bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of maize kernel varieties based on interpretable ensemble algorithms
Authors: Bi Chunguang , Bi Xinhua , Liu Jinjing , Xie Hao , Zhang Shuo , Chen He , Wang Mohan , Shi Lei , Song Shaozhong 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMaize kernel variety identification is crucial for reducing storage losses and ensuring food security. Traditional single models show limitations in processing large-scale multimodal data.MethodsThis study constructed an interpretable ensemble learning model for maize seed variety identification through improved differential evolutionary algorithm and multimodal data fusion. Morphological and hyperspectral data of maize samples were extracted and preprocessed, and three methods were used to screen features, respectively. The base learner of the Stacking integration model was selected using diversity and performance indices, with parameters optimized through a differential evolution algorithm incorporating multiple mutation strategies and dynamic adjustment of mutation factors and recombination rates. Shapley Additive exPlanation was applied for interpretable ensemble learning.ResultsThe HDE-Stacking identification model achieved 97.78% accuracy. The spectral bands at 784 nm, 910 nm, 732 nm, 962 nm, and 666 nm showed positive impacts on identification results.DiscussionThis research provides a scientific basis for efficient identification of different corn kernel varieties, enhancing accuracy and traceability in germplasm resource management. The findings have significant practical value in agricultural production, improving quality management efficiency and contributing to food security assurance.
Beyond borders: investigating the impact of the 2023 conflict in Gaza on generalized anxiety disorders and associated somatic symptoms and wellbeing among the Kuwait population: a global call for public intervention programs
Authors: Alnaser Musaed Z. , Alhamad Hamad , Alotaibi Naser , Alhamdan Nadia , Manee Fahad 
Published: February 2025

PurposeArmed conflicts can lead to devastating psychological health issues within and around conflict zones. Generalized anxiety disorder, associated somatic symptoms, and wellbeing were examined among the Kuwait population during the Gaza Conflict in 2023, in addition to exploring the provoking factors.MethodsA descriptive, correlational cross-sectional design was used in this study. An online survey was conducted to collect information from people living in Kuwait during the Gaza Conflict. Data were collected between November 20 and November 27, 2023. The generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), a modified patient health questionnaire (mPHQ-15), and the World Health Organization – Five (WHO-5) were used to examine self-reported anxiety, somatic symptoms, and wellbeing among the study participants. Spearman’s correlation and chi-squared tests were used to determine the relationships between anxiety, somatic symptoms, and wellbeing, and to capture the instigating factors.ResultsThis study included 1979 participants living in Kuwait during the Gaza conflict period. GAD-7 and mPHQ-5 final scores were moderate (μ = 10.20 ± 4.48; μ = 11.12 ± 6.39), and WHO-5 final score was fair (μ = 53.35 ± 21.82). Spearman’s correlation showed a large positive correlation between the GAD-7 and mPHQ-15, r(1977) = 0.52, p &lt; 0.0001, a medium negative correlation between the GAD-7 and WHO-5, r(1977) = −0.36, p &lt; 0.0001, and a medium negative correlation between the mPHQ-15 and WHO-5, r(1977) = −0.27, p &lt; 0.0001. Spearman’s correlation showed a small positive correlation between the GAD-7 and current feelings of insecurity, r(1977) = 0.246, p &lt; 0.0001, and medium positive correlation with future fears, r(1979) = 0.292, p &lt; 0.0001.ConclusionThe Gaza conflict impacted the psychological health of the Kuwait population, who shared geographical, geocultural, and geopolitical factors with those in the conflict zone. A global call to address mental health intervention programs for the public in and around conflict zones is a priority.
Relationship between dietary intake and growth and development in Chinese pupils
Authors: Fang Wen , Fu Ye , Li Qin , Cheng Menghan , Zhang Miao , Lu Yu 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundA nutritional diet is essential for children’s growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and growth and development of pupils to provide more specific nutritional recommendations for their healthy growth.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 592 pupils, and standardized questionnaires were used to collect information on students’ sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and dietary intake. Growth and development assessment indicators were measured according to standard protocols. The multivariate generalized linear regression models adjusted for covariates were used to investigate the association between dietary intake and growth and development of pupils.ResultsThe generalized linear regression model showed that standing long jump of all pupils (β = −6.735, 95% CI: −12.064, −1.406) and body fat rate (β = −2.650, 95% CI: −4.794, −0.507), fat weight (β = −1.283, 95% CI: −2.286, −0.280) and chest circumference (β = −1.456, 95% CI: −2.789, −0.123) of boys were negatively correlated with dietary diversity score. Among all pupils, meat intake was positively correlated with chest circumference (β = 0.420, 95% CI: 0.119, 0.721) and negatively correlated with standing long jump(β = −1.991, 95% CI: −3.902, −0.080); milk intake was positively correlated with waist circumference (β = 0.470, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.932); soybean intake was negatively correlated with body fat rate (β = −0.583, 95% CI: −1.125, −0.042), fat weight (β = −0.262, 95% CI: −0.517, −0.006), and waist circumference (β = −0.607, 95% CI: −1.050, −0.164); and vegetable intake was negatively correlated with height (β = −0.290, 95% CI: −0.496, −0.084), and positively correlated with stature-sitting height index and waist circumference (p &lt; 0.05). Certain associations retained significance even after stratified analysis based on gender and frequency of dietary intake.ConclusionDietary diversity score and their respective food groups such as meat, milk, coarse grain, soybean and vegetable will impact growth and development indicators, requiring purposefully controlled dietary intake.
Perceived sexual harassment and gender differences in anesthesiology: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shenoy Renuka , Harter Ronald , Uribe Alberto , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Tishko Jillian , Weaver Tristan , Stein Erica 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundIn 2017, the hashtags #MeToo and #MeTooMedicine went viral and raised awareness of sexual harassment (SH) and sexual violence affecting all ages, genders, races, sexualities, and careers. Most studies investigating SH have found that women report higher rates of SH experiences compared to men, with documented incidences reaching as high as 81%. Notably, 47% of these incidents go unreported. A study from the Association of Anesthesiologists found that female victims of sexual assault often do not speak up due to the myth that harassment is rare, which further silences women and stigmatizes this issue, leading them to be discouraged from participating in academic anesthesia. Due to the outdated data examining the incidence of SH in the field of anesthesiology, an anonymous 20 item survey was administered to physician attendings and trainees to assess the incidence of SH perceiving SH within the field.MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, adapted from a validated survey tool on SH and burnout, was administered to a sample of registered members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) to evaluate physicians’ perceptions related to SH and burnout in their workplace.ResultsThe email survey was sent to 30,765 registered ASA members; a total of 2,830 (9.2%) members responded to the 20-item survey for this quantitative analysis. 53.4% (n = 1,511) and 44.2% (n = 1,251) identified themselves as men and women, respectively. Among all the respondents, 57.6% perceived some form of SH (75.5% women and 44.2% men, p-value:&lt;0.0001). Around 40.1% of respondents indicated that they did not react to or report SH events, with a significantly higher incidence among women when compared to men (46.3% vs. 35.5%; p-value:&lt;0.0001). Respondents who perceived SH were more likely to agree with the 5-point Likert-scale questions related to experiencing burnout, facing declining job opportunities or leaving a job, and becoming more emotionally detached from others.ConclusionSH has been reported by both male and female anesthesiologists, with female physicians perceiving significantly higher rates of SH compared to their male counterparts. Most respondents who experienced SH in their workplaces expressed agreement with statements related to “burnout feelings” and/or “declining a job opportunity or leaving the workplace.” This study contributes to the current literature that SH is prevalent within the field of anesthesiology. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that SH has a positive correlation to feelings of burnout. This study demonstrates the critical importance of instituting policies regarding reporting SH events. Additionally, implementing bystander training can empower individuals to report witnessed SH events. Lastly, safeguards should be implemented to protect those who report witnessing or experiencing SH events.
How efficient are specialized public health services in China? A data envelopment analysis and geographically weighted regression approach
Authors: Bai Qian , Huang Lieyu , Guo Yan , Xu Xin , Zhang Zhouyixin , Wang Yuan , Chen Hao , Bian Ying 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe Chinese public health system is grappling with escalating demands, which stemmed from the challenges of preventing chronic and infectious diseases, as well as the aging population. Meanwhile, in the context of restricted public health resources, how to efficiently utilize these resources becomes a paramount concern.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the technical efficiency of specialized public health facilities, the major providers of public health services in China, then discuss its temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and finally investigate its influencing factors.MethodsThe super slacks-based measure data envelopment model was constructed to calculate the efficiency of specialized public health facilities of 31 provinces from 2017 to 2019. Stepwise regression was applied to sort out significant independent variables. Then, geographically weighted regression was used to analyze the spatially varying associations between efficiency and independent variables.ResultsOn average, the average technical, pure technical and scale efficiencies were 0.6569, 0.7336 and 0.9206, respectively. Notably, a subtle downward trend was observed in the technical efficiency, which declined from 0.6889 in 2017 to 0.6238 in 2019. From the efficiency decomposition, this reduction was mainly caused by the decreasing of scale efficiency. Besides, substantial geographic variations were observed, with the eastern region exhibiting greater levels of technical and pure technical efficiency. Contrarily, the western region appeared to perform better in terms of scale efficiency. Based on the geographically weighted regression, the proportion of public health expenditure had a noticeable negative impact on the technical efficiency, especially in partial central and eastern coastal provinces. On the other side, the ratio of older population, the sex ratio and the Nitrogen Oxides emission volume had positive impacts on technical efficiency with variations in coefficient magnitude across different geographic areas.ConclusionThe efficiency of specialized public health facilities has not achieved the optimal status, particularly in terms of the pure technical efficiency. Moreover, the geographic variation was a significant issue affecting the sustainable and balanced performance of public health delivery system in China. The spatially heterogeneous associations between macro-regional factors and efficiency provide in-depth insights in assisting local governments to formulate more targeted and effective interventions, thereby contributing to reduce regional disparities.
Effectiveness of a short-term oxygen therapy training program in Liberia during and after COVID-19
Authors: Luke Mark B. , Ziah Moses , Lu Lily Zhi Ning , Davis Michael D. , Arzoaquoi Samson , Drucker Eva , Kanneh Foday , Logan Gorbee G. , Massaquoi Moses 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAccess to high-quality medical oxygen has been a long-standing challenge in Liberia due to barriers that span across the health system, which were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in cases requiring oxygen therapy necessitated rapid capacity-building for healthcare workers. In response, an emergency oxygen training package was adapted and implemented by the Liberia Ministry of Health and the National Incidence Management System. This manuscript evaluates the implementation of a short-term respiratory care training package to rapidly build healthcare worker capacity during the COVID-19 response and its adaptation for routine in-service training post-response.MethodsThe emergency training used the “hot and cold” simulation approach from the 2014 Ebola response, consisting of a cold phase (3-days) with didactic lectures and practical sessions, and mock COVID treatment unit simulations (2-days); and a hot phase within an active CTU. Participants were doctors, physician assistants, nurses, or midwives, deployed to COVID treatment units at major health centers and hospitals across all counties in Liberia. Training assessments consisted of a paper-based knowledge test pre- and post-training, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations post-training.ResultsThe emergency training as part of COVID response included 123 health care workers from 43 health facilities and saw a significant increase in knowledge (median score of 46% pre-training vs. 84% post-training, p &lt; 0.001). Adaptation and piloting of the package for routine in-service training was also effective at increasing knowledge amongst 81 health care workers (median score of 41% pre-training vs. 78% post-training, p &lt; 0.001). High post-training Objective Structured Clinical Examination scores demonstrated clinical competency achievement in both cohorts. For emergency training, median scores were 92% (pulse oximetry), 81% (oxygen cylinders), and 83% (oxygen concentrators). For routine in-service training, scores were 88, 82, and 84%, respectively.ConclusionWe demonstrate that the implementation of a healthcare worker training package in oxygen therapy during the COVID response in Liberia and its eventual integration into a routine in-service training program was able to achieve significant improvements in health care worker knowledge and skills. This highlights the feasibility of using rapid and short-term training to enhance clinical capacity within both emergency and post-response settings in a resource-limited country.
Experiences of gender-based violence among women in sub-Saharan Africa: identifying evidence for intervention and public health priorities
Authors: Katende-Kyenda Lucky Norah , Ani Judith I. 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundGender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant global threat to human rights, public health and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. There is a growing emphasis on researching to identify issues and understand the experiences of women relative to GBV. The increasing demand for policymakers and public health practitioners to adopt evidence-based approaches in addressing GBV highlights the need for research prioritization on experiences of GBV among women in resource-limited settings such as sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explored GBV among women in 25 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries to identify and present key intervention priority areas for addressing GBV in these settings.MethodsThe study involved a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative dataset from the Demographic and Health Survey of 25 SSA African countries. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Pearson chi-square (X2) at a p &lt; 0.05.ResultsFindings revealed that women aged 25–29, living in rural areas and with primary education were at a significant risk of experiencing GBV across 25 SSA countries. A notable 44.94% of women reported experiencing at least one form of GBV, with the prevalence varying by country. Women in Comoros had the lowest reported prevalence (10.76%), while Sierra Leone women had the highest (60.27%), followed by Uganda (56.92%). Emotional and physical violence were most prevalent in Sierra Leone, while sexual violence was most common in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.DiscussionThis study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions for younger women in rural areas and those with limited education. By prioritizing evidence-based approaches, stakeholders can develop more effective, sustainable, and impactful programs to reduce GBV and improve the well-being of women across the SSA region.
Clonality, Virulence Genes, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Dairy Ruminants in Mastitic Milk-Associated Staphylococcus aureus in Sicily
Authors: Russo Nunziatina , Fazio Nunzio Alberto , Licitra Francesca , Gajewska Joanna , Stamilla Alessandro , Salonia Rosario , Chajęcka-Wierzchowska Wioleta , Randazzo Cinzia L. , Caggia Cinzia , Antoci Francesco , Cascone Giuseppe 
Published: February 2025

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent pathogens causing mastitis in dairy animals and represents a serious issue of public health concern due to its resistance against multiple antimicrobials. Objectives: This study assessed 101 S. aureus isolates obtained from quarter milk of animals with subclinical mastitis in the Ragusa area (Sicily, Italy). Methods: Antibiotic resistance against nine antibiotics was evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer method, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were measured for oxacillin (OXA) and vancomycin (VA). Additionally, the isolates were genetically characterized through multiplex PCR to identify the presence of spa, mecA, mecC, pvl, vanA, vanB, and vanC genes, along with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Results: The highest rates of antibiotic resistance were found against gentamicin (47.5%) and erythromycin (29.7%), with 86.1% of strains exhibiting resistance to at least two antimicrobials and 33.7% showing resistance to three antimicrobial classes. Furthermore, the results indicated that the presence of antibiotic resistance genes was not correlated with phenotypic resistance, and a phylogenetic analysis revealed varying phenotypic resistance profiles even within the same PFGE cluster. Lastly, alongside a new allelic profile ST 9471, MLST analysis identified five additional STs clustered into three CCs, with CC5 originating from human ancestral strains through human-to-animal host transfers, making it the dominant group. Conclusions: This study provided valuable insights into regional trends, allowing for the identification of significant antibiotic-resistant patterns and offering an understanding of bacterial dynamics in these environments, underscoring the importance of routine resistance surveillance in dairy farms.
Five-Day Treatment with B. licheniformis Along with Classical Vancomycin Treatment Was Effective in Preserving Gut Microbiota in Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Gweon Tae-Geun , Kang Sang-Bum , Na Soo-Young , Oh Dong Jun , Kim Sang Wook , Seo Geom Seog , Cho Joo Young 
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an important nosocomial diarrheal disease. The benefits of the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) in the preservation of intestinal microbiota have not been studied in patients with CDI to date. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of B. licheniformis in preserving the intestinal microbiota in patients with CDI. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was carried out at six academic centers in Korea. Individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate CDI were included in this trial. CDI was treated with vancomycin 125 mg four times daily for two weeks. Along with vancomycin, B. licheniformis was administered for five days in this study, while a placebo was given to the placebo group. Microbiome analysis was performed before and five days after administering vancomycin and B. licheniformis or placebo, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity was compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 35 participants were finally included in this study, with 16 in the study group and 19 in the placebo group. The alpha diversity was similar in both groups before CDI treatment. After five days of the administration of vancomycin and B. licheniformis or placebo, alpha diversity did not decrease in the study group (Chao1 index, p = 0.665; observed features, p = 0.692). In contrast, alpha diversity decreased in the placebo group (Chao1 index, p = 0.011; observed features, p = 0.011). Beta diversity did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions: The addition of B. licheniformis to vancomycin was effective in preserving gut microbiota in patients with CDI.
COVID-19 e Doença de Parkinson: frequência e perfil clínico-sociodemográfico em uma amostra de pacientes
Authors: Feital Aline Michele Batista de Figueiredo , Gonçalves Bernardo Machado , Ogawa Thales de Moraes , Scalzo Paula Luciana 
Published: February 2025

Objetivos. Investigar a frequência e os sintomas da COVID-19, informações sobre hospitalização e complicações em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP) que foram infectados pelo SARS-CoV-2, comparando seu perfil clínico e sociodemográfico com o de indivíduos não infectados. Método. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, retrospectivo, realizado no Ambulatório Bias Fortes do Hospital das Clínicas (HC), no Centro de Especialidades Médicas (CEM) da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte e na Associação dos Parkinsonianos de Minas Gerais (ASPARMIG). Resultados. Entre junho e setembro de 2022, foram feitas tentativas de contato com 271 pacientes. No entanto, 184 não puderam ser contatados devido a números desatualizados ou à recusa em participar. Quatro pacientes faleceram (um por COVID-19) e dois estavam hospitalizados por outras razões. No total, 63 pacientes (38 homens e 25 mulheres) participaram do estudo, com idade média de 65,4±10,5 anos e duração média da DP de 10,3±6,6 anos. A maioria dos participantes (93,6%) havia recebido três ou mais doses da vacina, e 18 (28,6%) foram diagnosticados com a infecção. Os sintomas mais relatados foram tosse, mialgia e cefaleia. Nenhum paciente precisou de internação ou apresentou complicações pós-infecção. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os pacientes infectados e não infectados em relação às características sociodemográficas e clínicas. Conclusões. Nossos resultados indicam que a taxa de infecção por COVID-19 em indivíduos com DP é compatível com a reportada em outros estudos da literatura. Não foram observadas complicações pós-infecção, e as características gerais dos indivíduos com DP infectados e não infectados foram semelhantes.