bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graying arts access: crafting creative online programming to promote older adults' artistic engagement in and beyond pandemic time
Authors: McFarland Jami , Rice Carla , Changfoot Nadine , La Rose Tara , Alfaro-Laganse Carmela , Badri Suad , Smith Kathy , Katz Becky
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, the COVID-19 virus and attendant patchwork of local, regional, and national government-initiated public health responses to it unexpectedly opened possibilities for greater access to culture for disabled and chronically ill people in ways that were unimagined in pre-pandemic times. During the “emergency” period of the pandemic, the fields of critical disability studies and aging studies independently demonstrated the importance and value of shifting to digital technologies for disabled people and older adults respectively; however, to date, little scholarship has considered the value of digital technologies for older adults aging with and into disabilities beyond pandemic time.

Methods

Informed by the theoretical insights of scholarship exploring critical access and the aging-disability nexus, this paper draws from empirical data collected during Phase 2 of Direct[Message]: Digital Access to Artistic Engagement, a collaborative, community-based, arts-informed research project based in Southwestern Ontario (Canada). Drawing from 50 qualitative interviews with aging adults from un/under/represented communities, findings explore the intersections of older age and disability, including dynamics related to gender, sexuality, migration, size, race/ethnicity, and other differences, as these relate to access to and enjoyment of creative spaces before, during, and “after” the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Results show that older adults aging with/into disabilities in Southwestern Ontario express an overwhelming desire and even urgent need to access interactive arts programming from the relatively safe spaces of their homes both within and outside pandemic time.

Discussion

As the normative world pushed for a return to ableist normative life in 2022, a year marked by “severe” rates of the highly infectious Omicron variant and the loss of effective public measures, such as community masking and widely available testing, participants described the need for continued access to creative and social participation via remote options that sidestepped socially exclusive and physically inaccessible spaces. Findings indicate a need for increased investment in digital arts programming for older adults aging with/into disabilities.
Optimization of photovoltaic and battery energy storage configuration utilizing the JAYA algorithm
Authors: Chen Tao , Othman Muhammad Murtadha , Zhu Shuangxin
Published: December 2024

To optimize the capacities and locations of newly installed photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) into power systems, a JAYA algorithm-based planning optimization methodology is investigated in this article. For this purpose, a series of mathematical models with constraint conditions are put forward to describe the dynamic properties of PVs and BES systems. Then, a general two-level planning model for maximizing the benefits of society is employed by introducing objective functions at the investment and operational levels from comprehensive influencing factors under different companies. To determine the optimal locations and capacities for configuring renewable energy sources, the proposed planning framework is solved using the JAYA algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed configuration method are validated using an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 24-bus system with PVs and BES systems. Comparing the results of the various cases, it is obvious that the JAYA-based two-level planning optimization method can find the optimal configuration with minimum cost in shorter convergence times. Hence, the configuration strategy determined via the planning optimization method using the JAYA algorithm offers valuable guidance for the installation capacities and layouts of PVs and BES systems in power systems, which underscores their practical significance in energy management.
Protective effects of Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) oil against cefotaxime-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats
Authors: Azzam Shaimaa M. , Elsanhory Heba M. A. , Abd El-Slam Ahmed H. , Diab Marwa S. M. , Ibrahim Halima Mohamed , Yousef Abdalrahman Mohammed , Sabry Fatma Mahmoud , Khojah Ebtihal Y. , Bokhari Somaiah A. , Salem Gad Elsayed Mohamed , Zaghloul Marwa Saad
Published: December 2024

Cefotaxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic targeting Gram-negative bacteria used for diverse infections, but it can be toxic to the stomach, liver, and kidneys. This study explored the protective effects of geranium oil against cefotaxime-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats, employing biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. Thirty rats were divided into five groups of six animals each one. Group 1 received orally normal saline for 14 days, Group 2 was given orally 2.5% DMSO for 14 days, Group 3 received cefotaxime (200 mg/kg/day IM) for 14 days, Group 4 received with cefotaxime (200 mg/kg/day IM) and geranium oil (67 mg/kg b. w./day orally in DMSO) for 14 days, and Group 5 received geranium oil alone (67 mg/kg b. w./day orally in DMSO) for 14 days. Geranium oil significantly reduced cefotaxime-induced damage, evidenced by lower serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT), renal markers (urea, creatinine), and other indicators (alkaline phosphatase, TNF-alpha, IL-1Beta, MAPK, nitric oxide, MDA). It also increased levels of protective tissue biomarkers such as NrF2, albumin, catalase, Beclin 1, and reduced glutathione (GSH). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed significant protective effects in liver and renal tissues in rats treated with Geranium oil. These results suggest that Geranium oil is effective in mitigating cefotaxime-induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity.
A single left fourth intercostal thoracotomy approach for resolution of idiopathic chylothorax with thoracic duct ligation and pericardiectomy: a preliminary clinical study in two dogs
Authors: Price Anya K. , Mathews Kyle G.
Published: December 2024

Open surgical treatment of idiopathic chylothorax via thoracic duct ligation and pericardiectomy requires a lengthy procedure with two thoracotomy incisions. The objectives of this report were to describe an approach for thoracic duct ligation and pericardiectomy via a single thoracotomy at the left fourth intercostal space and to describe the clinical outcome in two dogs with idiopathic chylothorax. Dogs were prospectively enrolled in a pilot study to evaluate the clinical efficacy of thoracic duct ligation at the left fourth intercostal space, combined with subphrenic pericardiectomy performed through the same incision. Dogs had a preoperative CT lymphangiogram to evaluate the anatomy of the thoracic duct and its branching pattern prior to surgery. Recheck radiographs were performed every 2–4 weeks until effusion resolved. Pleural effusion became non-chylous by 5 days postoperatively. Pleural effusion volume decreased by day 5 postoperatively, allowing removal of thoracostomy tube and discharge from the hospital. Radiographically, effusion resolved within 6 weeks without a need for further drainage after discharge. Dogs remained symptom-free at last follow up (>11 months postoperatively). CT lymphangiograms were repeated >11 months postoperatively and revealed no recurrence of pleural effusion. No intraoperative or postoperative complications directly related to surgery were noted for either dog. Collateral lymphatic vessels were not identified on recheck CT lymphangiograms. The left fourth intercostal approach to thoracic duct ligation and pericardiectomy has potential to be a safe and effective alternative to an open approach requiring two lateral thoracotomies. Further investigation of this approach using open or minimally invasive techniques is warranted.
Surface Charging Analysis of Ariel Spacecraft in L2-Relevant Space Plasma Environment and GEO Early Transfer Orbit
Authors: Michelagnoli Marianna , Focardi Mauro , Pudney Maxsim , Renouf Ian , Merola Pierpaolo , Noce Vladimiro , Nunez Marina Vela , Dinuzzi Giacomo , Chiarucci Simone
Published: December 2024

Ariel (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) is the ESA Cosmic Vision M4 mission, selected in March 2018 and officially adopted in November 2020, whose launch is scheduled by 2029. It aims at characterizing the atmospheres of hundreds of exoplanets orbiting nearby stars by low-resolution primary and secondary transit spectroscopy. The Ariel spacecraft’s operational orbit is baselined as a large-amplitude, eclipse-free halo orbit around the second Lagrangian (L2) point, a virtual point located at about 1.5 million km from the Earth in the anti-Sun direction, as it offers the possibility of long uninterrupted observations in a fairly stable radiative and thermo-mechanical environment. A direct escape injection with a single passage through the Van Allen radiation belts is foreseen. During both the injection trajectory and the final orbit around L2, Ariel will be immersed in and interact with Sun radiation and the plasma environment. These interactions usually result in the accumulation of net electrostatic charge on the external surfaces of the spacecraft, leading to a potentially hazardous configuration for the nominal operation and survivability of the Ariel platform and its payload, as it may induce harmful electrostatic discharges (ESDs). This work presents the latest results collected from surface charging analyses conducted using the SPIS tool of the European SPINE community along the GEO insertion orbit segment and operational orbit.
Orbital Analysis of a Dual Asteroid System Explorer Based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Su Linli , Feng Wenyu , Yang Lie , Fan Zichen , Huo Mingying , Qi Naiming
Published: December 2024

In the study of dual asteroid systems, a model that can rapidly compute the motion and orientation of these bodies is essential. Traditional modeling techniques, such as the double ellipsoid or polyhedron methods, fail to deliver sufficient accuracy in estimating the interactions between dual asteroids. This inadequacy primarily stems from the non-tidally locked nature of asteroid systems, which necessitates continual adjustments to account for changes in gravitational fields. This study adopts the finite element method to precisely model the dynamic interaction forces within irregular, time-varying dual asteroid systems and, thereby, enhance the planning of spacecraft trajectories. It is possible to derive the detailed characteristics of a spacecraft’s orbital patterns via the real-time monitoring of spacecraft orbits and the relative positions of dual asteroids. Furthermore, this study examines the orbital stability of a spacecraft under various trajectories, revealing that orbital stability is intrinsically linked to the geometric configuration of the orbits. And considering the influence of solar pressure on the orbit of asteroid detectors, a method was proposed to characterize the stability of detector orbits in the time-varying gravitational field of binary asteroids using cloud models. The insights gained from the analysis of orbital characteristics can inform the design of landing trajectories for binary asteroid systems and provide data for deep learning algorithms that are aimed at optimizing such orbits. By introducing the application of the finite element method, detailed analysis of spacecraft orbit characteristics, and a stability characterization method based on a cloud model, this paper systematically explores the logic and structure of spacecraft orbit planning in a dual asteroid system.
Innovative Tools to Contrast Traffic Pollution in Urban Areas: A Review of the Use of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Robotto Angelo , Bargero Cristina , Marchesi Luca , Racca Enrico , Brizio Enrico
Published: December 2024

Overtraffic is one of the main keys to air pollution in urban areas. The aim of the present work is to review the approaches and explore the potentiality of AI in reducing traffic pollution in urban areas, ranging over three main areas: the optimization of traffic lights timing to reduce delays, the use of AI-powered drones to monitor pollution levels in real-time, and the use of fixed AI-based sensors to detect the levels of pollutants in the air with the use of AI models to identify patterns in the collected data and predict air quality in near-real time. Some attention was also dedicated to possible problems arising from privacy protection and data security, and the case study of the Piemonte area and of the city of Turin in the north–west of Italy is presented: the current situation is depicted, and possible local future applications of AI are explored. The use of AI has proven to be very promising in all three areas, particularly in the field of optimization of traffic lights’ timing and coordination in increasingly larger traffic networks.
Characteristics of Cerebrovascular Response to Intrinsic Vasoactive Substances in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) and the Possible Effects of Gravity on Adrenergic Responses
Authors: Islam Md. Zahorul , Wu Siyuan , Ootawa Tomoki , Smith Henry , Nguyen Ha Thi Thanh , Harada Etsumori , Miyamoto Atsushi
Published: December 2024

Gravity may exert species-specific effects on quadrupedal vasoreactivity, reflecting variations in the vertical displacement of the cardiocranial axis from the dorsal plane. Deer show markedly displaced cardiocranial axes compared to their closest phylogenetic relatives, but their relative cerebrovascular responses remain unelucidated. Accordingly, we investigated the responses to noradrenaline (NA), acetylcholine (ACh), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), histamine, angiotensin (Ang) II, and bradykinin (BK) in cervine basilar arterial rings. NA and 5-HT induced slight contraction, and ACh induced relaxation, which contrasts with the findings reported in pigs and cattle. The cumulative response to ACh was abolished by endothelial denudation and inhibited by Nω-nitro-L-arginine (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), atropine (a nonselective muscarinic antagonist), and p-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol (an M3 antagonist). Pirenzepine (an M1 antagonist) and methoctramine (an M2 antagonist) showed no significant effects. Histamine induced contractions, with its concentration–response curve shifted to the right in parallel by diphenhydramine (an H1 antagonist). However, cimetidine (an H2 antagonist) showed no significant effects. Ang II and BK had no vasomotive effects. NA and ACh induced different cerebrovascular responses in sika deer versus cattle, but histamine and BK did not. Our findings suggest that cerebrovascular responses are influenced by the similarity of animal species and the head and heart positions relative to gravity.
Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Sequestration in Dairy Goat Farming Systems in Northern Extremadura, Spain
Authors: Horrillo Andrés , Gaspar Paula , Rodríguez-Ledesma Antonio , Escribano Miguel
Published: December 2024

Livestock farming is an activity closely linked to the environment, directly affecting its surrounding ecosystem while utilizing the natural resources it provides. Accordingly, it is essential to study these production systems in order to implement more sustainable models that allow for a balance between socioeconomic and environmental factors. The main objective of this study was to analyze the environmental impact of nine different dairy goat production systems located in northern Extremadura, Spain. The selected farms ranged from extensive and organic production models to more intensive ones. The methodology used was a life cycle assessment (LCA) to calculate the carbon footprint, following the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) guidelines. A comprehensive evaluation of emissions was conducted, considering the different global warming potentials (GWPs) established by the IPCC for the main gases associated with livestock farming. In addition, carbon sequestration (Cseq) was incorporated into the analysis to assess the contribution of goat farming to climate change mitigation based on its production management. CH4 emissions were the main source (44–67%) of GHGs, followed by CO2 from inputs (20–48%), and finally N2O (7–13%). A trend was observed linking increased CH4 emissions to more extensive and less productive livestock systems. However, the significant role of soil as a carbon sink was highlighted, as it greatly offsets the emissions produced, demonstrating its potential mitigation due to Cseq, particularly in more extensive models. The importance of this factor suggests that it should be taken into account in such studies to provide a realistic view of the final impact of each production system.
Study of Distribution of Free Flow Speeds on Urban Road Sections Depending on Their Functional Purpose and One-Way Traffic—Evidence from Kharkiv (Ukraine)
Authors: Riabushenko Oleksandr , Sierpiński Grzegorz , Bogomolov Viktor , Nahliuk Ivan , Leontiev Dmytro
Published: December 2024

Data on the distribution of the free flow speed (FFS) of cars are used to solve a wide range of tasks in the field of road transport, starting from road design and ending with the development of traffic modeling and simulation programs. The purpose of this study was to obtain the distribution of vehicle speeds on typical sections of the city road network, characterized by the presence of one-way traffic. The data were obtained by field observations using a portable radar. As a result, statistical characteristics and speed distribution laws for four sections of streets in the city of Kharkiv were analyzed. It was shown that the characteristics of FFS distributions differ depending on the functional class of the streets. Average FFS values on main street segments were on average 19 km/h higher. The one-way traffic has less impact on the FFS distribution, especially for arterial streets. The characteristics of FFS distributions differ depending on the type and functional class of streets; they can be described with sufficient accuracy by typical distribution laws, such as Normal, Log-normal, Gamma, and Chi-square. The results of this study can be useful for traffic modeling problems.
A Fluorescent Perspective on Water Structuring: ACDAN in Salt Solutions and Hydrogels
Authors: De Luca Giuseppe , Ferrara Vittorio , Pignataro Bruno , Vetri Valeria , Sancataldo Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

The interactions and structural organization of water molecules play a crucial role in a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological processes. The ability of water to form hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) underpins its unique properties and enables it to respond dynamically to various environmental factors. These interactions at the molecular level may affect vital processes like protein folding, enzyme activity, and cellular organization. The presence of solutes and spatial constraints can alter the H-bonding network of water, and these effects are ubiquitous in the biological environment. In this study, we analyzed the fluorescence of 2-acetyl-6-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (ACDAN) fluorescence emission in water solutions containing kosmotropic and chaotropic salts and in agar hydrogels. Recently, this dye has proven invaluable in studying water network structure and dynamics, as its fluorescence signal changes based on the local dielectric environment, revealing variations in the dipolar relaxation of water. Our results show that ACDAN spectral response correlates with the degree of water ordering, providing important insights into solute–water interactions and water dynamics in free and confined environments.
Ultrahypofractionated Versus Normofractionated Preoperative Radiotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Multicenter, Prospective Real-World-Time Phase 2 Clinical Trial
Authors: Heesen Philip , Di Lonardo Michele , Ciobanu-Caraus Olga , Schelling Georg , Zwahlen Daniel , Bode-Lesniewska Beata , Glanzmann Christoph , Studer Gabriela , Fuchs Bruno
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The historically most commonly used preoperative radiotherapy regimen for soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) consists of 50 Gray (Gy) delivered in 25 fractions over 5 weeks, achieving excellent local control, but with significant challenges due to prolonged treatment duration and early side effects. Reducing therapy duration while maintaining optimal local and distant control would be highly beneficial for patients. We aimed to investigate the outcome of an ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy (uhRT) regimen which may represent a shorter and more patient-friendly alternative. Methods: This multi-center, open-label, phase 2 clinical trial with a clustered cohort design was conducted within the Swiss Sarcoma Network (SSN). Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with STS of the extremities or superficial trunk and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0–3 were included. Participants were assigned to either normofractionated radiotherapy (nRT) at 50 Gy in 25 fractions or uhRT at 25 Gy in 5 fractions. Data were collected prospectively in real-world-time clinical settings. The primary outcome was local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), with overall survival (OS) and wound complications as secondary outcomes. Results: Between March 2020 and October 2023, 138 patients were included in the study; 74 received nRT and 64 received uhRT. The median follow-up times were 2.2 years for uhRT and 3.6 years for nRT. The LRFS rates at 1 year were 97.0% for nRT and 94.8% for uhRT (p = 0.57). The two-year LRFS rates were 91.9% and 94.8%, respectively (p = 0.57). The one- and two-year OS rates were 97.1%/86.3% and 98.2%/88.8%, respectively (p = 0.72). The wound complication rate was comparable between the nRT (12.0%) and uhRT (12.5%) groups (p = 0.99). Conclusions: UhRT for STSs offers an effective and safe alternative to traditional nRT, with comparable early LRFS, OS and wound complication rates. Given the two-year median follow-up, which is critical for evaluating local recurrence, uhRT shows promise as a shorter and more convenient treatment regimen. UhRT may be a safe and effective alternative treatment option to traditional nRT.
The Effect of H2O2 Pretreatment on TiO2-Supported Ruthenium Catalysts for the Gas Phase Catalytic Combustion of Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2)
Authors: Fang Zhiyong , Song Xiangyu
Published: December 2024

In the study presented herein, a series of TiO2-supported Ru catalysts were prepared through over-impregnation with different amounts of H2O2 and applied to the catalytic combustion of dichloromethane (DCM). The experimental results show that the optimal (1 H2O2)-Ru@TiO2 catalyst sample yields 90% DCM conversion at 301 °C, which is 40 °C lower than the temperature required by the (0 H2O2)-Ru@TiO2 catalyst. This good activity is related to its high number of acid sites (especially Brønsted acid sites), an appropriate amount of uniformly dispersed RuO2 particles, and strong interaction between RuO2 and the TiO2 support. In addition, excessive H2O2 leads to the growth and phase segregation of RuO2, which weakens the interaction between RuO2 and the TiO2 support and decreases catalytic activity. Moreover, H2O2 addition also contributes to the stability of catalysts, which possibly results from the re-dispersion of RuO2 on the TiO2 support during the reaction.
An Educational RISC-V-Based 16-Bit Processor
Authors: de Assumpção Jecel Mattos , Ando Oswaldo Hideo , de Araújo Hugo Puertas , Gazziro Mario
Published: December 2024

This work introduces a novel custom-designed 16-bit RISC-V processor, intended for educational purposes and for use in low-resource equipment. The implementation, despite providing registers of 16 bits, is based on RV32E RISC-V ISA, but with some key differences like a reduced instruction set that is optimized for embedded systems, the removal of floating-point instructions, reduced register count, and modified data types. These changes enable the processor to operate efficiently in resource-constrained environments while still maintaining assembly-level compatibility with the standard RISC-V architecture. The educational aspects of this project are also a key focus. By working on this project, students can gain hands-on experience with digital logic design, Verilog programming, and computer architecture. The project also includes tools and scripts to help students transform assembly code into binary format, making it easier for them to test and verify their designs. Additionally, the project’s open-source nature allows for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge among students and researchers worldwide.
Advancement of the Oxidized State of an As-Cast Low-Mn, High-Cr Cantor’s Alloy in Natural Air at 1000 °C
Authors: Amrouche Lyna , Berthod Patrice
Published: December 2024

In order to discover how the multiple oxides observed in the final external scales after long exposure of a low-Mn, high-Cr Cantor’s alloy to hot air were formed, oxidation tests in a furnace were performed for seven different durations. Metallographic characterization was carried out concerning the oxidation products obtained after each test duration. The different oxides did not appear one after the other, but simultaneously, early on in the exposure to hot air and after. They all thickened progressively and the chemical composition of each also evolved with time, more or less. Globally, the innermost oxide is almost entirely chromia, much richer in Cr than in Mn, while the outermost one contains principally Mn. The interrupted tests also allowed specifying the mass gain kinetic, which is parabolic and twice as fast as a chromia-forming alloy. Despite the lowered content in Mn, manganese still plays an important role in the oxidation phenomenon, starting very early.
Mitigating Acute Climate Change Threats to Reintroduced Migratory Northern Bald Ibises
Authors: Fritz Johannes , Unsoeld Markus , Goenner Bernhard , Kramer Regina , Siebert-Lang Lisbet , Wehner Helena
Published: December 2024

For the past 20 years, reintroduction efforts have been underway to re-establish a migratory population of Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita) in Central Europe, which now consists of more than 250 birds. They breed both north and south of the Alps and migrate to a common wintering ground in Tuscany. Recently, the start of autumn migration has been increasingly delayed, which correlates with extended warm periods in autumn. Later in the year, however, the birds no longer find sufficient thermals to cross the Alps and remain in the northern Alpine foothills. In order to save their lives, we had to capture the affected birds before the onset of winter, which is not a sustainable solution. A new approach to solving the problem is the establishment of a second migration route to a wintering area in Andalusia, Spain, connecting our population with a sedentary population there. The new migration route bypasses mountain barriers and also allows the birds to reach the wintering grounds later in the year. The modelling of a pan-European population will provide the birds with high ecological and spatial flexibility. Our project exemplifies the consequences of advancing global warming for animal populations and the associated challenges for conservation projects.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mendez Donna , Paul Krishna , Yaklic Jerome L. , Jehle Dietrich
Published: December 2024

Background: This study compared outcomes of pregnant females with and without COVID-19 and their fetuses/newborns. Methods: This is a retrospective study from 2020 to 2023 utilizing the United States Collaborative Network of the TriNetX Database. We compared the outcomes of pregnant females with COVID-19 and pregnant females without COVID-19. Maternal outcomes evaluated were death, intubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) within 9 months of the diagnosis of pregnancy. Fetal outcomes included preterm birth and intrauterine death (IUD). A subgroup analysis of outcomes was performed based on the mother’s vaccine status. Results: The risks of maternal death (RR = 1.97), maternal intubation (RR = 3.33), and maternal (ICU) admission (RR = 1.76) were significantly higher in pregnant females with COVID-19. For the neonate, there was a higher risk of preterm birth (RR = 1.12). When the confounders were eliminated with propensity matching, there was still an increase in maternal intubation (RR = 3.24) and maternal ICU admission (RR = 1.60). For the neonate/fetus, there was a decreased risk of PROM (RR = 0.83) and IUD (RR = 0.74) for the fetuses of the mothers with COVID-19. For the subgroup analysis, the mother was at an increased risk of ICU admission (RR = 0.04) when unvaccinated. Conclusions: There is an increased risk of poor outcomes for pregnant women infected with COVID-19; however, fetal outcomes are generally favorable. When unvaccinated, there was an increased risk of ICU admission for the mother.
Modeling Energy Access Challenges in Europe: A Neural Network Approach to Predicting Household Heating Inadequacy Using Macro-Energy Indicators
Authors: Kulisz Monika , Kujawska Justyna , Cioch Michał , Cel Wojciech
Published: December 2024

This study explores the use of machine learning models to predict the percentage of the population unable to keep their houses adequately warm in European countries. The research focuses on applying three machine learning models—ElasticNet, decision trees, and neural networks—using macro-energy indicator data from Eurostat for 27 European countries. Neural networks with Bayesian regularization (BR) achieved the best performance in terms of prediction accuracy, with a regression value of 0.98179, and the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.8981. The results demonstrate the superior ability of the BR algorithm to generalize data, outperforming other models like ElasticNet and decision trees, which also provided valuable insights but with lower precision. The findings highlight the potential of machine learning to predict the percentage of the population unable to keep their houses adequately warm, enabling policymakers to allocate resources more efficiently and target vulnerable populations. This research is the result of the application of machine learning models to solve the problem of energy poverty.
Monitoring Postfire Biodiversity Dynamics in Mediterranean Pine Forests Using Acoustic Indices
Authors: Spatharis Dimitrios , Tsaligopoulos Aggelos , Matsinos Yiannis G. , Karmiris Ilias , Pleniou Magdalini , Navarrete Elisabeth , Boikou Eleni , Astaras Christos
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, climate change has significantly influenced the frequency and intensity of wildfires across Mediterranean pine forests. The loss of forest cover can bring long-term ecological changes that impact the overall biodiversity and alter species composition. Understanding the long-term impact of wildfires requires effective and cost-efficient methods for monitoring the postfire ecosystem dynamics. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has been increasingly used to monitor the biodiversity of vocal species at large spatial and temporal scales. Using acoustic indices, where the biodiversity of an area is inferred from the overall structure of the soundscape, rather than the more labor-intensive identification of individual species, has yielded mixed results, emphasizing the importance of testing their efficacy at the regional level. In this study, we examined whether widely used acoustic indicators were effective at capturing changes in the avifauna diversity in Pinus halepensis forest stands with different fire burning histories (burnt in 2001, 2009, and 2018 and unburnt for >20 years) on the Sithonia Peninsula, Greece. We recorded the soundscape of each stand using two–three sensors across 11 days of each season from March 2022 to January 2023. We calculated for each site and season the following five acoustic indices: the Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI), Acoustic Diversity Index (ADI), Acoustic Evenness Index (AEI), Normalized Difference Soundscape Index (NDSI), and Bioacoustic Index (BI). Each acoustic index was then assessed in terms of its efficacy at predicting the local avifauna diversity, as estimated via two proxies—the species richness (SR) and the Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) of vocal bird calls. Both the SR and SDI were calculated by having an expert review the species identification of calls detected within the same acoustic dataset by the BirdNET convolutional neural network algorithm. A total of 53 bird species were identified. Our analysis shows that the BI and NDSI have the highest potential for monitoring the postfire biodiversity dynamics in Mediterranean pine forests. We propose the development of regional-scale acoustic observatories at pine and other fire-prone Mediterranean habitats, which will further improve our understanding of how to make the best use of acoustic indices as a tool for rapid biodiversity assessments.
Comprehensive Analysis of Parametric Effects on the Specific Heat Capacity of Pristine and Aged Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Tendera Luca , Mertin Gerrit Karl , Gonzalez Carlos , Wycisk Dominik , Fill Alexander , Birke Kai Peter
Published: December 2024

The precise determination of the specific heat capacity of lithium-ion cells is essential for thermal management design. Though, varying influences and insufficient parametric analyses are found in the literature. Therefore, a simple and inexpensive measurement setup is utilized to measure the specific heat capacity of cells independent of their format and dimensions. A comprehensive parametric analysis is performed assessing the effect of cell casing, cell chemistry, temperature, state-of-charge, and state-of-health. For the first time ever, a predictive analysis on material level is conducted allowing for understanding the individual factors in detail. Thus, an analytical approach for calculating the specific heat capacity can be validated by comparing predictive values to experimental data for the first time. It is found that the cell format has a significant influence on the specific heat capacity due to varying mass fractions and housing materials. Furthermore, the cell chemistry and corresponding layer thicknesses are of high importance, too. By selecting specific heat capacities for individual materials from the general literature, the analytical prediction matches the experimental data and is thus validated for the first time ever. Moreover, temperature has a positive linear effect on the specific heat capacity which can increase by up to 15% over the operating range. Furthermore, the positive temperature dependency improves the charging performance. Finally, neither SOC nor SOH significantly affect the specific heat capacity of lithium-ion cells.
A Latency Composition Analysis for Telerobotic Performance Insights Across Various Network Scenarios
Authors: Bray Nick , Boeding Matthew , Hempel Michael , Sharif Hamid , Heikkilä Tapio , Suomalainen Markku , Seppälä Tuomas
Published: December 2024

Telerobotics involves the operation of robots from a distance, often using advanced communication technologies combining wireless and wired technologies and a variety of protocols. This application domain is crucial because it allows humans to interact with and control robotic systems safely and from a distance, often performing activities in hazardous or inaccessible environments. Thus, by enabling remote operations, telerobotics not only enhances safety but also expands the possibilities for medical and industrial applications. In some use cases, telerobotics bridges the gap between human skill and robotic precision, making the completion of complex tasks requiring high accuracy possible without being physically present. With the growing availability of high-speed networks around the world, especially with the advent of 5G cellular technologies, applications of telerobotics can now span a gamut of scenarios ranging from remote control in the same room to robotic control across the globe. However, there are a variety of factors that can impact the control precision of the robotic platform and user experience of the teleoperator. One such critical factor is latency, especially across large geographical areas or complex network topologies. Consequently, military telerobotics and remote operations, for example, rely on dedicated communications infrastructure for such tasks. However, this creates a barrier to entry for many other applications and domains, as the cost of dedicated infrastructure would be prohibitive. In this paper, we examine the network latency of robotic control over shared network resources in a variety of network settings, such as a local network, access-controlled networks through Wi-Fi and cellular, and a remote transatlantic connection between Finland and the United States. The aim of this study is to quantify and evaluate the constituent latency components that comprise the control feedback loop of this telerobotics experience—of a camera feed for an operator to observe the telerobotic platform’s environment in one direction and the control communications from the operator to the robot in the reverse direction. The results show stable average round-trip latency of 6.6 ms for local network connection, 58.4 ms when connecting over Wi-Fi, 115.4 ms when connecting through cellular, and 240.7 ms when connecting from Finland to the United States over a VPN access-controlled network. These findings provide a better understanding of the capabilities and performance limitations of conducting telerobotics activities over commodity networks, and lay the foundation of our future work to use these insights for optimizing the overall user experience and the responsiveness of this control loop.
Pathways to Criminal Hacking: Connecting Lived Experiences with Theoretical Explanations
Authors: Martineau Melissa , Spiridon Elena , Aiken Mary
Published: December 2024

Background: Over the course of the last decade, cybercrime has become a significant global concern. A comprehensive approach to crimes that occur in cyber contexts needs to address not only the technological aspects of cybercrime but also the human elements. Therefore, the aim of the current research is twofold: first, to gain an in-depth understanding of the pathways that lead to criminal hacking behavior through interviews with current or former criminal hackers, and second, to explore how the lived experiences of these individuals fit within theoretical explanations of hacking. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of ten current and former criminal hackers. Participants for this study were recruited through social media and hacker forums. Interviews were conducted from November 2023 to March 2024. Data collected during the interviews were analyzed through a process of thematic analysis. Focusing on the lived experiences of these hackers, a “pathway of hacking” behavior, expanding upon those proposed in research emanating from Europe, was identified. Findings: Notably, the current study found that young males who are curious and creative in childhood, experience destabilizing events, and develop an early interest in technology are well placed to follow the pathway to criminal hacking behavior. Online gaming was identified as a possible gateway to criminal hacking activities. A sense of overcoming a challenge, being elite, and having “control over the machine” encourages youth to continue criminal hacking activities. In addition to the identification of a criminal hacking pathway, an integration of existing cyberpsychological, psychological, criminological, and sociological theories is presented to provide a theoretical explanation for the initiation, continuation, and desistence of criminal hacking behavior. This work represents the first effort to present an integration of theories (e.g., Social Learning, General Theory of Crime, Flow, and the cyberpsychological theoretical construct of the “Online Disinhibition Effect”) based on the stages of the criminal hacking pathway.
Demon Registration for 2D Empirical Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Lucas Charles-Gérard , Gilles Jérôme
Published: December 2024

The empirical wavelet transform is a fully adaptive time-scale representation that has been widely used in the last decade. Inspired by the empirical mode decomposition, it consists of filter banks based on harmonic mode supports. Recently, it has been generalized to build the filter banks from any generating function using mappings. In practice, the harmonic mode supports can have a low-constrained shape in 2D, leading to numerical difficulties to estimate mappings adapted to the construction of empirical wavelet filters. This work aims to propose an efficient numerical scheme to compute empirical wavelet coefficients using the demons registration algorithm. Results show that the proposed approach is robust, accurate, and continuous wavelet filters permitting reconstruction with a low signal-to-noise ratio. An application for texture segmentation of scanning tunneling microscope images is also presented.
Demystifying E407 and E407a Additives (Carrageenans) Through Their Gastronomic Alchemy: A Contribution to Increase Consumer Sovereignty
Authors: Matos Carla , Moreira Manuela M. , Loureiro Hélio , Gomes Lígia Rebelo
Published: December 2024

Food waste has been recognized as an environmentally damaging practice that is ethically wrong and does not contribute to sustainable development. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, one-third of the food produced each year for human consumption is wasted. The use of additives can help to prevent food waste if they can overcome the problem of the limited supply of natural ingredients, increase the shelf life of food, and simplify cooking procedures. Therefore, the demystification of food additives, as well as their importance and uses, will help to increase consumers’ consciousness and enable them to make informed choices. This work reviews the physical/chemical properties of carrageenans, which are widely used as thickening and stabilizing agents in a wide range of everyday foods. This critical revision was made through bibliographic searches between January and May 2024 in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The following keywords, in English, were used: “carrageenan*” and “additive*”, combined with the Boolean operator “AND”. Depending on the field of knowledge, another keyword was added to the search, such as, for instance, “chemical composition*”, “physical properties*”, “reology*”, “legal framework*”, “extraction*”, or “molecular cuisine*”. Additionally, the search allowed us to highlight how carrageenans can contribute to a better result in the final preparation of food and how they can be used in modern cuisine using simple molecular gastronomy recipes.
Clinical Manifestations, Prognostic Factors, and Outcomes of Extranodal Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma: A Single-Center Experience in Thailand
Authors: Kaewboot Wasinee , Norasetthada Lalita , Tantiworawit Adisak , Chai-Adisaksopha Chatree , Hantrakool Sasinee , Rattanathammethee Thanawat , Piriyakhuntorn Pokpong , Hantrakun Nonthakorn , Punnachet Teerachat , Rattarittamrong Ekarat
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to investigate clinical manifestations, time to diagnosis, and number of biopsies in patients with extranodal natural killer T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). The secondary objectives were to determine response rates, survival outcomes, prognostic factor for overall survival (OS), and validation of the Prognostic Index of Natural Killer Lymphoma (PINK), Ann Arbor staging system (AASS), and the CA system. Methods: This retrospective study included data pertaining to patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL in Chiang-Mai University Hospital from 2004 to 2020. Comparisons between the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of prognostic models (PINK, AASS, and CA system) were made. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled (n = 60) with a mean age of 49.1 ± 13.4 years. The most frequent symptom of ENKTL was nasal obstruction (66%). The median time to diagnosis was 22 days (ranging from 3 to 84 days), with 36.7% requiring more than one biopsy for diagnosis. Most patients presented with limited stage disease (75%). The median OS was 49 months. Factors associated with increased mortality were advanced stage, bone marrow involvement, gastrointestinal tract involvement, and receiving chemotherapy. Following prognostic model validation, the CA system model scored the highest level of accuracy (AUC 0.61), followed by AASS (AUC 0.58) and PINK (AUC 0.54). Conclusions: Patients with ENKTL commonly presented with nasal obstruction, with 36.7% requiring more than one biopsy for diagnosis. An advanced stage, bone marrow involvement, or gastrointestinal tract involvement were associated with poor OS. The CA system model has the highest level of accuracy for prognostic determination.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the NBS-LRR Gene Family and SSR Molecular Markers Development in Solanaceae
Authors: Song Xiaoming , Li Chunjin , Liu Zhuo , Zhou Rong , Shen Shaoqin , Yu Tong , Jia Li , Li Nan
Published: December 2024

The Solanaceae family occupies a significant position, and the study of resistance genes within this family is extremely valuable. Therefore, our goal is to examine disease resistance genes based on the high-quality representative genomes of Solanaceae crops, and to develop corresponding Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Among nine representative Solanaceae species, we identified 819 NBS-LRR genes, which were further divided into 583 CC-NBS-LRR (CNL), 54 RPW8-NBS-LRR (RNL), and 182 TIR-NBS-LRR (TNL) genes. Whole genome duplication (WGD) has played a very important role in the expansion of NBS-LRR genes in Solanaceae crops. Gene structure analysis showed the striking similarity in the conserved motifs of NBS-LRR genes, which suggests a common ancestral origin, followed by evolutionary differentiation and amplification. Gene clustering and events like rearrangement within the NBS-LRR family contribute to their scattered chromosomal distribution. Our findings reveal that the majority of NBS-LRR family genes across all examined species predominantly localize to chromosomal termini. The analysis indicates the significant impact of the most recent whole genome triplication (WGT) on the NBS-LRR family genes. Moreover, we constructed Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) networks for all 819 NBS-LRR genes, identifying 3820 potential PPI pairs. Notably, 97 genes displayed clear interactive relationships, highlighting their potential role in disease resistance processes. A total of 22,226 SSRs were detected from all genes of nine Solanaceae species. Among these SSRs, we screened 43 NBS-LRR-associated SSRs. Our study lays the foundation for further exploration into SSR development and genetic mapping related to disease resistance in Solanaceae species.
Correction: Kühnel, C.; Gühne, F. Visualization of Effectiveness: The Use of a Set of Colored Cleaning Wipes for Visible Disinfection of Ultrasound Probes. Hygiene 2024, 4, 189–196
Authors: Kühnel Christian , Gühne Falk
Published: December 2024

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