bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of deep fine root and water utilization amongst trees, shrubs and herbs in subtropical pine plantations with seasonal droughts
Authors: Jiang Peipei , Yan Jinliang , Liu Rongxin , Zhang Xuejie , Fan Shoujin 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionSeasonal droughts will become more severe and frequent under the context of global climate change, this would result in significant variations in the root distribution and water utilization patterns of plants. However, research on the determining factors of deep fine root and water utilization is limited.MethodsWe measured the fine root biomass and water utilization of trees, shrubs and herbs, and soil properties, light transmission, and community structure parameters in subtropical pine plantations with seasonal droughts.Results and DiscussionWe found that the proportion of deep fine roots (below 1 m depth) is only 0.2-5.1%, but that of deep soil water utilization can reach 20.9-38.6% during the dry season. Trees improve deep soil water capture capacity by enhancing their dominance in occupying deep soil volume, and enhance their deep resource foraging by increasing their branching capacity of absorptive roots. Shrubs and herbs showed different strategies for deep water competition: shrubs tend to exhibit a “conservative” strategy and tend to increase individual competitiveness, while herbs exhibited an “opportunistic” strategy and tend to increase variety and quantity to adapt to competitions.ConclusionOur results improve our understanding of different deep fine root distribution and water use strategies between overstory trees and understory vegetations, and emphasize the importance of deep fine root in drought resistance as well as the roles of deep soil water utilization in shaping community assembly.
Yoga and music intervention reduces inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder in children’s consumer with comorbid ADHD and ODD
Authors: Luo Xue , Huang Xu , Lin Shuang 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionTo analyze the impact of yoga and music intervention on child consumers, we selected 60 eligible child consumers from yoga and music companies.MethodsThis preliminary study used a randomized controlled design to investigate whether a 16-week combined yoga and music intervention improves attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in 60 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with ODD aged 4–6 years. It also preliminarily identified which intervention is best for these children among three types: combined yoga and music, yoga-only, and musiconly interventions. We used both the parent- and teacher-rated MTA SNAP-IV ADHD Rating Scale for data collection.ResultsWe found that the combined yoga and music intervention had a positive effect on inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and ODD in children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. The combined yoga and music intervention was the most effective in reducing inattention (in repeated measures ANOVA effect size, 0.9; followed by the yoga- and the music-only interventions, respectively), hyperactivity/impulsivity (effect size, 0.92), and ODD behaviors (effect size, 0.93) in children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. Thus, the combined yoga and music intervention was the most effective and had a more comprehensive effect on children with combined ADHD and ODD compared with the two other interventions (i.e., yoga- and music-only interventions).DiscussionOur findings provide preliminary evidence for the use of combined yoga and music interventions on a daily basis as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. The children in the article refer to child consumers of yoga and music companies.
Effect of an activity wristband-based intermittent teaching unit in Physical Education on studentsʼ physical activity and its psychological mediators: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. School-fit study
Authors: Guijarro-Romero Santiago , Mayorga-Vega Daniel , Casado-Robles Carolina , Viciana Jesús 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThe main objective of the present study was to examine the effects of an intermittent teaching unit based on the use of activity wristbands and behavior modification strategies on high school studentsʼ perceptions of autonomy support, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, motivation toward Physical Education and physical activity, intention to be physically active, and habitual physical activity levels.Materials and methodsAn initial sample of 353 high school students (final sample = 175; 45.7% females; mean age = 13.3 ± 1.2 years) from two public high schools were cluster-randomly assigned into the intermittent (IG, n = 100) and control (CG, n = 75) groups. The IG performed an intermittent teaching unit twice a week for eight weeks. Specifically, the last 15 min of each lesson were used. As the main strategy to promote the practice of regular physical activity, students wore an activity wristband the whole day during the intervention period. Additionally, other behavior modification strategies were also applied (e.g., educational counseling, physical activity goals or reminders). Regarding the CG, during the intervention period (i.e,, the eight weeks that took place the intermittent teaching unit) they also performed two Physical Education sessions, but without using activity wristbands or other behavior modification strategies. Before and after the intervention, as well as at the end of the follow-up period (six weeks), students’ physical activity practice mediators and physical activity levels were measured by validated questionnaires.ResultsThe Multilevel Linear Model results showed that the IG students statistically significantly improved cognitive and procedural autonomy support from pre- to post-intervention (p &lt; 0.05). They also statistically significantly improved autonomy and relatedness basic psychological needs, and autonomous motivation toward physical activity scores from post-intervention to follow-up (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that the IG students statistically significantly improved habitual physical activity scores from pre- to post-intervention, and from post-intervention to follow-up (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe intermittent teaching unit based on the use of activity wristbands and other behavior modification strategies was effective for improving studentsʼ autonomy support and habitual physical activity levels, but not the rest of physical activity practice mediators.Clinical trial registrationhttps://register.clinicaltrials.gov/, ID: NCT05949463.
Anxiety in response to the climate and environmental crises: validation of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale in Germany
Authors: Heinzel Stephan , Tschorn Mira , Schulte-Hutner Michael , Schäfer Fabian , Reese Gerhard , Pohle Carina , Peter Felix , Neuber Michael , Liu Shuyan , Keller Jan , Eichinger Michael , Bechtoldt Myriam 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundAs the climate and environmental crises unfold, eco-anxiety, defined as anxiety about the crises’ devastating consequences for life on earth, affects mental health worldwide. Despite its importance, research on eco-anxiety is currently limited by a lack of validated assessment instruments available in different languages. Recently, Hogg and colleagues proposed a multidimensional approach to assess eco-anxiety. Here, we aim to translate the original English Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) into German and to assess its reliability and validity in a German sample.MethodsFollowing the TRAPD (translation, review, adjudication, pre-test, documentation) approach, we translated the original English scale into German. In total, 486 participants completed the German HEAS. We used Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess whether the four-factorial model of the original English version could be replicated in the German sample. Furthermore, associations with a variety of emotional reactions towards the climate crisis, general depression, anxiety, and stress were investigated.ResultsThe German HEAS was internally consistent (Cronbach’s alphas 0.71–0.86) and the Bayesian CFA showed that model fit was best for the four-factorial model, comparable to the factorial structure of the original English scale (affective symptoms, rumination, behavioral symptoms, anxiety about personal impact). Weak to moderate associations were found with negative emotional reactions towards the climate crisis and with general depression, anxiety, and stress.DiscussionOur results support the original four-factorial model of the scale and indicate that the German HEAS is a reliable and valid scale to assess eco-anxiety in German speaking populations.
Cultural variations in perceptions and reactions to social norm transgressions: a comparative study
Authors: Chen-Xia Xing J. , Betancor Verónica , Rodríguez-Gómez Laura , Rodríguez-Pérez Armando 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionHumans are similar but behave differently, and one main reason is the culture in which they are born and raised. The purpose of this research is to examine how the perception and reaction to those who transgress social norms may vary based on the individualism/collectivism of their culture.MethodsA study (N = 398) conducted in the United Kingdom, Spain, and China showed differences in the perception and reaction to incivilities based on individualism/collectivism.ResultsPeople from highly collective countries (China) perceive uncivil transgressors as immoral and enact more social control over them than people from highly individualistic countries (U.K.). They also experience more discomfort when facing uncivil transgressors, and this discomfort mediates the increasing immorality perceived on the agents of incivilities in contrast with people from less collective countries.DiscussionOur findings provide insights into how cultural factors shape individuals’ perceptions of social norm violations and emphasize the importance of considering cultural differences when addressing incivility.
Mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between digital literacy and cognitive function in older adults
Authors: Hong Jae Woo , Nam You Jin , Hong Sunhwa , Roh Hyun Woong 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionAlthough several studies have examined the individual relationships among digital literacy, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms, few have integrated all three factors into a single model. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between digital literacy and cognition. In doing so, we hoped to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay among these variables and their implications for mental health and well-being.MethodsParticipants were 7,988 older adults (65 years or older) who participated in the Living Profiles of Older People Survey 2020. The main type of exposure was digital literacy (communication, information, media, and online transaction literacy). The main outcomes were depressive symptoms measured using the Short Geriatric Depression Scale of Korean version and cognitive function measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination score. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were also performed.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, our analysis found a significant association between digital literacy and both depressive symptoms and cognitive function (β of four types of digital literacy and depressive symptoms = −0.123, −0.172, −0.702, and − 0.639, respectively; β of four types of digital literacy and cognitive function = 2.102, 2.217, 1.711, and 1.436, respectively). Moreover, our study showed that depressive symptoms play a mediating role in the relationship between media and online transaction literacy and cognitive function (95% CI of indirect effects = 0.0647–0.1212 and 0.0639–0.1277, respectively), implying an indirect pathway (digital literacy, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function).DiscussionThis study sheds light on the relationship between digital literacy, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in older adults. We found that depressive symptoms mediated the association between specific aspects of digital literacy (online transaction and media literacy) and cognitive function. Our results indicate that community-based digital literacy programs could be effective in reducing depression and preserving or improving cognitive function in older adults.
A machine learning approach to personalized predictors of dyslipidemia: a cohort study
Authors: Gutiérrez-Esparza Guadalupe , Pulido Tomas , Martínez-García Mireya , Ramírez-delReal Tania , Groves-Miralrio Lucero E. , Márquez-Murillo Manlio F. , Amezcua-Guerra Luis M. , Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Hernández-Lemus Enrique 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionMexico ranks second in the global prevalence of obesity in the adult population, which increases the probability of developing dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is closely related to cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the country. Therefore, developing tools that facilitate the prediction of dyslipidemias is essential for prevention and early treatment.MethodsIn this study, we utilized a dataset from a Mexico City cohort consisting of 2,621 participants, men and women aged between 20 and 50 years, with and without some type of dyslipidemia. Our primary objective was to identify potential factors associated with different types of dyslipidemia in both men and women. Machine learning algorithms were employed to achieve this goal. To facilitate feature selection, we applied the Variable Importance Measures (VIM) of Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). Additionally, to address class imbalance, we employed Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) for dataset resampling. The dataset encompassed anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests, dietary intake, family health history, and other health parameters, including smoking habits, alcohol consumption, quality of sleep, and physical activity.ResultsOur results revealed that the VIM algorithm of RF yielded the most optimal subset of attributes, closely followed by GBM, achieving a balanced accuracy of up to 80%. The selection of the best subset of attributes was based on the comparative performance of classifiers, evaluated through balanced accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity metrics.DiscussionThe top five features contributing to an increased risk of various types of dyslipidemia were identified through the machine learning technique. These features include body mass index, elevated uric acid levels, age, sleep disorders, and anxiety. The findings of this study shed light on significant factors that play a role in dyslipidemia development, aiding in the early identification, prevention, and treatment of this condition.
Diagnostic value of the cerebrospinal fluid lipoarabinomannan assay for tuberculous meningitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ya-Li , Zhu Meng-Meng , Guan Cui-Ping , Zhang Yan-An , Wang Mao-Shui 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipoarabinomannan (LAM) assays in detecting tuberculous meningitis (TBM).MethodsA systematic review search was conducted in PubMed and five other databases up to April 2023. Studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CSF LAM assays were included with either definitive or composite reference standard used as the preferred reference standard. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. We performed a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis and calculated the summary diagnostic statistics.ResultsA total of six studies, including a sample size of 999, were included in the final analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of CSF LAM for diagnosing TBM were determined to be 0.44 (95% CI: 0.31–0.58), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81–0.93), and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.73–0.80), respectively. Significant heterogeneity was observed in both sensitivity (Q = 73.82, p &lt; 0.01; I2 = 86.45, 95%CI: 79.64–93.27) and specificity (Q = 95.34, p &lt; 0.01; I2 = 89.51, 95% CI: 84.61–94.42). Regression analysis indicated that the study design (retrospective vs. prospective) was associated with the heterogeneity of pooled sensitivity and specificity (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionAlthough more prospective studies are required to validate the role of the CSF LAM assay, current evidence supports that the performance of the CSF LAM assay is unsatisfactory for the TBM diagnosis. Additionally, the optimization of the CSF LAM assay (e.g., improvements in CSF collection and preparation methods) should be considered to improve its performance.
Supplementation of Thymoquinone Nanoparticles to Semen Extender Boosts Cryotolerance and Fertilizing Ability of Buffalo Bull Spermatozoa
Authors: Khalil Wael A. , Hassan Mahmoud A. E. , El-Harairy Mostafa A. , Abdelnour Sameh A. 
Published: September 2023

Thymoquinone nanoparticles (TQNPs) are broadly utilized in numerous pharmaceutical applications. In the present study, we tested the effects of TQNP supplementation on sperm quality and kinematics, acrosome exocytosis, oxidative biomarkers, apoptosis-like and morphological changes of frozen–thawed buffalo sperm, as well as the fertilizing capacity. Semen was collected from buffalo bulls, diluted (1:10; semen/extender), and divided into five aliquots comprising various concentrations of TQNP 0 (CON), 12.5 (TQNP12.5), 25 (TQNP25), 37.5 (TQNP37.5), and 50 (TQNP50) µg/mL, and then cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C). The results revealed that TQNPs (25 to 50 µg/mL) provided the most optimal results in terms of membrane integrity (p < 0.001) and progressive motility (p < 0.01). In contrast, TQNP50 resulted in a greater post-thawed sperm viability (p = 0.02) compared with other groups. The addition of TQNPs to the extender had no discernible effects on sperm morphology measures. Sperm kinematic motion was significantly improved in the TQNP50 group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). TQNPs effectively reduced the content of H2O2 and MDA levels and improved the total antioxidant capacity of post-thawed extended semen (p < 0.01). The addition of TQNP significantly increased the number of intact acrosomes (p < 0.0001) and decreased the number of exocytosed acrosomes (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in apoptosis-like changes was observed in TQNP groups. The non-return rates of buffalo cows inseminated with TQNP50-treated spermatozoa were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05; 88% vs. 72%). These findings suggested that the freezing extender supplemented with TQNPs could effectively enhance the cryotolerance and fertility of buffalo sperm.
Learning about fostering student engagement during online teaching: A collaborative reflective inquiry of two teacher educators
Authors: Ali Yemisi Deborah , Khoza Hlologelo Climant 
Published: September 2023

The rapid shift to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic required lecturers to think of altering their pedagogical approaches to suit online learning. One of those pedagogical approaches is fostering student engagement. We are two teacher educators who collaborated using a self-study methodology to look into our practice to learn about fostering student engagement in an online teaching environment. This study was guided by the theory of experiential learning and collaboration. Data were collected from our journal entries and collaboration discussions to narrate how our collaborative endeavours enabled us to learn about fostering student engagement in an online teaching platform. While the findings of what we learnt about fostering student engagement when teaching online are not entirely new in literature, we found that our collaborative endeavours helped us to deal with our fears and vulnerabilities as well as noticing pertinent aspects of student engagement in online teaching. We recommend that lecturers need to embrace collaboration in negotiating new and challenging educational situations.
Teaching practice efficacy for preservice student teachers under COVID-19: A case study of Chitungwiza schools.
Authors: Mawonedzo Abigirl 
Published: September 2023

This qualitative case study aimed to evaluate pre-service student teachers’ conceptions of the quality of teaching practicum on their preparedness for service. The establishment of teaching practice efficacy under pandemic induced circumstances can inform teacher education on developing new models of supervision. The COVID-19 outbreak around November 2019 created extensive interruption across all human activities. Lockdowns and movement restrictions to curb the spread of the disease had a profound impact on access to education in general and in particular pre-service student teachers' teaching practice. Focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews were used to solicit views from a sample of twenty students attached to two primary schools and their mentors and six teaching practice lecturers from two primary school training colleges. Data were analysed thematically. The results indicated that pre-service student teachers and the entire education sector were caught unprepared by the sudden demand for online education. The study found infrastructure and human capacity deficit to ensure the provision of quality education effectively. A prolonged school absence meant students could not thoroughly test theoretical knowledge through practice. The study established that pre-service student teachers need support through further training on emerging online teaching and learning technologies after the practicum. Mentors also need urgent in-service training on the use of information communication technologies. Lastly, the government must start developing policies that promote and enhance support information communication infrastructure availability. Further research might look into the well-being of pre-service students in a pandemic environment.
Pendidikan Islam Berbasis Pengembangan Masyarakat
Authors: Nursalim Eko , Hasan Hasan 
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukan adanya persoalan lembaga pendidikan termasuk di dalam pendidikan Islam yang salah satunya memiliki tujuan mendidik seluruh masyarakat sehingga siap menghadapi problem atau permasalahan yang terjadi dan dapat menyelesaikannya dengan baik. Namun pada kenyataannya, pendidikan Islam di Indonesia sejauh ini gagal memberikan solusi bagi seluruh masyarakat, khususnya bagi umat Islam. Kondisi seperti ini menciptakan sikap pesimis yang ditemukan di masyarakat dan membuat sistem pendidikan Islam semakin terpinggirkan. Seharusnya semua kegiatan pendidikan ditujukan untuk melibatkan semua tingkatan komponen pendidikan, termasuk masyarakat. Namun, pada kenyataannya, masyarakat tidak mendapatkan tempat yang layak sebagai subjek yang memainkan peran penting dalam setiap kebijakan pendidikan. Kajian library research digunakan dalam penelitian ini, dimana peneliti menganalisis serta menelaah sumber pustaka yang berkaitan dengan pendidikan islam yang berbasis pada pengembangan masyarakat berdasarkan temuan dan teori dari berbagai literatur. Hasilnya pendidikan islam berbasis pengembangan masyarakat muncul dari keinginan masyarakat untuk memperdalam dan menambah ilmu pengetahuan islam, kelebihannya yaitu adanya motivasi beragama, semangat mengajarkan ilmu pengetahuan dan kemandirian dalam mengelola. Sedangkan kelemahannya terdapat pada keadaan finansial, manajemen kelembagaan dan pengembangan program unggulan.