Coding Approach Research Articles

Aim high, hit ×10: psychological strategies driving the success of South Korean archers

IntroductionSouth Korean archers have excelled in global competitions. However, limited research exists on the factors contributing to their long-term success, particularly in the context of achieving ×10 scores. This qualitative study investigated the exceptional success of South Korean archers, focusing on their achievement of ×10 scores. Using a content analysis approach guided by epistemological perspectives, we examined the techniques, mental strategies, and coping skills for environmental factors influencing ×10 shooting performance.MethodsData were collected using convenience and snowball sampling from 65 Korean archers (Mage = 18 years ± 0.5; 55% female and 45% male) with experience hitting ×10 scores. A hybrid coding approach, combining deductive and inductive methods, was used to analyze responses. Deductive analysis applied an 8-step archery model, while inductive coding identified emergent themes. Trustworthiness was ensured through multiple rounds of coding, expert validation, and member checking.ResultsThe findings revealed several key themes across four phases of archery performance. In the preparation phase, confidence and positive mindset (30.9%), loss of self-consciousness (21%), mastery-oriented goals (18.5%), performance-oriented goals (18.5%), and psychological regulation strategies (11.1%) were significant. During the drawing and anchoring stages, physical techniques and stability (55.4%), surrounding environments (35%), and attentional focus (9.6%) were crucial. In the aiming and release phase, wind management strategies (48.4%), natural posture and kinesthetic balance (35.7%), and confidence and positive outcome expectation (15.9%) were prominent. Lastly, in the post-shot phase, positive emotion elevation (74%), cognitive affirmation (14%), and tension management (12%) were key themes. These themes illustrate the comprehensive strategies, techniques, and coping skills essential for achieving ×10 scores in archery.ConclusionsThe holistic approach equips Korean archers to manage psychological demands and maintain consistent performance under pressure. The findings provide practical applications for archers, coaches, and sport psychologists, guiding the development of interventions to enhance mental strategies, physical techniques, and environmental coping skills, thereby improving performance outcomes in archery sports.

Navigating barriers and embracing facilitators of connection: insights from peer recovery specialists working with individuals with substance use disorder and criminal justice involvement: a qualitative analysis

BackgroundSubstance use disorder affects over half of incarcerated individuals, with 23% experiencing opioid use disorder specifically. Addressing opioid use disorder in jails is crucial due to its association with increased recidivism and overdose. This study investigates the experiences of peer recovery specialists working with individuals with opioid use disorder and criminal justice involvement, focusing on barriers and facilitators to client connections. Qualitative interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive coding approach. The sample involved five peer recovery specialists, who were interviewed multiple times, across three sites in Virginia between August 2022 to December 2023.ResultsThis analysis categorized findings into two main domains: barriers to connection and facilitators of connection. Within the barriers to connection, six themes emerged: jail specific restrictions, client in withdrawal, social determinants of health insecurities, lack of client engagement, disconnection, and adverse peer recovery experience. Jail-specific restrictions was the most common barrier to connection with 91.30% of transcripts referencing at least one code for jail-specific restrictions; 73.91% of all transcripts indicated social determinants of health insecurities; 56.52% of all peer recovery specialist transcripts experienced clients in withdrawal; 52.17% of all transcripts identified lack of client engagement; 43.48% of all transcripts identified disconnection as a barrier; and 34.78% of all transcripts indicated adverse peer recovery specialist experiences. Three themes were identified as facilitators of connection: peer communication skills, connection to services, and positive peer recovery specialist experience. Peer communication skills were by far the most prominent, with 100% of all transcripts indicating a code related to peer communication skills; 60.87% of all transcripts indicated positive peer recovery specialist experience; and 56.52% of all transcripts identified connection to services as a facilitator. Notable discrepancies in code frequency were observed across different sites, suggesting site specific challenges.ConclusionThis study offers valuable insights into enhancing peer-based support programs within the justice system for individuals with opioid use disorder. Barriers such as jail specific restrictions, client withdrawal, and social determinants of health insecurities pose significant challenges, while effective communication emerges as a critical facilitator. Findings emphasize the need for collaborative efforts between justice and recovery partners to optimize the impact of peer-based support services.

Experiences of patients talking about mental illness with their children: a qualitative study

BackgroundMany adults with mental illness have dependent children; these parents must navigate decisions about whether and what to tell their children about the illness. Parents are often influenced by shame and guilt about their disorder, and a desire to protect their children from distress. Communication about parental mental illness can have important benefits for children’s psychological outcomes; professionals could be central in facilitating these conversations. This study explored parents’ experiences of talking to children about their mental illness and the role of their clinical team in this process.MethodsFifteen parents with a mental illness under NHS care in England participated in qualitative interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive coding approach following the principles of thematic analysis.ResultsThematic analysis identified 4 themes: 1. Factors that affect what children are told about parental mental illness, 2. Perceived benefits of talking to children about parental mental illness, 3. Experience of ‘who’ talks to children about parental mental illness, 4. Role of healthcare professionals in supporting families to talk about parental mental illness. There was wide variation in what information was shared with children, influenced by fears about how to share particular diagnoses and the impact of the information on parents themselves and their family. Participants reported that no professionals had asked them what their children knew about their mental illness or offered advice on how to have these conversations, but all would have welcomed this guidance.ConclusionImproving communication about parental mental illness requires targeted training programs for professionals and age-appropriate resources for families. This study emphasizes the critical role of fostering effective communication about parental mental illness to enhance children’s mental health and strengthen family functioning.

Exploring implementation of interventions to facilitate integration in fragmented healthcare systems

AbstractIntroductionStanford Medicine is working to better coordinate care across the Stanford healthcare system, as well as improve patient and provider experiences in seeking and receiving care. This study aimed to explore the complexities of moving from a fragmented to an integrated academic healthcare system and to identify and explain factors (e.g., facilitators and barriers) of the implementation of three interventions meant to improve patient experience, reduce staff burden, and integrate health care systems across faculty and community settings.MethodsWe conducted qualitative semi‐structured interviews via Zoom with faculty and community physicians. Interviews were audio‐recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and open coding. Using consensus coding approaches, researchers met regularly to discuss themes and adaptations to CFIR.ResultsWe analyzed transcripts from interviews with physicians (n = 26). Factors impacting integration included the following: (1) physicians supported the interventions, promoting mission alignment; (2) physicians were motivated for change, reporting the existing system was intolerable; (3) physicians reported different priorities between clinics: faculty versus community and primary care versus specialty; (4) physicians prioritized interpersonal versus system solutions; (5) specialists were wary of unintended consequences of integration, specifically inappropriate bookings or patients being redirected to other clinics. Broadly speaking, facilitator factors 1–2 focused on the openness to, and tension for, change; and barrier factors 3–5 promoted or sustained variation across specialties and faculty/community clinics.ConclusionsOur results illustrate the challenges and opportunities of moving from a fragmented to an integrated healthcare system and emphasize the importance of building shared culture, collaboration, and coordinated actions across and within an integrated healthcare network.

Intergenerational transmission or cultural loss? The continuity of ethnic identity among the Yao minority in China

PurposeThis study aims to examine the intergenerational transmission of ethnic culture among the Yao minority in China, focusing on how rapid societal changes and modernization impact cultural identity maintenance. The research seeks to understand the perspectives of different generations of Yao individuals regarding their traditional culture, external influences and ethnic identity. The study aims to identify factors that facilitate or hinder cultural transmission, assess the effectiveness of current cultural preservation efforts and uncover potential strategies for maintaining ethnic identity in a rapidly changing society. Additionally, the research investigates the role of traditional elements, such as ethnic clothing, in connecting younger generations to their cultural heritage.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative approach using grounded theory methodology to explore the intergenerational transmission of Yao ethnic culture in China. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Yao individuals representing different generations. Participants were purposively selected from two Yao villages in southern China. Data collection also included researcher observations and memos. Interviews were conducted in Chinese, translated to English and analyzed using NVivo12 software. The analysis followed the grounded theory approach of open, axial and selective coding. Triangulation was achieved through discussions with participants' peers and family members. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant anonymity and securing institutional review board approval.FindingsThe study revealed three distinct generational attitudes towards Yao culture: rejection among older generations, semi-openness in middle-aged groups and initiated closeness in younger generations. Despite government policies supporting population growth, ethnic identity is not effectively transmitted across generations. Economic disparities between Yao communities and external society significantly influence cultural preservation, with younger generations prioritizing economic opportunities over traditional practices. However, traditional Yao clothing emerged as a potential link between younger individuals and their cultural heritage, offering a promising avenue for cultural preservation. The research also highlighted the impact of education, technology and media on shaping attitudes towards traditional culture and external influences across different age groups.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the cultural transmission within the Yao minority in China, a previously understudied ethnic group. It uniquely examines the interplay between economic development, government policies and intergenerational attitudes in shaping ethnic identity maintenance. The research reveals an unexpected potential for traditional clothing to serve as a bridge between younger generations and their cultural heritage, offering a fresh perspective on cultural preservation strategies. By identifying distinct generational attitudes towards cultural identity, this study contributes valuable knowledge to the fields of ethnic studies, cultural anthropology and social psychology, while also informing policymaking for minority cultural preservation in rapidly modernizing societies.

Parental and family presence are essential: A qualitative study of children's lived experiences with family presence in pediatric intensive care.

To better understand critically ill children's lived experiences with family presence in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study is grounded in a Childhood Ethics ontology. We recruited children (aged 6-17years) admitted to one of four participating Canadian PICUs between November 2021-July 2022 using maximum variation sampling. Data generation methods included participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Field-notes and interview transcripts were analyzed following the SAMMSA (Summary &Analysis coding, Micro themes, Meso themes, Syntheses, and Analysis) approach. Fourteen participants (7 boys; 7 girls) described parental presence in PICU as essential. Parents contributed to their sense of safety, acted as advocates and interlocuters, and were crucial to participants' belief that their voices would be heard and their needs met. Participants valued the ways in which family and visitor presence mitigated the disruptions that being in PICU caused to their social worlds. Age limits restricted sibling and peer interaction and inadvertently restricting parental presence due to sibling childcare needs. Parental figure presence in PICU is essential for children. Policies that focus on children as patients instead of whole people discredit childrens' concerns and the ways parental figures mitigate the disruptive nature of PICU admissions. Future policy generation must involve children to ensure that their priorities and concerns are meaningfully recognized.

The potential for spatial ability development through the Swedish technology and craft compulsory curricula

AbstractSpatial ability has been demonstrated to be a significant predictor of students’ achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. While several studies have focused on offering supplementary or isolated spatial training interventions, this study focuses on spatial ability development through embedded interventions within technology curricula. Specifically, document analysis is adopted in this study to identify the potential areas for spatial ability development within the Swedish compulsory Technology and Craft curricula. A framework consisting of two dimensions has been established by a qualitative coding approach. The first dimension, termed the “visual dimension”, encompasses graphical, property, and manufactured components, reflecting the spatial nature of the information that students engage with. The second dimension, termed the “epistemic dimension”, comprises conceptual and procedural knowledge, representing the types of knowledge students acquire. The framework allows educators to identify potential areas for developing spatial ability within technology curricula. Additionally, it is envisioned that this framework could increase awareness of how to spatialise curriculum and pedagogies among various stakeholders, including policymakers and teacher trainers.

Managing the work of living with heart failure: a qualitative study using the cumulative complexity model from Southeastern Minnesota

ObjectivePatients with heart failure (HF) perform a variety of self-care activities to control symptoms and minimise the risk of HF decompensations. The objective of this study was to understand how...

Relations Between Optimism-Pessimism and Loneliness in Sexually Minoritized Men: The Moderating Role of Chronicity-Based Discrimination

ABSTRACT Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions, affecting nearly one-in-two adults in the United States and is particularly potent in sexually minoritized men (SMM). Individual differences in optimism and pessimism may exert protective or maladaptive effects for the impact of discrimination on loneliness. This study investigated interrelationships between optimism/pessimism, discrimination, and loneliness within a sample of sexual minoritized men (SMM). Self-report data from 103 SMM were used from a six-month study from August 2020 to February 2022 in South Florida. A novel chronicity-based coding approach was used to determine whether associations of optimism/pessimism and loneliness vary based on different frequencies of exposure to discrimination. Hierarchical multivariable regression models were conducted to examine associations of optimism-pessimism and the moderating effect of chronicity-based discrimination on loneliness. SMM reporting higher pessimism and lower optimism reported greater levels of loneliness and exposure to discrimination, and chronicity-based discrimination was negatively associated with optimism, and positively associated with pessimism. Associations of optimism, but not pessimism, with loneliness were moderated by discrimination. Among the sample, optimism had a protective effect on loneliness for those experiencing moderate exposure to discrimination. Future research should consider the longitudinal impact of optimism/pessimism and discrimination on loneliness among SMM.

Understanding Healthcare Barriers for Latino/a/e/x Families with Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from Primary Care Provider interviews.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related dementias (ADRD) are disproportionately underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and undertreated in Latino/a/e/x populations living in the U.S. Latino/a/e/x families also experience low access to ADRD caregiver support services and high levels of depression. Primary care providers (PCPs) are the first point of contact for patients and their families, and they are critical in understanding the factors associated with disparities in accessing services. This project aims to reflect on the barriers that Latino/a/e/x families experience in accessing and using healthcare services from the perspective of PCPs. The data was collected through structured interviews with 23 diverse PCPs across the US via videoconference or phone calls. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling. Two reviewers used an inductive coding approach to conduct qualitative thematic analysis. The Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR) technique was used to extract relevant data and organize it into relevant categories. Some of the themes identified reflect the experiences of individuals in the diagnostic process and subsequent care: 1) Family members are usually the first ones to notice the symptoms, 2) Delays in seeking care might be partially influenced by denial from individuals and their families, 3) Language congruency promotes the disclosure of symptoms, 4) Care that is linguistically and literacy appropriate requires additional support of patients and families, and 5) Caregiving expectations and preferences by Latino/a/e/x families do not shield caregivers from feeling burnout. Overall, PCPs reflected that the experiences of individuals are highly influenced by socioeconomic factors, which also influence their care plans. Most Latino/a/e/x older adults with ADRD will be cared for by a PCP at some point during their disease, which means that they require additional support and resources at primary care appointments to address the barriers to accessing care services and enhance health equity in Latino/a/e/x communities.

Exploring recreational hunters’ perspectives on shifting from hunting to working in tourism: Insights from the Push–Pull-Mooring Model

ABSTRACT There are growing pressures on the environment from both natural and human stressors, impacting both protected and unprotected areas. Illegal and irresponsible use of environmental resources harms the health of ecosystems and the well-being of people. Confronting these challenges requires promoting sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of the environment. In this context, tourism has gained widespread recognition as a tool to enhance local community well-being and conserve environmental resources. Through the lens of the Push–Pull-Mooring model, the study aims to explore the key factors influencing local hunters' perspective on shifting from hunting to working in tourism. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with local hunters residing in the surrounding villages near the Dana Biosphere Reserve in Jordan. Content analysis with an inductive coding approach was used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that the environmental degradation and the environmental concern discourage hunting activities, while financial incentives encourage participation in tourism. However, various institutional, personal, and cultural factors are found to hinder the participation of local hunters in tourism.

Pulses, Their Derivatives and Composite Dishes: A Coding Approach

ABSTRACT Pulses are a key food of the Mediterranean diet, rich in proteins, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals essential for health. The inclusion of pulses in the diet can prevent many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases related to their nutrient and bioactive components. Given their importance, the interest in pulses is constantly growing thanks to the possibility of being able to use them in a versatile way as a basis for food products such as flour, pasta, snacks, soups, and vegetable burgers, increasing the frequency of consumption of pulses by consumers with all the benefits that derive. This study aims at demonstrating the effectiveness of the application of LanguaLTM and FoodEx2 classification and description systems to food preparations and ready meals based on pulses for consumption away from home. In particular, they have been used to classify and describe a ready-to-use pulses dish as a case study. In conclusion, the possibility of describing this recipe and others allows us to obtain accessible and useful information, and then obtain data in a standardized format in order to facilitate the exchange and comparison, allowing its classification.

Understanding Self-Criticism: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Approaches.

Self-criticism (SC) is a central transdiagnostic factor in several psychopathological conditions, influencing the development and maintenance of symptomatology. The importance of this construct has stimulated quantitative and qualitative research about it. The main purpose of this systematic review is to highlight which qualitative methods have been used most frequently and which are most suitable for studying SC. We conducted a systematic search by searching the following databases to identify publications: PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and ERIC (all years up to and including January 2024). We aggregated search terms into two concepts for all databases: "self-criticism" and "qualitative analysis". After removing duplicates, we screened a total of 852 records, resulting in the identification of 28 full-text articles that we assessed for eligibility. Upon closer examination, there was consensus that 16 of those studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extracted from the included studies revealed the lack of a shared approach regarding qualitative analysis of SC. Some studies employed a top-down coding approach, others used a bottom-up coding approach, and a few combined both methods. Consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis have been used most widely in the field. Furthermore, the data revealed no consensus among researchers on the conceptualization of SC. SC categories identified through qualitative analysis frequently do not align with existing theoretical models, and these categories are rarely re-examined in subsequent studies. There is a need to test existing theoretical models of SC through qualitative analysis and to develop new models that should be examined with qualitative and quantitative methods in different clinical populations to fully capture the complexity and multidimensionality of SC.

Why do healthcare workers refuse tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT)? a qualitative study from Puducherry, South India

BackgroundThe sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.3.2 prompted India to devise the National Strategic Plan 2017–2025, targeting tuberculosis (TB) eradication by 2030. The prevention pillar of this plan emphasises on Tuberculosis...

A ViT‐Based Adaptive Recurrent Mobilenet With Attention Network for Video Compression and Bit‐Rate Reduction Using Improved Heuristic Approach Under Versatile Video Coding

ABSTRACTVideo compression received attention from the communities of video processing and deep learning. Modern learning‐aided mechanisms use a hybrid coding approach to reduce redundancy in pixel space across time and space, improving motion compensation accuracy. The experiments in video compression have important improvements in past years. The Versatile Video Coding (VVC) is the primary enhancing standard of video compression which is also referred to as H. 226. The VVC codec is a block‐assisted hybrid codec, making it highly capable and complex. Video coding effectively compresses data while reducing compression artifacts, enhancing the quality and functionality of AI video technologies. However, the traditional models suffer from the incorrect compression of the motion and ineffective compensation frameworks of the motion leading to compression faults with a minimal trade‐off of the rate distortion. This work implements an automated and effective video compression task under VVC using a deep learning approach. Motion estimation is conducted using the Motion Vector (MV) encoder‐decoder model to track movements in the video. Based on these MV, the reconstruction of the frame is carried out to compensate for the motions. The residual images are obtained by using Vision Transformer‐based Adaptive Recurrent MobileNet with Attention Network (ViT‐ARMAN). The parameters optimization of the ViT‐ARMAN is done using the Opposition‐based Golden Tortoise Beetle Optimizer (OGTBO). Entropy coding is used in the training phase of the developed work to find the bit rate of residual images. Extensive experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed deep learning‐based method for video compression and bit rate reduction under VVC.

Supporting Young Learners During Remote Education: How Context and Gender Shape Adolescent Experiences

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global closing of schools that raised questions on the implications for students. This study examines the impact of remote education, and subsequent social isolation, on adolescent well-being among urban poor young adolescents worldwide. MethodsQualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with urban poor adolescents in 7 countries and 8 sites, for a total sample size of 249 adolescents. Discussion guides addressed attitudes toward remote education strategies and its perceived impact on health, relationships, and learning. Analysis used an inductive thematic coding approach, with comparison by site and gender. ResultsAdolescents experienced opposite extremes of remote education, with those from lower-income sites feeling abandoned by educators and systems and those from higher-income sites feeling increased external pressure and loneliness. Both boys and girls reported declining mental health, although boys reported more access to support structures than girls. All students missed connections with peers and teachers. DiscussionAlthough all adolescents struggled with remote education, their challenges differed by context and gender. School systems should consider conducting a student needs assessment to ensure future remote education is accessible and beneficial to adolescents in each site. Families and teachers should take a gender-equal approach to assistance, ensuring adolescents have equal opportunities and agency to reach out for, and receive, educational and emotional support.

The prognostic reasoning by physiotherapists of musculoskeletal disorders: A phenomenological exploratory study

Question(s)What are the prognostic reasoning practices of physiotherapists towards musculoskeletal disorders? DesignExploratory phenomenological study. Participants15 physiotherapists who currently treat musculoskeletal disorders. Date analysisSemi-structured interviews were implemented to collect data which was analysed using an inductive coding and thematic analysis approach. ResultsThree themes were identified. First, how physiotherapists considered prognosis within clinical practice. Whilst prognosis is an important consideration, in some circumstances it either may not be considered or is implied. Second, how physiotherapists determine prognosis for musculoskeletal disorders. Several factors shaped the ability of physiotherapists to determine prognosis including how they determine prognosis, and the barriers and facilitators towards determining prognosis. Finally, how physiotherapists discuss prognosis with individuals who have a musculoskeletal disorder. These discussions were shaped by the prognostic information provided, as well as the barriers and facilitators towards discussing prognosis. ConclusionThe prognostic reasoning of physiotherapists appears to be influenced initially by whether they consider it or not. It is then shaped by both barriers and facilitators towards determining and discussing prognosis. Facilitators for this prognostic reasoning process appear to be aligned with the biomedical model of health, whilst barriers more aligned with psychosocial factors. To improve prognostic reasoning, physiotherapists should continue to strive to conceptualize prognosis within a biopsychosocial framework. Doing so will improve the ability of physiotherapists to prognosticate, which will subsequently improve outcomes associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

Sneakerheads for Trump: information flows in the online news media

PurposeThis paper explores information flows in the news media amid ideological polarization, focusing on challenges and opportunities. The case study of Donald Trump’s sneaker line unveiling examines how news agencies navigate objectivity in reporting politically sensitive topics online. It also explores the balance news supply chains must strike between expediency, objectivity and differentiation for diverse audiences.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducts qualitative and quantitative content analysis on mainstream media coverage of Donald Trump’s sneaker unveiling. Meticulous coding and inductive approaches systematically review news stories to uncover trends and variations. Incorporating media bias ratings provides context on potential framing biases. This rigorous methodology aims to locate emergent themes in how news outlets interpret and report on politically charged events, offering reliable insights into the dynamics of reporting on contentious narratives.FindingsThe analysis reveals polarized reactions to Trump’s sneaker unveiling, reflecting societal divisions. Aesthetics underscore manipulative political messaging and ethical dilemmas. Varying press reception mirrors broader tensions across online news media. Coverage suggests a link between media bias and sentiment toward Trump. Theoretical insights explore dynamic capabilities and social identity theory. The study offers practical implications for navigating ideological framing and audience engagement, benefiting news media supply chain professionals.Originality/valueThis paper provides novel insights into online news supply chains, revealing complexities in reporting politically charged events. It contributes theoretical perspectives on dynamic capabilities and social identity theory and offers practical implications for managing ideological framing in online news media, adding significantly to existing knowledge.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-04-2024-0241

A dataset of venture capitalist types in China (1978–2021): A machine-human hybrid approach

Despite escalating interest in distinguishing among various types of venture capitalists (VCs) and their roles in shaping entrepreneurship and innovation, such research remains sparse in the world’s second-largest VC market, i.e., China. To address this important gap, we have devised a machine-human hybrid approach to perform the classification task for VC types. Specifically, we have compiled a list of 49,187 VCs that made investments in China before 2021 from CVSource database, collected VC ownership information from other public sources, developed machine-learning algorithms to predict VC types, and used human coders when machine-learning failed to produce a prediction. Utilizing this hybrid approach, we have classified VCs into one of the following types: GVC (public agency-affiliated, state-owned enterprise-affiliated), CVC (corporate VC), IVC (independent VC), BVC (bank-affiliated VC), FVC (financial/non-bank-affiliated VC), UVC (university-affiliated VC), and PenVC (pension-fund-affiliated VC). We not only provide the most up-to-date database for VC types in the Chinese setting but also demonstrate how to leverage machine-learning algorithms to devise a transparent coding approach for VC-type classifications.

Precise Orientation Estimation for Rotated Object Detection Based on a Unit Vector Coding Approach

Existing rotated object detection methods usually use angular parameters to represent the object orientation. However, due to the symmetry and periodicity of these angular parameters, a well-known boundary discontinuity problem often results. More specifically, when the object orientation angle approaches the periodic boundary, the predicted angle may change rapidly and adversely affect model training. To address this problem, this paper introduces a new method that can effectively solve the boundary discontinuity problem related to angle parameters in rotated object detection. Our approach involves a novel vector-based encoding and decoding technique for angular parameters, and a cosine distance loss function for angular accuracy evaluation. By utilizing the characteristics of unit vectors and cosine similarity functions, our method parameterizes the orientation angle as components of the unit vector during the encoding process and redefines the orientation angle prediction task as a vector prediction problem, effectively avoiding the boundary discontinuity problem. The proposed method achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 87.48% and an average cosine similarity (CS) of 0.997 on the MVTec test set. It also achieved an mAP score of 90.54% on the HRSC2016 test set, which is better than several existing state-of-the-art methods and proves its accuracy and effectiveness.