bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of adaptive compliant grippers with passive finger structure
Authors: Xie Bowei , Duan Jieli , Wang Weisheng , Li Zewei , Qu Mingyu , Yang Zhou , Jin Mohui
Published: January 2025

The adaptive compliant gripper with passive fingers can achieve both a more compact structure and better application versatility. However, the conceptual design of passive fingers is difficult and lacks relevant design method. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an active-deformation-aided strategy for the topology optimization of passive finger structure. This strategy utilizes an auxiliary input force to enlarge the output deformation and enable feasible synthesis of passive fingers. The influence of virtual spring stiffness on the optimization results is studied. Based on two designed passive fingers, two compliant grippers are developed to further evaluate their grasping performances. The designed grippers are verified by finite element analysis and experiments, and compared with the fin-ray effect gripper. The results show that the designed passive grippers exhibit excellent adaptability and grasping performance. This paper provides two novel structures of passive finger. The proposed design strategy can facilitates the design of the adaptive grippers with passive finger structure.
Design, analysis and experiment of a compliant displacement amplification mechanism with large amplification ratio
Authors: Liu Min , Zhang Jia , Pi Qingshuai , Zhang Xueping , Zhan Jinqing
Published: January 2025

The bridge-type mechanism is highly valued as a displacement amplifier in precision engineering due to its compact and symmetrical design. Nonetheless, it suffers from a drawback of limited magnification, which hampers its broader application. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a compliant displacement amplification mechanism that integrates two bridge-type mechanisms with a lever-type mechanism. This novel design not only retains a compact and symmetrical structure but also achieves a large amplification ratio and a high natural frequency, surpassing traditional designs. The static and dynamic models of the amplification mechanism are derived using the compliance matrix method and the Lagrangian method, respectively. Theoretical calculations indicate that the mechanism has an amplification ratio of 50.1 and a first-order natural frequency of 132.5 Hz. Finite element simulation analysis shows that the displacement amplification ratio and first-order natural frequency of the mechanism are 47.4 and 128.69 Hz, respectively. The mechanism is experimentally tested, and the experimental results show that the displacement amplification ratio is 43.9 and the first-order natural frequency is 119.34 Hz. The relative error between the experimental result and the simulation result of the amplification ratio is 7.97%, and the relative error between the experimental result and the simulation result of the first-order natural frequency is 7.83%, which meets the design requirements.
The Mediating Role of Compassion in the Relationship Between Nurses’ Ethnocultural Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity: Structural Equation Model Analysis
Authors: Aydin Er Rahime , Bulut Tuba Yilmaz , Erol Funda
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Nurses must possess the capacity for compassionate care and exhibit empathy to promote culturally competent care. This research investigated the mediating role of compassion in the relationship between ethnocultural empathy and intercultural sensitivity among nurses.

Method:

The study was conducted at a hospital that provides health care services to refugees. In total, 125 nurses were recruited through the simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a personal form and three scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS23 and AMOS24.

Results:

Nurses’ cultural sensitivity positively influenced their compassion competence and ethnocultural empathy. Compassion competence did not function as a full mediator in the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and ethnocultural empathy.

Discussion:

This study revealed that exposure to different cultures contributed to compassion competence, ethnocultural empathy, and cultural sensitivity skills in nurses. Cultural competence is a critical component of nursing care; therefore, it should be developed through curriculum revisions and a sensitive and supportive discussion of experiences.
Neuromuscular Strategies in Dominant and Non-Dominant Legs in Dancers During Dynamic Balance Tasks
Authors: Jo Iseul , Hong Eun-Ji , Yoon Hye-Won , Ma Younha , Lee Sae-Yong , Lee Hae-Dong
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Ballet-based dance training emphasizes the equal development of both legs. However, dancers often perceive differences between their legs during balance or landing. There still needs to be more consensus on the functional difference between dominant (D) and non-dominant legs (ND). Therefore, this study investigated both legs’ neuromuscular strategy in single-leg balance and landing based on leg dominance. Methods: Thirteen female dancers (age: 22.2 ± 2.8 years) with no history of ankle injuries in the past year participated in the study. Based on the questionnaire, the dominant leg was set, which legs were preferred to balance, generate strength, and land. Joint kinematics and ground reaction force (GRF) were analyzed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates during single-leg balance (SLB), passé balance (PB), sissone simple (SS), and sissone ouverte (SO). The tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), peroneus longus (PL), and gluteus medius (GM) activation were measured by wireless surface electromyography (EMG). Displacement (cm) of the center of pressure and the dynamic postural stability index (DPSI), a balanced score post dynamic tasks, were calculated. Results: Bilateral leg balance ability was observed based on joint kinematics and DPSI during SLB, PB, SS, and SO. Higher TA activity was noted during PB in ND legs than in D legs ( P = .038). PL activation was significantly increased in ND legs (69.3 ± 34.4%) than in D legs (45.6 ± 19.2%) before contact during SS and SO ( P < .05). After landing with ND legs, dancers regulated postural stability with increasing TA activation ( P < .05). Conclusions: Pre-activation of PL before landing with ND legs increases ankle stiffness, enhancing stability. Conversely, D legs achieve balance with lower activation levels. The findings highlight significant differences between legs in dancers, suggesting that leg dominance should be considered in future training and performance strategies.
Culturally responsive teaching in higher education: the effects of personality and personal meaning profiles of academics on culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy / La enseñanza culturalmente receptiva en la Educación Superior: los efectos de la de personalidad y de los perfiles de significado personal de los académicos en la autoeficacia en educación culturalmente receptiva
Authors: Gumus Nesrin , Karadag Engin , Ergin-Kocaturk Hatice
Published: January 2025

In this study, we aimed to examine the factors affecting the culturally responsive teaching competencies of academics and tested whether the personality traits and personal meaning profiles of the academics had significant effects on culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy. Data were obtained from 1,883 academics by using the Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy Scale, Ten-Item Personality Inventory and Personal Meaning Profile Scale — Short Form. Correlation, regression and structural equation modelling analyses were run to analyse the data. We found that culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy is low. In terms of personal meaning profiles, ‘openness to experience’, ‘agreeableness’ personality traits and ‘self-transcendence’ and ‘fair treatment’ had a significant effect on culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy while ‘religion’ and ‘self-acceptance’ were found to have no effect. Based on the findings, we made various suggestions for academics to participate in training on culture-sensitive teaching pedagogy to be more sensitive to different cultures.
Managing the grumbles: The role of intra-party dissent and leader domination on salience strategies in Western Europe
Authors: Gatti Mattia
Published: January 2025

Does intra-party dissent affect parties’ salience strategies? And if so, do leadership-dominated parties de-emphasize a divisive issue dimension more than activist-dominated ones? Scholars have long highlighted the role of intra-party dissent in informing parties’ salience strategies. However, the literature has overwhelmingly focused on EU issues while devoting less attention to the economic and socio-cultural dimensions of party competition. I argue that, driven by the imperative of projecting unity and ensure survival, parties facing internal dissent over an issue dimension reduce the emphasis attributed to it. Importantly, the effectiveness of this strategy hinges on the control party leaders wield over their parties’ platforms. Focusing on 15 Western European countries and 130 political parties, the findings confirm that higher levels of intra-party dissent are associated with lower emphasis awarded to the divisive issue dimension. The pooled results also suggest that markedly leadership-dominated parties are more effective in de-emphasizing a divisive dimension than activist-dominated ones. However, I find less robust evidence for the latter finding when testing the model separately for the two dimensions.
Explaining social sustainability practices of hotels using a multi-theoretical approach: A narrative inquiry
Authors: Changha George , Otengei Samson O , Ntayi Joseph M , Ngoma Muhammed , Bagire Vincent , Dawa Samuel
Published: January 2025

The theorization of social sustainability practices (SSPs) has remained underdeveloped compared to its environmental and economic counterparts, and studies on firm-specific factors that enable SSPs are even more scanty. This study provides a theoretical explanation to SSPs of hotels. In so doing, the study facilitates the growth of social sustainability theory as well as practice in the hospitality industry. Through narrative interviews with purposively constituted focus groups, comprising of directors, top managers, supervisor and lower-end staff of a 5-star hotel in Uganda, the authors developed a story highlighting the hotel’s lived experiences, regarding SSPs while emphasizing the context, actions, outcomes and lessons. The story revealed stakeholder value co-creation, complex adaptive leadership and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities as essential enablers of SSPs. The findings suggest that SSPs are explained by a nuanced interplay of stakeholder theory, complexity leadership theory and dynamic capabilities view, a novel stride in theorizing SSPs in hospitality context. Implications for managers as well as researchers are discussed.
A novel algorithm for personalized learning in preschool education using artificial intelligence
Authors: Zhang Zizai , Zhang Xiaomei , Liu Xiaolin
Published: January 2025

Traditional preschool education methods adopt standardized teaching models to solve the problem of neglecting the personalized needs and learning differences of each child in traditional preschool education methods. This article proposed a new algorithm for personalized learning in preschool education that integrated ALS (alternating least squares) and MLP (multilayer perceptron) to improve preschool education and provide personalized education tailored to the needs of preschool children. Firstly, learning data related to preschool children was collected and preprocessed. Then, the children-textbook interaction matrix was constructed, and the alternating least squares method was used for collaborative filtering. Finally, child data, textbook data, and collaborative filtering results were input into a multilayer perceptron for personalized textbook recommendation. The training set data was used for sufficient model training. The experimental results showed that the average accuracy of the ALS-MLP model in textbook Top-4 recommendation reached 95.9%, and recommending personalized textbooks for children could improve their academic performance by an average of 15.6 points. The application of the ALS-MLP model can accurately recommend textbooks based on children’s learning characteristics, providing new methods for personalized learning in preschool education.
Long-Term Effects of Ozone Treatment in Patients with Persistent Numbness and Tingling Secondary to Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. A Retrospective Study
Authors: Clavo Bernardino , Rodríguez-Abreu Delvys , Galván-Ruiz Saray , Federico Mario , Cánovas-Molina Angeles , Ramallo-Fariña Yolanda , Antonilli Carla , Benítez Gretel , Fabelo Himar , García-Lourve Carla , González-Beltrán Damián , Jorge Ignacio J. , Rodríguez-Esparragón Francisco , Callico Gustavo M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Numbness and tingling secondary to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are frequent side effects that limit chemotherapy treatment and quality of life. Successful treatments for CIPN are limited. This preliminary report shows the potential long-term effects of ozone treatment in the management of persistent numbness and tingling secondary to CIPN.

Methods:

Ozone treatment was administered by rectal insufflation in 15 patients (female/male: 8/7, age: 66 years old) suffering from persistent numbness and tingling secondary to grade-2 or grade-3 CIPN. Planned ozone treatment consisted of 40 sessions over 4 months. The initial concentration of 10 μg/mL was progressively increased to 30 μg/mL. The initial gas volume of 180 mL/session was progressively increased to 300 mL/session if tolerated. Before and after ozone treatment, and at 3- and 6- months after the end of treatment, they were assessed (i) the grade of CIPN-toxicity, and (ii) the self-reported decrease in numbness and tingling.

Results:

After ozone treatment, 47% of patients experienced a decrease in the grade of CIPN-toxicity ( P = .016), and 67% of patients reported a decrease in numbness and tingling ≥50% ( P = .002). These effects were maintained at 3- and 6- months after the end of O3T.

Conclusions:

In this retrospective report, patients with persistent numbness and tingling secondary to CIPN showed clinically relevant and long-term improvements after ozone treatment. The magnitude and duration of the observed effects merit further research and support our ongoing clinical trials.
Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of the Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes of a Rare Hand Tumor
Authors: Mendenhall Shaun D. , Graham Emily M. , Lewis Natasha N. , Schmucker Ryan W. , Veith Jacob P. , Koechle Jennifer L. , Neumeister Michael W.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) is a rare skin adnexal tumor with a predilection for the hand. The presentation, treatment, and outcomes of ADPA remain poorly defined due to the scarcity of reports and low-level evidence of published findings.

Methods:

We performed a meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines with the intent to provide hand surgeons a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Three additional cases of ADPA from our institution were combined with the results from the systematic review.

Results:

A total of 238 cases were included in the meta-analysis. Most ADPAs were painful, evolving, and less than 2 cm in size. Regional sentinel lymph node biopsies were performed in 55 patients, of which 25.5% were positive. Overall cohort recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 24.3% and 18.1%, respectively. Patients who obtained clear margins within 6 months of diagnosis had significantly lower rates of recurrence, metastasis, and mortality ( P < .001, P = .04, P = .003, respectively). There were no differences in recurrence or metastasis rates in those who obtained clear margins by excision or amputation ( P = .27 and P = .07, respectively). In patients who died from disease (6.0%), 5.0 years was the average time to death.

Conclusions:

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of hand lesions with unusual presentations or lack of response to other therapies. Clear margins should be obtained within 6 months of diagnosis, and routine surveillance should be provided by an oncologic physician familiar with ADPA as these tumors have high recurrence rates.
“Listening to understand,” exploring postpartum women’s perceptions of their social networks and social support in relation to their health behaviors and weight: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Kent-Marvick Jacqueline , Cloyes Kristin G , Clark Ana , Angulo Monica , de la Haye Kayla , Debbink Michelle Precourt , Creal Cristina , Wong Bob , Simonsen Sara E
Published: January 2025

Background:

Postpartum is a critical period to interrupt weight gain across the lifespan, decrease weight-related risk in future pregnancies, promote healthy behaviors that are often adopted during pregnancy, and improve long-term health. Because the postpartum period is marked by unique challenges to a person’s ability to prioritize healthy behaviors, a multi-level/domain approach to intervention beyond the individual-level factors of diet and activity is needed.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to understand postpartum people’s perceptions about the relationship between their social networks and support, and their health behaviors and weight.

Design:

We used a qualitative descriptive approach and in-depth interviews.

Methods:

Participants (aged 18+, 12–15 months postpartum, who had a pre-pregnancy body mass index ⩾25) engaged in one-on-one, in-depth interviews conducted via Zoom ( n = 28). Additional qualitative data came from open-ended responses to an online survey ( n = 84) and a personal social-network survey ( n = 84). Qualitative analysis used content and thematic analysis in stages of deductive coding applying codes derived from social-network and support theories, followed by inductive coding.

Results:

Thirty-eight participants (38.4%) returned to or weighed less than pre-pregnancy weight. We identified two overarching themes grounded in social-network and support theories. They were: (1) normative influence impacts health behaviors, body image, and experiences of weight stigma, and (2) network social support is related to health goals and overall postpartum health. Postpartum networks/support hindered and supported participants’ goals. Partners provided an important source of accountability but were often associated with barriers to healthier behaviors.

Conclusion:

Our findings reinforce the importance of the social context when considering how to support healthy behaviors and weight during the postpartum period. Healthcare providers should focus on health indicators other than maternal weight, and those wishing to support healthy postpartum behaviors could focus on child and family health, rather than solely on maternal weight and health behaviors.
Psychological impact of an intensive care admission for COVID-19 on patients in the United Kingdom
Authors: Waite Alicia AC , Cherry Mary Gemma , Brown Stephen L , Williams Karen , Boyle Andrew J , Johnston Brian W , Jones Christina , Fisher Peter , Welters Ingeborg D ,   TRIC Network, PIM-COVID Investigators
Published: January 2025

Background:

The psychological impact of surviving an admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 is uncertain. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in ICU survivors treated for COVID-19 infection, and identify risk factors for psychological distress.

Methods:

This observational study was conducted at 52 ICUs in the United Kingdom. Participants, treated for COVID-19 infection during an ICU admission of ⩾24 h, were recruited post-ICU discharge. Self-report questionnaires were completed at 3, 6 and/or 12 months. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were identified using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Events Scale-6. Demographic, clinical, physical and psychosocial factors were considered as putative predictors of psychological distress.

Results:

1620 patients provided consent and 1258 (77.7%) responded to at least one questionnaire, with responses at 3 months ( N = 426), 6 months ( N = 656) and 12 months ( N = 1050) following ICU admission. The following prevalence rates were found at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively: anxiety in 28.8% (95% CI 24.6–33.1), 30.4% (95% CI 27.0–33.8) and 29.3% (95% CI 26.5–32.1); depression in 25.1% (21.0–29.3), 25.9% (22.7–29.3) and 24.0% (21.5–26.6); and PTSD in 43.5% (38.8–48.2), 44.3% (40.6–48.0) and 43.2% (40.2–46.1) of patients. Risk factors for psychological distress included a previous mental health diagnosis, unemployment or being on sick leave, and a history of asthma or COPD.

Conclusion:

Clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were common and persisted up to 12 months post-ICU discharge.
Foraging strategies of three co-occurring ibis species (Black-headed, Glossy and Red-naped) in a semi-arid landscape of western India
Authors: Asawra Krishna , Koli Vijay Kumar
Published: January 2025

It has been considered that the coexistence of similar species is facilitated by the differentiation in their foraging habits. We sought to test this hypothesis by evaluating the foraging behavior and factors influencing the foraging success of three coexisting ibis species – Black-headed ibis ( Threskiornis melanocephalus), Red-naped ibis ( Pseudibis papillosa), and Glossy ibis ( Plegadis falcinellus) – in the semi-arid landscape of western India from January 2020 to April 2022. Overall, foraging parameters were similar among the species, except for inter-individual parameters (P < 0.05) and for the number of locomotion turns each species performed. Probing and the number of nearby wading birds significantly and positively influenced the foraging success of all the Ibis species studied. Seasonal variations affected the foraging success only for the Red-naped Ibis and within a season, the foraging success was significantly different between species. All species showed different water depth utilization for foraging. Red-naped Ibis used habitats other than wetlands without impacting its foraging success. Also, the foraging success differed between adults and juveniles of the Red-naped ibis but remained consistent for the Black-headed ibis. These findings can aid the future development of hypotheses related to how similar species coexist and help in management and conservation efforts for these species.
Factors affecting online MCQ test performance on cell structure among first-year Vietnamese healthcare students
Authors: Cao Nguyen Thi Tai , Pham Phu Dac
Published: January 2025

From 2022 to 2023, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) in Vietnam implemented shared learning, common exams, and equal study times for articulated (Course 36) and regular (Course 48) students in which regular bachelor’s degree students follow 1-credit program while pharmacy and medical students take 2-credit program. The Biology-Genetics course for all majors has shared content on cell structure, leading to a same assessment with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for all students. This study evaluates factors influencing regular online MCQ test outcomes on Cell Structure. The analysis includes 1147 online MCQ tests by Course 36 and Course 48 students in the academic year 2022-2023. Statistical tests including Pearson’s Chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, Student’s t-test, and ANOVA, are used to identify significant differences ( p < .05). The results show correlations between age groups, gender, study programs, and test completion time with regular test scores ( p < .05). Average test completion time differ significantly among majors and training programs ( p < .05). Average scores correlate with age groups, training programs, and majors ( p < .05). In conclusion, age, gender, test completion time, and training programs influence online MCQ test scores. The integration of articulated and regular students, along with shared content in exams, impacts scores. The use of the same test content for different program duration also affects outcomes. This finding suggests educators should consider these factors when designing regular tests and final exams.
From conflict to peace: Hanfu performance and “Embodied Connection” in the Chinese Youth’s British Museum initiative
Authors: Dong Siling , Li Shitong
Published: January 2025

Chinese students engaged in a broad conversation on the British Museum’s tweet, “Join us in celebrating Korean Lunar New Year with magical performances,” which resulted in both online and real protests. In-depth interviews with eleven attendees of the event were done for this study with the objective to illustrate how Chinese youth organizations create communication strategies in an unfriendly and foreign setting. According to the research, the actors used Western social media as a “medium of resistance” early in the conflict, but their demands were not realized by the system’s embedded unequal discursive order. As a result, they wore Hanfu to perform peaceful cultural performances in the museum space, making up for the “uselessness” of the digital space by using their bodies as “mediums of performance.” Local Chinese social media functions as an “organizing medium,” combining local Chinese social networks with information from around the country and abroad. This brings disparate actors together in the museum setting, and the body in Hanfu becomes a “compensatory” medium, connecting the shared Hanfu experience and upending the Western-dominated media order.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Dynamic Evolution Characteristics of Tourism Ecological Security Using the DPSIR-DS Model in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Pan Yue , Wang Jia , An Zhaolong , Li Jianpu , Weng Gangmin
Published: January 2025

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is positioned as the main battlefield of ecological priority and green development in China. It is of great significance to dynamically grasp the situation of tourism ecological security in YREB for promoting the green and high-quality development of regional tourism. Aiming at the disadvantage of either-or in evaluation research, this study established the index system based on the inter-period DPSIR framework, designed an integrated assessment model combining the entropy method, the membership function, and the D-S evidence theory model to assess the tourism ecological security level from the perspective of probability value, then revealed its spatiotemporal dynamics characteristics. Results showed that: (1) the regional security level is in a good trend of weakening fluctuations and stable improvement, in which the upstream and downstream improvement is more significant, but still at a lower level in general. (2) The security levels of the 11 areas included were all located at Risk level to Relative Security level with significant differences, including Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, and Chongqing were the key ecological nodes for tourism ecological security improvement. (3) The transitions among security levels were frequent, while the higher levels were relatively unstable, implying that the tourism ecology has not improved in essence. Finally, strategic suggestions for improving tourism ecological security are proposed in terms of building joint prevention and control mechanisms, clarifying risk factors, and innovating protection paths.
Shaping E-commerce Experiences: Unraveling the Impact of Service Quality on Youth Customer Behavior in a Developing Nation
Authors: Wattoo Muhammad Umair , Du Jianguo , Shahzad Fakhar , Kousar Shakila
Published: January 2025

Firms of all stripes recognize that retaining satisfied customers in the current e-commerce cutthroat and digital market relies on delivering exceptional customer service. This longitudinal study aims to examine the relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction, and behavior in an online shopping environment, emphasizing the youth of Pakistan. A research model was developed and tested using two phases of customer data ( n = 331). The results show that in the online shopping environment, the dimension of service quality significantly enhances customer satisfaction, which leads to the development of customer loyalty. The mediating role of customer complaints has been identified in the relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Furthermore, it was found that the significant connection between customer loyalty, repurchase intention, and recommendation intention was moderated by emotional intensity. The findings will help firms in Pakistan and other developing countries to establish long-term growth strategies by understanding the complex nexus between service quality that leads to customer satisfaction and boosts their repurchases and recommendations. This research also directs online platform marketers and practitioners to develop marketing and retailing strategies.
Are We Heading Towards a Changed Order of International Legal System? A Post-COVID-19 Approach
Authors: Salar Niharika
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the global order, challenging long-standing assumptions about the North–South divide and the efficacy of international legal frameworks. This article argues that the pandemic has accelerated the emergence of a new international legal regime, one that moves away from the Western-centric approach that has historically dominated global governance. The first part critiques the North–South divide, demonstrating its diminishing relevance as nations in the Global South, including India and Vietnam, responded more effectively to the crisis compared to their First World counterparts. The paper also highlights the economic struggles of the Global North, challenging the traditional view of the divide. The second part examines the role of International Health Regulations and state responses during the pandemic, arguing that the current legal framework is inadequate to address the complexities of global health crises. Drawing on the theories of Vitoria and Grotius, the article explores the evolving concepts of sovereignty and freedom of movement in the context of isolation and quarantine measures. The article concludes that we are witnessing a shift towards a changed world order, where the old Western-centric legal regime is being replaced by a more inclusive and cooperative international system, driven by the need for greater coordination and transparency in the face of global challenges like pandemics.
Transcriptome sequencing reveals jasmonate playing a key role in ALA-induced osmotic stress tolerance in strawberry
Authors: Zhong Yan , Wei Xin , Zhang Jianting , Wang Liangju
Published: January 2025

Background

Strawberry (Fragaria × annanasa Duch.) is an important economic fruit worldwide, whose growth and development are often hindered by water deficiency. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a natural plant growth regulator, has been suggested to mitigate the osmotic damages by promoting root water absorption, osmotic adjustment, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant improvement. However, the regulatory mechanism remains unclear.

Results

In the current study, the underlying mechanism by determination of various physiological indices, as well as transcriptome sequencing and the weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of 10 mg L− 1 ALA treated strawberry leaves and roots stressed by 20% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) treatment. The findings indicated that ALA enhanced osmotic stress tolerance reflected by enhancing relative water content (RWC), root development, gas exchange parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreasing the leaf H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) stimulated by exogenous ALA were mostly associated with the secondary biosynthesis and hormones signaling pathways, especially jasmonates (JAs). The JA derivative (+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile) was found to be elevated in the strawberry leaves and roots treated with ALA under PEG stress. Additionally, exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) alleviated osmotic stress damages similarly to ALA, while its synthesis inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate (DIECA) led to adverse effects on strawberries, which can be relieved by further additional application of ALA.

Conclusions

Theses findings suggest that JAs can act as the necessary signaling molecules involved in ALA-improved osmotic stress tolerance networks. This provides a new insight for further study on how ALA can help plants cope with water stress.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in disaster-exposed youth: examining diagnostic concordance and model fit using ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria
Authors: Danzi BreAnne A. , Knowles Ellen A. , Bock Rachel C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Competing definitions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been proposed by ICD-11 and DSM-5; it is unclear which diagnostic model works best for children and adolescents. Although other studies have predicted the impact of these models by approximating the criteria using older measures, this study advances the research by comparing measures designed to assess ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria in hurricane-exposed youth. This study evaluates ICD-11 and DSM-5 (both the standard and preschool-age) diagnostic models by identifying diagnostic rates, evaluating diagnostic concordance, investigating the predictive value of constructs associated with PTSD (demographics, disaster threat and exposure, functional impairment), and examining model fit.

Method

The sample was exposed to Hurricane Ian (2022), a deadly Category 5 hurricane. Parents reported on disaster exposure and their child’s PTSD symptoms (n = 152; ages 7–17) using the International Trauma Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents Caregiver Version (ITQ-CG) for ICD-11 criteria and UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5, Parent/Caregiver Report Version (RI-5) for DSM-5 criteria.

Results

ICD-11 PTSD symptom criteria rates were 24% and dropped to 20% when the impairment criterion was added. PTSD symptom criteria rates were 11% (10% with impairment) for DSM-5 and 13% (12% with impairment) for DSM-5 Preschool. ICD-11 rates were higher than DSM-5 and DSM-5 Preschool rates. There was no difference between DSM-5 and DSM-5 Preschool rates of PTSD. There was moderate to substantial concordance between ICD-11 and the DSM-5 models. All diagnostic models were associated with exposure and impairment, but only ICD-11 was associated with threat. ICD-11 was the only one to evidence acceptable model fit.

Conclusions

Using the ITQ-CG and RI-5 to assess PTSD in youth, results showed higher PTSD diagnostic rates for ICD-11 than DSM-5; this contradicts prior findings (based off approximated ICD-11 criteria) and seems largely due to differences in symptom thresholds used by the two measures. The ITQ-CG exhibited excellent model fit and was associated with several constructs important to PTSD.
Testing the effect of ecolabels on the environmental impact of food purchases in worksite cafeterias: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Luick Madison , Stewart Cristina , Clark Michael , Bateman Paul , Biggs Elizabeth , Cook Brian , Little Melissa , Wren Gina M. , Jebb Susan A. , Pechey Rachel
Published: January 2025

Background

Reducing the environmental impact of foods consumed is important for meeting climate goals. We aimed to conduct a randomised controlled trial to test whether ecolabels reduce the environmental impact of food selected in worksite cafeterias, alone or in combination with increased availability of more sustainable meal options.

Methods

Worksite cafeterias (n = 96) were randomised to one of three study groups, with 54 included for final analysis. One group was intended to increase the availability of meat-free options, but no change was implemented. Therefore, this group was treated as part of the control, creating two groups: (1) control (no ecolabels) (n = 35), and (2) ecolabels (n = 19). Regression analysis assessed the primary outcome of total environmental impact of hot meals sold over a 6-week period. Secondary outcome analyses explored the individual environmental indicators that composed the total environmental impact score (i.e., greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and water scarcity). The mean weekly environmental impact scores of hot meal options over the full 12-week trial period were assessed using hierarchical mixed effects models.

Results

There was no significant effect of the intervention on the environmental impact scores of meals sold (mean difference between control and intervention sites: -1.4%, 95%CI: -33.6%, + 30.8%). There was no evidence of an effect in mean weekly environmental impact score (-5.4%, 95%CI: -12.6%, + 2.5%), nor in any of the four individual environmental indicators (greenhouse gas emissions: -3.6%, 95%CI: -30.7%, 34.3%; biodiversity loss: 2.0%, 95%CI: -25.8%, 40.2%; eutrophication: -2.4%, 95%CI: -29.3%, 34.7%; water scarcity: -0.4%, 95%CI: -28.7%, 39.1%).

Conclusions

Ecolabels may not be an effective tool to shift consumer behaviour in worksite cafeterias towards meals with lower environmental impact.

Trial registration

The study was pre-registered prospectively on ISRCTN (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10268258; 06/01/2022).
Suppression of mycotoxins production and efficient chelation of heavy metals using natural melanin originated from Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: El-Gazzar Nashwa , Abdo Esraa , Rabie Gamal , El-Sayed Manal Tawfeek
Published: January 2025

Background

This study employed melanin synthesized by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus carbonarius to inhibit the production of mycotoxins and bioremediation of heavy metals (HMs).

Methods

First, twenty fungal isolates were obtained from soil samples, and were evaluated to produce melanin. The melanin of the most potent producers has undergone several confirmatory experiments, including, Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-inhibitor-kojic acid pathway detection, High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, the melanin production culture conditions were optimized. The antioxidant activity of melanin was detected with 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). HPLC was used to measure the mycotoxins produced in culture media supplemented with melanin. Molecular docking study investigated molecular interactions between melanin and mycotoxins through in silico approaches. FTIR and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were utilized to determine the percentage of melanin-chelated HMs, and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to detect HMs removal efficiency.

Results

The melanin-enriched medium (0.3% and 0.4%) exhibited complete inhibition of aflatoxin B1 (AF-B1) by A. flavus and ochratoxin A (OTA) by A. carbonarius, respectively. Furthermore, melanin showed effective HM removal efficiency, increasing with melanin concentration. The removal efficiency of Cd+2 and Cr+6 by 1 mg/mL melanin was 49% and 63%, respectively. When the concentration of melanin was increased to 15 mg/mL, the removal efficiency of Cd+2 and Cr+2 increased to 60% and 77%, respectively.

Conclusion

The study exhibited a natural approach for melanin production, using melanin as a heavy metal-chelating agent and capability to inhibit the production of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A. Further, the study provides significant evidence regarding the bioremediation pipeline, for melanin production through biotechnological processes by filamentous fungi.
Clinical outcomes of a digital musculoskeletal women’s pelvic health program: an observational, longitudinal study with comparison group
Authors: Hong Mindy , Kirk Rachel Foster , Toprani Bijal , Sweet Cynthia Castro , Pan Clare , Krauss Jeffrey , Grisales Tamara
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic pelvic pain is a common yet undertreated condition that significantly impacts quality of life for women worldwide. Digital exercise therapy designed to target pelvic pain can improve symptomology while reducing time and cost-related barriers to in-person clinical care.

Methods

This longitudinal, observational study of a digital women’s pelvic health program examined pelvic pain, anxiety, and depression at 4 and 12 weeks in female adults experiencing chronic pelvic pain. Intervention participants received a digital pelvic health program including personalized exercise therapy sessions, health education articles, and health coaching. A comparison group of nonparticipants received a series of education articles related to pelvic health. Data were collected at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks. Unadjusted and adjusted linear mixed effects models were conducted to model changes in clinical outcomes over time.

Results

A total of 797 participants (intervention: 495, nonparticipants: 302) were included in the sample. Baseline mean (SD) age was 41.5 (11.7) years and mean pain was 45.7 (18.5) out of 100. Compared to baseline, the intervention group showed significantly more pain improvement at 4 and 12 weeks versus nonparticipants after adjusting for baseline factors. The intervention group’s pain scores decreased by 44.5% at 4 weeks and 53.6% at 12 weeks. The intervention group’s adjusted pain scores decreased from 42.0 (95% CI: [39.4, 44.7]) at baseline to 23.3 (95% CI: [20.5, 26.2]) at 4 weeks to 19.5 (95% CI: [16.7, 22.4]) at 12 weeks. In contrast, nonparticipants’ pain scores decreased by 21.6% at 4 weeks and 32.7% at 12 weeks. Nonparticipants’ adjusted pain scores decreased from 42.1 (95% CI: [38.4, 45.9]) at baseline to 33.0 (95% CI: [29.2, 36.8]) at 4 weeks to 28.3 (95% CI: [24.5, 32.2]) at 12 weeks. After adjustments, the probability of the intervention group screening for moderate or severe depression was significantly lower by 11.0% at 12 weeks versus nonparticipants. There were no significant differences in anxiety outcomes between groups at baseline, week 4, or week 12. 

Conclusions

A digital women’s pelvic health program may help reduce short-term pelvic pain and depression symptoms.

Trial registration

The WIRB-Copernicus Group Institutional Review Board (registration number IRB20234932) approved this study on November 6, 2023.
Addressing evidence needs during health crises in the province of Quebec (Canada): a proposed action plan for rapid evidence synthesis
Authors: Hong Quan Nha , McSween-Cadieux Esther , Guillette Maxime , Manceau Luiza Maria , Li Jingjing , Granikov Vera , Pomey Marie-Pascale , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Ziam Saliha , Dagenais Christian , Dagenais Pierre , Lesage Alain , Poder Thomas G. , Drapeau Martin , Ridde Valéry , Lane Julie
Published: January 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid availability of evidence to respond in a timely manner to the needs of practice settings and decision-makers in health and social services. Now that the pandemic is over, it is time to put in place actions to improve the capacity of systems to meet knowledge needs in a situation of crisis. The main objective of this project was thus to develop an action plan for the rapid syntheses of evidence in times of health crisis in Quebec (Canada).

Methods

We conducted a three-phase collaborative research project. First, we carried out a survey with producers and users of rapid evidence syntheses (n = 40) and a group interview with three patient partners to prioritize courses of action. In parallel, we performed a systematic mapping of the literature to identify rapid evidence synthesis initiatives developed during the pandemic. The results of these two phases were used in a third phase, in which we organized a deliberative workshop with 26 producers and users of rapid evidence syntheses to identifying strategies to operationalize priorities. The data collected at each phase were compared to identify common courses of action and integrated to develop an action plan.

Results

A total of 14 specific actions structured into four main axes were identified over the three phases. In axis 1, actions on raising awareness of the importance of evidence-informed decision-making among stakeholders in the health and social services network are presented. Axis 2 includes actions to promote optimal collaboration of key stakeholders in the production of rapid evidence synthesis to support decision-making. Actions advocating the use of a variety of rapid evidence synthesis methodologies known to be effective in supporting decision-making are presented in axis 3. Finally, axis 4 is about actions on the use of effective knowledge translation strategies to promote the use of rapid evidence synthesis products to support decision-making.

Conclusions

This project led to the development of a collective action plan aimed at preparing the Quebec ecosystem and other similar jurisdictions to meet knowledge needs more effectively in times of health emergency. The implementation of this plan and its evaluation will enable us to continue to fine-tune it.
The association between lipid-related obesity indicators and severe headache or migraine: a nationwide cross sectional study from NHANES 1999 to 2004
Authors: Sun Xu , Song Jimei , Yan Rixun , Diao Jianwei , Liu Yibo , Zhu Zhangzhi , Lu Weichi
Published: January 2025

Background

The connection between lipid-related obesity indices and severe headache or migraine in young and middle-aged people aged 20–60 remains ambiguous, and there are gaps in the discriminative ability of different indicators for severe headaches or migraines. Consequently, we set out to look into this association utilizing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2004.

Methods

After the values of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body-mass index (BMI), body roundness index (BRI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose index (TyG), cardiac metabolism index (CMI), waist triglyceride Index (WTI), conicity index (CI) and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) were estimated, with minimal sufficient adjustment for confounders determined by directed acyclic graph (DAG), weighted univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to ascertain the relationship between them and migraine. Stratified analysis and cross-effect analysis were implemented to examine the variability of intergroup correlations. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were then employed to examine nonliner relationships and its discriminatory ability for severe headache or migraine, respectively.

Results

3354 United States adults were involved in our study, of whom 839 (25.01%) had severe headache or migraine. After adjusting for relevant covariables, WHtR, BRI, BMI, LAP, WTI and VAI were all associated with migraine and WHtR (OR = 6.38, 95% CI: 2.25,18.09, P < 0.01) showed the best predictive ability. Additionally, WHtR, BMI, and BRI demonstrated linear dose-response relationships with the prevalence of migraine (all Poverall < 0.05, Pnon−linearity > 0.05).

Conclusions

Among those ten lipid-related obesity indicators evaluated in the study, WHtR, BMI and BRI demonstrated linear positive dose-response relationships with the prevalence of migraine in young and middle-aged individuals within the United States and WHtR showed the best predictive ability. Our study can provide important insight into epidemiological research and comprehensive management of obese patients with migraine.