bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in cognition, coping, pain and emotions after 12-months access to the digital self-management program EPIO
Authors: Strand Elin Bolle , Varsi Cecilie , Børøsund Elin , Eide Hilde , Schreurs Karlein M. G. , Waxenberg Lori B. , Weiss Karen E. , Morrison Eleshia J. , Støle Hanne Stavenes , Kristjansdottir Ólöf Birna , Stubhaug Audun , Solberg Nes Lise
Published: February 2025

Background

Psychosocial pain self-management interventions can be of support for people living with chronic pain. Since psychosocial support is not always accessible, digital health interventions may increase outreach of these types of evidence-based interventions.

Objectives

To explore participants' experiences from 12-month access to the digital pain self-management program EPIO, particularly in terms of any behavioral and/or psychological changes experienced.

Methods

Participants (N = 25) engaged in individual semi-structured interviews following 12-month access to the EPIO intervention. Qualitative thematic analyses were conducted seeking to identify any behavioral and/or psychological changes experienced through intervention use, and what contributed to these changes.

Results

Participants were predominantly women (72%), median age 46 (range 26–70), with a range of self-reported pain conditions and the majority reporting pain duration >10 years (64%). Analyses identified three main themes and subsequent sub-themes: (1) Changes in Cognition; insight and self-awareness, acceptance and shifting focus, (2) Changes in Coping; pain, emotions, and activity pacing, and (3) Content and Functionality Specific Engagement; breathing and other mind-body exercises, thought-reflection exercises, and functionalities.

Conclusions

People with chronic pain experienced positive behavioral and/or psychological changes in terms of cognition and coping after 12 months access to the EPIO digital pain self-management program. The most prominent changes included increased understanding of the connection between own thoughts, feelings, and behavior, gaining concrete strategies to cope with everyday life living with pain, and utilizing these strategies to reduce pain and interference of pain, as well as to improve emotion regulation and psychological wellbeing.
Distinct roles of early life deprivation and unpredictability in shaping mating-related behaviours and sexual harassment perceptions
Authors: Xu Chen , Sun Shijin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Zhechen
Published: February 2025

Background

Evolutionary-developmental theories propose that early life adversity (ELA) shapes mating patterns. However, evidence is mixed, and the extent to which ELA influences attitudes and perceptions remains underexplored. This research takes a dimensional approach to examine how different forms of ELA relate to mating outcomes and social perceptions in men across two distinct samples.

Methods

Study 1 analysed a U.S. sample (N = 1036) using Add Health Wave V data. Study 2 examined a Chinese sample (N = 292), collecting data on childhood SES, childhood environmental unpredictability, sociosexual orientation, and perceptions of sexual harassment.

Results

Study 1 found that financial deprivation was associated with a higher number of partner pregnancies and live births but not with the number of sexual partners. Study 2 revealed that childhood unpredictability was positively associated with misperceptions of sexual interest, defined as perceiving mutual romantic interest even when one party experiences unwanted sexual attention. Additionally, childhood SES was positively associated with misperceptions of sexual interest but negatively associated with recognising boundary violations.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ELA may influence mating-related outcomes through distinct pathways: childhood unpredictability shapes sociosexual orientation, while deprivation-based adversity involves more multifaceted mechanisms, such as cognitive socialisation processes. This research underscores the need for more nuanced predictions within life history theory and highlights the importance of integrating frameworks that account for the cognitive and developmental consequences of deprivation.
The influence of teachers’ psychological capital on the quality of work life: exploring the mediating impact of emotions
Authors: Erden Hale
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The aim of this study is to investigate whether emotions play a mediating role in determining the effect of teachers’ psychological capital (PsyCap) on the quality of work life (QWL).

Methods

The current study presents an investigation on the mediating role of emotions and their effect on teachers’ PsyCap at their work life. The study used scales including Psychological Capital Scale (PsyCapS), Quality of Work Life Scale (QWLS) and Emotions Scale (ES). The scales were all applied to administrators and teachers in state schools in TRNC. The sample of the study consists of 369 teachers and school administrators. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 for descriptive statistics and correlation analyses. In addition, structural equation modeling was performed with AMOS to examine the potential mediating effect of emotions on the relationship between PsyCap and QWL.

Results

As a result, the mediating role of emotions in the relationship between teachers’ PsyCap and perceptions of QWL was fully supported. There was a significant correlation between teachers’ PsyCap, perceptions of QWL and emotions. PsyCap was found to have a significant and positive effect on both emotions and perceptions of QWL. In addition, PsyCap was found to have a significant positive relationship with QWL.

Discussion

Among TRNC teachers, PsyCap has a significant positive relationship with both emotions and perceptions of QWL. PsyCap can directly or indirectly increase the perception of QWL through the relationship with emotions. Therefore, teachers’ positive PsyCap can positively increase their emotions and perceptions of QWL.
Mindfulness cognitive-based therapy combined with metaphor therapy can improve problematic social media use
Authors: Xiong Weirui , Yu Lu , Chai Jinhui
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) refers to an individual’s long-term, high-intensity use of social media. Although this behavior is not pathological, it has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of individuals. In the past, intervention methods used for PSMU often controlled behavior to reduce the usage time of individual social media platforms. However, because psychological needs satisfaction and unreasonable cognition that lead to the problematic use of social media by individuals are not considered, behavior-based treatment models often do not address this problem.

Method

30 participants with PSMU (with another 30 participants as a control group) participated in an intervention program of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combined with metaphor therapy (MT).

Results

The results showed that these therapies changed the participants’ cognition and behavior and achieved a good intervention effect.

Conclusion

The MBCT combined with MT can be used as an intervention for patients with PSMU.
A study comparing positive benefits for parents, and their children, of children attending the UK’s holiday activities and food program to parents of non-attendees
Authors: Defeyter Margaret Anne , Stretesky Paul B. , Pepper Gillian V.
Published: February 2025

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) is a UK Department for Education (DfE) funded program that provides free food and activities for 5–16-year-olds in receipt of means-tested free school meals. This evaluation focuses on parent/caregiver perceptions of HAF benefits during the 2021 and 2022 school holidays for a sample of parents/caregivers whose children attended HAF (n = 736) and a sample who did not attend HAF (n = 885). The results show that parents of children who attend HAF for 4 weeks (i.e., the ‘4-Week’ HAF treatment group) report that their children engage in more weeks of physical activity compared to children in the Non-Attendee group (b = 0.59, 95% CI [0.25, 0.94]). Parents/caregivers of children who attended HAF for 6 weeks or more report no significant difference in household food insecurity compared to parents/caregivers in the Non-Attendee group (b = −0.27, 95% CI [−0.70, 0.16]). The results also show that parents/caregivers are more concerned about affordable childcare if their children attend 6 weeks or more of HAF (b = −1.33, 95% CI [−2.07, −0.59]). For parents and caregivers of children who attend HAF for 1 to 5 weeks there is no difference in self-reported Parental Wellbeing compared to parents/caregivers of non-attending children (b = 0.57, 95% CI [−0.09, 1.23]), but parents/caregivers whose children attend 6 weeks or more of HAF report significantly better wellbeing than parents in the control group (b = 1.12, 95% CI [0.56, 1.69]). Parents and caregivers of attendees in the HAF treatment groups are no more or less likely to believe that children are safe in their neighborhood than in the Non- Attendee group (b = 0.12, 95% CI [−0.11, 0.34] for 6 or more weeks of attendance vs. non-attendees). These findings are discussed in relation to prior research, and we make several HAF policy recommendations.
Economic burden of antimicrobial resistance on patients in Pakistan
Authors: Safdar Numrah , Saleem Saad , Salman Muhammad , Tareq Ahmad Hussen , Ishaq Sidra , Ambreen Saadia , Hameed Abdul , Habib Muhammad Bilal , Ali Tariq Mahmood
Published: February 2025

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes undergo changes that render antimicrobial drugs ineffective against them, resulting in limited, more expensive treatment options, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality rates. No study has estimated the costs related to AMR in hospitals in Pakistan. This study was conducted to determine the financial burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Pakistan and to compare it with the additional costs incurred by patients who respond well to antimicrobial treatments. The study also aimed to identify the most frequent types of microbes that cause bloodstream infections in Pakistan.

Methods

This quantitative study was conducted employing a prospective cohort study design. A sample of 193 patients was selected from two public sector tertiary care hospitals in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for a period of 7 months. The frequency trends of antimicrobial resistance against 12 blood pathogens were determined by analyzing culture sensitivity reports from patients who tested positive, as provided by pathology laboratories of the study hospitals. Direct and indirect costs were calculated using data from patients’ medical records and through direct interactions with patients.

Results

This study estimated that treating cases of AMR resulted in approximately USD 33.97 [Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 9483.2] in additional costs compared to treating susceptible infections due to extended lengths of hospital stays. However, indirect costs such as spending on food, productivity loss, and accommodation are USD 55.84 (PKR 15588.3) higher in the non-infected control cohort compared to the cases. Direct costs (transport, pharmacy, and laboratory expenses) are directly related to AMR and add an additional burden of USD 12.30 (PKR 3435) for cases compared to non-infected controls. In comparison to susceptible controls, cases incur an additional cost of USD 32.9 (PKR 9185.9).

Conclusion

This study helped predict the economic burden of antimicrobial resistance in admitted patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) in low- and middle-income countries, such as Pakistan, by different variable cost estimates. These findings will help in designing the most appropriate approach to combat AMR. Additionally, this study serves as a baseline tool that can be extrapolated to estimate the national economic burden because of AMR.
Examining shift duration and sociodemographic influences on the well-being of healthcare professionals in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bendak Salaheddine , Elbarazi Iffat , Alajlouni Oumara , Al-Rawi Sana O. , Abu Samra Amal M. B. , Khan Moien A. B.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Providing quality healthcare is an essential part of the healthcare system. The high workload and night work associated with healthcare providing may result in work-life imbalance among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and in degradation in the quality of care.

Methods

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and shift work on HCPs’ well-being in four large hospitals in the United Arab Emirates using a validated questionnaire.

Results

Responses from 526 participants indicated that 79.2% of them were under the age of 40, 70.2% were females and 50.2% were single or divorced. Responses indicated that many HCPs reported engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as consuming energy drinks (37.3%), smoking (14.2%) and taking stimulant pills (5.7%) with males being more susceptible to these practices compared to females. Results also showed that participants perceived their overall health rate, on the average, to be moderate with one third of participants indicating to be overweight. Moreover, results showed that many participants reported having blood pressure issues (16%), diabetes (8.6%) and/or heart diseases (2.7%), with females more prone to these diseases than males. Another important finding was that most respondents reported sleeping significantly less than the recommended duration and taking too long time to fall asleep. Finally, results revealed that HCPs on 12-h shifts indicated having greater satisfaction but tend to experience more exhaustion levels and worsened health indicators than those on 8-h shifts.

Conclusion

HCPs work has adverse effects on their well-being especially when combined with working at night. Healthcare implications of the results as well as recommendations to improve the well-being of HCPs based on the findings are given at the end.
Transfer learning-based hybrid VGG16-machine learning approach for heart disease detection with explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Addisu Eshetie Gizachew , Yirga Tahayu Gizachew , Yirga Hailu Gizachew , Yehuala Alemu Demeke
Published: February 2025

Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, making accurate early detection essential for effective treatment and management. This study introduces a novel hybrid machine-learning approach that combines transfer learning using the VGG16 convolutional neural network (CNN) with various machine-learning classifiers for heart disease detection. A conditional tabular generative adversarial network (CTGAN) was employed to generate synthetic data samples from actual datasets; these were evaluated using statistical metrics, correlation analysis, and domain expert assessments to ensure the quality of the synthetic datasets. The dataset comprises tabular data with 13 features, which are reshaped into an image-like format and resized to 224x224x3 to meet the input requirements of the VGG16 model. Feature extraction is performed using VGG16, and the extracted features are then fused with the original tabular data. This combined feature set is then used to train various machine learning models, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and Decision Trees. Among these models, the VGG16-Random Forest hybrid achieved notable results across all evaluation metrics, including 92% accuracy, 91.3% precision, 92.2% recall, 91.82% specificity, 92.2% sensitivity, and 91.75% F1-score. The hybrid models were also evaluated using unseen datasets to assess the generalizability of the proposed approaches, with the VGG16-Random Forest combination showing relatively promising results. Additionally, explainability is integrated into the model using SHAP values, providing insights into the contribution of each feature to the model’s predictions. This hybrid VGG16-ML approach demonstrates the potential for highly accurate and interpretable heart disease detection, offering valuable support in clinical decision-making processes.
Validation of the parent version of the inventory of school attendance problems (ISAP-P)
Authors: Knollmann Martin , Reissner Volker
Published: February 2025

This study presents the validation of the parent version of the Inventory of School Attendance Problems (ISAP-P), which assesses a broad spectrum of symptoms associated with school attendance problems. A model with 49 items loading on 13 factors derived from the child version showed an acceptable fit (N = 296). Correlations with other measures indicated convergent and discriminant validity of the scales, but associations with the extent of school absences were not detected. Concordant scales of the child vs. parent version were correlated in the expected directions, but some scales showed low interrater agreement. Albeit these initial results support the validity of the ISAP parent version, further studies on its psychometric properties as well as on children's and parents diverging views on SAPs are needed.
Requirements for effective investigation and learning after suicide: the views of persons with lived experience and professionals
Authors: Fröding Elin , Vincent Charles , Andersson-Gäre Boel , Westrin Åsa , Ros Axel
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of what persons with lived experience and professionals with experience of patient safety, suicide research, and investigations consider to be most important in investigations of healthcare before suicide to learn and improve the care of suicidal patients.

Method

This is a qualitative study based on 15 semistructured interviews with persons with lived experience of suicidality and professionals. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

The persons with lived experience and the professionals agreed that a holistic approach to the investigations is crucial. They should embrace a longer period of time, involve family and significant others, integrate the perspective and expectations of the patient, and analyze factors of significance for suicidality, suicide prevention, and safety. There is a need to improve the investigations through the involvement of all stakeholders and actors, securing competence in the investigation team and prioritizing cases to investigate.

Conclusions

Substantial changes in the approach and performance of investigations of suicide in healthcare are needed to make these investigations valuable for increasing the safety of the care of suicidal patients. A holistic perspective during the analysis is crucial for understanding the suicidal process, the interacting factors, and the care process preceding suicide. Competencies in suicidality, suicide prevention, and patient safety must be included in the analysis team to ensure high quality and relevance. To improve the value of these investigations, we suggest establishing a template based on current knowledge to ensure attention to variables of significance for a safe care of suicidal patients.
The relationship between regional development, smart mobility and transportation planning: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Almassawa Syafieq Fahlevi , Rustiadi Ernan , Fauzi Akhmad , Sutriadi Ridwan
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of publications from the Scopus database on regional development, smart cities, smart mobility, and transportation planning. The study retrieved 397 documents published between 2010 and 2023, utilizing keywords relevant to the research topic, and analyzed them using VOSviewer software. The findings indicate a steady increase in research output in this field since 2010. The most frequently used terms identified in this study include the main keywords: sustainability, regional planning, and smart transportation. It is recommended that “Regional Development” and “Transportation Planning” serve as primary target journals for disseminating the results of this research analysis, as they may eventually supersede previous dominant themes. Additionally, the findings suggest that researchers from countries with lower contributions to this field should explore these topics further to add depth and nuance. Research linking these keywords should be expanded and replicated to enrich the existing literature.
Comprehensive analysis of sediment grain features and their engineering implications in the Yangtze River source area
Authors: Li Zhijing , Wang Xiaoxue , Liu Yujiao , Li Wenqi , Zhou Xian , Lv Chaonan , Wang Guiqiao , Ma Junxiao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The particle size characteristics of irregular sediments in the Yangtze River Source Area (YRSA) are pivotal for understanding the mechanical properties of the sedimentary medium.

Methods

This study utilizes field sediment sampling, laser scanning, laboratory testing, and mathematical statistics to analyze the morphological, geometric, mineralogical, and accumulation characteristics of sediment particles in the region.

Results

Our findings indicate that sediments in the YRSA have angular edges and deviate from spherical shapes, exhibiting elongated and flatter three-dimensional morphologies. In the experiment, the sliding plate method was used to measure the angle of repose of the sediments, which was found to be 36.7° above water and 35.9° below water. Both values are higher than the typical range for non-plateau regions, indicating reduced sediment mobility. The sediments are composed of fine-grained and coarse-grained soils. The particle size distribution is primarily coarse sand (0.5-2.0 mm), fine gravel (2.0-5.0 mm), and medium gravel (5.0-20.0 mm), with a significant coarsening trend observed over the past six years. The mineral composition, dominated by quartz, feldspar, and heavy minerals, is stable, with approximately 70% of the minerals having a hardness of ≥ 7 on the Mohs scale. The most abundant trace elements are Ti, Mn, Ba, P, Sr, Zr, and Cl.

Discussion

This research reveals that the sediment characteristics in the YRSA are markedly different from those of natural sands in non-plateau regions, necessitating a reevaluation of conventional theories and engineering practices for engineering constructions in this area. The insights from this study are profound and practically relevant, illuminating the sediment transport dynamics in alpine river systems and supporting sustainable regional development.
Epidemiological study of injuries in artistic swimming: a systematic review
Authors: Rincón Ane Begoñe , Trinidad Alfonso , López-Valenciano Alejandro
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Artistic swimming is a highly technical sport that requires a large volume of training and forced positions that generate a high risk of injury.

Objective

to compile scientific evidence on the incidence of injuries in artistic swimming. Literature study: PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases were used to search for studies that analysed the epidemiology of injuries in artistic swimmers of any age and gender until June 2024. Methodology: the methodological quality of the studies was analysed with the Strengthening the Reporting Scale of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA) were followed. Synthesis: eleven studies met the inclusion criteria showing a clear trend of joint-ligament or muscle-tendon injuries in the shoulders, back, and knees.

Conclusions

despite the publication of an injury surveillance document and a consensus on data collection and injury surveillance, there are methodological limitations that do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. More epidemiological studies that follow data collection and injury surveillance guidelines are needed to establish differences by gender, age groups, and test.
Measuring the holistic performance of food and agricultural systems: a systematic review
Authors: Crossland Mary , Coe Ric , Lamanna Christine , Chiputwa Brian , Orero Levi , Adoyo Beatrice , Kumar Sandhya , Mwangi Victor Mutugi , Anyango Edith , Fuchs Lisa Elena , Kuria Anne , Geck Matthias
Published: February 2025

Measuring the performance of food and agricultural systems is critical for their transformation towards a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future. To guide decisions and ensure agrifood systems deliver multiple functions, a holistic systems perspective is needed. Previous reviews of assessment approaches have focused primarily on the farm level and have been limited in their scope and definition of what it means to be holistic. In this review, we describe and evaluate 206 approaches based on four key characteristics of holistic systems assessment: (1) measuring multiple dimensions of performance, (2) integrating multiple stakeholder perspectives, (3) evaluating emergent system properties, and (4) collecting and presenting data in ways which reveal interactions, synergies, and trade-offs, so that they can be understood and considered when designing solutions. We find that there is recognition of the need for holistic assessment and a growing number of assessments are published each year. However, many assessments limit themselves to examining multiple dimensions of performance, neglecting the remaining three key characteristics of holistic assessment. While a systemic perspective is often acknowledged as important, only 14% of assessments considered synergies and trade-offs between metrics and 26% addressed emergent system properties. There is a trend toward more systemic framings such as agroecology and the inclusion of emergent properties. We conclude that there will never be one assessment approach that will work for everyone, can measure everything, and be used everywhere because of the diversity of agrifood systems and assessment objectives. Improving holistic assessment of agrifood systems is not a question of improving existing assessments. The gap to be addressed is the lack of methods for designing effective holistic systems assessments. This gap can be closed by providing clear guidance on how to navigate the abundance of existing approaches and develop assessments that meet specific needs. A meta-framework for guiding the development of holistic systems assessments, proposed in this review, can offer such guidance.
The evolution of the consumption behavior of rural households in China: logical motivation and policy responses
Authors: Tian Zhen , Bian Xing Yu , Tan Yan
Published: February 2025

Based on provincial panel data from rural household surveys in China from 1978 to 2021, this paper constructs an econometric model of rural household consumption behavior covering the influencing factors of income level, habit formation, uncertainty and the urbanization degree etc. The SYS-GMM estimation method is applied to empirically study the basic logic and general rules of the evolution of rural household consumption behavior in three different stages of China’s well-off society construction practices since the reform and opening-up. The results indicate that the motivators of evolution of rural household consumption in China have shifted from purely endogenous and demand-side factors to the combined effects of endogenous and exogenous factors as well as supply-side and demand-side factors since the reform and opening up. Therefore, in the context of global economic slowdown with challenges to economic globalization, it becomes crucial to adopt the strategy that can effectively synchronize supply-side structural reforms with demand-side structural adjustments based on the practical situations of China’s rural households. Such a strategy is geared towards fostering a more advanced dynamic equilibrium that is propelled by demand-induced supply and supply-generated demand, aiming to enhance rural consumption, stimulate the domestic economic cycle and fulfill the people’s growing aspirations for a more prosperous life.
Case Report: A modified approach to converting ventriculoperitoneal shunt to ventriculoatrial shunt due to recurrent encapsulation of the peritoneal catheter
Authors: Zhang YunSen , Ge YuanHong , Liu Yong , Zhang Yue , Xu RongHua , Xu Xuejun
Published: February 2025

Background

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system due to various causes, including excessive CSF production, impaired circulation, or absorption dysfunction. This condition is often accompanied by ventricular enlargement, compression of brain parenchyma, and increased intracranial pressure. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is the first-line treatment for hydrocephalus; however, when the peritoneal catheter becomes obstructed due to encapsulation, the procedure may need to be converted to a ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt, which serves as a second-line treatment. Here, we present a case that demonstrates a rapid, simple, and minimally invasive technique for converting a VP shunt to a VA shunt. This approach eliminates the need to expose the retroauricular valve or disconnect the valve from the catheter, significantly reducing operative time and minimizing trauma.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old male patient presented with typical clinical features of hydrocephalus, including urinary dysfunction, gait instability, and gradually worsening cognitive decline over the course of a year, as well as corresponding imaging findings. The patient subsequently underwent a VP shunt procedure. However, within six months postoperatively, the patient experienced four episodes of shunt dysfunction due to omental encapsulation of the peritoneal catheter, leading to catheter obstruction and worsening hydrocephalus. During the first three episodes, the shunt catheter was released from omental encapsulation through laparoscopic surgery, providing temporary relief of hydrocephalus after each procedure. Following the fourth episode of peritoneal shunt dysfunction, we employed a rapid exchange technique to relocate the peritoneal catheter to the superior vena cava while preserving the ventricular catheter and shunt valve. Postoperatively, the patient's hydrocephalus-related symptoms gradually improved. At the three-month follow-up, the patient's hydrocephalus showed significant improvement, and he had returned to independent daily living.

Conclusion

The rapid exchange technique is a fast, simple, and minimally invasive method for converting a VP shunt to a VA shunt, offering significant benefits in clinical practice.
Case report: Pulmonary non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a dog with acute interstitial granulomatous pneumonia
Authors: Granger Kyle L. , Williams Kurt , Ohlendorf Alex , Shropshire Sarah , Hall Kelly E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Pulmonary involvement of Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PNLCH) is a rare cause of interstitial pulmonary disease in people and are classified as either Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) or Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). In veterinary medicine, feline pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) has been identified as an infiltrative histiocytic disorder with an insidious onset of progressive respiratory distress and is non-responsiveness to empiric therapies. Unfortunately, subsequent death either from respiratory failure or humane euthanasia are the reported outcomes in all reported cases. To date, a similar primarily pulmonary histiocytic disease has not been described in dogs. We present a case of an 8-year-old male intact Rottweiler with acute, progressive respiratory failure with a post-mortem diagnosis of PNLCH.

Case summary

An 8-year-old male intact Rottweiler presented following approximately 2 weeks of lethargy, anorexia, hypersalivation, and progressive respiratory distress characterized by intermittent wheezing, increasing inspiratory and expiratory effort, and tachypnea. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated a multifocal cranioventral alveolar pattern with nodules in the lung periphery. There were no significant changes appreciated in bloodwork. Despite empiric antimicrobials, oxygen support, and other supportive care measures, the patient continued to deteriorate and was subsequently euthanized. Post-mortem analysis was confirmatory for single-organ PNLCH.

New or unique information provided

This case report represents the first reported case of canine PNLCH. Additionally, this report also provides further characterization of PNLCH in dogs with ante-mortem diagnostic imaging, cytologic evaluation of lung tissue, and post-mortem immunohistochemical characterization of canine PNLCH.
Means and Issues for Adjusting Principal Component Analysis Results
Authors: Konishi Tomokazu
Published: February 2025

Background: Principal component analysis (PCA) is a method that identifies common directions within multivariate data and presents the data in as few dimensions as possible. One of the advantages of PCA is its objectivity, as the same results can be obtained regardless of who performs the analysis. However, PCA is not a robust method and is sensitive to noise. Consequently, the directions identified by PCA may deviate slightly. If we can teach PCA to account for this deviation and correct it, the results should become more comprehensible. Methods: The top two PCA results were rotated using a rotation unitary matrix. Results: These contributions were determined and compared with the original. At smaller rotations, the change in contribution was also small and the effect on independence was not severe. The rotation made the data considerably more comprehensible. Conclusions: The methods for achieving this and an issue with this are presented. However, care should be taken not to detract from the superior objectivity of PCA.
SMEs’ Perspective on How Ethical Leadership Supports Community Engagement in Buyer–Supplier Power Asymmetric Relationships
Authors: Mamabolo Anastacia , Myres Kerrin , Pogrund Gideon
Published: February 2025

The increasing moral challenges facing organizations flag the significance of ethical leadership. Despite the significance of promoting moral behavior, the existing literature has scarcely looked at ethical leadership in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and studied its outcomes beyond the organization. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between ethical leadership and community engagement moderated by the treatment of SMEs as suppliers and customers. The study argues that ethical leadership is important in helping SMEs execute community engagement activities, but that this depends on external factors. When entrepreneurs are treated unfairly by the powerful larger corporates, they will not be able to execute their activities. We conducted a quantitative study to answer the research objective and test the hypotheses. The final sample consisted of 276 participants, and the data were analyzed by using multiple hierarchical regression. The study found that ethical leadership predicted community engagement. However, the moderating role of the treatment of SMEs as suppliers and buyers on the role of ethical leadership and community engagement was not significant. The study provides insights on ethical leadership in the context of community engagement and buyer–supplier relationships. Also, the study shows that SMEs continue practicing ethical leadership and community engagement, regardless of how they are treated as suppliers and buyers by large companies, alluding to the importance of ethical leadership. Lastly, the study provides insights into the interactions between leadership and community engagement in the context of buyer–supplier power asymmetry.
Examining Digital Government Maturity Models: Evaluating the Inclusion of Citizens
Authors: Waara Åsa
Published: February 2025

Digital transformation affects nearly every sector of society and is seen as a strategic approach to addressing evolving demands, including those of citizens, demographic shifts, and skill shortages. To tackle these challenges, governments have begun shifting from a government-centric to a citizen-centric approach, tailoring e-services to citizens’ life events and actively involving them in decision-making processes. Digital government maturity models (DGMMs) are essential tools for assessing digital readiness and guiding transformation, but their attention to citizen-centricity varies significantly. This study examines 18 DGMMs, revealing that 17% do not mention citizens, 33% reference them minimally, and only 50% integrate citizen considerations extensively. This research identifies seven themes where citizens were explicitly addressed in the DGMM, and these themes are maturity stages, areas of focus, enablers, constraints, metrics, insights, and recommendations. Despite the increased policy emphasis on citizen-centricity, gaps remain in translating this into actionable frameworks within DGMMs. This research contributes a thematic matrix and actionable insights to advance citizen-centric approaches, fostering public value creation, transparency, and trust. The findings offer guidance for researchers and practitioners to develop improved frameworks that align digital transformation efforts with citizens’ needs, ensuring inclusive and effective public sector transformation.
Airfoil Optimization and Analysis Using Global Sensitivity Analysis and Generative Design
Authors: Rouco Pablo , Orgeira-Crespo Pedro , Rey González Guillermo David , Aguado-Agelet Fernando
Published: February 2025

This research investigates the optimization of airfoil design for fixed-wing drones, aiming to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and reduce drag. The research employs Kulfan CST and Bézier surface parameterization methods combined with global sensitivity analysis (GSA) and machine learning techniques to improve airfoil performance under various operational conditions. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized to optimize the airfoil design, minimizing drag in cruise and ascent conditions while ensuring lift at takeoff. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, primarily using XFOIL, validate the aerodynamic performance of the optimized airfoils. This study also explores the generative design approach using a neural network trained on 10 million airfoil simulations to predict airfoil geometry based on desired performance criteria. The results show important improvements in drag reduction, especially during low-speed cruise and ascent phases, contributing to extended flight endurance and efficiency. These results can be used for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real-world applications to develop better-performance UAVs under mission-specific constraints.
Relationship of Genetic Connectedness Among Flocks with Effective Population Size in Dairy-Oriented Pag Sheep
Authors: Špehar Marija , Ramljak Jelena , Držaić Valentino , Mioč Boro , Barać Zdravko , Kasap Ante
Published: February 2025

Development of any trait-directed selection strategy requires basic knowledge about some important population-specific parameters such as the effective population size Ne and genetic connectedness among flocks. The Ne, as an indirect measure of genetic variability, is important for the conservation of the genome, while genetic connectedness is necessary for unbiased across-flock genetic evaluation. The average number of full generations (NFG) in the reference population of the Pag sheep under selection for dairy traits was 3.05. The Ne estimated from individual coancestry rate ∆Cij in the last generation was 127 animals, and the average prediction error variance of the difference in EBVs between animals belonging to different flocks (PEVDi′,j′ ¯) was 0.81. Although conceptually different, these two population genetic parameters may be related in the populations under selection. Although it is difficult to prove this hypothesis, we decided to test it by regressing the partial (generational) estimates of Ne on PEVDi′,j′ ¯. It was estimated that ∆PEVDi′,j′ ¯ of −0.01 was accompanied by ∆Ne of +5.5 animals. The results suggest that strengthening genetic connectedness among flocks in populations might have a positive impact on genetic diversity; however, more research is needed before generalization.
Estimation Model of Corn Leaf Area Index Based on Improved CNN
Authors: Yang Chengkai , Lei Jingkai , Liu Zhihao , Xiong Shufeng , Xi Lei , Wang Jian , Qiao Hongbo , Shi Lei
Published: February 2025

In response to the issues of high complexity and low efficiency associated with the current reliance on manual sampling and instrumental measurement for obtaining maize leaf area index (LAI), this study constructed a maize image dataset comprising 624 images from three growth stages of summer maize in the Henan region, namely the jointing stage, small trumpet stage, and large trumpet stage. Furthermore, a maize LAI estimation model named LAINet, based on an improved convolutional neural network (CNN), was proposed. LAI estimation was carried out at these three key growth stages. In this study, the output structure was improved based on the ResNet architecture to adapt to regression tasks. The Triplet module was introduced to achieve feature fusion and self-attention mechanisms, thereby enhancing the accuracy of maize LAI estimation. The model structure was adjusted to enable the integration of growth-stage information, and the loss function was improved to accelerate the convergence speed of the network model. The model was validated on the self-constructed dataset. The results showed that the incorporation of attention mechanisms, integration of growth-stage information, and improvement of the loss function increased the model’s R2 by 0.04, 0.15, and 0.05, respectively. Among these, the integration of growth-stage information led to the greatest improvement, with the R2 increasing directly from 0.54 to 0.69. The improved model, LAINet, achieved an R2 of 0.81, which indicates that it can effectively estimate the LAI of maize. This model can provide information technology support for the phenotypic monitoring of field crops.
Research on Apple Detection and Tracking Count in Complex Scenes Based on the Improved YOLOv7-Tiny-PDE
Authors: Cao Dongxuan , Luo Wei , Tang Ruiyin , Liu Yuyan , Zhao Jiasen , Li Xuqing , Yuan Lihua
Published: February 2025

Accurately detecting apple fruit can crucially assist in estimating the fruit yield in apple orchards in complex scenarios. In such environments, the factors of density, leaf occlusion, and fruit overlap can affect the detection and counting accuracy. This paper proposes an improved YOLOv7-Tiny-PDE network model based on the YOLOv7-Tiny model to detect and count apples from data collected by drones, considering various occlusion and lighting conditions. First, within the backbone network, we replaced the simplified efficient layer aggregation network (ELAN) with partial convolution (PConv), reducing the network parameters and computational redundancy while maintaining the detection accuracy. Second, in the neck network, we used a dynamic detection head to replace the original detection head, effectively suppressing the background interference and capturing the background information more comprehensively, thus enhancing the detection accuracy for occluded targets and improving the fruit feature extraction. To further optimize the model, we replaced the boundary box loss function from CIOU to EIOU. For fruit counting across video frames in complex occlusion scenes, we integrated the improved model with the DeepSort tracking algorithm based on Kalman filtering and motion trajectory prediction with a cascading matching algorithm. According to experimental results, compared with the baseline YOLOv7-Tiny, the improved model reduced the total parameters by 22.2% and computation complexity by 18.3%. Additionally, in data testing, the p-value improved by 0.5%; the R-value rose by 2.7%; the mAP and F1 scores rose by 4% and 1.7%, respectively; and the MOTA value improved by 2%. The improved model is more lightweight and can preserve a high detection accuracy well, and hence, it can be applied to detection and counting tasks in complex orchards and provides a new solution for fruit yield estimation using lightweight devices.
Simulation and Experimental Studies of Heat-Mass Transfer and Stress–Strain in Carrots During Hot Air Drying
Authors: Li Yanyan , Liang Mingxia , Li Jinyan , Jiang Keyi , Li Xiyang , Zheng Zhaohui
Published: February 2025

Models were developed to study the heat-mass transfer and stress–strain process in carrots during hot air drying. The distribution and variation in temperature, moisture content, strain, and stress of the samples were investigated at different drying temperatures. The results showed that the models developed could be used to simulate the hot air drying process of carrots; the maximum weighted absolute percentage errors were 9.01%. The difference between the heat flux and vapor diffusion flux in the regions led to a non-uniform temperature and moisture content distribution, which resulted in non-uniform strain, causing stress within the carrots. The value of the thermal strain and stress was small compared to that of the moisture strain and stress. The thermal stress and moisture stress increased first and then decreased; the peak values of thermal stress and moisture stress occurred in the middle period of the whole drying process. When the hot air drying temperature was higher, the peak value of stress was higher. These results are helpful for understanding the drying mechanism and optimizing operating conditions in carrot drying.
Analysis of Phenotypic and Tensile Mechanical Properties of Seed Rope and Its Impact on Plant Root Growth
Authors: Na Yi , Wang Lingshan , Si Yehua , Shi Xingrui , Wang Baolong
Published: February 2025

Seed rope direct-seeding is an advanced precision sowing technique that involves encapsulating seeds within rope materials, adhering to specific spacing and quantity, and then deploying these ropes in the field as an alternative to conventional direct-seeding. This method offers the dual benefits of minimal sprout damage and precise control over row-to-seed spacing. The mechanical properties of the seed rope material and the integrity of the wrapped seeds are critical factors that influence the growth and development of the plants’ root system, which in turn is a key determinant for the optimization of the seed rope automatic seeder. This paper employed uniaxial tensile testing to investigate the mechanical properties and tensile failure characteristics of seed ropes across various materials, seed wrapping techniques, and seed soaking methods. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was utilized to scrutinize the microstructural features of the tensile fracture surfaces of the seed ropes. The results showed that the tensile strength of paper-based seed ropes ranged from 1.80 to 2.89 N/mm, with elongation at the break between 31.4% and 47.5%, and a critical stress range of 5.67 to 9.06 N. In contrast, non-woven fabric ropes exhibited a tensile strength range of 0.91 to 1.23 N/mm2, an elongation at break range of 160.3 to 284.2%, and a critical stress range of 2.86 to 3.86 N. Electron microscope scanning imagery analysis indicated that the broken fibers were disordered, and the fibers of the soaked ropes showed minor surface damage, which is attributed to the decline in tensile strength observed in soaked ropes. Regarding the phenotypic study of root growth and development, the root growth and development phenotypes of two types of rope materials across four different vegetable varieties were explored; the results indicated that the influence of the seed rope material on the root system was pronounced in the early stages of growth and development. As plants progressed to the middle stage of growth, the trend in root length mirrored that of the early stage, with the seed rope material continuing to significantly impact root system development. In the late stage of growth, the effect of the seed rope material on root growth gradually diminished as the seed rope material decomposed. Interestingly, the root length under non-woven fabric wrapping not only caught up to, but in some instances, surpassed the root length of unwrapped seeds. This research provides valuable theoretical insights and data to support the optimization of the parameters for the automatic seed rope direct-seeder.