Browse Articles

Face image resolution and perceived attractiveness: An 8K display study

Background Facial attractiveness is shaped by multiple visual cues, yet the influence of image resolution on attractiveness judgments remains underexplored. Advances in display and imaging technology now allow for image presentation at resolutions approaching the limits of human spatial vision, enabling investigations under higher-fidelity spatial sampling conditions that more closely approximate retina-like detail at typical viewing distances. Objectives This study aimed to determine whether facial image resolution, specifically matched to the spatial resolving power of the human visual system, affects perceived facial attractiveness. Methods High-resolution facial images of 180 Japanese female models were captured using an 8K imaging system (7680 × 4320 pixels; 283.2 ppi). Low-resolution versions (35.3 ppi) were created by downsampling the originals using pixelation. Both high- and low-resolution images were presented on an 8K display in a within-subjects design. Participants rated the attractiveness of each face using a standardized 6-point scale. Results Facial images presented at higher resolution received slightly higher attractiveness ratings than their low-resolution counterparts, as confirmed by linear mixed-effects models accounting for crossed observer and identity effects. The effect was especially pronounced for faces with higher baseline attractiveness. Age-related declines in attractiveness ratings were observed in both conditions. Conclusions Ultra-high image resolution yields a small but reliable increase in perceived facial attractiveness, particularly for faces with higher baseline attractiveness. These findings suggest that increased spatial detail may amplify attractiveness-related cues that are otherwise diminished in conventional-resolution displays.

One-step assisted extraction of patulin—a new LC-MS/MS method for testing apples and apple products

Development and validation of a scale for the psychological determinants of dietary management behavior in hemodialysis patients during dialysis

Objective This study aimed to develop and validate a scale for psychological determinants and behavioral performance of diet management behaviors in hemodialysis patients during dialysis sessions. Methods A preliminary item pool was generated based on the theory of planned behavior and evidence synthesis. The Delphi method, involving 19 experts, was employed to refine the scale content, resulting in an initial draft. Participants were recruited from four hemodialysis centers in Suzhou between 01/04/2024 and 31/05/2024. This draft was then administered to 418 hemodialysis patients from these centers. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 13.0 for item analysis, reliability, and validity assessment. Results The response rate across two Delphi rounds was 100%. The expert authority coefficient was 0.88, and Kendall’s concordance coefficient for the second round was 0.245 (P < 0.05). The final scale comprised three dimensions (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) with 21 items. The overall Cronbach’s α was 0.964, with subscale α coefficients ranging from 0.918 to 0.938. Split-half reliability was 0.914, and test-retest reliability was 0.657. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) was 0.86, and item-level CVI (I-CVI) ranged from 0.800 to 1.000. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three common factors, accounting for 77.447% of the cumulative variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable marginal model fit after residual error modification. Conclusion The developed Diet Management Behavior Scale for Hemodialysis Patients demonstrates acceptable reliability and validity. Given the limitations of regional sampling and moderate expert consensus, the scale is preliminarily suitable for assessing psychological determinants of diet management and behavioral status during dialysis.

Quantitative assessment of thoracolumbosacral orthosis efficacy on the temporal features of gait using inertial measurement unit sensors

Invasive plants reduce functional feeding diversity and trophic interactions of insect herbivores on a remote tropical island

Invasive plants are a driver of global insect decline, yet their impacts on trophic interactions in insular tropical island ecosystems remain poorly understood. We investigated patterns of insect herbivory in the lowland rainforest of Moʻorea, French Polynesia—a remote tropical island in the South Pacific—on a total of twelve species of native, naturalized (introduced, non-invasive), and invasive host plants common in the forest. Using the functional feeding group–damage type system—a functional approach commonly applied in paleoecological studies that investigates traces of insect and fungal herbivory—we quantified the diversity and abundance of herbivory traces on fresh leaf litter and constructed weighted bipartite networks to assess community structure. Our results show a significantly reduced trophic interaction on invasive plants, which experienced substantially lower functional diversity and intensity of insect herbivory across all functional groups (e.g., stylophytic feeding, galling, margin feeding) compared to native and naturalized ones. Network analysis confirms that invasive plants held peripheral, weakly connected positions, whereas native and naturalized plants had central roles in integrating the trophic interactions. The high connectivity of naturalized plants in the network analysis, as well as comparable herbivory diversity and intensity to native species, suggest their successful assimilation into the local community, implying that susceptibility to herbivory may suppress the population expansion and invasion of some introduced plants. The prevalence of rare and specialized interactions and the power-law distribution of the number of host plants each damage type occurs on, observed in our study, mirrored the global patterns of host plant usage by insect herbivores—dominated by rare and specialized interactions—further suggesting the functional feeding group–damage type system as a robust and efficient tool for comparative insect herbivory investigations.

Digital transformation promotes employee thriving at work through job crafting while positive emotions strengthen this relationship

Valuation effects of U.S. monetary policy tightening: The roles of foreign exposure

Starting in 2022, the United States launched a new round of monetary policy tightening, adopting a dual-track strategy of sustained interest rate hikes and balance sheet reduction. These measures have generated significant spillover effects on China’s stock market. Against this backdrop, this paper employs an event study and regression analysis to investigate the short-term market response of Chinese A-share listed firms to U.S. monetary tightening shocks. The analysis captures firms’ overseas exposure from three dimensions—trade, investment, and financial channels. Empirical results reveal that trade exposure is positively associated with cumulative abnormal returns (CARs), while both investment and financial exposures exert significant negative effects. The paper further discusses the differentiated moderating mechanisms of managerial resource allocation capacity and VC background across the three types of overseas exposures. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the influence of overseas exposure on market performance varies by firms’ technological intensity. Firms with high investment exposure—particularly those involved in foreign ownership, cross-border M&A, and greenfield investment—perform worse under policy shocks.

Particulate matter 2.5 induced inflammatory responses and metabolic alterations in human monocytes

A study of the limitations of musical experience in Ancient Chinese Poetry – The case of the creation concert of Wei’s Music Score

Ancient poetry, with profound artistic and literary value, holds a prominent position among China’s vocal works. Against the backdrop of vigorously promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture in the new era, it has witnessed a revival in interpretations both domestically and internationally. At present, ancient poetry faces dissemination challenges including constraints in performance environments and limitations in historical comprehension. These experiential restrictions impede recipients’ cultural identity, cultural confidence and cultural inheritance. This study adopts a literature review methodology, integrating the conceptual framework of leisure constraints and tourism research. It conducts systematic research on ancient poetry concerts to develop a scale measuring the limiting factors of ancient poetry experience. Using this scale, the study investigates and analyzes statistical results from three Weishi Yuepu (Wei Dynasty Music Score) creative concerts through the PLS-SEM method. Results indicate that constraints on ancient poetry experience exhibit a three-factor structure comprising personal constraints, interpersonal constraints, and structural constraints. This confirms the sequential pathway of ancient poetry experience: Preference→Participation; Personal Constraint→Preference; Structural Constraints→Participation. The study extends the application of the leisure restrictions model to traditional music, benefiting the domestic and international dissemination of China’s outstanding traditional culture while enhancing recipients’ understanding and interest in ancient poetry.

Predictive value of aortic propagation velocity for cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals with elevated ASCVD risk

Implicit theories of leadership malleability: How beliefs about the malleability of leadership characteristics predict employee voice

Despite the proliferation of research emphasizing the importance of growth mindsets in a wide range of domains, research examining these mindsets in the context of leadership has been overlooked. This research expands implicit theories to the leadership discipline and explores how beliefs about the fixedness or malleability of leadership characteristics (termed Implicit Theories of Leadership Malleability; ITLMs ) affect employee voice. Through four studies, findings suggest that beliefs in the malleability of leadership characteristics predict employees’ voice behaviors in the workplace, and that this link is mediated by the perceived efficacy of voice. The relationship between ITLMs and voice is stronger when voice is directed toward growth and improvement (i.e., promotive voice) relative to voice directed toward avoiding failure (i.e., prohibitive voice).

Design and development of high clearance e-vehicle for robotic cotton picker

Abstract The development of high-clearance, electrically powered agricultural machinery is essential for improving farming efficiency and sustainability. This study presents the design and development of a high-clearance e-vehicle to support a robotic cotton picker, enabling efficient navigation through densely planted cotton fields. A Python-based computational model was used to determine significant vehicle parameters, including centre of gravity, slope stability, turning dynamics, and moment of inertia. The centre of gravity was located at 585.54 mm longitudinally, 867.47 mm laterally, and 1083.46 mm in height from reference points. Stability analysis revealed maximum upgrade and downgrade slopes of 28.39° and 43.67°, respectively, with critical turning speeds of 24.71 km/h for left turns and 27.26 km/h for right turns. The moment of inertia about the centre of gravity was calculated as 51135.31 kg-mm-s 2 . Additionally, the vehicle’s speed performance was evaluated under different motor speeds and gear settings, with a maximum speed of 12.19 km/h achieved in motor speed mode 1 at gear 2. The results confirm that the e-vehicle maintains stability while manoeuvring slopes and turns, effectively operating in fields with row spacings of 900 mm and 675 mm. This study contributes to the advancement of energy-efficient agricultural machinery, addressing challenges in navigating complex crop geometries and supporting the transition to sustainable precision farming.

The Protocol for: Do peers enhance behavior change in group motivational interviewing? A translational clinical trial investigating brain synchrony in underage emerging adults during an fMRI hyperscanning task and association with alcohol use reductions

US emerging adults under legal drinking age (underage emerging adults; U-EA; ages 18–19) are unlikely to seek or receive indicated health risk behavior interventions, thus it is imperative to find brief, effective interventions to reduce U-EA health risk behaviors, such as drinking. Developmental neuroscience reflects that peers hold higher neural salience during adolescence, as evidenced by differential neural response with real and/or simulated peers, even when those peers are not friends, and particularly in the context of alcohol. Peers also activate positive (prosocial) neural and health behavior responses among adolescents. The role of positive, prosocial peer feedback is consequential given that the most widely-used platforms for U-EA behavioral interventions are group-based platforms. We propose functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) hyperscanning (tandem dyadic scanning) to evaluate U-EA brain response during group motivational interviewing (GMI) for health behavior change. This study will enroll n = 248 U-EA (ages 18–19) with ≥1 past month binge drinking event (4/3 standard drinks per occasion for males/females) via community and university campus recruitment and deliver group MI to peer dyads (no comparator; within-subjects design; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06115252). Synchronized fMRI (hyperscanning) will be used to examine brain response to positive, prosocial peer-directed health promotive language (peer-directed change talk) generated during and extracted from the GMI session. Primary outcomes include fMRI-based hyperscanning metrics (BOLD synchrony in social cognition network) and their association with behavioral measures (past-month alcohol use days measured via Timeline Followback) at 12-months (primary outcome) and 3- and 6-months (secondary outcomes) post-GMI. We hypothesize that greater neural alignment in the social cognition network during positive, prosocial peer interactions (peer-directed change talk) will be associated with greater post-intervention behavior change (lower number of past month drinking days) at each follow-up point. This translational study is crucial for making meaningful gains in improving interventions for youth health behavior. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06115252

Efficient distribution of tuned mass dampers for seismic control in regular and irregular multi-story steel buildings

Abstract Passive control systems, such as tuned mass dampers (TMDs), are widely used to reduce the lateral response of multi-story buildings (MSBs) without external power. This paper presents a numerical investigation of selected TMD distribution layouts in regular and irregular 12-story steel buildings under a limited set of scaled earthquake records. Although single-tuned mass damper (STMD) and multi-tuned mass damper (MTMD) systems have been widely studied, many previous investigations have focused mainly on tuning parameters, mass ratios, or simplified damper locations, with less attention to how an equivalent auxiliary mass should be spatially distributed to address coupled lateral–torsional response in asymmetric plans. Using ABAQUS/CAE for nonlinear time-history analysis, this study compares conventional STMDs with selected vertical, horizontal, and perimeter-based MTMD configurations. For the regular building, the horizontal four-corner MTMD layout was further examined through a detuning sensitivity analysis using frequency deviations of 0%, ± 2%, ± 4%, ± 6%, and ± 8%. Among the investigated detuning levels, the ± 4% case produced the lowest maximum top lateral displacement and inter-story relative displacement for the selected records. For irregular buildings (T, C, L, and stadium shapes), the study evaluates a dynamic-eccentricity-based MTMD placement strategy in which damper coordinates are selected based on CM–CR eccentricity and torsional lever arms. Under the selected scaled records, the perimeter-based MTMD arrangement reduced the maximum top-floor displacement by 18.3% − 52.3% and the maximum top-floor torsional rotation by 25.4%–68.0% across the investigated irregular configurations. The corresponding reductions in base shear and maximum top-floor acceleration ranged from 15.2% to 31.3% and from 12.2% to 34.7%, respectively. These findings are limited to the investigated structural models, selected damper configurations, engineering demand parameters, and scaled ground-motion records.

Associations between visual-motor integration, pencil grip patterns, and holistic academic performance among school children

Background Visual-motor integration (VMI) is a key developmental skill that supports children’s daily classroom tasks and academic readiness. This study examined the associations between VMI components, pencil grip patterns, and holistic academic performance among Malaysian primary school children. Materials and Methods A total of 148 children (mean age = 9.94 ± 1.78 years) from three urban schools in Kuala Lumpur were assessed. VMI, visual perception, and motor coordination were measured using the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery-VMI). Pencil grip patterns were classified into five types using standardized photographs taken during the Beery-VMI assessment. Academic mastery in Malay Language, English, Science, and Mathematics was obtained from the Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) system, which reflects holistic and continuous teacher-based evaluations. Results Beery-VMI raw scores were significantly associated with CBA academic performance across all four core subjects, with the strongest correlations observed for Science (ρ = 0.332, p < 0.001) and Mathematics (ρ = 0.284, p < 0.001). Beery-VMI standard scores remained significantly associated only with Science (ρ = 0.305, p < 0.001) and Mathematics (ρ = 0.219, p = 0.008). This pattern suggests that raw scores reflect both VMI performance and age-related developmental factors relevant to academic performance, whereas standard scores provide age-adjusted estimates. Age significantly predicted VMI standard scores, accounting for 14% of the variance (R² = 0.140), with older children in this sample showing lower age-adjusted scores. Pencil grip differences were significant for VMI raw scores (χ² = 9.74, p = 0.045), with the lateral quadrupod grip demonstrating the highest performance. Conclusion VMI was associated with academic mastery, especially in Science and Mathematics. Raw scores may reflect shared development, while standardized scores suggest a more specific age-independent link between VMI and academic performance. Pencil grip patterns showed limited association with VMI outcomes and may not strongly indicate visual-motor performance.

Child sexual abuse enabled by digital technologies is widespread and under-reported

Utilizing 45 years of instrumental seismicity to investigate blind seismogenic faults in Southeastern Piedmont

Enhancing nurses’ clinical decision-making confidence through dual pathways of self-directed learning: A structural equation model

Background Nurses operate in complex clinical environments demanding autonomous judgment, emotional regulation, and interpersonal collaboration, yet the mechanisms through which psychological and learning resources support clinical decision-making confidence remain inadequately characterized. Objective To examine the dual mediating roles of cognitive and relational self-directed learning in the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical decision-making confidence among registered nurses. Design Cross-sectional survey study. Setting Multiple medical schools and affiliated teaching hospitals across Eastern, Central, and Western China. Participants 1,478 registered nurses recruited via convenience sampling between June and August 2025. Methods Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, self-directed learning via a reorganized two-factor version of the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning, and clinical decision-making confidence via the Clinical Decision-Making Self-Confidence Scale. Structural equation modeling with bias-corrected bootstrapping (5,000 resamples) tested the mediation hypotheses. Results Emotional intelligence significantly predicted both cognitive self-directed learning (β = 0.643, p  < 0.01) and relational self-directed learning (β = 0.601, p  < 0.01), as well as clinical decision-making confidence in both models. In the model with cognitive self-directed learning as mediator, the indirect effect was 0.339 (95% CI [0.273, 0.409]), representing 71.8% of the total standardized effect. In the separate model with relational self-directed learning as mediator, the indirect effect was 0.241 (95% CI [0.185, 0.302]), representing 50.8% of the total standardized effect. Both pathways were statistically significant. Conclusions Both cognitive and relational self-directed learning are significant mediators of the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical decision-making confidence. These findings support integrating emotional intelligence training with self-directed learning development in nursing education programs.

Effect of infill parameters and thermal annealing on the mechanical behavior of FDM 3D-printed polymer

Abstract This study investigates the synergistic effects of printing parameters and thermal annealing on the mechanical performance of PLA and carbon‑fiber‑reinforced PLA (CF‑PLA). Using a full factorial design, the influence of infill pattern, density, and annealing temperature was evaluated. Results indicate that while the elastic modulus remains statistically insensitive to the investigated factors, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness are predominantly governed by material type and infill density. Notably, thermal annealing at 95 °C facilitates a transition from brittle inter‑bead separation to a cohesive failure mechanism through molecular diffusion, significantly enhancing structural integrity. Unlike continuous‑fiber composites where path orientation is dominant, this work demonstrates that for short‑fiber systems, the interaction between infill geometry and inter‑bead coalescence is the primary driver of performance. These findings provide a robust framework for optimizing the durability of functional FDM components.

Compliance with infection prevention and control practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in Tanzania: Experience from a secondary level-referral hospital

Introduction Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control practices remains a key challenge, affecting the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Poor compliance raises the risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Objective This study aimed to assess compliance levels and factors associated with infection prevention and control practices among HCWs at Katavi Referral Regional Hospital (KRRH) in Tanzania. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 195 healthcare workers from July 24 to August 23, 2025. Questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect sociodemographic data, compliance levels, individual-level factors, hospital-level factors, and the availability of IPC supplies. A validated Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS) tool, developed by the WHO, was used to measure compliance levels. Data were analysed in STATA (version 15.0), using bivariate and multivariate modified Poisson regression models. Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to assess factors associated with IPC compliance. Results The study revealed that the overall compliance with IPC practices among healthcare workers was 68.9%. Only 39.0% of HCWs demonstrated high overall compliance with IPC practices (<80%), while 61% had low overall compliance (>80%). Also, factors significantly associated with compliance with IPC practices were doctor profession (APR: 0.32;95% CI:0.19,0.57), blood/body fluid exposure (APR: 1.55;95% CI:1.095,2.19), motivation at workplace (APR: 1.43;95% CI:1.02,2.02), supportive supervision (APR: 1.92;95% CI:1.09,3.38), and presence of IPC committee (APR: 1.61;95% CI:1.07,2.40). The most common available IPC supplies were hand hygiene items, personal protective equipment, and waste management items (100%). However, some IPC supplies were unavailable, including water (44.4%) and soap (55.6%) in latrines. Conclusion Overall compliance with IPC practices among HCWs remained suboptimal. Improving compliance requires strengthening IPC governance through functional IPC committees, enhancing supportive supervision and motivation, and addressing persistent infrastructural and resource gaps within health facilities.