bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmenting mindfulness training through neurofeedback: a pilot study of the pre-post changes on resting-state functional connectivity in typically developing adolescents
Authors: Cosgrove Kelly T. , Tsuchiyagaito Aki , Cohen Zsofia P. , Cochran Gabe , Yu Xiaoqian , Misaki Masaya , Aupperle Robin L. , Singh Manpreet K. , Paulus Martin P. , Kirlic Namik
Published: October 2024

Background

Mindfulness training has been shown to promote positive mental health outcomes and related changes in neural networks such as the default mode network, which has a central node in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Previous work from our group reported on the impact of a novel, neurofeedback augmented mindfulness training (NAMT) task on regulation of PCC hemodynamic activity in typically developing adolescents. The present pilot study aimed to expand on this finding by examining the pre-post changes of the NAMT task on resting-state functional connectivity of the PCC.

Methods

Thirty-one typically developing adolescents (14.77 ± 1.23 years; 45% female) underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan both before and after completing the NAMT task. A linear mixed effects model was used to assess for changes in functional connectivity of the PCC across the two resting-state runs.

Results

Data did not support the hypothesized decrease in connectivity between the PCC seed and other DMN regions from pre- to post-NAMT task. However, we observed a significant increase in functional connectivity between the PCC and a cluster encompassing the left hippocampus and amygdala following completion of the NAMT task (run 1 Fisher’s Z = 0.16; run 2 Fisher’s Z = 0.26).

Conclusion

Although preliminary, this finding suggests NAMT has the potential to strengthen connectivity between default mode and salience regions. We speculate that such changed connectivity may facilitate enhanced self-referential and emotional processing in adolescents.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04053582.
Integrating subject-specific workspace constraint and performance-based control strategy in robot-assisted rehabilitation
Authors: Miao Qing , Min Song , Wang Cui , Chen Yi-Feng
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The robot-assistive technique has been widely developed in the field of neurorehabilitation for enhancement of neuroplasticity, muscle activity, and training positivity. To improve the reliability and feasibility in this patient–robot interactive context, motion constraint methods and adaptive assistance strategies have been developed to guarantee the movement safety and promote the training effectiveness based on the user’s movement information. Unfortunately, few works focus on customizing quantitative and appropriate workspace for each subject in passive/active training mode, and how to provide the precise assistance by considering movement constraints to improve human active participation should be further delved as well.

Methods

This study proposes an integrated framework for robot-assisted upper-limb training. A human kinematic upper-limb model is built to achieve a quantitative human–robot interactive workspace, and an iterative learning-based repulsive force field is developed to balance the compliant degrees of movement freedom and constraint. On this basis, a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN)-based control structure is further explored to obtain appropriate robotic assistance. The proposed strategy was preliminarily validated for bilateral upper-limb training with an end-effector-based robotic system.

Results

Experiments on healthy subjects are enrolled to validate the safety and feasibility of the proposed framework. The results show that the framework is capable of providing personalized movement workspace to guarantee safe and natural motion, and the RBFNN-based control structure can rapidly converge to the appropriate robotic assistance for individuals to efficiently complete various training tasks.

Discussion

The integrated framework has the potential to improve outcomes in personalized movement constraint and optimized robotic assistance. Future studies are necessary to involve clinical application with a larger sample size of patients.
Effects of exogenous calcium on flavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation in peanut roots under salt stress through multi-omics
Authors: Gao Yan , Dong Xuan , Wang Rongjin , Zhang Yongyong , Hao Fei , Niu Xuguang , Zhang Hui , Lin Guolin
Published: October 2024

Flavonoids possess antioxidant properties and are crucial in enhancing plant resistance to abiotic stress. Exogenous calcium has been found to regulate the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids. However, the mechanism by which exogenous calcium influences flavonoid regulation in peanut roots under salt stress remains unclear. In this study, four treatment conditions were established: no salt stress, salt stress, exogenous calcium, and a combination of salt stress and exogenous calcium. The peanut root flavonoid profile was comprehensively analyzed using both a broadly targeted metabolomic approach and an absolute quantitative flavonoid metabolome. A total of 168 flavonoids were identified in the broad-target metabolome, while 68 were quantified in the absolute quantification analysis. The findings revealed that salt stress generally increased flavonoid content in peanut roots, while co-treatment with exogenous calcium significantly reduced this accumulation. Additionally, the activities of key enzymes and the expression of genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were upregulated under salt stress, but downregulated following the combined treatment. This study offers valuable insights into the physiological and ecological roles of flavonoids in response to environmental stressors in economically important crops.
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the uterus and pelvic cavity
Authors: Yu Xiuzhang , Duan Ruiqi , Yang Bowen , Huang Liyan , Hou Minmin , Qie Mingrong
Published: October 2024

Background

Primary perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the female reproductive tract have been primarily reported as case reports owing to their clinical rarity. Limited incidence rates and clinical case data hinder a comprehensive understanding of the risks and invasiveness of this disease. We discuss herein the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease to enhance comprehension and therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We conducted a clinical analysis of patients with PEComa treated at the Gynecology Department of The West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between May 2018 and January 2024. Diagnosis and treatment were evaluated based on pertinent literature.

Results

Overall, eight patients (seven patients with tumors in the uterus and one patient with tumors in the pelvic cavity) were evaluated. One patient with PEComa of unknown malignant potential and two patients with malignant PEComa underwent hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy with or without adjuvant therapy and did not develop recurrence. Meanwhile, three patients who underwent lesion resection only exhibited radiological evidence of new lesions. Furthermore, postoperative imaging identified new pulmonary nodules in three patients.

Conclusion

Although the current criteria are generally effective in assessing the tumor invasiveness of PEComa, emphasizing the significance of complete lesion resection remains crucial. Inadequate treatment significantly increases the risks of recurrence and metastasis. Additionally, the prevalence of pulmonary metastases may have been underestimated. Refining risk stratification to prevent overtreatment of low-grade malignancies or overlooking highly aggressive tumors is an important area for further study.
Radiomics in precision medicine for colorectal cancer: a bibliometric analysis (2013–2023)
Authors: Li Hao , Zhuang Yupei , Yuan Weichen , Gu Yutian , Dai Xinyan , Li Muhan , Chen Haibin , Zhou Hongguang
Published: October 2024

Background

The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been rising steadily. Early diagnosis and precise treatment are essential for improving patient survival outcomes. Over the past decade, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and medical imaging technologies has positioned radiomics as a critical area of research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CRC.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review of CRC-related radiomics literature published between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2023 using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric tools such as Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were employed to perform an in-depth bibliometric analysis.

Results

Our search yielded 1,226 publications, revealing a consistent annual growth in CRC radiomics research, with a significant rise after 2019. China led in publication volume (406 papers), followed by the United States (263 papers), whereas the United States dominated in citation numbers. Notable institutions included General Electric, Harvard University, University of London, Maastricht University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Prominent researchers in this field are Tian J from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with the highest publication count, and Ganeshan B from the University of London, with the most citations. Journals leading in publication and citation counts are Frontiers in Oncology and Radiology. Keyword and citation analysis identified deep learning, texture analysis, rectal cancer, image analysis, and management as prevailing research themes. Additionally, recent trends indicate the growing importance of AI and multi-omics integration, with a focus on improving precision medicine applications in CRC. Emerging keywords such as deep learning and AI have shown rapid growth in citation bursts over the past 3 years, reflecting a shift toward more advanced technological applications.

Conclusions

Radiomics plays a crucial role in the clinical management of CRC, providing valuable insights for precision medicine. It significantly contributes to predicting molecular biomarkers, assessing tumor aggressiveness, and monitoring treatment efficacy. Future research should prioritize advancing AI algorithms, enhancing multi-omics data integration, and further expanding radiomics applications in CRC precision medicine.
How do we safely preserve ovaries in patients with cervical adenocarcinoma: risk factors and predictive models
Authors: Zhang Yunqiang , Shi Yue , Xiang Xuesong , Ding Jingxin , Hua Keqin
Published: October 2024

Objective

To study and predict the risk of ovarian metastasis (OM) in patients with cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC).

Methods

Patients with ADC who received surgical treatment from January 2015 to December 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University were included in the study. Patients were further divided into OP (ovaries were preserved in surgery) and BSO (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) groups. For the patients who accepted BSO, 60% of the patients were randomly grouped into a training cohort, and predictive prognostic models were constructed with 10-fold cross-validation through random forest, LASSO, stepwise, and optimum subset analysis. The model with the highest area under receiver operator curve (AUC) was screened out in the testing cohort. The nomogram and its calibration curve presented the possibility of OM in future patients. The prognoses between the different populations were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis. All data processing was carried out in R 4.2.0 software.

Results

A total of 934 patients were enrolled in our cohort; 266 patients had their ovaries preserved and 668 patients had BSO according to the previous criteria reported The clinical safety with these criteria was secured, while the 5-year overall survival had no significant difference between the BSO and OP groups (p = 0.069), which suggested that the current criteria could be extended and are more precise. Four predictive models for ovarian metastasis by machine learning were constructed in our study, and the random forest model that obtained the highest AUC in both training and testing sets (0.971 for training and 0.962 for testing set) was taken as the best model. The optimal cut-off point of the ROC curve (specificity 99.5% and 90% sensitivity) was utilized to stratify the patients into high- and low-risk OM. Further comparing the survival curves of the high and low-OM risk groups, it was found that both DFS and OS were significantly prolonged in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). On the basis of this random forest model, a nomogram was used to calculate the OM risk, and the results were validated with calibration. The predictive model was further applied to the whole cohort (934 patients), and we identified the OM low-risk population (n = 822) and the patients with high risk who should be recommended for BSO (n = 112). No significant difference was found in the 5-year survival between the low-risk group with our model and the patients who already had ovaries preserved according to the previous criteria (n = 266).

Conclusion

The predictive model constructed in our study could identify the low-risk population of OM in patients with ADC, which remarkably extended the number with the previous criteria, for whom we could potentially preserve ovaries to help improve their life quality.
Acute pediatric appendicitis in black and white: clinical disparities, impact and future recommendations
Authors: Khan Aimen Waqar , Dar Marrium Sultan , Nabi Rayyan , Ali Ahmad , Humayun Muhammad Abdullah , Riaz Eman
Published: October 2024

Racial and ethnic disparities have long been studied in the delivery of healthcare. One such avenue is acute pediatric appendicitis, which continues to be an area of significant and continual research. Because of its routine clinical presentation and standardized management, acute pediatric appendicitis serves as an appropriate proxy for studying discrepancies in healthcare. Our review therefore aims to comprehensively highlight the various dimensions of its clinical management subject to disparities, their collective clinical impact, and future recommendations to mitigate it.
Optimized guidelines for feminized seed production in high-THC Cannabis cultivars
Authors: Timoteo Junior Antonio A. , Oswald Iain W. H.
Published: October 2024

With the partial legalization of high-THC Cannabis sativa across 23 states for recreational use and 38 states for medical purposes in the United States, the Cannabis industry is poised for significant growth. Projected to reach a sales volume of $50.7 billion by 2028, this growth is driven by the trend of lifting Cannabis prohibition. High-THC C. sativa cultivars, containing more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) as defined by the 2018 US Farm Bill, are used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Cannabis sativa is a short day, dioecious, annual plant, where female plants are favored for THC production, which requires seed feminization techniques to ensure an accurate female plant population. This involves using an ethylene inhibitor to induce sex reversal, leading to male flower development on female plants, allowing for self-pollination and the production of feminized seeds. However, challenges such as seed viability and the occurrence of male flowers in progeny have been noted. This review provides guidelines to enhance the production of viable feminized seeds in high-THC Cannabis cultivars. Literature findings indicate that Silver Thiosulfate (STS) is the most effective ethylene inhibitor for sex reversal and seed feminization in high-THC Cannabis cultivars. Specifically, a single dose of 3 mM STS should be applied during the vegetative stage via foliar spraying until runoff, followed by exposure to a short photoperiod of up to 12 hours to induce flowering and seed production. Progeny plants should be assessed for seed germination rate and compared for growth performance with the original parent plant to assess the declining effects of inbreeding. Adhering to these guidelines can improve the quality and viability of feminized seeds, meeting commercial market standards and industry demands for high-THC Cannabis cultivars.
Genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeny of insular Spanish pepper landraces (Capsicum annuum L.) through phenotyping and genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Ortega-Albero Neus , Barchi Lorenzo , Fita Ana , Díaz Miguel , Martínez Felipe , Luna-Prohens Joana-Maria , Rodríguez-Burruezo Adrián
Published: October 2024

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Understanding the species’ genetic background is key to preserve agrodiversity on-farm, to contribute to a more diverse and resilient agrifood sector, and to find new sources of variation that could be useful in future breeding programs. In this regard, varietal groups bred in insular environments have gained special interest as they have evolved quite isolated from continental forms, with a limited genetic exchange. The present work explores the diversity of a plethora of Balearic landraces, corresponding to different local varietal types, through phenotyping and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Mallorca and Eivissa landraces were phenotyped according to a comprehensive list of descriptors for plant, leaf, flower, fruit, pollen, and seed and were genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers; population structure and their patterns of diversity were studied. The results showed a considerable morphological diversity for most traits analyzed, within and between landraces. On the whole, in regard to genetic patterns, relatively low levels of heterozygosity and moderate genetic diversity for the studied landraces were found although some of them exhibited diverse patterns. The materials were not grouped in specific clusters associated with each island, but mainly according to varietal types. These findings can serve as the basis for studying divergent evolutionary patterns associated with the corresponding populations. Finally, the results can contribute to further elucidation of the genetic basis of Balearic landraces and serve as an inspiring case of study for other insular endemisms of cultivated species.
Ectopic expression of the GRAS-type transcriptional regulator NSP2 in Parasponia triggers contrasting effects on symbioses
Authors: Alhusayni Sultan , Kersten Nick , Huisman Rik , Geurts Rene , Klein Joël
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Plants strictly control root endosymbioses with nutrient-scavenging arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi or nodule inducing diazotrophic bacteria. The GRAS-type transcriptional regulator NODULATION SIGNALING PATHWAY 2 (NSP2) is a conserved hub in this process. The NSP2-regulated transcriptional network is instrumental in balancing nutrient homeostasis with symbiotic interactions. NSP2 activity is modulated post-transcriptionally by a specific microRNA. Overriding this control mechanism by ectopic expression of a miRNA-resistant NSP2 transgene enhances the symbiotic permissiveness to arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi. Such engineered plants may possess enhanced capacities for nutrient uptake. However, the trade-off of this strategy on plant development or other symbiotic interactions, like nodulation, is yet to be fully understood.

Method

We used the nodulating Cannabaceae species Parasponia andersonii as an experimental system to study the effect of ectopic NSP2 expression. Parasponia and legumes (Fabaceae) diverged 100 million years ago, providing a unique comparative system to dissect the nodulation trait.

Results

Six independent transgenic Parasponia lines were generated that differed in the level of NSP2 expression in the root from 6 to 95-fold higher when compared to the empty vector control plants. Analysis of these plants revealed a positive correlation between mycorrhization and the NSP2 expression level, as well as with the expression of the symbiosis transcription factor CYCLOPS and the rate-limiting enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway PHYTOENE SYNTHASE1 (PSY1). Yet ectopic expression of NSP2 affected plant architecture and root nodule organogenesis.

Discussion

This indicates a significant trade-off when leveraging NSP2 over-expression to enhance endomycorrhization.
A novel mechanical-laser collaborative intra-row weeding prototype: structural design and optimization, weeding knife simulation and laser weeding experiment
Authors: Hu Rui , Niu Long-Tao , Su Wen-Hao
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The competition between intra-row weeds and cultivated vegetables for nutrients is a major contributor for crop yield reduction. Compared with manual weeding, intelligent robots can improve the efficiency of weeding operations.

Methods

This study proposed a novel mechanical-laser collaborative intra-row weeding device structure. A slider-crank mechanism size optimization algorithm was proposed, and the correctness of the algorithm was verified by ADMAS software. Finally, the crank and link lengths were determined to be 87 mm and 135 mm, respectively. The resistance of triangular weeding knives with different penetration angles and edge angles in the soil was simulated and analyzed using EDEM software. The simulation results show that the triangular weeding knife with a soil penetration angle of 0 ° and an edge angle of 30 ° encountered the least resistance. In addition, weed control experiments with different powers and lasers were conducted using 200 W NIR and 200 W blue lasers. The experimental results show that the time it took for a 50 W blue laser and a 100 W NIR laser to remove small weeds was approximately between 0.3 and 0.4 s, and the time it took for a 50 W blue laser to remove larger weeds was approximately between 0.5 and 0.6 s. The time it took for 75 W and 50 W NIR lasers to remove weeds was more than 1 s.

Results

Based on the above research results, a prototype of a mechanical-laser collaborative intra-row weeding device was successfully built.

Discussion

This study provides a new idea for the field of intelligent weeding. The simulation and experimental results can provide a reference for the research and development of mechanical weeding and laser weeding equipment.
Comparative case study of evolutionary insights and floral complexity in key early-diverging eudicot Ranunculales models
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Pandher Mankirat Kaur , Alcaraz Echeveste Ana Quetzali , Bravo Marianellie , Romo Rene Kenny , Ramirez Sarah Christine
Published: October 2024

Famously referred to as “Darwin’s abominable mystery,” the rapid diversification of angiosperms over the last ~140 million years presents a fascinating enigma. This diversification is underpinned by complex genetic pathways that evolve and rewire to produce diverse and sometimes novel floral forms. Morphological innovations in flowers are shaped not only by genetics but also by evolutionary constraints and ecological dynamics. The importance of model organisms in addressing the long-standing scientific questions related to diverse floral forms cannot be overstated. In plant biology, Arabidopsis thaliana, a core eudicot, has emerged as a premier model system, with its genome being the first plant genome to be fully sequenced. Similarly, model systems derived from crop plants such as Oryza sativa (rice) and Zea mays (maize) have been invaluable, particularly for crop improvement. However, despite their substantial utility, these model systems have limitations, especially when it comes to exploring the evolution of diverse and novel floral forms. The order Ranunculales is the earliest-diverging lineage of eudicots, situated phylogenetically between core eudicots and monocots. This group is characterized by its exceptional floral diversity, showcasing a wide range of floral morphologies and adaptations that offer valuable insights into the evolutionary processes of flowering plants. Over the past two decades, the development of at least five model systems including, Aquilegia, Thalictrum, Nigella, Delphinium and Eschscholzia within the Ranunculales order has significantly advanced our understanding of floral evolution. This review highlights the conservation and divergence of floral organ identity programs observed among these models and discusses their importance in advancing research within the field. The review also delves into elaborate petal morphology observed in Aquilegia, Nigella, and Delphinium genera, and further discusses the contributions, limitations, and future research directions for Ranunculales model systems. Integrating these diverse models from the early-diverging eudicot order has enhanced our understanding of the complex evolutionary pathways that shape floral diversity in angiosperms, bridging the knowledge gaps essential for a comprehensive understanding of floral evolution.
Leisure and cultural identity: an empirical study based on root-seeking summer camp for ethnic Chinese new generation
Authors: Wang Zhenhan , Ye Sheling , Bei Li
Published: October 2024

This study examines the role of root-seeking summer camps in enhancing Chinese cultural identity among the new ethnic Chinese generation (ECNG) amidst the challenges of globalization. Semi-structured interviews with thirty campers revealed that ECNG often lack clear ethnic consciousness, experience conflict in community relationships, and have limited opportunities for traditional cultural experiences. The study found that summer camps exert both intrinsic and extrinsic influences on campers. Intrinsically, they facilitate the internalization of leisure motivation, foster a deepened leisure experience, and promote strengthened leisure interactions. Extrinsically, they provide opportunities for leisure education and cultural immersion. Through this synergy, summer camps enhance the cultural identification of ECNG. However, the study also noted that course enjoyment and teaching staff behavior could influence perceptions of the camp. This study contributes to understanding the relationship between leisure and identity, explaining how summer camp activities enhance ECNG’s cultural identity, and offering insights for governments and agencies.
The interplay of job embeddedness, collective efficacy, and work meaningfulness on teacher well-being: a mixed-methods study with digital ethnography in China
Authors: Lei Yumei
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study examines the influence of teacher job embeddedness, collective efficacy, and work meaningfulness on the psychological well-being of Chinese teachers. The focus is on understanding how these constructs contribute to teacher well-being through a mixed-methods approach.

Methods

A two-stage structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was conducted using quantitative data collected from 406 in-service Chinese teachers. The study also incorporated a qualitative phase involving digital ethnography within online teaching communities to provide deeper insights into teachers’ experiences.

Results

The quantitative analysis revealed significant positive direct effects of job embeddedness, collective efficacy, and work meaningfulness on psychological well-being, with work meaningfulness showing the strongest effect. The mediating role of work meaningfulness partially explained the relationships between job embeddedness, collective efficacy, and teacher well-being. The qualitative findings supported and expanded upon these results, emphasizing the role of a supportive school community and strong administrative leadership.

Discussion

The results suggest that enhancing job embeddedness, collective efficacy, and work meaningfulness can significantly contribute to teachers’ psychological well-being. These findings provide actionable insights for school leaders and policymakers in the Chinese educational system to foster environments that promote teacher well-being.
Research on the influence of perceived quality on users’ continuance usage intention of online live streaming class platforms: the mediating role of flow experience and the moderating impact of perceived usefulness
Authors: Wu Fan , Xie Guangying
Published: October 2024

Background

With the penetration of the “Internet+” into social life, the digitization of education has become a trend and national demand. Alongside the rise of the “Everyone Live Streaming” era, online live streaming class platforms have rapidly grown due to favorable user experiences.

Methods

Grounded in the Expectation Confirmation Theory, this study employed questionnaire surveys to investigate the influence mechanism of perceived quality, flow experience, and perceived usefulness on individuals’ continuance usage intention of online live streaming class platforms.

Results

Through the analysis of 773 survey responses, this study reveals several key findings. Firstly, perceived quality significantly and positively affects users’ intention to continue using the online live streaming class platforms. Secondly, flow experience partially mediates the relationship between perceived quality and continuance usage intention, underscoring its significance in user decision-making. Additionally, Perceived usefulness negatively moderates the relationship between perceived quality and flow experience, demonstrating varied effects.

Conclusion

On the one hand, online live streaming platforms should actively invest in improving the quality of user perception, as this can lead to a better user flow experience and continued willingness to use. On the other hand, they should also pay more attention to the user’s flow experience, which has a direct impact on the user’s propensity to continue to use. Besides, the perceived usefulness of the online live class by the user should also be taken seriously.
Normative study of SATURN: a digital, self-administered, open-source cognitive assessment tool for Italians aged 50–80
Authors: Giaquinto Francesco , Assecondi Sara , Leccese Giuliana , Romano Daniele Luigi , Angelelli Paola
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to establish normative data for the Self-Administered Tasks Uncovering Risk of Neurodegeneration (SATURN), a brief computer-based test for global cognitive assessment through accuracy and response times on tasks related to memory, attention, temporal orientation, visuo-constructional abilities, math (calculation), executive functions, and reading speed.

Methods

A sample of 323 Italian individuals with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) equivalent score ≥1 (180 females; average age: 61.33 years; average education: 11.32 years), stratified by age, education, and sex, completed SATURN using PsychoPy, and a paper-and-pencil protocol consisting of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and MoCA. Data analyses included: (i) correlations between the total accuracy scores of SATURN and those of MMSE and MoCA; (ii) multiple regressions to determine the impact of sex, age, and education, along with the computation of adjusted scores; (iii) the calculation of inner and outer tolerance limits, equivalent scores, and the development of correction grids.

Results

The mean total time on tasks was 6.72 ± 3.24 min. Age and education significantly influence the SATURN total accuracy, while sex influences the total time on tasks. Specific sociodemographic characteristics influence subdomain accuracies and times on task differently. For the adjusted SATURN total score, the outer limit corresponds to 16.56 out of 29.00 (cut-off), while the inner limit is 18.57. SATURN significantly correlates with MMSE and MoCA.

Discussion

In conclusion, SATURN is the first open-source digital tool for initial cognitive assessment in Italy, showing potential for self-administration in primary care, and remote administration. Future studies need to assess its sensitivity and specificity in detecting pathological cognitive decline.
The non-linear correlation between the severity of alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms in the Chinese Wa ethnic minority
Authors: Liu Junjun , Feng Xiaotang , Liu Yang , Xiao Libin , Tong Ruixiang , Wang Yangchun , Lu Zhaomin , Jia Fengnan , Zhang Xiaobin , Li Zhe , Du Xiangdong , Yang Wanqiu
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of this research was to examine the association between alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms in the Wa ethnic minority of China, a population where this relationship has been insufficiently explored.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a sample of 317 current drinkers from the Wa ethnic minority, a “direct fast-forward” group in Cangyuan County, between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Utilizing a multi-stage cluster sampling approach, participants were selected, each of whom exhibited an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score exceeding 0. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews employing a uniform questionnaire. Quantification of alcohol use was achieved through the application of the AUDIT, while the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 was employed to gauge depressive symptoms. The relationship between the severity of alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms was evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model. Subsequently, potential non-linear associations were scrutinized through the application of a smoothing plot.

Results

The study included 317 current drinkers (196 males [61.83%]; mean age 41.78 ± 12.91 years), of which 94 (29.65%) exhibited comorbid depressive symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounders, revealed that higher AUDIT scores were significantly associated with an increased probability of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.18, p = 0.008). The risk of depressive symptoms was notably greater in the group with alcohol dependent range in contrast the group at low-risk range (OR = 7.01, 95% CI: 1.66–29.62, p = 0.008). The smoothing plot indicated a J-shaped non-linear relationship with an inflection point at an AUDIT score of 15. To the left of this inflection point, no significant relationship was observed, whereas to the right, a positive correlation emerged (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.11–1.74, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings reveal a non-linear relationship between alcohol consumption and the probability of depressive symptoms within the Wa ethnic minority in China, with implications for the development of nuanced and effective treatment strategies tailored to this population.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ psychological distress, well-being, and utilization of mental health services in the United States: populations at greatest risk
Authors: Russell Elaine Cooper , Abidogun Tolulope M. , Lindley Lisa L. , Griffin Kenneth W.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic led to major disruptions in the lives of university students, which is a population that is already at a greater risk of mental health concerns. Little is known about how the pandemic impacted distress and mental health services utilization among university students across the United States.

Methods

Using survey data from the National College Health Assessment, both before the COVID-19 pandemic (pre-March 2020, n = 88,986) and during the pandemic (Spring 2021, n = 96,489), the present study examined mental health symptoms and utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students attending four-year universities in the United States.

Results

There were notable increases in measures of psychological distress and reductions in well-being from before the pandemic to during the pandemic. However, overall utilization rates of mental health services slightly decreased from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic. Predictors of severe psychological distress included those who experienced loneliness, COVID-19 related stressors, and loss of a loved one from COVID-19. COVID-related stressors and loneliness were associated with higher utilization rates of mental health services, while well-being and resilience were associated with lower utilization rates.

Discussion

Analyses revealed that several demographic groups were at an elevated risk for severe psychological distress, including non-binary, female, and sexual minority students, and especially those who identify as both non-binary and non-heterosexual. Results indicated that students of color, especially female students of color, were less likely to receive mental health services. Future research is needed to increase our understanding of the barriers to mental health service use among high-risk university students.
The impact of exercise self-efficacy on college students’ emotion management ability: an analysis of the mediating effects based on exercise behavior and screen media use
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Li Bo , Lou Hu , Mu Fanzheng , Liu Jun
Published: October 2024

Objective

To explore the impact of exercise self-efficacy on college students’ emotion management ability and to analyze the mediating effects of exercise behavior and screen media use between exercise self-efficacy and emotion management ability.

Methods

This study adopted stratified, whole-cluster, and staged sampling methods, using an online questionnaire that included demographic information, exercise self-efficacy, exercise behavior, screen media use, and other relevant aspects, obtaining a total of 12,687 valid questionnaires.

Results

The study indicated a significant positive correlation between exercise self-efficacy and emotion management ability (r = 0.349, p < 0.01). There was also a positive correlation between physical exercise and emotion management ability (r = 0.128, p < 0.01). In contrast, smartphone use showed a significant negative correlation with emotion management ability (r = −0.102, p < 0.01). Additionally, exercise persistence and electronic health literacy presented significant positive correlations with emotion management ability (r = 0.370, p < 0.01; r = 0.502, p < 0.01). Chain-mediated effect analysis revealed that exercise self-efficacy positively affected emotion management ability by enhancing physical exercise and reducing smartphone use (95% CI: [0.001, 0.002]). Furthermore, exercise self-efficacy positively influenced emotion management ability by enhancing exercise persistence and e-health literacy (95% CI: [0.029, 0.042]). These two variables acted as chain mediators, demonstrating the pathways through which exercise self-efficacy affects emotion management ability.

Conclusion

This study deepened the understanding of the interplay between exercise behavior, screen media use, and emotion management ability. It suggested that emotion management ability could be enhanced through strategies of improving exercise persistence, physical exercise, electronic health literacy, and reducing smartphone use while considering differences in gender, academic year, and regional factors in intervention programs.
Compound effects of biochar application and irrigation on soil water and temperature transport
Authors: Jiang Fuchang , Li Yi , Jia Yonglin , Li Liwei , Guan Ronghao , Biswas Asim
Published: October 2024

The issue of soil salinization poses a significant barrier to sustainable agricultural development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Finding methods to enhance the quality of salinized soils while conserving water resources has become a pressing challenge. In arid and semi-arid environments, conserving water resources while maintaining soil health is a critical challenge. This study, conducted from 2021 to 2023, aimed to explore the combined effects of irrigation and biochar application on soil physicochemical properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and pH, as well as on Weighted Plane Soil Water Storage (WPSWS), soil temperature, and soil water evaporation. The experimental design included four irrigation levels, based on actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc): I1 (0.6 ETc), I2 (0.8 ETc), I3 (1.0 ETc), and I4 (1.2 ETc), coupled with four amounts of biochar application (AOBA) of 0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1, designated as C0, C10, C20, and C30, respectively. Through binary quadratic regression analysis, we sought to identify the optimal combination of irrigation amount and AOBA for enhancing soil quality. The results revealed that as AOBA increased from 10 to 30 t ha−1, soil bulk density decreased by 1.31–8.58% and soil pH by 0.23–1.31%. However, higher levels of AOBA adversely affected WPSWS, with the C10 treatment showing the maximum improvement in WPSWS, registering an average increase of 6.77, 7.49, and 11.16% compared to the C0, C20, and C30 treatments, respectively. We observed that an increase in irrigation amount significantly elevated accumulated soil evaporation (ASE) and WPSWS but led to a reduction in accumulated soil temperature (AST). The most notable soil quality improvements were recorded when irrigation levels were between 340 and 380 mm and AOBA ranged from 10 to 25 t ha−1. This study provides insights into the effective combination of biochar application and irrigation for optimizing soil resilience, thereby offering a sustainable approach to soil management in water-limited environments.
Digital Analysis with the Help of an Integrated UAV System for the Surveillance of Fruit and Wine Areas
Authors: Ipate George , Tudora Catalina , Ilie Filip
Published: October 2024

The main purpose of this study was to create a prototype of an unmanned aerial system equipped with intelligent hardware and software technologies necessary for surveillance and monitoring the health and growth of crops from orchards with vines and fruit trees. Using low-cost sensors that accurately measure ultraviolet solar radiation was an important objective. The device, which needed to be attached to the commercial DJI Mini 4 Pro drone, had to be small, portable, and have low energy consumption. For this purpose, the widely used Vishay VEML6075 digital optical sensor was selected and implemented in a prototype, alongside a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W minicomputer. To collect data from these sensors, a program written in Python was used, containing specific blocks for data acquisition from each sensor, to facilitate the monitoring of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or battery current. By analyzing the data obtained from the sensors, several important conclusions were drawn that may provide valuable pathways for the further development of mobile or modular equipment. Furthermore, the plantation state analysis results with proposed models in the geographic information system (GIS) environment are also presented. The visualization of maps indicating variations in vegetation conditions led to identifying problems such as hydric stress.
Optimal Relationship Between As and Cd in Porewater of Paddy Soils with Variations in pe + pH: Insight from Trade-Off Value Analysis
Authors: Tian Xiaosong , Li Jiahang , Chai Guanqun , Luo Dayong , Gong Yalong , Liu Huang , Xie Qing , Li Guanghui
Published: October 2024

The remediation of paddy soils co-contaminated with As and Cd is tricky. It is difficult to decrease Cd and As availability simultaneously due to their opposite geochemical characteristics. Finding the optimal trade-off relationship between As and Cd availability in paddy soils is a significant task that is necessary to guide the construction of water management measures. This study investigated the dissolution characteristics of As, Cd, Fe, Mn, DOC, DOM, and various As and Cd fractions in soils via the microcosm system and calculated the optimal trade-off value for available As and Cd in porewater. The results showed that the total As in porewater increased rapidly when the soil Eh was reduced to −104 mV. Meanwhile, the total Cd in porewater decreased dramatically when the soil Eh was below 62 mV. Under flooding and drainage conditions, Fe/Mn (oxyhydro)oxides play a vital role in regulating Cd dissolution in paddy soils, while Fe/Mn (oxyhydro)oxides organically bind sulfide together to determine the dissolution of As. Additionally, the optimal pe + pH response to the minimum trade-off value of available As and Cd in porewater was found to be 6.6, which indicates a moderate reduction status. Therefore, further research should apply the optimal pe + pH to construct water management measures to safely utilize co-contaminated paddy fields.
Soil Biocrusts May Exert a Legacy Impact on the Rhizosphere Microbial Community of Plant Crops
Authors: Zou Xiangbo , Jiang Xinyu , Jiang Heng , Li Cheng , Cheng Jiong , Ji Dongqing , Wang Jin , Ruan Jiajin , Zhou Tiancheng , Kuang Cao , Ye Ji , Yu Shiqin
Published: October 2024

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play important ecological roles in many ecosystems, but their legacy effects in subtropical agricultural systems are poorly understood. This study investigated how biocrusts impact soil properties and subsequent crop rhizosphere microbiomes. Soil with (+BC) and without (−BC) biocrusts was cultivated and used to grow pepper plants in a greenhouse experiment. Soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities in the pre-planting soils, and microbial communities in crop rhizosphere were analyzed. The results showed that soils with biocrust had significantly higher organic matter, total nitrogen, alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium content. Microbial community structures differed significantly among treatments, with −BC soils exhibiting higher microbial diversity in pre-planting conditions, while +BC soils showed higher diversity in crop rhizosphere soils. Soil properties, especially extractable potassium, total nitrogen, and organic matter content, were significantly correlated with rhizosphere microbial community structure. Additionally, our results showed that the first principal coordinate (PCoA1) of soil microbial community structure was significantly correlated with rhizosphere microbiota. Multiple regression analysis revealed that pre-planting soil microbial diversity indices and certain soil physicochemical properties could predict crop rhizosphere soil microbial diversity. Our results demonstrate that biocrusts can enhance soil fertility and alter microbial communities in subtropical agricultural soils, with persistent effects on the crop rhizosphere microbiome. This study provides new insights into the ecological legacy of biocrusts in managed subtropical ecosystems and their potential agricultural implications.
Optimisation of Box Girder Design of Overhead Cranes
Authors: Kulka Jozef , Mantič Martin , Grega Robert , Siman Marián , Kopas Melichar , Maláková Silvia
Published: October 2024

The subject of the research presented in this article is the dimensional optimisation of the box structure of the main girder for overhead cranes, with the aim to reduce the main girder’s own weight. Described are the applied optimisation methods and also the problems arising during the optimisation process. Loss of shape stability is analysed in more detail, as well as the methods determined for a constructional proposal of the girder cross-section. The developed optimisation procedure is a combination of the calculations, performed in the MS Excel environment, with the simulation of a parametrically modelled girder realised using Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks software v. 2023. Using the example of optimisation of an overhead crane girder with a lifting capacity of 50 tons, the effectiveness of the proposed optimisation procedure is declared, where the existing overhead crane box girder is compared with the optimised cross-section of the box girder.