bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Essential Oil Composition of Verbena officinalis L. Herb from Different Origins
Authors: Raal Ain , Dolgošev Getter , Ilina Tetiana , Kovalyova Alla , Lepiku Martin , Grytsyk Andriy , Koshovyi Oleh
Published: February 2025

The key objective of this study was to determine the yield and chemical composition of 9 samples of common vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) herb essential oil (EO), originating from 7 different countries and, consequently, to assess its potential for treating anxiety and depression. According to GC-MS analysis, 90 compounds were identified, 49 of which were discovered for the first time in V. officinalis EO. The plants with the highest oil content are from Greece (4.7 mL/kg) and South Carolina, USA (5.2 mL/kg). The chemical markers for the studied chemotypes of EO of V. officinalis are terpenoids o-cymene, p-cymene, L-carvone, thymol, carvacrol, α-curcumin, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, phytol, (E)-β-ionone and phenylpropene anethole. The chemotype from UK demonstrated the greatest affinity to the continuum under study, it has the highest levels of similarity - 85.2% with the chemotype from Greece, 69.4% with the chemotype from the USA, 68.2% with the chemotype from Estonia (2), 58.7% with the chemotype from Germany and 58.6% with the chemotype from Hungary. Chemotypes identified that have the potential for use in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
The Impact of State Depression on Proactive Control and Distractor Processing in a Memory Task: An Electrophysiological Study
Authors: Fuggetta Giorgio , Duke Philip A. , Chakraborty Rajanya , Murugesan Parthasarathi , Cocciarelli Jacopo , Delibashi Elvis
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Individuals with high levels of state depression are hypothesized to have an impairment of attentional control functions necessary for filtering irrelevant information. This study used the event-related potential of early PD, a marker of distractor suppression and N2pc, an indicator of attentional capture, to investigate whether high state depression affects selective attention to ignore or suppress distractors. (2) Methods: Thirty-three undergraduate students completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales—21 (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) and performed a modified delayed match-to-sample task. Participants encoded abstract shapes under low- or high-perceptual load conditions in visual working memory while ignoring a lateralized Chinese character as task-irrelevant distractor. (3) Results: Individuals with high-state depression, failed to suppress the distractor, evidenced by the absence of early PD. Under low-perceptual load, they also displayed a significant N2pc component, indicating attentional allocation to the distractor. In contrast, low-state depression participants, successfully suppressed the distractor, showing early PD and absence of N2pc. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that high-state depression individuals have an impairment top-down attentional control, particularly in feature-based selective attention. This deficit hinders the ability to filter out irrelevant information, potentially contributing to cognitive difficulties associated with depression.
Impact of Clinician-Patient Communication in Cancer using a Patient Communication Profile: A Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Oliva Esther Natalie , Almohammadi Ameen M , Salek Sam
Published: February 2025

Background/objectives: Effective communication is critical to optimizing cancer care, influencing treatment plans and outcomes. Studies consistently demonstrate that clear, well-structured communication with cancer patients significantly enhances therapeutic results and plays a central role in meeting patient communication needs and improving care quality. Methods: This randomised, controlled, parallel, study evaluated the impact of the Patient Communication Profile (PCP) and quality of life (QoL) measures through the use of the McGill QoL instrument, on cancer patient outcomes. The PCP was completed by participants at baseline and 2 follow-up visits over 4 weeks and the McGill QoL instrument was completed at baseline and second follow-up visit. Questionnaires were made available to oncologists for the study group while these were blind for oncologists of the control group. Results: 105 patients were randomized (2:1) into control (N=41) and study groups (N=64). At baseline, no differences were observed between groups, while over the follow-up period, a better understanding and higher level of satisfaction with their encounters, due to a more comprehensive acquisition of information, was reported in the study group vs. control (p<0.05). The periodical and individualized feedback on need for information and related issues significantly contributed to the improvement in QoL (assessed using the McGill questionnaire) in the study group (p<0.05). Furthermore, significant improvements in mean PCP domain scores in the study group were also observed (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings show that integrating routine assessments of patients' information needs with individualized feedback to clinicians before encounters enhances mutual understanding. This approach improves patient QoL and optimizes treatment adherence in cancer care.
Enhancing Green Food Consumption Intentions Among Chinese Generation X: Integrating Environmental Values and Self-Identity into the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Du Lijun , Jiang Songyu
Published: February 2025

Sustainable development purposes require strong emphasis on green food promotion as an essential component. The decision-making process of Generation X members toward green food consumption creates important effects on both personal health and environmental sustainability and social programs and economic stability. This research examines environmental self-identity and environmental values as predictors of green food consumption intentions with analysis of attitude and relevant intermediate factors include personal standards as well as perceived control over behavior. The researcher gathered data through convenience sampling from 480 Chinese Generation X participants. Statistical analysis followed the pretest to perform assessments for reliability and validity testing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) processed the data while validating confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis testing. Data analysis validates environmental values drive green food consumption intentions through their impact on green food attitudes and the reinforcement of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control which results in ecological and social benefits promoting pro-environmental choices. The research shows self-identity as an environmental entity positively affects green food consumption because it strengthens users' self-belief as eco-conscious consumers leading to intensified attitudes and subjective norms and perception of behavior control. The research enriches the TPB (theory of planned behavior) by proving that environmental attitudes respond to environmental factors including social environments along with economic capacity and living conditions to shape generation X consumers' intentions to buy green food. The results enable both policymakers and marketers to create effective strategies in green food consumption of promotion.
Prediction of Safety Factor of Newly Failed Red Clay Slope Based on XGBoost-PSO-SVR Model
Authors: Chen Zhongyuan , Dai Zihang , Guo Lingteng , Fang Weiguo
Published: February 2025

Currently, most studies on slope stability either neglect or consider only one of the two critical factors—rainfall conditions and crack state—that influence the stability of newly failed slopes. To address this limitation, the eleven parameters, such as the slope height, internal friction angle, cohesion, rainfall conditions, and crack state were selected as evaluation indexes. GeoStudio software was also used to simulate the slope safety factor under various parameters, and 363 sets of data were obtained. The XGBoost-PSO-SVR (eXtreme Gradient Boosting-Particle Swarm Optimization-Support Vector Regression) model was employed to train the simulation results and construct a predictive model. Compared with the single-machine methods of XGBoost and PSO-SVR, the MSE of XGBoost-PSO-SVR is reduced by 71.9% and 57.8%, respectively. Furthermore, when compared to four single-machine models—Decision Tree (DT), Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)—the XGBoost-PSO-SVR model demonstrated superior training performance. The predicted safety factor for a newly failed slope in Yongchun County, Fujian Province, during November 4-7, 2016, was 0.9658, which closely aligns with the actual conditions. A new way for the stability prediction of newly failed slope could be provided by this study under various factors, such as rainfall conditions and crack state.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-Associated CRYABR123W Activates Calcineurin, Reduces Calcium Sequestration, Alters the CRYAB Interactome and the Proteomic Response to Pathological Hypertrophy
Authors: Thorkelsson Andres , Chou Chun , Tripp Audrey , Ali Samia A. , Galper Jonas , Chin Michael T.
Published: February 2025

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular condition in the world affecting around 1:500 people. HCM is characterized by ventricular wall thickening, decreased ventricular chamber volume and diastolic dysfunction. Inherited HCM is most commonly caused by sarcomere gene mutations, however approximately 50% of patients do not present with a known mutation highlighting the need for further research into additional pathologic mutations. CRYABR123W was previously identified as a novel sarcomere-independent mutation causing HCM associated with pathologic NFAT signaling in the setting of pressure overload. We generated stable H9C2 cell lines expressing FLAG tagged wild type and mutant CRYAB, which demonstrated that CRYABR123W has increased calcineurin activity. Using Alphafold to predict structural and interaction changes we generated a model where CRYABR123W uniquely binds to the autoinhibitory domain of calcineurin. Co-immunoprecipitation using the CRYAB FLAG tag followed by mass spectrometry showed novel and distinct changes in the protein interaction patterns of CRYABR123W. Finally, mouse hearts extracted from our wild type and CRYABR123W model with and without pressure overload caused by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were used in global proteomic and phosphoproteomic mass spectrometry analysis which showed dysregulation in cytoskeletal, metabolomic, cardiac and immune function. Our data illustrates how CRYABR123W drives calcineurin activation and exhibits distinct changes in protein interaction and cellular pathways during the development of HCM and pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Evaluation of 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement and Sleep Quality After Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis- a Preliminary Study
Authors: Moral Kenan , Yıldırım Tolga , Kalyoncu Umut , Kiraz Sedat , Kilic Levent
Published: February 2025

Background/Aim : Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy (anti-TNF-α) can decrease cardiovascular morbidity in ankylosing spondylitis by decreasing disease activity and improving sleep quality, and blood pressure parameters. This study assessed the impact of anti-TNF-α therapy on sleep quality, blood pressure variability, and blood pressure dipper patterns, which are predictive of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight AS patients commencing anti-TNF-α therapy were included in this study. Disease activity, blood pressure variability, dipper patterns, and sleep quality were evaluated at baseline and after three months of anti-TNF-α therapy. Results: The study included 28 patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Post-treatment, disease activity scores and sleep quality improved, but there wasn’t a significant change in blood pressure variability. Although the percentage of patients with dipper phenomena increased, there wasn’t a statistical significant change in overral dipper rate. Conclusion: Despite improvements in sleep quality, there wasn’t a change in dipper rate and blood pressure variability. While anti-TNF-α therapy may enhance sleep quality, its long-term effects on reducing cardiovascular mortality require further validation.
Blue Color Line Following Car Using Computer Vision
Authors: Shaikat Md Omar Faruk , Md Ariful Islam Sabbir , Iskakov Khudaibergen Idris Atambekovich , Md Hasan Mahmud
Published: February 2025

This project presents the development of a blue line-following car with obstacle detection capabilities using computer vision, image processing, and path planning techniques. The principal objectives of this project are to develop a car that can accurately follow a blue line, implement obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors, explore color-based segmentation and contour detection for line following, and utilize the Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm for efficient path planning and obstacle avoidance. The methods employed include image capture, color space conversion (BGR to HSV), binary mask creation, contour detection, centroid calculation, motor speed control, ultrasonic sensor-based obstacle detection, and the RRT algorithm for path planning.The experimental results demonstrate the successful implementation of the car, which smoothly navigates along the track, handles curves, and avoids obstacles using the RRT algorithm. The ultrasonic sensors effectively detect obstacles, and the car takes appropriate actions to avoid collisions. The main conclusions drawn from this project highlight the effectiveness of integrating computer vision, obstacle detection, and path planning techniques to enable intelligent and reliable navigation in line-following robots. The project serves as a foundation for further research and development in the field of autonomous robotics, showcasing the potential of combining various technologies to achieve robust and efficient navigation systems.
Forecasting Ethanol and Gasoline Consumption in Brazil: Advanced Temporal Models for Sustainable Energy Management
Authors: Serrano André Luiz Marques , Santos Martins Patricia Helena , Vergara Guilherme Fay , Bispo Guilherme Dantas , Rodrigues Gabriel Arquelau Pimenta , Mosquéra Letícia Rezende , Oliveira Matheus Noschang de , Neumann Clovis , Peixoto Maria Gabriela Mendonca , Gonçalves Vinícius Pereira
Published: February 2025

The sustainable management of energy resources is fundamental in addressing global environmental and economic challenges, particularly when considering biofuels such as ethanol and gasoline. This study evaluates advanced forecasting models to predict consumption trends for these fuels in Brazil. The models analyzed include ARIMA/SARIMA, Holt-Winters, ETS, TBATS, Facebook Prophet, Uber Orbit, N-BEATS, and TFT. By leveraging datasets spanning 72, 144, and 263 months, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of these models in capturing complex temporal consumption patterns. Uber Orbit exhibited the highest accuracy in forecasting ethanol consumption among the evaluated models, achieving a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 6.77%. Meanwhile, the TBATS model demonstrated superior performance for gasoline consumption, with a MAPE of 3.22%. These results underline the potential of advanced time-series models to enhance the precision of energy consumption forecasts. This study contributes to more effective resource planning by improving predictive accuracy, enabling data-driven policy-making, optimizing resource allocation, and advancing sustainable energy management practices. These results support Brazil’s energy sector and provide a framework for sustainable decision-making that could be applied globally.
Analysis of Tacrolimus Concentration in Bile: A Patient-Specific Approach to the Early Detection of Acute Rejection After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Pascale Marco Maria , Gervasoni Jacopo , Bianco Giuseppe , Persichilli Silvia , Frongillo Francesco , Nure Erida , Ferri Lorenzo , Primiano Aniello , Grieco Antonio , Agnes Salvatore , Urbani Andrea
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Tacrolimus (TAC) stands out as one of the most widely utilized immu-nosuppressive drugs in the prevention of rejection following solid organ transplantation. In case of liver transplantation (LTx), the biochemical pathway for drug metabolism and excretion is an attribute of the transplanted organ, the primary focus of immunological and functional moni-toring. Consequently, the different reduced hepatic functions in every patient may lead to di-minished TAC catabolism and excretion, resulting in a reduced biliary TAC concentration (TACbile) and a consequent elevated blood TAC concentration (TACblood). Our study aims to create a personalized parameter for early the hepatic rejection after LTx by analyzing the hepatic excretion rate of TAC through the evaluation of TACbile and TACblood. Methods: This is a prospective single center observational cohort study. The protocol was registered in Clinicaltri-al.gov (code NCT03882164). Results: The endpoints analyzed in the protocol will be the assess-ment of the predictive ability of TACbile as a marker of early liver rejection and the assessment of a relationship between the reduction in Tacrolimus biliary excretion and Early Allograft Dys-function (EAD). Conclusions: The development of a personalized rejection predictive system could significantly improve the clinical outcome after LTx.
Comprehensive Analysis of Transparency and Accessibility of ChatGPT, DeepSeek, And other SoTA Large Language Models
Authors: Sapkota Ranjan , Raza Shaina , Karkee Manoj
Published: February 2025

Despite increasing discussions on open-source Artificial Intelligence (AI), existing research lacks a discussion on the transparency and accessibility of state-of-the-art (SoTA) Large Language Models (LLMs). The Open Source Initiative (OSI) has recently released its first formal definition of open-source software. This definition, when combined with standard dictionary definitions and the sparse published literature, provide an initial framework to support broader accessibility to AI models such as LLMs, but more work is essential to capture the unique dynamics of openness in AI. In addition, concerns about open-washing, where models claim openness but lack full transparency, has been raised, which limits the reproducibility, bias mitigation, and domain adaptation of these models. In this context, our study critically analyzes SoTA LLMs from the last five years, including ChatGPT, DeepSeek, LLaMA, Grok, and others, to assess their adherence to transparency standards and the implications of partial openness. Specifically, we examine transparency and accessibility from two perspectives: open-source vs. open-weight models. Our findings reveal that while some models are labeled as open-source, this does not necessarily mean they are fully open-sourced. Even in the best cases, open-source models often do not report model training data, and code as well as key metrics, such as weight accessibility, and carbon emissions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that systematically examines the transparency and accessibility of over 100 different SoTA LLMs through the dual lens of open-source and open-weight models. The findings open avenues for further research and call for responsible and sustainable AI practices to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and ethical deployment of these models.
Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA): Unveiling Sex-Specific Differences in Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Tognola Chiara , Maloberti Alessandro , Varrenti Marisa , Mazzone Patrizio , Giannattasio Cristina , Guarracini Fabrizio
Published: February 2025

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is an increasingly recognized condition, with a higher incidence in women, characterized by myocardial injury without significant coronary artery obstruction. Sex-specific differences play a critical role in its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and response to treatment. While the underlying mechanisms of MINOCA are diverse—including coronary microvascular dysfunction, coronary spasm, plaque rupture, coronary dissection, and thromboembolism—women are more frequently affected by non-atherosclerotic causes, particularly coronary microvascular dysfunction and spontaneous coronary dissection. Etiological investigations, including coronary angiography with intracoronary imaging, functional tests and physiology assessment, are crucial for identifying underlying causes, and advanced non-invasive techniques, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, provide valuable insights. Current therapeutic strategies, including antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, and statins, are largely extrapolated from studies in obstructive coronary artery disease, with limited evidence on their efficacy in MINOCA, particularly in women. This review explores sex-specific differences in the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management of MINOCA, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to improve outcomes.
Treatment Use among U.S. Adults with a Substance Use Disorder: Associations with Symptom Severity, Problem Self-perception, Comorbid Mental Illness, and Mental Health Treatment
Authors: Choi Namkee G , Marti C. Nathan
Published: February 2025

Using data from the 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined factors associated with treatment use for substance use disorder (SUD), perceived SUD treatment needs, and reasons for treatment non-use. Of U.S. adults, 18.1% had any past-year SUD (alcohol use disorder [AUD] and/or any drug use disorder [DUD]), 14.4% of those with SUD received SUD treatment in the past year, and 5.5% of those who did not receive treatment had a perceived need for treatment. Treatment use was significantly associated with AUD and DUD severities (aOR=3.85, 95% CI=2.82-5.26 for severe AUD; aOR=2.82, 95% CI=2.27-3.47 for severe DUD), problem self-perception (aOR=2.12, 95% CI=1.74-2.58), and mental health treatment use (aOR=6.07, 95% CI=4.73-7.78). Perceived treatment needs among those who did not use treatment were also significantly associated with AUD and DUD severities, problem self-perception, and any mental illness. The most frequently reported reasons for treatment non-use among those with perceived need were self-sufficiency beliefs, lack of readiness to stop using or start treatment, stigma-related concerns, and health insurance/cost problems. The findings underscore the importance of screening SUD and educating about the harms of untreated SUD in increasing motivation and readiness for treatment use among people with SUD.
Key Gaps in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Appraisal of Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Filippi-Arriaga Francesca , Georgoulis Michael , Bathrellou Eirini , Kontogianni Meropi D , Mogas Eduard , Gastelum Graciela , Ciudin Andreea
Published: February 2025

Background: The worldwide increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity necessitates effective prevention and treatment strategies. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) offer guidance, but significant heterogeneity or Lack of practical application exists in their recommendations. The purpose of the present to provide an expert, comprehensive and comparative analysis of gaps in current CPGs for the prevention and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents.Results: A total of 13 CPGs were identified, focusing on childhood obesity prevention (n=10), treatment (n=9), or both (n=6). Prevention CPGs recommend incorporating BMI assessment however, specific frequency of measurement is often lacking. Some offer specific dietary recommendations by age, but graphical tools are absent. Increasing physical activity and minimizing screen time is recommended in most CPGs, but age-specific guidance is lacking. Also, recommendations on mental health or sleep are absent. Treatment CPGs recommend BMI for childhood obesity diagnosis but there are inconsistencies in cut-off points among CPGs. Assessment for comorbidities is generally recommended, but age-specific guidance is lacking. Dietary recommendations are present in most CPGs, but some lack details (number of meals per day, portion size, macronutrient percentages, examples according to age). Most CPGs recommended 60 minutes of physical activity/day and limit screen time to 2 hours/day. Recommendations on sleep are absent. Most CPGs acknowledge parental importance but lack specific guidance for their active involvement in childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Pharmacological treatment options are outdated and surgical treatment is recommended in exceptional cases of severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 or ≥ 35 kg/m2 with severe comorbid disease). Conclusions: Standardizing BMI cut-off points and defining age groups across CPGs would improve consistency and comparability in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. Tailoring recommendations for diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep to specific age groups would ensure that interventions are developmentally appropriate. A stronger emphasis on early prevention strategies is needed to address the root causes of obesity, while providing clear guidance to parents and families would facilitate their active involvement in both prevention and treatment. Up-to-date information regarding pharmacological and surgical treatments is needed.
Molecular Analysis of Tigecycline Resistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (Cre) in Mthatha and Surrounding Hospitals
Authors: Vumba Luyolo , Singh Ravesh , Vasaikar Sandeep
Published: February 2025

Background: The emergency of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales is prevalent and poses a significant threat to health systems worldwide. This study aimed to conduct a molecular analysis of tigecycline resistance in 100 CRE in hospital isolates from Mthatha and surrounding hospitals. Methods: A retrospective study among patients who attended Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) and Mthatha Regional Hospital (MRH), Eastern Cape, South Africa. Enterobacterales isolates were identified using the Vitek2® system (bioMérieux), E-test was performed in 100 CRE hospital isolates according to manufacturer’s instructions, A multiplex SYBR green-based PCR assay for rapid detection of tet(X) and its variants, including tet(X1), tet(X2), and high-level tigecycline resistance genes tet(X3), tet(X4), and tet(X5) were developed. Results: The results show a notable high prevalence of CRE infections in neonatal, male surgical, and maternal and pediatric wards, predominantly driven by Klebsiella spp. (53.4%), followed by Enterobacter spp. (20.5 %), then Escherichia coli (6.7%), 7.2% of CRE were resistant to Tigecycline (E-TEST), Tet(X) genes were Not responsible for tigecycline resistance in this setting. The risk factors associated with tigecycline resistance in CRE include age, pre-exposure to antibiotics, prolonged hospitalization, and undergoing invasive procedures indicated by strong r2 =0.9501. Conclusion: CRE gradually evolves, posing a significant threat to patients of all ages; early detection of carbapenemase production in clinical infections, carriage states, or both is essential to prevent hospital-based outbreaks.
Management of Vulnerabilities in Ensuring the Electrical Safety of Underground Mines
Authors: Fîță Nicolae Daniel , Pasculescu Dragos , Obretenova Mila Ilieva , Popescu Florin Gabriel , Lazar Teodora , Cruceru Alin Emanuel , Lazar Dan Cristian , Slusariuc Gabriela Corina
Published: February 2025

Ensuring electrical safety in underground mines is a fundamental priority given to the major risks associated with this unfriendly work environment. It involves a set of technical, organisational and educational measures to reduce the hazards for workers and minimise the risks of accidents and occupational diseases due to electrical causes. The old and precarious coal extraction methods, in conjunction with the obsolete infrastructure and electrical installations, with high accidentological danger, they can endanger the lives of underground workers every day of work. The precariousness of working conditions and working materials do not accord with safety at work, overlapping with the carelessness of decision-makers, make these underground mines a major factor of accidents and professional illnesses. In this paper, the authors identified, estimated, prioritized and evaluated the vulnerabilities within underground mines and developed actions and resources necessary to mitigate, stop and/or eliminate vulnerabilities and mitigation strategy, stopping and/or eliminating them in the context of increased electrical safety.
Wastewater Speaks: Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance, Sampling Methods, and Seasonal Infection Trends on a University Campus
Authors: Bhatia Shilpi , Maswanganye Tinyiko Nicole , Jeje Olusola , Winston Danielle , Lamssali Mehdi , Deng Dongyang , Blakley Ivory , Fodor Anthony , Jeffers-Francis Liesl
Published: February 2025

Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a cost-effective and equitable approach for tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we monitored the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 on a university campus over three years (2021–2023) using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). Wastewater samples were collected from 11 manholes on campus, each draining wastewater from a corresponding dormitory building, and viral RNA concentrations were measured using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Weekly clinical case data were also obtained from the university health center. A strong positive and significant correlation was observed between Grab and Composite sampling methods, supporting their robustness as equally effective approaches for sample collection. Specifically, a strong correlation was observed between Aggie Village 4 Grab and Aggie Village 4 Composite samples (R² = 0.84, p = 0.00) and between Barbee Grab and Barbee Composite samples (R² = 0.80, p = 0.00). Additionally, higher viral RNA copies of SARS-CoV-2 (N1 gene) were detected during the Spring semester compared to the Fall and Summer semesters. Notably, elevations in raw N1 concentrations were observed shortly after the return of college students to campus, suggesting that these increases were predomi-nantly associated with students returning at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters (January and August). To account for variations in fecal loading, SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations were normalized using Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), a widely used viral fecal biomarker. However, normalization using PMMoV did not improve correlations between SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels and clinical case data. Despite these findings, our study did not establish WBE as a consistently reliable complement to clinical testing in a university campus setting, contrary to many retrospective studies. One key limitation was that numerous off-campus students did not contribute to the campus wastewater system corresponding to the monitored dormitories. However, some off-campus students were still subjected to clinical testing at the university health center under mandated pro-tocols. Moreover, the university health center discontinued reporting cases per dormitory after 2021, making direct comparisons more challenging. Nevertheless, this study highlights the continued value of WBE as a surveillance tool for monitoring infectious diseases and provides critical insights into its application in campus environments.
Vancouver Weather Dynamics Analysis: 2009-2019 Using Quantum Information Theory
Authors: Barakat Elsayed , Youssef Amr , El-Kalla Ibrahim , Qasymeh Montaser , Abdel-Aty Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we analyze the weather dynamics in Vancouver, Canada from 2009-2019 using quantum information theory. The novel approach taken in this work demonstrates that applying quantum information principles to classical problems, such as weather analysis, can yield new features and valuable insights that would otherwise be overlooked. Historical data was examined using entropy, and coherence measures, revealing connections between quantumlevel phenomena and macro-scale weather patterns. Key findings include the role of quantum coherence in weather shifts and evidence of quantum entanglement producing nonlinear weather dynamics. The results demonstrate the value of quantum information theory for enhancing weather forecasting and climate modeling.
Enhancing Bioavailability of Abiraterone Acetate by Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: In Vivo, In Vitro Characterization and Cytotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Rout Mounik , Patro Ch. Niranjan
Published: February 2025

Abiraterone is an antiandrogen medication used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Abiraterone acetate (ABA) was found to be resistant to esterase and gets rapidly deacetylated to abiraterone in vivo that results in potent CYP450 C17 inhibition. The present work deals with the preparation of ABA-loaded nano-structured lipid carrier (NLC) by high sheer homogenization method and the evaluation by particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential measurement, in-vitro drug release study, in vivo pharmacokinetic study and in vitro cytotoxicity study characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. The optimal size, PDI and zeta potential obtained using DLS were 37.92 nm, 0.209 - 0.499 and -18.3 mV respectively. In vitro drug release study demonstrated improved traversion of NLC through the dialysis membrane with potential sustained release for 12 hr. In vivo pharmacokinetics was performed to observe the bioavailability of ABA NLC. The studies in oral route demonstrated no significant improvement in oral bioavailability. The in vitro cytotoxicity study in Du-145 prostate carcinoma cell lines, expressed higher cytotoxicity for NLC formulation which was concentration dependent with p value <0.001 at all concentrations starting at 0.002 ug to 0.1 ug.
Mapping Trails and Tracks in the Boreal Forest using LiDAR and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: McDermid Gregory J. , Terentieva Irina , Chan Xue Yan
Published: February 2025

Trails and tracks are the detectable signs of passage of wildlife and off-highway vehicles in natural landscapes. They record valuable information on the presence and movement of animals and humans. However, published works aimed at mapping trails and tracks with remote sensing are nearly absent from the peer-reviewed literature. We demonstrate the capacity of high-density LiDAR and convolutional neural networks to map undifferentiated trails and tracks automatically across a diverse study area in the Canadian boreal forest. We compared maps developed with LiDAR from a drone platform (10-cm digital terrain model) with those from a piloted-aircraft platform (50-cm digital terrain model). We found no significant difference in the accuracy of the two maps. In fact, the piloted-aircraft map (F1 score of 77 ± 9%) performed nominally better than the drone map (F1 score of 74 ± 6%) and demonstrated better balance among error types. Our maps reveal a 2,829-km network of trails and tracks across the 59-km2 study area. These features are especially abundant in peatlands, where the density of detected trails and tracks was 68 km/km2. We found a particular tendency for wildlife and off-highway vehicles to adopt linear industrial disturbances like seismic lines into their movement networks. While linear disturbances covered just 7% of our study area, they contained 27% of all detected trails and tracks. This type of funneling effect alters the movement patterns of humans and wildlife across the landscape and impedes the recovery of disturbed areas. While our work is a case study, the methods developed have broader applicability, showcasing the potential to map trails and tracks across large areas using remote sensing and convolutional neural networks. This capability can benefit diverse research and management communities.
Recurrence of Primary Glomerular Disease Adter Kidney Transplantation: Incidence, Predictors, Characteristics and Treatment
Authors: Salvadori Maurizio , Rosso Giuseppina
Published: February 2025

In the application of the digital twin model of the digging face, the data transmission will be transmitted to the remote control platform through the physical hardware via the gateway, and this cross-system and cross-software data transmission mode will inevitably generate the transmission delay, which leads to a certain spatial-temporal deviation between the virtual scene of the remote control platform and the physical digging site. In this paper, by analyzing the operation process of roadheading equipment, a state evolution dynamics model construction method for roadheading equipment is proposed, which includes three stages, namely, discretization of positional state based on cutting path planning, event-driven construction of cutting state evolution map of roadheading equipment and real-time data-driven dynamics evolution of roadheading equipment, and the construction of roadheading equipment state evolution dynamics model provides the best solution for the roadheading equipment. The construction of the model provides theoretical basis and technical support for the construction and alignment of the digital twin multidimensional model of the roadheading equipment.
Concurrent Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Testing from a Single Sputum Specimen for Enhanced Disease Detection
Authors: David Anura , Genade Leisha , Scott Lesley Erica , Da Silva Pedro , Singh Lyndel , Stevens Wendy , Martinson Neil
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Both tuberculosis (TB) and SARS-CoV-2 share similar symptoms and transmission routes. In early 2021, USAID and Stop TB Partnership recommended an integrated approach for simultaneous COVID-19 and TB testing in high TB burden countries, using a nasopharyngeal swab and sputum for individuals with respiratory symptoms. We extended this in a clinical evaluation, testing a single sputum for both SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) at two healthcare facilities in South Africa. Methods: A total of 2274 individuals were screened for enrolment. Eligibility included the presence of symptoms suggestive of either TB or COVID-19 infection, close contact with a person with TB, TB diagnosis in the last two years or a person living with HIV. Sputum from 1032 participants were tested on the Xpert Xpress SARS CoV-2 assay (Xpress) using a swab capture method while residual sputum was tested on the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for MTBC and rifampicin-resistance detection. Results: The Xpress assay detected SARS CoV-2 in 183/1032 (18%) participants, TB was detected in 35/1032 (3%) participants and 10/1032 (1%) participants were co-infected with TB and COVID-19. Conclusions: The study findings underscore a substantial identification of TB and Rifampicin-resistant TB that would have been missed if bi-disease testing was not performed. In addition, the sputum swab capture method for SARS-CoV-2 detection showed substantial agreement with routine testing.
Efficient Multi-Threaded Data Starting Point Matching Method for Space Target Cataloguing
Authors: Sun Jiannan , Kang Zhe , Li Zhenwei , Fan Cunbo
Published: February 2025

Currently, the management and maintenance of space target catalogues primarily rely on multi-target survey telescope arrays. However, the matching processing of massive observational data poses significant challenges to traditional prediction methods. To address the issues of low matching success rates and prolonged computation times in traditional methods, this paper proposes a data starting point matching method based on multithreading technology. First, orbital elements from the catalogue library are extracted for two days before and after the observation moment. A set of orbital elements closest to the observation moment is filtered to form the first-level matching catalogue library, and a matching error threshold is set. Second, multithreaded traversal of the first-level catalogue library is performed to calculate observation residuals using an orbit prediction procedure. Orbital elements meeting the triple matching error threshold are selected to form the second-level catalogue library. Finally, the root mean square error (RMSE) of observation residuals for the entire data arc segment is computed point by point. The identification of orbital elements satisfying the matching threshold is identified as matching results based on the principle of optimality. Experimental results demonstrate that with a matching error threshold of 1°, the proposed method achieves an average matching success rate of 97.62% for data arc segments with nearly 10,000 passes per day over 8 consecutive days. In a target catalogue library containing an average of 25,720 targets, the method processes an average of 2,164 data arc segments per minute, improving matching efficiency by 115 times compared to traditional prediction methods.
Mejoras ergonómicas para puestos de trabajo de oficina aplicando el Cuestionario Nórdico y el Método ROSA
Authors: Cisneros-Cervantes Christian , Mendoza-Muñoz Ismael , Montoya-Reyes Mildrend , Jacobo-Galicia Gabriela , Vargas-Bernal Olivia Yessenia
Published: February 2025

Esta investigación se centró en mejorar las condiciones de salud y bienestar de trabajadores de oficina mediante el análisis de operaciones comunes en auditoría interna de una empresa agrícola del Valle de Mexicali, México. Se utilizaron estratégicamente un cuestionario diagnóstico, el Cuestionario Nórdico y el Método ROSA (Evaluación Rápida de Esfuerzo para Oficinas), para evaluar y proponer estrategias de mejora, buscando un ambiente laboral confortable y la reducción de TME (trastornos musculoesqueléticos). La gestión de programas ergonómicos se planteó como parte de las actividades diarias para optimizar la producción y calidad. Tras una exhaustiva evaluación ergonómica, se identificaron factores de riesgo asociados al diseño del puesto, manipulación de cargas, patrones de movimiento y elementos ambientales, contribuyendo a las molestias en la espalda y los hombros debido a posturas inadecuadas y posiciones estáticas prolongadas. Se llevaron a cabo mejoras ergonómicas y después se realizó una segunda evaluación con resultados más favorables. La aplicación de estrategias ergonómicas demostró ser efectiva para mejorar las condiciones laborales y reducir los TME en trabajadores de oficina.
Implementation of EcoSufism-Based Learning in Creating Mental Balance of Santri in Pesantren
Authors: Masturin Masturin , Nadhirin Nadhirin
Published: February 2025

This study aims to explore the implementation of ecosufism-based learning in pesantren and its role in shaping environmentally conscious students while achieving mental balance. This research was conducted at Al Mawaddah Islamic Boarding School in Kudus and Edi Mancoro Islamic Boarding School in Salatiga. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using descriptive thematic approach. The Al-Mawaddah Islamic Boarding School integrates the agricultural sector as a medium to cultivate students with spiritual, intellectual, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence. Students uphold agricultural environments through eco-friendly practices as devotion to Allah. Meanwhile, the Edi Mancoro Islamic Boarding School incorporates ecosufism into the curriculum of its Islamic boarding school and affiliated educational institutions.  Creating aesthetically pleasing surroundings while preserving a rural atmosphere reflects the institution's commitment to upholding eco-conscious and traditional practices. An Islamic-based environmental curriculum should address global challenges, promote environmental appreciation, and align with Islamic principles in education.
COVID-19 Policies and Sexually Transmitted Infections in 22 US States, January 2020–December 2021
Authors: Pollack Catherine C. , Redd Georgia H. , Timm Collin M. , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: February 2025

Objectives. To quantify the effects of 5 jurisdiction-level COVID-19 policies on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates in 22 US jurisdictions between January 2020 and December 2021.

Methods. We applied a mixed-effects, negative binomial, interrupted time series model to estimate the impact that each policy of interest had on reported cases.

Results. Mandatory stay-at-home periods were associated with a decrease in reported chlamydia (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71, 0.80) and gonorrhea (IRR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.78, 0.94) cases. We also observed decreased chlamydia case reporting when gatherings were restricted to 10 people (IRR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.85, 0.92), masking was recommended (IRR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.85, 0.97), or polymerase chain reaction testing was limited to symptomatic individuals (IRR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.67, 0.77). Universal vaccine access corresponded to decreases in reported gonorrhea (IRR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.75, 0.92) but increases in syphilis (IRR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.70) cases. We also observed effects by sex, race, and ethnicity.

Conclusions. COVID-19 policies had disparate effects on sexually transmitted infection rates that varied across demographic groups. Overall results were attenuated after the first lockdown period (March–May 2020), but demographic variations persisted. ( Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print February 21, 2025:e1–e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307957 )
Housing Quality Metric (HQM): Neighborhood-Level Data, Housing Quality, and Population Health
Authors: Garrison Veronica , Ashley Peter J. , Moran Alyssa J. , Cudjoe Thomas K. M. , Perrin Eliana M. , Pollack Craig Evan
Published: February 2025

Objectives. To develop a national, tract-level measure of neighborhood housing quality and test its validity by examining associations with population health metrics.

Methods. Using microdata from the 2021 American Housing Survey postfit to the 2018–2022 American Community Survey, we developed the Housing Quality Metric (HQM), which predicts the likelihood that a US census tract contains a large share of poor-quality housing units across 3 domains: physical inadequacy, housing cost burden, and poor neighborhood perception. We then used regression models to assess the ecological association between HQM and area-level measures of adult population health (fair or poor general health, poor mental health, and poor physical health) from the PLACES data set.

Results. Census tract HQM score was significantly associated with a higher predicted proportion of adults self-reporting all 3 examined negative health status outcomes in both unadjusted and adjusted models.

Conclusions. HQM presents the first national, tract-level measure of poor housing quality that has significant associations with adult population health status.

Public Health Implications. HQM can be used to target resources and interventions in ways that may better capture the complex relationship between housing quality and population health than existing measures of housing quality. ( Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print February 21, 2025:e1–e9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307962 )