Search Results (140)

Background. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian adaptation of the TEIQue-SF. Methods. The analyses were performed using a sample of 199 preschool teachers (100% women; mean age = 46.70, SD = 11.70 years, age range = 21–69 years) from across Lithuania. The Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire was also administered as an external validation measure. The reliability of the TEIQue-SF was assessed by Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. Finally, we examined the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and global trait emotional intelligence. Results. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Lithuanian TEIQue-SF supported the one-factor structure of trait emotional intelligence (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, IFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.04, SRMR = 0.02). Good internal consistency was observed for global trait emotional intelligence (α = 0.85, ω = 0.84). Global trait emotional intelligence was significantly and positively associated with the teacher general well-being (β = 0.28), school connectedness (β = 0.26), and teaching efficacy (β = 0.28). Age was the only sociodemographic indicator positively related to global trait EI (β = 0.26). Conclusions. Our research showed that the Lithuanian version of the TEIQue-SF is a valid and reliable instrument to measure trait emotional intelligence and can be recommended for research and practical use. Full article

Objectives: Early and accurate identification of frailty is essential for preventing adverse outcomes in older adults. However, existing frailty prediction models often lack reliability, interpretability, and generalizability. Methods: Participants aged 60 years and older between 2011 and 2015 (n = 3419) from the CHARLS were used to develop models, and participants from the CLHLS-HF between 2014 and 2018 (n = 1017) were used for external validation. The frailty was assessed 4 years after baseline in both cohorts by Fried’s Frailty Phenotype (FFP). Six machine learning models were applied to develop prediction models. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was utilized to explain the final model. Clinical outcomes were evaluated between participants predicted as frail and non-frail by the final model. Results: The XGBoost (AUC = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.921–0.948; F1 = 0.712, 95% CI: 0.686–0.736 in internal validation; AUC = 0.792, 95% CI: 0.750–0.830; F1 = 0.702, 95% CI: 0.652–0.753 in external validation) performed best among six models. Key predictors included lifestyle factors (e.g., instrumental daily living activities, BMI, and self-rated health) and psychological traits (e.g., depression). Participants predicted as frail had significantly elevated risks of falls (OR = 2.11), hospitalization (OR = 1.75), and disability (OR = 1.42). Conclusions: The proposed model provided a robust and interpretable digital tool for predicting frailty among older adults and associated adverse outcomes. Full article

Under strict environmental regulations and intense market competition, resource-dependent enterprises face severe survival challenges. Achieving sustainable survival through the construction of internal capabilities, particularly in the absence of long-term external subsidies, represents an urgent conundrum for forestry enterprises. Integrating relevant economic and management theories, this study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which the “viability” of forestry-related leading enterprises influences their sustainable survival. Using a sample of 179 forestry-related leading enterprises in Inner Mongolia—a typical resource-rich region in China—and based on panel data from 2021 to 2023, we constructed a viability evaluation system encompassing factor endowment, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial traits, and conducted empirical analysis using statistical models. The results indicate that: (1) Enterprise viability is the core driving force promoting sustainable survival; (2) E-commerce adoption serves as a critical bridge connecting internal capabilities with external survival performance, playing a significant mediating role; (3) The higher the degree of external openness and the stronger the regional industrial comparative advantage, the more pronounced the promoting effect of viability. Furthermore, this promoting effect is significantly stronger in regions with lower ecological constraints and higher industrial agglomeration. This study suggests that policy formulation should shift from simple financial support to the cultivation of enterprises’ endogenous capabilities. By supporting technological innovation, digital transformation, and optimizing the business environment, policies can facilitate the long-term sustainable survival of enterprises. Full article

Bunodosoma cavernatum (Bosc, 1802) is a morphologically variable actinian species widely distributed in the Western Atlantic, yet poorly documented in Colombia. This study provides the first confirmed record of B. cavernatum in Cartagena Bay (Colombian Caribbean), extending its known distribution to a highly modified estuarine environment. The objectives were to (1) confirm the taxonomic identity of the species and characterize its external morphology, internal anatomy, histology and cnidome; (2) compare these traits with previously published Caribbean descriptions; (3) describe behavioral observations under controlled aquarium conditions; and (4) assess the abundance, microhabitat preferences and biological associations within the study area. Specimens were collected from shallow, sediment-rich substrates influenced by freshwater input from the Dique Channel. Diagnostic features were consistent with prior Caribbean descriptions. However, we report expanded cnidome size ranges and spirocysts in several tissues, not previously reported. Behavioral observations revealed rapid acclimation, consistent daily activity cycles, and sperm release associated with thermal variation (25–28 °C). Population density reached 32.2 individuals/m², with an aggregated distribution around rocky or artificial substrates. These findings expand current knowledge of the ecological and reproductive plasticity of B. cavernatum in anthropogenically impacted tropical coastal ecosystems. Full article

This study explores the multifactorial synergistic effects and configurational pathways for enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance among Chinese professional sports clubs. Drawing on 188 valid questionnaires from Chinese professional football and basketball clubs, the research employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the influence of seven antecedent conditions, commercial environment, government regulation, expectancy pressure, economic interests, internal emotional traits, moral quality, and information disclosure, on CSR performance. The findings reveal that CSR performance results from the interplay of multiple factors, identifying two equivalent pathways for enhancement: the coupling of government pressure with internal autonomy, and the coordination of commercial environment with internal moral qualities. These insights clarify the complex causal mechanisms underlying CSR implementation in professional sports clubs and propose two strategic approaches for promoting CSR: optimizing external institutional frameworks and activating internal endogenous motivation. The study offers configurationally grounded pathway options and managerial implications for improving CSR practices in Chinese professional sports clubs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Behavioral inhibition (BI) has been extensively studied as an early-appearing risk factor for adverse developmental outcomes. One pathway through which BI may confer risk is via reduced competence to interact effectively with peers. Research demonstrating concurrent relations between BI and social competence supports this pathway, yet not all inhibited children experience social difficulties. This study adopted a person-centered approach to examine heterogeneity of temperament traits within a highly inhibited preschool sample and to identify how broader temperament traits contribute to variability in social functioning. Methods: Parents of preschoolers (N = 254) who met criteria for BI (≥85th percentile on the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire) completed measures of their child’s temperament (Children’s Behavior Questionnaire) and social competence (Social Skills Improvement System). Latent Profile Analysis was conducted using six temperament traits reflecting regulation and reactivity (anger, attentional focusing, inhibitory control, high-intensity pleasure, perceptual sensitivity, and approach). Profile differences in social competence were examined using multivariate analyses controlling for age and gender. Results: A three-profile solution emerged: Regulated, Unregulated and Angry, and Typical BI. Profile membership accounted for almost 37% of the variance in social skills scores. The Regulated group, marked by high attentional and inhibitory control and low anger, demonstrated the strongest social skills and lowest internalizing and externalizing problems. The Unregulated and Angry group, characterized by high anger and poor regulation, exhibited the greatest social difficulties. BI level itself did not significantly differentiate profiles or predict social competence. Conclusions: Findings underscore that BI is not a uniform risk factor but joins with other temperamental traits to shape social outcomes. Level of BI did not differentiate profiles or relate to social functioning, highlighting the importance of considering co-occurring regulatory and reactive traits to explain variability in outcomes among inhibited children. Identifying specific temperamental constellations may enhance early identification and inform targeted interventions for socially at-risk inhibited children. Full article

Egg quality is a critical economic trait in poultry production, influencing consumer preference and production efficiency. The genetic and epigenetic regulation of egg quality involves complex biological pathways across various traits such as shell quality, albumen composition, and yolk biochemistry. This review synthesizes recent advances in the genetic, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms that determine poultry egg quality. Specifically, it focuses on external traits such as eggshell strength, color, and thickness, and internal traits including albumen height, yolk composition, and the Haugh unit. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and multi-omics approaches, key candidate genes such as OC-116, CALB1, CA2 (shell formation), OVAL, SPINK5, SERPINB14 (albumen quality), and FGF9, PIAS1, NOX5 (lipid metabolism) have been identified. These genes play a pivotal role in shell biomineralization, albumen protein regulation, and yolk lipid transport. This review also explores the heritability of these traits, emphasizing the challenges posed by polygenic architecture and the influence of environmental factors. Furthermore, it addresses the dynamic spatiotemporal regulation of egg quality traits, including epigenetic layers such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA methylation, and post-translational protein modifications. This paper highlights the application of these findings to breeding programs via genomic selection, marker-assisted breeding, and epigenetic engineering approaches. Future directions for precision breeding and the development of functional eggs with enhanced quality are also discussed. Full article

Crateva tapia L. is a native tree species of the Caatinga biome, with medicinal and allelopathic properties. This study aimed to characterize the biometric and morphological traits of fruits, seeds, seedlings, and young plants of C. tapia, as well as to evaluate the germination pattern of its seeds under different temperatures, in order to understand the reproductive strategies and optimal conditions for its propagation. The results are intended to support conservation efforts, ecological restoration, and the sustainable use of the species within the Caatinga biome. The research was carried out at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus II, Areia–PB, Brazil. The biometric data were obtained from 100 fruits and 100 seeds obtained from eight mother plants. The imbibition curve was determined from the weight of the seeds during 216 h at different temperatures, and the germination test was performed concomitantly. The fruits were morphologically described regarding the external and internal aspects of the pericarp. The seeds were described according to their consistency, color, texture, shape, hilum, and embryo. The fruits of C. tapia vary in size, fresh mass, and number of seeds, characterized as amphisarcidium, indehiscent, and polyspermic. The seeds are small, brown, reniform, and biting, with a cotyledonary embryo with a poorly differentiated hypocotyl–radicle axis, with a well-developed hilum and surrounded by a fleshy mesocarp. The germination of C. tapia seeds is epigeal-phanerocotyledonous; the seedlings have white axial roots containing absorbent hairs. Full article

We introduce and describe a new risk-taking game, Helsinki Aiming Task (HAT), and test its construct (internal) and convergent (external) validity. HAT is a shooting game, in which the participants aim at a target under varying levels of “gun” inaccuracy and penalty for missing the target. It allows fine-grained examination of risk-taking behaviour, as it contains information on the effects of penalties and rewards on single, isolated decisions, immediately after each isolated event outcome. We validate HAT by studying individual responses to changing penalty levels and the accuracy of the “gun”, and by comparing it to behavioural and self-reported risk measures, personality traits, and socioeconomic variables. In study one (n = 51), we evaluated risk-taking responses (measured by aiming point) and their relation to other task variables (such as penalty levels and “gun” inaccuracy). In studies two to four (Ns = 66, 21, and 50), we evaluated the associations between risk-taking (measured by aiming point and accrued penalties) and sensitivity to punishment and reward (measured by shift in aiming after reward or punishment), and contrasted performance in HAT with performance in the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) and self-reported risk variables. The game worked as expected: the participants became more cautious with increasing penalty levels and inaccuracy. The HAT risk-taking indicators (aiming point and accrued penalties) were weakly correlated with those of BART. HAT reward and punishment sensitivity was associated with extraversion, socioeconomic variables, and self-reported risk-taking. In combined analyses, HAT reinforcement sensitivity explained self-reported risk-taking rather well, whereas BART did not. HAT provides a new way to measure behavioural risk-taking, especially responses to positive and negative outcomes that could be interpreted as reward and punishment sensitivities. Full article

The closing resistor in a circuit breaker are prone to damage during operation due to extreme factors such as over-voltage, over-current, and mechanical shock, which alter their high-frequency impedance characteristics. Comparing impedance before and after damage can indicate the severity of degradation. However, the high-frequency impedance properties of damaged closing resistors remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates three classic damage types through simulation and external testing on a physical circuit breaker, validating the accuracy of the simulation results. Further high-frequency impedance measurements inside the tank examine the characteristics under varying damage degrees. Results show that external testing reflects the intrinsic impedance changes in the resistor string, exhibiting primarily resistive and inductive traits, with negligible capacitive influence. In contrast, internal measurements are affected by the tank’s capacitance, leading to a resonance point in the high-frequency range. Different damage degrees cause noticeable shifts in the resonance frequency and a gradual increase in impedance magnitude. These findings offer practical guidance for field inspection of circuit breaker closing resistor conditions using high-frequency impedance techniques. Full article

The Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) has been traditionally associated with externalizing behaviors and a lack of empathy. However, emerging evidence suggests that these traits also relate to internal emotional vulnerabilities (such as depression, alexithymia, and anhedonia). This study aimed to examine the association between Dark Triad traits and emotional variabilities (alexithymia and anhedonia) in the general population, with a particular focus on sex differences. A total of 492 French-speaking adults completed a battery of validated self-report measures online, including the SD3fr, BDI-II, TAS-20, and PAS. Comparative and multivariate analyses were conducted separately for males and females. High SD3 scores were associated with greater depression, alexithymia (especially difficulty in identifying feelings), and anhedonia in the overall sample. These associations remained significant after adjusting for depression severity. Sex differences emerged: in females, high Dark Triad traits were strongly linked to emotional dysfunction, while no such associations were observed in males. These findings support the presence of sex-specific emotional correlates of the Dark Triad, particularly in females, where Machiavellianism and psychopathy were linked to emotional distress. Clinical implications are discussed in light of hormonal, sociocultural, and emotional regulation differences. Full article

The aim of this study was the evaluation of egg quality between three different farming systems. Eggs collected from intensive (IS), extensive (ES), and dual-purpose systems (DPSs) at three stages of the production cycle (age) were analyzed for both external and internal traits. ISs represent high-input systems while ESs and DPSs represent low-input systems. Both the farming system and age had significant effects on quality characteristics. Eggs from the ES displayed a greater egg weight (64.3 ± 0.20 g) and shell weight (6.6 ± 0.03 g). Eggs from the IS farms displayed a higher Haugh unit score (83.2 ± 0.50), darker colored yolks (12.0 ± 0.06), and a lower incidence of blood spots (0.2 ± 0.05). The age and farming system influenced the fatty acid profile of eggs across farming systems. In particular, DPS eggs showed higher levels of unsaturated (62.2 ± 0.20%) and lower levels of saturated (37.8 ± 0.10%) fatty acids. The effect of age was also significant on the oxidation stability of yolks. The interaction effect (farming system × age) had significant effects on most traits. However, the farming system alone accounted for a greater portion of the variation in most egg quality parameters. Full article

Background: Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by autonomic failure, parkinsonism, and cerebellar ataxia. While its non-motor symptoms are well-documented, personality features in MSA remain underexplored. This study characterizes the personality traits of non-demented patients with MSA and explores their association with clinical variables. Methods: Twenty-six patients with MSA were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). Dementia was excluded by Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric analyses were conducted to examine clinical, demographic, and MMPI-2-RF variables. Results: Patients commonly showed elevated scores in somatic domains: Somatic Complaints (39%), Malaise (58%), and Neurological Complaints (85%), as well as in internalizing emotional traits: Low Positive Emotions (39%), Introversion (46%), Suicidal Ideation (46%), and Hopelessness (54%). Externalizing behavioral traits were absent, with only 4–8% of patients showing elevations in aggression or behavioral dysfunction. Strong correlations were found between somatic and emotional traits (r = 0.656, p < 0.001), and between Neurological Complaints and disease duration (r = 0.662, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This exploratory study reveals a distinct personality pattern in MSA, characterized by marked suicidal ideation, emotional vulnerability with internalizing coping, and absence of externalizing behaviors. These features highlight the need for suicide risk screening, interventions to alleviate psychological suffering, and tailored multidisciplinary care. Larger, longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results and clarify whether these traits reflect premorbid personality, early disease manifestations, or secondary responses, as well as their prognostic and clinical relevance. Full article

Mango is considered a high-value tropical fruit, and its commercial and consumer acceptance depends on internal and external quality attributes such as Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Dry Matter Content (DMC), firmness, ripeness, and surface defects. In recent years, non-destructive sensing technologies such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) have gained prominence for their ability to quickly and accurately evaluate mango quality. In this study, 101 articles published within the last ten years, were systematically retrieved, and 85 research papers were selected for detailed analysis. The review focuses on statistical analysis, conventional machine learning, deep learning, and transformer-based methods applied to mango quality assessment. The objective is to systematically review and analyse data-driven models for non-destructive mango grading using NIRS and HSI technologies, with particular emphasis on data collection methods, preprocessing techniques, dimensionality reduction, and predictive modelling approaches. This review aims to identify the most effective and widely adopted machine learning and deep learning methods, especially transformer models, for accurate and real-time mango quality assessment. Furthermore, it highlights key quality traits evaluated, current research gaps, and future opportunities to advance intelligent, real-time, and automated mango grading systems for practical use in the fruit industry. Full article

Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) is a fruit with significant health benefits, and research continues to identify factors that enhance its storability while maintaining quality. Special attention is given to antioxidant metabolism and total antioxidant activity. In this study, four cold-storage conditions were tested: normal air, normal air with ozone, modified atmosphere, and controlled atmosphere. In each case, the fruit was either pre-cooled before storage or not. The aim was to identify conditions most favorable to preserving internal and external fruit quality over time. Taking into account most of the basic fruit physicochemical traits tested, it can be assumed that for up to 30 days of storage, each storage method can be useful to store A. arguta fruit. After this period, the fruit stored in a controlled and then modified atmosphere retained the highest and acceptable firmness. Changes in antioxidant content are more complex and depend on the type of compound, storage time, and fruit post-harvest treatment. During the 50-day storage period, marked fluctuations in ascorbate, glutathione, and L-cysteine levels were observed at 10-day intervals. Phenolic content increased initially (after 10 days) and then stabilized. Among the methods used, ozonation led to a relative stabilization or increase in antioxidant content. This method, like the cooling procedure, requires further detailed research to determine its suitability for the species/variety being tested. Changes in antiradical activity were reaction-mechanism-dependent. The activity based on single electron transfer consistently decreased, while that based on hydrogen atom transfer was more stable overall. Contrary to this, the pro-oxidative Fe(II) chelating agent appeared during storage. The health-promoting properties of stored fruit may fluctuate due to antioxidant involvement in adaptation to storage conditions and uneven ripening, which remains a challenge both at harvest and during storage. Any of the three alternatives to cold storage in CA (NA, NA+O, MA) proved beneficial in short-term storage. However, MA has proven to be a similarly effective long-term storage method to CA in terms of the physicochemical quality of A. arguta fruit. Full article