bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMBERDAYAAN KELOMPOK WANITA TANI (KWT) MEKAR SARI DALAM PEMANFAATAN LAHAN PEKARANGAN RUMAH (STUDI DI KELURAHAN PULOKERTO KOTA PALEMBANG)
Authors: Sari Noviati Putri , Hendarso Yoyok , Taqwa Ridho
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi adanya masalah dalam kegiatan pemanfaatan pekarangan rumah yang dilakukan oleh Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Mekar Sari di Kelurahan Pulokerto yakni kurang terurusnya kebun demplot, rendahnya minat dan partisipasi KWT Mekar Sari, serta permasalahan pada tanaman yang ada di pekarangan masing-masing anggota KWT Mekar Sari. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis proses, hambatan serta upaya dalam pemberdayaan KWT Mekar Sari dalam pemanfaatan lahan pekarangan rumah. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan pemberdayaan (Edi Suharto, 2006) yakni penguatan dan penyokongan. Metode penelitian menggunakan kualitatif dengan unit analisis data yaitu kelompok wanita tani. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proses pemberdayaan yang diterima KWT Mekar Sari yakni pendekatan awal, sosialisasi, pembuatan proposal kegiatan, memperkuat pengetahuan dan keterampilan, serta evaluasi. Dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan KWT Mekar Sari mendapat hambatan internal dan eksternal. Hambatan internal yakni rendahnya partisipasi dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan, rendahnya antusiasme menanam di pekarangan masing-masing, kurang motivasi, dan kurang mendapat manfaat dari kegiatan ini. Sedangkan hambatan eksternal yakni adanya masalah pada kebun bibit, kurang komunikasi antara PPL dengan KWT, mendapat gangguan dari hewan ternak, dan yang terakhir disebabkan oleh pandemi Covid 19. Terdapat empat prinsip yang sering digunakan untuk suksesnya program pemberdayaan yakni : pertama kesetaraan, Kedua adalah partisipasi, Ketiga kemandirian dan yang keempat Berkelanjutan.Kata Kunci : KWT Mekar Sari, Pemberdayaan, Pemanfaatan Pekarangan Rumah
POLA KOMUNIKASI PELAYANAN LANSIA DALAM PERSPEKTIF ADAT BUDAYA DI BENGKULU
Authors: Hadiprashada Dhanurseto , Osira Yessilia
Published: February 2025

Lanjut Usia (lansia) memiliki kerentanan aspek fisik, mental, sosial, maupun ekonomi, sehingga memerlukan pelayanan yang optimal. Pelayanan ini bisa dicapai melalui pola komunikasi yang tepat bagi para lansia, yang sesuai dengan adat budaya masing-masing lansia. Penelitian deskriptif kualitatif ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji Pola Komunikasi Pelayanan Lansia dalam Perspektif Adat Budaya Di Bengkulu, khususnya adat budaya Suku Serawai di Desa Talang Kabu Kecamatan Ilir Talo Kabupaten Seluma. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara mendalam, diskusi kelompok terfokus, studi dokumentasi dan observasi lapangan. Data yang terkumpul kemudian diolah dan dianalisa secara kualitatif sehingga tercapai maksud dan tujuan penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: 1) Masyarakat Desa Talang Kabu, merupakan kumpulan masyarakat yang berasal dari tiga jungku (komunitas) yaitu Jungku Talang Kabu Lamo, Jungku Patih Layang dan Jungku Penago. 2) Suku Serawai, khususnya di Desa Talang Kabu memandang makna lansia sebagai orang yang dihormati, dimuliakan, dan dituakan dalam kehidupan masyarakat desa. Hal ini terlihat dari cara komunikasi atau interaksi masyarakat desa dengan orang tua atau lansia, baik yang masih hidup maupun para orang tua yang sudah meninggal dunia, 3) Pelayanan terhadap warga lanjut usia di Talang Kabu dilakukan melalui: a) Pola komunikasi primer sebagaimana dilakukan oleh lansia dalam menyampaikan nasehat kehidupan bagi anak dan cucunya yang sedang melaksanakan prosesi pernikahan, b) Pola komunikasi sekunder, seperti berkomunikasi melalui gambar dalam handphone untuk menjelaskan maksud yang akan disampaikan, c) Pola komunikasi linier, sebagaimana diterapkan ketika mengarahkan perilaku lansia untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup sehari-hari atau mengarahkan lansia melaksanakan aktifitas keseharian. Pola komunikasi pelayanan pada lansia ini mencakup fungsi komunikasi; sosial, ekspresif, ritual, dan instrumental. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, maka direkomendasikan kepada Kepala Desa  Talang Kabu dan Aparat Desa, dibantu Kelompok PKK, Posyandu, dan Lembaga Adat, untuk: 1) Pembuatan profil masing- masing lansia 2) Pembentukan Paguyuban Keluarga Lansia di Desa Talang Kabu, 3) Mengaktifkan kembali ruang kreatifitas warga lanjut usia.Kata Kunci : Adat Budaya, Pola Komunikasi, Pelayanan Lansia
Monitoramento de clorofila-a em reservatórios em plataformas geospaciais de código aberto: Estudo de caso – fontes de abastecimento público da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP)
Authors: Yogi Fernando , Stanganini Fabio Noel
Published: February 2025

A gestão eficiente dos recursos hídricos é um desafio global que demanda abordagens inovadoras para o monitoramento da qualidade da água. Este estudo objetiva explorar a aplicação do Google Earth Engine (GEE) para monitorar a clorofila-a em represas operadas pela Sabesp, utilizando imagens do satélite Sentinel-2. Foi estimada através do algoritmo OC2_490 e do índice Tri banda (TBDO) em ambientes eutrofizados. Os resultados mostraram variações sazonais significativas, influenciadas por fatores climáticos e atividades humanas. A metodologia empregada possibilitou uma análise detalhada das variações na clorofila-a, essencial para avaliar a dinâmica fitoplanctônica nas represas. Embora algumas represas apresentassem perda de dados, outras forneceram informações robustas, revelando padrões sazonais, com picos notáveis de clorofila-a em junho, possivelmente relacionados a proliferações de algas. A plataforma GEE, com sua capacidade de processamento em nuvem, demonstrou ser uma ferramenta eficaz para o monitoramento contínuo da qualidade da água em larga escala.
Análise cienciométrica do mindfulness na saúde mental de mulheres com transtorno de humor
Authors: Alves José Humberto , Messias Letícia Caetano , Pereira Andrea Ruzzi
Published: February 2025

Este estudo analisou a produção científica sobre o uso do mindfulness como intervenção na saúde mental de mulheres com transtornos de humor, identificando tendências, autores influentes e áreas de impacto. Foi realizada uma análise cienciométrica de artigos (2020-2024) nas bases Scopus, Web of Science e PubMed, com seleção criteriosa e análise dos metadados relevantes por meio do software VOSviewer. Foram identificados um crescimento constante nas pesquisas até 2022, seguido por uma desaceleração nos anos subsequentes. A rede de coautoria revelou sete clusters principais, com autores renomados, destacando a colaboração interdisciplinar e internacional, liderada por países como Estados Unidos e Inglaterra. A análise de palavras-chave apontou temas centrais, como "regulação emocional", "terapia cognitiva" e "autocompaixão", indicando que são tópicos consolidados e amplamente estudados no campo em questão. Esses temas representam os pilares do conhecimento ou os focos principais da produção científica atual. Concluímos que a área tem avançado significativamente, mas ainda enfrenta a carência de maior representatividade de países em desenvolvimento. Esses resultados destacam a importância do mindfulness como uma abordagem terapêutica baseada em evidências e apontam para a necessidade de expandir as colaborações internacionais e diversificar os contextos de aplicação.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' BELIEF IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Authors: Akarsu Taner , Andaç Zeynep Güldane
Published: February 2025

The research was conducted with the objective of evaluating the disaster preparedness belief of students enrolled at the district centre, which is situated in an area characterised by a high risk of potential disasters. The descriptive study was conducted between 15 November 2023 and 15 February 2024 at the Vocational School in the Cerkes district of the Cankiri province. The study sample consisted of 195 students, 129 (66.2%) female and 66 (33.8%) male, who participated voluntarily. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with the students. The data were collected using two instruments: a personal information form questionnaire and a “General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale” (GDPBS). The statistical significance of the data was evaluated at the (p
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE NAVİKÜLER DÜŞME, HALLUKS VALGUS AÇISI VE SUBTALAR AÇI İLE DENGE, DİZ KAS KUVVETİ VE TEK BACAK SIÇRAMA ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİLERİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Eldemir Sefa , Benli Ayşenur Canan , Bazencir Merve , Sekreter Hatice Eda , Öcal İlayda , Kethüdaoğlu Mustafa Oğuz
Published: February 2025

Bu çalışmada üniversite öğrencilerinde naviküler düşme testi (NDT), halluks valgus açısı (HVA) ve subtalar açı ile denge, diz kas kuvveti ve tek bacak sıçrama arasındaki ilişkileri incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma tasarımı kesitsel bir ilişkisel araştırma olup çalışmaya 18 ile 36 yaşları arasında 215 gönüllü dahil edilmiştir. Her iki ayakta NDT, HVA ve SA ölçümleri ile test edilmiştir. Denge, Y denge testi ile, diz kas kuvveti el dinamometresi ile, sıçrama tek bacak sıçrama testi ile değerlendirildi. Sol taraf NDT yalnızca sağ taraf fleksör diz kas kuvveti ile pozitif yönlü zayıf ilişki göstermiştir (r:0.136, p:0.046). Sağ taraf HVA tüm diz kas kuvveti sonuçları ile negatif yönlü zayıf ilişki göstermiştir (r:0.179-(-0.132), p:0.07-0.022). Sol taraf HVA her iki taraf ekstansör diz kas kuvveti ile negatif yönlü zayıf ilişki göstermiştir (sağ; r:-0.141, p:0.039, sol; r:-0.179, p:0.009). SA, diz kas kuvveti ve tek bacak sıçrama ile anlamlı ilişki göstermemiştir (p>0.05). Üniversite öğrencilerinde NDT ve SA ile denge, diz kas kuvveti ve tek bacak sıçrama arasında anlamlı ilişki yoktur. HVA ile denge ve tek bacak sıçrama arasında anlamlı ilişki yoktur ancak diz kas kuvveti ile büyük oranda negatif ilişki göstermiştir. Bu çalışma genç yetişkinlerde artmış halluks valgus açısının azalmış diz kas kuvveti ile ilişkili olabileceğini göstermiştir.
Predicting drop-out during initial training among volunteer firefighters
Authors: Born Pauline
Published: February 2025

This article looks at the drop-out rate among volunteer firefighters during their initial training. It is based on data collected in France. It uses a mixed approach to identify profiles likely to leave their commitment quickly during initial training. Profile data from 330 individuals still in employment and 42 dropouts were used. The results show that women, individuals with prior knowledge of the environment, and city dwellers are more likely to drop out, while individuals from advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds will continue their involvement. Adjustments in communication, environmental management and mission specialisation could help retain volunteers and limit the risk of early drop-out. This study addresses a particularly important issue at a time when the recruitment of volunteer firefighters is posing significant challenges around the world.
Made in the EU
Authors: Antunes Fátima
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the processes involved in the Europeanisation of adult education, with a particular focus on the limitations of EU policies aimed at increasing adult participation in education and learning. Mobilising relational, multidimensional Europeanisation perspectives as tools for understanding, the research is methodologically supported by the analysis and discussion of documentary and statistical data. The Portuguese case study illustrates the emergence of dual Europeanisation processes in education through national policy options, trajectories and outcomes. This study offers new insights into the role of national contexts in influencing the evolution of European policies. It elucidates the ways in which EU guidelines are either absorbed or accommodated, as well as instances of transformation, inertia or retrenchment in the pursuit of European targets for adult participation in education across member states. This analysis sheds light on shortcomings of outcomes achieved in about two decades of (rhetorical?) construction of European adult education policy.
Intensification of Vero cell adherence to microcarrier particles during cultivation in a wave bioreactor
Authors: Mazhed Z. K. , Vasilenko V. E. , Siniugina A. A. , Kaa K. V. , Motov A. S. , Pokidova K. O. , Ivin Y. Y. , Piniaeva A. N. , Khapchaev Y. K. , Chernov K. A. , Ishmukhametov A. A.
Published: February 2025

Vaccination is the most effective strategy for fighting viral diseases, with both live and inactivated vaccines remaining crucial despite advancements in subunit vaccine technologies. A key player in vaccine production is the Vero cell line, derived from the kidney cells of the African green monkey, which is essential for manufacturing vaccines against diseases like polio, rabies, yellow fever, and COVID-19. The efficiency of Vero cell cultivation directly impacts vaccine production, often utilizing bioreactors ranging from small (1–10 L) to large (up to several thousand liters). Wave-type bioreactors are commonly employed for initial cell propagation due to their simplicity. However, achieving uniform cell distribution on microcarriers in these systems poses challenges. This study aims to evaluate intermittent stirring during the early cultivation stages to enhance Vero cell distribution and growth, potentially improving overall cultivation efficiency.
Deficient perceptions and practices concerning elevated lipoprotein(a) among specialists in Singapore
Authors: Loh Wann Jia , Pang Jing , Simon Oliver , Chan Dick C. , Watts Gerald F.
Published: February 2025

Background

Multiple guidelines recommend detection of and early risk factor management for elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Effective implementation requires assessment of knowledge and practices regarding elevated Lp(a) among medical specialists.

Aim

To assess awareness, knowledge and practices of the detection and treatment of elevated Lp(a) among specialist physicians in Singapore.

Methods

Seventy-five practicing specialists in cardiology (n = 33) or endocrinology (n = 42) anonymously completed a structured questionnaire that assessed the above three aims.

Results

The majority of respondents (83%) rated their familiarity with Lp(a) as at least average, with a greater percentage of endocrinologists being less familiar with Lp(a) than cardiologists (29% vs. 3%, P < 0.01). 57% were aware of at least one guideline or consensus statement on Lp(a), which was more frequent among cardiologists than endocrinologists (70% vs. 48%, P = 0.05). There were major gaps in knowledge of the prevalence, pathophysiological role, clinical significance and management of elevated Lp(a), correct responses being less than 30%; 44% of respondents (33% cardiologists and 52% endocrinologists) never tested for Lp(a), lack of effective treatment being the most common barrier (59%). A higher proportion of specialists that did not test for Lp(a) rated familiarity with Lp(a) as being low compared with specialists that tested for Lp(a) regularly (33% vs. 13%, P = 0.02). Education and training were considered most useful for improving care of patients with elevated Lp(a).

Conclusion

Major gaps in awareness, knowledge and management of elevated Lp(a) were identified among specialists in Singapore. Education and training of specialists are required to overcome initial barriers to testing.
Equitable hospital length of stay prediction for patients with learning disabilities and multiple long-term conditions using machine learning
Authors: Abakasanga Emeka , Kousovista Rania , Cosma Georgina , Akbari Ashley , Zaccardi Francesco , Kaur Navjot , Fitt Danielle , Jun Gyuchan Thomas , Kiani Reza , Gangadharan Satheesh
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Individuals with learning disabilities (LD) often face higher rates of premature mortality and prolonged hospital stays compared to the general population. Predicting the length of stay (LOS) for patients with LD and multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) is critical for improving patient care and optimising medical resource allocation. However, there is limited research on the application of machine learning (ML) models to this population. Furthermore, approaches designed for the general population often lack generalisability and fairness, particularly when applied across sensitive groups within their cohort.

Method

This study analyses hospitalisations of 9,618 patients with LD in Wales using electronic health records (EHR) from the SAIL Databank. A Random Forest (RF) ML model was developed to predict hospital LOS, incorporating demographics, medication history, lifestyle factors, and 39 long-term conditions. To address fairness concerns, two bias mitigation techniques were applied: a post-processing threshold optimiser and an in-processing reductions method using an exponentiated gradient. These methods aimed to minimise performance discrepancies across ethnic groups while ensuring robust model performance.

Results

The RF model outperformed other state-of-the-art models, achieving an area under the curve of 0.759 for males and 0.756 for females, a false negative rate of 0.224 for males and 0.229 for females, and a balanced accuracy of 0.690 for males and 0.689 for females. Bias mitigation algorithms reduced disparities in prediction performance across ethnic groups, with the threshold optimiser yielding the most notable improvements. Performance metrics, including false positive rate and balanced accuracy, showed significant enhancements in fairness for the male cohort.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying ML models to predict LOS for patients with LD and MLTCs, while addressing fairness through bias mitigation techniques. The findings highlight the potential for equitable healthcare predictions using EHR data, paving the way for improved clinical decision-making and resource management.
TOWARD, a metabolic health intervention, demonstrates robust 1-year weight loss and cost-savings through deprescription
Authors: Buchanan Laura , Calkins Matthew , Kalayjian Tro , Norwitz Nicholas G. , Teicholz Nina , Unwin David , Soto-Mota Adrian
Published: February 2025

Background

Cost, scalability, and durability represent major challenges to the implementation of intensive lifestyle treatments for obesity and diabetes. We previously reported pilot data from a 6-month intervention in which a self-insured manufacturing company partnered with a metabolic health clinic that utilizes therapeutic carbohydrate reduction (TCR), asynchronous monitoring, and a community-based approach to treat employees with metabolic disease. This manuscript presents weight loss and cost-savings from deprescription at the 12-month time point.

Methods

50 employees, mean BMI 43.2 ± 8.7 kg/m2, 64% with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, were enrolled in the multimodal TOWARD telemedicine intervention, which includes: Text-based communications, Online interactions, Wellness coaching, Asynchronous education, Real-time biofeedback and remote monitoring, and Dietary modifications that emphasizes TCR.

Results

41 completed the one-year intervention. Mean weight loss for the 50 subjects in the intention-to-treat analysis was 19.5 ± 11.4 kg, corresponding to 15.5% total body weight loss with concomitant deprescription of 96 medications, while starting only 8 medications. In patients who discontinued GLP-1 receptor agonists, weight loss continued or was maintained. Annualized cost savings from the TOWARD approach were approximately -$1700 per patient, as compared to an annualized cost burden of roughly +$13000 per patient for a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Conclusion

The TOWARD approach represents a scalable metabolic health intervention that demonstrates robust improvements in weight while simultaneously allowing for deprescription leading to substantial cost savings. TOWARD could serve as a scalable tool to facilitate intensive lifestyle intervention with efficacy on par with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Ensartinib for EML4-ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma with comorbid mutations in TP53, EGFR, and ERBB2: a case report
Authors: Huang Xiaoqing , Zhou Lingxian , Xia Jianyong , Jian Haifeng , Liu Jinji , Huang Yunying , Chen Qingsheng
Published: February 2025

Background

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements are commonly detected in lung adenocarcinoma. ALK-positive (ALK+) patients may occasionally exhibit concurrent genetic alterations that potentially impact prognosis. New therapeutic strategies are needed for ALK+ NSCLC patients with multiple simultaneous gene mutations.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old man was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (stage IVB, T4N3M1c) with an echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-ALK+ (EML4-ALK+) rearrangement, harboring tumor protein 53 (TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ERBB2) mutations. After three cycles of chemotherapy, the patient developed intolerance. Subsequently, ensartinib (225 mg daily) was administered orally on April 14, 2021. After 3 months of ensartinib treatment, the patient achieved a partial response and reached stable disease at six months, which sustained for 30 months till April 8, 2024, with grade 1 rash and no brain metastases. Currently, the patient remains on ensartinib treatment, without disease progression.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the potential for ensartinib in the treatment of EML4-ALK+ lung adenocarcinoma with multiple gene mutations. Further investigation through clinical trials is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this targeted therapy.
Case report: Aumolertinib plus gumarontinib in a patient with EGFR mutated non-small-cell lung cancer harboring acquired MET amplification following progression on afatinib plus crizotinib
Authors: Hui Jia-Jun , Ding Sheng-Jun , Qin Bao-Dong , Ding Ning
Published: February 2025

Background

Although it remained fully unclear about the optimal regimen for Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition factor (MET) amplification, the dual inhibition of EGFR inhibitor with MET inhibitor were attempted in clinical practice. There is very limited literature on the subsequent treatment when patients develop the resistance to this combination regimen.

Case summary

The patient, a 49-year-old female, initially presented with EGFR exon 21 L858R metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, treated successfully with first-line afatinib on September 2022 with a progression-free survival (PFS) of 8.0 months. On May 2023, she developed chest tightness and was found to have pericardial and pleural effusions containing malignant cells, indicating disease progression. Next-generation sequencing using pericardial effusion revealed concurrent EGFR L858R mutation and MET amplification. Then, afatinib plus crizotinib was initiated as second-line regimen, achieving stable disease with a PFS of 13.5 months. On July 2024, the patient developed the resistance to afatinib plus crizotinib due to the appearance of brain metastases. Then, this patient was administrated with aumolertinib plus gumarontinib as third-line regimen. Remarkably, this led to significant radiographic improvement of brain metastases. This patient is still undergoing third-line treatment, with a PFS of 3.7 months.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of re-challenge using third-generation EGFR-TKI with novel MET-TKI after the failure of second-generation EGFR-TKI plus crizotinib in EGFR-TKI resistant NSCLC patients with MET amplification, especially in patients with brain metastases. The successful application of aumolertinib plus gumarontinib highlights its potential in overcoming MET amplification-induced EGFR-TKI resistance, which warrants further investigation in future large-scale clinical trials.
The effect of transcranial pulse current stimulation on the accumulation of exercise-induced fatigue in college students after moderate intensity exercise evidence from central and peripheral sources
Authors: Wu Qingchang , Liu Siyan , Wu Changli , Liu Jian
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the intervention effect of cranial pulse current stimulator (tPCS) on fatigue accumulation after moderate-intensity exercise by using blood analysis and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and to analyze the type and magnitude of the fatigue effect of tPCS on fatigue in combination with behavioral performance.

Methods

Ninety healthy college students were randomly and equally divided into an experimental group (Group A) and a control group (Group B), and both groups underwent moderate-intensity training for 7 days. Before and after the experiment, all subjects received physiological, biochemical, behavioral, and subjective fatigue indexes, followed by exercise training, and each day of exercise training was followed by tPCS intervention (stimulus intensity of 1.5 mA, stimulus duration of 20 min) and subjective fatigue scale (RPE) test.

Results

① After the tPCS intervention, the daily RPE scores of group A were smaller than those of group B; ② The values of the indexes oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb), deoxyhemoglobin concentration (HHb), testosterone (T), and testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (T/C) of group A did not differ significantly from those of the pre-intervention period, and the values of all the indexes of group B were significantly different from those of the pre-intervention period. ③ After tPCS intervention, the values of Oxy-Hb, T, T/C, and on-attention decreased in Groups A and B, with Oxy-Hb decreasing the most; the values of HHb, total hemoglobin concentration (HbTot), hemoglobin concentration difference (HbDiff), cortisol (C), creatine kinase (CK), and reaction time (RT) increased, with the greatest increase in HbDiff; and the Group A The magnitude of change of each index was smaller than that of Group B. After tPCS intervention, the contribution of central fatigue to the effect of reaction time science was greater than that of peripheral fatigue.

Conclusion

① tPCS can delay the development of central fatigue and peripheral fatigue. ② The effect of tPCS on central fatigue is greater than on peripheral fatigue. ③ The effect of tPCS on reaction timing is mainly realized by changing the state of central fatigue.
Case Report: Impact of dolphin kick implementation during backstroke finishes on swimming performance. From regional to olympic-level swimmers. A comparative case study
Authors: Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Zafeiriadis Stefanos , Papadimitriou Nikos , Tsalis George
Published: February 2025

According to the World Aquatics (WA) an updated swimming regulation (SW) concerning the backstroke finish has been implemented, allowing, the swimmers to fully submerge their bodies at once when some part of their head pass the 5-meter mark immediately before touching the wall. Therefore, the present comparative case study aims to apply the new regulation on backstroke finish, examining the swimming efficiency and underwater kinematics of an elite Olympic-level swimmer, and comparing the data with the published ones from a previous study on regional-level swimmers. A 19-year-old male Olympic-level backstroke swimmer performed three all-out 20 m backstroke swims: (i) touching the wall, breaking the water's surface with one part of their body (Classic), (ii) touching the wall with one hand, submerging the body two strokes after passing the last 5 m (Dive–One Hand) and (iii) touching the wall on streamline position, submerging the body two strokes after passing the last 5 m (Dive–Streamline) Kinematic analysis of the intermediate 10 m and the last 5 m was conducted using a digital video camera. Descriptive statistics and the Crawford-Howell t-test were utilized for the comparisons between elite and regional-level swimmers. Based on the swimmer's analysis, intermediate 10 m were faster than that in regional level swimmers (Elite vs. Regional: 1.68 ± 0.1 vs. 1.29 ± 0.1 m·s−1, p = 0.00). Also, the elite-level swimmer increased his transition swimming speed (SS) (from 10 to the last 5 m) in all backstroke finishes (0.05 ± 0.03 vs. −0.07 ± 0.03 m·s−1). Also, in the last 5 m showed an extreme increase in velocity at the sink- to-finish speed (SFS), 2.16 and 2.28 m·s−1 for Dive–One hand, and Dive–Streamline, respectively. However, the tendency in velocity between backstroke finishes was similar between regional and elite-level swimmers. The elite swimmer can utilize the two variations of backstroke finishes more effectively compared to the regional-level swimmers. The swifter dolphin kick ability appears to play a significant role in achieving a successful backstroke finish, However, further investigations involving elite swimmers, differentiating the sinking approach and improving the speed before sinking (SBS) factor, could potentially provide more insights.
Research on the Impact of the Sand and Dust Ingestion Test on the Overall Performance of Turboshaft Engines
Authors: Wang Qingping , Zhang Wenchao , Yuan Xin , Wang Yixuan , Shen Zhongliang , Wang Fei
Published: February 2025

Based on GJB 242A, a detailed experimental procedure for the sand and dust ingestion of a turboshaft engine was established. A specific type of turboshaft engine was used to conduct 54 h full-engine sand and dust ingestion experiments. This research studied the impact of sand and dust ingestion on the engine’s common operating line, power loss, specific fuel consumption, and gas turbine exhaust temperature, among other performance parameters. The experimental results indicate that under the same equivalent power conditions, the impact of short-term sand and dust ingestion on the engine’s common operating line is minimal; as the sand and dust ingestion time increases, the equivalent airflow decreases significantly, causing the engine’s common operating line to shift upward and the gas turbine exhaust temperature to rise, with the maximum increase reaching 27.9 °C. However, the impact of sand and dust ingestion on the gas turbine exhaust temperature at high power levels is relatively small. After completing the sand and dust ingestion test, the engine’s power loss at maximum continuous operation was approximately 11.33%, and the specific fuel consumption increased by about 6.05%. The power loss does not meet the requirement of being less than 10% as stipulated in GJB 242A. Based on the engine disassembly inspection results, subsequent improvement suggestions were proposed. The findings of this paper can provide a scientific and rational basis and reference for the sand and dust resistance design and sand ingestion testing of similar aero-engines.
Study on Impact Soil Movement Experiments on Wheat Seeds Based on EDEM
Authors: Ma Feiyang , Wang Longbao , Wang Chao , Wang Qingjie , Lu Caiyun
Published: February 2025

The depth of seed burial and impact damage are critical indicators of sowing quality in wheat accelerated seeding technology. To investigate the factors influencing seed burial depth and impact damage, a simulation model of wheat seed impact and soil penetration was developed using EDEM (2018) software, and the motion of wheat seed impact into soil was simulated and analyzed to identify the main influencing factors of wheat seed impact into soil. Seeding velocity, wheat seed equivalent diameter, and soil surface energy were selected as experimental factors, while burial depth and maximum impact force were chosen as response indicators. Both single-factor tests and three-factor, three-level orthogonal tests were conducted. Single-factor simulations showed that burial depth increased with seeding velocity and seed diameter, but decreased with soil surface energy. In contrast, maximum impact force increased with velocity and diameter, peaking at low soil surface energy before declining beyond a threshold. The orthogonal test results indicated that a maximum burial depth of 26.37 mm and a maximum impact force of 0.0704 N were achieved when the wheat seed diameter was 4 mm, the seeding velocity was 65 m/s, and the soil surface energy was 0.5 J/m2. Bench tests were conducted to validate the simulation results further. The results of the bench tests were consistent with the simulation results, with relative deviations of less than 5%, indicating the reliability of the simulation outcomes. This experimental study has provided data and a theoretical basis for the selection of technical parameters and the design and application of accelerated sowing technology for wheat.
A Case Study on the Effect of Foliar Nitrogen Fertilization on the Microbiological and Biochemical State of the Soil and the Uptake of Macro- and Microelements by Winter Triticale (Triticosecale)
Authors: Gaj Renata , Kayzer Dariusz , Głuchowska Katarzyna , Wielgusz Katarzyna , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

Due to the increasing demand for food, the agricultural sector is facing a huge challenge related to its production without having a negative impact on the environment. The above issues are regulated by the current EU policy, indicating the need to conduct plant production by the European Green Deal strategy (2020), based on reducing the use of chemical plant-protection products by 50% and reducing the level of mineral fertilization by 20% by 2030. Using appropriate techniques of applying mineral fertilizers, which have a positive effect on the development and activity of soil microorganisms, the availability of nutrients in the soil can be increased while reducing fertilizer applications. This study aims to show whether the use of foliar nitrogen fertilizers in combination with sulfur in a two-year field experiment with triticale stimulates the multiplication of selected groups of microorganisms and the level of soil enzymatic activity. In addition, effects on the content of available forms of nutrients in the soil, triticale yield, and total nutrient uptake were analyzed. It is shown that the applied foliar fertilizers enriched with sulfur, compared to fertilization with ammonium nitrate, contributed to a 100% increase in the number of analyzed groups of microorganisms, urease, and alkaline phosphatase activity; a 44% increase in dehydrogenase activity; and a 15% increase in acid phosphatase activity. The hybrid application technique, with reduced doses of nitrogen fertilizers enriched with sulfur by 20 and 25%, resulted in grain yields exceeding 8 t/ha. Moreover, compared to conventional fertilization based on ammonium nitrate, an increase in the grain yield of triticale was obtained in the range of 16 to 24%, as well as an increase in the accumulation of nutrients in the plant. It is shown that foliar fertilization is a promising alternative to standard fertilization techniques.
Application of Branched-Chain Amino Acids Mitigates Mitochondrial Damage to Spotted Seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) Hepatocytes Cultured in High-Glucose and High-Fat Media
Authors: Ren Huijuan , Ke Yixiong , Li Xueshan , Wang Lin , Song Kai , Guardiola Francisco A. , Zhang Chunxiao , Lu Kangle , Rahimnejad Samad
Published: February 2025

This study explored the metabolic effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on the hepatocytes of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) under high-glucose (HG) or high-fat (HF) conditions. Hepatocytes were cultured under five different conditions: control, high glucose (HG), HG + BCAAs (Leu 0.8 mM, Ile 0.4 mM, Val 0.8 mM), high fat (HF), and HF + BCAAs (Leu 0.8 mM, Ile 0.8 mM, Val 0.8 mM). After 72 h of culture, cells and cell supernatants were collected to measure relevant indicators. The results revealed that BCAAs supplementation significantly reduced glycogen and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes exposed to HG or HF conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the supernatant were significantly decreased, indicating that BCAAs supplementation alleviated hepatocyte damage induced by these conditions. Furthermore, BCAAs addition markedly enhanced antioxidant defense by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, improving total antioxidant capacity, and reducing malondialdehyde levels. Metabolic enzyme activity analysis revealed that BCAAs significantly increased the activities of citrate synthase (CS), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (α-KGDHC), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and liver pyruvate kinase (LPS), while significantly decreasing fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity. Gene expression analysis further demonstrated that BCAAs supplementation downregulated the expression of lipogenic genes (fas and srebp-1c) and upregulated the expression of lipolytic genes (ppaα and atgl) and glucose metabolism-related genes (g6pd, hk, pfk, pk, fbp, and g6pase). Under HG or HF conditions, hepatocytes exhibited decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These adverse effects were mitigated by BCAAs supplementation. In conclusion, BCAAs supplementation alleviated hepatocyte damage caused by HG or HF conditions, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and protected mitochondrial activity and function by promoting glucose and lipid metabolism.
Effect of Inadequate Treatment in Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Acute Pyelonephritis Due to Enterobacterales Under Empirical Management with Cefazolin
Authors: Nocua-Báez Laura Cristina , Reyes Patricia , Cortes Jorge Alberto
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: First-generation cephalosporins are used in some countries, primarily in Latin America and other low-resource regions, as a first-line or alternative empirical treatment for patients with acute pyelonephritis (AP). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of inappropriate empirical therapy with cefazolin on the clinical outcomes of adult patients with community-acquired AP caused by resistant Enterobacterales, requiring hospitalization in two tertiary hospitals in Bogotá. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients with community-acquired AP caused by Enterobacterales who received initial treatment with cefazolin at two tertiary-level institutions in Colombia (January 2013–2020). Inappropriate treatment was defined as a resistant isolate to cefazolin in the urine culture. Outcomes assessed included hospital stay, hospital mortality, and recurrence. Results: A total of 1031 patients were admitted, among whom 218 (21.1%) received inappropriate treatment. The mean length of stay was 4.8 (5.1) days, 996 (96.6%) survived to discharge, and 113 (11.0%) were admitted for a recurrence of AP. Inappropriate treatment had no impact on hospital stay (RRA 0.98, 95% CI 0.84–1.15) or hospital mortality (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.47–2.19), although it was associated with a greater risk of admission because of recurrence (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.4–5.8). Conclusions: We found that inadequate empirical treatment with cefazolin in adult patients with community-acquired acute pyelonephritis does not appear to change the length of hospital stay or in-hospital mortality in patients but is associated with an increased risk of readmission due to recurrence; this might favor the use of empirical narrow-spectrum antibiotics but with strategies that allow monitoring or early detection of microbiological non-eradication to prevent recurrence.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Commensal Staphylococcus spp. Isolates from Turkeys in Hungarian Poultry Farms Between 2022 and 2023
Authors: Kovács László , Szabó Ábel , Barnácz Franciska , Csirmaz Bence , Jerzsele Ákos , Kerek Ádám
Published: February 2025

Background: The poultry industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors, producing the highest amount of animal-derived protein per unit time while also being the second-largest consumer of antibiotics. The widespread and accelerating spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) underscores the necessity of regular monitoring studies. Periodic assessments, especially focusing on commensal strains, can serve as indicators of emerging resistance patterns. Methods: This study assesses the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of putative commensal Staphylococcus strains (n = 166) isolated from large-scale turkey flocks in Hungary using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. The isolated strains were tested against antibiotics of veterinary and public health importance. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney U test, as well as t-tests. Additionally, correlation analysis and principal component analysis were performed. Results: Our findings revealed the highest resistance rates to tiamulin (90.4%), doxycycline (79.5%), and enrofloxacin (68.7%). Conclusions: These results reflect the extensive antibiotic use in the poultry sector, which contributes to the widespread presence of antimicrobial resistance. As regular monitoring and the identification of trends can aid in mitigating the spread of resistance, these findings should be complemented by data on antibiotic usage at the surveyed farms in further studies. The observed resistance rate of 18.1% to vancomycin is particularly concerning from a public health perspective, given that comparative human data show only a 0.05% resistance rate. Additionally, for multidrug-resistant strains, next-generation sequencing should be utilized to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance, particularly in strains exhibiting high levels of resistance to vancomycin, which is of critical importance in human medicine, as well as to the critically important enrofloxacin and the widely used doxycycline and tiamulin. However, the limitations of the study should also be acknowledged, including the relatively small sample size, which is significantly lower than that of available human data, as well as the spatial distribution of the samples.
A UAV Coverage Path Planning Method Based on a Diameter–Height Model for Mountainous Terrain
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yue Linkai , Zhang Qiang , Gao Chaojun , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Yonghuan
Published: February 2025

Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) nowadays engage in coverage missions using coverage paths with simple patterns that are limited in two-dimensional space, ignoring the elevation features of mountainous terrain intentionally, resulting in losing details and increasing the coverage path density and the UAV energy consumption. To address these problems, a coverage path planning method based on the DH (Diameter–Height) model for mountainous terrain is proposed. Firstly, a DH model is proposed for simplifying the 3D map construction of mountainous terrain. Secondly, in virtue of the DH model, the 3D map is partitioned into sub-regions. The equal-interval spiral ascent path and parallel circular coverage path are generated for covering the mountainous terrain with conformal coverage effects. A coverage path connection method with trajectory minimization and obstacle avoidance is proposed in the final path connection stage. The simulation experiments have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method and verified that the generated coverage path has the advantages of conformal coverage effects, trajectory minimization, and obstacle avoidance. The comparative experiment has also demonstrated the advantages of the proposed method in terms of UAV energy savings.
Nonlinear Dynamics of a Piezoelectric Bistable Energy Harvester Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Caetano Virgilio J. , Savi Marcelo A.
Published: February 2025

The conversion of ambient mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy through piezoelectric devices has received an increasing attention in recent years. The main challenges are to develop efficient devices that operate over a wide frequency range, adapting to diverse environmental energy sources. This work presents a framework for the analysis of a nonlinear vibration-based energy harvesting devices combining the nonlinear finite element method with a reduced-order model, which provides a broader dynamical investigation. On this basis, a flexible tool is developed, allowing the multimodal analysis of nonlinear systems. A bistable piezoelectric energy harvesting device is investigated considering the influence of multimodal and nonlinear effects on the system performance. Bistability is due to magnetic interactions among magnets and the beam tip, modeled by cubic nonlinearities. Numerical simulations show the influence of vibration sources on the dynamics and performance of the device. Nonlinear effects furnish rich dynamics, presenting periodic and chaotic responses. All these effects can be combined to enhance energy harvesting capacity.
The Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulation of Spatiotemporal Effects During Deep Excavation in Mucky Soft Soil: A Case Study
Authors: Wu Qiang , Wang Jianxiu , Long Yanxia , Liu Xuezeng , Long Guanhong , Ding Shuang , Zhou Li , Li Huboqiang , Hishammuddin Muhammad Akmal Hakim bin
Published: February 2025

The issue of geotechnical hazards induced by excavation in soft soil areas has become increasingly prominent. However, the retaining structure and surface settlement deformation induced by the creep of soft soil and spatial effect of the excavation sequence are not fully considered where only elastic–plastic deformation is used in design. To understand the spatiotemporal effects of excavation-induced deformation in soft soil pits, a case study was performed with the Huaxi Park Station of the Suzhou Metro Line S1, Jiangsu Province, China, as an example. Field monitoring was conducted, and a three-dimensional numerical model was developed, taking into account the creep characteristics of mucky clay and spatiotemporal response of retaining structures induced by excavations. The spatiotemporal effects in retaining structures and ground settlement during excavation processes were analyzed. The results show that as the excavation depth increased, the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm walls increased linearly and tended to exhibit abrupt changes when approaching the bottom of the pit. The maximum horizontal displacement of the wall at the west end well was close to 70 mm, and the maximum displacement of the wall at the standard section reached approximately 80 mm. The ground settlement on both pit sides showed a “trough” distribution pattern, peaking at about 12 m from the pit edge, with a settlement rate of −1.9 mm/m per meter of excavation depth. The excavation process directly led to the lateral deformation of the diaphragm walls, resulting in ground settlement, which prominently reflected the time-dependent deformation characteristics of mucky soft soil during the excavation process. These findings provide critical insights for similar deep excavation projects in mucky soft soil, particularly regarding excavation-induced deformations, by providing guidance on design standards and monitoring strategies for similar geological conditions.