bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing national data systems to understand circumstances surrounding veteran suicide: linking Department of Veterans Affairs and National Violent Death Reporting System Data
Authors: Hoffmire Claire A. , Schneider Alexandra L. , Gaeddert Laurel A. , Logan Joseph , Kittel Julie A. , Holliday Ryan , Monteith Lindsey L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Veterans are at elevated risk for suicide compared to non-Veteran U.S. adults. Data sources and analyses to inform prevention efforts, especially for those who do not use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare services, are needed. This study aimed to link VA and CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data to create a novel data source to characterize the circumstances precipitating and preceding suicide among Veterans, including among those who did not use VA healthcare.

Methods

Multi-variable, multi-stage, deterministic linkage of VA-Department of Defense (DoD) Mortality Data Repository (MDR) and NVDRS-Restricted Access Database suicide and undetermined intent mortality records within 189 state-year strata (42 states, 2012–2018). Three linkage stages: (1) exact (matched on: age, sex, death date, underlying cause of death, day of month of birth, first initial of last name); (2) probable (all but one variable matched); (3) possible (all but 2 variables matched). Linkage success and accuracy of NVDRS-documented military history were assessed.

Results

Across all state-years, 22,019 matches (89.20% of 24,685 MDR Veteran records) were identified (65.47% exact). When high missingness (2 + matching variables in > 10% of records; n = 23) or incomplete reporting (n = 12) state-years were excluded, match rate increased to 94.29% (77.15% exact). NVDRS-documented military history (ever served) was accurate for 87.79% of matched records, with an overall sensitivity of 84.62%. Sensitivity was lower for female (61.01%) and younger (17–39 years; 77.51%) Veterans.

Conclusions

Accurate linkage of VA-DoD and NVDRS data is feasible and offers potential to improve understanding of circumstances surrounding suicide among Veterans.
Adoption of digital transformation from a firm’s creation to decline: the role of China’s mass entrepreneur and innovation campaign
Authors: Maqsood Umer Sahil , Li Qian , Zahid R. M. Ammar
Published: January 2025

Following the global economy’s shift toward a digital-based system, the significance of digital transformation (DT) at the firm level has become increasingly important. Accordingly, this study aims to enhance understanding of a firm’s DT by examining the varying impacts ofirm life cycle (FLC) stages on DT adoption. We consider the impact of the mass entrepreneur and innovation campaign (MEIC) on this relationship. Based on the data of China A-share non-financial companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2010 to 2020. The baseline findings reveal that firms in the growth stage are likelier to adopt DT than firms in the introduction and decline stages; however, DT adoption in the maturity stage is uncertain. MEIC encourages DT adoption during the introduction, maturity, and decline stages. Furthermore, the univariate test demonstrates a relative enhancement in DT after implementing MEIC, underscoring its role in effectively allocating resources within the firms to embrace DT. This study’s results are robust across various estimation techniques and instrumental variables. The empirical results offer insights into policy implications, highlighting the factors shaping firms’ DT adoption decisions at different FLC stages and endorsing resource-based and agency theories.
Cardiovascular health in breast cancer patients: insight on BRCA1/2 mutations impact
Authors: Mallios Panagiotis , Manshadi Mehdi Dehghan , Hubbert Laila , Aydin Tajeri , Maes Claudia , Rantala Johanna , Liljegren Annelie , Kiani Narsis A. , Hedayati Elham
Published: January 2025

Background

Breast cancer (BC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prevalent comorbidities in aging populations. Advances in BC treatment have improved survival rates but increased the risk of CVD, particularly among younger patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. BRCA1/2 gene mutations, prevalent in younger BC patients, impair cardioprotective effects, elevating CVD risk alongside cancer treatments. This study examined the prevalence and incidence of CVD and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) before and after BC diagnosis in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (BRCA-BC) and those with sporadic BC (Sporadic-BC).

Methods

This descriptive retrospective cohort study analyzed BC patients from 1995 to 2020 in Stockholm-Gotland, Sweden. Data from regional and national registries provided insights into CVRFs, pre-existing CVDs, demographics, and cancer treatments. Analyses focused on single and multiple CVD events, comparing inpatient and outpatient settings across subgroups.

Results

The cohort included 438 BRCA-BC and 32,626 Sporadic-BC patients. BRCA-BC patients were younger at BC diagnosis (median: 45 years, IQR 37–53) and first CVD event (median: 62 years, IQR 53–68) compared to Sporadic-BC patients (median: 61 years, IQR 51–71; and 74 years, IQR 65–81, respectively). Before BC diagnosis, CVD prevalence was lower in BRCA-BC patients (4.2%) than in Sporadic-BC patients (11.1%). Post-diagnosis, CVD prevalence increased in both groups, reaching 19.7% in BRCA-BC and 24.6% in Sporadic-BC patients. Heart failure (HF) was the most common major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), affecting 4.6% of BRCA-BC and 9.5% of Sporadic-BC patients. Sporadic-BC patients exhibited a higher overall cardiovascular burden, including arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Conclusions

Distinct cardiovascular profiles between BRCA-BC and Sporadic-BC patients underscore the need for tailored survivorship care. Early cardiovascular screening benefits BRCA-BC patients, while Sporadic-BC patients require comprehensive management of pre-existing CVRFs. These findings align with international cardio-oncology guidelines advocating integrated cardiovascular care for BC survivors.
High fatigue levels among psychiatric outpatients – the validity of the Danish Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Fatigue Short-Form (PROMISF-SF)
Authors: Olsen Ragnar Klein , Arnfred Sidse M. , Madsen Christina , Hovmand Oliver Rumle
Published: January 2025

Background

Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Fatigue Short-Form (PROMIS-F-SF) is a self-administered, patient reported outcome (PRO) designed to assess fatigue in healthy and clinical populations and for tracking progress during treatment for disorders complicated with fatigue.

Methods

Patients in the Mental Health Service Outpatient Clinics and healthy volunteers were invited to complete a survey, which included the Danish translation of the PROMIS-F-SF, the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS-11), and measures of depression and anxiety. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the previously suggested single-factor structure of the instrument. We furthermore evaluated the construct validity of the PROMIS-F-SF by means of its relationship with the CFS-11. Finally, we evaluated the utility of the PROMIS-F-SF to identify patient-status by conducting receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

70 healthy volunteers and 62 patients completed the instruments. The PROMIS-F-SF had a average fit to the previously reported single-factor structure. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega showed good internal reliability (α = 0.96, ωtotal = 0.97). PROMIS-F-SF score was positively correlated with the CFS-11 (r =.76) and it correlated highly with depression (r =.78) and anxiety (r =.74) score. The optimal cut-off point in the ROC-analyses was 15, which yielded a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 67% in the prediction of patient status.

Conclusions

Level of fatigue among psychiatric outpatients is high in patients with psychiatric illness, compared to levels measured in healthy volunteers. The Danish PROMIS-F-SF shows good psychometric properties in this combined sample of healthy adults and psychiatric patients with non-psychotic disorders and it is recommended as PRO measure for psychiatric populations. Examination of psychometric properties in patient populations with somatic disorder could be a natural next step.
Efficacy of biocontrol agents against damping-off and Sclerotinia stem rot diseases and their role in eliciting defense in chickpea plants
Authors: El-Gammal Yaser H. , El-Blasy Salama A. S. , Khalifa Neamat A. M. , Abu El-Maaty Shereen , Awaly Sara B. H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important pulse crop grown worldwide. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes damping-off and stem rot diseases, leading to significant economic losses in chickpea crop yield. Biological control has proved to be an effective alternative for managing plant diseases.

Results

These pathogenic fungi were isolated from different governorates in Egypt and differed in terms of their pathogenicity on Giza 3 cv.-chickpea plants in vivo. S. sclerotiorum Sakha-S1 with accession No. (PQ558663) was the most aggressive isolate. Trichoderma atroviride was the most effective fungal bioagent in vitro since recorded the highest S. sclerotiorum growth decrease, followed by T. hamatum and T. harzianum; meanwhile, Serratia sp. was the least effective isolate. In greenhouse conditions, Topsin M-70® emerged as the most successful treatment for reducing disease prevalence. Combinations of microbial bioagents specifically all four (T. atroviride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus polymyxa, and Serratia sp.) and a combination of three (P. fluorescens, B. polymyxa, and Serratia sp.) followed in effectiveness. Serratia sp. applied alone proved to be the least effective treatment. The same results were obtained in a two-year field study (2020–2021 and 2021–2022) and assessed the impact of various treatments on chickpea disease, growth, and yield components. Interestingly, all the microbial bioagents substantially enhanced chickpea growth parameters, including plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, average weight of 100 seeds, and overall chickpea yield. The role of these microbial bioagents in the defense of oxidation enzymes (Peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and catalase) associated with defense-related genes (ABR18, PRP, and PR-4) which shown notable variations in gene expression levels of defense-related genes due to treated with various microbial bioagents after 14 days from application. All three genes were up-regulated in combinations including (P. fluorescens + Serratia sp.), (T. atroviride + P. fluorescens), and (T. atroviride + Serratia sp.), demonstrating a collaborative impact on defense gene expression.

Conclusion

The study investigated the effectiveness of microbial bioagents against chickpea stem rot disease, their role in the defense of oxidation enzymes and defense-related genes, and their impact on growth and yield components. It will focus on producing commercial biofungicides to minimize the use of fungicides.
A Dynamic Shift in Estrogen Receptor Expression During Granulosa Cell Differentiation in the Ovary
Authors: Park Chan Jin , Oh Ji-Eun , Lin PoChing , Zhou Sherry , Bunnell Mary , Bikorimana Emmanuel , Spinella Michael J , Lim Hyunjung Jade , Ko CheMyong J
Published: January 2025

This study uncovers a dynamic shift in estrogen receptor expression during granulosa cell (GC) differentiation in the ovary, highlighting a transition from estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) to estrogen receptor beta (ESR2). Using a transgenic mouse model with Esr1-iCre-mediated Esr2 deletion, we demonstrate that ESR2 expression is absent in GCs derived from ESR1-expressing ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) cells. Single-cell analysis of the OSE-GC lineage reveals a developmental trajectory from Esr1-expressing OSE cells to Foxl2-expressing pre-GCs, culminating in GCs exclusively expressing Esr2. Transcriptome analyses identified vasculature-derived TGFβ1 ligands as key regulators of this transition. Supporting this, TGFβ1 treatment of cultured embryonic ovaries reduced Esr1 expression while promoting Esr2 expression. This study underscores the capability of GCs to switch from ESR1 to ESR2 expression as a fundamental aspect of normal differentiation.
Effects of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation on Childhood Health
Authors: Svensson Nanna S , Volqvartz Tabia , Vestergaard Anna Louise , Vestergaard Esben T , Larsen Agnete , Bor Pinar
Published: January 2025

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of health issues in the offspring. Accordingly, recent Endocrine Society guidelines strongly support supplementation in pregnancy, also underlining that without consensus on optimal maternal vitamin D levels, routine screening is currently irrelevant. Knowledge of organ-specific effects of vitamin D and its association with maternal vitamin D status may aid in optimizing vitamin D supplementation. This systematic review outlines the proposed next-generation effects of vitamin D supplementation ≥400 IU/d and explores whether such effects are attributed to a specific maternal vitamin D level obtained during pregnancy. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase according to the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on health outcomes from 10 days postpartum and beyond. Of the 2383 screened articles, 39 were included. In 11 of 16 studies, vitamin D supplementation reduced respiratory tract infections in the first years of life. Growth or bone development benefits were observed in 6 of 12 studies. Positive effects on neurodevelopment and reduced autoimmune risk (diabetes-related antibodies) were noted, although further research is needed to determine the role of vitamin D. Very few studies have measured vitamin D concentrations, but even 1600 IU/d supplementation was associated with high frequency of infant vitamin D insufficiency. Current recommendations may not ensure sufficient vitamin D levels at birth, among others, increasing the risk of early-life infections. Further studies linking maternal and infant vitamin D levels to specific outcomes would aid in personalized nutritional advice during pregnancy and improve next-generation health.
Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Pubertal Timing: The Contribution of Genes Associated With Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Canton Ana Pinheiro Machado , Macedo Delanie Bulcao , Abreu Ana Paula , Latronico Ana Claudia
Published: January 2025

Human puberty is a dynamic biological process determined by the increase in the pulsatile secretion of GnRH triggered by distinct factors not fully understood. Current knowledge reveals fine tuning between an increase in stimulatory factors and a decrease in inhibitory factors, where genetic and epigenetic factors have been indicated as key players in the regulation of puberty onset by distinct lines of evidence. Central precocious puberty (CPP) results from the premature reactivation of pulsatile secretion of GnRH. In the past decade, the identification of genetic causes of CPP has largely expanded, revealing hypothalamic regulatory factors of pubertal timing. Among them, 3 genes associated with CPP are linked to mechanisms involving DNA methylation, reinforcing the strong role of epigenetics underlying this disorder. Loss-of-function mutations in Makorin Ring-Finger Protein 3 (MKRN3) and Delta-Like Non-Canonical Notch Ligand 1 (DLK1), 2 autosomal maternally imprinted genes, have been described as relevant monogenic causes of CPP with the phenotype exclusively associated with paternal transmission. MKRN3 has proven to be a key component of the hypothalamic inhibitory input on GnRH neurons through different mechanisms. Additionally, rare heterozygous variants in the Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MECP2), an X-linked gene that is a key factor of DNA methylation machinery, were identified in girls with sporadic CPP with or without neurodevelopmental disorders. In this mini-review, we focus on how the identification of genetic causes of CPP has revealed epigenetic regulators of human pubertal timing, summarizing the latest knowledge on the associations of puberty with MKRN3, DLK1, and MECP2.
Men at Home
Authors: Pandey Gyanendra
Published: January 2025

In Men at Home, Gyanendra Pandey offers a detailed exploration of men’s comportment and conduct in the home and the implications of their ambiguous commitment to this critical part of their lives. The author draws on a wealth of archival materials—autobiographies, memoirs, fiction, and ethnographies—to situate Indian men firmly in the domestic world, underlining their dependence on the family and home. He investigates how men negotiate marriage, intimacy, and conjugality and focuses the effects of the humiliating and constant assertion of gender, caste, and class power in familial interactions. To uncover the nuances of these relationships, Pandey attends to the domestic commitments of upper-, middle-, and lower-class men across religion and caste. He considers issues of honor and shame, rights and responsibilities, citizenship and belonging through this exploration of how men across the subcontinent understand themselves in and beyond their domestic relationships. As much as it is a book about masculinity and conjugality, this is a book about Indian modernity, nationalism, and society as seen from the location of men in the home.
Pre-treatment blood parameters as an economical predictive marker for predicting treatment response in locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Krishna Abhishek , N Vishnumaya , Shada Fathima , MS Pooja , Lobo Dilson , MS Athiyamaan , Srinivas Challapalli , Banerjee Sourjya , Sunny Johan , Simon Paul
Published: January 2025

Background Cervical cancer poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Despite advancements in treatment, the disease remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Chemoradiation utilizing cisplatin has been the cornerstone therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Prognostic biomarkers, including hematological parameters, have emerged as valuable tools in guiding treatment decisions and predicting outcomes. Methodology Data from patients treated between January 2021 and June 2022 were analyzed. Demographic information, histopathology, pre-treatment blood parameters, treatment details, and response assessments were collected. The parameters assessed included hemoglobin levels, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and eosinophil albumin ratio (EAR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine optimal cut-off values for these biomarkers. Results Of the 140 patients included, the majority had squamous cell carcinoma (92%) and were at stage II or III. Complete response to treatment was observed in 86.4% of patients. Non-responders demonstrated significantly higher levels of hemoglobin, NLR, and EAR, along with lower PNI levels compared to responders. ROC analysis revealed cut-off values for hemoglobin (< 9.5), NLR (< 2.98), PLR (> 289.26), PNI (< 37.67), and EAR (< 49.63) associated with treatment response. Conclusion The study highlights the potential utility of pre-treatment blood parameters as predictive markers for treatment response in locally advanced cervical cancer. Lower hemoglobin, higher NLR, and EAR, along with reduced PNI, were associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Integration of these biomarkers into clinical practice could aid in treatment planning and improve patient outcomes. Further validation and prospective studies are warranted to establish the role of these biomarkers in guiding personalized treatment strategies for cervical cancer patients.
The Influence of Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers, Intestinal Microbiota Composition and Disease Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Jakubczyk Paulina , Widera Piotr , Helis Justyna , Michalik Maciej , Buczek Aleksandra , Bigajski Hubert , Banaś Aleksandra , Bilczewska Olga , Janik Wiktoria , Handschuh Marta
Published: January 2025

Aim of the StudyThis review investigates the relationship between physical activity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on inflammatory markers, gut microbiota composition, and disease activity. The objective is to examine how exercise intensities influence inflammation, microbial diversity, and patient outcomes for IBD management.
Materials and MethodsA literature review synthesized peer-reviewed studies from 2010-2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, examining physical activity effects on inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and clinical outcomes in IBD patients. Inclusion criteria emphasized human studies, excluding research unrelated to IBD or focused on animal models.
State of KnowledgeModerate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises reduce systemic inflammatory markers, (CRP and cytokines) and enhance gut microbiota diversity, increasing anti-inflammatory species. Low-to-moderate intensity activities improve quality of life in IBD patients. Exercise supports intestinal barrier integrity through mucin production and fatty acid synthesis. High-intensity exercise can worsen inflammation, necessitating tailored protocols.
ConclusionsPhysical activity is a promising adjunctive therapy in IBD management. Moderate-intensity programs effectively maintain remission and enhance outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, advanced omics technologies, and combined approaches with dietary and pharmacological therapies.
Evaluación de la Eficacia de un Programa Piloto de Formación en Igualdad de Género para Profesorado.
Authors: Aznar-Martínez Berta , Grané-Morcillo Jaume , Lorente-De-Sanz Judith , Pérez-Testor Carles , Castillo-Garayoa José A.
Published: January 2025

Background. Gender equality education in schools is the most effective tool to combat inequality and gender-based
violence (GBV). Teachers often lack the necessary equality knowledge and skills. Objective. The aim of this study was to
develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot gender equality programme for prospective teachers. Method.
Data was collected from a sample of 113 university students of Early Childhood Education (41.6%) and Primary Education
(58.4%) degrees, aged between 21 and 40 years (M=22.46; SD=2.45). Through a longitudinal design, the effectiveness
of the training programme was analysed in the following topics: coeducational attitudes, acceptability of GBV and
knowledge about gender equality. The Wilcoxon contrast test, including significance and effect size, a Spearman
Correlation and Linear Regression analyses were conducted. Results. Statistically significant changes between pre and
post measures were obtained: an increase in socio-cultural and relational coeducational attitudes and also in equality
knowledge, as well as a decrease in GBV acceptability. According to the findings from linear regression analysis, student
teachers who scored higher in coeducational attitudes tended to show lower acceptability of GBV. Conclusions. The need
for further designs of training programmes on gender equality is emphasised, and policy-makers and public authorities are called upon to raise awareness of the importance of Gender Equality Teaching (GET) and to develop clear guidelines for universities to address these issues.
Maximizing Nash Social Welfare in 2-Value Instances: Delineating Tractability
Authors: Akrami Hannaneh , Chaudhury Bhaskar Ray , Hoefer Martin , Mehlhorn Kurt , Schmalhofer Marco , Shahkarami Golnoosh , Varricchio Giovanna , Vermande Quentin , van Wijland Ernest
Published: January 2025

We study the problem of allocating a set of indivisible goods among a set of agents with 2-value additive valuations. In this setting, each good is valued either 1 or p/q, for some fixed co-prime numbers p, q ∊ ℕ such that 1 ≤ q < p. Our goal is to find an allocation maximizing the Nash social welfare (NSW), that is, the geometric mean of the valuations of the agents. In this work, we give a complete characterization of polynomial-time tractability of NSW maximization that solely depends on the values of q. We start by providing a rather simple polynomial-time algorithm to find a maximum NSW allocation when the valuation functions are integral, that is, q = 1. We then exploit more involved techniques to get an algorithm producing a maximum NSW allocation for the half-integral case, that is, q = 2. Finally, we show it is NP-hard to compute an allocation with maximum NSW whenever q ≥ 3.

Editor’s Note: This paper is undergoing revision because the authors discovered a significantly improved proof for the main result. The updated version of the paper will be available here following editorial review.
Gender inequalities in cardiovascular healthcare: a call to action
Authors: Harrison Mary , McAllister Joanne , Howe Jo , Singh Sally J , Lawson Claire
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death in women, yet women are under-served by cardiovascular research and healthcare delivery. This article explores the history of the exclusion of women from the generation of medical evidence and the effect of this on the treatment of women today. Unconscious bias and its impact on cardiovascular care for women is also discussed, followed by the Department of Health and Social Care's 2022 ‘Women's health strategy for England’ and how this can be applied to cardiovascular care as a framework for future cardiac nursing.
The use of accelerometers to improve clinical outcomes in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators or at high risk of sudden cardiac death
Authors: Cheng Hannah Yee Yan , Hill James Edward
Published: January 2025

Wearable accelerometers hold promise in assessing individual physical behaviour, potentially serving as prognostic predictors of future events. This commentary critically evaluates a systematic review that examined the association between physical behaviour and key clinical outcomes in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators or who were at risk of sudden cardiac death.
Gandhi's Stubbornness-Satyāgraha and Durāgraha
Authors: Park KyumPyo , Kim Chinyoung
Published: January 2025

This study explores Gandhi’s characteristics such as Satyāgraha(眞理把持, holding firmly to truth), stubbornness and conviction by analyzing his declaration to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement in the 1920s, his opposition to separate electorates for Untouchables in the 1930s, and his prayer meetings for Hindu-Muslim unity in the 1940s. Gandhi’s conviction, as reflected in these activities, can be interpreted as follows: In the 1920s, his conviction aligned with the spirit of satyagraha. In the 1930s, regarding the political rights of Untouchables, elements of duragraha began to emerge alongside satyagraha, showing a mix of both stances. By the 1940s, his focus on alleviating Hindu-Muslim tensions resulted in a practical loss of balance between conviction and stubbornness. The historical perspective and philosophical evaluation of Gandhi in this study may be an arbitrary diagnosis of his stubborn beliefs. However, the significance of this research lies in rediscovering the footsteps of a saint who sought truth and contemplated what was best for India.
An Inquiry of Transpersonal Therapy Methods: Focused on Welwood’s and Boorstein’s Views
Authors: Moon Jinkeon
Published: January 2025

Transpersonal psychotherapy proposes a series of systematic diagnoses and treatments in the integration of spiritual psychology. This study aims to analyze the treatment cases of John Welwood and Seymoor Boorstein, who are renowned transpersonal psychotherapists, to identify the specific treatments they used in their treatment cases with clients/patients and to reveal common diagnostic assessment methods and treatment methods of transpersonal psychotherapy.
The results of the study showed that Welwood and Boorstein's transpersonal psychotherapy commonly applied the assessment methods of existing psychotherapy and used meditation as the main transpersonal psychotherapy technique. However, the two psychotherapists had different opinions on spiritual practice and growth. While Welwood carefully examined spiritual detours, Boorstein actively used spiritual practice as a tool to resolve psychological disorders. Welwood warned of the damage that transpersonal therapy can cause by introducing a method to deal with spiritual detours. Boorstein is positive about meditation groups, but Wellwood warns against the reinforcement of defenses that meditation groups can provide to clients. This study can be used as a resource to provide specific methods and treatment principles of transpersonal psychotherapy in a reality where there is a lack of specific and detailed theoretical explanations for the assessment and treatment of transpersonal psychotherapy.
Current Status and Improvement Directions of Multicultural Education Curriculum for Elementary School Pre-service Teachers: Focusing on Educational Universities in Korea
Authors: Kim Jungyoon , Seo Eunsook
Published: January 2025

Purpose: This study examines the current status and limitations of multicultural education curricula for pre-service elementary school teachers in Korea. It aims to propose strategies for enhancing their multicultural competencies.
Methods: By analyzing data from 10 education universities in 2024, the study investigates course offerings, their classification as mandatory or elective, and their content focus.
Results: Multicultural education is primarily offered as elective and theory-based courses, with limited practical components. Regional disparities were identified, with rural universities integrating multicultural education into major subjects, unlike their urban counterparts.
Conclusion: Incorporating multicultural elements into mandatory courses, such as "Student Guidance and Counseling," is crucial for equipping pre-service teachers with the necessary skills to thrive in a multicultural society.
Differences in mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude, and psychological well-being according to the characteristics of foreigners participating in the Woodenfish Global Meditation Practice Program
Authors: Im Donguk
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being according to the characteristics of foreigners who participated in temple-based meditation programs, thereby understanding the experiences of foreign temple stay participants according to their characteristics and providing information necessary for organizing temple-based meditation programs for foreigners in the future. To this end, a survey was conducted using the scales of mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being targeting 58 foreign participants who participated in the global meditation practice program held at Woljeongsa Temple. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The results of this study are as follows.
First, as a result of examining whether there were differences in mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being according to age, there was a significant difference in the average of mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being according to age. Second, as a result of examining whether there were differences in mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being depending on the participation occasion, there was a significant difference in the average of self-kindness, a sub-factor of self-compassion, depending on the participation occasion. However, there was no significant difference in the average of mindfulness, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being depending on the participation occasion. Third, as a result of examining whether there were differences in mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being depending on the religious presence or absence, there was no significant difference in the average of mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being depending on the religious presence or absence. Fourth, as a result of examining whether there were differences in mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being depending on the previous meditation experience, there was a significant difference in the average of mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude disposition, and psychological well-being depending on the previous meditation experience. This study provided basic information for the psychological and emotional characteristics of foreigners participating in meditation programs conducted at Korean temples and for organizing temple stay programs that meet their needs.
Ultra-wideband double-layer THz frequency selective surfaces
Authors: Wang Cong , Li Yinxing , He Jiahua , Jia Xianshi , Chen Xuesong , Lin Nai , Yan Dejin , Duan Ji’an
Published: January 2025

Frequency selective surfaces (FSSs), also known as spatial filters, are special two-dimensional periodic structures with unique electromagnetic wave transmission and reflection characteristics. With the launch of 6G communication technology research, the terahertz band is an important topic of 6G technology, and miniaturization and compactness are major features of terahertz devices. A double-layer ultra-wideband terahertz FSS is designed, which has a compact FSS cell structure consisting of two layers of square ring-gap cascades and can be used to enhance the transmission of terahertz waves. The passband width of this FSS is 0.354 THz (0.407–0.761 THz), and the transmission coefficient decreases rapidly on both sides of the passband. Meanwhile, this FSS maintains the ultra-wideband characteristics with polarization stability at terahertz wave incidence angles less than 60°. The simulation results show that the multilayer cascaded FSS not only has a large operating bandwidth but also has good steepest degradation performance. In this paper, we explore the laser machining process of the designed terahertz FSS and analyze the effects of several factors, namely scanning speed, laser power, and number of scans, on the surface morphology of the terahertz FSS, respectively, and select the process parameters that can guarantee both the machining accuracy and the machining efficiency. In order to verify the actual working performance of the processed double-layer square ring FSS, the transmission coefficients of the processed FSS samples are tested, and the test results are basically consistent with the simulation results.
Unpaired intra-operative OCT (iOCT) video super-resolution with contrastive learning: erratum
Authors: Komninos Charalampos , Pissas Theodoros , Flores Blanca , Bloch Edward , Vercauteren Tom , Ourselin Sébastien , Da Cruz Lyndon , Bergeles Christos
Published: January 2025

Errata are presented to amend the values presented in results section and corresponding figures in our published manuscript [Biomed. Opt. Express 15, 772 (2024)10.1364/BOE.501743]. These corrections do not alter the main findings of our publication.
Hybrid low-complexity baud-rate sampling and adaptive equalization technique for 400 G/800 G coherent metropolitan area networks
Authors: Shen Kangyue , Liu Jingpeng , Cui Sheng , Tang Ming , Xu Menghong , Han Jianfeng , Yao Tianhang , Dai Jing , Zhou Keji
Published: January 2025

Baud-rate sampling and adaptive equalization (BSAE) techniques digitize and adaptively equalize received optical signals at the baud-rate and thus can concurrently reduce ADC and equalization power consumption compared with oversampling and fractionally-spaced adaptive equalization (OFAE) techniques operating at a higher sampling rate. Although suitable for short-reach intensity modulation-direct detection (IM-DD) based access networks or intra-datacenter networks, the BSAE techniques are generally regarded as not suitable for metropolitan area networks (MANs), owing to their limited capability to compensate for the large chromatic dispersion (CD) and in-phase/quadrature (IQ) skew distortions encountered in MANs. This constraint renders them inferior to the OFAE techniques able to compensate for arbitrary CD and IQ skew distortions. In this paper, we propose a BSAE technique combining a baud-rate frequency and time domain hybrid adaptive equalizer (AEQ) and Nyquist filtering for dynamic 400 G/800 G coherent MANs. Numerical simulations and experiments show that the BSAE technique can overcome the limitations and compensate for large CD and IQ skew distortions encountered in 400 G/800 G coherent MANs with spans up to 120 km. Furthermore, compared with the current state-of-the-art BSAE and OFAE techniques, the proposed BSAE technique can reduce the equalization computation complexity by about 40% and 80%, respectively, while maintaining a superior performance as the OFAE techniques. These merits make it a highly attractive solution for the dynamic 400 G/800 G coherent MANs.
Security of AUV-carried OIRS-assisted quantum key distribution links in underwater channels subject to misalignment
Authors: Pang Weina , Wang Ping , Bai Bo , Chen Wenwen , Li Shuang , Wang Kaile
Published: January 2025

To establish a secure and high-bandwidth communication link between the gateway node and the central node in the internet of underwater things (IoUwT), it is meaningful to introduce quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols into underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems. However, the line-of-sight (LOS) requirement for photon transmission will pose an inevitable challenge to the QKD-based UWOC system. In this work, an optical intelligent reflecting surface (OIRS) array mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is utilized for the first time to alleviate the LOS blockage and enable more reliable underwater wireless optical quantum link for both discrete-variable quantum key distribution (DV-QKD) and continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD). To begin with, a novel statistical model of the aggregated channel transmissivity experienced by the OIRS-based quantum states in underwater link is derived by combing the effects of oceanic absorption, scattering, turbulence and OIRS misalignment, where the oceanic turbulence-induced irradiance fluctuation is modeled by exponential and generalized gamma (EGG) distribution, and the jitter angle associated with AUV-carried OIRS misalignment is characterized by a Rayleigh distribution. Then, on the basis of this statistical model and the Gauss-Chebyshev quadrature, the quantum bit error rate and the lower bound secret key rate (SKR) for the AUV-carried OIRS-assisted DV-QKD link are obtained with weak coherent optical source and decoy state idea by utilizing Gottesman-Lo-Lütkenhaus-Preskill. In terms of univariate Fox-H function, the average Pirandola-Laurenza-Ottaviani-Banchi (PLOB) bound over the bosonic pure-loss channel, as well as the thermal upper and lower bounds over the thermal-loss channel are both derived for the AUV-carried OIRS-assisted CV-QKD link. Additionally, the achievable SKR for a practical GG02 CV-QKD protocol in underwater channels is also presented through the worst-case analysis. Furthermore, the impacts of the number of OIRS elements, OIRS positioning, jitter variances, the probability of erroneous detection and link distance on the security performance of the proposed links are studied with different water types, thereby offering valuable insights for the QKD-based UWOC system in IoUwT.
Additive manufacturing of planar waveguides for terahertz applications
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Cao Yang , Zhang Rong , Li Xing , He Jiajun , Li Shuai , Li Haisu , Xu Quan , Lang Liying
Published: January 2025

The emerging planar photonic crystal (PC) and effective medium (EM) waveguides are considered promising technical platforms for terahertz communications. Beyond short-scale connections and various signal processing functionalities, versatile terahertz on-chip systems could be achievable by their physical integration; however, the inefficient coupling poses challenges. In this work, we propose an interface design between planar PC and EM waveguides with minimal insertion loss. Stereolithography 3D printing was validated as a cost-effective alternative to the microfabrication technologies for the demonstration of these two waveguide designs. Experiments found that optimized PC and EM waveguides in photosensitive resin exhibited transmission losses of 3.4 dB/cm and 2.1 dB/cm at 140 GHz, respectively. Furthermore, by adjusting the radius and positioning of certain air holes adjacent to the waveguide core, we reduced the insertion loss associated with the waveguide interface to 0.4 dB; significantly lower compared with direct butt coupling without transitions. The ∼30% increase in power coupling efficiency enabled terahertz signal transmission with higher data rates and lower bit error rate for terahertz communications. We believe that the proposed terahertz planar waveguide fabrication routes and structural designs could hold huge potential to offer efficient rapid-prototyping and inter-waveguide integration solutions for multifunctional terahertz circuits.
High diffraction efficiency metal-dielectric grazing incidence grating for laser linewidth narrowing
Authors: Wang Ruipeng , Sun Yuqi , Wang Xinyu , Zheng Zhongming , Chi Zhendong , Li Wenhao , Jiang Yanxiu
Published: January 2025

Grazing incidence gratings (GIGs) are diffractive optical components used in pulsed narrowband tunable lasers. To narrow the output linewidths of external-cavity semiconductor lasers further, a metal-dielectric GIG with high diffraction efficiency and high groove density was designed and fabricated. The grating was optimized using a combination of the Fourier modal method and the particle swarm optimization algorithm. When transverse-magnetically-polarized light at a wavelength of 650 nm was incident at a grazing angle of 89°, the theoretical diffraction efficiency of the −1st order light reached 68%, which is three times higher than that of traditional gratings. A rectangular grating with a groove density of 2800 gr/mm was fabricated using holographic exposure and scanned reactive ion beam etching techniques, and its diffraction efficiency was measured. The experimental results confirmed the excellent performance of the metal-dielectric GIG, indicating its potential for applications, including narrow-linewidth lasers, optical communications, and spectral analysis.
Diffuse light field imaging through thick scattering media
Authors: Cao Hongkun , Jin Xin , Wei Junjie , Fan Yihui , Du Dongyu
Published: January 2025

Scattering imaging through thick scattering media is often hindered by extremely low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) due to the ballistic-photon signal becomes negligible. To break through the super low SNR limit, we propose a diffuse light field imaging model (DLIM) to retrieve forward-scattered photons as signals. In this model, a diffuse source is constructed in an angular accumulated light field image by synthesizing the radiance sources captured from various view images. After that, the clear image could be solved analytically as a source term based on the diffusion equation by deconvoluting the diffuse Green function, which builds the diffuse light field convolution theorem. To demonstrate the physical process mathematically, we propose three-plane parametrization, which facilitates the derivation of DLIM from radiative transfer in each view image to diffuse approximation in the synthesized light field image. This is the first physically-aware scattering light field imaging model, extending the conventional light field imaging framework from free space into diffuse media. Extensive experiments confirm that the DLIM can reconstruct the target objects even when scattering light field images are reduced to random noise at extremely low SNRs. Compared to state-of-the-art scattering light field imaging methods like peplography, the proposed method outperforms by 1.70 dB/4.76 dB peak-signal-noise-ratio (PSNR) and 0.167/0.172 structural-similarity-index-measure (SSIM) higher, on average, for passive-luminous/self-luminous targets, respectively.
White-light biospeckle displacement analysis for the assessment of fruit quality
Authors: Khodadad Davood , Sabahno Hamed
Published: January 2025

This Letter introduces a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method for assessing fruit quality using white-light biospeckle displacement analysis. The primary aim is to demonstrate that speckle displacement behavior differs between healthy and decaying regions, offering a unique means of gauging bioactivity levels, a feature that has not been explored in previous biospeckle research. By examining speckle displacement vectors over time, significant differences were observed in the displacement patterns between healthy and decaying regions within the fruit tissue. Clustering techniques based on the size and direction of these vectors enabled sharp discrimination between these tissue states. The results indicate that analyzing biospeckle displacement behavior over the observation period provides valuable insights into dynamic processes within the fruit, facilitating a non-invasive evaluation of its quality.
High-fidelity lens-free on-chip microscopy via dual-channel noise separation
Authors: Li Ziyang , Zhou Xuyang , Wang Yiran , Li Yutong , Huang Guancheng , Qiao Ziling , Liu Shutian , Liu Zhengjun
Published: January 2025

Lens-free on-chip microscopy (LFOCM) is a high-throughput computational imaging technique that enables high-resolution, label-free imaging without requiring complex optical systems. However, LFOCM encounters significant challenges in achieving high-resolution reconstructions due to noise accumulation. We propose a high-fidelity LFOCM method that integrates pixel super-resolution (PSR) with dynamic dual-channel noise separation (DCNS). This approach simultaneously separates the amplitude and phase noise during the reconstruction process, thereby improving noise robustness and enhancing the dynamic range of quantitative amplitude and phase imaging. Experimental validation across various sample types demonstrated the effectiveness of our method. DCNS achieves a resolution that exceeds 34.1% of the Nyquist–Shannon sampling limit, with a full field of view (FOV) of 28.6 mm2, improving the dynamic range of phase reconstruction and effectively suppressing artifacts that degrade the reconstruction quality, thus resolving the trade-off between noise reduction and resolution.
Preprocessing methods for reducing the impact of image decorrelation in laser speckle digital image correlation
Authors: Zhang Dale , Huang Gang , Li Ledi , He Shengnan , Su Yong , Huang Shenghong , Jiang Menglai , Wang Weihua
Published: January 2025

The digital image correlation method based on laser speckle pattern (LS-DIC) can achieve non-contact in-situ strain measurement of materials under complex and extreme conditions. However, laser speckle patterns are significantly affected by environments, which lead to image decorrelation and reduce the accuracy of DIC calculations. To address this issue, we propose a preprocessing method for image sequences that employs the speed-up robust features (SURF) algorithm to match selected corresponding subsets within images and calculate the zero normalized cross-correlation (ZNCC) values of these subsets. By comparing the ZNCC values with a predefined threshold, it is possible to filter out decorrelated images from the sequence and simultaneously update reference images in real time. The efficacy of this preprocessing technique was corroborated through thermal strain detection experiments on aluminum specimens, demonstrating its capability to mitigate image decorrelation effects caused by heat haze, abrupt environmental changes, and vibrations. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) was utilized to quantitatively assess the variation in DIC measurement precision before and after image preprocessing. Results indicate that filtering and removing decorrelated images from the sequence can improve the DIC computational precision by 11%, thereby confirming that this preprocessing method can effectively improve the robustness and accuracy of LS-DIC measurements under complex and extreme conditions.