bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized measurement methods and systems for the dielectric properties of active biological tissues in the 10Hz-100 MHz frequency range
Authors: Shi Yueying , Bai Xiaoxiao , Yang Jingrong , Wu Xinyu , Wang Lei
Published: January 2025

The dielectric properties of active biological tissues within the 10Hz-100 MHz frequency range contain rich information about tissue morphology and function. Accurately understanding the dielectric properties of active human tissues holds significant value for disease diagnosis and electromagnetic protection. However, accurately measuring these properties has been challenging due to factors such as electrode polarization and distribution parameters. This study has developed a dual-purpose measuring cell that supports both four-electrode and two-electrode impedance measurements. Leveraging this development, we have established a system and methodology that is well-suited for the dielectric property measurement of active biological tissues within the frequency range of 10Hz to 100 MHz. Our measurements of dielectric properties in NaCl solutions of varying concentrations and pig liver tissues demonstrate the system’s high accuracy and repeatability. For NaCl solutions, the maximum relative deviation is only 6.34%, with an average deviation of less than 1.5%. For pig liver tissues, the overall relative deviation is below 6%. Through the integration of the four-electrode and two-electrode measurement systems, we have successfully addressed the challenges of electrode polarization at low frequencies and the influence of distribution parameters at high frequencies, achieving a significant improvement in measurement accuracy across the spectrum.
Primary metabolomics and transcriptomic techniques were used to explore the regulatory mechanisms that may influence the flavor characteristics of fresh Corylus heterophylla × Corylus avellana
Authors: Lu Minmin , Xie Tiantian , Wang Yaru , Yang Jieyan , Bai Yan , Gao Shuang , Wu Xiaofan , Yang Xiuqing
Published: January 2025

To explore the flavor related regulatory mechanisms of fresh Corylus heterophylla × Corylus avellana, a joint analysis of metabolome and transcriptome were utilized to compare the two typical C. heterophylla × C. avellana varieties with different flavors (‘yuzhui’ and ‘pingou21’) in this paper. The results showed that the genes including E2.4.1.67-1, E2.4.1.67-2, SUS-1, SUS-2, SUS-4, SUS-5, SUS-7, SUS-8, SUS-9, UGP2-2 were identified as responsible for regulating the levels of stachyose, manninotriose and raffinose in hazelnuts. CS and OGDH were deemed as the genes involved in the citric acid cycle, which was a central metabolic pathway that generated energy through the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in hazelnuts. The genes trpD, ALDO, PK-1, PK-2, ilvH, argE-1, argE-4, argE-5, argD, PDAH, GLTI were regarded as involved in the biosynthesis of various amino acids like tryptophan, valine, alanine, and arginine. These amino acids determined the taste of C. heterophylla × C. avellana and were important precursors of other flavor-related compounds. The genes LOX2S-2, LOX2S-3, LOX2S-4 and LCAT3 were viewed as involved in the regulation of lipid biosynthesis, specifically involving 13(S)-HPODE, 9,10,13-trihome and 13(S)-HOTrE in C. heterophylla × C. avellana. These findings highlight the significance of genes and metabolites and internal regulatory mechanisms in shaping the flavor of fresh C. heterophylla × C. avellana cultivated in temperate continents. This study provides the theoretical basis for breeding excellent food functional hazelnut varieties.
Plant height measurement using UAV-based aerial RGB and LiDAR images in soybean
Authors: Pun Magar Lalit , Sandifer Jeremy , Khatri Deepak , Poudel Sudip , KC Suraj , Gyawali Buddhi , Gebremedhin Maheteme , Chiluwal Anuj
Published: January 2025

Phenotypic traits like plant height are crucial in assessing plant growth and physiological performance. Manual plant height measurement is labor and time-intensive, low throughput, and error-prone. Hence, aerial phenotyping using aerial imagery-based sensors combined with image processing technique is quickly emerging as a more effective alternative to estimate plant height and other morphophysiological parameters. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of both RGB and LiDAR images in estimating plant height in several crops. However, there is limited information on their comparison, especially in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). As a result, there is not enough information to decide on the appropriate sensor for plant height estimation in soybean. Hence, the study was conducted to identify the most effective sensor for high throughput aerial phenotyping to estimate plant height in soybean. Aerial images were collected in a field experiment at multiple time points during soybean growing season using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drone) equipped with RGB and LiDAR sensors. Our method established the relationship between manually measured plant height and the height obtained from aerial platforms. We found that the LiDAR sensor had a better performance (R2 = 0.83) than the RGB camera (R2 = 0.53) when compared with ground reference height during pod growth and seed filling stages. However, RGB showed more reliability in estimating plant height at physiological maturity when the LiDAR could not capture an accurate plant height measurement. The results from this study contribute to identifying ideal aerial phenotyping sensors to estimate plant height in soybean during different growth stages.
Phloem cell responses to the feeding activity of Eriosoma lanigerum on Malus domestica
Authors: Nogueira Ravena Malheiros , Bragança Gracielle Pimenta Pereira , Picoli Edgard Augusto de Toledo , de Oliveira Denis Coelho , Isaias Rosy Mary dos Santos
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hemipteran gall vascular traits result from the access, piercing, and sucking of the inducer mouth parts directly in the xylem and phloem conductive cells. Herein, our focus relies on mapping the features of phloem cells in the proximal, median, and distal regions of Malus pumila stem galls and adjacent galled stems.

Methods

Phloem cells were dissociated from gall fragments, the stem portions above and below the galls, and the proximal and distal regions of M. pumila stem galls. were measured. The comparison of the higher length and diameter of the sieve tube elements (STE) was evaluated considering the priority of nutrient flow to gall portions.

Results

In the M. pumila - E. lanigerum system, there were no significant differences in the dimensions of the STE in the galls compared with those of the stem portions above and below the galls.

Discussion

At the cytological level, the callose deposited in gall STE and the decrease in the cell lumen area in the stem portion above the gall due to thickened nacreous cell walls have implications for nutrient flow. Peculiarly, the smaller sieve pores in the sieve plates of the STE located in the galls and stem portions above and below them and the deposition of P-protein in the stem portions below the galls limit the bidirectional transport of nutrients, benefiting the transport of photoassimilates to the gall proximal region and reducing the vigor of apple tree stems.
Advances in the biosynthesis of naturally occurring benzylisoquinoline alkaloids
Authors: Zhao Wanli , Liu Jihua , Chen Yu
Published: January 2025

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a prominent class of plant metabolites with significant pharmaceutical and industrial significance that have garnered substantial attention from researchers worldwide. BIAs exhibit several pharmacological activities and have been used extensively. Examples include analgesics such as morphine, tetrahydropalmatine, antimicrobials such as berberine, and antineoplastic agents including cepharanthine. Most BIAs are derived and isolated from medicinal plants; however, these plants are predominantly wild resources that are scarce. Their high environmental impact, slow growth rate, scarcity of resources, and expensive direct extraction costs pose a significant challenge. Certain BIAs are present in trace amounts in medicinal plants; moreover, they have complex chemical structures and unstable properties. Designing chemical synthesis routes and processes is challenging. Thus, a major obstacle in developing and utilizing these natural products in the pharmaceutical industry lies in their low abundance in nature. Consequently, the limited supply of these molecules fails to meet high research and market demands. In recent years, biosynthesis approaches have emerged as a novel and efficient method to obtain BIAs. In this review, recent progress in the field of enzymes related to the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways and the biosynthesis of BIAs are discussed, and future perspectives for designing viable strategies for their targeted manipulation are presented.
The implementation of neo- and nonbinary pronouns: a review of current research and future challenges
Authors: Renström Emma A.
Published: January 2025

This review explores the current state of research on attitudes toward and the use of neo- and nonbinary pronouns, as well as their effects on gender conceptualization. Due to the limited scope of existing studies, this review focuses on Swedish and English. Additionally, I will examine resistance to gender-inclusive language and linguistic gender reforms, with a particular emphasis on nonbinary pronouns and the politicization of such reforms, which represents a significant barrier to the adoption of gender-inclusive language. More research is needed to explore attitudes toward, usage of, and the consequences of neo- and nonbinary pronouns across a wide range of languages. Moreover, it is crucial to investigate the politicized polarization surrounding these reforms to better understand when and why people (do not) use nonbinary pronouns and the broader implications of these pronouns for gender conceptualization in the future. This review is structured as follows: I will first describe the general function of pronouns and discuss the interplay between language, gender, and cognition in relation to pronouns. Then, I will examine the implementation of gender-inclusive pronouns in Swedish and English, the dual nature of many gender-inclusive pronouns, and how this duality influences attitudes and usage. I conclude by discussing future research venues that I see, mainly connected to better understanding the politicization of gender-inclusive language and how this politicization and polarization influences attitudes to and use of nonbinary pronouns and effects of nonbinary pronouns in gender conceptualization.
Latent profile analysis and influence factors study of nurses’ job performance
Authors: Liu Zhenfan , Yan Xiaoting , Xie Guifang , Lu Jing , Wang Zhitong , Chen Cui , Wu Jijun , Qing Wei
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the current status of nurses’ job performance, to analyze the latent profile analysis of nurses’ job performance and their relationship with occupational coping self-efficacy, perceived social support and to explore the factors influencing the different profiles.

Methods

From April to June 2024, 390 nurses from five general hospitals were facilitated to be selected as survey respondents using a general information questionnaire, job performance scale, occupational coping self-efficacy scale, and perceived social support scale. Latent profile analysis of nurses’ job performance were analyzed, and logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing different categories of nurses’ job performance.

Results

390 nurses were finally included. Nurses job performance score was (45.05 ± 6.55). Nurses’ job performance could be categorized into three latent profile analysis: low job performance (13.9%), medium job performance (52.8%) and high job performance (33.3%). Logistic regression analysis showed that years of working experience, form of employment, perceived social support and occupational coping self-efficacy were the influencing factors of nurses’ job performance (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nurses’ job performance is moderate to high and heterogeneous. Nursing managers should focus on “low job performance” and “medium job performance” nurses, and intervene and support nurses according to the characteristics and influencing factors of the different categories in order to improve their performance.
Effect of the Big Five Personality on the intention to use mHealth applications among the Chinese elderly: a national-based study
Authors: Chang Jinghui , Li Anqi , Yang Xixi , Li Chunnan , Mai Yanshan , Zhang Dayi , Yan Wende , Wu Yibo , Chen Jiangyun
Published: January 2025

Background

Mobile health applications may provide potential tools to support healthy aging. Promoting mHealth use by the elderly remains an imperative to realize health improvement.

Objective

The research aimed to identify the relationship between personality traits and the intention to use mHealth applications among the elderly in mainland China.

Methods

Using a multi-stage sampling method, a cross-sectional survey of 3,712 older adults across China was obtained out of 3,721 (validity rate was 99.76%) in 2022. The effect of personality on the intention to use mHealth applications among older adults was analyzed by multiple linear regression. The independent variable was the personality, using the short version of the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI-10). The dependent variable was the intention to use the mHealth applications, measured using a sliding scale. Moderators included demographic characteristics and psycho-social variables measured by the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Family Health Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale.

Results

The Chinese older adults’ intention to use mHealth applications scored (63.31 ± 25.09). Out of the five traits, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness exerted significant effects. Higher scores of extraversion (β=0.59, t = 1.99, p<0.05) and openness (β=1.87, t = 6.07, p<0.01) contributed to the intention to use mHealth applications. Conversely, higher agreeableness scores (β= − 1.05, t = −3.12, p<0.01) related to lower intention.

Conclusion

The elderly with high extraversion, openness, and low agreeableness are more willing to adopt mHealth applications in China. Healthcare professionals and mHealth device developers can make personalized and accurate interventions for the elderly with different personalities.
The relationship between academic passions and critical thinking in a Chinese college student sample: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Wang Shaojie , Fan Xizhen , Yu Hao , Yan Xing , Wang Jianmei , Liu Ying , Li Yue
Published: January 2025

Background

Academic passions, including harmonious and obsessive passions, play a significant role in academic life by influencing students’ motivation, engagement, and overall academic success. Critical thinking is essential in education as it helps individuals assess, evaluate, and make informed decisions based on reasoning, which is crucial for academic growth and lifelong learning. Given the increasing emphasis on developing critical thinking skills in education, it is crucial to investigate how academic passions influence this cognitive process in the Chinese context.

Methods

A total of 698 valid questionnaires were collected from college students from Guangdong and Hunan provinces in China. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to investigate the profiles of harmonious and obsessive passions. Then it tested differences in critical thinking based on the profiles of harmonious and obsessive passions.

Results

Three latent profiles for two academic passions were identified: low, medium, and high. Respondents in the high harmonious and obsessive passion profiles exhibited the significantly highest critical thinking abilities.

Conclusion

The results confirm the heterogeneity of harmonious and obsessive passions. Students with higher levels of academic passions demonstrate enhanced critical thinking abilities compared to their peers. This study suggests that educators should pay attention to students’ academic passions when cultivating their critical thinking skills. This study offers several implications for practice. First, colleges should provide targeted counseling and guidance based on the types of students’ passion. Second, it is necessary to balance the relationship between harmonious and obsessive passions to promote students’ mental health and academic persistence. Third, colleges should help students develop harmonious passion, thereby improving their critical thinking ability.
Acceptability and efficacy of the culturally adapted problem management plus intervention for people with disability in Pakistan: a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hussain Basharat , Khalily Muhammad Tahir , Waqas Ahmed , Rahman Atif , Angelakis Ioannis , Nisar Anum , Zaman Sabir , Akhtar Tanveer
Published: January 2025

Background

In Pakistan, the mental health care for persons living with disabilities is insufficient, lacking a holistic approach to address their needs. This research evaluates the adapted PM+’s (IA-PM+) initial efficacy and acceptability in improving mental health among persons living with disabilities, contributing to the integration of mental health services within primary care settings in Pakistan.

Methods

This study employed a two-arm, single-blind cluster randomized controlled trial in a community setting within Union Council Kuri Dolal, Tehsil Gujjar Khan, District Rawalpindi-Pakistan. It compared an Active Treatment group, receiving five sessions of the IA-PM+ intervention, against a Delayed Treatment Control group. A total of 148 participants were randomized. Randomization occurred at the village level, with clusters assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention’s effectiveness and participant satisfaction were assessed using a variety of measures, including the GHQ-12, WHODAS 2.0, DASS-21, and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, at baseline, the 8th week, and during a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative feedback was gathered at the end of the study to assess the intervention’s acceptability among the participants.

Results

The study achieved a 100% retention rate. Baseline demographics showed a majority male participation with a variety of disabilities predominantly lower limb. Significant improvements were noted in the intervention group across WHODAS scores (Cohen’s d= 0.66), PTSD symptoms (d= 0.75), and DASS scores for depression (d= 0.46), anxiety (d=0.65), and stress (d= 0.47). Similar trends were noted during the follow-up phases. However, life satisfaction scores initially higher in the control group evened out by follow-up, and perceived social support was consistently lower in the intervention group. High levels of client satisfaction were reported in the intervention group, with most participants finding the sessions beneficial and expressing willingness to recommend the service to others. The qualitative interviews revealed that the integration of religious practices, such as associating stress management techniques with Adhan, significantly enhanced the acceptability of the culturally adapted PM+ intervention. Participants reported that this cultural alignment made the coping strategies more relatable and easier to adopt, contributing to improvements in both their mental health and somatic symptoms.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04981522, identifier NCT04981522.
Intracranial closed-loop neuromodulation as an intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders: an overview
Authors: Langbein Jenna , Boddeti Ujwal , Xie Weizhen , Ksendzovsky Alexander
Published: January 2025

Recent technological advances in intracranial brain stimulation have enhanced the potential of neuromodulation for addressing neuropsychiatric disorders. We present a review of the methodology and the preliminary outcomes of the pioneering studies exploring intracranial biomarker detection and closed-loop neuromodulation to modulate high-symptom severity states in neuropsychiatric disorders. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO/PsycNet, followed by the reference and citation lists of retrieved articles. This search strategy yielded a total of 583 articles, of which 5 articles met the inclusion criteria, focusing on depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and binge eating disorder. We discuss the methodology of biomarker identification, the biomarkers identified, and the preliminary treatment outcomes for closed-loop neuromodulation. Successful biomarker identification hinges on investigating across various setting. Targeted neuromodulation, either directed at the biomarker or within its associated neural network, offers a promising treatment approach. Future research should seek to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of neuromodulation as well as the long-term viability of these treatment effects across different neuropsychiatric conditions.
Factorial invariance of the generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: López Norman , Coronado Juan-Carlos , Ripoll-Córdoba Daniela , Caldichoury Nicole , Quispe-Ayala César , Morales-Asencio Breiner , Quincho-Apumayta Raúl , Castellanos Cesar , Martínez Juan , Cárdenas-Valverde Juan , Castellanos-Alvarenga Luis Mario , Salazar David , Flores-Poma Irina , Herrera-Pino Jorge , Bada Wendy , Flórez Yuliana , Alcos-Flores Karen , Zurita-Cueva Boris , Muñoz Romero Elsa , Romo Cristian , Antezana Regulo , Avila Saldaña Claudio , Gargiulo Pascual A.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) has increased rapidly, highlighting the importance of its detection using quick tools applicable to men and women from different countries.

Objective

To analyze the psychometric properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7) by gender and country in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Method

A cross-sectional e-health study with 12,124 participants from 15 LAC countries (54.32% women, 45.68% men) was conducted, including participants from Argentina (7.3%), Bolivia (6.7%), Colombia (10.3%), Chile (6.9%), Costa Rica (4.9%), El Salvador (5.7%), Ecuador (7.2%), Guatemala (4.7%), Panama (5.1%), Paraguay (5.7%), Peru (8.6%), Puerto Rico (5.8%), the Dominican Republic (6.6%), Uruguay (6.3%), and Venezuela (8.2%). All participants completed the GAD-7 scale digitally.

Results

A unidimensional structure of the GAD-7 was confirmed, explaining 70% of the variance. The model fit indices were adequate (RMSEA = 0.062; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.017; p < 0.001), and the factor loadings for each item were satisfactory (> 0.70). Additionally, the factor structure showed measurement invariance between genders and countries, with adequate fit indices at all levels (configural, metric, scalar, and strict), suggesting that the measurements are equivalent in both contexts. Finally, the internal consistency of the GAD-7 was high, with a McDonald’s Omega coefficient of 0.91.

Conclusions

The GAD-7 exhibits a factor structure that is equivalent across genders and countries, demonstrating its validity and reliability for the rapid detection of GAD symptoms in different countries within the region.
Parsing the heterogeneity of depression: a data-driven subgroup derived from cognitive function
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Tao Yanbao , Lin Yunhan , Zhu Jiahui , Li Zhuoran , Li Jiayi , Wang Mingqia , Huang Tao , Shi Chuan
Published: January 2025

Background

Increasing evidences suggests that depression is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome. Cognitive deficits in depression are associated with poor psychosocial functioning and worse response to conventional antidepressants. However, a consistent profile of neurocognitive abnormalities in depression remains unclear.

Objective

We used data-driven parsing of cognitive performance to reveal subgroups present across depressed individuals and then investigate the change pattern of cognitive subgroups across the course in follow-up.

Method

We assessed cognition in 163 patients with depression using The Chinese Brief Cognitive Test(C-BCT) and the scores were compared with those of 196 healthy controls (HCs). 58 patients were reassessed after 8 weeks. We used K-means cluster analysis to identify cognitive subgroups, and compared clinical variables among these subgroups. A linear mixed-effects model, incorporating time and group (with interaction term: time × group) as fixed effects, was used to assess cognitive changes over time. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with these subgroups.

Results

Two distinct neurocognitive subgroups were identified: (1) a cognitive-impaired subgroup with global impairment across all domains assessed by the C-BCT, and (2) a cognitive-preserved subgroup, exhibited intact cognitive function, with performance well within the healthy range. The cognitive-impaired subgroup presented with more severe baseline symptoms, including depressed mood, guilt, suicidality, and poorer work performance. Significant group × time interactions were observed in the Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT), but not in Symbol Coding or Digit Span tests. Despite partial improvement in TMT-A and CPT tests, the cognitive-impaired subgroup's scores remained lower than those of the cognitive-preserved subgroup across all tests at the study endpoint. Multiple regression analysis indicated that longer illness duration, lower educational levels, and antipsychotic medication use may be risk factors for cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

This study identifies distinguishable cognitive subgroups in acute depression, thereby confirming the presence of cognitive heterogeneity. The cognitive-impaired subgroup exhibits distinct symptoms and persistent cognitive deficits even after treatment. Screening for cognitive dysfunction may facilitate more targeted interventions.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org, identifier ChiCTR2400092796.
Digital integration between hospitals and local health authorities for enhanced vaccination coverage among frail patients: the CareVax study protocol
Authors: Lontano Alberto , Regazzi Luca , Tona Diego Maria , Di Pumpo Matteo , Porcelli Martina , Cacciuttolo Maria Gabriella , Parente Paolo , Gasbarrini Antonio , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Panocchia Nicola , Lopetuso Loris , Pasciuto Tina , Cadeddu Chiara , Bruno Stefania , Laurenti Patrizia , Pascucci Domenico , Pastorino Roberta
Published: January 2025

Background

The 2022–2025 Italian Plan for vaccine prevention (PNPV), recognizes vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) as significant contributors to mortality, morbidity, and healthcare expenditure. The digitalization of the national vaccine registry is underway. Initiatives aimed at enhancing digital integration between hospitals and territories are limited, and there is still a gap in the development of automated systems for identifying patients who could benefit from vaccinations directly offered from hospitals.

Methods

Adult frail patients who access the hospital will be recruited over 4 years, following the acquisition of informed consent. With the assistance of a privacy-preserving automated algorithm, electronic hospital and vaccination records will be utilized to assess eligibility for vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2, Herpes Zoster, Influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Hepatitis B. Eligible patients will be invited to schedule a vaccination appointment and will be asked to fill in a questionnaire evaluating patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). Outcomes of interest are the feasibility of the pathway, patients’ satisfaction and concerns with it, and its impact on vaccination coverage.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the ethics committee of the “Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli” -FPG- (comitato.etico@policlinicogemelli.it), with approval number 5819. Furthermore, it has been published on ClinicalTrial.gov with the approval number NCT06127563. The results of the study will be disseminated via conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06127563.
Association between ethylene oxide exposure and osteoarthritis risk: an analysis of NHANES data (2013–2014 and 2017–2018)
Authors: Li Zhongshan , Qu Qi , Wang Zhiyu , Mou Shuanglin , Jiang Rui , Zhu Wensheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Ethylene oxide (EO) is widely used as a disinfectant and is also a common environmental pollutant. Exposure to EO has been associated with various systemic diseases, posing crucial health risks. However, EO is frequently employed as a sterilizing agent in orthopedics, while its association with the risk of skeletal system diseases remains insufficiently evaluated. This study aims to investigate the association between EO exposure and the risk of Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent orthopedic condition.

Methods

A total of 3,386 participants were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 and 2017–2018 cycles, including 952 individuals with OA. Box plots assessed EO concentration differences between OA and non-OA groups. Weighted logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to evaluate the relationship between EO exposure and OA risk. Subgroup analysis and interaction test explored variations in the association across different characteristics.

Results

No significant difference in EO concentrations was found between OA and non-OA groups. In multivariate logistic regression, high EO level exposure was significantly associated with increased OA risk. Additionally, a nonlinear U-shaped and J-shaped association was observed in the unadjusted and adjusted RCS models, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between EO exposure and OA risk was more pronounced in the 20–40 and 40–65 age groups, never smokers (Not at all), and those with low calcium levels (< 8.5 mg/dL) or low vitamin D levels (< 75 nmol/L).

Conclusions

EO exposure is associated with OA risk, exhibiting a J-shaped relationship, with this association being particularly pronounced in individuals under 65 years old or those with low calcium or vitamin D levels. Further prospective studies are needed to examine the association between EO exposure and OA risk.
Maximising the wrench capability of mobile manipulators with experiments on a UVMS
Authors: Marais Wilhelm J. , Pizarro Oscar , Williams Stefan B.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents methods for finding optimal configurations and actuator forces/torques to maximise contact wrenches in a desired direction for underwater vehicle manipulator systems (UVMS). The wrench maximisation problem is formulated as a bi-level optimisation problem, with upper-level variables in a low-dimensional parameterised redundancy space, and a linear lower-level problem. We additionally consider the cases of one or more manipulators with multiple contact forces, maximising the wrench capability while tracking a trajectory and generating large wrench impulses using dynamic motions. The specific cases of maximising force to lift a heavy load and maximising torque during a valve-turning operation are considered. Extensive experimental results are presented using a 6 degree of freedom (DOF) underwater robotic platform equipped with a 4DOF manipulator and show significant increases in the wrench capability compared to existing methods for mobile manipulators.
Socio-economic benefits and challenges confronting oil palm production among indigenous rural farmers in Karonga district, Malawi
Authors: Mweta Noel , Obeng Alex Somuah , Ansah John Windie
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the socio-economic benefits and challenges of oil palm production among indigenous rural farmers in Karonga District, Malawi. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, triangulating data using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The questionnaires were administered to 477 households involved in oil palm production. Further, eight key informants were interviewed, and four focus group discussions were formed. This study, in examining oil palm production’s importance for sustaining indigenous rural farmers’ livelihoods found a multifaceted role in addressing food through cooking oil production, creating employment opportunities, and meeting other basic needs. Despite these benefits, challenges such as access to market, farm equipment, information and extension services, and credit persist, hindering production and socio-economic progress. Again, the Pearson correlation analysis between acres of land cultivated and benefits from oil palm production revealed −0.195 with a sig value of 0.000, signifying that as more acres of land farmers cultivate, benefits tend to reduce moderately. The researchers therefore recommended that the Malawi Ministry of Agriculture should collaborate with other stakeholders in the agriculture sector, including financial institutions and the manufacturing industry, in the provision of extension services as a means of information access, creating the market, and providing credits to indigenous rural farmers so that they can invest and buy equipment necessary for this agricultural activity.
Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana
Authors: Amekpor Felix , Osei-Mensah Christa , Adjieteh Nancy Adjeley , Dok-Yen Esther Nyaapoka , Salamu Memunatu Babariyor
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Exclusive breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy known to reduce infant mortality and morbidity, and to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. This study explores the psychosocial factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among first-time mothers in Ghana, highlighting the challenges faced by first-time mothers in maintaining EBF for the recommended 6 months.

Methods

The study utilized an exploratory qualitative research design to gain in-depth understanding of first-time mothers’ experiences with EBF, utilizing semi-structured interviews at the Salaga Municipal Hospital postnatal clinic.

Results

The study found stressors affecting mothers’ exclusive breastfeeding practices, including lactation issues, infant positioning issues, and physical discomfort. Strong family support was found to be crucial for encouraging and sustaining EBF practices.

Conclusion

Psychosocial factors significantly influence exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers. Strategies include addressing lactation issues, providing infant positioning education, alleviating physical discomfort, and enhancing family support systems.
Prescribed Performance Global Non-Singular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control of PMSM Based on Linear Extended State Observer
Authors: Yao Yifei , Zhuang Yaoming , Xie Yizhi , Xu Peng , Wu Chengdong
Published: January 2025

In manufacturing, the position tracking accuracy and stability of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors are often challenged by uncertainties, especially in complex environments. Existing control methods struggle to balance fast response with high-precision tracking. To address this, we propose a Prescribed Performance Global Non-Singular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control (PPGNFTSMC) method using a linear extended state observer (LESO). A smooth and bounded prescribed performance function is designed to ensure finite-time convergence while satisfying performance requirements such as overshoot and settling time. Based on this function, the system error is reconstructed to align the system response with predefined specifications. The reconstructed error is then used to design a global non-singular fast terminal sliding mode surface. A LESO is employed for real-time disturbance estimation, and the disturbance estimates, along with the sliding mode surface, are used to derive the control law for the position–speed integrated controller. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the comparison methods in transient response, tracking accuracy, and robustness across various signal types.
Machine Learning-Powered Segmentation of Forage Crops in RGB Imagery Through Artificial Sward Images
Authors: Moreno Hugo , Rueda-Ayala Christian , Rueda-Ayala Victor , Ribeiro Angela , Ranz Carlos , Andújar Dionisio
Published: January 2025

Accurate assessment of forage quality is essential for ensuring optimal animal nutrition. Key parameters, such as Leaf Area Index (LAI) and grass coverage, are indicators that provide valuable insights into forage health and productivity. Accurate measurement is essential to ensure that livestock obtain the proper nutrition during various phases of plant growth. This study evaluated machine learning (ML) methods for non-invasive assessment of grassland development using RGB imagery, focusing on ryegrass and Timothy (Lolium perenne L. and Phleum pratense L.). ML models were implemented to segment and quantify coverage of live plants, dead material, and bare soil at three pasture growth stages (leaf development, tillering, and beginning of flowering). Unsupervised and supervised ML models, including a hybrid approach combining Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Nearest Centroid Classifier (NCC), were applied for pixel-wise segmentation and classification. The best results were achieved in the tillering stage, with R2 values from 0.72 to 0.97 for Timothy (α = 0.05). For ryegrass, the RGB-based pixel-wise model performed best, particularly during leaf development, with R2 reaching 0.97. However, all models struggled during the beginning of flowering, particularly with dead grass and bare soil coverage.
Exploring the Optimal N Application to Improve the Yield, N Utilization, and Quality of Triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) in the Chinese Loess Parent Material Area
Authors: Mi Dongming , Zhou Zuoyan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Ren Aixia , Ren Yongkang , Sun Min , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different N application rates on the yield, N accumulation, and grain quality of triticale and provide a theoretical basis for selecting the best N application rate for sowing triticale in the loess parent material area. This experiment was conducted at the experimental station of Shanxi Agricultural University in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, China, from 2021 to 2023 to study the effects and differences of different N application rates (N application rates 180, 210, 240, 270, and 300 kg ha−1) on the yield formation, N utilization, and quality of the two triticale varieties Donghei10 (DH10) and Taizi6336 (TZ6336). The results showed that, compared with other N application rates, N240 increased the number of spikes and grains per spike of triticale and increased the yield by 6–19%. The yield increased most significantly when the N application range was 210–240 kg ha−1; the yield change rate per 2 kg of N increase was the largest within this range, and the continued increase in yield with increasing N application was slow. N240 also improved the NUE, NUPE, nutritional quality, and processing quality of triticale. The results of the pathway analysis showed that the N application rate affected the spike number, grain number per spike, and 1000-grain weight of triticale. N accumulation at the anthesis and maturity stages affected GS and GOGAT activities in the flag leaf and grain, thus affecting the N efficiency, yield, and protein content. Overall, a N application at 240 kg ha−1 increased the yield, nitrogen efficiency, and quality of triticale, and there was no significant difference in yield between DH10 and TZ6336.
An Insight into Differentially Expressed Genes and MicroRNAs in the Pituitary Glands of the Two Estrous Phases of Sheep with Different FecB Genotypes
Authors: Zhang Yue , He Xiaoyun , Di Ran , Wang Xiangyu , Chu Mingxing
Published: January 2025

As an important class of non-coding RNAs, miRNAs participate in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and hormone secretion. However, little is known about the role of pituitary miRNAs in follicular development in FecB mutant (Fecundity Booroola) sheep. Given the critical role of the pituitary gland in follicular development, this study employed miRNA-seq technology to analyze pituitary transcriptome expression patterns during the follicular phase (F) and the luteal phase (L) of FecB mutant homozygous (BB) and wild-type (WW) of Small Tail Han sheep. This study identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) related to re-production. Of these, 10, 4, 10, and 4 were differentially expressed (DE) between BB_F and BB_L, WW_F and WW_L, BB_F and WW_F, and BB_L and WW_L, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the enrichment of the target genes of these DEMs in multiple GO terms linked to animal re-productive processes and KEGG signaling pathways. The follicular phase and luteal phase show significant enrichment in multiple pathways closely related to cell communication and signal transduction, including the MAPK signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, and the cAMP signaling pathway. In comparisons of genotypes, the calcium signaling pathway, the cAMP signaling pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway are enriched. The miRNA-mRNA co-expression network indicates that novel121 and oar-miR-10b may regulate CUL4B and ZFAND5, respectively, playing crucial roles in sheep reproduction. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays hinted at a potential targeting relationship between novel-121 and DNMT3A. These findings elucidate the impact of pituitary miRNAs on follicular development influenced by FecB gene mutation, providing valuable insights into sheep breeding.
Therapeutic Effects of Lavender Oil on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus and Experimental Thrombosis
Authors: But Valeriu Mihai , Rus Vasile , Ilyés Tamás , Gherman Mădălina Luciana , Stănescu Ioana Cristina , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Bulboacă Adriana Elena
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation disturbances, which contribute to microvascular and macrovascular complications. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with experimentally induced thrombosis. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into control, thrombosis, diabetes, thrombosis–diabetes, and lavender oil pretreatment groups (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight [bw]). Lavender oil exhibited dose-dependent benefits, with the 200 mg/kg bw dose leading to significant reductions in proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES); and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)) and oxidative stress, along with improved glycemic control, the partial restoration of C-peptide levels, and the attenuation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activity (p < 0.0001). Histopathological and coagulation analyses confirmed its organ-protective and antithrombotic effects, including reduced tissue damage, vascular inflammation, and thrombus formation, and prolonged bleeding and clotting times. Our findings suggest that lavender oil exhibits dose-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and organ-protective effects, indicating its potential as a complementary therapy for managing inflammation in T1DM with or without thrombosis.
Numerical Solution of Mathematical Model of Heat Conduction in Multi-Layered Nanoscale Solids
Authors: Coronel Aníbal , Hess Ian , Huancas Fernando , Chiroque José
Published: January 2025

In this article, we are interested in studying and analyzing the heat conduction phenomenon in a multi-layered solid. We consider the physical assumptions that the dual-phase-lag model governs the heat flow on each solid layer. We introduce a one-dimensional mathematical model given by an initial interface-boundary value problem, where the unknown is the solid temperature. More precisely, the mathematical model is described by the following four features: the model equation is given by a dual-phase-lag equation at the inside each layer, an initial condition for temperature and the temporal derivative of the temperature, heat flux boundary conditions, and the interfacial condition for the temperature and heat flux conditions between the layers. We discretize the mathematical model by a finite difference scheme. The numerical approach has similar features to the continuous model: it is considered to be the accuracy of the dual-phase-lag model on the inside each layer, the initial conditions are discretized by the average of the temperature on each discrete interval, the inside of each layer approximation is extended to the interfaces by using the behavior of the continuous interface conditions, and the inside each layer approximation on the boundary layers is extended to state the numerical boundary conditions. We prove that the finite difference scheme is unconditionally stable and unconditionally convergent. In addition, we provide some numerical examples.
FDoSR-Net: Frequency-Domain Informed Auto-Encoder Network for Arbitrary-Scale 3D Whole-Heart MRI Super-Resolution
Authors: Maciel Corbin , Zou Qing
Published: January 2025

This work aims to develop a three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution (SR) network that would perform arbitrary-scale 3D whole-heart (WH) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) super-resolution, while maintaining fine image details. One-hundred-twenty 3D WH MR volumes, acquired using four different sequences, are used in this study for training, validation, and testing. The proposed method utilizes a frequency-domain regularization in training to maintain fine image detail along with a 3D autoencoder framework. It is also trained in manner to enable it to perform arbitrary factor SR. The proposed method is compared against multiple super-resolution algorithms including two state-of-the-art deep learning methods referred to here as ACNS and TFC as well as nearest neighbor interpolation. The proposed method was evaluated quantitatively and compared against the competing methods with the mean result of the proposed method and the improvements provided by the proposed method (reported by mean percentage between the proposed method and all other competing methods) were recorded. The metrics of interest used for the quantitative comparison are peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR, mean = 34.10, mean percentage of improvement = 4.5%), structural similarity index measure (SSIM, mean = 0.94, mean percentage of improvement = 2.2%), mean squared error (MSE, mean = 0.00094, mean percentage of improvement = 48.2%), and root mean squared error (RMSE, mean = 0.024, mean percentage of improvement = 31.0%). Moreover, qualitative comparison was performed using multiple visual comparisons. The quantitative results achieved demonstrate that the proposed method regularly outperforms all other comparison methods. The visual comparisons demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms current state-of-the-art methods in preserving fine image details, as well as its ability to do so for multiple SR factors.