bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Major right-sided hepatectomies in infants in Uzbekistan: a case series
Authors: Semash K. , Dzhanbekov T. , Islomov S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Liver resection is a critical surgical option for managing benign and malignant tumors, including rare and complex cases in pediatric patients. While such procedures are well-documented in adults, the surgical management of large liver neoplasms in infants poses unique challenges due to anatomical and physiological considerations, as well as the limited number of cases reported globally.

Aim

This study aimed to describe the initial experiences with major hepatectomies in infants with large liver neoplasms at our center.

Materials and methods

From December 2023 to May 2024, four major hepatectomies were performed in pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 months. Indications, perioperative data, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The outcomes of the four patients in this case series demonstrate the feasibility and safety of major hepatectomies in infants with large liver neoplasms. Among the cases, three involved hepatoblastoma (PRETEXT stages 2–4), and one was an anastomosing hemangioma. Radical resection (R0) was achieved in all cases, with average intraoperative blood loss 120 ml, and only one patient requiring a blood transfusion. Postoperative complications were minimal, with two cases of mild to moderate post-hepatectomy liver insufficiency (Clavien-Dindo grades 1–2) and one bile leak (Clavien-Dindo grade 2) that resolved spontaneously. No perioperative mortality or tumor recurrence was observed during a six-month follow-up.

Conclusion

These results highlight the success of careful surgical planning, advanced techniques, and comprehensive perioperative management in achieving favorable outcomes for this high-risk patient population.
Anti-HSV-1 agents: an update
Authors: Lv Wenwen , Zhou Lei , Wu Jia , Cheng Jishuai , Duan Yongzhong , Qian Wen
Published: January 2025

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is a member of the α-herpesvirus subfamily and is capable of causing herpes simplex keratitis, herpes labialis, and herpes simplex encephalitis. HSV-1 is well known for its lytic infections at the primary sites and for establishing latency in the sensory neuronal ganglia, with occasional recurrent infections. To date, there are no approved commercially available vaccines, and anti-HSV-1 drugs such as specific or non-specific nucleotide (nucleoside) analogs and helicase-primase inhibitors have become the main clinical agents for the treatment of HSV-1 infections despite challenges from resistance. Therefore, development of new anti-HSV-1 compounds or therapies is key to addressing the issue of resistance. The present review provides an update on the progress made over approximately 60 years regarding anti-HSV-1 agents while also highlighting future perspectives for controlling HSV-1 infections.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of phytochrome gene family in Aikang58 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yang Zhu , Kan Wenjie , Wang Ziqi , Tang Caiguo , Cheng Yuan , Wang Dacheng , Gao Yameng , Wu Lifang
Published: January 2025

Phytochromes are essential photoreceptors in plants that sense red and far-red light, playing a vital role in regulating plant growth and development through light signal transduction. Despite extensive research on phytochromes in model plants like Arabidopsis and rice, they have received relatively little attention in wheat. In this study, we employed bioinformatics methods to identify eight TaAkPHY genes in the Aikang58 wheat variety. Based on gene structure, conserved domains, and phylogenetic relationships, the TaAkPHY gene family exhibits a high degree of conservation. Synteny analysis revealed the evolutionary history of the PHY genes in Aikang58 and Chinese Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.]. Among these species, wheat is most closely related to barley, followed by rice and maize. The cis-acting element analysis indicates that the promoter regions of TaAkPHY genes contain a large number of CAT-box, CGTCA-motif, GC-motif, etc., which are mainly involved in plant development, hormone response, and stress response. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that TaAkPHY genes exhibit varying expression levels across different tissues and are induced by various stress conditions and plant hormone treatments. Co-expression network analysis suggested that TaAkPHY genes may specifically regulate downstream genes associated with stress responses, chloroplast development, and circadian rhythms. Additionally, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm in machine learning was used to screen transcription factors such as bHLH, WRKY, and MYB that influenced the expression of TaAkPHY genes. This method helps to quickly extract key influencing factors from a large amount of complex data. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the role of phytochromes in wheat growth, development, and stress responses, laying a foundation for future research on phytochromes in wheat.
On being and having: a qualitative study of self-perceptions in bipolar disorder
Authors: Ponticiello Matthew N. , Chang Alexis L. , Chang Rebecca J. , Mirza Salahudeen , Martin Andrés
Published: January 2025

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and often severe mental illness. Yet despite the well-documented complexities in its diagnosis and treatment, little research has been dedicated to understanding the complex inner landscape experienced by those living with BD. Even as qualitative research has explored the lived experience of BD across a variety of perspectives, i.e., what BD looks like, there is a lack of research exploring what BD means to those living with the condition. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 20 adults with clinically stable BD to explore their perceptions of the condition, their construction of meaning of their illness, and their view of BD in relation to their sense of self. We coded the transcripts according to the principles of thematic analysis and analyzed the data using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach.

Results

We identified three overarching domains: (1) Benefit or burden: a dialectic through which participants weighed the valence of their illness over time; (2) Self or other: the internal or external locus through which they experienced BD; and (3) From ineffability to meaning making: the process of naming, understanding, and incorporating BD into their life’s whole. Within each domain, themes and subthemes outline nuanced and often conflicting perspectives of participants’ illness experiences.

Conclusions

Across the varied and nuanced perspectives uncovered, our work provides a framework of three domains central to the inner reality of lived bipolar experience. Thoughtful understanding of patients’ experiences, perspectives, and desires within these three domains may aid clinicians and loved ones alike in more sensitively and effectively addressing the unique individual needs of those living with BD. It may also be informative for individuals living with BD themselves. By exploring patients’ perspectives in each of the three domains we identified, those with or at risk for BD as well as those caring for people with BD may be better positioned to help identify the inner work and practical interventions (such as finding bipolar community, or pathways to occupational thriving) needed to achieve a rich, meaningful life with BD.
The youth mental health crisis: analysis and solutions
Authors: McGorry Patrick , Gunasiri Hasini , Mei Cristina , Rice Simon , Gao Caroline X.
Published: January 2025

Background

Since the mid-20th century, mental illness has become a leading cause of health burden, particularly among adolescents and emerging adults, with most disorders emerging before the age of 25. Over the past two decades, mental ill health has surged to alarming levels, with evidence confirming that the increase is not just due to better awareness or diagnosis but reflects a genuine public health crisis.

Study design/method

We explore the evolving landscape of youth mental health and its contributing factors, including family dynamics, educational pressures, climate change, social media, and socio-economic challenges, potentially linked to neoliberal policies. A narrative review methodology was employed to analyze these factors and their role in the trends of mental ill-health among young people.

Study results

We document mental health trends since the mid-1990s, focusing on mental and substance use disorders among young people and their current needs. Potential new explanatory factors and megatrends, potentially flowing from a paradigm shift in the global political economy which has largely passed under the radar, yet which has produced fragmentation and inequality, are identified, with the COVID-19 pandemic further intensifying these trends. We discuss methodologies to estimate the contribution of these megatrends and outline potential barriers to implementation, along with strategies to overcome them.

Conclusion

This review calls for a comprehensive global action plan, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and improved treatment strategies. In addition to strengthening prevention, which may take time and be elusive, immediate action is needed to innovate and expand services, which are currently under-resourced and overwhelmed.
Work-related burnout and its associated factors among kindergarten teachers: a multi-center cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Bezie Anmut Endalkachew , Zewude Girum Tareke , Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu , Yirdaw Asmare Asrat , Abie Alebachew Bitew , Abere Giziew
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Work-related burnout is a state of severe physical and mental fatigue and exhaustion resulting from unmanaged prolonged work stress. Kindergarten teachers are at higher risk of work-related burnout compared to other teaching professionals, due to their dual roles as both caregivers and educators for young children. The demands and stresses of these combined responsibilities, coupled with factors such as low salaries, contribute to an increased risk of burnout in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate work-related burnout prevalence and associated factors among kindergarten teachers in Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in March and April of 2024. A sample of 422 kindergarten teachers was recruited using simple random sampling techniques. A standardized, self-administered Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was utilized to measure work-related burnout. We used EpiData V4.6 and SPSS V26 for data entry and analysis, respectively. A bivariable logistic regression analysis (p-value < 0.2) was performed to find factors associated with work-related burnout. Variables found significant in the bivariable analysis were then exported into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify statistically significant variables at a p value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The response rate was 95% (401/422). 97.5% of the participants were female, and the participants’ mean (standard deviation) age was 28.5 years (SD ± 5.8). In the past 6 months, the total prevalence of WRB was 39.7% [95% CI (34.8, 44.6)]. Work–family conflicts [AOR: 2.81; 95% CI (1.77, 4.45)], working conditions [AOR: 1.63; 95% CI (1.03, 2.56)], perceived stress [AOR: 1.91; 95% CI (1.21, 3.01)], job dissatisfaction [AOR: 1.75, 95% CI (1.10, 2.79)], and kindergarten type [AOR: 1.66; 95% CI (1.02, 2.68)] were factors significantly associated with WRB.

Conclusion

According to this study, a significant number of kindergarten teachers were affected by burnout due to their working nature. To address this issue, interventions focused at reducing work–family conflicts, increasing job satisfaction, and improving the school environment are necessary to support teachers’ well-being, benefiting both young students and the broader educational landscape.
Aging and urban innovation: a human capital perspective
Authors: Cui Jinghang , Zhou Rong , Crandall K. Jason , Cui Mingxuan , Bai Ruirui , Jia Yi
Published: January 2025

Background

With population aging, this demographic dividend diminishes, which may have implications for innovation in a region. Understanding the relationship between population aging and innovation is crucial for addressing economic challenges associated with an aging population.

Methods

This study utilized panel data on population aging and innovation from 252 cities between 2005 and 2014. Various estimation methods, including the fixed effects model, the generalized method of moments (GMM), and the mediation model, were used to analyze the data. These methods allowed for a comprehensive examination of the impact of population aging on innovation and the role of human capital in mediating this relationship.

Results

The findings of the study indicate that both the 60-year-old and 65-year-old population significantly hinder innovation. The GMM suggests that innovation is “path dependent,” meaning that past levels of innovation do not alleviate the negative effects of population aging on future innovation. Additionally, the mediation model analysis demonstrates that human capital plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between population aging and innovation, highlighting the importance of investing in human capital development.

Conclusion

The findings of this research highlight the obstacles that population aging presents to fostering innovation. Overcoming these obstacles necessitates strategic investments in human capital and policies that support innovation. It is imperative for policymakers to implement recommendations that address population aging and encourage innovation in order to navigate the challenges posed by an aging population and promote a vibrant and dynamic economy.
An overview of pink eye infection to evaluate its medications: group decision-making approach with 2-tuple linguistic T-spherical fuzzy WASPAS method
Authors: Rasheed M. Waheed , Y. Saleh Hind , Salih Areen A. , Karamat Jahangeer , Bilal Muhammad
Published: January 2025

An infectious eye illness known as pink eye results in ocular redness, irritation, and mucus. Schools are an especially vulnerable region for dissemination because they can propagate that contagious disease quickly via direct or indirect interactions. Choosing the right medication to treat pink eye infection is typically thought of as an intricate multi-attribute group decision-making concern. The goal of this research is to construct a multi-attribute group decision-making framework that assesses six pink eye treatment medications, including Bleph-10, Moxeza, Zymar, Romycin, Polytrim, and Bacticin. The constructed multi-attribute group decision-making framework includes the following scenario: (1) In contrast to other types of fuzzy sets, the 2-tuple linguistic T-spherical fuzzy set (2TLT-SFS) looks to be a potent tool for dealing with informational inconsistencies in decision-making scenarios; (2) in order to render the 2TLT-SF accumulation details processing more flexible, the addition, multiplication, scalar multiplication, and exponential laws that are predicated on the Schweizer-Sklar collection of t-conorms and t-norms are described; (3) the Schweizer-Sklar weighted average and Schweizer-Sklar weighted geometric operators are then put forward employing the aforementioned operations to combine the data; (4) subsequently, using newly developed operators (referred to as 2TLT-SF Schweizer-Sklar weighted average and 2TLT-SF Schweizer-Sklar weighted geometric), this work enhances the conventional weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) approach. The computation procedure for this methodology is thoroughly given to rank the alternatives; (5) to confirm the viability of the suggested approach, thorough computational and simulation assessments are conducted. An examination of the developed and existing research is compared to demonstrate the benefits of the suggested analysis.
Measuring how healthcare organizations respond after patients experience harm: perspectives and next steps
Authors: Sokol-Hessner Lauge , Adams John , Hemmelgarn Carole , Miller Beth , O'Connor Diane , Parkerton Melissa , Schweitzer Leilani , Austin J. Matthew
Published: January 2025

Patients can experience serious harm from healthcare, the impacts can be prolonged, and events may also affect families and clinicians. Communication and Resolution Programs (CRPs) are designed to reduce these negative impacts, rebuild trust, and improve patient safety, but are not consistently implemented. To inform implementation efforts, enable accountability, and promote innovation, it is critical to develop standardized performance measures assessing CRPs’ structure, process, and outcomes. To advance CRP measurement, an interdisciplinary workgroup from the Pathway to Accountability, Compassion, and Transparency (PACT) Leadership and Innovation Network—a group of leading healthcare organizations with CRPs—explores meaningful approaches to measurement and proposes a set of next steps. Interested parties in CRP measurement prioritize developing person-centered outcome and experience measures; assessing equity; addressing clinician and organization concerns about how CRP measurement may affect reputational and legal risk; reducing the burden of measurement; and improving mechanisms for sharing data across organizations to promote transparency, accountability, and broader patient safety improvements. Recommended next steps include: build a national coalition of interested parties to guide the work; overcome barriers to measurement and improve feasibility, especially through the engagement of patient safety and risk management software vendors; explore measure development processes that focus on patient, family, and clinician-centered outcome and experience measures; define nationally recognized standardized CRP measures; consider the role for regulatory and financial incentives to promote their use; and facilitate data sharing and comparative analysis. Ongoing engagement and strategy will be essential to move CRP measurement forward.
Impact of open femoral endarterectomy on treating multilevel iliac and common femoral artery occlusive disease
Authors: Park Suehyun , Ku Taewan , Hwang Deokbi , Yun Woo-Sung , Huh Seung , Kim Hyung-Kee
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of femoral endarterectomy (FE) on treating multilevel iliac and common femoral artery occlusive disease.

Materials and methods

From January 2013 to December 2022, 106 limbs in 103 patients with multilevel arterial occlusive disease underwent open FE and iliac angioplasty (FEIA) with or without infrainguinal revascularization. The primary outcome assessment was the changes in the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II classification during the operation; the secondary outcomes included the primary patency (PP) and secondary patency (SP) of FEIA. The risk factors for PP loss were evaluated.

Results

Of the 103 patients, 91 were male. A total of 56 limbs were treated for chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and 61 limbs underwent infrainguinal revascularization. Preoperatively, aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) was classified as TASC II C in 65 (61%) limbs and D in 41 limbs. During the operation, 19 limbs received additional thrombectomy for subacute or chronic thrombus components. Overall, FE and additional thrombectomy reduced the TASC II classification of AIOD from complex lesions (TASC II C/D) to simple lesions (B or lesser) in 101 (95%) of 106 limbs. Three early mortalities (2.8%, two from acute myocardial infarctions and one from pneumonia) were recorded. The PP and SP of FEIA were 89% and 96% at 1 year, 80% and 94% at 3 years, and 77% and 94% at 5 years, respectively. The severity of iliac and common femoral artery disease was not associated with PP loss of FEIA.

Conclusions

Despite the challenging nature of initially classified TASC II C/D lesions, our findings highlight the effectiveness of FE in reducing TASC II classification and the durable patency achieved with FEIA. Hybrid FEIA could be a viable primary treatment option, particularly for lesions featuring severe iliac and common femoral artery disease.
Does Nationality Moderate Tourists’ Intention to Co-Create? Investigating Tourist Behavior in a Developing Country
Authors: Badari Al Taqdir , Maulana Amalia E. , Tjhin Viany Utami , Pradipto Yosef Dedy
Published: January 2025

The intention to co-create plays a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development. This study investigates whether tourist nationality moderates the intention to co-create within the tourism experience. The research sample consists of 400 international tourists visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes, with data collected between October 2023 and February 2024. The findings reveal that tourist nationality significantly moderates the relationships among tourists’ experiences, trust, and involvement in co-creation. Specifically, tourist nationality influences the relationship between tourist trust and the intention to co-create. However, it does not moderate the correlation between the tourist experience and the intention to co-create. Additionally, tourist nationality moderates the relationship between tourist involvement and the intention to co-create. This study contributes to the Value Co-Creation Theory and offers practical insights for developing more comprehensive platforms and programs aimed at enhancing traveler engagement. The implications of these findings highlight the significance of considering tourist nationality as a moderating factor that influences tourists’ intentions to collaborate within the tourism context. This research provides valuable insights for designing more effective and inclusive tourism development strategies.
Exploring the Impact of Rural Labor Mobility on Cultivated Land Green Utilization Efficiency: Case Study of the Karst Region of Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Zhang Pan , Lu Shasha , Wu Guoyong
Published: January 2025

The unique Karst landforms in Southwest China led to fragile soil structures and erosion, compounded by the large-scale non-agricultural transfer of the rural labor force. This study employed a two-way fixed effects model to analyze the impact of rural labor mobility on the green utilization efficiency of cultivated land, controlling for unobservable individual and time-specific factors. Mediation analysis examined how changes in planting structure influenced this relationship, considering labor force structure heterogeneity. Results revealed a U-shaped relationship, with rural labor mobility initially causing a short-term decline in efficiency but leading to a long-term increase. The mechanism of action showed that rural labor mobility indirectly affected efficiency by altering planting structures; specifically, increased replanting frequency had a partial mediating effect (0.158), while a “grain-oriented” focus masked the effect (0.067). Additionally, an aging workforce and low education levels negatively impacted green utilization efficiency, complicating the situation in the Karst region. To enhance green utilization of cultivated land, it is essential to protect migrant farmers’ rights, improve agricultural labor quality, promote industrial upgrades, and adjust planting structures. These strategies will guide regional agriculture and ensure sustainable land resource use.
Seawater Tolerance of the Beach Bean Vigna marina (Burm.) Merrill in Comparison with Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) and Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis)
Authors: Septiana Andi , Nakamura Shiori P. , Naomasa Riko F. , Yamasaki Hideo
Published: January 2025

Seawater intrusion into soils caused by global climate change and tsunami disasters is a significant factor contributing to soil salinization in coastal vegetation areas, posing a critical threat to agriculture and food security. This study aimed to evaluate the seawater tolerance of Vigna marina, a wild Vigna species, through comparative laboratory experiments with Vigna radiata (mung bean) and Vigna angularis (adzuki bean). Unlike V. radiata and V. angularis, the seeds of V. marina exhibited significant buoyancy in seawater, remaining afloat for at least 30 days. After this prolonged seawater incubation, V. marina seeds maintained a 100% germination rate, whereas V. radiata and V. angularis failed to germinate under the same conditions. The photosynthetic activity of V. marina seedlings, evaluated via the Fv/Fm parameter, remained stable even after seven days of seawater irrigation. In contrast, V. radiata and V. angularis perished under seawater irrigation. Furthermore, V. marina seedlings exhibited sustained growth under seawater irrigation, showing consistent increases in both fresh and dry weight. These findings confirm that V. marina possesses remarkable tolerance to seawater, a critical characteristic for cultivation in areas affected by seawater intrusion.
Resting Posture Recognition Method for Suckling Piglets Based on Piglet Posture Recognition (PPR)–You Only Look Once
Authors: Chen Jinxin , Liu Luo , Li Peng , Yao Wen , Shen Mingxia , Liu Longshen
Published: January 2025

The resting postures of piglets are crucial indicators for assessing their health status and environmental comfort. This study proposes a resting posture recognition method for piglets during lactation based on the PPR-YOLO model, aiming to enhance the detection accuracy and classification capability for different piglet resting postures. Firstly, to address the issue of numerous sows and piglets in the farrowing house that easily occlude each other, an image edge detection algorithm is employed to precisely locate the sow’s farrowing bed area. By cropping the images, irrelevant background interference is reduced, thereby enhancing the model’s recognition accuracy. Secondly, to overcome the limitations of the YOLOv11 model in fine feature extraction and small object detection, improvements are made, resulting in the proposed PPR-YOLO model. Specific enhancements include the introduction of a multi-branch Conv2 module to enrich feature extraction capabilities and the adoption of an inverted bottleneck IBCNeck module, which expands the number of channels and incorporates a channel attention mechanism. This strengthens the model’s ability to capture and differentiate subtle posture features. Additionally, in the post-processing stage, the relative positions between sows and piglets are utilized to filter out piglets located outside the sow region, eliminating interference from sow nursing behaviors in resting posture recognition, thereby ensuring the accuracy of posture classification. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves accurate piglet posture recognition, outperforming mainstream object detection algorithms. Ablation experiments validate the effectiveness of image cropping and model enhancements in improving performance. This method provides effective technical support for the automated monitoring of piglet welfare in commercial farms and holds promising application prospects.
Development of an Efficient Grading Model for Maize Seedlings Based on Indicator Extraction in High-Latitude Cold Regions of Northeast China
Authors: Yu Song , Lu Yuxin , Zhang Yutao , Liu Xinran , Zhang Yifei , Li Mukai , Du Haotian , Su Shan , Liu Jiawang , Yu Shiqiang , Yang Jiao , Lv Yanjie , Guan Haiou , Zhang Chunyu
Published: January 2025

Maize, the world’s most widely cultivated food crop, is critical in global food security. Low temperatures significantly hinder maize seedling growth, development, and yield formation. Efficient and accurate assessment of maize seedling quality under cold stress is essential for selecting cold-tolerant varieties and guiding field management strategies. However, existing evaluation methods lack a multimodal approach, resulting in inefficiencies and inaccuracies. This study combines phenotypic extraction technologies with a convolutional neural network–long short-term memory (CNN–LSTM) deep learning model to develop an advanced grading system for maize seedling quality. Initially, 27 quality indices were measured from 3623 samples. The RAGA-PPC model identified seven critical indices: plant height (x1), stem diameter (x2), width of the third spreading leaf (x11), total leaf area (x12), root volume (x17), shoot fresh weight (x22), and root fresh weight (x23). The CNN–LSTM model, leveraging CNNs for feature extraction and LSTM for temporal dependencies, achieved a grading accuracy of 97.57%, surpassing traditional CNN and LSTM models by 1.28% and 1.44%, respectively. This system identifies phenotypic markers for assessing maize seedling quality, aids in selecting cold-tolerant varieties, and offers data-driven support for optimising maize production. It provides a robust framework for evaluating seedling quality under low-temperature stress.
Study on Alfalfa Water Use Efficiency and Optimal Irrigation Strategy in Agro-Pastoral Ecotone, Northwestern China
Authors: Miao Xiangyang , Wang Guoshuai , Xu Bing , Li Ruiping , Tian Delong , Ren Jie , Li Zekun , Fan Ting , Zhang Zisen , Xu Qiyu
Published: January 2025

Agro-pastoral ecotone is an important livestock production area in the north of China, and alfalfa is the main pasture crop in this area. Aiming to address the issues of groundwater overexploitation in the area with water demand, we assessed the consumption pattern, irrigation scheduling, and water usage efficiency of alfalfa under subsurface drip irrigation. Alfalfa was used as the research object in this study. A DSSAT model was used to simulate the soil moisture, yield, and other alfalfa grow characteristics during a two-year in situ observation study and provide information on the best irrigation techniques and the water-use efficiency of alfalfa in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Northwestern China. The results showed that the ARE, nRMSE, and R2 values of the alfalfa soil water content, leaf area index, and yield varied between 3.82% and 5.57%, 4.81% and 8.06%, and 0.86 and 0.93, respectively, the accuracy of the calibrated and validated parameters were acceptable, and the model could be applied to this study. The water consumption of alfalfa ranged from 395.6 mm to 421.8 mm during the whole year, and the critical water consumption period was the branching stage and the bud stage. During the branching stage and the bud stage, water consumption was 30–31% and 31–33% of the total water consumption, and the water consumption intensity averaged 2.97–3.04 mm/d and 4.23–4.97 mm/d. The variations of WUE and IWUE were 11.74–14.39 kg·m−3 and 7.12–9.31 kg·m−3. Irrigation increased the water productivity of rain-fed alfalfa by 49.48–64.70% and increased the yield of alfalfa by 17.87–34.72%. With the highest yield as the goal, the recommended irrigation volumes for normal and dry flow years were 200 mm and 240 mm; with the goal of the highest utilization of groundwater resources, the recommended irrigation volumes for normal and dry flow years were 160 mm and 192 mm. The results of this study are expected to provide scientific and technological support for the rational utilization of groundwater and the scientific improvement of alfalfa yields in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Northwestern China.
A Novel Approach for Evaluating Web Page Performance Based on Machine Learning Algorithms and Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Ghattas Mohammad , Mora Antonio M. , Odeh Suhail
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a novel evaluation framework for predicting web page performance, utilizing state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of web quality assessment. We systematically identify and analyze 59 key attributes that influence website performance, derived from an extensive literature review spanning from 2010 to 2024. By integrating a comprehensive set of performance metrics—encompassing usability, accessibility, content relevance, visual appeal, and technical performance—our framework transcends traditional methods that often rely on limited indicators. Employing various classification algorithms, including Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Logistic Regression, and Random Forest, we compare their effectiveness on both original and feature-selected datasets. Our findings reveal that SVMs achieved the highest predictive accuracy of 89% with feature selection, compared to 87% without feature selection. Similarly, Random Forest models showed a slight improvement, reaching 81% with feature selection versus 80% without. The application of feature selection techniques significantly enhances model performance, demonstrating the importance of focusing on impactful predictors. This research addresses critical gaps in the existing literature by proposing a methodology that utilizes newly extracted features, making it adaptable for evaluating the performance of various website types. The integration of automated tools for evaluation and predictive capabilities allows for proactive identification of potential performance issues, facilitating informed decision-making during the design and development phases. By bridging the gap between predictive modeling and optimization, this study contributes valuable insights to practitioners and researchers alike, establishing new benchmarks for future investigations in web page performance evaluation.
Deep Learning-Based Snake Species Identification for Enhanced Snakebite Management
Authors: Iguernane Mohamed , Ouzziki Mourad , Es-Saady Youssef , El Hajji Mohamed , Lansari Aziza , Bouazza Abdellah
Published: January 2025

Accuratesnake species identification is essential for effective snakebite management, particularly in regions like Morocco, where approximately 400 snakebite incidents are reported annually, with a case fatality rate of 7.2%. Identifying venomous snakes promptly can significantly improve treatment outcomes by enabling the timely administration of specific antivenoms. However, the absence of comprehensive databases and rapid identification tools for Moroccan snake species poses challenges to effective clinical responses. This study presents a deep learning-based approach for the automated identification of Moroccan snake species. Several architectures, including VGG-19, VGG-16, and EfficientNet B0, were evaluated for their classification performance. EfficientNet B0 emerged as the most effective model, achieving an accuracy of 92.23% and an F1-score of 93.67%. After training on the SnakeCLEF 2021 dataset and fine-tuning with a specialized local dataset, the model attained a validation accuracy of 94% and an F1-score of 95.86%. To ensure practical applicability, the final model was deployed on a web platform, enabling the rapid and accurate identification of snake species via image uploads. This platform serves as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals and the general public, facilitating improved clinical response and educational awareness. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven solutions to address challenges in snakebite identification and management, offering a scalable approach for regions with limited resources and high snakebite prevalence.
Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART): Impact of Mitochondrial (Dys)function and Antioxidant Therapy
Authors: Ferreira Filipa C. , Teixeira José , Lidon Fernando , Cagide Fernando , Borges Fernanda , Pereira Rosa M. L. N.
Published: January 2025

In the last decades, major changes in ecosystems related to industrial development and environmental modifications have had a direct impact on mammalian fertility, as well as on biodiversity. It is widely demonstrated that all these changes impair reproductive function. Several studies have connected the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in mitochondria to the recently identified decline of fertility due to various factors, including heat stress. The study of antioxidants, and especially of mitochondria targeted antioxidants, has been focused on identifying more efficient and less toxic therapies that could circumvent fertility problems. These antioxidants can be derived from natural compounds in the diet and delivered to the mitochondria in more effective forms, providing a much more natural therapy. The use of mitochondriotropic diet-based antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may be an important way to overcome low fertility, allowing the conservation of animal biodiversity and productivity. This paper provides a concise review of the current state of the art on this topic, with a particular focus on the antioxidants mitoquinone, AntiOxBEN2, AntiOxCIN4, urolithin A and piperine, and their effects on bovine and other animal species.
Diosmetin Delays In Vitro Aging of Porcine Oocytes by Improving Mitochondrial Function and Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ren Jia-Jun , Yuan Xiu-Wen , Zhang Yu-Hao , Meng Zi-Long , Liang Xing-Wei , Kim Nam-Hyung , Xu Yong-Nan , Li Ying-Hua
Published: January 2025

Oocyte quality is crucial for successful fertilization and subsequent embryonic development. Post-ovulatory aging leads to reduced oocyte quality and impaired embryogenesis, representing an unavoidable challenge in terms of certain assisted reproductive techniques. Diosmetin (DIOS), a natural flavonoid found in lemons, spearmint, and spider moss, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. However, its effects on the aging of mature porcine oocytes in vitro remain unexplored. This study investigated the impact of DIOS on porcine oocyte aging. In the IVM medium, fresh oocytes were cultured for 44 h, while aging oocytes were cultured for 68 h. Following the addition of varying DIOS concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM) to the IVM medium, the DIOS-treated aging oocyte group was cultured for 68 h. The results demonstrated that 0.1 μM DIOS significantly improved the blastocyst rates and cell counts, reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated the glutathione (GSH) levels, enhanced the mitochondrial function, and decreased the markers of autophagy (LC3B), apoptosis (annexin V), endoplasmic reticulum stress (CHOP), and senescence (SA-β-Gal). Furthermore, DIOS treatment upregulated the expression of relevant genes compared to the aged group. These findings suggest that DIOS effectively delays porcine oocyte aging.
Ultrasound-Guided Proximal Radial, Ulnar, Median and Musculocutaneous (RUMM) Nerve Block Technique in Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Cadavers: Medial vs. Lateral Approach
Authors: Teotino Giulia , Felisberto Ricardo , Flaherty Derek , Tayari Hamaseh
Published: January 2025

This prospective, experimental, randomised, assessor-blinded cadaveric study was undertaken to describe the sono-anatomical features of the radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous (RUMM) nerves in rabbits and to develop and evaluate an ultrasound (US)-guided proximal RUMM block technique comparing a medial versus a lateral approach. A total of 13 adult rabbit cadavers were used. In Phase I of the study, four cadavers were used for anatomical dissection and to design and test a lateral and medial single injection point US-guided proximal RUMM block technique, while in Phase II, the medial and lateral approaches were randomly performed on nine cadavers administering 0.1 mL kg−1 injectate. After dissection, nerve staining was categorised as adequate (all nerves stained ≥4 mm) or inadequate (at least one nerve not stained or stained <4 mm). Staining spread was compared with Fisher’s exact test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. From Phase I, the axillary fascia containing all RUMM nerves was identified. The radial nerve exited the fascia right after the humeral head. In the lateral approach, the transducer was angled at 80° to the humerus longitudinal axis. In the medial approach, the transducer was placed perpendicularly to the humerus longitudinal axis. In both approaches, the brachial artery appeared as a rounded and anechoic structure, the musculocutaneous nerve as hypoechoic and oval and the radial nerve as a honeycomb, and the ulnar and median nerves were identified adjacent to each other. The radial nerve was selected as the injection point for both approaches using an in-plane technique. In Phase II, the injectate was found outside the axillary fascia in zero out of nine and five out of nine thoracic limbs, with an adequate staining in nine of nine and two of nine injections (p < 0.01) using the medial and lateral approach, respectively. Thus, a US-guided proximal RUMM block technique is feasible in rabbits, and the medial approach demonstrated evidence of a more consistent stain of the RUMM nerves.
Single Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Transiently Enhances Rat RIN-m5F Cell Function via the ROS/p38 MAPK Pathway Without Inducing Cell Damage
Authors: Zhang Jitai , Dai Kaicen , An Ruike , Wang Chengying , Zhou Xuanting , Tian Zhujun , Liao Zhonglu
Published: January 2025

High doses of ionizing radiation (HDIR) are known to induce cellular damage, whereas low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) may trigger protective biological responses. Recent studies have explored the potential benefits of LDIR in treating diabetes and its complications. However, the direct effects of LDIR on pancreatic β-cells and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of LDIR on pancreatic β-cell functionality and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Rat RIN-m5F cells were exposed to LDIR (25 mGy) or HDIR (2.5 Gy) to examine changes in insulin mRNA expression, secretion, DNA damage, and apoptosis. The roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were assessed via the use of antioxidants and pathway inhibitors. The findings indicated that LDIR transiently increased both insulin synthesis and secretion without inducing apoptosis or affecting cell proliferation. In contrast, HDIR induced a significant increase in apoptosis and a marked inhibition of proliferation. LDIR was observed to temporarily increase ROS production, activating the p38 MAPK pathway and facilitating insulin synthesis via the upregulation of PDX-1. Notably, LDIR did not induce DNA double-strand breaks or activate the ATM-dependent DNA repair pathways, unlike HDIR, which induced apoptosis through overactivation of the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, LDIR enhanced pancreatic β-cell functionality via ROS-mediated activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications in diabetes management.
Inflammasomes in Alzheimer’s Progression: Nrf2 as a Preventive Target
Authors: López-Hernández Rubén , de la Torre-Álamo María Magdalena , García-Bueno Belén , Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Fenoy Francisco Jose , Cuevas Santiago
Published: January 2025

Current knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease highlights the accumulation of β-amyloid plaques (Aβ1–42) and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau, which lead to the loss of neuronal connections. Microglial activation and the release of inflammatory mediators play a significant role in the progression of Alzheimer’s pathology. Recent advances have identified the involvement of inflammasomes, particularly NOD-like receptor NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), whose activation promotes the release of proinflammatory cytokines and triggers pyroptosis, exacerbating neuroinflammation. Aggregates of Aβ1–42 and hyperphosphorylated Tau have been shown to activate these inflammasomes, while the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) components form aggregates that further accelerate Aβ aggregation. Defects in the autophagic clearance of inflammasomes have also been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, contributing to sustained inflammation. This review explores strategies to counteract inflammation in Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the degradation of ASC specks and the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor emerges as a promising therapeutic target due to its dual role in mitigating oxidative stress and directly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome formation. By reducing inflammasome-driven inflammation, Nrf2 offers significant potential for addressing the neuroinflammatory aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Impact of Draw Weight on Archers’ Posture and Injury Risk Through Motion Capture Analysis
Authors: Ji Xiaoxu , Al Tamimi Zainab , Gao Xin , Piovesan Davide
Published: January 2025

Archery has increasingly captivated attention in its use for rehabilitation and physical education due to its adaptability for various abilities. However, this repetitive sport carries some injury risk in the shoulder, elbow, and back during the draw and release phases. While research often explores factors affecting shooting performance, limited studies have examined the interplay between gender-specific biomechanics and bow-related variables on lumbar stress and shooting mechanics. This study addresses this gap by leveraging the Xsens MVN Awinda motion capture system and JACK Siemens ergonomic software to analyze full-body movements of archers with different experience levels, bow types, and target placements. Thirteen subjects participated in this investigation, each equipped with standard gear. We analyzed their posture throughout the shooting sequence and the forces acting on their lower back. This innovative approach streamlines data collection and eliminates the need for extensive prototyping. Our findings highlight natural biomechanical adaptations between males and females when using bows of varying draw weights. Males generally exhibited greater consistency and stability, while females showed increased variability, particularly with heavier bows. This research establishes a foundation for ergonomic and reproducible archery techniques, enabling individualized training and performance optimization strategies.
Sidewall Roughness Measurement and Bearing Performance Simulation of Rock-Socketed Piles Based on Laser Scanning Point Cloud
Authors: Zhang Junbao , Hu Yule , Wang Yiteng , Zhang Di
Published: January 2025

Rock-socketed piles are commonly used in pile foundations for large buildings because of their excellent load-bearing characteristics. The roughness of the pile–rock interface affects the load transfer and the ultimate side resistance of the pile. In this work, a laser radar system is developed to measure the surface roughness of a dry bored pile and the shape of the borehole, and a three-dimensional model of the borehole is reconstructed based on the laser point cloud. The 3D surface model was used to extract the vertical contour lines in different directions and thus calculate the roughness of the pile. A numerical simulation of the real measured 3D model using FLAC3D is presented. A borehole of a real rock-socketed pile was measured and simulated. The results show that, although the working load is carried by both the side and base resistances, the former plays a major role. The slow-varying load-settlement curve indicates that the pile has a superior load–bearing capacity, and the maximum allowable settlement should be considered in the application. The simulations, using the actual piles tested, produced a more realistic load response and were able to predict the load-bearing performance of the piles more accurately. Furthermore, this approach offers a reference for the design of rock-socketed piles.