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License plate recognition methodology in complex scenarios based on CSCM-YOLOv8 and CSM-LPRNet.
No full textLicense plate recognition technology is widely applied traffic management, parking monitoring, and electronic toll collection, among other fields. However, in complex scenarios, such as bright light, fog, rain, snow, and nighttime, there is an urgent need to improve the accuracy of license plate recognition and system robustness. To cope with the difficult problem of license plate recognition in complex scenarios, this study proposes a license plate recognition method based on CSCM-YOLOv8 and CSM-LPRNet. The CPA-Enhancer preprocessing module is used to optimize the input feature representation, and the upsampling quality is improved by the perceptual feature reorganization capability of the CARAFE upsampling module. The SEAM is embedded for adaptive weight allocation, thus enhancing the capability to extract key features. The SEAM is combined with the lightweight C2fMLLABlock convolution module to efficiently aggregate features, thereby maintaining the feature representation capability while reducing the computational cost. The experimental results show that on the dataset used in this study, the CSCM-YOLOv8 network achieves 98.9% accuracy in license plate detection, whereas [email protected] reaches 58.0%. Compared with the original YOLOv8, the accuracy and [email protected] are improved by 3.1% and 3.9%, respectively. Moreover, CSM-LPRNet achieves a recognition accuracy of 98.56% in character recognition, which is a 7.0% improvement over that of the original LPRNet. The remarkable performance of this method in complex environments provides an efficient and reliable solution for license plate recognition in intelligent transportation systems
Collaborative optimization of computational offloading and resource allocation based on Stackelberg game.
No full textThe exponential growth of the Internet of Things and mobile edge computing has intensified the need for substantial data processing and instantaneous response. Consequently, collaboration between the cloud, the edge and the end has become a key computing paradigm. However, in this architecture, task scheduling is complex, resources are heterogeneous and dynamic, and it is still a serious challenge to achieve low-latency and energy-efficient task processing. Aiming at the deficiency of dynamic collaborative optimization in the existing research, this paper introduces a collaborative optimization approach for computational offloading and resource allocation, utilizing the Stackelberg game to maximize the system's total utility. First, an overall utility model that integrates delay, energy consumption, and revenue is constructed for application scenarios involving multi-cloud servers, multi-edge servers, and multiple users. Subsequently, a three-tier Stackelberg game model is developed in which the cloud assumes the role of the leader, focusing on the establishment of resource pricing strategies. Concurrently, the edge operates as the sub-leader, fine-tuning the distribution of computational resources in alignment with the cloud's strategic initiatives. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal functions as the follower, meticulously optimizing the computation offloading ratio in response to the superior strategies delineated by the preceding tiers. Next, through game equilibrium analysis, the existence and uniqueness of the Stackelberg equilibrium are proven. Finally, a BI-PRO is proposed based on the backward induction resource pricing, allocation, and computation offload optimization algorithm. The experimental findings indicate that the proposed Stackelberg game method optimizes the system's total revenue and maintains stable performance across various scenarios. These results confirm the superiority and robustness of the method
Exploring parent-child relationships in families with advanced age parents: An interview study with adult offspring of 'older' parents in Switzerland.
No full textIn many societies, people are becoming parents at an older age. Although there is research on medical implications of advanced parental age (APA), little is known about the parent-child relationships and the lived experiences of offspring with APA parents. This study investigates these topics relying on semi-structured interviews with 20 adult offspring from Switzerland who have at least one parent that was 40 years old or older at the time of their birth. We performed an inductive thematic analysis. After completing the analysis, we found that the themes aligned closely with the theoretical model of intergenerational solidarity and therefore organized our findings in a manner informed by this framework. This allowed us to explore how the four conditional structures of solidarity this model identifies (opportunity, need, family and cultural-contextual) were perceived by our participants and featured in their conceptions of their parent-child relationships. We discuss our findings focusing in particular on the peculiarities that are related to the special dyadic relationship of our participants, i.e., one where parents are particularly old. Given that demographic trends of later-in-life childbearing are likely to continue, the results have implications on family building, (reproductive) ageing, parenthood norms and care arrangements for ageing parents
Predicting unsafe behaviour from the objective assessment of fatigue manifestation among scaffolders: Evidence from a Quasi-experimental simulation study.
No full textBackgroundThe burden of scaffolding-related accidents was growing. Individual attributes like unsafe behaviour and fatigue have been identified as the important precursors. Understanding the relationship between fatigue manifestation and unsafe behaviour is crucial for developing effective accident prevention protocols. This study aimed to determine the relationship between unsafe behaviour and manifestation of physical and cognitive fatigue during scaffold erection task among scaffolders.MethodsA total of 86 scaffolders were recruited into a quasi-experiment with one group pre-post design. Fatigue manifestation was measured objectively at pre-and post-exposure to scaffolding task, employing an assessment protocol consisted of 7 tests. Two fatigue dimensions were evaluated: Physical fatigue (musculoskeletal capacity by hand grip strength, prone plank, trunk flexor endurance and trunk lateral endurance test; postural stability by one leg standing test; joint flexibility by sit and reach test) and cognitive fatigue (simple reaction time test). Throughout the simulation scaffold erection task, unsafe behaviour was rated according to the non-compliance to standard safety protocol. Other independent variables of sociodemographic factors and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score were also included.ResultsCorrelation analysis was significant (p ConclusionThese findings will facilitate the development of scaffolding safety protocol for accident prevention, assist industry managers and regulatory decision-makers to govern workers' safe behaviour via the fatigue mitigation approach
Targeting men to improve maternal and child health and nutrition: A qualitative process evaluation of a mass media campaign in Tanzania's Lake Zone.
No full textBackgroundUndernutrition in the 1000 days following conception can cause lasting damage. In Tanzania malnutrition is directly or indirectly responsible for 35% of all deaths among children under five. The ASTUTE project, delivered in the five Lake Zone regions of Tanzania (Mwanza, Shinyanga, Geita, Kagera, Kigoma), aimed to reduce the prevalence of child stunting by improving child and maternal nutrition practices. The project incorporated a mass media campaign designed to change behaviours, with a particular emphasis on shifting gender norms and engaging men.ObjectiveThis paper focuses on the qualitative findings relating to the impact of the campaign on men's knowledge, attitudes, norms and behaviours.MethodsThroughout the period of radio and TV broadcasting, a qualitative process evaluation was conducted to assess the impact of the campaign on knowledge, attitudes, norms and behaviours. Between October 2017 and February 2020, a total of 59 focus group discussions were conducted with mothers, fathers and elder caregivers of a child aged under two years. Data were analyzed thematically.ResultsFathers reported that radio and TV spots increased their participation in maternal health by accompanying their partners to the ANC, supporting their nutrition intake, and reducing the workload of the mother during pregnancy. Radio and TV spots were also reported to increase men's engagement in child health by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and nutritious complementary feeding.ConclusionMass media campaigns that target men's behaviour can have beneficial effects on maternal and child health. In particular, radio and TV messages targeting men appear to be able to mitigate some barriers arising from gender norms and women's social position in Tanzania
Reinstating motivational states: Electrical signatures of craving and neural mind reading.
No full textThe aim of this electroencephalogram (EEG) study was to identify electrical neuro-markers of 12 different motivational and physiological states such as visceral craves, affective and somatosensory states, and secondary needs. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in 30 right-handed participants while recalling a specific state upon the presentation of an auditory verbal command incorporating an evocative sound background consistent with that state (e.g., the chirping of cicadas associated with the verbal complaint about feeling hot). ERP data showed larger amplitude N400 responses in the affective and somatosensory states, while the P400 component displayed greater amplitudes for the secondary and visceral states. Furthermore, the two components were also discernibly responsive to the 12 micro-categories (e.g., joy vs. pain or hunger), by providing a distinctive electric pattern for mostly all microstates. The reconstruction of the intracranial generators of surface signals revealed common imagery-related activations, including the middle and superior frontal gyri, the fusiform and lingual gyri, supramarginal, and middle occipital regions, as well as the middle temporal region. Additionally, specific regions were identified that were active for distinct mentally represented content, such as that visceral needs were associated with activations in the medial and inferior frontal gyri, uncus, precuneus, and cingulate gyrus. Affective states were associated with activations in the medial frontal, superior temporal, and middle temporal gyri. Somatosensory states (e.g., pain or cold) activated regions in the parietal cortex and the crave for music was linked to activations in the auditory and motor regions. These findings support the use of ERP markers for BCI applications
Attitude, self-efficacy, and perceived risk toward seasonal influenza vaccination among primary care physicians in Qatar: A cross-sectional study.
No full textPrimary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in influencing vaccination decisions, both for their patients and for themselves. However, the success of vaccination programs often depends on the attitudes, perceived risks, and self-efficacy Of PCPs. A cross-sectional study examined influenza-related attitude, self-efficacy, and perceived risk among 190 primary health care physicians using an online survey, 46% of participants believed healthcare professionals do not pose influenza transmission risks to patients. Self-efficacy for vaccination was strongly tied to time availability (73.7% agreement) and institutional vaccine provision (78.9%), with social support from colleagues (79.5%) and relatives (68.9%) further influencing adherence. Male physicians (87.5%) and those with ≥5 prior vaccine doses (88.6%) or recent vaccination (87.3%) reported higher self-efficacy, though chronic disease history showed no significant association. Risk perception disparities emerged: 94.2% acknowledged elevated occupational risk during epidemics, yet only 62.1% perceived personal risk. Similarly, 86.3% viewed influenza as dangerous for patients versus 64.2% for themselves. Higher perceived risk scores correlated with chronic disease history (84.5%), prior vaccination (81.1%), recent vaccination (82.8%), and ≥5 vaccine doses (85.0%). Information sources prioritized official health agencies (Ministry of Public Health: 59.5%; WHO/CDC: 56.3%), while traditional media were least utilized (7.9-21.1%). These findings highlight gaps between professional risk acknowledgment and personal risk mitigation, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, improve access, and align perceptions with evidence-based practices in healthcare settings
The relationship between college students’ perceived physical education environment and student engagement: a latent profile and structural equation modeling analysis
No full textBackgroundCollege students’ participation in physical education (PE) classes is of great significance to teaching effectiveness and students’ physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored the influencing factors and mechanisms of PE class engagement. This study aims to investigate the association between college students’ perceived PE environment and their PE class engagement, as well as the mediating roles of perceived teacher support and academic self-efficacy.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,158 Chinese college students from December 1 to 31, 2024. Variables were measured using the Perceived Physical Education Environment Scale, Perceived Teacher Support Scale, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and Classroom Engagement Scale. Mplus 8.11 was used to perform latent profile analysis on the perceived PE environment, which classified the participants into three groups: low-perception group, medium-perception group, and high-perception group. Amos 28.0 was employed to construct a structural equation model, and SPSS 26.0 was used to test the mediating effects.ResultsIn the total sample and the three groups, the perceived PE environment was significantly and positively correlated with college students’ PE class engagement (p < 0.01). In the medium-perception and high-perception groups of PE environment, perceived teacher support and academic self-efficacy played both individual mediating roles and a chain mediating role in the relationship between perceived PE environment and PE class engagement. However, in the low-perception group of PE environment, the mediating role of perceived teacher support was not significant, while the chain mediating role remained significant.ConclusionThis study identifies that perceived teacher support and academic self-efficacy are key mechanisms linking the perceived PE environment to students’ class engagement, and this sequential mechanism is particularly important in the context of low perceived PE environment. The results of this study emphasize the practical significance of strengthening school PE environments and resources, improving teachers’ guidance and support, and fostering students’ academic self-efficacy for enhancing students’ class engagement
Horizontal head-shaking test: pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical interpretation
No full textThe horizontal head-shaking test (HST) is a simple, rapid, and non-invasive bedside maneuver that provides valuable insights into both peripheral and central vestibular function. Originally described in the late 19th century and standardized in the 1970s, the HST predominantly stimulates the lateral semicircular canals (LSCs) at high frequencies. Its diagnostic power lies in revealing dynamic asymmetries of the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) and uncovering central abnormalities involving the brainstem and, above all, cerebellum. The pathophysiological basis of post-head-shaking nystagmus (post-HSN) derives from Ewald’s second law, which explains the excitatory–inhibitory imbalance between the labyrinths, further processed through the velocity storage mechanism (VSM). The VSM extends and integrates canal signals, aligning them with gravity through the action of the cerebellar nodulus and ventral uvula. Its modulation determines the direction, duration, and morphology of post-HSN, accounting for central features such as perverted or minimal-stimulus responses. The VSM is furthermore crucial for higher-order functions such as motion perception, spatial orientation, and postural stability. Clinically, the HST contributes to discrimination between peripheral lesions—typically producing monophasic or biphasic horizontal post-HSN—and central disorders, which yield vertical or torsional (perverted) responses, or exaggerated responses due to cerebellar disinhibition. Thus, rather than an empirical test, the HST represents a neurophysiologically grounded tool that bridges bedside observation and the vestibular integration. When interpreted within a comprehensive clinical framework, it offers diagnostic, prognostic, and educational value, serving as a window into the physiology and pathology of vestibular–cerebellar networks
Development of a comprehensive cardiovascular disease genetic risk assessment test
No full textPurpose: Despite monogenic and polygenic contributions to cardiovascular disease (CVD), genetic testing is not widely adopted, and current tests are limited by the breadth of surveyed conditions and variant interpretation burden. To address these limitations, a comprehensive clinical genome CVD test with semiautomated interpretation was developed. Methods: Monogenic conditions and risk alleles were selected based on the strength of disease association and evidence for increased disease risk, respectively. Non-CVD secondary findings genes, pharmacogenomic (PGx) variants, and CVD-associated polygenic risk scores (PRS) were also assessed for inclusion. Test performance was modeled using 2594 genomes from the 1000 Genomes Project and further investigated in 20 previously tested individuals. Results: The CVD genome test comprises a panel of 215 high-confidence CVD gene-disease pairs, 35 non-CVD secondary findings genes, 4 risk alleles or genotypes, 10 PGx genes, and a PRS for coronary artery disease. Modeling of test performance using samples from the 1000 Genomes Project revealed approximately 6% of individuals with a monogenic finding in a CVD-associated gene, 6% with a risk allele finding, 1% with a non-CVD secondary finding, and 93% with CVD-associated PGx variants. Assessment of blinded clinical samples showed concordance with prior testing. An average of 4 variants were reviewed per case, with interpretation and reporting time ranging from 9 to 96 minutes. Conclusion: A genome-sequencing-based CVD genetic risk assessment test can provide comprehensive genetic disease and genetic risk information to patients with CVD. The semiautomated and limited interpretation burden suggest that this testing approach can be scaled to support population-level initiatives in phenotypically enriched populations
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