bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habilidades transversales para la práctica docente universitaria
Authors: Guerrero Palomo Martha Hilda , López Rocha Daniela , Rodríguez Muñoz Karla Rubí
Published: February 2025

Se destaca la importancia de las habilidades transversales en la formación integral docente, las cuales contemplan conocimientos, habilidades, actitudes y valores transferibles a cualquier actividad implicada en esta labor. Los cuatro pilares del aprendizaje propuestos por Jacques Delors (1996): aprender a conocer, aprender a hacer, aprender a ser y aprender a convivir ofrecen un marco integral que destaca la importancia y el tipo de competencias, complementarias entre sí, que el ser humano requiere desarrollar para enfrentar los desafíos educativos actuales. En la UAA, el Modelo Educativo Institucional promueve un perfil docente que incorpora estos pilares, enfocándose en el desarrollo cognitivo, práctico, personal y social de los docentes. Se presenta una revisión de los perfiles docentes establecidos en 60 programas educativos (PE) vigentes de la UAA, identificando las habilidades transversales (HT) promovidas en éstos, siguiendo la propuesta de Rojas, Luna y Hernández (2018). Habilidades como el manejo de la teoría y la práctica docente y la responsabilidad social destacan por su alta presencia en los PE revisados, entre el 95 % y 100 % de éstos; asimismo, el manejo de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, el desarrollo de la afectividad, el trabajo en equipo, la identidad institucional, el manejo de una lengua extranjera, la competencia ética y el pensamiento crítico se encontraron en alrededor del 90 % de ellos. Se identificaron dos habilidades distintas a la propuesta original de los autores citados: trabajo en equipo e identidad institucional. Las cuatro HT menos referidas en los PE fueron: flexibilidad, competencia investigativa, competencia comunicativa y creatividad e innovación, presentes entre el 7 % y 12 % de los PE.
Current issues with antibody-conjugated lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Aayush
Published: February 2025

Not available
Prediction of Outcome in Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke from Initial Clinical Presentation and a Single CT Scan on Admission
Authors: Hossain Md  Motahar , Habibullah Mohammad , Hasan Abu Mohammad Shafiqul , Alam Md  Mahbubul , Rahman Shafiqur , Rumee Sharif Mahmud
Published: February 2025

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for about 7-15% of all strokes and is the most devastating type of stroke with mortality rate of 34%-51%
Objective: The study was done to determine the potential prodictors for short-term mortality and neurological recovery in ICH patients by clinical and computed tomographic (CT) correlation.
Methods: This study was conducted over 100 admitted patients out of them fifty were diabetic, in the department of Medicine, Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal, Bangladesh for a duration of one year from 01.07.2010 to 30.06.2011. Data was collected in hospital directly from patient or attendance. Result was calculated using Chi-square test.
Result: In this study mean age of the ICH patients was 60.26 ± 11.22 years. The clinical and CT scan findings were correlated with the outcome. GCS score was significantly higher among survivors. Poor outcome was associated with a hematoma volume of more than 30ml and presence of ventricular extension. Mortality of hemorrhagic stroke patients was 40% in first month. Most of the death occurred in first 7 days.
Conclusion: Though outcome and functional status at discharge were well correlated with the initial CT scan findings, age and GCS score, but larger study with greater matched variables, risk factors and long-term follow-up is needed to make a concrete comment.
J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2017, 23 (02): 28-32
Plumbism (Chronic lead poisoning): A Health Hazard at Ship Breaking Industry
Authors: Ahmed Khan Shakil , Saha Sanjoy , Gomes Richmond Ronald , Islam Serajul , Imtiaz Masud , Patwary Md FazlulKarim , Islam Mir Moyeedul
Published: February 2025

Background: Plumbism which is commonly known as chronic lead poisoning may occur due to prolong use of vermilion, dye and cosmetics containing lead.
Objectives: To determine plumbism by observing the clinical features and problems among the workers of ship breaking industry and to draw attention of the legal authorities to take necessary measures and steps for prevention. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at ship breaking industry, Shitakunda, Chittagong in the month of February 2012 among 100 ship breaking workers. Data was collected by direct observation and face to face interview by semi structured questionnaire.
Results: A total 100 respondents, 83% (n=83) were found various features of plumbism, 81.93% (n=68) were male and 18.07% (n=15) were female. Maximum workers developed features of plumbism were after exposure to ship breaking industry within 6 to 9 months and the incidence was 27.72% (n=23). Different types clinical features like facial pallor, anaemia, blue line lead (Burtonian line) in the gum, colicky abdominal pain, constipation, hypertension, paresthesia, menstrual disorders, sterility, history of abortion and various general symptoms stand for 66.26% (n=55), 60.24% (n=50), 48.19% (n=40), 89.15% (n=74), 77.1% (n=64), 30.12% (n=25), 8.43% (n=7), 14.45% (n=12), 9.63% (n=8), 3.61% (n=3), 45.78% (n=38) respectively.
Conclusion: Lack of knowledge and cautiousness most of the workers suffer from various types of medical problems. Plumbism is one of those. Precautionary steps should be taken to prevent lead toxicity among workers in the ship breaking industries are must, such as using personal protecting equipments (mask, moisting device etc.), to establish and follow workers friendly company rules, strict monitoring of onsite lead concentration, maintenances of proper ventilation,periodical heath check up and further exposure should be avoided if clinical features of lead poisoning once appear etc.
J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2017; 23 (02): 38-41
Magnesium and Health
Authors: Chowdhury Jalal Uddin
Published: February 2025

Abstract Not Available 
J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2017; 23 (02): 02-03
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Antrean Pembayaran Pemakaian Air Berbasis Web di PDAM Kabupaten Sumba Timur
Authors: Kanatalo Rexi , Kalaway Rambu Yetti , Abineno Reynaldi Thimotius
Published: February 2025

Perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi, khususnya di bidang teknologi informasi, memiliki peran penting dalam berbagai sektor, termasuk perusahaan, institusi pendidikan, dan rumah sakit. Sistem informasi kini menjadi aspek utama yang mendukung pengelolaan data dan penyampaian informasi secara efisien. Salah satunya PDAM Kabupaten Sumba Timur adalah salah satu perusahaan daerah yang bergerak di bidang pelayanan penyedia air bersih dimana dalam proses pembayaran air masih melakukan antrean dengan melakukan pengambilan nomor selanjutnya akan mendapatkan pelayanan hal ini mengakibatkan antrean panjang dalam melakukan pembayaran, dan pengaduan. Berdasarkan Observasi yang dilakukan pada PDAM Sumba Timur, terdapat banyak antrean masyarakat dengan tujuan melakukan pembayaran air serta pengaduan terkait pelayanan air. Pada hasil Observasi tersebut Masyarakat dilayani dengan waktu estimasi setiap orang sekitar 4-6 menit tergantung berapa banyak nomor rekening meteran air yang di miliki oleh masyarakat, atau pengaduan dan permasalahan yang dialami oleh masyarakat. Proses ini  menyebabkan antrean yang panjang terutama pada saat jam sibuk yang membuat beberapa masyarakat tidak terlayani. Hal ini menyebabkan pelayanan menjadi kurang efektif dan efisien. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan sebuah inovasi untuk memudahkan masyarakat dalam mengakses layanan pembayaran dan pengaduan secara realtime. Dengan adanya sebuah sistem yang dapat diakses dari mana saja, baik di rumah maupun di luar, dengan hanya mengisi data diri dan jenis layanan yang dibutuhkan akan memudahkan masyarakat tanpa harus melakukan antrean. Implementasi sistem antrean online ini diharapkan mampu meningkatkan efisiensi, mengurangi antrean fisik, serta memperbaiki kualitas pelayanan PDAM Kabupaten Sumba Timur. Sistem dikembangkan menggunakan metode Waterfall dengan menerapakan alur yang ada seperti Analisis Kebutuhan, Desain, Implementasi, Pengujian dan Pemeliharaan sehingga sistem yang dikembangkan berjalan dengan baik.
Simulation of Autonomous Industrial Vehicle Fleet Using Fuzzy Agents: Application to Task Allocation and Battery Charge Management
Authors: Grosset Juliette , Fougères Alain-Jérôme , Oukacha Ouzna , Djoko-Kouam Moïse , Bonnin Jean-Marie
Published: February 2025

The research introduces a multi-agent simulation that uses fuzzy inference to investigate the work distribution and battery charging control of mobile baggage conveyor robots in an airport in a comprehensive manner. Thanks to a distributed system, this simulation approach provides high adaptability, adjusting to changes in conveyor agent availability, battery capacity, awareness of the activities of the conveyor fleet, and knowledge of the context of infrastructure resource availability. Dynamic factors, such as workload variations and communication between the conveyor agents and infrastructure are considered as heuristics, highlighting the importance of flexible and collaborative approaches in autonomous systems. The results highlight the effectiveness of adaptive fuzzy multi-agent models to optimize dynamic task allocation, adapt to the variation of baggage arrival flows, improve the overall operational efficiency of conveyor agents, and reduce their energy consumption.
Increasing Student Employability Through Strategic Curricular Innovations
Authors: Dennis Michelle , Ellis Joyce , Zukowski Susan , Butler Robin
Published: February 2025

Employability is an important indicator of the success of academic programs, and it can be improved through intentional curricular adjustments. This paper describes three case studies, all of which are aimed at increasing student employability during and after the completion of academic credentials at a university with open admissions that champions access to higher education among underserved populations. In case one, the goal was to bridge disciplines by developing a credential that would be relevant within multiple industries. Case two focused on aligning the content of a credential with industry certifications to prepare students to enter their chosen field of study more easily. In the final case, an industry certificate was incorporated into an academic program to support students’ entry into their chosen field before completing their degree. Lessons learned and next steps are discussed in the context of employability theory.
For the Greater Good: Unequal Sacrifices
Authors: Driskill Trish , Poe April , Stadler Steffen
Published: February 2025

The case presents a realistic business scenario in which economic turbulences financially challenge a global aviation player, shining light on the financial interdependence between parent and subsidiary. The students slip into the role of an upper management sales leader with an accounting background working for a subsidiary of the aviation group. Despite record profits, he faces strictly enforced cost reduction measures mandated by the parent. Based on public events during the early 2020 COVID response, the case combines example financial statements and public sources to create a real business scenario for the students to analyze.
‘Technology is undoubtedly … uncanny’: David Wills and the Technicity of Feeling
Authors: Müller Christopher John
Published: February 2025

This article mobilises the deceptive bodily immediacy of shame and scruple as an interface to David Wills’ call for ‘an ethics that takes account of the machine in the human’. It aligns the play of cover and exposure that is part of the experience of embarrassment and shame with an ‘aesthetic’ and ‘anaesthetic’ register of technology and provides a conceptualisation of the way this becomes manifest in daily life. Rather than providing a detailed account of Wills’ work, it thus engages in a selective and partial reading to develop perspectives on the speed of technological change, which is making the stakes of an ‘ethics’ that can acknowledge the technicity of feeling all the more apparent.
From Closure to Commons: Exploring the Development of Community Resilience through Collective Buyouts of Former Churches in Scotland
Authors: Miller Molly
Published: February 2025

Communities across Scotland are experiencing both a dramatic increase in church closures by the Church of Scotland and a growing climate of community empowerment through property ownership as part of an ongoing legislative and social movement for land reform. These trends converge as some communities take ownership and repurpose former churches. Through two qualitative case studies of grassroots organisations, this article investigates how the activities and experiences of volunteers within these organisations contribute to fostering more resilient communities by developing their capacity to make meaningful changes in their built and social environments. By framing community buyouts of former churches as projects of commoning, this article explores their democratising potential to empower communities, allowing them to develop and control their trajectories while building shared futures.
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BANDUNG COMMAND CENTER NTPD 112 SERVICE PROGRAM (SINGLE NUMBER FOR EMERGENCY CALLS) AT BANDUNG CITY COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SERVICE
Authors: Salsabila Salma , Ridwan Muhammad Ridwan
Published: February 2025

The use of a single Emergency Call Number 112 which is used as a call center method to report emergencies that occur in the city of Bandung is still less effective. This is based on the fact that there are still many prank calls and ghost calls coming to NTPD 112. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of the Bandung Command Center NTPD 112 service program in emergency calls in Bandung City. Where this research applies effectiveness theory based on the views of M Ricard Steers (1985: 8) who believes that measuring effectiveness can be done through 4 (four) barometers: organizational characteristics, environmental characteristics, worker characteristics, policy characteristics and management practices. The method applied in this research is descriptive with a qualitative approach. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the Bandung Command Center NTPD 112 service program which is linked to four criteria, namely organizational characteristics, environment, workers and characteristics of management policies and practices, is considered not fully effective. The main problems include double jobs in the Dispatcher division, poor coordination with agencies, low performance ties, the lack of achievement of strategic goals and a lack of innovation which resulted in the number of invalid calls in 2024 for the January-July period being 12,129 incoming calls.
 
Keywords: Effectiveness, Command Center, NTPD 112, Emergency
PEREMPUAN KINASIH’S SOLIDARITY AS POLICY ENTREPRENEURS: INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN SUPPORTING WOMEN FARMERS TOWARDS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
Authors: Dewi Tevana Sari , Qodarsasi Umi
Published: February 2025

This research analyzes the contribution of the Solidaritas Perempuan (SP) Kinasih Yogyakarta community in encouraging the creation of gender-responsive public policies in the food sector. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, which examines various advocacy strategies that have been carried out by SP Kinasih, ranging from community organizing and public education to policy advocacy. The findings show that SP Kinasih has played an important role in influencing public policies at the local and national levels. However, the research also highlights the importance of building broader coalitions and strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in facing complex challenges.
 
Keywords: Women's Food Sovereignty, Advocacy Strategy, Public Policy
A rigorous proof of the Riemann hypothesis
Authors: Abe Yukitaka
Published: February 2025

We prove the Riemann hypothesis by a new analytic approach.
Influence of dual stratification on the magnetohydrodynamic flow of Jeffrey nanofluid over an exponentially stretching permeable sheet with viscous dissipation and Joule heating
Authors: Sankari M. Siva , Rao M. Eswara , Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A. , Makinde O. D. , Khan Waris
Published: February 2025

Nanoparticles show superior potential for enhancing thermal properties compared to conventional particle–liquid suspensions. This investigation delves into magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) drift, heat, and mass transfer effects within a Jeffery nanoparticle liquid. The study includes transference equations that consider the influences of thermophoresis and Brownian motion on particle deposition. The analysis examines the impact of a nanofluid through a porous, exponentially elongating sheet, focusing on the double-stratification effects on heat and mass transference. The primary emphasis is on the formulated thermal energy equation, which incorporates Joule heating, heat generation, and ohmic dissipation terms. The initial step involves transforming the non-linear primary equations and their related boundary conditions into non-dimensional forms using similarity variables. The homotopy analysis method is then applied to obtain analytical results for the equations. Graphical representations of the impacts of various parameters on velocity and temperature values are presented, along with a detailed discussion of these impacts. A comprehensive analysis of specific parameters on the drag force factor-reduced Nusselt number and Sherwood number is provided and illustrated. Additionally, this research is applicable in environmental engineering, particularly in managing thermal pollution in water bodies, by aiding in predicting temperature distribution and the mixing behavior of effluents.
Additive impact of metabolic syndrome and sarcopenia on all-cause and cause-specific mortality: an analysis of NHANES
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zeng Qing-Yue , Zhuang Linli
Published: February 2025

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia (SP) are increasingly significant public health issues in aging societies, sharing common pathophysiological mechanisms and being associated with severe health consequences. This study investigates the impact of MetS and SP on all-cause and cause-specific mortality using a longitudinal, nationally representative population-based cohort.

Methods

The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1999 and 2018. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index up to December 2019.

Results

Among the 21,962 participants, 13,517 (61.5%) had neither MetS nor SP(MetS-/SP-), 5,407 (24.6%) had MetS only(MetS+/SP-), 2,698 (12.2%) had SP only(MetS-/SP+), and 340 (1.5%) had both MetS and SP(MetS+/SP+). Compared to the group without MetS and SP, the groups with MetS only, SP only, and both MetS and SP showed increased all-cause mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.11-1.37), 1.63 (95% CI: 1.41-1.89), and 1.61 (95% CI: 1.33-1.95), respectively. The MetS+/SP+ group had the highest overall mortality risk (trend test p<0.0001). For cause-specific mortality, the MetS+/SP+ group exhibited increased cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.27-2.81), cardiac mortality (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25-2.86), respiratory mortality (HR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.29-5.35), and diabetes mortality (HR: 8.79, 95% CI: 2.62-29.45) compared to the group without MetS and SP.

Conclusion

The coexistence of MetS and SP significantly increases the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Individuals with either condition may require more vigilant management to prevent the onset of the other condition, thereby reducing mortality rates. These findings highlight the importance of integrated healthcare strategies targeting both MetS and SP to improve patient outcomes and longevity.
Causal links between obesity, lipids, adipokines, and cognition: a bidirectional Mendelian-randomization analysis
Authors: Gong Meng , Liu Haichao , Liu Zhixiang , Wang Yongshen , Qi Shiyi , Guo Hong , Jin Song
Published: February 2025

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the genetic level association between obesity, lipids, adipokines, and cognitive ability using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) strategies.

Methods

Summary data for three obesity indicators [body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP) and waist-hip ratio (WHR)], three lipid indicators [HDL cholesterol (HDL), LDL cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG)], three adipokines [circulating leptin (LEP), Agouti-related protein (AgRP) and Adiponectin (APDN)], and four cognitive ability indicators [cognitive function (CF), cognitive performance (CP), simple reaction time (SRT) and fluid intelligence score (FIS)] were collected. Bidirectional inverse-variance weighted Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to evaluate the relationship between adiposity and cognitive function. We employed genetic instruments for adiposity indicators as exposures in one direction, and repeated the analysis in the opposite direction using instruments for cognitive function. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity and potential horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

Genetically predicted adiposity showed robust associations with markers of cognitive ability. Higher genetically predicted obesity indicators (such as BMI, BFP and WHR), and lipid and adipokineslevels (such as HDL and AgRP) with reduced cognitive ability indicators (such as CF and CP). In the opposite direction, FIS and SRT may influence BMI and HDL respectively. MR estimates for the effects of cognition ability on all obesity, lipids and adipokines measures indicated worse FIS and SRT were associated with higher BMI and lower HDL.

Conclusions

Our MR reveals that high BMI, BFP, WHR and AgRP have negative causal direct effects with cognitive ability, while high HDL and ADPN have positive causal direct effects with cognitive ability. For the reverse causal direction, our consistent findings that worse cognitive function such as SRT and FIS may influence serum HDL level and BMI.
SHP2 is essential for the progesterone-promoted proliferation and migration in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Wang Hui-Chen , Lee Wen-Sen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

We previously demonstrated that progesterone (P4) can promote breast cancer cell proliferation and migration through activating the P4 receptor (PR)/cSrc-mediated signaling pathway. It has been suggested that high level of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP2) might be involved in breast oncogenesis. This study aimed to investigate whether SHP2 is involved in the P4-mediated cSrc activation in breast cancer cells.

Methods

T47D, MCF-7 and BT-483 breast cancer cell lines were used in this study. Cell proliferation and migration were examined using MTT technique and wound healing assay, respectively. Immunoprecipitation assay and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate protein-protein interaction and protein expression, respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique was used to knock down protein expression.

Results

Knockdown of SHP2 expression abolished the P4-promoted cell proliferation and migration in T47D, MCF and BT-483 cell lines, suggesting that presence of SHP2 is essential for the P4-increased proliferation and migration of breast cancer cell lines. P4 (50 nM) treatment increased the complex formations of PR-cSrc-SHP2-caveolin-1, SHP2-p140Cap, and SHP2-Csk, and the level of p-cSrcY416 (activated form of cSrc). However, knockdown of SHP2 expression increased the complex formations of PR-cSrc-caveolin-1-Csk-p140Cap and the levels of p-caveolin-1, p-Csk and p-cSrcY527 (inactivated form of cSrc).

Discussion

Our data suggest that SHP2 can bind to cSrc-negative regulatory proteins (p140Cap and Csk), hence preventing the interaction between cSrc and cSrc-negative regulatory proteins, leading to decreased phosphorylation of cSrc Y527 and prolonged cSrc activation. These findings highlight the role of SHP2 in the P4-promoted breast cancer cell proliferation and migration.
Effects of the stress hormone norepinephrine on the probiotic properties of Levilactobacillus: antibacterial colonization, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation
Authors: Niu Lingdi , Gao Mingchun , Li Yifan , Wang Chaonan , Zhang Chuankun , Duan Haoyuan , Li Hai , Wang Fang , Ge Junwei
Published: February 2025

Probiotics as antibiotic alternatives are unstable for use under stress in clinical applications. To explore the influence of catecholamine hormones on probiotic bacterial inhibition and antimicrobial activity, we tested the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on Levilactobacillus in vitro and in a mouse model. The in vitro results showed that in the presence of NE, 80% of Levilactobacillus strains showed increased growth rate and more than 80% of the strains indicated lower antimicrobial activity at 22 h. Furthermore, in the mouse model, NE weakens the protective effect of L. brevis 23,017 on Escherichia coli infection, which is shown by the decreased ability of antibacterial colonization, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation, and downregulating the expression of antioxidant genes and intestinal mucosal barrier-related genes. At the same time, the addition of NE modulates the bacterial microbiota richness and diversity in the intestine, disrupting the balance of intestinal probiotics. These findings provide evidence that NE reduces the probiotic ability of Levilactobacillus and illustrates the plasticity of the probiotics in response to the intestinal microenvironment under stress.
Functional analysis of a novel homozygous missense IVD gene variant: a case report with dual genetic diagnoses
Authors: Zhu Yuying , Wu Ke , Wen Hanying
Published: February 2025

Background

Genomic or exome sequencing is beneficial for identifying more than one pathogenic variation causing blended atypical and/or severe phenotypes. Herein, we are the first to report a 5-year-old boy with the blended phenotypes of infantile hypotonia, severe neurodevelopmental disorder, patent ductus arteriosus, cryptorchidism, obesity, distinctive facial features, and elevated isovaleryl carnitine.

Methods

Trio-based whole-exome sequencing was performed on genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples from the boy and his parents. Functional analysis of the IVD variant in vitro was performed. Mutant IVD gene pcDNA3.1(+)-MUT-3xFlag and control pcDNA3.1(+)-WT-3xFlag mammalian expression vectors were constructed. Both vectors were transformed into HEK293T cells. The assays of relative IVD gene mRNA expression, IVD protein expression, and enzymatic activity were used.

Results

Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous missense variant in the IVD gene (NM_002225.5) c.1006T>C (p.Cys336Arg) within a region of homozygosity of 15q11.2-q21.3. Our in vitro functional and computer simulation findings revealed that this variant was associated with haploinsufficiency, which resulted in dramatically reducing the formation of IVD protein due to unstable mutant protein and not a lack of mRNA expression.

Conclusion

The boy was diagnosed with the dual genetic disorders of Prader–Willi syndrome and isovaleric acidemia. This case provides a useful reference for genetic counseling for complex and diverse clinical phenotypes. The presence of two or more likely pathogenic or pathogenic variations in an individual with neurodevelopmental phenotypes is not an “exceptional” phenomenon.
Case Report: Severe ophiasis-pattern alopecia areata with concomitant atopic dermatitis in a 5-year-old boy successfully treated with dupilumab
Authors: Wei Zhendong , Yu Chao , Wang Aoxue
Published: February 2025

Alopecia areata (AA) is the third most common reason for dermatological consultations among children. Despite the availability of numerous therapies for AA, including topical and systemic modalities, management options for children diagnosed with severe AA are limited due to the lack of safe and effective treatments suitable for long-term use. Herein, a case involving a 5-year-old boy with severe ophiasis-pattern AA and moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), who was successfully treated with dupilumab, is reported.
Projected distribution patterns of Alpinia officinarum in China under future climate scenarios: insights from optimized Maxent and Biomod2 models
Authors: Kang Yong , Lin Fei , Yin Junmei , Han Yongjie , Zhu Min , Guo Yuhua , Tang Fenling , Li Yamei
Published: February 2025

Alpinia officinarum, commonly known as Galangal, is not only widely used as a medicinal plant but also holds significant ornamental value in horticulture and landscape design due to its unique plant structure and floral aesthetics in China. This study evaluates the impact of current and future climate change scenarios (ssp126, ssp245, ssp370, and ssp585) on the suitable habitats for A. officinarum in China. A total of 73 reliable distribution points for A. officinarum were collected, and 11 key environmental variables were selected. The ENMeval package was used to optimize the Maxent model, and the potential suitable areas for A. officinarum were predicted in combination with Biomod2. The results show that the optimized Maxent model accurately predicted the potential distribution of A. officinarum in China. Under low emission scenarios (ssp126 and ssp245), the suitable habitat area increased and expanded towards higher latitudes. However, under high emission scenarios (ssp370 and ssp585), the suitable habitat area significantly decreased, with the species distribution range shrinking by approximately 3.7% and 19.8%, respectively. Through Multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) and most dissimilar variable (MoD) analyses revealed that increased climate variability under high emission scenarios, especially in ssp585, led to large-scale habitat contraction due to rising temperatures and unstable precipitation patterns. Changes in the center of suitability location showed that the current center of A. officinarum’s suitable habitat is located in Guangxi, China. Under low emission scenarios, the center of suitability gradually shifts northwest, while under high emission scenarios, this shift becomes more pronounced. These findings provide a scientific basis for the conservation of A. officinarum germplasm resources and the management strategies in response to climate change.
Optimizing plant density to improve the soil microenvironment and enhance crop productivity in cotton/cumin intercropping systems
Authors: Zhang Humei , Tian Liwen , Hao Xianzhe , Li Nannan , Shi Xiaojuan , Shi Feng , Tian Yu , Wang Wenbo , Luo Honghai
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Residual film pollution has become a key factor that affects the sustainable development of cotton, and intercropping may be an economical and environmentally friendly method to reduce the negative effects of nonmulched conditions on cotton growth. We hypothesized that optimizing the cotton/cumin intercropping density would improve the soil environment and increase crop productivity and resource utilization.

Methods

Therefore, in this study, singlecropping cotton (CK) was used as the control, and three intercropping cumin seeding densities were used (plants ha-1: 5×105, ID1; 8×105, ID2; and 11×105, ID3). Through a two-year field experiment, the effects of cotton-cumin intercropping on the soil moisture, temperature, salt, respiration rate, weed density, cotton yield formation and intercropping advantages were studied.

Results and discussion

Compared with the CK treatment, the ID2 treatment decreased the water content in the 0–30 cm soil layer by 8.3%, increased the water consumption by 9.1%, increased the soil temperature by 0.5°C, and decreased the electrical conductivity of the 0–15 cm soil layer by 17.7%. Compared with the CK treatment, the ID1 treatment significantly decreased the soil respiration rate by 33.6%, and the weed density decreased in the following order: CK>ID1>ID2>ID3. During the nonsymbiotic period, compared with CK, ID2 increased the soil water content by 5.7%, increased the soil respiration rate by 17.7%, and decreased the electrical conductivity by 15.6%. Compared with those for CK and ID3, the seed yield for ID2 increased by 2.0% and 5.8%, respectively, and that for ID1 decreased by 1.6%. However, the land equivalent of the ID2 treatment was 4.3% greater than that for the ID1 treatment. Therefore, intercropping cumin at a density of 8×105 plants ha-1 is beneficial for increasing surface coverage, significantly increasing crop water consumption, increasing surface temperature, reducing soil electrical conductivity and carbon emissions, and improving the crop yield and economic benefits. This model can be used as an agroecologically friendly and sustainable planting model.
The impact of physical exercise on adolescents’ mobile phone dependency: the serial mediating role of self-esteem and depression
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Shao Yanhong , Zang Wanli
Published: February 2025

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of physical exercise on the prevalence of mobile phone dependency among middle school students, as well as to delineate the serial mediating roles of self-esteem and depression within this relationship.

Methods

A convenient cluster random sampling method was employed to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3,786 middle school students from Guangdong, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Henan, and other provinces. Measurements were taken using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Self-esteem Scale, the Depression Scale, and the Mobile Phone Dependency Scale.

Results

Physical exercise was significantly negatively correlated with mobile phone dependency (r = −0.400, p < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.400, p < 0.001), and positively correlated with self-esteem (r = 0.257, p < 0.001). Mobile phone dependency was significantly positively correlated with depression (r = 0.540, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = −0.129, p < 0.001). Depression was negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = −0.396, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that self-esteem and depression significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and mobile phone dependency, with a total indirect effect of −0.116 (95% CI = [−0.239, −0.140]), accounting for 100% of the total effect. Specifically, the indirect effect through “physical exercise influencing depression, which then affects mobile phone dependency” was −0.076 (95% CI = [−0.224, −0.128]), accounting for 65.52% of the total effect; the indirect effect through “physical exercise influencing self-esteem, which then influences depression, and in turn affects mobile phone dependency” was −0.040 (95% CI = [−0.063, −0.027]), accounting for 34.48%; the indirect effect through “physical exercise influencing self-esteem, which then affects mobile phone dependency” was not significant (95% CI included 0).

Conclusion

Physical exercise can directly reduce the dependency of middle school students on mobile phones, and it can also indirectly reduce mobile phone dependency by enhancing self-esteem and reducing levels of depression.
The role of music performance anxiety in musical training: four personal histories
Authors: Casanova Oscar , Riaño María Elena , Zarza-Alzugaray Francisco Javier , Orejudo Santos
Published: February 2025

Musical Performance Anxiety (MPA) is one of the major obstacles many musicians face in the course of their training and careers. Few studies have approached this construct using a qualitative methodology. To apply such an approach, we gathered testimonials of life histories from four musicians – two pianists, a violinist, and a cellist – through semi-structured interviews. With an average age of 25, they had all studied classical music for at least 10 years. We subjected the protocols of those interviews to a phase and categorization process based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The first years of training were those when our interviewees recalled experiencing the greatest enjoyment in music-making: positive elements included family support, ensemble playing, and initial encounters with non-classical repertoire and improvisation. However, as our interviewees progressed through their academic courses and improved in terms of mastery of their instrument, they began to experience situations of anxiety. Physical symptoms appeared, regularly associated with situations such as examinations and auditions in front of a jury. Two of four respondents decided to terminate their music training before entering university level. To deal with symptoms of anxiety, several approaches were pursued: visualization, cognitive analysis, and self-medication. However, to mitigate MPA, our informants generally recommend more rational strategies: a realistic focus on objectives coupled with reinforcement of self-esteem. Institutions of musical learning can help students cope with this disorder by encouraging musical creativity and selecting educators who apply empathetic teaching styles well-adapted to their pupils’ needs. In the future, this type of qualitative research can be expanded to a greater number of informants with more diverse characteristics. The qualitative approach will help us to better understand the MPA phenomenon.
Achieving universal health coverage in India: a scoping review on the requisite public health actions
Authors: Radheshyam Avani , Ramani Vinod K. , Naik Radheshyam
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In India, large inequities in health exist by geography, gender, socio-economic class, religion and caste. Universal health coverage (UHC) is envisioned to address these gaps. The deficiencies in our healthcare system cannot be solely bridged by additional investment, increasing manpower, adoption of technology or establishing regulatory Institutes. While UHC offers promise, its nation-wide implementation must be carefully planned and monitored.

Objectives

(1) To review published literature appraising the concepts of UHC such as coverage of health services and financial protection in the Indian healthcare system, (2) To review the deficiencies of the healthcare system in India and explore solutions within the framework of UHC.

Methods

The relevant articles for review were retrieved from PubMed and Google scholar databases using pertinent text terms. This scoping review includes 12 citations and 3 other published reports which address the determinants of UHC and its impact on the healthcare system in India.

Results

UHC aims to address the concept of health in all its dimensions and not merely as a response to illness. This Program’s objectives include reducing the gap between the need and utilization of healthcare, improving its quality and providing financial protection. In India, the public health sector suffers from shortfalls in management, manpower issues and poor accountability, whereas the private health sector is unregulated and contributes to the increasing health expenditure. UHC will improve access to health care and prevent financial impoverishment, which will be advantageous to the rural people and urban poor including workers of the unorganized sector.

Conclusion

UHC enables health systems to efficiently deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the population, as well as adopt sustainable financing mechanisms. Given the current Covid-19 pandemic and the need to address future pandemics, we need to build resilient health systems as well as hasten the implementation of UHC.
A Manipulability-Driven Method for Efficient Telescopic Motion Computation of Controllable Space Manipulator
Authors: Qin Shize , Lu Wang , Yang Tao , Zhao Shoujun , Li Xiaoqi , Yang Zelin , Yu Guangwei
Published: February 2025

The addition of telescopic joints will enhance the manipulator’s motion dexterity but increase the motion complexity, thereby potentially reducing the efficiency of motion planning. To address the issue, a manipulability priority principle is used to reduce the computational dimension, aiming to enhance computational efficiency. Firstly, an improved Monte Carlo algorithm combined with Weighted Ensemble Learning is proposed to rapidly obtain a well-distributed and information-complete reachable workspace under small-sample conditions. Then, all dexterous points are computed by the manipulability formula and the least squares algorithm is applied to obtain the boundary of the reachable workspace. Based on the boundary, a spatial quadratic surface-based segmentation algorithm is proposed to obtain the dexterous workspace corresponding to all dexterous points. Subsequently, the Telescopic Motion Computation (TMC) method is designed to transform the kinematics problem of a 9-DOF manipulator into a 7-DOF problem by precomputing the telescopic joint lengths, effectively reducing the computational time for inverse kinematics. Finally, simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness, dexterity, and efficiency of the TMC method. The results indicate that applying the TMC method to PInv, DLS, and PSO algorithms enhances the efficiency by 3.43, 3.53, and 3.64 times while maintaining the motion dexterity.
Reduced-Order Model for Performance Simulation and Conceptual Design of Rocket-Type Pulse Detonation Engines
Authors: Sánchez de León Luis , Sastre Francisco , Martin Elena , Velazquez Angel
Published: February 2025

A model-based method has been developed for the performance simulation and conceptual design of rocket-type pulse detonation engines (PDEs). A reduced-order model (ROM) has been generated based on the high order singular value decomposition of a data tensor obtained from CFD computations. This ROM could be used to solve the direct (performance) and inverse (design) problems in the context of the early phases of pulse detonation engine design. Output performance parameters are predicted from prescribed input operation/geometry parameters in the direct problem, and vice versa in the inverse problem. The focus of this method is industrial application in situations where large parametric searches are to be performed with a reasonable level of fidelity at a low computational cost. It was found that the performance and conceptual design tool thus developed provides results that deviate, on average, by less than 10% from the CFD results. Regarding practical implementation, the method allows for shifting the heavier computational load off-line. In this way, when working on-line, the user can obtain results in less than a second for every single case. The main contribution of this study is showing that a model-based approach that combines CFD and tensor decomposition has the potential to extract a maximum of information from a given computational effort. This characteristic makes the method of interest for early design phases in the aerospace industry.
The Development of a Sorting System Based on Point Cloud Weight Estimation for Fattening Pigs
Authors: Liu Luo , Ou Yangsen , Zhao Zhenan , Shen Mingxia , Zhao Ruqian , Liu Longshen
Published: February 2025

As large-scale and intensive fattening pig farming has become mainstream, the increase in farm size has led to more severe issues related to the hierarchy within pig groups. Due to genetic differences among individual fattening pigs, those that grow faster enjoy a higher social rank. Larger pigs with greater aggression continuously acquire more resources, further restricting the survival space of weaker pigs. Therefore, fattening pigs must be grouped rationally, and the management of weaker pigs must be enhanced. This study, considering current fattening pig farming needs and actual production environments, designed and implemented an intelligent sorting system based on weight estimation. The main hardware structure of the partitioning equipment includes a collection channel, partitioning channel, and gantry-style collection equipment. Experimental data were collected, and the original scene point cloud was preprocessed to extract the back point cloud of fattening pigs. Based on the morphological characteristics of the fattening pigs, the back point cloud segmentation method was used to automatically extract key features such as hip width, hip height, shoulder width, shoulder height, and body length. The segmentation algorithm first calculates the centroid of the point cloud and the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix to reconstruct the point cloud coordinate system. Then, based on the variation characteristics and geometric shape of the consecutive horizontal slices of the point cloud, hip width and shoulder width slices are extracted, and the related features are calculated. Weight estimation was performed using Random Forest, Multilayer perceptron (MLP), linear regression based on the least squares method, and ridge regression models, with parameter tuning using Bayesian optimization. The mean squared error, mean absolute error, and mean relative error were used as evaluation metrics to assess the model’s performance. Finally, the classification capability was evaluated using the median and average weights of the fattening pigs as partitioning standards. The experimental results show that the system’s average relative error in weight estimation is approximately 2.90%, and the total time for the partitioning process is less than 15 s, which meets the needs of practical production.
Establishment of a Discrete Element Model for Wheat Particles Based on the Ellipsoidal Method and CFD–DEM Coupling
Authors: Gu Boxuan , Hu Can , Xing Jianfei , He Xiaowei , Wang Xufeng , Ren Kai , Wang Long
Published: February 2025

The precision of simulation plays a pivotal role in determining the design parameters of the pressure pipe and distributor in a pneumatic centralized seeding system. This study adopted the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate wheat seed models and their motion characteristics within a pneumatic precision seed-metering device. Using Xinchun No. 6 wheat as the experimental subject, multi-sphere combination models (5, 7, 9, and 11 balls) were employed to describe the seed particle morphology. Moreover, by utilizing the coupling method of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), along with bench tests, the air suspension velocity of seeds and the motion characteristics of the seed-supplying device were analyzed under different particle models. The physical properties of the wheat seeds were measured during the experiments. The simulation results indicated that, as the seed supply rate increased, the airflow velocity distribution within the model became more uniform, enhancing the stability of the suspension velocity. Comparisons between experiments and simulations validated the reliability of the particle models, with the minimum relative error in the suspension velocity determined as 0.21% for the 9-balls model. In addition, compared to the other models, the 9- and 5-balls models more accurately simulated the dynamic behavior of seeds within the seed-supplying device. For the 9-balls model, the relative error of particle velocity in the seed-supplying device is 1.39%, and, in the simulation of displacements in the X and Y directions of the seed-supplying device, the average error is 9.51%. The effectiveness of the multi-sphere combination models was verified, indicating their ability to accurately reflect the dynamic behavior of wheat seeds and improve the design and optimization efficiency of pneumatic precision seed-metering devices.