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Immersion in nature has been linked to wide-ranging benefits on mental health and cognitive functions, from reducing stress to enhancing creativity. However, a walk in nature is not always feasible, and whether a proxy for nature immersion via a mental walk in nature can elicit the same benefits as a physical walk remains largely unknown. Accordingly, the current study utilized guided imagery to examine whether a mental walk in nature would improve creativity in general and when compared to a mental walk in an urban environment. We implemented a within-subjects design, wherein participants completed both mental walk conditions (in a nature and urban environment) at least five days apart in counterbalanced order on an online platform. During each session, participants (N = 97) completed two pre-walk tasks assessing convergent (measured by the Remote Associates Test) and divergent creative thinking (measured by the Alternate Uses Test), followed by a mental walk in either a nature or urban environment, then finally the identical two post-walk creativity tasks. After five days, they repeated the same procedure with a mental walk in the other environment. While comparisons of post-walk creativity scores between the nature and urban environment did not significantly differ from each other, the comparisons between the pre- and post-walk creativity scores revealed a significant improvement in convergent creative thinking in the nature environment condition, but not the urban environment condition. Our results suggest that taking a mental walk in nature can enhance at least one aspect of creativity, therefore providing preliminary evidence for the potential to access the creative benefits of mentally immersing ourselves in nature. These findings have important implications for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of nature but are unable to readily access nature physically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rain cracking compromises quality and quantity of sweet cherries worldwide. Cracking susceptibility differs among genotypes. The objective was to (1) phenotype the progeny of a cross between a tolerant and a susceptible sweet cherry cultivar for cuticle mass per unit area, strain release on cuticle isolation, cuticular microcracking and calcium/dry mass ratio and (2) relate these characteristics to cracking susceptibilities evaluated in laboratory immersion assays and published multiyear field observations. Mass of the dewaxed cuticle per unit area and strain release upon cuticle isolation were significantly related to cracking susceptibility in lab or field. Cuticular microcracking in the stylar end region as indexed by infiltration with acridine orange was more severe in susceptible than in tolerant genotypes and significantly correlated with susceptibility to cracking in lab and field. The Ca/dry mass ratio was lower (-8%) for susceptible than for tolerant genotypes. Fruit that cracked early had less Ca than those that cracked later. Only the Ca/dry mass ratio of the stylar end region was significantly correlated with cracking susceptibility in the field. Based on stepwise regression analyses microcracking of the cuticle accounted for most of the cracking susceptibilities in field and lab (partial r2 = 0.331 to 0.338 for field vs. r2 = 0.326 to 0.453 for lab). The variability in cracking susceptibility accounted for increased to a r2 = 0.571 (lab) when adding mass of dewaxed cuticle, up to r2 = 0.421 (field) when adding the Ca/dry mass ratio in the stylar end region or up to r2 = 0.478 (field) when entering the strain release on isolation into the model. A protocol for phenotyping is suggested that allows larger progenies to be phenotyped for microcracking, DCM mass and strain release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immersive virtual reality (VR) environments are a powerful tool to explore cognitive processes ranging from memory and navigation to visual processing and decision making—and to do so in a naturalistic yet controlled setting. As such, they have been employed across different species, and by a diverse range of research groups. Unfortunately, designing and implementing behavioral tasks in such environments often proves complicated. To tackle this challenge, we created DomeVR, an immersive VR environment built using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). UE4 is a powerful game engine supporting photo-realistic graphics and containing a visual scripting language designed for use by non-programmers. As a result, virtual environments are easily created using drag-and-drop elements. DomeVR aims to make these features accessible to neuroscience experiments. This includes a logging and synchronization system to solve timing uncertainties inherent in UE4; an interactive GUI for scientists to observe subjects during experiments and adjust task parameters on the fly, and a dome projection system for full task immersion in non-human subjects. These key features are modular and can easily be added individually into other UE4 projects. Finally, we present proof-of-principle data highlighting the functionality of DomeVR in three different species: human, macaque and mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to clarify the rehabilitation efficacy of virtual reality (VR) balance training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024520383. The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Digital Periodical database were systematically searched to identify eligible studies from their inception up to January 2024. The investigated outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), Holden grading, Extensor peak torque (EPT), Flexor peak torque (FPT), knee reaction time, knee reproduction angle difference. The pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model. Results: Six RCTs with a total of 464 patients after unilateral ACLR were included for 8–12 weeks of VR balance training intervention. Analysis of the results showed that compared with the conventional rehabilitation control group, the VR balance training group significantly improved the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (MD = 3.88, 95%CI: 0.95~6.81), Holden grading (MD = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.33~0.51), Extensor peak torque (EPT) (MD = 12.03, 95%CI: 3.28~20.78)and Flexor peak torque (FPT) (MD = 14.57, 95%CI: 9.52~19.63) in postoperative ACLR patients, and significantly reduced knee reaction time (MD = -0.30, 95%CI: -0.35~-0.25), knee angle reproduction difference at 30° (MD = -0.88, 95%CI: -1.16~-0.61), knee angle reproduction difference at 60° (MD = -0.80, 95%CI: -1.09~-0.50), and VAS score (MD = -0.52, 95%CI: -0.65~-0.39). Conclusion: Since many of the included results are based on low—or very—low—quality evidence, although the results show a certain trend, the conclusion has great uncertainty. In the rehabilitation training following ACLR and lower—limb balance training, the application of VR might be advantageous for the recovery of patients' knee joint function, lower—limb muscle strength, proprioception, and pain management. The level of immersion may influence the rehabilitation outcome. Because of the limitations in data quality and heterogeneity as well as the small sample size, the strength of the conclusions is weakened. These findings should be verified in further large-scale prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB) are secretory organelles exclusively found in endothelial cells and among other cargo proteins, contain the hemostatic von-Willebrand factor (VWF). Stimulation of endothelial cells results in exocytosis of WPB and release of their cargo into the vascular lumen, where VWF unfurls into long strings of up to 1000 µm and recruits platelets to sites of vascular injury, thereby mediating a crucial step in the hemostatic response. The function of VWF is strongly correlated to its structure; in order to fulfill its task in the vascular lumen, VWF has to undergo a complex packing/processing after translation into the ER. ER, Golgi and WPB themselves provide a unique milieu for the maturation of VWF, which at the level of the Golgi consists of a low pH and elevated Ca2+ concentrations. WPB are also characterized by low luminal pH, but their Ca2+ content has not been addressed so far. Here, we employed a chemigenetic approach to circumvent the problems of Ca2+ imaging in an acidic environment and show that WPB indeed also harbor elevated Ca2+ concentrations. We also show that depletion of the Golgi resident Ca2+ pump ATP2C1 resulted in only a minor decrease of luminal Ca2+ in WPB suggesting additional mechanisms for Ca2+ uptake into the organelle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early addiction disorders screening is recommended in primary care. The goal of health system reform is to include allied health professionals in this screening. The appropriation of their new role has not yet been explored. The main aim of this study was to examine the perspective of allied health professionals in primary care on the screening of addictive disorders. This qualitative study inspired by the grounded theory was carried out between August 2018 and July 2019. Semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were organized to include of primary care health professionals (physiotherapist, nurse, midwife, pharmacist, and dentist). Thirteen semi-structured individual interviews and four focus groups were recorded and coded. The paramedics described the advantages of their professions for the detection of addictions: home visits, prescription history, habit of intimate subjects, close consultations, etc. Despite daily practice-specific observation posts, they sometimes remained silent witnesses, and their helplessness hindered identification. They felt both closer to the patients and less legitimate than the doctors in dealing with addictions. Finally, their desire for a multidisciplinary approach was limited by the fear of disturbing the doctor and the confusion between betrayal and medical secrecy. Paramedical professionals claimed to have a complementary role to play in identifying addictions. Their reluctance echoed the concept of self-censorship, already described in studies with addictologists and patients. These results must be compared with the opinions of general practitioners and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three endophytic strains, Phomopsis sp., Fusarium proliferatum, and Tinctoporellus epimiltinus, isolated from various plants in the rainforest of the Philippines, were investigated regarding their ability to repress growth of the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum musae on banana fruits causing anthracnose disease. An in vitro plate-to-plate assay and an in vivo sealed box assay were conducted, using commercial versus natural potato dextrose medium (PDA). All tested endophytes were able to significantly reduce C. musae growth compared to the control. However, the type of medium had no significant effect on lesion size of C. musae on banana. An interaction effect between fungal strain and medium could be shown. On the commercial medium, no differences between the biocontrol ability of the fungi and control treatments could be found, while there were significant differences between the fungal strains on natural medium. Lesions on banana incubated with Phomopsis sp. on natural medium were significantly but only slightly larger than those on banana incubated with F. proliferatum. Volatiles released by these two strains and one pathogenic strain of F. graminearum were collected using polydimethylsiloxane tubes and analyzed via gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twelve volatile metabolites were detected. Benzaldehyde was the most prominent volatile emitted from the commercial and plain medium. 2-Undecanone, 2-nonanone, and phenylethyl-alcohol were detected in individual samples in both media. 1-Decanol and acoradiene were exclusive to the commercial medium, with acoradiene also being unique to F. proliferatum. Five volatileorganic compounds (VOCs)were emitted from all tested fungal species: 2-heptanone, 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, 2-tridecanone, and phenylethyl-alcohol. Beta-acorenol was detected in F. proliferatum grown on both media. To reveal whether the medium (commercial PDA versus potato extract) affected the metabolism of the fungi, metabolic footprints were assessed via high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry MS (HPLC-QTOF-MS). A total of 388 metabolic signals were recorded. The intensities of 80–90% of these signals differed significantly between the two types of media. Metabolic footprints varied in response to different potato dextrose medium preparations. The two promising fungal strains may be used to reduce postharvest decay and losses in fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of digital technologies and the diversification of user needs have made digital museums significant platforms for cultural dissemination and education, attracting unprecedented attention. This study aims to investigate how interaction quality influences users' psychological responses and their continuance intention to use digital museums. By integrating the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model and telepresence theory, this study proposes a novel model to examine users' continuance intention. A questionnaire survey of visitors to the China Zisha-ware Digital Museum (CZDM) yielded 414 valid responses, which were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that: 1) The interaction quality of digital museums (i.e., interactivity, vividness, and authenticity) and users' psychological responses (i.e., telepresence, perceived enjoyment) significantly affect users' continuance intention to varying degrees. 2) Telepresence significantly mediates the relationship between interaction quality and continuance intention. 3) Perceived enjoyment serves as an important mediator between interactivity, vividness, and continuance intention, while its mediating role between authenticity and continuance intention is not significant. This study offers theoretical and practical insights for optimizing digital museum user experience design to enhance continuance intention, while also promoting the dissemination of digital culture and supporting educational efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Ordos Basin dry sandstone and sandstone saturated with different saline concentrations as research subjects, a self-developed constant temperature and pressure CO2 injection simulation device was employed to conduct permeability tests on sandstone under varying effective stresses and CO2 injection pressures. The test results indicated that during the CO2 injection process, the permeability of dry sandstone was two orders of magnitude higher than that of sandstones saturated with different saline concentrations. When the effective stress increases from 10 MPa to 28 MPa, the fissure compressibility of reservoir sandstone is influenced by the saturation of different saline concentrations, with the compressibility coefficients for 0%, 15%, and 30% saline-saturated sandstone being 0.00495 MPa⁻1, 0.00614 MPa⁻1, and 0.01879 MPa⁻1, respectively. The primary reasons for the reduced permeability of sandstone are as follows: supercritical CO2 lowers the mechanical properties of sandstone; high-concentration saline induces crystallization within the sandstone, resulting in a blockage effect. High-concentration saline increases the fissure compressibility of sandstone, decreases the permeability of the sandstone reservoir, and ultimately affects the injectability of the CO2 in the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of ensuring respectful and dignified childbirth experiences. However, many countries, including Rwanda, have documented negative experiences during childbirth. Identifying best practices can help uncover sustainable solutions for resource-limited settings rather than focusing solely on the challenges and negative aspects. This study aimed to explore and describe how mothers in Rwanda's Eastern Province perceived and valued their childbirth experiences during their most recent labour and delivery. Methods: We conducted a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study. Purposive sampling targeted mothers who reported receiving respectful care during labour and childbirth. We selected 30 mothers from five hospitals in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Data collection involved in-depth interviews (IDIs) following the first four stages of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5D cycle. We employed the thematic analysis and used NVivo 12 to organize codes and develop a codebook. Results: Three main themes, each with subthemes, emerged from the analysis. The first theme, appreciated care, included compassionate care and emotional support, autonomy and self-determination, timely care, privacy and confidentiality, and a supportive environment. The second theme perceived respectful care, addressed the meaning of respectful care and the sources of the participants' satisfaction. The third theme, strategies for improvement, focused on increasing women's self-control, sustaining providers' positive behaviours, and fostering caring leadership. Participants described receiving compassionate, empathetic, and dignified care, with timely attention to their needs. They expressed satisfaction with the services provided, noting that healthcare providers were kind, polite, and dedicated, often going beyond their duties. Mothers recommended to be more involved in decision-making, maintaining an optimal environment for childbirth, and enhancing community trust and professionalism in maternity care. They also acknowledged their responsibility to ensure proper birth spacing. Conclusion: The aspects of care the participants appreciated could be consistently maintained and promoted. There is a need to build on the progress made in delivering RMC to strengthen community trust and elevate expectations. Given the sensitive nature of RMC, we recommend conducting further studies using the Appreciative Inquiry approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although long-term high dietary sodium consumption often aggravates hypertension and bone loss, sodium in the intestinal lumen has been known to promote absorption of nutrients and other ions, e.g., glucose and calcium. However, whether high-salt diet (HSD) altered mucosal morphology, villous cell turnover and calcium transporter expression remained elusive. Herein, rats were treated with HSD containing 8% wt/wt NaCl for up to 5 months. HSD rats exhibited a marked increase in sodium intake with high fecal and urinary sodium excretion, as compared to the control group treated with normal diet. Intestinal histomorphometry revealed increasing of crypt depth and villous height in 3- and 4-month HSD groups, respectively, consistent with larger mucosal-to-serosal amplification ratio that reflected an increased surface area for nutrient absorption. The signals of Ki-67-positive cells was enhanced in the crypts as visualized by multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, whereas the TUNEL-positive cells were decreased in the villi of HSD, suggesting greater crypt cell proliferation and a reduction of villous cell apoptosis. Confocal microscopy showed higher expression of TRPV6 protein in the villous tip of HSD, while PMCA1 expression was increased in villous tip and crypt areas. The percentage of cells with highly expressed uroguanylin—an endogenous intestinal natriuretic peptide—was significantly higher in HSD group. In conclusion, HSD profoundly changed the intestinal morphology and turnover of epithelial cell, increased the expression of calcium transporters and uroguanylin. Our findings reflect pathophysiological adaptations in the intestine, which might be another target organ for drug discovery against HSD-induced osteopathy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research expanded on prior work exploring the relationship between social media use, social support, and mental health by including the usage of social virtual reality (VR). In Study 1 (undergraduate students; n = 448) we examined divergent relationships between problematic social media use (e.g., Facebook, TikTok), total use, and users' mental health indicators (e.g., depression, anxiety, social isolation). To determine whether problematic social media use patterns extended to immersive 3-D environments, we sampled active social VR users (e.g., Rec Room) in Study 2 (n = 464). Problematic social VR use was related to decreased real-life social support (β = -.62, 95%CI [-.80, -.44]), but not to VR social support (β = -.06, 95%CI [-.25,.14]). Conversely, the amount of social VR use was only related to increased social VR (β =.06, 95%CI [.04,.15]) but not to real-life social support (β = -.02, 95%CI [-.05,.04]). Study 2 also revealed a finding that may be unique to the 3-D immersive environment: the amount of social VR use facilitated better mental health for VR users, but only through stronger perceived social support on social VR but not in real life. This result highlights the potential of immersive media to promote mental well-being by facilitating engaging and meaningful social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research over the past two decades has noted significant racial/ethnic wealth inequalities—inequalities with important implications for life chances and institutional access. Home ownership is as a foundational element of such inequality with broad consequences for exposure to crime, quality of public safety services, and access to healthcare, education, and employment. Building on earlier scholarship that has tended to focus on specific forms of mortgages, we draw in this article on over 1.4 million diverse mortgage applications from the largest 100 U.S. metropolitan areas to interrogate racial/ethnic disparities for (1) all home types (mobile homes, condominiums, multi/single-family units), (2) all lien holders (private/government backed), (3) all purposes (vacation/rental/owner-occupied), and (4) all buyer loan sequences (purchase, refinance, home-equity/improvement). Our analyses, which make use of multilevel modeling, reveal durable inequalities for African Americans and Hispanics across time and advantages for Non-Hispanic White and Asian-American applicants. Such disadvantages are likewise observed for those seeking housing in highly concentrated minority locales, although such effects seem to vary by applicant race/ethnicity. Specifically, mortgage originations, while generally less likely in high minority concentrated areas, appear to be more likely for Black/Hispanic borrowers in areas that have been becoming increasingly minority concentrated. Mortgage lending, we conclude, remains a deeply problematic dimension of racial/ethnic inequality with important consequences for persistent segregation, wealth disparities, and the intergenerational transmission of advantage/disadvantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown a connection between communication anxiety and willingness to communicate (WTC) among English as a foreign/second language (L2) learners. Nonetheless, the potential mediating roles of learners' beliefs like growth language mindset and language learning motivation have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in the context of middle school language learners. This study aimed to explore the relationship between communication anxiety and L2 WTC by considering the mediating roles of growth language mindset and language learning motivation. To achieve this goal, an online survey was administered to 847 participants from five middle schools in eastern China. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed that L2 WTC was negatively impacted by communication anxiety and growth language mindset, while positively influenced by language learning motivation. Additionally, communication anxiety had a negative effect on both growth language mindset and language learning motivation, whereas growth language mindset exerted a positive effect on language learning motivation. Moreover, either individually or synergistically, growth language mindset and language learning motivation played mediating roles in the relationship between communication anxiety and L2 WTC. These research findings have significant implications for understanding the interrelationship among the variables, offering an innovative perspective on the mediating effects of growth language mindset and language learning motivation on communication anxiety and WTC among secondary school students. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for language learning and instruction among middle school students and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no cure for Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome (MSS), a genetic multisystem disease linked to loss-of-function mutations in the SIL1 gene, encoding a BiP co-chaperone. Previously, we showed that the PERK kinase inhibitor GSK2606414 delays cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration and the onset of ataxia in the woozy mouse model of MSS. However, GSK2606414 is toxic to the pancreas and does not completely rescue the woozy phenotype. The present study tested trazodone and dibenzoylmethane (DBM), which partially inhibit PERK signaling with neuroprotective effects and no pancreatic toxicity. We also tested the chemical chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), which protects MSS patients' cells from stress-induced apoptosis. Mice were chronically treated for five weeks, starting from a presymptomatic stage. Trazodone was given 40 mg/kg daily by intraperitoneal (ip) injection. DBM was given 0.5% in the diet ad libitum. TUDCA was given either 0.4% in the diet, or 500 mg/kg ip every three days. None of the treatments prevented motor dysfunction or PC degeneration in woozy mice, as assessed by beam walking, rotarod test, and calbindin immunohistochemistry. Only trazodone slightly boosted beam walking performance, but this effect was not related to inhibition of PERK signaling. Pharmacokinetic studies excluded that the lack of effect was due to altered drug metabolism in woozy mice. These results indicate that trazodone, DBM and TUDCA, at dosing regimens active in other neurodegenerative disease mouse models, have no disease-modifying effect in a preclinical model of MSS. This underscores the difficulty of translating neuroprotective strategies from other conditions to MSS, highlighting the need for more targeted therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has held significant cultural and medicinal value since the Greek-Minoan civilization. As a triploid spice with vegetative propagation from the Iridaceae family, the three-branch style of C. sativus flowers, known as saffron, constitutes the most economically valuable part of the plant, renowned for its diverse medicinal properties. This study explores the in vitro induction of stigma-like structures (SLSs) from various explants of the Ghaen ecotype flower. The study found that the optimal sampling time for the majority of explants was the third week of October. Ovary explants exhibiting a prolonged response to hormonal treatments for the production of SLSs. Furthermore, intact, and injury ovary explants were found to be the most effective explant types for inducing SLSs. The explants were cultured on MS, 1/2MS, LS and B5 basal media supplemented with various combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators. The results indicated that the B5 medium, enriched with 5–10 mg/ L BAP and 5–10 mg/ L NAA was the most effective treatment for inducing SLSs in all types of explants. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of saffron compounds in SLSs indicated similarities with natural saffron, albeit at significant lower concentrations: crocin (up to 10.2 mg/g), picrocrocin (up to 4.8 mg/g), and safranal (up to 9.7 mg/g). The highest accumulation of the three studied secondary metabolites was observed in the SLSs of style (24.4 mg/g), stigma (28.3 mg/g), and ovary (21.4 mg/g) explants, respectively. This study introduces a comprehensive procedure for producing SLSs containing the three most important metabolites of saffron for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR) provides a unique opportunity to simulate various environments, enabling the observation of human behavior in a manner that closely resembles real-world scenarios. This study aimed to explore the effects of anticipating reward or punishment, personality traits, and physiological arousal on risky decision-making within a VR context. A custom VR game was developed to simulate real-life experiences. The sample comprised 52 students (63.46% female) from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. The study assessed four parameters within the VR environment: elapsed game time, number of steps taken, average score, and decision-making time. Three physiological signals, heart rate, skin conductance, and respiratory rate, were recorded. Results indicated that personality traits, specifically Fight (β = -0.33, p = 0.024) and Freeze (β = 0.431, p = 0.009), were significantly related to behavior in the VR environment (R = 0.572, R2_adj = 0.227, RMSE = 23.12, F(6, 40) = 3.25, p = 0.011). However, these effects were not significant after negative feedback. Emotional arousal, measured by respiratory rate amplitude (β = 0.276, p = 0.045), showed a more pronounced role after feedback (β = 0.337, p = 0.028). These findings indicate that personality traits primarily influence behavior in a VR environment prior to the actual threat, whereas environmental characteristics become more important afterwards. The results offer valuable insights for experimental and personality psychologists by revealing how risk-taking is influenced by situational, emotional, and personality factors. Additionally, they provide guidance for VR designers in creating more ecologically valid environments, highlighting VR's potential as a tool for psychological research, while also underscoring the critical importance of selecting objective VR measures to accurately capture the complexities of human behavior in immersive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint Simon effect refers to inhibitory responses to spatially competing stimuli during a complementary task. This effect has been considered to be influenced by the social factors of a partner: sharing stimulus-action representation. According to this account, virtual interactions through their avatars would produce the joint Simon effect even when the partner did not physically exist in the same space because the avatars are intentional agents. To investigate this, we conducted two joint experiments in which participants controlled avatars as their agents in immersive virtual environments. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to touch a virtual button through their avatars when a target color of an object was presented. The target position was manipulated to be compatible with the button (compatible stimulus) or incompatible with the button (incompatible stimulus). In Experiment 2, the task was identical to that in Experiment 1 except that participants' gaze position was either visualized or not during the task. We hypothesized that visualizing the partner's gaze would enhance the joint Simon effect because gaze is a cue to mentalize others' internal states. The results showed that avatar-based interactions more significantly delayed responses for the incompatible than for the compatible stimulus. However, inconsistent with our hypothesis, visualizing the partner's gaze position did not influence responses for spatially competing stimuli. These results suggest that virtual interactions through avatar agents can produce the joint Simon effect even when the partner does not physically exist in the same space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of short video platforms has opened new avenues and opportunities for brand marketing. This paper investigates the mechanisms of brand dissemination in short videos, examining strategies for fostering brand associations to fulfill communication objectives. Drawing on signal theory, the study identifies the perceived value of short videos as the source of signals, with brand value and transparency serving as mediating factors, and brand association as the outcome. The research employs hypothesis testing and model building, supplemented by analysis of 560 valid questionnaires from research platforms, to scrutinize these mechanisms. Findings suggest that brand transparency and value effectively mediate the relationship between the perceived value and brand association, with brand transparency also mediating between perceived personality, utility, and brand association. Finally, this paper outlines management implications and acknowledges limitations based on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism in coastal and marine areas offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The present study had the following objectives: (i), identify the dimensions of recreational experiences in coastal and marine destinations focused on island marine protected areas (ii) determine the demand segments for recreational experiences, and (iii) establish the relationship between the demand segments for recreational experiences and the satisfaction and loyalty. The study was conducted in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, and 407 valid questionnaires were collected on-site. The statistical techniques used were factor analysis and the non-hierarchical k-means clustering method. The results reveal four dimensions of the recreational experience in coastal and marine destinations focused on island marine protected areas: Ecological Observation, Experiential Learning, Experiential Reflection, and Sensory Experience. Additionally, three demand segments differentiated by recreational experiences were identified: The Estheticians, the Multi-Experience Recreationists, and the Hedonists. Among these groups, the Multi-Experience Recreationists segment was the most satisfied and exhibited higher levels of loyalty in insular protected marine areas. These findings will assist managers of protected marine areas in creating sustainable development plans and contribute to the academic literature on coastal and marine tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer and its diverse variations pose one of the most significant threats to human health and well-being. One of the most aggressive forms is blood cancer, originating from bone marrow cells and disrupting the production of normal blood cells. The incidence of blood cancer is steadily increasing, driven by both genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, early detection is crucial as it enhances treatment outcomes and improves success rates. However, accurate diagnosis is challenging due to the inherent similarities between normal and cancerous cells. Although various techniques are available for blood cancer identification, high-frequency imaging techniques have recently shown promise, particularly for real-time monitoring. Notably, terahertz (THz) frequencies offer unique advantages for biomedical applications. This research proposes an innovative terahertz metamaterial-based biosensor for high-efficacy blood cancer detection. The proposed structure is ultra-compact and operates across five bands within the range of 0.6 to 1.2 THz. It is constructed using a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dielectric layer and two aluminum (Al) layers, with the top layer serving as a base for the THz-range resonator. Careful design, architectural arrangement, and optimization of the geometry parameters allow for achieving nearly perfect absorption rates (>95%) across all operating bands. The properties of the proposed sensor are extensively evaluated through full-wave electromagnetic (EM) analysis, which includes assessing the refractive index and the distribution of the electric field at individual working frequencies. The suitability for blood cancer diagnosis has been validated by integrating the sensor into a microwave imaging (MWI) system and conducting comprehensive simulation studies. These studies underscore the device's capability to detect abnormalities, particularly in distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. Benchmarking against state-of-the-art biosensors in recent literature indicates that the proposed sensor is highly competitive in terms of major performance indicators while maintaining a compact size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased adoption of three-dimensional (3D) digital prototyping software programs makes it necessary to train novice designers to use these programs efficiently. However, existing studies spanning from engineering to design education indicate that students feel incompetent in understanding 3D digital prototypes and navigating the software, so there is a need to find effective training methods. In the current study, training modules were developed to teach participants fit correction skills through an iterative problem-based learning (PBL) approach. A review of the literature was performed to develop the fit correction tasks and guide the module development process. Expert feedback was used to fine-tune the tasks and module interface. The current study explored the effects of PBL-based virtual reality (VR) training on learning how to correct two-dimensional (2D) apparel patterns to improve consequent 3D garment fit. Results indicated that the training module significantly improved spatial visualization and fit correction skills. Participants with higher apparel spatial visualization skills saw a higher improvement in fit correction skills because of the training. At lower spatial visualization skill levels, women saw a higher increase in apparel spatial visualization skills after the training than men but the difference between the learning outcomes across genders reduced when participants had higher spatial skills before training. These findings were supported by the results of qualitative data obtained through interviews. The participants found the PBL approach, immediate feedback, and aid in visualization through garment simulations beneficial for understanding the concepts. At the same time, they indicated that the training module could be used as a supplement to the traditional classroom but cannot replace the physical garment fitting practice. The findings of the study verified that PBL using virtual garment simulations can have a positive impact on learning outcomes and help identify the stage of education at which learners can be exposed to PBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate different measures for corneal astigmatism in the context of reconstructed corneal astigmatism (recCP) as required to correct the pseudophakic eye, and to derive prediction models to map measured corneal astigmatism to recCP. Methods: Retrospective single centre study of 509 eyes of 509 cataract patients with monofocal (MX60P) IOL. Corneal power measured with the IOLMaster 700 keratometry (IOLMK), and Galilei G4 keratometry (GK), total corneal power (TCP2), and Alpin's integrated front (CorT) and total corneal power (CorTTP). Feedforward shallow neural network (NET) and linear regression (REG) prediction models were derived to map the measured C0 and C45 power vector components to the respective recCP components. Results: Both the NET and REG models showed superior performance compared to a constant model correcting the centroid error. The mean squared prediction errors for the NET/REG models were: 0.21/0.33 dpt for IOLMK, 0.23/0.36 dpt for GK, 0.24/0.35 for TCP2, 0.23/0.39 dpt for CorT and 0.22/0.36 dpt for CorTTP respectively (training data) and 0.27/0.37 dpt for IOLMK, 0.26/0.37 dpt for GK, 0.38/0.42 dpt for TCP2, 0.35/0.36 dpt for CorT, and 0.44/0.45 dpt for CorTTP respectively on the test data. Crossvalidation with model optimisation on the training (and validation) data and performance check on the test data showed a slight overfitting especially with the NET models. Conclusions: Measurement modalities for corneal astigmatism do not yield consistent results. On training data the NET models performed systematically better, but on the test data REG showed similar performance to NET with the advantage of easier implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the adaptive response of ectotherms to rising temperatures is key to mitigate the effects of climate change. We assessed the molecular and physiological processes that differentiate between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with high and low tolerance to acute thermal stress. To achieve our goal, we used a critical thermal maximum trial in two strains of rainbow trout to elicit loss of equilibrium responses to identify high and low tolerance fish. We then compared the hepatic transcriptome profiles of high and low tolerance fish relative to untreated controls common to both strains to uncover patterns of differential gene expression and to gain a broad perspective on the interacting gene pathways and functional processes involved. We observed some of the classic responses to increased temperature (e.g., induction of heat shock proteins) but these responses were not the defining factors that differentiated high and low tolerance fish. Instead, high tolerance fish appeared to suppress growth-related functions, enhance certain autophagy components, better regulate neurodegenerative processes, and enhance stress-related protein synthesis, specifically spliceosomal complex activities, mRNA regulation, and protein processing through post-translational processes, relative to low tolerance fish. In contrast, low tolerance fish had higher transcript diversity and demonstrated elevated developmental, cytoskeletal, and morphogenic, as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolic processes, relative to high tolerance fish. Our results suggest that high tolerance fish engaged in processes that supported the prevention of further damage by enhancing repair pathways, whereas low tolerance fish were more focused on replacing damaged cells and their structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is integral to the socio-economic development of every country. This development leads to a rapid increase in the demand for energy consumption. However, due to the constraints and costs associated with energy generation resources, it has become crucial for both energy generation companies and consumers to predict energy consumption well in advance. Forecasting energy needs through accurate predictions enables companies and customers to make informed decisions, enhancing the efficiency of both energy generation and consumption. In this context, energy generation companies and consumers seek a model capable of forecasting energy consumption both in the short term and the long term. Traditional models for energy prediction focus on either short-term or long-term accuracy, often failing to optimize both simultaneously. Therefore, this research proposes a novel hybrid model employing Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Bi-directional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) to simultaneously predict both short-term and long-term residential energy consumption with enhanced accuracy measures. The proposed model is capable of capturing complex temporal and spatial features to predict short-term and long-term energy consumption. CNNs discover patterns in data, LSTM identifies long-term dependencies and sequential patterns and Bi-LSTM identifies complex temporal relations within the data. Experimental evaluations expressed that the proposed model outperformed with a minimum Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.00035 and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0057. Additionally, the proposed hybrid model is compared with existing state-of-the-art models, demonstrating its superior performance in both short-term and long-term energy consumption predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction materials are significantly exposed to ecological hazards due to the presence of hazardous chemical constituents found in industrial and agricultural solid wastes. This study aims to investigate the use of sawdust particles (SDPs) and sawdust wastewater (SDW) in alkali-activated composites (AACs) made from a mixture of different silicon-aluminum-based solid wastes (slag powder-SP, red mud-RM, fly ash-FA, and carbide slag-CS). The study examines the impact of SDP content, treated duration of SDPs, and SDW content on both fresh and hardened properties of the AACs, including electrical conductivity, fluidity, density, flexural and compressive strengths, and drying shrinkage. The study also analyzes the microstructures and product compositions of the AACs influenced by SDW through a comprehensive analysis of microstructures and product compositions by using XRD, SEM-EDS, and FTIR. The results show that treating SDPs with a 2.5 mol/L NaOH solution for 12 hours decreases the fluidity and electrical conductivity of the AACs but improves their flexural and compressive strengths. Additionally, in the synthesis of a composite material incorporating binder materials SP, RM, and FA in a mass ratio of 10:3:18, a 2.0 mol/L NaOH solution is employed. The liquid-to-solid ratio is maintained at 20:31, and the sand-to-binder ratio is set at 3:1. The substitution of 12.28% SDW to NaOH solution improves the resistance to drying shrinkage and long-term mechanical strength development of the AACs. Interestingly, the addition of SDW does not affect the product compositions due to the generation and decomposition of organic acid salts from organic impurities in the acidic SDW during long-term curing at room temperature. These findings provide valuable insights for the sustainable recycling of bioresources and solid wastes containing silicon-aluminum in construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying the establishment of asymmetric structures during development remain elusive. The wing of Drosophila is asymmetric along the Anterior-Posterior (AP) axis, but the developmental origins of this asymmetry is unknown. Here, we investigate the contribution of cell recruitment, a process that drives cell fate differentiation in the Drosophila wing disc, to the asymmetric shape and pattern of the adult wing. Genetic impairment of cell recruitment in the wing disc results in a significant gain of AP symmetry, which results from a reduction of the region between longitudinal vein 5 and the wing margin (L5-M) in the adult wing. Morphometric analysis confirms that blocking of cell recruitment results in a more symmetric wing with respect to controls, suggesting a contribution of cell recruitment to the establishment of asymmetry in the adult wing. In order to verify if this phenotype is originated during the time in which cell recruitment occurs during larval development, we examined the expression of a reporter for the selector gene vestigial (vg) in the corresponding pro-vein regions of the wing disc, but our findings could not explain our findings in adult wings. However, the circularity of the Vg pattern significantly increases in recruitment-impaired wing discs, suggesting that cell recruitment may contribute to AP asymmetries in the adult wing shape by altering the roundness of the Vg pattern. We conclude that cell recruitment, a widespread mechanism that participates in growth and patterning of several developing systems, may contribute, at least partially, to the asymmetric shape of the Drosophila wing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]