bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Optical Coherence Tomography Diagnostic Capabilities: Machine Learning Approaches to Detect Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Kenney Rachel C. , Flagiello Thomas A. , D' Cunha Anitha , Alva Suhan , Grossman Scott N. , Oertel Frederike C. , Paul Friedemann , Schilling Kurt G. , Balcer Laura J. , Galetta Steven L. , Pandit Lekha
Published: February 2025

Background:

In many parts of the world including India, the prevalence of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) is rising. A diagnosis is often delayed due to insufficient diagnostic tools. Machine learning (ML) models have accurately differentiated eyes of patients with MS from those of healthy controls (HCs) using optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based retinal images. Examining OCT characteristics may allow for early differentiation of these conditions. The objective of this study was to determine feasibility of ML analyses to distinguish between patients with different autoimmune inflammatory diseases, other ocular diseases, and HCs based on OCT measurements of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and inner nuclear layers (INLs).

Methods:

Eyes of people with MS (n = 99 patients), NMOSD (n = 40), MOGAD (n = 74), other ocular diseases (OTHER, n = 16), and HCs (n = 54) from the Mangalore Demyelinating Disease Registry were included. Support vector machine (SVM) classification models incorporating age, pRNFL, GCIPL, and INL were performed. Data were split into training (70%) and testing (30%) data and accounted for within-patient correlations. Cross-validation was used in training to choose the best parameters for the SVM model. Accuracy and area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were used to assess model performance.

Results:

The SVM models distinguished between eyes of patients with each condition (i.e., MOGAD vs NMOSD, NMOSD vs HC, MS vs OTHER, etc) with strong discriminatory power demonstrated from the AUROCs for these comparisons ranging from 0.81 to 1.00. These models also performed with moderate to high accuracy, ranging from 0.66 to 0.81, with the exception of the MS vs NMOSD comparison, which had an accuracy of 0.53.

Conclusions:

ML models are useful for distinguishing between autoimmune inflammatory diseases and for distinguishing these from HCs and other ocular diseases based on OCT measures. This study lays the groundwork for future deep learning studies that use analyses of raw OCT images for identifying eyes of patients with such disorders and other etiologies of optic neuropathy.
Predicting molecular recognition features in protein sequences with MoRFchibi 2.0
Authors: Malhis Nawar , Gsponer Jörg
Published: February 2025

Identifying sites within intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) that bind to other proteins remains a significant challenge. Molecular Recognition Features (MoRFs) are a subset of segments in IDR that bind to other proteins, undergoing a disorder-to-order transition upon binding. This paper introduces MoRFchibi 2.0, a specialized prediction tool designed to identify the locations of MoRFs within protein sequences. Our results show that MoRFchibi 2.0 outperforms all existing MoRF and general predictors of protein-binding sites within IDRs, including top-performing models from CAID rounds 1, 2, and 3. Remarkably, MoRFchibi 2.0 surpasses predictors that utilize AlphaFold data and state-of-the-art protein language models, achieving superior ROC and Precision-Recall curves and higher success rates. MoRFchibi 2.0 generates output scores using an ensemble of convolutional neural network logistic regression models, followed by a reverse Bayes Rule to adjust for priors in the training data. These scores reflect MoRF probabilities normalized for the priors in the training data, making them individually interpretable and compatible with other tools utilizing the same scoring framework.

Availability

https://mc2.msl.ubc.ca/index.xhtml
Sources of nutrition information used and preferred by older people: A scoping review
Authors: McClinchy Jane , Dickinson Angela , Barnes Emily , Ibitoye Tai , Jackson John , Wellings Amander
Published: February 2025

A nutritionally adequate diet is needed for older people to optimise their nutritional status and promote healthy ageing. Making use of nutrition information can inform in people’s food choices to help them improve their health and food experience.

Over a million older people in the UK are at risk of or experience malnutrition. This number is likely to increase as the population ages. Understanding where older people source their nutrition information could help inform public health interventions to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition.

This scoping review aims to summarise studies that examined sources of nutrition information used by older people. A scoping review in order to map and explore studies that examine the current sources of nutritional knowledge used by older people was undertaken using PUBMED, Scopus and CINAHL databases during March 2023. Of the 8819 studies identified, 13 studies reporting on 12 research projects met the inclusion criteria of exposure to, impact by, or preference for at least one source of nutrition information.

Eight studies showed that older people used magazines; 6 studies showed that TV, dietitians, embodied knowledge, family and friends and GPs were the main sources of nutrition information. Educational level, gender and trust in the messages influenced their ability to use these sources to inform their food choices.

Research is needed to further explore the impact of nutritional information in order to identify ways in which to support older adults to make use of nutrition information to help make food choices that would facilitate healthy ageing.
Enhanced Detection of Glioblastoma Vasculature with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and MRI
Authors: Janowicz Phillip W. , Boele Thomas , Maschmeyer Richard T. , Gholami Yaser H. , Kempe Emma G. , Stringer Brett W. , Stoner Shihani P. , Zhang Marie , Thompson Taymin du-Toit , Williams Fern , Touffu Aude , Munoz Lenka , Kuncic Zdenka , Brighi Caterina , Waddington David E. J.
Published: February 2025

Detecting glioblastoma infiltration in the brain is challenging due to limited MRI contrast beyond the enhancing tumour core. This study aims to investigate the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as contrast agents for improved detection of diffuse brain cancer. We examine the distribution and pharmacokinetics of SPIONs in glioblastoma models with intact and disrupted blood-brain barriers. Using MRI, we imaged RN1-luc and U87MG mice injected with Gadovist and SPIONs, observing differences in blood-brain barrier permeability. Peripheral imaging showed strong uptake of nanoparticles in the liver and spleen, while vascular and renal signals were transient. Susceptibility gradient mapping enabled positive nanoparticle contrast within tumours and provided additional information on tumour angiogenesis. This approach offers a novel method for detecting diffuse brain cancer. Our findings demonstrate that SPIONs enhance glioblastoma detection beyond conventional MRI, providing insights into tumour angiogenesis and opening new avenues for early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.
Individuals withPMS2pathogenic variants are at average risk of cancer before age 60
Authors: Schiabor Barrett Kelly M. , Hajek Catherine , Lu James , Lynch Kate , Cauwels Jeremy , Stoller Douglas , Chapman Christopher N. , Chahal C. Anwar A. , Judge Daniel P. , Olson Douglas A. , Grzymski Joseph J. , Lee William , Cirulli Elizabeth T. , Bolze Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Importance

Screening Lynch syndrome in the general population, including healthy individuals, aims to detect and prevent cancers early. Current clinical recommendations for those with pathogenic variants are based on studies of patients with cancer or strong family history. It is essential to ensure guidelines are based on accurate assumptions regarding the impact of pathogenic variants in Lynch syndrome genes.

Objective

To determine the risk of cancer associated with pathogenic variants inMLH1, MSH2, MSH6, orPMS2in the general population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case-control study utilizes Helix Research Network™data from 144,852 participants across seven US health systems sequenced between 2018 and 2024.

Main outcomes and measures

An automated pipeline based on the ACMG-AMP guidelines was developed for variant interpretations. Clinical diagnoses were identified from electronic health records for 11 cancer types associated with Lynch syndrome including colorectal and endometrial cancers.

Results

Individuals with pathogenic variants inMLH1, MSH2, andMSH6were at significantly increased risk for Lynch syndrome-associated cancers with Hazard Ratios (HR) of 16.5 (95% Cl: 8.9-30.8) forMLH1, 17.3 (7.8-38.6) forMSH2and 4.7 (3.2-6.9) forMSH6. No significant risk was associated withPMS2pathogenic variants when considering all 11 cancers combined.PMS2pathogenic variants were only associated with colorectal cancer (HR of 4.3, 1.6-11.4); however, this risk was observed only after the age of 60, 10 years after clinical guidelines recommend starting colonoscopies for the average population. Up to age 60, 0.6% of individuals withPMS2pathogenic variants were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, similar to 0.4% in the general population but lower thanMLH1(41.0%),MSH2(17.9%) orMSH6(4.5%) pathogenic variants.

Conclusion and relevance

The findings underscore the benefits of screening the entire population forMLH1, MSH2andMSH6. They also highlight significantly lower cancer risk for those harboringPMS2pathogenic variants. This study provides data to support tailored surveillance and prevention strategies by gene and highlights the importance of deriving clinical recommendations from relevant populations.
Contribution of an under-recognized adversity to child health risk: large-scale, population-based ACEs screening
Authors: Glynn Laura M. , Liu Sabrina R. , Golden Charles , Weiss Michael , Lucas Candice Taylor , Cooper Dan M. , Ehwerhemuepha Louis , Stern Hal S. , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Whereas adverse early life experiences (ACEs) correlate with cognitive, emotional and physical health at the population level, existing ACEs screens are only weakly predictive of outcomes for an individual child. This raises the possibility that important elements of the early-life experiences that drive vulnerability and resilience are not being captured. We previously demonstrated that unpredictable parental and household signals constitute an ACE with cross-cultural relevance. We created the 5-item Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC-5) that can be readily administered in pediatric clinics. Here, we tested if combined screening with the QUIC-5 and an ACEs measure in this real-world setting significantly improved prediction of child health outcomes.

Methods

Leveraging existing screening with the Pediatric ACEs and Related Life Events Screener (PEARLS) at annual well-child visits, we implemented QUIC-5 screening in 19 pediatric clinics spanning the diverse sociodemographic constituency of Orange County, CA. Children (12yr+) and caregivers (for children 0-17years) completed both screens. Health diagnoses were abstracted from electronic health records (N=29,305 children).

Results

For both screeners, increasing exposures were associated with a higher probability of a mental (ADHD, anxiety, depression, externalizing problems, sleep disorder) or physical (obesity abdominal pain, asthma, headache) health diagnosis. Across most diagnoses, PEARLS and QUIC provided unique predictive contributions. Importantly, for three outcomes (depression, obesity, sleep disorders) QUIC-5 identified vulnerable individuals that were missed by PEARLS alone.

Conclusions

Screening for unpredictability as an additional ACE in primary care is feasible, acceptable and provides unique, actionable information about child psychopathology and physical health.

What’s Known on This Subject

Whereas ACEs correlate with neurodevelopmental and physical health of children at the population level, ACEs scales (e.g., PEARLS) are only weakly predictive at the level of the individual child. Are important elements of early-life adversity missed by these scales?

What This Study Adds

Because unpredictable signals constitute a unique ACE, we developed the Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC-5). Administering QUIC-5 and PEARLS to 30,000 families identified youth at risk for depression, obesity and other health problems, who would be missed by PEARLS alone.
From cyst to tapeworm: Transcriptome ofTaenia solium in vitroactivation and growth
Authors: Castaneda-Carpio David , Gutierrez-Loli Renzo , Maravi-Jaime Jose , Del Aguila Segundo W , Villar-Davila Valeria , Moyano Luz M , Tapia-Limonchi Rafael , Chenet Stella M , Guerra-Giraldez Cristina
Published: February 2025

The cestodeTaenia soliumdevelops as a tapeworm solely in the human intestine, starting from a larva (cyst). Upon maturing, it produces hundreds of thousands of infectious eggs. When ingested by pigs or humans, the eggs develop as cysts that lodge in various tissues, including the brain, leading to neurocysticercosis. Despite advances in understanding cestode biology through genomic and transcriptomic studies, particularly in model organisms, much remains unknown about the activation ofT. soliumcysts in the human digestive tract and the events that drive the development into adult worms—the stage responsible for dispersing the parasite. We present a transcriptome generated by Next Generation Sequencing fromT. soliumcysts activated in culture and collected at three different in vitro growth phases, as defined by their morphology. We identified differentially expressed genes and biological processes relevant to growth phases, which can be further explored with the dataset. The information is valuable for identifying genes that regulate the molecular, metabolic, and cellular events leading to parasite maturation or elements driving its transmission.
Neural signatures of stream segregation: From childhood to adulthood
Authors: Benocci Elena , Alain Claude , Calcus Axelle
Published: February 2025

When faced with noisy environments, listeners perform auditory scene analysis, which allows them to parse the auditory target from concurrent interferences. Stream segregation involves organizing similar sound waves into a coherent stream, while distinguishing dissimilar acoustic components and attributing them to distinct sources. Two event-related potential components have been identified as “neural signatures” of stream segregation: the Object-Related Negativity (ORN) and the P400. Our study aims to examine (i) the maturation of neural and behavioural correlates of stream segregation and (ii) the development of the relationship between stream segregation and speech perception in noise. ORN/P400 were recorded while 8-23 year-olds performed an active stream segregation task based on temporal coherence. Participants also performed speech identification in noise tasks (behaviourally). Behavioral results indicate an improvement in both stream segregation and speech perception in noise from childhood to adulthood. Amplitude of the ORN (but not P400) decreases, and latency of both ORN and P400 decreases throughout development. Critically, P400 amplitude significantly predicts stream segregation performance. Overall, our results suggest that the neural mechanisms underlying stream segregation follow a prolonged maturation trajectory, and support the progressive maturation of auditory scene analysis and speech perception in noise.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

- Neurophysiological indices of stream segregation mature from childhood to adulthood

- Neural indices of top-down attentive processing of complex auditory sequences predict stream segregation, irrespective of the listeners age

- In adults (but not in children or adolescents), stream segregation predicts speech perception in noise

- Stream segregation may thus operate as a bottleneck to speech in noise difficulties in children and adolescents
Friend Request Accepted: Fundamental Features of Social Environments Determine Rate of Social Affiliation
Authors: Garud Sankalp , Rascu Miruna , Hamilton Sorcha , Yu Ingrid , Rushworth Matthew F.S. , Klein-Flügge Miriam C.
Published: February 2025

Humans start new friendships and social connections throughout their lives and such relationships foster mental and physical well-being. While friendship initiation may depend on alignment of subtle and complex personal variables, here we investigated whether it also depends on basic features of social environments. This would be analogous to other fundamental behaviours like foraging which depend on basic features of the environment such as the density of opportunities and the likelihood of success. In a pre-registered online study (n=783), we found people were more likely to send friend requests as the density of friendship opportunities decreased and frequency of success increased. Further, we found task-related measures, like overall friend requests, were correlated with personality-related factors like social thriving and anhedonia. Next, in an ultra-high-field fMRI study (n=24), we found that both fundamental features of social environments – opportunity density and frequency of success – affected neural activity across a network of regions linked to foraging including dorsal raphe nucleus, substantia nigra, and anterior insula. Finally, in resting-state fMRI data (n=400), we showed that model predicted estimates of anhedonia were related to functional connectivity between components of the same network. Thus, humans consider the background statistics of an environment while making social decisions and these decisions are linked to activity in ancient subcortical circuits mediating the influence of environmental statistics on other aspects of behaviour. Moreover, individual differences in how environmental features influence social behaviour are associated with variation in personality and psychiatric traits, offering new insights into inter-individual variability in social functioning.
Survival of the “unfittest”: clinical emergence of hyper-multidrug-resistantNakaseomyces glabratuswith rare nonfunctional Erg3 and Erg11 and severely impaired fitness
Authors: Carolus Hans , Biriukov Vladislav , Vreys Jolien , Lobo Romero Celia , Paulo Herrera Avila Juan , Vergauwen Rudy , Sofras Dimitrios , Vanreppelen Giel , Vinken Lore , Britto Xavier Basil , Gabaldón Toni , Lagrou Katrien , Naesens Reinout , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: February 2025

Background

Nakaseomyces glabratus(Candida gabrata) poses a significant clinical challenge due to common drug resistance. We report a case of a complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) progressing to prostatitis and urosepsis, with the emergence of a hyper-multidrug-resistant isolate with low stress tolerance, slow growth and a short life span. This study elucidates the genetic mechanisms and phenotypic characteristics underlying antifungal hyper-resistance with strong fitness trade-offs, and explores potential alternative therapies for resistant UTI’s.

Methods

Whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify resistance-associated mutations and gene knock-out strains were generated to assess the relative impact of putative loss-of-function (LoF) mutations on antifungal resistance, fitness and membrane sterol composition. Drug susceptibility testing of the antibiotic nitroxoline and related compounds was conducted to evaluate it as a therapeutic alternative and study the mechanism of action.

Findings

Loss-of-function mutations inERG3andERG11were identified and linked to the accumulation of 4,14-dimethylzymosterol and lanosterol instead of ergosterol. EngineeredERG3Δ+ERG11Δstrains recapitulated the clinical isolate’s hyper-multidrug resistance and associated fitness deficits. WhileERG3Δstrains showed no resistance but enhanced thermotolerance,ERG11ΔandERG3Δ+ERG11Δstrains exhibited multidrug resistance with severe fitness trade-offs. Interestingly,ERG3Δ+ERG11Δstrains showed mild resistance to flucytosine, but an additionalFUR1mutation in the clinical isolate most probably underlies hyper-resistance to flucytosine. The UTI antibiotic nitroxoline demonstrated high antifungal activity against all strains, and the LoF ofERG3and/orERG11induced collateral sensitivity to this drug. Testing of related compounds suggest a mode of action beyond iron chelation.

Interpretation

This case demonstrates that hyper-resistant strains ofN. glabratuscan emerge despite significant fitness costs and persist under prolonged antifungal therapy in specific clinical settings. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant antifungal resistance monitoring and highlight nitroxoline as a promising alternative treatment for complicated fungal UTIs. These results challenge the notion that strains with fitness deficits are clinically irrelevant and emphasize the need for novel therapeutic strategies including repurposed agents.
High current, long-pulse operation at the KEK superconducting rf test facility
Authors: Kurata Masakazu , Matsumoto Toshihiro , Fukuda Masafumi , Yamamoto Yasuchika , Hayano Hitoshi , Michizono Shinichiro , Iwashita Yoshihisa
Published: February 2025

A high-current, long-pulsed beam operation without beam loss was demonstrated at the Superconducting rf Test Facility (STF) of the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization. The primary purpose of the STF was to validate the superconducting radio-frequency (rf) acceleration technology for the International Linear Collider (ILC) using accelerator components in line with the ILC design. Thus, the most critical objective of STF was to perform beam operations with a pulse length (726−μsec) and current (5.8 mA) equal to those of the ILC. Severe radiation caused by beam loss hinders stable beam operation. In a 100−μsec pulsed beam operation, a gradient drop in the accelerating cavities owing to beam loading causes beam loss. This beam loading was suppressed by imposing an additional driving power as feedforward control (BeamFF) to compensate for the gradient drop. BeamFF can completely suppress the gradient variation from a flattop to a 0.4% level with an amplitude stability of 0.3%–0.4%. Based on the knowledge obtained in the 100−μsec beam operation, we achieved a stable 726−μsec, 5.8-mA beam operation, and a beam power of 5.6 kW. The maximum energy variation of the pulsed beam was 1.5%. This value is significantly less than the threshold of 4%, which causes beam loss. We thus verified the stable beam acceleration technology for the ILC at the STF.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure quality in developing countries: evidence from the ASEAN region
Authors: Abu Afifa Malik , Nguyen Nha Minh , Bui Duong Van
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the nexus among environmental, social and governance disclosure quality (ESGDQ), corporate governance (COG) and corporate social responsibility strategy (CSRS) in the context of ASEAN, a developing market. Furthermore, carbon emission (CAE) has been considered as a moderation component for the CSRS–ESGDQ link.

Design/methodology/approach

With strict selection criteria, five countries in the ASEAN region (ASEAN-5) were selected as the research sample frame, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Using the Thomson Reuters Eikon database, the initial sample included 4,735 listed companies in ASEAN-5. After a rigorous screening process, there were a total of 683 companies in the final sample with the 2018–2022 intervals.

Findings

By using maximum likelihood structural equation modeling, the finding indicates that COG and CSRS have a favorable effect on ESGDQ in the ASEAN-5 context. Furthermore, CAE plays an outstanding moderation role in the CSRS–ESGDQ link. The fundamental accounting standards are also identified as having an impact on ESGDQ.

Practical implications

The research points up the dominant role of internal components (i.e. COG, CSRS and CAE) and government factor (i.e. fundamental accounting standards) for the sustainable value (i.e. ESGDQ) of firms in ASEAN-5, a developing market. Thus, firm headers should inspect the performance of these internal components at a crucial interval to enhance their environmental, social and governance (ESG) behaviors and make them more sustainable. Furthermore, governments in ASEAN-5 should pay attention to developing areas that have low CAE and have a favorable influence on national sustainable development goals.

Social implications

The findings of the research provide some social implications by pointing up important factors influencing sustainability practices, and understanding how ESG practices can be improved in developing countries.

Originality/value

The research enlarges ESG documentation by specifying the influences of internal components and government factor, as well as providing actual proof from developing regions. In addition, this study identifies the effectiveness of CAE as well as its moderating role in this context.
A cross-generational learning in organizations: the case of four civil engineering firms
Authors: Heo Dongcheol , Smuttrasen Kanlayakorn
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores how cross-generational learning is implemented and conditioned in organizations and the role of management in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a multiple case study research.

Findings

The study identified three features of cross-generational learning (CGL): 1. CGL is a role-based practice where participants serve as either knowledge givers or receivers. 2. Knowledge transferred between generations, especially from the senior to the junior generation, is embedded in the organization’s work practices and bounded by path dependence. 3. Appropriate management commitment to CGL can mitigate the power and path dependence of the seniors, primarily through the active engagement of junior employees and the design of practices for equal knowledge co-creation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is exploratory and needs further examination with more cases and populations.

Practical implications

First, management can cultivate organizational learning by assigning appropriate roles to each generation. Senior and junior employees possess different knowledge and capability strengths. Second, management should promote a culture of psychological safety. The effectiveness of CGL largely depends on the status and authority of the knowledge giver, which may be influenced by their past experiences. Third, management can leverage CGL to enhance corporate innovation by acknowledging that past experiences play a crucial role in its development.

Originality/value

The study shows effective cross-generational learning can be conducted by assigning appropriate roles for each generation in their work practices. It also reveals that companies can help facilitate better learning among generations by designing and implementing knowledge management processes and systems that encourage juniors’ participation and contribution to product development and business operations. Last but not least, this study proves that managerial understanding and support can balance the influence of senior and junior generations by mitigating excessive power and curbing the influence of path dependency from one side.
The role of resilience and gender in satisfaction with life and self-efficacy: a moderated mediation framework
Authors: Saha Shagnik , Saini Gordhan Kumar
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To study the mediating effect of resilience and the moderating effect of gender on the association between satisfaction with life and self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 211 HR professionals; mediation and moderation hypotheses were tested using PROCESS macro.

Findings

Results revealed a significant association between satisfaction with life, self-efficacy and dimensions of resilience. The mediating effect was significant for three dimensions of resilience: positive acceptance, personal competence and trust in one’s instincts. Gender moderated the relationship between satisfaction with life and self-efficacy through positive acceptance and positive competence but not trust in one’s instincts.

Originality/value

Most literature examines satisfaction with life as an outcome measure despite existing calls and alternate theoretical frameworks. This study considers satisfaction with life as a predictor of self-efficacy and resilience. Linkages with theoretical frameworks and implications are discussed.
Direct and indirect effect of risk on construction supply chain in disruption era: a service-oriented view
Authors: Duong An Thi Binh , Ta Thang Duc , Truong Dung Quang , Hoang Thinh Gia , Pham Hiep , Hoang Thu-Hang , Truong Quang Huy
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study analyses the direct and indirect impacts of risks on the service-oriented construction supply chain and its resilience during disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilised the service-dominant logic, contingency and information processing theories to identify service-oriented construction supply chain characteristics and risk behaviours during turbulent times.

Findings

Our analysis of 285 construction companies with a strong service orientation revealed that the proposed risk model explains a 33.6% variance in supplier performance, 46.4% operational performance, 47.1% customer satisfaction and 46.5% financial performance. Our findings highlight the importance of effectively monitoring risks in service-oriented construction supply chains and examining complex networks in which risk variables impact construction supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the influence mechanisms between risks and actors’ performance in construction supply chains, taking a service-oriented perspective.

Originality/value

Previous studies emphasise the risks that construction companies encounter from disruptions, such as maintaining operations and enhancing performance. Nevertheless, the research still needs to establish the transmission mechanism of the simultaneous impact (direct and indirect) of all forms of risk on supply chain performance.
Campus environments and mental restoration: eye-tracking evidence from dynamic stimuli
Authors: Wang Mengrui , Zhang Shuting , Zhou Xiang
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Understanding the restorative potential of built environments is essential for promoting mental well-being. However, existing studies often rely on static image-based methods, which are inherently limited in capturing the temporal and spatial dynamics of environmental perception. These methods frequently introduce biases, such as selective framing and abrupt transitions, failing to reflect natural viewing behavior. Addressing these limitations, this study investigates the restorative qualities of campus environments using dynamic VR stimuli and eye-tracking technology. By providing continuous temporal and spatial information, dynamic VR stimuli offer a more immersive and ecologically valid approach to understanding how specific environmental features contribute to psychological restoration.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the restorative qualities of campus environments using VR eye-tracking technology and dynamic stimuli. Campus environments were filmed through walking sequences and paired with PRS audio prompts. About 40 university students participated in the experiment, with eye-tracking data processed using computer vision-based semantic segmentation and the concept of relative areas of interest, followed by correlation analysis with restorative quality scores.

Findings

The results revealed that natural elements such as “sky,” “tree,” “waterscape” and “landscape corridor” were significantly positively correlated with the being-away and fascination dimensions, indicating their role in capturing attention and supporting psychological recovery. Conversely, architectural elements like “architectural corridor” and “building facade” were negatively correlated with the extent dimension, while “architectural open space” positively correlated, enhancing spatial perception and exploration.

Originality/value

These findings underscore the importance of natural elements and open spaces in built environments while also revealing the complex influence of architectural features. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing campus design to support students’ mental health and well-being.
Artificial intelligence (AI) for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) crack defect identification
Authors: Blay Karen Banahene , Gorse Christopher , Goodier Chris , Starkey Jack , Hwang Seongha , Cavalaro Sergio Henrique Pialarissi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels have been extensively used in the UK since the 1960s as structural roofs, floors and walls. The lack of a longitudinal, objective, consistent defect data capture process has led to inaccurate, invalid and incomplete RAAC data, which limits the ability to survey RAAC within buildings and monitor performance. Therefore, an accurate, complete and valid digital data capture process is needed to facilitate better RAAC performance and defect monitoring. This paper presents the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven RAAC crack defect capture tool for improving the quality of RAAC survey data.

Design/methodology/approach

RAAC crack defect image data were collected, curated and trained. A deep learning approach was employed to train RAAC surveyed defects (cracks) images from two hospitals. This approach mitigated unavoidable occlusions/obstructions and unintended “foreign” objects and textures.

Findings

An automatic RAAC crack identification tool has been developed to be integrated into RAAC survey processes via an executable code. The executable code categorises RAAC survey images into “crack” or “non-crack” and can provide longitudinal graphical evidence of changes in the RAAC over time.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the role of AI in addressing the intrinsic defects data capture issues for RAAC and extends current debates on data-driven solutions for defect capture and monitoring.
The relationship of Minimum Wage on Employees’ Well–being, Job satisfaction and Work–life balance
Authors: Gkliati Alexandra , Saiti Anna , Chletsos Michael , Bechlioulis Alexandros Panagiotis
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate, through employees’ perceptions in Greece’s private sector, the relationship between the minimum wage and employee well-being, job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used consisting of four sections: employees’ personal characteristics, employee well-being, job satisfaction and work-life balance. Due to its normal distribution, correlations, T-test and simple linear regression models were executed to examine the relationships between the variables.

Findings

The main findings were: a) the wage had a significant relationship with job satisfaction and employees’ well-being, b) there is no strong statistical significance between work-life balance and wages, c) the wage was found to be a significant predictor of employees’ well-being and work life balance, and d) there were statistically significant differences between the group of employees who received the minimum wage and the group of employees who received higher wages in terms of employees’ well-being.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is that it combines a purely financial concept, such as the minimum wage, with specific elements of organizational behaviour, such as employee well-being. A better understanding of this relationship will enable companies to increase employee productivity through their willing cooperation.
Promoting the path of educational activities in the International Table Tennis Federation Museum
Authors: Wang Lin fang , Yim Brian , Song Doori , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Adopting the context, input, process and product (CIPP) evaluation assessment model, this study aims to achieve three objectives: (1) to identify the characteristics of educational activities conducted by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) museum; (2) to explore the key factors that promote and optimize the educational objectives of the ITTF museum and (3) to develop a framework that attempts to unpack the complex and dynamic processes of activities conducted by the ITTF museum.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research using in-depth interviews was conducted to explore the functions and activities of the ITTF museum.

Findings

The path of educational activities carried out is expressed in four aspects: (1) educational background including philosophy and purpose, advantages possessed and the learning needs and readiness of the audience; (2) the resource input includes resource allocation, venue structure, funding channels and the basis of activity program design; (3) the educational activity process includes external cooperation and exchange, the specific content of the activity programs, the teaching strategies and methods during the activities and the response to the challenges of the epidemic and (4) the results of the activities include the number of audience and population distribution, evaluation and feedback of the activities, ways and means of promoting the activities and difficulties and challenges faced.

Research limitations/implications

In the follow-up studies, quantitative research can be conducted by developing a questionnaire based on the current study’s findings. Evaluation scales can be set to continue to enrich and improve the uncovered research content, which is conducive to promoting the objectives of the ITTF museum and giving full play to the educational function, thus enriching the research of sports museums.

Originality/value

The contributions of this study are as follows. First, it enriches the application of the CIPP assessment model in the context of sports museums. It helps the ITTP museum better perform its educational function and provides a reference for future activities of sports museums.
Research on optimization and evaluation method of heavy-haul train cyclic braking manipulation
Authors: He Wen , Chang Chongyi , Li Lan , Song Yupan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The study aims to build a high-precision longitudinal dynamics model for heavy-haul trains and validate it with line test data, present an optimization method for multi-stage cyclic brakes based on the model and conduct a multi-objective detailed evaluation of the driver’s manipulation during cyclic braking.

Design/methodology/approach

The high-precision longitudinal train dynamics model was established and verified by the cyclic braking test data of the 20,000 t heavy-haul combination train on the long and steep downgrade. Then the genetic algorithm is employed for optimization subsequent to decoupling multiple cyclic braking procedures, with due consideration of driver operation rules. For evaluation, key manipulation assessments in the scenario are prioritized, supplemented by multi-objective evaluation requirements, and the computational model is employed for detailed evaluation analysis.

Findings

Based on the model, experimental data reveal that the probability of longitudinal force error being less than 64.6 kN is approximately 68%, 95% for less than 129.2 kN and 99.7% for less than 193.8 kN. Upon optimizing manipulations during the cyclic braking, the maximum reduction in coupler force spans from 21% ∼ 23.9%. And the evaluation scores imply that a proper elevation of the releasing speed favors safety. A high electric braking force, although beneficial to some extent for energy-saving, is detrimental to reducing coupler force.

Originality/value

The results will provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for further ensuring the safety and energy-efficient operation of heavy haul trains on long downhill sections and improving the operational quality of heavy-haul trains.
Estimation of Species Abundance Based on the Number of Segregating Sites Using Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Authors: Ai Qiaoyun , Yuan Hao , Wang Ying , Li Chenhong
Published: February 2025

The advance of environmental DNA (eDNA) has enabled rapid and non‐invasive species detection in aquatic environments. While most studies focus on species detection, recent works explored using eDNA concentration to quantify species abundance. However, the differential individual DNA contribution to eDNA samples could easily obscure the eDNA concentration‐species abundance relationship. We propose using the number of segregating sites as a proxy for estimating species abundance. Segregating sites reflect the genetic diversity of the population, which is less sensitive to differential individual DNA contribution than eDNA concentration. We examined the relationship between the number of segregating sites and species abundance in silico, in vitro, and in situ experiments, using two brackish goby species, Acanthogobius hasta and Tridentiger bifasciatus. Analyses of the simulated and in vitro data with DNA mixed from a known number of individuals showed a strong correlation between the number of segregating sites and species abundance (R2 > 0.9; p < 0.01). In the in situ experiments, we analysed eDNA samples collected from mesocosm. The results further validated that the correlation (R2 = 0.70, p < 0.01) was not affected by biotic factors, including body size and feeding behaviour (p > 0.05). The cross‐validation test results also showed that the number of segregating sites predicted species abundance with less bias and variability than the eDNA concentration. Overall, the number of segregating sites is less affected by differential DNA contribution among individuals compared to eDNA concentration. This advancement can significantly enhance the proficiency of estimating species abundance using eDNA.
Exploring the Extent and Nature of Disordered Eating Among Canadian Adolescents and Young Adults With Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
Authors: Bonder Revi , Beaudoin Shauna , Chen Lorry , Church Paige , Hooper Marie , Thorne Melissa , Toulany Alene , McPherson Amy C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus (SBH) are at a higher risk for disordered eating, poor body image and body dissatisfaction. Regrettably, there is limited research on the eating patterns and behaviours of AYA with SBH, as well as their body image perceptions.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of disordered eating behaviours among AYA with SBH and their perceptions surrounding their body image. This study represents the first investigation of its kind conducted within a Canadian population. It fills a literature gap regarding the understanding of disordered eating behaviours and body image perceptions among young individuals with SBH in Canada.

Methods

The study comprised a self‐report, cross‐sectional online survey of AYA with SBH across Canada. The survey comprised validated brief measures to evaluate eating behaviours, disordered eating and body esteem. AYA aged 12–26 years with any type of SBH were eligible to participate.

Results

Twenty‐four participants were recruited. Results indicated that AYA with SBH may face an elevated risk for eating disorders/disordered eating compared to their typically developing peers, due to a myriad of reasons not typically experienced in the general population such as bowel and bladder management, mobility issues and eating aversions. Findings also indicated that some AYA with SBH may have poor body image and that it is possible that this is not discussed in SBH clinics.

Conclusion

Our work underscores the urgency for further research that focuses on assessing eating disorders/disordered eating behaviours in AYA with SBH.
Effect of time to initiation and dose of methylprednisolone on outcome in multiple sclerosis‐related optic neuritis
Authors: Gilad Hadar , Horowitz Josepha , Bloch Sivan , Golan Daniel
Published: February 2025

Objectives

It is known that the benefit of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in multiple sclerosis‐related optic neuritis (MS‐ON) is limited to an accelerated recovery. We aimed to evaluate the impact of time from symptoms onset to IVMP initiation and of IVMP dose on visual recovery among people with MS‐ON.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of MS‐ON was undertaken. The associations between time from symptoms onset to IVMP as well as dose of IVMP and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement after 6–12 mo were analyzed.

Results

Sixty‐one events of ON from 61 patients were included (Age: 32 ± 13, Female: 46 [75%]). ON was the initial presentation of MS for 45 (74%) participants. The mean time from symptoms onset to initiation of IVMP was 5.8 ± 4.6 d. Twenty‐eight episodes (46%) were treated with 3 g and 33 episodes (54%) were treated with 4.5 g IVMP. The proportion of events with complete recovery of BCVA was similar between those who were treated up to 3 d, 4 to 7 or ≥8 d from onset (46%, 74%, 58%, respectively (χ2(2) = 3.9, P = .14). Complete recovery of visual acuity was achieved in 71% and 49% of events treated with 3 and 4.5 g IVMP, respectively (χ2(1) = 3.3, P = .07). On multivariate analysis, only nadir visual acuity predicted incomplete recovery of BCVA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; P = .05); IVMP timing and dose did not.

Conclusion

While intravenous corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment, increasing the dose or starting treatment earlier does not seem to improve long‐term recovery from MS‐ON. A substantial proportion of people with MS‐ON remain with residual impairment of BCVA, highlighting the need for better treatments.
Effect of Bone Microstructure Derived From CBCT on the Accuracy of Robot‐Assisted Implant Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dong Wenxi , Wang Linhong , Zheng Yuanna , Yang Xulan , Shen Liheng , Yang Fan , Zheng Yuchen
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of bone microstructure on the accuracy of robot‐assisted dental implant surgery.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 52 patients who received robot‐assisted implant surgery between January 2023 and October 2023. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to evaluate bone microstructural parameters, including the bone volume (BV), tissue volume (TV), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), bone surface fraction (BS/BV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Preoperative and postoperative CBCT data were used to evaluate implant accuracy, and the relationship between bone microstructure parameters and implant deviation including platform deviation, apex deviation, and angular deviation was statistically analyzed.

Results

In robot‐assisted implant surgery, BS/BV was a potential facilitator of several implant deviations, while BV/TV and Tb.Th were potential inhibitors of apex global deviation and angular deviation, respectively. Implant deviations were divided into two groups of large and small deviations by median, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that Tb.Th had the largest area under the ROC for predicting large apex global deviation, 0.711 (p < 0.001), with an optimal cutoff value > 0.179, a sensitivity and specificity of 70.37% and 76.92%.

Conclusion

The study concluded that bone microstructure might affect the accuracy of dental implant placement in robotic surgeries. Incorporating bone quality assessments into preoperative planning may enhance the precision and outcomes of implant procedures, highlighting the potential for further refinement in robotic‐assisted dental surgery techniques.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2400085813