Search Results (11,358)

Self-regulatory foraging behavior in honey bees (Apis mellifera) was investigated using the framework of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). We developed a PCT-based model to describe how bees maintain goal-directed behavior, specifically targeting a sucrose-rich feeding site while overcoming a wind disturbance. In a controlled experiment, we found that 13 of 14 bees could successfully adjust their flight paths to overcome the disturbance and consistently reach the feeding target. While they demonstrated a great deal of individual variability regarding how they overcame the wind across experimental trials, they did so by finally adopting a headwind (i.e., flying into the wind) approach pattern rather than tailwind or crosswind approach patterns. These results support the application of PCT to the study of behavior in honey bees, which can be regarded as self-regulative (i.e., non-linear and dynamic) rather than as linear sequences of inputs and outputs. Given that such dynamic models are concerned with the functions or purposes of behavior, they may also be classified as teleonomic. Full article

The peach landrace ‘Liuyefeitao’ exhibits the unique reproductive trait of self-compatibility combined with cross-incompatibility, contrasting with typical Prunus species in this way. In preliminary studies involving controlled pollination assays, we showed complete pollen tube arrest in cross-pollinated styles, whereas self-pollination enabled full tube elongation. S-genotyping identified a homozygous S₂S₂ genotype with intact S₂-RNase but a truncated PpSFB2 due to a frameshift mutation. Transcriptome profiling of the styles revealed 7937 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between self- and cross-pollination treatments, with significant enrichment in plant MAPK signaling, plant–pathogen interactions, and plant hormone signaling transduction pathways (|Fold Change| ≥ 2, FDR < 0.01). Notably, PpSLFL3 (a pollen F-box gene) showed down-regulation in cross-pollinated styles, as validated by means of qRT-PCR. Protein interaction assays revealed direct binding between PpSLFL3 and S₂-RNase via Y2H and BiFC analysis, suggesting its role in mediating SCF complex-dependent degradation. We propose that insufficient PpSLFL3 expression during cross-pollination disrupts SCF ubiquitin ligase complex-mediated degradation of non-self S₂-RNase, leading to the toxic degradation of RNA in pollen tubes by S₂-RNase. This mechanism is mechanistically similar to unilateral reproductive barriers in Solanaceae but represents a novel regulatory module in Rosaceae. Our findings provide critical insights into the evolution of cross-incompatibility systems and molecular breeding strategies for Prunus species. Full article

Hispanic breast cancer survivors reported worse quality of life, and fatalism is considered one of the mediators for this disparity. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fatalism within a diverse Hispanic population. Hispanic origin was self-reported, and the Multidimensional Fatalism Measure questionnaire, a validated tool that measures fatalism across multiple dimensions, was used to assess fatalism. A total of 390 women, consisting of 210 Puerto Ricans, 34 Colombians, 29 Dominicans, 25 Cubans, 24 Venezuelans, 22 Mexicans, and 46 individuals of other Hispanic backgrounds, completed the fatalism assessment. The mean fatalism score was 16.4 (95% CI = 15.8–17.0), characterized by a high internal locus of control and strong religious beliefs, along with moderate beliefs in luck and a low external locus of control. The higher fatalism scores were reported in Dominican, Mexican, and Venezuelan groups, while Colombians reported the lowest score. Multivariable analysis showed that Colombians (β = −4.0), individuals with higher household incomes (β = −2.3 for USD 20,000–USD 75,000, β = −2.4 for ≥75,000), higher education levels (β = −1.9), and those using English more frequently at home (β = −2.0) reported lower fatalism compared to their reference group. To enhance the quality of life for these survivors, culturally tailored interventions should focus on improving perceived control and mitigating fatalism. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines the effectiveness of equine-assisted intervention (EAI) in improving adaptive behaviour and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: To that effect, a self-controlled experimental analytical study has been designed, which is longitudinal and prospective in nature, with pre- and post-intervention measures, using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II (VABS-II) as the assessment instrument. The sample consists of 19 children who participated in weekly therapeutic sessions involving horses for eight months; these sessions included horseback riding, groundwork, hygiene, and preparation of the horse. Results: The results show significant improvements both in the overall score of the VABS-II test ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 65.84 ± 10.38–$\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 72.47 ± 16.21, p = 0.003) and in the areas of communication ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 64.84 ± 15.50 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 72.26 ± 21.93, p = 0.010), social skills ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 61.26 ± 8.99 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 66.53 ± 13.79, p = 0.008) and daily living skills (DLS) ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 66.21 ± 11.15 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 69.95 ± 12.32, p = 0.0004), as well as a non-significant slight improvement in motor skills ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 72.50 ± 8.83 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 75.17 ± 7.88, p = 0.363). In addition, these gains were greater in those children attending standard classroom settings and receiving early stimulation. Conclusions: This study suggests equine-assisted intervention (EAI) may contribute to improvements in adaptive behaviour, including communication, social skills, and daily living skills, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Benefits were notably enhanced in children receiving early stimulation within standard classroom settings. Full article

Supporting dementia carers is a global priority. As a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) (n = 352) of the Word Health Organization recommended, an internationally disseminated ‘iSupport’ e-health intervention was conducted, revealing no measurable benefits to the wellbeing of adult dementia carers. This process evaluation contributes original insights of the trial outcomes. Its aims were to ascertain the usability and acceptability of iSupport, participant engagement and adherence to iSupport, and contextual factors influencing its implementation and potential impact. The process evaluation followed a mixed-method design. The following data were collected from all participants randomised to iSupport (n = 175): (1) post-intervention evaluation questionnaire (n = 93) containing the 10-item System Usability Scale and bespoke items exploring acceptability, engagement, and perceived impact; (2) qualitative interviews (n = 52) with a sub-sample of participants who were purposively sampled according to age, scores on the outcome measures, and gender, as these interviews aimed to generate contextual detail and explanatory accounts; and (3) ‘Access’ data from the iSupport platform (n = 175). Descriptive statistics was used to report on the frequency of survey responses whilst a thematic analysis approach was followed to identify themes from the qualitative interview data. Data sets were analysed independently and then used with respect to one another in order to generate explanatory pathways related to the usability, acceptability, and the impact of iSupport. Despite good trial retention, 8.3% of participants (n = 32) did not spend any time on iSupport, and 54% (n = 94) spent between 30 min and 1.5 h. Factors driving this were the following: time constrains, method of delivery, and content characteristics. Positive impacts of iSupport were also described. Participants, including those with extensive caring experience, reported how iSupport had made them feel reassured, valued, and more able to ask for help. They also reported having an improved outlook on their caring role and on the needs and feelings of the person living with dementia. Research and practice should focus on exploring blended delivery, including self-directed and interactive components, such as regular contact with a health professional. These insights are critical for supporting the global implementation and adaptation of iSupport and offer valuable directions for future research. Full article

The oscillations induced by voltage source converters (VSCs) in DC voltage timescale dynamics pose significant challenges to the safe and stable operation of VSC-dominated power systems. However, previous studies have conducted simplified analyses without fully understanding the fundamental roles of different timescale control loops in converter-interfaced systems. In light of this, this study first identifies the key state variables and operating points that directly characterize the energy storage levels of devices and networks in AC systems. A model for the converter-interfaced system is then established in the specified DC voltage timescale. The key contribution of this work is the proposal of an analytical framework that decomposes system stability into self-stabilizing (Self-stable) and externally coupled stabilizing (En-stable) paths based on internal voltage amplitude and frequency, aiming to reveal the physical mechanisms behind internal voltage amplitude and frequency oscillations in DC voltage timescale dynamics. Based on this framework, the Self-stable path and En-stable path of the internal voltage amplitude/frequency of converter-interfaced systems are derived. This novel analytical method mathematically decouples the stability of a single variable into a direct self-influence path and an indirect path coupled through other system variables. Subsequently, the causes of internal voltage amplitude/frequency oscillations in the specified voltage timescale are explained using the Self-stability and En-stability analysis method. A key finding of this study is that the stability of the internal voltage amplitude and frequency exhibits a dual relationship: for amplitude stability, the Self-stable path is stabilizing, whereas the coupled path is destabilizing; for frequency stability, the roles are reversed. Finally, the results are verified through simulations. Full article

Workplace health and safety issues have long plagued the construction industry. While safety efforts have traditionally focused on physical risks, increasing attention is being paid to mental health and work-related stressors, which can negatively affect both productivity and safety. In Saudi Arabia, the construction sector presents a unique context because of its highly diverse, multinational workforce. Workers of different nationalities often operate on the same job site, leading to potential communication barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and inconsistent safety practices, all of which may amplify stress and safety risks. This research aims to investigate the influence of work-related stressors on construction workers’ safety in Saudi Arabia and identify which stressors most significantly contribute to the risk of injury. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 349 construction workers across 16 job sites in Saudi Arabia. The survey measures ten key stressors identified in the literature, including job site demand, job control, job certainty, skill demand, social support, harassment and discrimination, conflict with supervisors, interpersonal conflict, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and Pearson correlation to examine relationships between stressors and self-reported injuries. The findings indicated that work-related stressors significantly predict workplace injury. While the first regression model showed a modest effect size, it was statistically significant. The second model identified job site demand and job satisfaction as the most influential predictors of injury risk. Work-related stressors, particularly high job demands and low job satisfaction, substantially increase the likelihood of injury among construction workers. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating psychosocial risk management into construction safety practices in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs to explore causal relationships over time and include qualitative methods such as interviews to gain a deeper understanding. Additionally, factors such as nationality, organizational policies, and management style should be investigated to better understand their moderating effects on the stress–injury relationship. Full article

This study investigates the flexural performance, tensile splitting strength, and fracture behaviour of self-compacting concrete (SCC) reinforced with polypropylene (PP) and basalt (BF) fibres. A total of eleven SCC mixtures with varying fibre types and volume fractions (0.025–0.25%) were tested at 7 and 28 days. In this study, the term high-performance concrete (HPC) refers to SCC mixtures with a 28-day compressive strength exceeding 60 MPa, as commonly accepted in European standards and literature. The control SCC achieved 68.2 MPa at 28 days. While fibre addition enhanced the tensile and flexural properties, it reduced workability, demonstrating the trade-off between mechanical performance and flowability in high-performance SCC. The experimental results demonstrate that both fibre types improve the tensile behaviour of SCC, with distinct performance patterns. PP fibres, owing to their flexibility and crack-bridging capability, were particularly effective at early ages, enhancing the splitting tensile strength by up to 45% and flexural toughness by over 300% at an optimal dosage of 0.125%. In contrast, BF fibres significantly increased the 28-day toughness (up to 15.7 J) and post-cracking resistance due to their superior stiffness and bonding with the matrix. However, high fibre contents adversely affected workability, particularly in BF-reinforced mixes. The findings highlight a dosage-sensitive behaviour, with optimum performance observed at 0.05–0.125% for PP and 0.125–0.25% for BF. While PP fibres improve crack distribution and early-age ductility, BF fibres offer higher stiffness and energy absorption in post-peak regimes. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey’s test) confirmed significant differences in the mechanical performance among fibre-reinforced mixes. The study provides insights into selecting appropriate fibre types and dosages for SCC structural applications. Further research on hybrid fibre systems and long-term durability is recommended. The results contribute to sustainable concrete design by promoting enhanced performance with low-volume, non-metallic fibres. Full article

The internalisation of sociocultural ideals and beliefs about weight and shape has long been recognised as an important predictor of disordered eating. However, thin-ideal internalisation and weight bias internalisation (WBI) are generally examined separately in the literature and within sociocultural models of eating disorders. Additionally, self-compassion has been identified as a protective factor against disordered eating, but its role in mitigating the impact of the internalisation of these sociocultural ideals and beliefs has not been investigated. The current study aimed to investigate (1) the unique contribution of thin-ideal internalisation and WBI in predicting eating disorder cognitions and behaviours and (2) the role of self-compassion in moderating the relationship between thin-ideal/WBI and eating pathology. Four hundred and seventy-five (475) women completed an anonymous online survey. The results indicated that both thin-ideal internalisation and WBI uniquely contributed to the prediction of eating pathology after controlling for body mass index. Self-compassion buffered the effect of thin-ideal internalisation on restraint and the effect of WBI on eating concern. The results support consideration of both thin-ideal internalisation and WBI in sociocultural models of eating disorders and as targets for eating disorder interventions, particularly those based on self-compassion therapy. Full article

In this study, we present a wearable sensing system for monitoring the physiological status of damaged biological tissues based on a flexible, frequency-coded electromagnetic spiral resonator array. The physiological parameter evaluation is performed in a contactless way, avoiding the placing of electronically active elements directly upon the patient’s skin, thus ensuring safety and comfort. Firstly, we report in detail the physical principles behind the sensing strategy: a passive array is interrogated through an actively fed external single-loop probe that is inductively coupled with the double-layer spiral unit cells. The variation in the physiological parameters influences the array response, thus providing sensing information, due to the different complex dielectric permittivity values related to the tissue status. Moreover, the proposed frequency-coded approach allows for spatial information on the lesion to be retrieved, thus increasing the sensing ability. In order to prove the validity of this general methodology, we created a numerical test case, designing a practical implementation of the wearable sensing system working at a radiofrequency regime (10–100 MHz). In addition, we also fabricated prototypes, exploiting PCB technology, and realized stratified phantoms by incorporating opportune additives to control the dielectric properties. The numerical results and the experimental verification demonstrated the validity of the developed sensing strategy, showing satisfying agreement and, thus, proving the good sensibility and spatial resolution of the frequency-coded array. These results can open the path to a radically novel approach for self-care and monitoring of inflamed status and, more generally, for wearable sensing devices in biomedical applications. Full article

Technological innovation in immersive virtual reality is fostering the development of novel psychotherapeutic interventions in mental health, particularly benefiting populations with limited access to specialized services. This pilot study explores the feasibility, tolerability, and therapeutic potential of an immersive virtual reality-based psychotherapeutic intervention for adolescents and young people with eating disorders in a rural setting. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was used, with a control group (n = 5) and an experimental group (n = 5), applying weekly immersive virtual reality sessions focused on body perception and food exposure. Preliminary results showed good acceptance and a low incidence of cybersickness. However, a reduction in anxiety levels was observed in the experimental group after immersive virtual reality exposure, particularly in trait anxiety, suggesting a potential effect of the intervention on emotional regulation. While these changes were not statistically significant, the direction and magnitude of the effect warrant further investigation. Changes in body mass index were also noted during the intervention. The remotely guided sessions, conducted via fifth-generation mobile network connectivity, demonstrated technical feasibility and encouraging clinical outcomes, even in geographically isolated or underserved areas. These findings support the use of immersive VR as a complementary tool in the early stages of treatment for eating disorders, contributing to improved body perception and emotional self-regulation. This work not only reinforces the applicability of immersive technology in real-world clinical practice but also opens new avenues for the development of personalized, accessible, and emotionally meaningful interventions in child and adolescent mental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to show patterns of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk earlier in life than the general population. The need for effective interventions for CVD risk-reduction in PTSD is increasingly evident. In this paper we present preliminary results from a longitudinal study of a health behavior intervention, as an adjunct to standard trauma therapy in PTSD. The health behavior intervention addresses CVD-related heath behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress) in a 12-week program delivered individually in 90-min sessions. Behavior change recommendations included: increased aerobic activity; establishing a balanced diet, enhancing consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing sugars and fat/saturated fat; incorporating strategies to enhance sleep and lower PTSD-related disruptions (e.g., nightmares); and relaxation and cognitive coping skills to reduce general stress. Methods: Participants were randomized to the health behavior intervention plus standard trauma therapy experimental condition or a standard trauma therapy control group. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention phase. Sleep efficiency was measured from actigraphy watches. Physical activity was assessed by self-report and blood pressure was measured using an automated device. The preliminary outcomes are for 29 participants to date who have pre-post data. Results: Sleep efficiency was improved in the intervention group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group also evidenced significant pre-post increases in moderate physical activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in vigorous physical activity did not reach statistical significance in this preliminary sample but the pattern of results are similar to those for moderate activity. Trends toward significance were also observed for pre-post changes in systolic (p = 0.06) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.07), with small reductions for the intervention group and increases for the control group. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary information about the effectiveness of the health behavior intervention on multiple parameters for adults with PTSD. The findings suggest that focusing on health behavior change in multidisciplinary treatments for PTSD may enhance outcomes such as sleep and physical activity and potentially result in greater quality of life. However, the small preliminary sample size reported here should be considered when interpreting the outcomes. Further research may also determine how improvements in health parameters impact other indices of long-term cardiovascular health. Full article

This paper presents the novel, smart, commutable, and self-regulated SSF-Roundabout as one of the potential solutions in the environment of smart mobility. The SSF-Roundabout implements traffic counting systems, smart cameras, LED road markers, and Variable Message Signs (VMS) on arms. Based on the instantaneous detection of the traffic demand level, vehicles can be properly channelled or not into right-turn bypass lanes, which the roundabout is equipped with in every arm, to guarantee the requested capacity, Level of Service (LOS), and safety. In total, fifteen very different layout configurations of the SSF-Roundabout are available. Several traffic analyses were performed by using ad hoc traffic engineering closed-form models and case studies based on many origin-destination traffic matrices (M_O/D(t)) and proportions of CAVs in the traffic stream (from 0% to 100%). Simulation results demonstrate the correlation between layout scenarios, traffic intensity, distribution among arms, and composition in terms of CAVs and their impact on entry and total capacity, control delay, and LOS of the SSF-Roundabout. For instance, the right-turn bypass lane activation may produce an entry capacity increase of 48% and a total capacity increase of 50% in the case of 100% of CAVs in traffic streams. Full article

Aims: This study explored university students’ adversity quotient and its relationship with students’ achievement motivation and self-regulated learning strategies in the Chinese context. Methods: A total of 319 Chinese university students responded to a questionnaire that measures the adversity quotient (control, ownership, reach, endurance, and transcendence), achievement motivation (motive to success and motive to avoid failure), and self-regulated learning strategies (general strategies for learning and clarification strategies for learning). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data. Results: The results indicated that (1) control and ownership directly and positively correlated with self-regulated learning strategies; (2) control and endurance positively correlated with self-regulated learning strategies mediated by their motive to achieve success; (3) reach negatively correlated with students learning strategies through the motive to achieve success; and (4) control, ownership, and endurance negatively correlated with the motive to avoid failure while reach was positively correlated with it. Conclusions: This study shows that developing university students’ adversity quotient is essential. It implies that achievement motivation can be one possible mechanism underlying relationships between the adversity quotient and self-regulated learning strategies. Full article

Adolescents’ psychological well-being results from the interaction between individual traits, such as optimism and perfectionism, and contextual factors. According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the living environment can promote well-being by fulfilling basic psychological needs. Perceived parental support or control may influence the satisfaction of these needs and the development of dispositional traits, with significant consequences on well-being. This study, conducted on a sample of Italian adolescents (N = 500, M_age = 18; SD = 0.7), aimed to explore the mediating role of dispositional optimism and both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the relationship between perceived parental support and control and adolescents’ well-being. Structural Equation Model (SEM) results showed that optimism mediated the relationship between paternal support and well-being (β = 0.029, p = 0.05), while adaptive perfectionism mediated the effects of both maternal and paternal support on well-being (β = 0.062, p < 0.001; β = 0.038, p = 0.001). In contrast, maternal control had an indirect negative impact on well-being through dispositional optimism and maladaptive perfectionism (β = −0.045, p = 0.012; β = −0.040, p = 0.009), whereas paternal control was not significant. These findings underscore the importance of supportive parenting in promoting adolescent psychological well-being and the risks associated with excessive control. Full article