bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery techniques in plant systems
Authors: Shivashakarappa Kuber , Marriboina Sureshbabu , Dumenyo Korsi , Taheri Ali , Yadegari Zeinab
Published: February 2025

Plant genetic engineering is an evolving discipline that contributes to crop improvement by introducing desirable traits into crop plants, such as improved yield, enhanced nutrition value, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant transformation is carried out in two steps: Gene delivery into the plant cell and regeneration of the plant cell into the fertile plant. Gene delivery is an essential step in plant genetic transformation, and it is largely plant species-specific. Based on the mode of delivery the conventional plant gene delivery methods are divided into three main categories: biological (Agrobacterium-mediated transformation), physical (biolistic and electroporation), and chemical (Polyethylene glycol mediated and liposome-mediated gene delivery). Apart from species constraints, these methods have unique advantages and limitations, including random gene integration, low gene transfer efficiency, tissue damage, united gene alterations, time-consuming and labor-intensive plant regeneration protocols. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced novel gene-delivery systems, utilizing micro and nanoparticles, which can overcome many limitations of conventional plant gene delivery methods by exhibiting superior transformation efficiency, demonstrate compatibility with biological systems, offer protection to different cargoes, and hold significant capability for enhancing plant regeneration. Nanoparticles are well recognized for its flexible size, shape, and cargo-binding properties, which enable them to surpass defensive primary cell wall barrier and it can be a promising candidate for plant gene delivery applications. However, delivering the nanoparticles and cargo complexes into plants is a critical step of the gene delivery process, and have not been thoroughly explored. In this review, we provide comprehensive insights into nano-delivery systems and detailed methods of introducing nanoparticle complexes into plant tissues. Further, we also discuss techniques such as syringe infiltration, vacuum infiltration, biolistic methods, magnetofection, ultrasound-mediated delivery, passive diffusion, cellular uptake, and spray method. This review serves as a valuable resource for advancing plant gene transformation using nanoparticles, offering guidance on the most effective delivery methods to enhance plant genetic engineering outcomes.
Retinal assessment in 143 patients with white matter lesions: the potential of OCTA as an evaluation tool
Authors: Zhang Dong , Jiang Xueying , Zhang Yan , Qin Jingcui
Published: February 2025

Background

The retina is a simple window to reflect the changes of brain nerves. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between retinal status and white matter lesions (WMLs) in 143 patients aged 50–80 years, utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and the Fazekas Visual Scale for assessment.

Methods

A total of 143 subjects underwent MRI scanning to assess the degree of WMLs using the Fazekas scale. Retinal imaging was conducted utilizing OCTA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with the Fazekas score for each factor. The relationship between cognitive function and various OCTA parameters was assessed using quadratic and cubic simulation curve models. Data following a normal distribution are presented as means, while non-normally distributed data are reported as medians. Qualitative data are expressed as percentages.

Results

As Fazekas grades increased, ILM-IPL thickness (OR = 3.267, OR = 8.436), vessel density in the parafoveal region of the macula, retinal vessel densities (OR = 2.058, OR = 2.363), and RNFL thickness significantly reduced (p < 0.05). With increasing Fazekas scores, the bilateral foveal avascular zone showed a significant increase (OR = 0.362, OR = 0.458) (p < 0.05). Retinal thickness and vascular density were negatively correlated with WMLs, and positively correlated with cognitive function (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The severity of WMLs increases as retinal thickness and vascular density decrease. OCTA examination has a degree of role in screening for WMLs caused by cerebral microvascular disease. Its effectiveness in screening early asymptomatic individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment is somewhat limited.
Skin microbiome differences in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, other cancers, and healthy controls: a pilot study
Authors: Davis Taylor , Decker Katherine T. , Hosseini Dana , Jameson Gayle , Borazanci Erkut
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Many studies have reported the importance of the human microbiome in relationship to the overall health of its host. While recent studies have explored the microbiome’s role in various types of cancer compared to healthy patients, this pilot study is the first to investigate differences in the skin microbiome composition among pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, individuals with other cancers, and cancer-free controls.

Methods

The study characterizes the skin microbiome’s potential associations with cancer status by analyzing skin swabs from the forehead and cheek of 58 participants using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), differential abundance analysis, and machine learning techniques.

Results

The study results indicated that the cancer group displayed a significantly higher mean alpha diversity compared to the control group. Additionally, a machine learning classification model achieved a mean F1 Score of 0.943 in predicting cancer status, indicating measurable differentiation in the skin microbiome between the study groups. This differentiation is supported by differential abundance methods, including ANCOM-BC and MaAsLin2.

Discussion

This pilot study suggests that skin microbiome profiling could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring, which warrants a larger, longitudinal study to validate these results.
Global, regional, national prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and trend analysis from 1990 to 2021 and prediction to 2045
Authors: Liu Chengling , Liu Xingchen , Cao Pengjuan , Li Xin , Xin Haiming , Zhu Sailin
Published: February 2025

Background

A serious worldwide health concern is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). For the purpose of creating focused strategies, it is essential to comprehend geographical variations in cSCC prevalence and trends.

Methods

This study utilized data from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) survey to analyze cSCC across 204 countries and territories. We assessed the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), mortality rate (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (ASDR), and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs), with trends stratified by region, country, age, sex, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI). To evaluate disparities in cSCC burden, we combined the SDI with the inequality slope and concentration indices for an international health inequality analysis. Decomposition analysis assessed the effects of population growth, aging, and epidemiological trends on disease burden, while frontier analysis linked cSCC outcomes with socio-demographic development. A Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model projected future prevalence, mortality, and DALYs, identifying key drivers of cSCC burden.

Results

In 2021, there were 2,275,834 cases of cSCC globally, reflecting a 345% increase since 1990. During this period, the ASPR rose from 14.69 to 26.85 per 100,000, while the ASMR increased slightly from 0.67 to 0.69 per 100,000. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rose from 544,973 to 1,210,874. Among socio-demographic regions, the high SDI region had the highest ASPR, while the middle SDI region exhibited the highest ASMR and ASDR. Decomposition analysis identified population growth and demographic aging as key drivers of the rising ASMR. Countries like Georgia showed significant disparities in frontier analysis, indicating potential for better cSCC management. Health inequality analysis confirmed that the burden was concentrated in nations with higher SDI. By 2045, the global ASPR is projected to reach 64.66, with the ASMR and ASDR expected to decrease to 1.02 and 20.63 per 100,000, respectively.

Conclusion

Over the last three decades, the global burden of cSCC has increased significantly. While mortality rates and DALYs are expected to decline over the next twenty years, the prevalence of cSCC is projected to remain high. This highlights the urgent need to reevaluate preventive efforts aimed at reducing morbidity, particularly in areas with substantial populations over the age of 95.
Metabolic reprogramming of glucose: the metabolic basis for the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Xiaodan , Guo Shuwei , Chen Junsheng , Lv Yandong , Guo Zhiqiang , Liu Hongzhou
Published: February 2025

Primary liver cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type. It is characterized by high malignancy, insidious onset, and a lack of specific early diagnostic and therapeutic markers, posing a serious threat to human health. The occurrence and development of HCC are closely related to its metabolic processes. Similar to other malignant tumors, metabolic reprogramming occurs extensively in tumor cells, with glucose metabolism reprogramming being particularly prominent. This is characterized by abnormal activation of glycolysis and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and gluconeogenesis, among other changes. Glucose metabolism reprogramming provides intermediates and energy for HCC to meet its demands for rapid growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Additionally, various enzymes and signaling molecules involved in glucose metabolism reprogramming play irreplaceable roles. Therefore, regulating key metabolic enzymes and pathways in these processes is considered an important target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This paper reviews the current status and progress of glucose metabolism reprogramming in HCC, aiming to provide new insights for the diagnosis, detection, and comprehensive treatment strategies of HCC involving combined glucose metabolism intervention in clinical settings.
In vitro anticancer effects of frankincense and its nanoemulsions for enhanced cancer cell targeting
Authors: Al-Balushi Rayya A. , Chaudhuri Aiswarya , Kandimalla Raghuram , Haque Ashanul , Alenezi Khalaf M. , Saeed Mohd. , Changez Mohammad , Al Harthy Thuraya , Al Hinaai Mohammed , Siddiqui Samra , Agrawal Ashish Kumar , Aqil Farrukh
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Frankincense has demonstrated promising in vitro anticancer activity. However, its conventional delivery methods face significant challenges due to limited oral bioavailability. To address these limitations, this study focuses on developing optimized nanoemulsions (NEs) of Frankincense oil (FO) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.

Methods

Frankincense resins were extracted and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), identifying key metabolites including isopinocarveol, α-thujene, p-cymene, carvone, germacrene A, and various methyl esters. FO-based nanoemulsions (FO-NEs) were prepared and optimized using a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken Design (BBD), with 10% FO (v/v), 40% surfactant (cremophor EL), and co-surfactant (Transcutol P). The optimized FO-NEs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cytotoxicity, wound healing, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were performed against breast cancer (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-231-TR) and lung cancer (A549, A549-TR, H1299) cell lines.

Results

The optimized FO-NEs exhibited an average particle size of 65.1 ± 4.21 nm, a PDI of 0.258 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential of −22.3 ± 1.2 mV. SEM and AFM confirmed the spherical morphology of the FO-NEs. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed enhanced anticancer activity of FO-NEs (IC50 = 13.2 μg/mL) compared to free FO (IC50 = 22.5 μg/mL) against resistant breast cancer MDA-MB-231-TR cells. FO-NEs significantly improved cancer cell internalization, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased ROS generation, leading to enhanced cytotoxic effects.

Discussion

The results demonstrate that nanoemulsion-based delivery significantly enhances the bioactivity and cellular uptake of frankincense oil compared to its free form. FO-NEs exhibit potent anticancer activity, particularly against drug-resistant cancer cell lines, suggesting their potential as a viable strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of frankincense in cancer treatment.
Optimizing greenhouse microclimate for plant pathology: challenges and cooling solutions for pathogen control in arid regions
Authors: Yusuf Abdulmujib G. , Al-Yahya Fahad A. , Saleh Amgad A. , Abdel-Ghany Ahmed M.
Published: February 2025

Crop production using greenhouse technology has become increasingly essential for intensifying agricultural output, particularly in regions with challenging climatic conditions. More so, greenhouses do not only support continuous crop supply but also provide a controlled environment crucial for studying plant-pathogen interaction. Likewise, pests and diseases are a constant threat to crop production, which requires innovative control methods. Providing a suitable and sustainable control method requires a detailed probe into the relationship between plants and biotic disturbance under controlled settings. Therefore this review explores the relationships between plants and pathogens, highlighting the impact of extreme greenhouse microclimates on plant pathology assays. Given the extreme weather conditions in the Arabian peninsula, the efficiency of greenhouses, especially during summer, is compromised without adequate cooling systems. This review discusses the current strategies employed to optimize greenhouse conditions in hot arid regions, aiming to enhance plant health by mitigating pathogen activity while minimizing energy, and water consumption. The review also provides an overview of how microclimatic parameters within greenhouses influence plant-pathogen dynamics, ensuring conditions that are conducive to managing both biotic and abiotic diseases. Additionally, the review aims to evaluate various cooling techniques available and most widely accepted in hot arid regions. Moreover, the performance indicators, principles, and effectiveness of each technique are discussed. Promising advances in the manipulations and combination of these techniques have proven to maintain an appropriate greenhouse microclimate with minimal resource use.
The negative aspects of injury on motivation of sports and physical exercise practitioners
Authors: Machado Hugo Enrico Souza , Oliveira Andreza do Socorro Dantas , Souza da Cunha Júnior Eldimberg , Lemos Adriano Lopes , Penna Eduardo Macedo , Pires Daniel Alvarez
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Injury is an inherent situation in the sports and recreational environment of physical exercise practices. Additionally, injured practitioners might present different motivational drives that may impair the continuity in physical exercise. However, little is known about the motivational profile of injured physical exercise practitioners. The aim of this study is to describe and compare different dimensions of motivation among injured (IG) and non-injured (NIG) physical exercise and sport practitioners.

Methods

A total of 83 participants made part of the study (IG: 52, age: 30.8 ± 8.4 years; NIG: 31, age: 27.5 ± 8.4 years). An ad hoc on-line questionnaire was used, containing sociodemographic information and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II). The SMS-II evaluates different dimensions of motivation based on the tenets of the self-determination theory and was answered by both groups to examine possible differences. The researchers contacted clubs and gyms, as well as online promotions.

Results

In the IG, there was a prevalence of 45% of give-up thoughts and 48% were competing. Also, the IG demonstrated higher median values of demotivation when compared to the NIG, with a small effect size (NIG median: 3.3; IG median: 5.8; p = 0.04, r = 0.26).

Conclusion

We conclude that almost half of the injured practitioners demonstrated give-up thoughts as well as exhibit higher levels of demotivation compared to non-injured ones. Thus, it indicates the need for a rehabilitation approach also focused on motivational issues, to improve overall heath and prevent physical activity drop out.
Integrated treatment of depression and moderate to severe alcohol use disorder in women shows promise in routine alcohol use disorder care – a pilot study
Authors: Persson Anna , Finn Daniel Wallhed , Broberg Alice , Westerberg Amanda , Magnusson Åsa , Molander Olof
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Major depression and alcohol use disorder affect millions of individuals worldwide and cause significant disability. They often occur together, and their co-occurrence is associated with more negative outcomes than each disorder on its own. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge on how to best treat co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility, credibility, patient satisfaction, preliminary effect, and potential negative effects of an integrated treatment for depression and alcohol use disorder, which has shown promising results in an earlier pilot trial.

Methods

The study was conducted at an outpatient unit in Stockholm, Sweden. Women (n=7) with current depression and alcohol use disorder were offered integrated group treatment that included evidence-based treatment for depression and alcohol use disorder. Criteria for feasibility were based on an earlier study, treatment credibility was measured using the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire and patient satisfaction with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results

Feasibility, credibility, and patient satisfaction were high. Depression symptom severity and alcohol consumption decreased from baseline to follow up. Negative effects were reported in terms of increased adverse emotional experiences.

Discussion

The investigated integrated treatment for co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder continues to show promise. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
Conceptual competence in medicine: promoting psychosomatic awareness in clinics, research and education
Authors: von Boetticher Dirk
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In recent decades, psychosomatic medicine has developed into a distinct specialty, bringing specific clinical concepts to bear seeking to acknowledge the unity (not the identity) of the mind and body in clinical care. Such concepts form the identity of the psychosomatic field as a distinct discipline and its epistemological status between somatic medicine and psychiatry. Despite the importance of these concepts from an educational and a research perspective, too little attention has been paid to their clinical impact.

Methods

This paper investigated the general nature of concepts and their role and significance in structuring the clinical encounter and care, including consideration of their relevance for the hidden curriculum.

Results

Conceptual competence is defined as a transformative awareness of the multilayered, fallible, and plural nature of human concepts, which have both descriptive and evaluative and action-guiding properties having both an explicit and an implicit meaning. Conceptual competence in psychosomatic medicine entails dealing competently with the mind–body–distinction and the biopsychosocial model (and criticism of it) with respect to the clinical situation.

Discussion

Conceptual research is presented as an autonomous research area and the complement of empirical research, having a descriptive and a normative function: descriptively analyzing the concepts we have and normatively searching for the concepts that we need for the integrated care we strive for.
Investigating the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and adolescent depression: a comparative analysis
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Tang Jie , Xu Gaoyang , Chen Xu , Fang Kun , He Fan , Zheng Yi
Published: February 2025

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents poses a significant threat to physical health. Previous studies have indicated that adolescents with MDD exhibit immune activation.

Objective

This study aimed to compare cytokine levels in adolescents with MDD to healthy controls and assess their diagnostic value.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 58 adolescent patients with depression from Beijing Anding Hospital (outpatients and inpatients) and 40 healthy adolescents recruited from the community. Multiplex cytokine analysis (Luminex xMAP) was used to measure serum levels of several cytokines. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26.0) to compare cytokine levels between adolescents with MDD and healthy controls and assess gender differences. Correlations between cytokine levels and demographic data, clinical features and depressive symptoms were also analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of cytokines.

Results

Serum IL-4, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in MDD group compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). In MDD group, the age of first onset of depression in females was significantly younger than that in males (p < 0.05), and female serum TNF-α levels were significantly higher than those in males (p < 0.05). BMI and serum IL-4 levels were significantly positively correlated in adolescents with MDD. The area under the ROC curve for serum IL-4 and TNF-α in diagnosing adolescent depression was 0.695 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.580 - 0.809; p < 0.05), with a sensitivity of 0.793 and specificity of 0.675.

Conclusion

Compared with healthy controls, adolescents with depression demonstrated significantly elevated serum cytokine levels, indicating immune activation which were higher in female. Cytokines may have promising diagnostic value in adolescent depression, but further validation with additional indicators is needed.
A global framework for integrating public health into wellbeing: why a public wellbeing system is needed
Authors: Lippai László L. , Tarkó Klára , Tanyi Attila , Kollányi Zsófia , Arapovics Mária , Vitrai József
Published: February 2025

There is a growing focus on public health initiatives that prioritize wellbeing. The main question of our study is whether this, in its current form, can really represent a new response to the challenges of previous strategies, or whether there is a greater chance that it will essentially reproduce the problems associated with the paradoxical situation of public health. Based on a review, analysis and evaluation of the literature on wellbeing in public health, we outlined the foundations of a new meta-theory of wellbeing and a possibility for its social application. In our view, wellbeing is seen as a social representation of a combination of positive and negative freedom of choice concerning the quality of everyday life, used in a positioning process involving both individual and collective aspects. Health is a particular aspect of the social representation and positioning of wellbeing, which encompasses aspects of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual functioning of individuals. The wellbeing meta-theory also opens up the possibility for more effective solutions to the social challenges related to wellbeing and salutogenetic health. It underscores the importance of the need for a dedicated social subsystem where the goals and organizational culture of the organizations involved are focused on wellbeing and health promotion. In our study, we consider this to be the Public Wellbeing System (PWS). Our conclusion is that the development and operation of a new set of institutions—the Public Wellbeing System (PWS)—based on the co-production of services that meet the needs and demands of society, and dedicated to the promotion of wellbeing, may provide an opportunity to overcome the public health paradox.
Non-communicable diseases in Saudi adolescents: prevalence, risk factors, and implications for public health
Authors: Almuqbil Mansour , Rabbani Syed Imam , Gilkaramenthi Rafiulla , Aljawadi Mohammad , Alsanie Walaa F. , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Alhomrani Majid , Alrouwaijeh Sara , Alshammary Amal F. , Imran Mohd , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Saudi adolescents, focusing on obesity, conduct disorder, asthma, and anxiety, and to identify potential risk factors associated with these conditions.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 2,160 adolescents sourced from official government databases and peer-reviewed literature. Statistical methods included one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with significance set at p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The prevalence of NCDs among Saudi adolescents was 11.8%. Obesity was the most common condition (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24, p = 0.006), followed by conduct disorder (OR = 1.12, p = 0.041), asthma (OR = 1.09, p = 0.036), and anxiety (OR = 1.06, p = 0.042). Pearson’s correlation revealed significant associations between these disorders and adolescence stages.

Conclusion

Obesity, conduct disorder, asthma, and anxiety are significant health challenges for Saudi adolescents. These findings highlight the role of lifestyle factors such as diet and physical inactivity. Targeted interventions are needed to promote healthy behaviors and mitigate the long-term risks of these conditions.
Assessment of fluoride bio-accessibility in early childhood diets
Authors: Kronic Jelena , Duckworth Ralph M. , Angione Claudio , Levy Steven M. , Zohoori Fatemeh Vida
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Currently available dietary recommendations for fluoride provided as “adequate intake” (AI) and “tolerable upper intake level” (UL) assume 100% fluoride availability for utilization by the body, which is often not the case. To prevent the development of dental fluorosis, AI and UL values must include fluoride bioavailability. However, the lack of data on fluoride bioavailability/bio-accessibility has hindered progress so far. This study aimed to measure fluoride bio-accessibility of the dietary sources commonly consumed by children below four years of age.

Methods

A total of 103 food and meal samples were purchased, prepared, and analyzed for fluoride content, subjected to a standardized static in vitro digestion procedure and subsequent determination of fluoride concentration of resultant mixtures necessary for the final fluoride bio-accessibility calculation. Fluoride concentrations before and after in vitro digestion were determined directly using a fluoride-ion-selective electrode after addition of TISAB III, or indirectly by an acid diffusion method. Additionally, fluoride concentration of milk samples was determined using a combination of microwave-assisted acid digestion and the direct method of fluoride analysis.

Results

Mean (SD) fluoride bio-accessibility for individual food samples was 44.7% (37.5%). The mean (SD) fluoride bio-accessibilities for meals created with juice, carbonated drinks, tap water, and milk were 79.0% (21.9%), 64.3% (20.7%), 40.2% (20.9%), and 71.5% (17.1%), respectively. For the rest of the meals with no common mixing agent, the mean (SD) fluoride bio-accessibility was 50.8% (55.9%).

Conclusion

The majority of dietary sources analyzed in this project resulted in fluoride bio-accessibilities below 100%, indicating incomplete utilization of consumed fluoride. As the first study of its kind, these findings represent a critical initial step for future research and provide valuable insights to inform policymakers and health authorities in revising fluoride intake guidelines.
The use of kinematic photogrammetry and LiDAR for reconstruction of a unique object with extreme topography: a case study of Dutchman’s Cap, Baltic seacoast, Lithuania
Authors: Ruzgienė Birutė , Kuklienė Lina , Kuklys Indrius , Jankauskienė Dainora , Lousada Sérgio
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in conjunction with Photogrammetry and LiDAR technologies, has revolutionized the collection of geospatial data. These technologies enable the acquisition of very high-resolution images and dense point clouds. They also allow the generation of aerial mapping products and simulations of geospatial data for territories that are difficult to access using traditional surveying methods. The paper deals with the use of kinematic remote sensing technique for the study of surface with extreme topography as is a near-vertical cliff named Olandian hat situated in the Seaside regional park on the Baltic sea coast of Lithuania. This area has been significantly eroded by the sea due to the climatic changes of the last few decades, which have caused substantial damage to the coastline. Quantitative measurements show that coastal erosion has led to a retreat of up to [X] meters over the last [Y] years. In order to preserve this unique cultural object, needs to keep an observation on a regular basis (as monitoring) for capture the real situation. Applying an appropriate way for generation of the reliable and accurate spatial models of surface with extreme topography, four data sets were processed: images gained with the camera, oriented horizontally; images gained with the camera tilted at about 50°; combining both image sets collected from camera; LiDAR data. Point clouds and orthophoto maps were generated. The evaluation of aerial mapping products showed that the best accuracy was achieved with products derived from the combined image sets, based on the metric of RMSE, with a mean RMSE of 0.048 m in X, Y, and Z directions. The spatial model generated from LiDAR data is more accurate in Z direction. Correct representation of DEM was not possible using only image data from camera horizontally oriented.
“Space to see the future”? A political economy analysis of child and adolescent mental health and well-being in Ethiopia including routes for change
Authors: Engdawork Kibur , D’Ambruoso Lucia , Hailu Tsion , Yared Mahlet , Geletu Girma M. , Baraki Semere G. , Sebsibe Elias , Abbott Pamela
Published: February 2025

Background

Ethiopia faces significant mental health challenges; mental disorders are the leading non-communicable condition, and many adults experience symptoms by age 14–15. We examined structural, institutional, and agentic factors affecting child and adolescent mental well-being in Ethiopia. The aims were to describe the political, economic, social and policy contexts in which mental well-being exists; analysing power, interests, and the influence and resources key stakeholders bring to bear on decision-making processes related to child and adolescent well-being.

Methods

We used a Political Economy Analysis framework to identify structural and institutional features, networks of influence, and routes for change. Using this lens, a literature review was performed, supplemented with key informant interviews (n = 9).

Results

Multiple structural drivers of mental health problems were identified: globalized urbanization and social fragmentation, and political and economic systems characterized by economic ambition but entrenched poverty, aid dependency, conflict and civil war. Despite significant policy recognition and support, there was poor coordination between federal and regional structures and sectors, vastly insufficient resources, and low coverage especially in rural areas. Service delivery was further complicated by widespread and normalised violence against children and young people, low knowledge and awareness among children and families, entrenched stigma and gender inequities, and ethnic tensions, conflict and displacement. Overall, regional resource shortages drastically limited the collective agencies of service users and providers. Meanwhile, development programmes lack context and coordination. The analysis emphasizes an urgent need to enhance implementation support through targeted, contextually relevant mental health policies and programmes, and institutional expansion of spaces and processes for multisectoral working, especially between health and education. Development partners should align with statutory bodies as a mechanism to harmonise and contextualise.

Conclusion

The government’s tendency to formulate national programs and strategies is positive, but lack of regional funding and support limit effectiveness. Schools and healthcare environments can play powerful roles supporting mental health, however, experience considerable challenges related to resourcing, and lack spaces and processes for multisectoral working. There is a pressing need to resource and support implementation and collaboration capabilities of the school community and healthcare sector to promote mental wellbeing and provide culturally engaged services.
Research on Dynamic Modeling and Control of Magnetorheological Hydro-Pneumatic Suspension
Authors: Chen Yuansi , Jiang Min , Yang Fufeng , Qian Ruijing , Zhai Rongjie , Wang Hongliang , Xv Shaoqing
Published: February 2025

A novel magnetorheological semi-active hydro-pneumatic suspension system was proposed to overcome the shortcoming of the traditional hydro-pneumatic suspension without adaptive vibration damping function. It is based on the magnetorheological semi-active vibration reduction technology to effectively improve the ride performance of the vehicle. Firstly, a nonlinear model was established with the Bouc–Wen model based on the mechanical property test results of magnetorheological hydro-pneumatic spring. Secondly, the dynamic model of the single-wheel magnetorheological hydro-pneumatic suspension system was established. Subsequently, the ON-OFF and PID-Fuzzy semi-active control strategies of the single-wheel magnetorheological hydro-pneumatic suspension were proposed based on the ON-OFF and PID-Fuzzy control methods. The simulation results demonstrate that the magnetorheological hydro-pneumatic suspension under PID-Fuzzy control has the best vibration reduction effect in comparison with the passive hydro-pneumatic suspension. The sprung mass acceleration, suspension working space, and dynamic tire deformation are reduced by 24.50%, 21.62%, and 21.01%, respectively. The bench test results verify that magnetorheological hydro-pneumatic suspension and its control methods can effectively improve the ride performance of the system.
Efficient and High-Precision Method of Calculating Maximum Singularity-Free Space in Stewart Platform Based on K-Means Clustering and CNN-LSTM-Attention Model
Authors: Tao Jie , Zhou Huicheng , Fan Wei
Published: February 2025

The determination of maximum singularity-free space is critical to structural design and motion control strategy in the Stewart platform. Nevertheless, in practical applications, there exist several limitations such as computational efficiency, calculation precision, and the reliability of computational results. To overcome those shortcomings, this work proposes an efficient and high-precision method for computing the maximum singularity-free space within the Stewart platform. Firstly, apply K-Means clustering to group the variables, including the range, mean, and standard deviation of driving rod lengths, and the clustering centroids and extreme rod lengths collectively form a set of scenarios to avoid large-scale searching. An additional sorting methodology with a specific parameter is proposed for sorting the aforementioned scenarios in descending order and detecting singular-prone cases. Secondly, compute the initial solution for maximum singularity-free length without gimbal lock through an analytical solution formula, enabling reduction in the search scope. Thirdly, introduce a novel scaling factor to resolve the problem of dimensional inconsistency between rotation and translation within the Jacobian matrix using dual quaternions, and determine the singularity based on the determinant of the newly proposed Jacobian matrix. Finally, employ a CNN-LSTM-Attention model for a secondary verification procedure, specifically targeting the challenge of singularities encountered when solving the forward kinematics of the Stewart platform using zero-position values. The experiments demonstrate that the accelerated discretization method for maximum singularity-free joint space and workspace is applicable to devices with diverse geometric configurations. For two practical Stewart platforms, compared with two conventional methods, this method improves computational efficiency and precision significantly. The computation time of the first platform is reduced by 97.54% and 98.07% respectively, while that of the second platform is cut by 80.84% and 81.80% respectively. In terms of precision, the first platform demonstrates 95.83% and 78% improvement respectively, and the second platform attains 99.99% improvement over two conventional methods.
Development of a Mathematical Model and Structural Optimization of the Specific Resistance of a Broken Line Subsoiler
Authors: Qiao Da , Shi Qian , Lv Pinyan , Guo Yingjie , Fu Daping , Liu Min , Jiang Limin , Wang Yang , Wang Jingli , Feng Weizhi
Published: February 2025

Saline-alkali soil has the characteristics of high density, high firmness and poor permeability. Aiming at the problems of shallow subsoiling depth, large subsoiling specific resistance and small soil bulkiness in subsoiling operation in saline-alkali soil, this paper establishes a mathematical model of the specific resistance of a broken line subsoiler and uses genetic algorithm and the discrete element method to optimize the structure design of the subsoiler. Firstly, the mathematical model was developed by analyzing the force of the subsoiler in the working process. The genetic algorithm was used to solve the problem, and three geometric models of the broken line subsoilers were fitted. Then, EDEM software was used to simulate this, and the tillage performance was evaluated with draft force, soil disturbance area, subsoiling specific resistance and soil bulkiness as the indexes and verified by field experiment. The results showed that the subsoiling specific resistance of the three broken line subsoilers was significantly lower than that of the standard subsoiler in the simulation test. Compared to the standard subsoiler, the soil disturbance area of the broken line subsoiler-B increased by 12%, the draft force decreased by 19%, the subsoiling specific resistance decreased by 26% and the bulkiness increased by 6%. The field experiment results showed that the broken line subsoiler-B reduced the traction force and improved the tillage efficiency compared to the standard subsoiler, which was consistent with the analysis results of EDEM. The broken line subsoiler can effectively enhance the quality of cultivated land.
Study on the Automatic Selection of Sensitive Hyperspectral Bands for Rice Nitrogen Retrieval Based on a Maximum Inscribed Rectangle
Authors: Fan Yaobing , Chen Youxing , Wu Shangrong , Kuang Wei , Tan Jieyang , Zha Yan , Fang Baohua , Yang Peng
Published: February 2025

Most existing studies on the optimal bandwidth selection for plant nitrogen are based on the sensitive band center, and determine the optimal bands by manually adjusting the bandwidth, step by step. However, this method has a high level of manual involvement and is time-consuming. This paper focused on rice as the research subject, based on determining the center of the rice plant nitrogen-sensitive bands and the maximum region Ω of the fitted R2 between the narrow-band vegetation indices (N-VIs) and plant nitrogen, a method was proposed to automatically select the optimal bandwidth by constructing inscribed rectangles. UAV hyperspectral images were used to carry out the spatial inversion and precision verification of the rice plant nitrogen, based on the optimal width of sensitive bands. The results revealed that the optimal bandwidths, automatically selected on the basis of N-VIs via the inscribed rectangle method, achieved good results in the remote sensing inversion of plant nitrogen at the rice jointing and flowering stages, with the coefficient of determination (R2) greater than 0.49 to satisfy the requirement of significance (p < 0.05) and the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and mean relative error (MRE) of less than 13%. These findings indicate that the method of crop plant nitrogen inversion band center screening and automatic search for the optimal bandwidth in this study has certain feasibility, which provides a new idea for screening the optimal bandwidth on the basis of the sensitive band center and provides technical support for the design of satellite band parameters.
Individual Cow Recognition Based on Ultra-Wideband and Computer Vision
Authors: Zhao Aruna , Wu Huijuan , Fan Daoerji , Li Kuo
Published: February 2025

This study’s primary goal is to use computer vision and ultra-wideband (UWB) localisation techniques to automatically mark numerals in cow photos. In order to accomplish this, we created a UWB-based cow localisation system that involves installing tags on cow heads and placing several base stations throughout the farm. The system can determine the distance between each base station and the cow using wireless communication technology, which allows it to determine the cow’s current location coordinates. The study employed a neural network to train and optimise the ranging data gathered in the 1–20 m range in order to solve the issue of significant ranging errors in conventional UWB positioning systems. The experimental data indicates that the UWB positioning system’s unoptimized range error has an absolute mean of 0.18 m and a standard deviation of 0.047. However, when using a neural network-trained model, the ranging error is much decreased, with an absolute mean of 0.038 m and a standard deviation of 0.0079. The average root mean square error (RMSE) of the positioning coordinates is decreased to 0.043 m following the positioning computation utilising the optimised range data, greatly increasing the positioning accuracy. This study used the conventional camera shooting method for image acquisition. Following image acquisition, the system extracts the cow’s coordinate information from the image using a perspective transformation method. This allows for accurate cow identification and number labelling when compared to the location coordinates. According to the trial findings, this plan, which integrates computer vision and UWB positioning technologies, achieves high-precision cow labelling and placement in the optimised system and greatly raises the degree of automation and precise management in the farming process. This technology has many potential applications, particularly in the administration and surveillance of big dairy farms, and it offers a strong technical basis for precision farming.
Wearable Collar Technologies for Dairy Cows: A Systematized Review of the Current Applications and Future Innovations in Precision Livestock Farming
Authors: Lamanna Martina , Bovo Marco , Cavallini Damiano
Published: February 2025

Wearable collar technologies have become integral to the advancement of precision livestock farming, revolutionizing how dairy cattle are monitored in terms of their behaviour, health status, and productivity. These devices leverage cutting-edge sensors, including accelerometers, RFID tags, GPS receivers, microphones, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to provide non-invasive, real-time insights that enhance animal welfare, optimize resource use, and support decision-making processes in livestock management. This systematized review focuses on analyzing the sensors integrated into collar-based systems, detailing their functionalities and applications. However, significant challenges remain, including the high energy consumption of some sensors, the need for frequent recharging, and limited parameter coverage by individual devices. Future developments must focus on integrating multiple sensor types into unified systems to provide comprehensive data on animal behaviour, health, and environmental interactions. Additionally, advancements in energy-efficient designs, longer battery life, and cost-reduction strategies are essential to enhance the practicality and accessibility of these technologies. By addressing these challenges, wearable collar systems can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable, efficient, and responsible livestock farming, aligning with global goals for environmental and economic sustainability. This paper underscores the transformative potential of wearable collar technologies in reshaping the livestock industry and driving the adoption of innovative farming practices worldwide.
Body Stalk Anomalies in Pigs: Current Trends and Future Directions in Classification
Authors: Martín-Alguacil Nieves , Cozar José Miguel , Avedillo Luis J.
Published: February 2025

Body stalk anomaly (BSA) is a complex congenital condition characterized by defects in the body wall, skeletal abnormalities, and an absent or abnormal umbilical cord (UC). A classification system for BSA, based on wall and skeletal abnormalities, is proposed and includes eight types observed in porcine models. These classifications consider combinations of thoracoabdominoschisis, abdominoschisis, anal atresia, genitourinary anomalies, and skeletal defects, including extreme retroflexion, scoliosis, vertebral agenesis, hemivertebrae, and thoracic or limb anomalies. While previous studies often treat limb-body wall complex (LBWC) as a separate condition, this study includes cases with co-occurring limb and spinal defects in a new classification, spinal-limb-body wall complex (SPLBWC). Additional skeletal classifications—spine-body wall complex (SPBWC), sternal-body wall complex (STBWC), and sternal-spinal-body wall complex (SSBWC)—are introduced to account for variations in structural anomalies. Nonstructural skeletal anomalies such as deformities, amputations, and arthrogryposis are excluded from the structural classifications. This comprehensive system, based on existing human and porcine models, provides a framework for the systematic categorization of BSA variations. Such an approach supports accurate diagnosis, enhances understanding of developmental defects, and improves clinical management and research outcomes in both veterinary and human medicine.