bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using an Instagram campaign to influence knowledge, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions for sustainable behaviors
Authors: Varni Alexander , Thai Chan L. , Jamaleddine Sandra
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Climate change poses one of the most pervasive threats to the planet today. Intervention is required to promote pro-environmental behaviors among individuals to curb its effects. Borrowing several constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior, we designed and evaluated a campaign, delivered primarily through Instagram, to shift sustainability-related cognitions and behaviors among university students.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to undergraduate students at a Northern California university and collected responses from 1,552 participants.

Results

Comparing students who self-reported exposure to the campaign with those who were not exposed, students who observed the campaign materials had more knowledge about (p < .001), greater perceived social norms about (p < .001), and greater intentions to perform sustainable behaviors (p < .001). There were also increases in sustainable behaviors during the campaign, compared to the previous academic term.

Discussion

Implementing campaigns inspired by behavior change theories may be one viable strategy to increase individual sustainable behaviors for climate change mitigation.
Personality factors and pandemic-related behaviors
Authors: Williamson Jessica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to determine whether there are personality differences (the HEXACO model, narcissism, sadism, compassion for others) in mask-wearing, social distancing, and hoarding.

Findings

Those who always wore masks were significantly higher in compassion for others and significantly lower in sadism compared to those who did not always wear masks. Those who always socially distanced (compared to those who did not) were significantly higher in openness, compassion for others, and conscientiousness. Those who hoarded were significantly lower in agreeableness than those who did not hoard.

Conclusion

Perhaps physicians may use information to boost states of altruistic-type traits (agreeableness, compassion for others) while educating patients during visits in order to increase the likelihood of receiving vaccinations or booster shots.
Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Abdul Manan Hanani , Mir Imtiyaz Ali , Humayra Syeda , Tee Rong Yuen , Vasu Deepak Thazhakkattu
Published: July 2024

Background

Adopting lifestyle interventions is pivotal in coronary artery disease (CAD) management and prevention to amplify cardiovascular and mental well-being. This study aims to quantify the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anxiety, depression and stress in CAD patients.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching four electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Science Direct) through December 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro tool, and the study outcomes were expressed as standard mean difference at 95% CI.

Results

Out of 1838 yielded results, eight RCTs involving 623 participants with a mean age of 56.96 ± 4.89 met the prespecified eligibility criteria. The pooled results showed a statistically significant and beneficial effect of MBIs on CAD patients’ mental health status in regards to anxiety (SMD = −0.83; 95% CI [−1.19, −0.46], p < 0.001), depression (SMD = − 0.86; 95% CI [−1.14, −0.58], p < 0.001), and stress (SMD = −0.69; 95% CI [−1.27, −0.12], p = 0.02). The subgroup sensitivity analyses based on the region (Asia vs. Europe) indicated a statistically non-significant subgroup effect of MBIs on anxiety (I2 = 63.9%, p = 0.10) and depression (I2 = 25.8%, p = 0.25), and a significant effect on stress (I2 = 80.0%, p = 0.03). Although the methodological quality of the trials was generally satisfactory, all studies lacked allocation concealment and blinding. Additionally, gender imbalances, and inadequate follow-up may have potentially compromised the validity of the trials.

Conclusion

Mindfulness-based interventions are beneficial for improving CAD patients’ anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct more rigorous and robust studies with an equal gender ratio and long-term follow-up.
Social support utilization’s effect on post-traumatic stress symptoms: a Danish cross-sectional study of 383 ambulance personnel
Authors: Melander Pernille , Vang Maria Louison , Lindekilde Nanna , Andersen Lars Peter Sønderbo , Elklit Ask , Pihl-Thingvad Jesper
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Social support is considered an important factor in prevention of mental illness. However, little is known about the association between ambulance personnel’s use of multiple types of social support and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study aims to assess if number of used social support types predicts PTSS for ambulance personnel. Apart from assessing the main effect of social support utilization, we were interested in investigating if social support utilization moderated the effect of frequency of critical events on PTSS.

Materials and methods

A total of 383 ambulance personnel completed a survey consisting of validated questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between frequency of traumatic exposure and utilization of social support and PTSS as outcome variable.

Results

Higher number of utilized social support types was associated with higher levels of PTSS (β = 0.15, p <.001). When serving as a moderator of the association between frequency of exposure to critical incidents and PTSS, social support utilization had a significant and positive interaction effect (β = 0.26, p = .049). 307 participants had used 2 or 3 types of informal support during the past year, whereas 81 had used 2 or 3 types of formal support.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the relationship between utilization of multiple, concurrent social support types and PTSS. This study suggests that to understand the effects of social support among ambulance personnel, it is necessary to assess the utilization of multiple concurrent support types, contributing factors to social support use, and different patterns of social support utilization that constitutes professional life in ambulance work.
Addressing AMR and planetary health in primary care: the potential of general practitioners as change agents
Authors: Tigges Paula , Greser Alexandra , Gágyor Ildikó , Kraft Judith , Maun Andy , Schmiemann Guido , Schwienhorst-Stich Eva-Maria , Heintze Christoph , Schuster Angela
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance is closely linked with the health and stability of environmental systems and therefore a challenge for the health of the planet. General Practitioners, owing to their trusted positions and close patient relationships, can play a crucial role in addressing antimicrobial resistance within the framework of Planetary Health. The goal of our study was to examine General Practitioners’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the linkage of antimicrobial resistance with Planetary Health to understand their potential as agents of change in this domain.

Materials and methods

We conducted 19 guided interviews with General Practitioners from four different German federal states (August–September 2022). Participants were selected from the intervention group of the RedAres randomized controlled trial, a study designed to optimize therapy and prescribing practices for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in general practice. Data were analyzed using Mayring’s structured qualitative content analysis and the typology approach by Kelle and Kluge.

Results

General Practitioners generally demonstrated the ability to identify the interlinkages between antimicrobial resistance and Planetary Health. However, they exhibited varying levels of knowledge, problem awareness, and accountability for the associated challenges and partially outsourced the responsibility for Planetary Health. Some General Practitioners were capable of integrating Planetary Health arguments into patient counseling. They recognized rational prescribing practice, self-reflection on antimicrobial resistance and Planetary Health, interprofessional exchange, and raising awareness among patients as potential avenues for engagement in promoting Planetary Health.

Discussion

As antimicrobial resistance is increasingly recognized as a Planetary Health challenge, empowering General Practitioners as change agents requires tailored measures based on their level of previous knowledge and their attitude toward Planetary Health. General Practitioners express a need for concrete advice on how to integrate antimicrobial resistance as a Planetary Health topic into their daily activities. Developing and evaluating adaptable training materials is essential. Additionally, the integration of Planetary Health outcomes into clinical guidelines could accelerate the adoption of this dimension in antibiotic prescribing practices within primary care settings.
Work-related injuries of rehabilitation therapists and measures for prevention
Authors: Liu Wei , Tian Weibo , Wu Tianyu , Luo Bin , Yi Jiang , Li Wenmao , Jiang Junjie , Wei Yanlong , Zhang Tianqi , Zhang Fengyue , Duan Xiaoqin , Zheng Bin
Published: July 2024

Background

Rehabilitation therapists often perform physically demanding treatments that may result in work-related injuries, yet related studies are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the work-related injuries of rehabilitation therapists and provide feasible preventive measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 34 regions across China using an online questionnaire. The survey gathered responses primarily from 1,198 rehabilitative therapists working in 120 health institutes. Following data collection, descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to analyze the data.

Results

In this study, the incidence of work-related injuries was reported to be 87% (n = 1,041). The top three musculoskeletal issues reported were low back pain (12%), neck pain (10%), and shoulder pain (9%). Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis identified that working as a physiotherapist and years of work experience (OR [95% CI]: 1.03 [0.99–1.07]) were significant contributors to the incidence of work-related injuries. Specifically, neuro-physiotherapists (OR [95% CI]: 3.04 [1.56–5.92]), musculoskeletal physiotherapists (OR [95% CI]: 2.46 [1.16–5.18]), and intensive care physiotherapists (OR [95% CI]: 4.70 [1.24–17.88]) were at higher risk. Furthermore, five factors were proven to be associated with injury prevention as reported by therapists: patient engagement (OR [95% CI]: 0.38 [0.23–0.62]), improving techniques (OR [95% CI]: 0.59 [0.39–0.90]), maintaining exercise habits (OR [95% CI]: 0.59 [0.40–0.86]), utilizing instruments (OR [95% CI]: 0.80 [0.53–1.19]), and strengthening education (OR [95% CI]: 0.43 [0.21–0.90]).

Conclusion

The present study investigated the factors contributing to work-related injuries among rehabilitation therapists, with a focus on identifying both risk and preventive measures. These findings offer new perspectives on decreasing injury risk.
Prevalence and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Chinese children aged 1–7 years: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Ma Xueting , Xie Zhiyin , Zhou Yu , Shi Hui
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. To date, no meta-analysis have been conducted on the prevalence and risk factors of AD in children aged 1–7 years in Mainland China.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of AD among children aged 1–7 years in China. Chinese and English publications were searched in Chinese and English databases on AD epidemiology published between 1999 and 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated their quality. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model (I2 > 50%) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the forest plots. Data were processed using the RevMan 5.3.

Results

Nineteen studies (data from 127,660 samples) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of AD in Chinese children aged 1–7 years was 8%. Over the last decade, the prevalence of AD has increased. The prevalence of AD among children in southern China was higher than that in northern China and was the highest at the provincial level in Zhejiang, Shanxi, and Anhui. The prevalence of AD was dependent on the family history of allergy, passive smoking, households with pets, plush toys, and residential area.

Discussion

The prevalence of AD in children (age 1–7 years) in China has increased. Further studies are needed to monitor the prevalence of AD in Chinese children. Therefore, early prevention and screening should be performed for children with a family history of AD, and their living environment should be improved to reduce allergen stimulation, thus reducing the development of AD.
Effectiveness of high intensity and sprint interval training on metabolic biomarkers, body composition, and physical fitness in adolescents: randomized controlled trial
Authors: González-Gálvez Noelia , López-Gil José Francisco , Espeso-Garcia Alejandro , Abenza-Cano Lucia , Mateo-Orcajada Adrián , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HIIT and SIT programmes on body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, cardiorespiratory fitness, and strength of adolescents and to compare the effect between those different protocols.

Methods

Sixty adolescents were recruited from a high school and were randomly placed into three groups. SIT and HIIT undertook a training for 8 weeks, twice a week, for 12 min per session, during their Physical Education lessons. SIT group performed 6 sets of 60 s of work (90-95%HRmax) / 60 s of rest (50-55%HRmax), and HIIT group performed 3 sets of 2 min of work (80-85%HRmax) / 2 min of rest (50-55%HRmax).

Results

After adjustment by sex, both experimental groups exhibited a significant reduction in fat mass (p < 0.01), and trunk fat mass (p < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in lean mass (p = 0.01; <0.01), hand-grip strength (p < 0.01) and standing long jump (p = 0.05–0.04, respectively). In addition, HIIT showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and VO2max, and a tendency toward a significant reduction in low density lipoprotein.

Conclusion

The implementation of a HIIT protocol within high school Physical Education sessions, maintained for 8 weeks, at a rate of 3 sets of 2 min of work (80–85% RHR)/2 min of rest (50–55% RHR) generated adaptations such as improved fitness condition, changes in body composition, and improvements in blood parameters and blood pressure. However, the group of adolescents who performed SIT, shorter but more intense sets, did not experience as many benefits.
Effects of fermented jujube powder on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and antioxidant properties of simmental bulls
Authors: Liu Yongqing , Wang Gaifang , Wang Rui , Zhang Xia , Feng Caiping , He Ying , Chu Panpan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Fermented jujube powder (FJP) promotes a balance between the intestinal microflora and immune factors in animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FJP on the production performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and antioxidant properties of bulls.

Methods

Forty Simmental bulls were randomly divided into four groups based on body weight and fed a basal diet with [5, 7.5, or 10% dry matter (DM)] or without FJP. The experimental period was 20 d for adaptation and 60 d for the feeding trial.

Results

Dietary FJP supplementation did not affect DM intake (P > 0.05) but increased the average daily gain quadratically (P = 0.049) and decreased the feed conversion ratio linearly (P = 0.042). FJP quadratically enhanced DM and crude protein digestibility (P = 0.026 and P = 0.041, respectively) and linearly enhanced acid detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.048). It also increased the total volatile fatty acid concentration quadratically (P = 0.037), acetate molar percentage, and acetate-to-propionate ratio linearly (P = 0.002 and 0.001), and reduced the ammonia nitrogen concentration linearly (P = 0.003). Additionally, xylanase and protease activities and Ruminococcus flavefaciens abundance increased linearly (P = 0.006, 0.018, and 0.009, respectively), and total bacteria, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminobacter amylophilus abundance increased quadratically (P = 0.047, 0.011, and 0.021, respectively). FJP linearly increased serum total protein concentration and antioxidant capacity (P = 0.003 and 0.018, respectively) and decreased malonaldehyde content (P = 0.006).

Discussion

FJP supplementation (7.5%) enhanced production performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and serum antioxidant capacity in bulls. The improved nutrient digestion may be due to an increase in ruminal microorganisms and total volatile fatty acids from the FJP. High blood antioxidant levels indicate that FJP may preserve proteins, thereby boosting the production performance of bulls.
Ideologia w roli towaru.
Autorytaryzm w populistycznej formie
Authors: Szczegóła Lech
Published: July 2024

The subject of the article is the phenomenon of successes of alt-right parties and their leaders. The contemporary rise of radical populism and its geopolitical scope are reflected in the discourse of its new features. Such a discussion offers a wealth of concepts and notions. Most of them describe practices of “dismantling” democracy, threats of dictatorship or even fascism. The presented analysis focuses on the question of the ideological identity of cases that can be specified as consolidated populism. The thesis I advance shows that the source of the durability of electoral support is a specific narrative based on a thinking style which Zygmunt Bauman termed “retrotopia.” This popular world view functions as a legitimizing myth, which the process of limiting democracy hides in the form of culture war. I conclude that the concept of retrotopia as a popularistic ideology adds more to the distinction between today’s different varieties of populist movements and political leaders.
„Następny krok należy do nas”. Bunt Jewgienija Prigożyna i Grupy Wagnera w perspektywie koncepcji taktycznej komunikacji
Authors: Shukuralieva Nartsiss
Published: July 2024

The article analyses the tactics of the rebellion of Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner Group of 23–24 June 2023. Referring to the concept of communicative tactics, the article argues for the thesis that Yevgeny Prigozhin’s rebellion was a strategy to provide a platform to express his expectations and negotiate with political power. This suggests viewing the rebellion as an act of communication and the rebels as rational actors. The article addresses the issue of tactics, rarely discussed in rebellion studies. The aim of the text is to answer the question of the mechanisms regulating the course of the revolt of J. Prigozhin and the Wagner Group militants. At a more detailed level, the article reconstructs the ways in which J. Prigozhin used two tactics characteristic of military mutinies treated as manifestations of tactical communication: making accusations public and formulating threats to use force.
Wykorzystanie algorytmów i narzędzi sztucznej inteligencji w kampanii wyborczej w Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej i Republice Słowacji – analiza case studies
Authors: Mroczka Kamil , Żarna Krzysztof , Nowakowski Michał
Published: July 2024

The article focuses on the issue of using artificial intelligence tools and algorithms in parliamentary election campaigns in Poland and Slovakia. In the first part of the article, the process of the conceptualization of the terms artificial intelligence and microtargeting was carried out. This was followed by an analysis of the legal conditions related to the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigns. The empirical part of the paper presents the results of the conducted research, presenting examples of the use of artificial intelligence in the 2023 parliamentary campaign. Campaigns in Poland and Slovakia were the subject of analysis. The main research question of the paper is as follows: how does artificial intelligence influence democratic processes in Poland and Slovakia? For the purposes of the paper, several research methods were used: institutional-legal analysis, comparative method and empirical research – analysis of content published on the Internet.
Nadrzędny cel polityki wedle Zygmunta Baumana. Utowarowienie pracy i utowarowienie konsumpcji w stałej i płynnej nowoczesności
Authors: Czapnik Sławomir
Published: July 2024

Using categories developed by the late Zygmunt Bauman, the article focuses on commodification in solid and liquid modernity, which he sees as the overarching goal of politics. In the first part, author discusses the mechanisms of commodification of labour in the heavy, producer phase of modernity, highlighting issues such as panoptic power and Fordist mechanisms of production. It then analyses the commodification of consumption and the individual’s treatment of himself as a commodity. It concludes by writing about the need to de-commodify social relations.
Affective Implications of Human–Animal Relationship on Pig Welfare: Integrating Non-Linear Heart Rate Variability Measures
Authors: Calderón-Amor Javiera , Zuleta Belén , Ceballos Maria Camila , Cartes Daniel , Byrd Christopher J. , Lecorps Benjamin , Palomo Rocío , Guzmán-Pino Sergio A. , Siel Daniela , Luna Daniela
Published: July 2024

The human–animal relationship is crucial for animal welfare. Gentle handling enhances pigs’ comfort while rough handling causes fear and stress. This study examined how different human–animal relationship qualities affect the behavior and heart rate variability (linear and non-linear parameters) of 36 nursery pigs. Over six weeks, pigs experienced positive (n = 12), minimal (n = 12), or negative (n = 12) human handling. Their responses to handlers were then assessed in an experimental arena with four phases: habituation, exposure to the handler standing and sitting, and forced interaction. Pigs subjected to negative handling exhibited increased fear-related behaviors, spending less time in contact with the handler. They also exhibited heightened stress responses, with greater LF/HF ratio and Lmean values compared with positively handled pigs. Conversely, gently handled pigs displayed affiliative behaviors, accepting more strokes, and higher parasympathetic activation, indicated by greater RMSSD/SDNN and SampEn values, suggesting a more positive affective state. Minimally handled pigs exhibited some behavioral similarities to gently handled pigs, although physiological data indicated that the interaction was likely more rewarding for the gently handled pigs. These results emphasize the impact of human–animal relationships on pig welfare and highlight the value of incorporating non-linear heart rate variability parameters in such evaluations.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Dülmen Wild, Liebenthal and Polish Konik Horses in Comparison with Przewalski, Sorraia, German Draught and Riding Horses
Authors: Duderstadt Silke , Distl Ottmar
Published: July 2024

The objective of the present study was to analyze the genetic diversity, individual-based assessment of population structure, and admixture in the Dülmen wild horse population in comparison to warmblood, coldblood, and primitive horse populations. The Dülmen wild horse is kept as a unique horse population in the Merfelder Bruch near Dülmen in Westphalia, Germany, and since 1856 has been managed by the Dukes of Croÿ. The Dülmen wild horse population is exposed to the natural conditions of the Merfelder Bruch all year round without human interventions for feeding and veterinary care. In the present study, genetic diversity was estimated for 101 Dülmen wild horses using multilocus genotypic information from a set of 29 autosomal microsatellites and compared with 587 horses from 17 different horse populations. Dülmen wild horses maintained a high degree of genetic diversity, with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.68, a mean number of 6.17 alleles, and heterozygote deficit of −0.035. Pairwise genetic distances (FST, Nei’s standard, and Cavalli-Sforza distances) were closest to German coldblood breeds, Polish Konik, and Icelandic horses and most divergent from Sorraia and Przewalski’s horses. Neighbor joining dendrogram and PCA plots showed a clear distinction of Dülmen wild horses from other populations, particularly from Przewalski horses. Posterior Bayesian analysis confirmed clear differentiation from other horse populations without an admixture pattern and a high membership index (0.92). It was possible to distinguish Dülmen wild horses from Dülmen and Polish Konik horses. In conclusion, Dülmen wild horses show a notable separation from other German horse breeds and primitive horse populations and may serve as a resource to study evolution of equine domestication.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Approach to Assessing and Promoting Animal Welfare in Collaboration with Universities
Authors: Gandia Kristine M. , Elliott Jo , Girling Simon , Kessler Sharon E. , Buchanan-Smith Hannah M.
Published: July 2024

Good zoos have four aims—to conserve species, educate the public, engage in research, and provide recreation—all of which can only be achieved when underpinned by high animal welfare standards. In this paper, we share the approach that The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park take to animal welfare. We highlight the role that animal welfare research, in collaboration with universities, has had in enabling the zoo to take an evidence-based approach to welfare and to put findings into practice. We share the collaborative process through which we developed and piloted the current animal welfare assessment tools, how they were validated, and how they were tested for reliability as part of a long-term collaboration between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the University of Stirling: (1) the RZSS Welfare Assessment Tool, a 50-question animal welfare assessment adapted from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Toolkit; and (2) the Stirling Toolkit, a package of evidence-based resources for behavioural-data collection. Our aim is to facilitate standardised, evidence-based approaches to assessing animal welfare which, when finalised, can be used collaboratively across zoos.
Effects of Herd Establishment Time and Structure on Group-on-Individual Aggression Intensity in Farm Pigs
Authors: Wang Zhen , Shi Zhengxiang , Li Hao , Liu Hui , Xiao Zhaowei , Wang Hao , Pu Shihua
Published: July 2024

Aggression in farm animals affects welfare. Although one-on-one aggression was studied, group-on-individual aggression remains unresolved. This study aimed to examine how herd establishment times and structures influence aggression intensity (AI) of herds towards unfamiliar pigs. Six groups of pigs were established, with a new pig added every three days. AI was measured by skin lesion severity on the new pigs. A parabolic model based on the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and conjoint analysis identified factors influencing AI. Results show AI was not significantly affected by herd size but was significantly influenced by the number of pens (p < 0.01). AI showed a significant association with elevated time (T) since the establishment of the herd in six pig herds (Kendall’s tau-τ = 0.976, p < 0.001). The effect of T on the AI became stronger as T increased, which was consistently validated in six pig herds. Furthermore, the interaction effect indicates a significant difference in AI between herds formed with two pens and those with more than two pens when T ≤ 12 (p < 0.05). However, as T increased beyond 12, the number of pens used to form the herd did not significantly affect AI. These findings highlight the complex interactions between herd establishment time and structural composition in shaping aggression intensity towards unfamiliar pigs.
A Machine Learning-Based Forecast Model for Career Planning in Human Resource Management: A Case Study of the Turkish Post Corporation
Authors: Gülten Hakan , Baraçlı Hayri
Published: July 2024

In sustainable and competitive business management, it is crucial for organizations to consider organizational change and transformational leadership in human resource (HR) management to adapt to the changes in their environment. This capability enables large-scale enterprises to maintain their presence in an increasingly competitive environment through enhanced management capacity. Enterprises that adopt transformational leadership in HR management must equip leadership candidates with competencies such as creating a shared vision, providing appropriate role models, encouraging the adoption of group goals, meeting high performance expectations, and providing individual support and the development of intellectual stimulation. By identifying potential leadership candidates using a decision support model, the necessary competencies can be developed through in-service training and experiential learning during their careers. Innovative and effective approaches to identifying leadership candidates can be developed by analyzing complex big data using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. In this article, a forecast model using machine learning (ML) algorithms for a human resource management career planning approach was developed for the Turkish Post Corporation (PTT) and it was tested to predict potential leadership candidates by analyzing the big data of 5000 employees. The Turkish Post Corporation ML algorithms were applied to 100 randomly selected data points using the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to predict the types of titles held by the staff employed at PTT. The kNN, GB, RF, and SVM algorithms achieved accuracy rates of 96%, 91%, 73%, and 41%, respectively. The case study results indicate that promotion decisions in large-scale and rooted enterprises can be effectively modeled using big data and ML algorithms, highlighting significant potential for HR management and leadership development practices in the public sector.
Application of Shannon Entropy in Assessing Changes in Precipitation Conditions and Temperature Based on Long-Term Sequences Using the Bootstrap Method
Authors: Twaróg Bernard
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the application of Shannon entropy to analyze the long-term variability in climate data, specifically focusing on precipitation and temperature. By employing data from 1901 to 2010 across 377 catchments worldwide, we investigated the dynamics of climate variables using the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution and Shannon entropy measures. The methodology hinged on the robust bootstrap technique to accommodate the inherent uncertainties in climatic data, enhancing the reliability of our entropy estimates. Our analysis revealed significant trends in entropy values, suggesting variations in the unpredictability and complexity of climate behavior over the past century. These trends were critically assessed using non-parametric tests to discern the underlying patterns and potential shifts in climate extremes. The results underscore the profound implications of entropy trends in understanding climate variability and aiding the prediction of future climatic conditions. This research not only confirms the utility of Shannon entropy in climatological studies but also highlights its potential in enhancing our understanding of complex and chaotic climate systems. The study’s findings are vital for developing adaptive strategies in response to the evolving nature of climate extremes, thus contributing to more informed decision-making in environmental management and policy formulation.
Simulation of China’s Carbon Peak Path Based on Random Forest and Sparrow Search Algorithm—Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Yang Zhoumu , Wu Xiaoying , Song Yinan , Pan Jiao
Published: July 2024

How to decouple economic growth from carbon dioxide emissions and achieve low-carbon transformation of the Chinese economy has become an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Firstly, the Tapio index is used to identify China’s carbon peak status, and then the Technology Choice Index (TCI) and economic complexity are introduced into the comprehensive factor analysis framework for carbon dioxide emissions. Key influencing factors are identified using random forest and ridge regression. On this basis, a novel sparrow search algorithm–long short-term memory (SSA-LSTM) model which has more prediction accuracy compared with past studies is constructed to predict the dynamic evolution trend of carbon dioxide emissions, and in combination with scenario analysis, the path towards the carbon peak is simulated. The following conclusions are obtained: The benchmark scenario peaks in 2031, with a peak of 12.346 billion tons, and the low-carbon scenario peaks in 2030, with a peak of 11.962 billion tons. The extensive scenario peaks in 2037, with a peak of 13.291 billion tons. Under six scenarios, it can be concluded that energy intensity is the key factor in reducing the peak. These research results provide theoretical support for decision-makers to formulate emission reduction policies and adjust the carbon peak path.
An Unsupervised Error Detection Methodology for Detecting Mislabels in Healthcare Analytics
Authors: Zhou Pei-Yuan , Lum Faith , Wang Tony Jiecao , Bhatti Anubhav , Parmar Surajsinh , Dan Chen , Wong Andrew K. C.
Published: July 2024

Medical datasets may be imbalanced and contain errors due to subjective test results and clinical variability. The poor quality of original data affects classification accuracy and reliability. Hence, detecting abnormal samples in the dataset can help clinicians make better decisions. In this study, we propose an unsupervised error detection method using patterns discovered by the Pattern Discovery and Disentanglement (PDD) model, developed in our earlier work. Applied to the large data, the eICU Collaborative Research Database for sepsis risk assessment, the proposed algorithm can effectively discover statistically significant association patterns, generate an interpretable knowledge base for interpretability, cluster samples in an unsupervised learning manner, and detect abnormal samples from the dataset. As shown in the experimental result, our method outperformed K-Means by 38% on the full dataset and 47% on the reduced dataset for unsupervised clustering. Multiple supervised classifiers improve accuracy by an average of 4% after removing abnormal samples by the proposed error detection approach. Therefore, the proposed algorithm provides a robust and practical solution for unsupervised clustering and error detection in healthcare data.
Machine Learning-Enhanced Estimation of Cellular Protein Levels from Bright-Field Images
Authors: Tohgasaki Takeshi , Touyama Arisa , Kousai Shohei , Imai Kaita
Published: July 2024

In this study, we aimed to develop a novel method for non-invasively determining intracellular protein levels, which is essential for understanding cellular phenomena. This understanding hinges on insights into gene expression, cell morphology, dynamics, and intercellular interactions. Traditional cell analysis techniques, such as immunostaining, live imaging, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell analysis, despite rapid advancements, face challenges in comprehensively integrating gene and protein expression data with spatiotemporal information. Leveraging advances in machine learning for image analysis, we designed a new model to estimate cellular biomarker protein levels using a blend of phase-contrast and fluorescent immunostaining images of epidermal keratinocytes. By iterating this process across various proteins, our model can estimate multiple protein levels from a single phase-contrast image. Additionally, we developed a system for analyzing multiple protein expression levels alongside spatiotemporal data through live imaging and phase-contrast methods. Our study offers valuable tools for cell-based research and presents a new avenue for addressing molecular biological challenges.
The Role and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Implant Planning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Macrì Monica , D’Albis Vincenzo , D’Albis Giuseppe , Forte Marta , Capodiferro Saverio , Favia Gianfranco , Alrashadah Abdulrahman Omar , García Victor Diaz-Flores , Festa Felice
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing dentistry, offering new opportunities to improve the precision and efficiency of implantology. This literature review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the use of AI in implant planning assessment. The analysis was conducted through PubMed and Scopus search engines, using a combination of relevant keywords, including “artificial intelligence implantology”, “AI implant planning”, “AI dental implant”, and “implantology artificial intelligence”. Selected articles were carefully reviewed to identify studies reporting data on the effectiveness of AI in implant planning. The results of the literature review indicate a growing interest in the application of AI in implant planning, with evidence suggesting an improvement in precision and predictability compared to traditional methods. The summary of the obtained findings by the included studies represents the latest AI developments in implant planning, demonstrating its application for the automated detection of bones, the maxillary sinus, neuronal structure, and teeth. However, some disadvantages were also identified, including the need for high-quality training data and the lack of standardization in protocols. In conclusion, the use of AI in implant planning presents promising prospects for improving clinical outcomes and optimizing patient management. However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential and address the challenges associated with its implementation in clinical practice.
The Biallelic Inheritance of Two Novel SCN1A Variants Results in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Responsive to Levetiracetam
Authors: Dinoi Giorgia , Conte Elena , Palumbo Orazio , Benvenuto Mario , Coppola Maria Antonietta , Palumbo Pietro , Lastella Patrizia , Boccanegra Brigida , Di Muro Ester , Castori Marco , Carella Massimo , Sciruicchio Vittorio , de Tommaso Marina , Liantonio Antonella , De Luca Annamaria , La Neve Angela , Imbrici Paola
Published: July 2024

Loss-, gain-of-function and mixed variants in SCN1A (Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel) have been associated with a spectrum of neurologic disorders with different severity and drug-responsiveness. Most SCN1A variants are heterozygous changes occurring de novo or dominantly inherited; recessive inheritance has been reported in a few cases. Here, we report a family in which the biallelic inheritance of two novel SCN1A variants, N935Y and H1393Q, occurs in two siblings presenting with drug-responsive developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and born to heterozygous asymptomatic parents. To assess the genotype–phenotype correlation and support the treatment choice, HEK 293 cells were transfected with different combinations of the SCN1A WT and mutant cDNAs, and the resulting sodium currents were recorded through whole-cell patch-clamp. Functional studies showed that the N935Y and H1393Q channels and their combinations with the WT (WT + N935Y and WT + H1393Q) had current densities and biophysical properties comparable with those of their respective control conditions. This explains the asymptomatic condition of the probands’ parents. The co-expression of the N935Y + H1393Q channels, mimicking the recessive inheritance of the two variants in siblings, showed ~20% reduced current amplitude compared with WT and with parental channels. This mild loss of Nav1.1 function may contribute in part to the disease pathogenesis, although other mechanisms may be involved.
A High-Carbohydrate Diet Induces Cognitive Impairment and Promotes Amyloid Burden and Tau Phosphorylation via PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Pathway in db/db Mice
Authors: Xu Jialu , Xie Lei , Yin Jiaxin , Shi Xiaoli , Dong Kun , Tao Jing , Xu Weijie , Ma Delin , Zhang Shujun , Chen Juan , Yang Yan
Published: July 2024

Background: Cognitive impairment is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes, influenced significantly by various dietary patterns. High-carbohydrate diets (HCDs) are commonly consumed nowadays; however, the specific impact of HCDs on cognitive function in diabetes remains unclear. Methods: The objective of this study was to investigate whether an HCD has effects on cognition in diabetes. Eight-week-old diabetic (db/db) mice and wild-type (WT) mice underwent a twelve-week dietary intervention, including a normal diet (ND), an HCD, or a high-fat diet (HFD). Following this, behavioral tests were conducted, and related hippocampal pathology was evaluated. Results: Our results demonstrated that an HCD exacerbated cognitive decline in db/db mice compared to an ND. Additionally, an HCD increased amyloid-β burden and expression of β-site APP cleaving enzyme-1. An HCD was also found to promote the phosphorylation of tau protein via the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Furthermore, an HCD markedly induced neuroinflammation and increased the quantity of microglia and astrocytes. However, these damages induced by an HCD were less severe than those caused by an HFD. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings indicate that a high intake of carbohydrates can have an adverse impact on cognitive function in diabetes.
The Predictive Performance of Risk Scores for the Outcome of COVID-19 in a 2-Year Swiss Cohort
Authors: Boesing Maria , Lüthi-Corridori Giorgia , Büttiker David , Hunziker Mireille , Jaun Fabienne , Vaskyte Ugne , Brändle Michael , Leuppi Jörg D.
Published: July 2024

Various scoring systems are available for COVID-19 risk stratification. This study aimed to validate their performance in predicting severe COVID-19 course in a large, heterogeneous Swiss cohort. Scores like the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), CURB-65, 4C mortality score (4C), Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology score (COVID-SEIMC), and COVID Intubation Risk Score (COVID-IRS) were assessed in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. Predictive accuracy for severe course (defined as all-cause in-hospital death or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV)) was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve (AUC). The new ‘COVID-COMBI’ score, combining parameters from the top two scores, was also validated. This study included 1,051 patients (mean age 65 years, 60% male), with 162 (15%) experiencing severe course. Among the established scores, 4C had the best accuracy for predicting severe course (AUC 0.76), followed by COVID-IRS (AUC 0.72). COVID-COMBI showed significantly higher accuracy than all established scores (AUC 0.79, p = 0.001). For predicting in-hospital death, 4C performed best (AUC 0.83), and, for IMV, COVID-IRS performed best (AUC 0.78). The 4C and COVID-IRS scores were robust predictors of severe COVID-19 course, while the new COVID-COMBI showed significantly improved accuracy but requires further validation.
Effectiveness and Safety of Mycophenolate Mophetil in Myasthenia Gravis: A Real-Life Multicenter Experience
Authors: Vinciguerra Claudia , D’Amico Anna , Bevilacqua Liliana , Rini Nicasio , D’Apolito Maria , Liberatoscioli Eliana , Monastero Roberto , Barone Paolo , Brighina Filippo , Di Muzio Antonio , Di Stefano Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness due to autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive therapy, has shown potential for managing MG with fewer side effects compared to other treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MMF in MG patients in a real-life multicenter setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on generalized MG patients, refractory to azathioprine (AZA) and treated with MMF alone or with steroids, at three Italian centers from January 2011 to February 2024. Patients were assessed using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification, MG composite score (MGCS), and MG activity of daily living (MGADL) scores at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Statistical analyses included the Spearman correlation, the Friedman test, and ANOVA. Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled (13 males, mean age 66.5 ± 11.5 years). Significant improvements in MGADL and MGCS scores were observed at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001), with continued improvement over 24 months. Side effects were reported in 12% of patients. MMF showed a faster onset of symptom control compared to azathioprine, with a significant improvement noted within 6 months. Conclusions: A recent study found that MMF and AZA were equally effective in improving patients’ quality of life, but because AZA had more serious adverse events than MMF, lower doses of AZA were therefore recommended to reduce the adverse events while maintaining efficacy. Conversely, results showed that MMF is effective and well-tolerated in the long-term management of MG, providing faster symptom control and a favorable safety profile. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and explore sex differences in response to MMF treatment.
Non-Ergot Dopamine Agonists and the Risk of Heart Failure and Other Adverse Cardiovascular Reactions in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Crispo James A. G. , Farhat Nawal , Fortin Yannick , Perez-Lloret Santiago , Sikora Lindsey , Morgan Rebecca L. , Habash Mara , Gogna Priyanka , Kelly Shannon E. , Elliott Jesse , Kohen Dafna E. , Bjerre Lise M. , Mattison Donald R. , Hessian Renée C. , Willis Allison W. , Krewski Daniel
Published: July 2024

Reports suggest possible risks of adverse cardiovascular reactions, including heart failure, associated with non-ergot dopamine agonist (DA) use in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The objectives of our review were to evaluate the risk of heart failure and other adverse cardiovascular reactions in PD patients who received a non-ergot DA compared with other anti-PD pharmacological interventions, placebo, or no intervention. Studies were identified via searches of six bibliographic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRS) were eligible for study inclusion. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed to estimate adverse cardiovascular reaction risks. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. In total, forty-four studies (thirty-six RCTs and eight NRS) satisfied our inclusion criteria. A single RCT found no significant difference in the risk of heart failure with ropinirole compared with bromocriptine (odds ratio (OR) 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 2.04; low certainty). Conversely, three case–control studies reported a risk of heart failure with non-ergot DA treatment. The quality of evidence for the risk of heart failure was judged as low or very low. Findings suggest that non-ergot DA use may be associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure. Studies are needed to better understand cardiovascular risks associated with PD treatment.