bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health professionals’ perceptions, barriers and knowledge towards oral health care of dependent people in nursing homes: a systematic review
Authors: Pombo-Lopes Joana , Rodrigues Inês , Costa Joana , Gomes Ana Catarina , Fonseca Jorge , Grillo-Evangelista José
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This review aimed to evaluate the perceived barriers, knowledge, and training, of different health care professionals in relation to the oral health of dependent people in nursing homes and access, as well, how this data was evaluated.

Methods

Three electronic databases—PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and LILACS—were searched independently by two researchers for relevant studies published up to December 2023. Articles were selected according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a total of 35 studies were included.

Results

Findings from the Nursing Dental Coping Belief Scale studies revealed disparities between training and daily oral health care, with experienced nurses experiencing challenges. Barriers described were categorized and included resident-related issues, organizational challenges, and caregiver-related difficulties. Most caregivers reported inadequate training, often informal or experiential, although they are involved in the hygiene of the older adult, with tooth brushing and denture cleaning being the most common practices. Low oral health literacy coexisted with recognition of the importance of oral health care.

Conclusion

The findings advocate for targeted interventions, standardized training, and improved support systems to improve oral health care for the older adult in diverse health care settings.
Models of community hospitals and state of research in high-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Tan Min Hui , Seah Sharna Si Ying , Seah Xin Yi , Teo Simone , Leow Jeremy , Low Lian Leng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Existing literature have not reviewed the growing spectrum of care models in Community Hospitals (CH) along with the scope of research. We fill this gap by reviewing CHs models in high-income countries.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review according to Arksey & O’Malley’s framework. We searched for articles published between January 2016 to April 2024 in EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus. Additional studies were identified through snowballing.

Results

470 studies were included in the review. CHs models in 22 countries were categorized based on healthcare services provided and target patient populations. CHs in 18 countries were found to provide COVID-19 services. CHs in eight countries primarily provide post-acute and rehabilitative services. 40 articles were extracted to synthesize research themes in CHs providing post-acute care. Majority focused on assessing the healthcare needs of patient populations. Other domains include program efficacy, research and educational needs of staff, clinical guidelines reviews, and the community’s role in supporting CHs.

Conclusion

CHs evolve to meet changing healthcare needs and understanding the state of CHs research would inform potential research directions. Future studies could explore the relationship between post-acute settings and the community, and strategies to enhance staff capability and address barriers to conducting research in post-acute settings.
Mental health service satisfaction among adults with mental illness attending a psychiatric outpatient clinic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemu Wondale Getinet , Mwanri Lillian , Due Clemence , Azale Telake , Ziersch Anna
Published: January 2025

Background

Patient satisfaction with services is both a direct and indirect indicator of healthcare quality. It influences healthcare outcomes, patient retention, and the likelihood of medical malpractice claims. However, there is limited evidence on patient satisfaction with mental health services in Africa. Therefore, we aimed to assess mental health service satisfaction and its determinants in adult patients with mental illness in an outpatient clinic in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to March 2023. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling with a sample interval of three, resulting in a total sample size of 638 invited to participate. Service satisfaction was measured using the interviewer-administered Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Data entry, coding, and analysis were performed using SPSS-28. To examine the association of sociodemographic, clinical, social support, and substance use factors, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05 and 95% CI.

Results

The rate of low mental health service satisfaction among people with mental illness in this study was 24.7%. According to our multivariate logistic regression analysis, people with urban residence 1.77 (1.15, 2.72), poor self-reported health 3.62(1.97, 6.67), having episodic illness ≥2/yr. 0.48 (0.32, 0.74), having relapse 1.75 (1.12, 2.73), and poor drug adherence 2.28 (1.20, 4.35) were more likely to have low mental health service satisfaction than their counterparts.

Conclusions and recommendation

One-quarter of patients with mental illness in the outpatient clinic reported low satisfaction with mental health services. Factors associated with lower satisfaction included urban residency, episodic illness, relapse, poor self-reported health, and poor drug adherence. To enhance patient satisfaction, the clinic should prioritize targeted support for patients facing these challenges.
The impact of internet use on physical activity among Chinese older adults: the mediating role of social support
Authors: Shen Yifei , Lu Chuntian , Wang Bin
Published: January 2025

Background

The positive impact of Internet use on enhancing physical activity among older adults is an important response to the aging problem in the new era. However, while previous studies have explored the important impact of Internet use on physical activity among older adults, the specific mechanisms of this impact have not been much analyzed. In an attempt to answer this question, we further focus on the mediating role of social support in the relationship between Internet use and physical activity among older adults.

Methods

This study utilizes data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) to categorize social support into three dimensions: support from relatives, friends, and neighbors. A nested multiple OLS regression model is employed to analyze the impact of internet use on physical exercise among the old adults. Additionally, the SPSS macro PROCESS is used to test the mediation effect, examining the mediating role of social support in this relationship.

Result

Our research findings indicate the following: (1) Internet use significantly and positively predicts physical exercise among the old adults; (2) Social support exerts a positive influence on physical exercise in this population; and (3) Social support partially mediates the relationship between internet use and physical exercise among the old adults.

Conclusion

The study concludes that increasing Internet penetration among the old adults is of great practical significance in expanding their social support network and promoting physical activity. The results of the study provide new perspectives on the layout of work on ageing and policies for healthy ageing in the new era, as well as lessons for other developing countries on the issue of ageing.
Impact of gratitude on posttraumatic growth in patients with coronary stent implantation: the mediating role of resilience and perceived social support
Authors: Lei Shanyan , Zhang Yujie , Yang Fang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study focused on investigating the extent of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and explored how resilience and perceived social support (PSS) mediate the relationship between gratitude and PTG among patients with a history of coronary stent implantation.

Methods

A total of 242 patients with coronary stent implantation completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item Form, the Resilience Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. We used structural equation modeling to evaluate the mediating effects of resilience and PSS on gratitude and PTG.

Results

The mean score for posttraumatic growth was 55.54 (standard deviation = 15.01). Gratitude had a direct positive effect on PTG in patients with coronary stents (β = 0.126) and an indirect positive effect through the mediating effects of resilience and PSS (β = 0.105 and 0.081, respectively). Furthermore, resilience and PSS acted through serial multiple mediation effects in the relationship between gratitude and PTG.

Discussion

Gratitude positively affected PTG directly and indirectly through the single-and chain-mediating effects of resilience and PSS in patients with coronary stent implantation. These findings offer compelling evidence of the key interrelating mechanisms among protective factors that contribute to PTG. Therefore, accounting for the predictive influence of gratitude, resilience, and PSS in PTG when developing relevant intervention strategies may help improve patients’ quality of life.
Global, regional, and national burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus caused by high BMI from 1990 to 2021, and forecasts to 2045: analysis from the global burden of disease study 2021
Authors: Huang Xin , Wu Yanyan , Ni Yulu , Xu Haiyan , He Yinhui
Published: January 2025

Objective

To produce estimates of the global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) caused by high body mass index (high BMI) and its impact for 2021 and projections for 2045.

Methods

We downloaded data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021(GBD 2021) to estimate the disease burden of T2DM caused by high BMI. Secondary analyses were performed by year, age, gender, region, and socio-demographic index (SDI).

Results

Globally, the all-ages number of T2DM-related deaths has increased significantly from 238.1 thousand to 723.7 thousand, representing a 203.9% increase since 1990. And the all-ages number of T2DM-raleted DALYs has raised from 10.4 million to 39.3 million, increased by 276.7% from 1990. The burden was expected to continue to increase to 1296.7 thousand by 2045 for all-ages number of deaths, and 85.5 million by 2045 for all-ages number of DALYs. The curves of T2DM-related burden showed an intersection for different genders around the age of 60, beyond which women exhibit a higher burden, compared to men. The disease burden of T2DM caused by high BMI shows a significant upward trend across all SDI groups, with a heavier burden on women, especially in the postmenopausal female population. In 2021, among the 204 countries and territories, the top 3 largest number of T2DM-related burden caused by high BMI occurred in China, India, and United States. The top three countries with highest T2DM-related rate caused by high BMI were Fiji, Marshall Islands, and Kiribati.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that the disease burden of T2DM caused by high BMI is significantly increasing and is expected to continue rising in the future. Women bear a heavier burden, particularly postmenopausal women, and there are significant differences in the disease burden across different geographical regions, and socioeconomic statuses. Targeted considerations and specific strategies are essential to address these disparities, thereby improving public health and reducing the burden.
Global, regional, and national burden of tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer attributable to ambient particulate matter pollution among adults aged 70 and above in 1990–2021 and projected to 2044
Authors: He Ke-Jie , Wang Haitao , Xu Jianguang , Gong Guoyu
Published: January 2025

Background

Tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer attributable to ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) is a growing global health concern, particularly in individuals aged 70 and above. This study aims to evaluate past trends, identify key drivers, and project future disease burden.

Methods

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 was analyzed for TBL cancer-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality from 1990 to 2021, stratified by SDI regions. Statistical methods, including Joinpoint regression, age-period-cohort modeling, and decomposition analysis, were used to identify temporal trends and drivers of DALYs. Future projections were made using the Nordpred model.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, global DALYs of TBL cancer due to APMP increased steadily (AAPC 0.75%). Population growth was the main driver, accounting for 79.37% of the increase, with epidemiological factors playing a varying role across regions. The highest DALY growth was observed in middle SDI regions (AAPC 2.99%), while high SDI regions saw a decline (AAPC −1.76%). Projections up to 2044 suggest a substantial increase in DALYs across all SDI regions, with the fastest growth expected among individuals aged 70–74, but DALY rates are projected to decline steadily.

Conclusion

Population growth is the primary factor driving the increase in DALYs associated with TBL cancer, with significant regional disparities. Projections suggest a continued rise in disease burden, particularly in lower SDI regions, underlining the urgency for targeted public health interventions and strategies to mitigate exposure and improve healthcare outcomes for at-risk populations.
Audio technology for improving social interaction in extended reality
Authors: Luberadzka Joanna , Gusó Muñoz Enric , Sayin Umut , Garriga Adan
Published: January 2025

In recent years, extended reality (XR) has gained interest as a platform for human communication, with the emergence of the “Metaverse” promising to reshape social interactions. At the same time, concerns about harmful behavior and criminal activities in virtual environments have increased. This paper explores the potential of technology to support social harmony within XR, focusing specifically on audio aspects. We introduce the concept of acoustic coherence and discuss why it is crucial for smooth interaction. We further explain the challenges of speech communication in XR, including noise and reverberation, and review sound processing methods to enhance the auditory experience. We also comment on the potential of using virtual reality as a tool for the development and evaluation of audio algorithms aimed at enhancing communication. Finally, we present the results of a pilot study comparing several audio enhancement techniques inside a virtual environment.
Present(ed) bodies, absent agency: “patients’ perspectives” at the Museum Vrolik of the body and medicine
Authors: Lafleur Azia
Published: January 2025

Medical exhibits are complex spaces, especially when displaying human remains. This research focuses on Amsterdam’s Museum Vrolik, a prominent museum of the body and medicine in the Netherlands with an important role in the conservation and exhibition of the material heritage of Dutch medicine of the 18th and 19th centuries. I am interested in the affective encounters that are at play in such a setting between us—the living—and the remains on display: How the agency and subject-hood of those who lived and live with ill health, medicalization and disability are effectively present and absent in the context of affective influences in the Museum Vrolik. I deploy the concept of “patients’ perspectives” as a conceptual tool for looking at those who have been impacted by medicine’s medicalizing gaze and handling. Their presence/absence is investigated by using embodied inquiry to attend to the affective encounter between the audience and the bodily remains on display, as felt through the embodied experiencing of visiting the exhibit and mediated by the cultural, physical and institutional context and curation of the Vrolik itself. To analyze the resulting data, I take the museum as a site of storytelling with its curatorial techniques and texts acting as narratological frames and “orientation devices”. The most central pattern emerged as a dissonance between the affective orientation I bring into the space due to my own situated-ness and the orientations prompted by the museum’s frames. The remains on display have been decontextualized from their original home as a part of someone, and transformed into “specimens”. At the same time, my lived experience and identity as a person with chronic illness brought an impulse/intensity towards identification and closeness to the “specimens”, grasping for a sense of their agency, voices, perspectives, personhood. To move forwards from here, persons with disabilities, illness, bodily differences, impairment and injury need to be included and recognized in their capacity as knowers, as having vital embodied knowledge via their lived experience, as narrators and subjects in the stories that are told.
Moving beyond pain: the relationship between physical activity and physical self-concept among young women with endometriosis
Authors: Coquinos Samantha , Oboeuf Alexandre , Vitiello Damien
Published: January 2025

Background

Endometriosis is a painful non-curable disease that affects women's quality of life, reducing their self-esteem and consequently their mental well-being. However, enhancing the physical self-concept could induce the development of the self-esteem. A suitable method to increase the physical self-concept would be physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PA and physical self-concept in women with endometriosis under 30 years old and to evaluate whether the type of PA was associated with different physical self-concept scores.

Materials and methods

A total of 198 women under 30 diagnosed with endometriosis responded to a survey. Physical self-concept was assessed using the short version of the physical self-description questionnaire. Women were also asked to answer to questions about their PA habits. The type of PA practiced was then assigned to 1 of the 3 following groups: relaxing activities (n = 14), activities without necessary interactions with other participants (n = 58), and activities including necessary interactions with other participants (n = 46).

Results

Women under 30 years old participating in a regular PA (more than once a week) (n = 137) had a significantly higher physical self-concept than women not participating in a regular PA (n = 61) (p < 0.05). Results differed in physical self-concept sub-scales. The type of PA did not seem to make a difference in physical self-concept scores (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Young women with endometriosis should be advised to participate to a regular PA to increase their physical self-concept and therefore cope better with their anxiety and stress. All types of activities appear to be just as relevant for developing physical self-concept in young women with endometriosis.
Effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Alternaria murispora and the predatory ladybird Harmonia convergens in controlling Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley)
Authors: El Aalaoui Mohamed , Rammali Said , Kamal Fatima Zahra , Calin Gabriela , Rarinca Viorica , Hritcu Luminita Diana , Ciobică Alin , Sbaghi Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a major pest that causes significant damage to many crops worldwide, necessitating effective control methods.

Methods

This study evaluated five treatments under screenhouse conditions: untreated control, Harmonia convergens (HC) alone, Alternaria murispora (AM) alone, AM+HC, and imidacloprid (positive control). Conducted over two experiments, the study involved weekly monitoring for 5 weeks to assess P. solenopsis and HC densities and treated plants’ visual quality.

Results and discussion

In Experiment 1, AM+HC reduced mealybug densities to 2.0 by week 5, compared to 184.2 in the untreated control. Similarly, in Experiment 2, AM+HC decreased densities to 0.8, while the control had 189.6 mealybugs. Egg counts reflected these trends, with AM+HC showing the lowest counts (1.8 in Experiment 1 and 0.8 in Experiment 2) versus the control’s high counts (282.0 in Experiment 1 and 287.3 in Experiment 2). AM+HC had the highest plant visual quality scores (9.8 in Experiment 1 and 9.9 in Experiment 2), while the control scores were much lower (1.2 and 0.3, respectively). Predator densities peaked at 28.1 for HC alone in Experiment 1 and 32.1 in Experiment 2, with AM+HC reaching 14.7 and 18.2, respectively. Mummy counts were initially higher in AM alone but increased significantly in AM+HC by weeks 3 and 4. Experiment 2 had a higher mean temperature (22.17°C) compared to Experiment 1 (20.78°C), though this did not affect treatment efficacy. In conclusion, AM+HC proved most effective in reducing P. solenopsis densities and maintaining plant health, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
Use of a perforator-based flap from the ulnar palmar artery for the repair of defects caused by the treatment of severe contractures due to Dupuytren's disease
Authors: Dai Jiangping , Wang Hui , Wang Haifeng , Sun Xinyang , Zhang Yihan
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of a perforator flap from the ulnar palm in repairing soft tissue defects in the palm and fifth digit following severe Dupuytren's contracture.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted between March 2013 and January 2023. In total, 25 patients with soft tissue defects that occurred after severe Dupuytren's contracture release were treated using a perforator flap from the ulnar palm. Improvements in symptoms and functionality were assessed and compared before and after surgery. Data regarding the degree of contracture, two-point discrimination, and the total active motion (TAM) scale of the affected hand were collected by the same physician at the specified time points (preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up), along with an evaluation of the donor and recipient areas of the flap. Concurrently, patients completed the visual analog scale (VAS) and disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaires.

Results

All 25 flaps survived uneventfully, and the wound healed primarily. The follow-up time was 15–26 months (average, 20.48 months). At the final follow-up, the patient satisfaction score related to flap appearance ranged from 4 to 5 (mean, 4.72). The average two-point discrimination value of the flap was 5.52 ± 0.97 mm. The contracture of the affected hand was improved with a mean TAM of 229° ± 16.75°. Furthermore, the degree of pain and functional status of the affected hand had improved (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A perforator flap from the ulnar palm is a good option to repair the wound that occurs after severe Dupuytren's contracture release.
Meta-analysis of risk factors for postoperative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients with gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Gong Danzhu , Wang Qi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study aims to elucidate the risk factors associated with postoperative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients afflicted with gynecologic malignancies.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across CNKI, CQVIP, Wanfang, and PubMed databases for literature published from January 1, 2024, concerning the risk factors for postoperative DVT in patients with gynecologic cancers. Two researchers independently and objectively screened, extracted, and evaluated the pertinent data. Subsequently, the extracted data were subjected to meta-analysis using STATA software.

Results

A total of twelve studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed, encompassing 2,553 cases. The meta-analysis revealed that significant risk factors for postoperative lower extremity DVT in patients with gynecologic malignancies include age [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.19, 1.54), P < 0.001], Body Mass Index (BMI) [OR = 1.67, 95% CI (1.05, 2.66), P < 0.001], plasma D-dimer levels [OR = 3.39, 95% CI (1.24, 9.24), P < 0.001], duration of surgery [OR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.24, 4.01), P < 0.001], and duration of postoperative bed rest [OR = 2.14, 95% CI (1.56, 2.94), P < 0.001].

Discussion

The study identifies multiple risk factors influencing the incidence of postoperative lower extremity DVT in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Notably, age, BMI, plasma D-dimer levels, surgical duration, and postoperative bed rest emerge as significant predictors. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted prophylaxis and therapeutic interventions in the clinical management of such patients.
Indocyanine green fluorescence improves safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the Fundus First technique: a retrospective study
Authors: Haverinen Susanna , Pajus Evelina , Sandblom Gabriel , Cengiz Yücel
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world, safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is of utmost importance. Indocyanine green (ICG) has been used for different medical purposes including assessment of liver function since the 1950s. Its use during LC was first described in 2009 by Ishizawa. Since ICG is excreted in the bile, its fluorescent properties can be used to illuminate the bile ducts, and may reduce the risk for bile duct injury and other complications. Previous studies have compared ICG with conventional visualization showing shorter operation time and lower conversion rates during LC performed with traditional operation techniques. Results from LC performed with the Fundus First method (FF-LC) and ICG fluorescence has not been previously reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare LC with and without the aid of ICG fluorescence at a Swedish hospital routinely performing FF-LC.

Methods

Data from all patients operated with LC at Sundsvall General Hospital before and after the implementation of routine ICG between 2016 and 2023 were analyzed.

Results

The study included 2,009 patients; 1,455 operated with ICG (ICG-group) and 549 without (comparison group). FF-LC was used in 94.9% of all operations. The groups were comparable regarding gender, BMI, age, presence of acute cholecystitis and proportion urgent/elective surgery. ICG was found to be safe, with similar 30-day complication rates between study groups. A lower conversion rate was seen in the ICG-group (1.2% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.001) and there was a non-significant reduction in readmissions (p = 0.054). In univariate analysis, ICG was associated with prolonged operation time, but this was not supported in multivariate analysis. Time to cholangiography was prolonged in the ICG-group in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Discussion

ICG fluorescence is an adjunct that could improve the operative safety. Implementation of routine ICG fluorescence at this Swedish hospital was found to be safe and efficient, suggesting improvement in safety during FF-LC. Further studies are needed to see if ICG increases safety in LC.
Exploring the antiviral potential of shikimic acid against Chikungunya virus through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments
Authors: Xin Jialiang , Song Xingxing , Zheng Haohong , Li Wenjing , Qin Yuyang , Wang Wei , Zhang He , Peng Guangneng
Published: January 2025

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus that can lead to chronic arthritis and significantly diminish the quality of life of patients. Given the expanding global prevalence of CHIKV and the absence of specific antiviral therapies, there is an urgent need to explore effective treatment options. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral effects of shikimic acid (SA) against CHIKV through a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro assays. Network pharmacology analysis identified 26 potential targets through which SA could inhibit CHIKV, including key pathogenic targets such as TNF, IL-6, and MAPK3. This hypothesis was further supported by molecular docking. The molecular docking analysis revealed that SA could interact with multiple CHIKV-related targets, including EGF, with vina scores generally lower than −6, indicating a high propensity for stable complex formation. The results also suggested that SA could potentially disrupt the IL-17 signaling pathway by engaging with various targets to form complexes. In vitro experiments confirmed that SA significantly enhanced the viability of 293T and BHK-21 cells infected with CHIKV by ~25% and reduced viral load by over 20% at concentrations ranging from 1,000 to 31.25 μM. Additionally, SA was found to markedly downregulate the expression of CHIKV-related attachment factors ACTG1, TSPAN9, and TIM-1 in 293T cells infected with CHIKV. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that SA effectively decreased the expression of NFKB1, PTGS2, RELA, and EGF related to the IL-17 signaling pathway. In conclusion, these findings indicate that SA is a promising candidate for developing treatment strategies targeting CHIKV with good clinical application value.
Novel Integrated Model Approach for High Cycle Fatigue Life and Reliability Assessment of Helicopter Flange Structures
Authors: Sun Yi-Pin , Wen Jiong-Ran , Li Jian , Cao Ai-Fang , Fei Cheng-Wei
Published: January 2025

As one of the critical components in helicopter transmission systems, the flange is prone to fatigue damage and failure under complex operational conditions, which seriously influence operational safety and service life. To improve the structural integrity of flanges, an exponential distribution optimizer (EDO)-based integrated surrogate model (ISM) method is proposed for the fatigue life prediction and reliability evaluation of the flange structure. In this method, the Bayesian model averaging method is adopted to build a high-efficient surrogate model and the EDO is used to find the optimal parameters of the model. The high cycle fatigue (HCF) life prediction and reliability evaluation of the helicopter flange structure are performed by the proposed EDO-ISM method and other methods. Results demonstrated that the EDO-ISM method improves modeling precision by 63.17% and computational efficiency by 8.743%, relative to other methods. The reliability analysis shows a high reliability degree of 0.9981 for the flange structure, while sensitivity analysis reveals that rotational torque (S = 0.386, I = 0.312) and the fatigue ductility index (S = 0.312, I = 0.278) are the most significant parameters affecting the flange HCF life. These results reveal the strengths of the EDO-ISM method in the HCF life prediction and reliability evaluation of the helicopter flange structure. The efforts of this study provide a promising method for the HCF life prediction and reliability evaluation of complex structures besides helicopter flanges under complex working conditions.
Segmentation of Wheat Rust Disease Using Co-Salient Feature Extraction
Authors: Anwar Hirra , Muhammad Haseeb , Ghaffar Muhammad Mohsin , Afridi Muhammad Ali , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Weis Christian , Wehn Norbert , Shafait Faisal
Published: January 2025

Wheat Stripe Rust Disease (WRD) poses a significant threat to wheat crops, causing substantial yield losses and can result in total crop damage if not detected early. The localization of WRD-infected areas is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task due to the intricate and varied nature of the disease spread, especially for large plantations. Hence, segmentation of wheat crops is vital for early identification of the WRD-affected area, which allows for the implementation of targeted intervention measures. The state-of-the-art segmentation technique for WRD using the real-world semantic segmentation NWRD dataset is based on a UNet model with the Adaptive Patching with Feedback (APF) technique. However, this implementation is complex and requires significant resources and time for training due to the processing of each patch of the dataset. Our work in this paper improves the state-of-the-art by using a two-stage model: a Vision Transformer (ViT) classifier to distinguish between the rust and non-rust patches and a less complex co-salient object detection (Co-SOD) model for segmentation of the classified images. The Co-SOD model uses multiple rust patches to extract contextual features from a group of images. By analyzing multiple patches of wheat rust disease simultaneously, we can segment disease regions more accurately. Our results show that the proposed approach achieves a higher F1 score (0.638), precision (0.621), and recall (0.675) for the rust class with 5× less training time as compared to the previous works.
Sown Diversity Effects on the C and N Cycle and Interactions with Fertilization
Authors: Aljazairi Salvador , Ribas Angela , Llurba Rosa , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Voltas Jordi , Nogués Salvador , Sebastiá Maria Teresa
Published: January 2025

A better understanding of the role of plant composition and N cycle on agroecosystems is necessary, as these will be affected by future developments in agriculture intensification. To explore the effect of plant diversity on yield and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) balances in forage mixtures, identifying potential co-benefits between functions. We analyzed results from a field experiment where plants of three forage species (a grass, a legume, and a non-legume forb) were cultivated in monocultures and mixtures. Three years after sward establishment, dry matter yield, together with δ15N, δ13C, and C and N content in plant and soil material were measured. In addition, we analyzed a second scenario to investigate the effect of fertigation with pig slurry (δ15N = +8.4‰) on the C and N balances of forage species. Results support the hypothesis that C and N allocation is affected by plant diversity. Plant composition affected N source (% N derived from air, % N derived from soil, and % N transferred in mixtures). In addition, sown diversity increased yield and modulated C and N balances. The δ15N of samples was affected by both plant composition and fertigation. These results are consistent with previous work showing strong plant composition effects on N-balances, and the potential role that legumes play in enhancing nitrogen sources (derived from the atmosphere) into forage mixture systems. This study contributes to the prediction of suitable sown plant community composition and N management for the optimum agriculture with increased productivity and at the same time reduced environmental impact.
A Survey on Biosecurity and Animal Welfare in Twenty-Five Beef Cattle Farms in the Marche Region, Central Italy: Application of the ClassyFarm Checklists
Authors: Alquati Filippo , Quagliardi Martina , Gavazza Alessandra , Roncarati Alessandra , Galosi Livio , Corradini Corrado M.
Published: January 2025

In Italy, the livestock sector is facing a crucial transformation phase towards a production system able to guarantee a high standard of health and animal welfare. With this aim, the ClassyFarm platform (CFp) has been activated by the Italian Ministry of Health, with a prominent role for farm veterinarians, who are responsible for the livestock farms’ evaluation and the entering of data for self-monitoring purposes into the information system. This work aimed to analyse the application of CFp in the biosecurity and animal welfare areas in twenty-five beef cattle farms of the Marche Region, Central Italy, using the checklists provided by the platform itself. The results, expressed in percentages, were compared with the national averages. The percentages of the animal welfare assessment, which were higher than the national average, are likely the result of improved management and a broad understanding of these indicators based on animal observations. At the same time, the biosecurity area, in line with the national average, resulted in much lower percentages, leading to the assessment that some farming areas should definitely be improved. This result reflects the non-intensive and family-run breeding type of breeding typical of this region, characterised by particular attention to animal welfare.
Mast Cell Density in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Juodžiukynienė Nomeda , Lasienė Kristina , Savickienė Nijolė , Aniulienė Albina
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate mast cell density in squamous cell carcinoma tissues of dogs and cats to assess species differences. Skin squamous cell carcinoma tissues from dogs (n = 15: n = 10 from body sites and n = 5 nail bed specimens) and cats (n = 15, n = 10 from ears and n = 5 nasal planum specimens) were examined. Intratumoral mast cell density (IMCD), peritumoral mast cell density (PMCD) and total mast cells density (TMCD) as a sum of IMCD and PMCD were calculated from Giemsa-stained slides at high magnification in 1 mm2 using an Olympus microscope (Olympus BX41, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with a digital Olympus DP72 image camera and CellSensDimension software V1.16). Both intratumoral and peritumoral tissues of the squa.mous cell carcinoma were divided into two categories: (1) loose, well-vascularized, rich in lymphocytes and plasmocytes, macrophages and neutrophils; and (2) fibrous, with few or no lymphocytes, plasmocytes, macrophages and neutrophils (the presence of neutrophils can be associated with actinic keratosis, mechanical irritation of the tumor in some anatomical areas during scratching with teeth, but, in general, neutrophils are associated with more invasive squamous cell carcinoma). In cats, a markedly higher total number of mast cells was found, and the number was also higher in intratumoral and peritumoral tissues. A similar tendency was found in both dogs and cats—a markedly higher number of mastocytes was found in both peritumoral and intratumoral loose, well-vascularized connective tissue. Conversely, lower numbers of mast cells were found in both intratumoral and peritumoral compact fibrous tissue in both animal species.
A Closed Reduction of Cervical Spine Subluxation in an Arabian Foal with an External Neck Stabilizer
Authors: Domańska-Kruppa Natalia , Stefanik Elżbieta , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Kleinpeter André
Published: January 2025

Cervical spine injuries that impact young horses and foals can result in mild to severe neurological signs or even result in sudden death. There are only a few reports on conservative treatment options for this condition in the scientific literature. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to the development of degenerative joint disease, resulting in chronic neurological symptoms and discomfort. We present the case of a two-day-old Arabian foal that showed signs of ataxia following a neck injury, being the result of cervical spine subluxation. Radiological examination revealed a dislocation between the second and third cervical vertebrae. At admission to the clinic on the seventh day of life, the foal’s clinical examination parameters were within physiological ranges. The head posture at the presentation was consistently low, the foal could not lift its head above the shoulder joint throughout the whole examination, the neck muscles were spastically tensed and clinical signs of ataxia were present. The foal underwent a closed reduction in the subluxation under general anesthesia and a fiberglass semicircular gutter was created to stabilize the neck in the desired position. The ataxia symptoms began to improve around day 12 post manipulation, and the fiberglass stabilizer was removed after 16 days post manipulation, followed by radiographs. The dislocation of C2/C3 was no longer visible on the radiographs, and the foal was able to assume a normal neck posture after the removal of the fixator.
The Influence of Monofunctional Silanes on the Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Hot Melt Butyl Rubber Sealants
Authors: Czakaj Jakub , Sztorch Bogna , Pakuła Daria , Przekop Robert E.
Published: January 2025

The influence of organosilicon compounds on butyl sealant blends’ mechanical and processing properties was investigated, particularly under increased humidity conditions. The addition of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTES), (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMOS), and (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) to elastomeric blends containing butyl rubber (IIR) and polyisobutylene (PIB) was studied. Key rheological parameters, including Mooney viscosity and melt volume rate (MVR), along with mechanical attributes such as peel resistance and cone penetration, were evaluated. Results indicated that functionalized silanes enhance sealant cohesion when their functional groups interact with the matrix and form cross-links under humid conditions. The presence of unreacted silanes acts as a plasticizer, increasing MVR and reducing viscosity. A notable MVR increase, up to 109 mL/10 min, was observed for the APTES-10 system. The most significant mechanical property enhancements were observed in blends containing MPTES and APTES, resulting in increased cohesion and peel resistance. The findings of this research are of considerable practical relevance, demonstrating that the modification of rubber sealants with monofunctional silanes improves their cohesion, delamination resistance, and processability, thereby making these materials suitable for the production of more durable sealants.
GPU-Accelerated Algorithm for Polygon Reconstruction
Authors: Ji Ruian , Niu Zhirui , Chen Lan
Published: January 2025

Polygon reconstruction is widely used across various fields. Although the current polygon reconstruction algorithms have achieved near-linear time complexity, they still fail to meet the speed demands imposed by the exponential growth in polygon numbers. The development of GPU technology provides a promising solution to this issue. This paper proposes a GPU-based algorithm that leverages hash tables and memory pools to transform the polygon reconstruction problem into an efficiently parallelizable task. Experimental results on Nvidia RTX 2080Ti demonstrate that the new algorithm achieves 17× and 46× speedups on Manhattan and non-Manhattan polygon test sets, respectively. Compared to traditional CPU algorithms, the new algorithm significantly improves processing speeds, especially when handling layouts with complex polygons. It demonstrates strong scalability and performance advantages, providing crucial support for enhancing the overall efficiency of CAD tools.
Data Transmission Error Detection and Correction with Cyclic Redundancy Check and Polar Code Integration with Successive Cancellation Decoding Algorithm
Authors: An Fanglin , Ye Jun , Yang Zewen
Published: January 2025

In the context of Internet of Things and 5G communication, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data transmission is critical, especially as the future 6G communication system places a greater emphasis on highly reliable transmission. However, the existing error correction schemes for 5G are found to be insufficient in their error correction capability for the 6G environment. To address this issue, this paper proposes an enhanced error correction scheme, which is an improvement over existing methods. This scheme is based on a combination of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) codes and Polar Codes, optimized through the use of a Successive Cancellation Decoding algorithm. The objective is to enhance the error detection and correction capabilities during data transmission. By leveraging the synergistic application of CRC and Polar Codes, the proposed scheme introduces enhanced sequence interleaving techniques and error pattern analysis, which significantly improve the decoding algorithm’s performance and accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme, in comparison to the traditional Successive Cancellation Decoding algorithm, effectively reduces the block error rate (BLER), thereby enhancing the high reliability of data transmission.
Portuguese Traditional Dry-Fermented Sausages Processed with Liquid Smoke Flavoring: How This Alternative Technology Affects Proteolysis and Biogenic Amines Profile
Authors: Gomes-Bispo Ana , Elias Miguel , Santos Carlos , Roseiro Luisa Cristina
Published: January 2025

To avoid carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, liquid smoke flavoring (LSF) is widely used by the meat industry, yet wood smoking remains a deep-rooted practice among Portuguese traditional dry-fermented producers. In this study, the use of LSF was compared with traditional smoking. In addition, two different ways of using LSF were also tested: spraying and mixing (during seasoning). The profiles of amino acids (AA) and biogenic amines (BA) were studied at pre-scheduled moments of processing and storage. When compared to smoked products, LSF did not affect total AA content; however, when mixed during seasoning, it inhibited the accumulation of arginine and lysine (precursors of BA) in final products. The conventional smoking replacement, by mixing LSF during seasoning, turned out to be critical to lessen BA of bacterial origin accumulation as well, especially for putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine. The benefits of spraying LSF over smoking were higher for final products than for storage, as differences between them tended to fade with time (except for tyramine). These results also demonstrate that a simple change in traditional dry-fermented sausage processing, such as mixing LSF during product seasoning, significantly contributes to the safety of these products through the reduction in undesirable BA.
Reversible Adversarial Examples with Minimalist Evolution for Recognition Control in Computer Vision
Authors: Yang Shilong , Leng Lu , Chang Ching-Chun , Chang Chin-Chen
Published: January 2025

As artificial intelligence increasingly automates the recognition and analysis of visual content, it poses significant risks to privacy, security, and autonomy. Computer vision systems can surveil and exploit data without consent. With these concerns in mind, we introduce a novel method to control whether images can be recognized by computer vision systems using reversible adversarial examples. These examples are generated to evade unauthorized recognition, allowing only systems with permission to restore the original image by removing the adversarial perturbation with zero-bit error. A key challenge with prior methods is their reliance on merely restoring the examples to a state in which they can be correctly recognized by the model; however, the restored images are not fully consistent with the original images, and they require excessive auxiliary information to achieve reversibility. To achieve zero-bit error restoration, we utilize the differential evolution algorithm to optimize adversarial perturbations while minimizing distortion. Additionally, we introduce a dual-color space detection mechanism to localize perturbations, eliminating the need for extra auxiliary information. Ultimately, when combined with reversible data hiding, adversarial attacks can achieve reversibility. Experimental results demonstrate that the PSNR and SSIM between the restored images by the method and the original images are ∞ and 1, respectively. The PSNR and SSIM between the reversible adversarial examples and the original images are 48.32 dB and 0.9986, respectively. Compared to state-of-the-art methods, the method maintains high visual fidelity at a comparable attack success rate.