang Liang , Khan Ismail , Nadeem Faisal , Rehman Abdul , Suo Ran 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionIntercropping and straw mulching are sustainable agricultural practices that can positively affect crop growth and development, especially together.MethodsA split-plot experimental design was used to investigate the effects of intercropping and straw mulching on crop growth, crop yield, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthetic characteristics. The main plot focused on three planting patterns: soybean monoculture (S), maize monoculture (M), and maize/soybean intercropping (I). The subplot structure consisted of four levels of straw mulching (0, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6 t ha-1).ResultsInteraction and variance analyses showed that straw mulching, intercropping, and their interaction had significant effects on plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, nitrogen uptake, photosynthetic characteristics, and crop yield. Based on two-year averages for maize and soybean, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was up to 51.6% higher, stomatal conductance (Sc) was up to 44.0% higher, transpiration rate (Tr) was up to 46.6% higher, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) was up to 25.7% lower relative to no mulching. The maximum increases of Pn, Sc, and Tr of intercropped maize were 15.48%, 17.28%, and 23.94%, respectively, and the maximum Ci was 17.75% lower than that of monoculture maize. The maximum increase of Pn, Sc, and Tr of monoculture soybean was 24.58%, 16.90%, and 17.91%, respectively, and the maximum Ci was 13.85% lower than that of intercropped soybean. The nitrogen uptake of maize and soybean in the mulching treatment was 24.3% higher than that in the non-mulching treatment; the nitrogen uptake of intercropped maize was 34.2% higher than that of monoculture maize, and the nitrogen uptake of monoculture soybean was 15.0% higher than that of intercropped soybean. The yield of maize and soybean in the mulching treatment was 66.6% higher than that in the non-mulching treatment, the maize yield under intercropping was 15.4% higher than that under monoculture, and the yield of monoculture soybean was 9.03% higher than that of intercropped soybean.DiscussionThe growth index and photosynthesis of crops are important parts of yield formation. The results of this study confirmed that straw mulching, intercropping, and their interaction can ultimately increase crop yield by improving crop growth, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthesis. This result can be used as the theoretical basis for the combined application of these measures in agriculture.
Do I want to work from home today? Specific job crafting strategies of public service employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: a qualitative study
Authors: Seinsche Laura , Schubin Kristina , Neumann Jana , Pfaff Holger 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundAfter the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees in Europe increasingly worked from home. In the German public sector, many employees experienced working from home for the first time. Concurrently, employees could use job crafting activities to alter job demands and resources while working from home. This exploratory case study aims to shed light on how public service employees craft their job demands and job resources, and how they perceive job satisfaction and productivity while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A novel theoretical approach is applied to explore crafting activities that target specific job demands and resources when working from home, using a combined framework of resource-based job crafting based on the Job Demands–Resources model and time-spatial job crafting.MethodsQualitative telephone interviews were conducted with employees from different public sectors in Germany between December 2021 and February 2022. According to the COREQ guidelines, the 12 semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content-analyzed using MAXQDA.ResultsThe results suggest that employees, who were new to working from home, developed personal crafting strategies for their flexible work environment. These strategies supported them in coping with hindering job demands (e.g., measures regarding work-related availability or interruptions) by optimizing their working conditions. Additionally, employees used strategies to increase their social resources (e.g., initiating meetings with colleagues) and structural resources (e.g., installing additional work equipment, planning of office days and working-from-home days). The use of given job resources and optimization of job demands are closely linked to the time-spatial demands fit. Thereby, the time-spatial demands fit is used to combine workplaces, work hours, or work tasks with the provided resources and demands to achieve an optimal work environment, which also facilitates employees' productivity and satisfaction.ConclusionThe results enrich the resource-based and time-spatial demand job crafting research by adding specific job crafting strategies utilized by public service employees. Furthermore, the results highlight job crafting strategies for enhancing job satisfaction and productivity when working from home in the post-pandemic world, thus offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.
Do Chinese viewers watch e-sports games for a different reason? Motivations, attitude, and team identification in predicting e-sports online spectatorship
Authors: Shi Minlong , Ren Ruqin 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionUnderstanding factors that predict the intention of e-sports game online spectatorship has drawn a great deal of scholarly attention. Prior work on this topic has primarily focused on explaining the mediation mechanism between the spectator motivations and behavioral intention, such as attitude and subjective well-being, while overlooking the specific role of team identification and satisfaction with past experience, which were understudied in the previous studies but also prominent in the context of e-sports spectatorship. Besides, previous research was mainly conducted in a Western context; therefore, little was known about the online e-sports audience in China and their motivations to view e-sports games on live-streaming platforms.MethodsThe current study thus aims to examine if and how these factors are related to the intention of watching e-sports games online by hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling.ResultsResults from a survey of 452 Chinese e-sports online audiences suggested that three motivations (skill improvement, entertainment, and friends bonding), attitude towards e-sports game online spectatorship, and satisfaction with past experience were positively related to watching intention. These motivations and satisfaction also positively influenced attitude, while socialization opportunity (one of the motivations) negatively influenced attitude. Furthermore, team identification negatively moderated the relationship between satisfaction with past experience and behavioral intention. Also, attitude mediated the association between motivations, satisfaction, and behavioral intention.DiscussionIn general, our study identifies the motivations that relate to Chinese e-sports viewers’ attitude as well as their watching intention, and underscores the role of satisfaction with past experience, attitude, and team identification in the context of e-sports. These findings contribute to deriving a holistic view of e-sports game online spectatorship.
Temporal trends of food insecurity in Chad, 2016–2021
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Wabyona Edgar , Etienne Kississou , Allarabaye Madjioudal , Bakoi Abel , Doocy Shannon 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionConsidering persistently high levels of poverty and food insecurity in Chad, this study examines food insecurity trends from 2016 to 2021 and identifies risk factors for food insecurity in 2020 and 2021.MethodsData from six cross-sectional Enquête Nationale sur la Securité Alimentaire (ENSA) surveys from 2016 to 2021 collected in rural areas were used. The linear regressions for food consumption score (FCS), reduced coping strategy index (rCSI), and livelihood coping strategy index (LCSI) and logistic regressions for “poor food consumption” were used to estimate the annual rate of change. Risk factor analysis was conducted with demographic, socio-economic, and pandemic-related economic indicators in univariate models, and subsequent multivariate models were used to produce adjusted odds ratios.ResultsAt a national level, there was a gradual decrease in FCS (1.16 points per year), an increase in LCSI (0.11 points), and an increase in the proportion of households with poor food consumption from 18.5% to 25.3% (1.55 percentage point) during 2016–2021; a similar trend for FCS and LCSI for worsened food insecurity was observed in the Sudanian zone. There was no significant change in rCSI during that time at the national level, but there was a reduction in the Saharan zone and an increasing trend in the Sahélian zone. Risk factors for poor food consumption in 2020–2021 included lower wealth status, a single income source, an illiterate household head, and Sahelian zone residence. The only characteristic significantly associated with increased coping mechanism use in both years was having a disabled household head.DiscussionThe results provide evidence of worsening food security in Chad in the past 6 years, both nationally and including the agricultural Sudanian zone. Food insecurity was consistently the highest in the Sahelian zone. While some risk factors for poor food consumption and diet-related coping mechanism use were consistent between 2020 and 2021, there were differences among other risk factors, likely a reflection of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategic shift in humanitarian and development programming is required to mitigate the rise in food insecurity at the national and regional levels, with a particular emphasis on the Sahelian zone.
48 h Normothermic Machine Perfusion With Urine Recirculation for Discarded Human Kidney Grafts
Authors: Messner Franka , Soleiman Afschin , Öfner Dietmar , Neuwirt Hannes , Schneeberger Stefan , Weissenbacher Annemarie 
Published: October 2023

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has reshaped organ preservation in recent years. In this preclinical study, prolonged normothermic perfusions of discarded human kidney grafts were performed in order to investigate perfusion dynamics and identify potential quality and assessment indicators. Five human discarded kidney grafts were perfused normothermically (37°C) for 48 h using the Kidney Assist device with a red-blood-cell based perfusate with urine recirculation. Perfusion dynamics, perfusate and urine composition as well as injury markers were measured and analyzed. Donor age ranged from 41 to 68 years. All but one kidney were from brain dead donors. Perfusions were performed successfully for 48 h with all discarded kidneys. Median arterial flow ranged from 405 to 841 mL/min. All kidneys excreted urine until the end of perfusion (median 0.43 mL/min at the end of perfusion). While sodium levels were consistently lower in urine compared to perfusate samples, this was only seen for chloride and potassium in kidney KTX 2. Lactate, AST, LDH as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines increased over time, especially in kidneys KTX 3 and 4. Ex vivo normothermic perfusion is able to identify patterns of perfusion, biological function, and changes in inflammatory markers in heterogenous discarded kidney grafts.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Improvement Model for Process Precision and Accuracy
Authors: Tsai Chih-Ming , Chiou Kuo-Ching , Chen Kuen-Suan , Yu Chun-Min 
Published: October 2023

Process Capability Indices (PCIs) are devices widely used in the industry to evaluate process quality. The commonly used process capability indices all contain accuracy indices and precision indices. As the accuracy index is closer to zero, the process accuracy is higher. The precision index mainly represents the extent of process variation. As the value is smaller, the process variation is smaller, that is, the precision is higher. In fact, process capability indices are the functions of accuracy indices and precision indices. Obviously, as long as accuracy indices and precision indices are controlled, the process capability indices can be controlled as well. Therefore, this study first derived accuracy and precision control charts to observe not only process accuracy but also process precision. Then, this study adopted in-control data to acquire a 100 (1 − α)% confidence region of an accuracy index and a precision index, with which statistical tests were performed. Subsequently, according to the definition of the six sigma quality level, both indices were examined. Furthermore, based on the testing results, suggestions for process improvement were proposed, including correcting the direction of process deviation and deciding whether to reduce process variation. Finally, this study demonstrated the applicability of the proposed model using an empirical example.
Participación de los agentes educativos en la autoevaluación de los programas de estudios en Perú
Authors: Hinojo Jacinto Guillermina Norberta , Tazzo Tomas Magda Marianella , Quiroz Aguirre Gualverto Federico 
Published: October 2023

Por medio de la autoevaluación, las universidades pueden identificar fortalezas y debilidades en sus programas de estudio, y tomar medidas para mejorar su calidad. En este sentido, la participación activa de los actores educativos en el proceso de autoevaluación es crucial para lograr una evaluación integral y efectiva. En el siguiente estudio se evalúa la participación de 736 actores educativos en la autoevaluación de una universidad en Perú, con el fin de determinar su impacto en el proceso de acreditación y en la calidad educativa. Se utiliza una metodología de enfoque cuantitativo y diseño descriptivo simple, y se emplea una lista de cotejo para evaluar el cumplimiento de los criterios e indicadores de autoevaluación. Los resultados indican que la participación activa de los actores educativos es un factor determinante para asegurar la calidad educativa y avanzar en el proceso de acreditación de los programas de estudios. En conclusión, el estudio sugiere la necesidad de promover la participación activa de los actores educativos en el proceso de acreditación y la cultura autoevaluativa para lograr una educación de calidad
Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Resource Management (HRM) in Recent Era
Authors: Menaka R. 
Published: October 2023

Human resources (HR) experts can now utilize calculations and AI to smooth out their work processes, diminish their predispositions, and work on their examination and dynamic on account of advancements in artificial intelligence (computer based intelligence) innovation. Nonetheless, a few organizations are reluctant to embrace computer based intelligence for extra use cases because of the ongoing downsides and weaknesses. In human resource management, artificial intelligence (computer based intelligence) can be extremely helpful on the grounds that it can robotize drawn-out assignments and diminish predisposition in the determination cycle. Man-made intelligence can be applied to progress authoritative procedures, improve employee engagement, and support vocation development. Employee engagement can be expanded and vocation useful learning experiences can be more individualized and custom-made with the guide of computer based intelligence innovation. The monetary expenses of setting up and maintaining artificial intelligence in HR, as well as the risk of missteps and unintentional predispositions, ought to be considered by associations. Future advancements in artificial intelligence will expand personalization, mechanization, and data based decisions in human resource management. Before very long, as artificial intelligence keeps on changing the scene of human resource management, HR managers should likewise know about the challenges they might experience. Worries about simulated intelligence making work more secure and more open are normal among HR chiefs. The recruiting and preparing of new employees is a dreary undertaking for the department of human resources. Artificial intelligence has many applications that can assist with peopling who work in human resources with their manual work. Hence, the present study has been focused to give a theoretical outline on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Resource Management (HRM) in recent era.
INTERNATIONALIZATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Яремчук Наталія 
Published: October 2023

This paper provides a review of the literature on internationalization and quality assurance in higher education, examining the different perspectives and research methods. The authors highlight the tension between balancing quality and quantity in evaluating research performance and outcomes. They also emphasize the link between internationalization and globalization, noting that internationalization is often viewed as a response to global forces. The study used a systematic search to identify relevant articles published in the last decade and conducted semi-structured interviews with administrators responsible for implementing internationalization strategies. The paper highlights the challenges facing internationalization efforts, including limited resources, resistance to change, cultural differences, and institutional barriers. This article presents the findings of a study on internationalization and quality assurance in higher education. The research emphasizes the need for further investigation in this area and identifies the challenges involved. To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach involving collaboration among various stakeholders is advocated, including administrators, faculty members, students, and external partners. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of striking a balance between quality and quantity when evaluating research outcomes, especially within the context of diverse national education systems and the contrasting realities of peripheral and elite universities. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing internationalization and quality assurance in higher education for university authorities and encourages researchers to capture the ongoing dynamics of internationalization and globalization. The findings suggest a need for more research on internationalization and quality assurance in higher education and a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration across different stakeholders. The study underscores the importance of prioritizing internationalization and quality assurance in higher education and provides suggestions for future research. Future research is recommended to explore effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and achieving successful internationalization in higher education.
Key words: internationalization; globalization in education; quality assurance in higher education; stakeholders.