bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purity-based self-calibration in ptychography
Authors: Liu Chang , Eschen Wilhelm , Penagos Molina Daniel S. , Licht Leona , Abdelaal Mahmoud , Rothhardt Jan
Published: January 2025

Calibration of ptychographic setup properties, such as the sample-detector axial distance, is crucial for quantitative and high-resolution reconstructions. This study proposes a calibration scheme based on the degree of coherence (i.e., purity) of the probe in mixed-state ptychography. Compared to established sharpness metric-based methods, it is significantly more robust and applicable to arbitrary samples. A numerical study and validations with various experimental datasets have been conducted to verify the performance of the proposed method, including the application to high-contrast samples and weakly-scattering biological samples. This calibration scheme can significantly enhance the image quality, the precision of wavefront sensing, and the reliability of quantitative analysis for ptychography. Potentially, we believe this optimization method can find further applications in other areas of computational imaging.
Absolute modal wavefront reconstruction in a rotational shearing interferometer by iterative optimization
Authors: Vu Huy , Vu Tiendung
Published: January 2025

We propose an iterative optimization approach for wavefront reconstruction in a rotational shearing interferometer based on Zernike polynomials. Two incorrect shearing amounts are optimized simultaneously, enabling the absolute reconstruction of wavefronts with high uniformity in the root mean square (RMS). Simulations under noisy conditions show that the reconstruction error, in terms of peak-to-valley (PV) and RMS, remains within the μλ range. The approach was experimentally validated by identifying asymmetric aberrations in an imperfectly collimated light source, showing strong agreement with the wavefront obtained from a Shack–Hartmann sensor.
Broadband MIMO all-optical unitary converter based on compact multimode interference on LNOI
Authors: Wang Shun , Lian Daixin , Ye Yongqi , Zhao Shi , Chen Jingye , Dai Daoxin , Shi Yaocheng
Published: January 2025

We propose and demonstrate a reconfigurable 4 × 4 multi-input multi-output (MIMO) all-optical unitary converter (OUC) based on non-uniform multimode interference (nMMI-OUC) on a lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform, which has the advantages of broadband operation, compactness, low loss, and fabrication-friendliness. To enhance the bandwidth, compact non-uniform multimode interference is utilized to replace uniform multimode interference, achieving the same cross talk and larger bandwidth. Compared with OUC based on uniform multimode interference (uMMI-OUC), the couplers using nMMI-OUC are only half length. The experimental results show that the reconfigurable four mode demultiplexing have been realized with wavelength-dependent loss of less than 3 dB and cross talk of less than −17.3 dB over 100 nm (from 1520 nm to 1620 nm) wavelength range and ∼0.21 dB/coupler at 1550 nm wavelength for nMMI-OUC.
Dynamics of stable solitons of circular Pearcey Gaussian beams in a photorefractive strontium barium niobate crystal
Authors: Lian Shengdi , Quan Qingying , Liu Zihan , Chen Hechong , Yan Bo , Li Yanghong , Lin Weiqing , Deng Dongmei
Published: January 2025

We explore the behavior of abruptly autofocusing (AAF) beams in a saturable nonlinear medium. Stable solitons with different distribution structures are found under different combinations of external electric field and light field structure. Furthermore, the evolution of circular Pearcey Gaussian (CPG) beams in a photorefractive strontium barium niobate crystal is investigated. In particular, we fixed the external electric field to discuss the nonlinear propagation dynamics versus the initial light power. As the light power increases, the number of foci increases, and the distance between the foci decreases. Our study uncovers a fascinating interplay between AAF beams and the saturable nonlinear medium. We are convinced that the outcomes of our study may find potential applications in the realms of optical communication and photonic-integrated devices.
Terahertz electro-optic Kerr effect in LaAlO3
Authors: Kovalev Sergey , Zhu Changqing , Reinold Anneke , Koch Max , Wang Zirui , Pilch Patrick , Ghalgaoui Ahmed , Duan Siyu , Li Cong , Zhang Jianbing , Yu Pu , Wang Zhe
Published: January 2025

In this Letter, we investigate the terahertz (THz) electro-optic Kerr effect (KE) dynamics in LaAlO3 (LAO), a widely used substrate for thin-film preparation. We show that the KE dynamics strongly depend on the material anisotropy due to interference between THz field-induced and strain-induced optical birefringence. Such interference leads to quasi-phase matching conditions of the KE, which becomes strongly frequency dependent. Depending on the THz frequency, the KE exhibits a uni- and bipolar shape of the quadratic response. The demonstrated effects will be present in a wide variety of materials used as substrates in different THz pump laser–probe experiments and need to be considered in order to disentangle the different contributions to the measured ultrafast dynamic signals.
Naïve Bayes is an interpretable and predictive machine learning algorithm in predicting osteoporotic hip fracture in-hospital mortality compared to other machine learning algorithms
Authors: Wang Jo-Wai Douglas
Published: January 2025

Osteoporotic hip fractures (HFs) in the elderly are a pertinent issue in healthcare, particularly in developed countries such as Australia. Estimating prognosis following admission remains a key challenge. Current predictive tools require numerous patient input features including those unavailable early in admission. Moreover, attempts to explain machine learning [ML]-based predictions are lacking. Seven ML prognostication models were developed to predict in-hospital mortality following minimal trauma HF in those aged ≥ 65 years of age, requiring only sociodemographic and comorbidity data as input. Hyperparameter tuning was performed via fractional factorial design of experiments combined with grid search; models were evaluated with 5-fold cross-validation and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). For explainability, ML models were directly interpreted as well as analysed with SHAP values. Top performing models were random forests, naïve Bayes [NB], extreme gradient boosting, and logistic regression (AUROCs ranging 0.682–0.696, p>0.05). Interpretation of models found the most important features were chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular comorbidities and markers of bone metabolism; NB also offers direct intuitive interpretation. Overall, NB has much potential as an algorithm, due to its simplicity and interpretability whilst maintaining competitive predictive performance.
The first direct detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. diversity in ticks from Ningxia, northwestern China
Authors: Zhu Wen-Jie , Ye Run-Ze , Tian Di , Wang Ning , Gao Wan-Ying , Wang Bai-Hui , Lin Zhe-Tao , Liu Ya-Ting , Wang Yi-Fei , Zhu Dai-Yun , Sun Yi , Shi Xiao-Yu , Shi Wen-Qiang , Jia Na , Jiang Jia-Fu , Cui Xiao-Ming , Liu Zhi-Hong , Cao Wu-Chun
Published: January 2025

Background

Tick-borne infectious diseases caused by the spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) have continuously emerging, with many previously unidentified SFGR species reported. The prevalence of SFGRs in northwestern China remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of SFGRs and Anaplasma species by analyzing tick samples collected from the Ningxia region.

Methods

During 2022–2023, ticks were collected from Ningxia, northwestern China, and screened using PCR to amplify target genes (16S rRNA, gltA, ompA and groEL). The amplicons were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Single-gene sequences and concatenated sequences were used to infer phylogenetic relationships for identifying Rickettsia species.

Results

Out of the 425 DNA samples, a total of 210 samples tested positive for SFGRs in ticks from Ningxia, China, with a relatively high positive rate of 49.4% (210/425). Eight spotted fever group rickettsiae and one Anaplasma species were identified and characterized, including Rickettsia raoultii (102, 24.0%), R. aeschlimannii (65, 15.3%), R. sibirica (12, 2.8%), R. slovaca (4, 0.9%), R. heilongjiangensis (1, 0.2%), Cadidatus Rickettsia hongyuanensis (4, 0.9%), Ca. R. jingxinensis (11, 2.6%), Ca. R. vulgarisii (11, 2.6%) and Anaplasma ovis (98, 23.1%). The positive rate of bacterial species ranged from 0.2% to 24.0%. Interestingly, one novel Rickettsia species, provisionally named “Candidatus Rickettsia vulgarisii”, was detected in Argas ticks from Zhongwei city, which suggests the possibility of local transmission to other areas through birds. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA, gltA, ompA, and 17kDa genes indicated that it was divergent from all known SFG Rickettsia species but mostly related to R. vini. Different SFGR species were associated with specific tick species or genera. In addition, Anaplasma ovis was detected in two Dermacentor species, and co-infection with SFGRs was observed in 14.6% (62/425) of samples.

Conclusions

This study describes the prevalence and diversity of SFGRs in ticks from Ningxia for the first time by direct detection, reveals that Rickettsia diversity related to tick species. This data suggests that surveillance for tick-borne SFGR infections among human populations should be enhanced in this region, and further investigations on their pathogenicity to humans and domestic animals are still needed.
Global prioritization schemes vary in their impact on the placement of protected areas
Authors: Tjaden-McClement Katie , Naidoo Robin , Brennan Angela , Burton A. Cole
Published: January 2025

In response to global declines in biodiversity, many global conservation prioritization schemes were developed to guide effective protected area establishment. Protected area coverage has grown dramatically since the introduction of several high-profile biodiversity prioritization schemes, but the impact of such schemes on protected area establishment has not been evaluated. We used matching methods and a Before-After Control-Impact causal analysis to evaluate the impact of two key prioritization schemes—Biodiversity Hotspots and Last of the Wild—representing examples of the reactive and proactive ends of the prioritization spectrum. We found that Last of the Wild had a positive impact on the rate of protection in its identified priority areas, but Biodiversity Hotspots did not. Because Biodiversity Hotspots are in or near human-dominated landscapes, this scheme may have been unable to overcome biases towards protecting areas with little human pressure. In contrast, Last of the Wild aligned with the tendency to protect areas far from high human use and thus with lower implementation costs, and so received greater uptake. Stronger links between large-scale prioritizations and more locally driven implementation of area-based conservation, as well as other forms of conservation action, are needed to overcome practical constraints and effectively protect biodiversity on an increasingly human-dominated planet.
What are the hidden shortcomings of balance training research in older adults that prevent its transfer into practice? Scoping review
Authors: Kováčiková Zuzana , Cimboláková Iveta , Čurgali Marcel , Labudová Jana , Zemková Erika
Published: January 2025

Background

Although a lot of attention is paid to the flaws of balance training research in older adults, the low methodological quality and incomplete reporting of studies still limit the knowledge transfer between research and practice. These known shortcomings are considered also as barriers for creating recommendations for balance training in older adults. Despite the considerable efforts to improve the scientific quality of studies, such recommendations have not yet been formulated to date. Therefore, this scoping review aims (1) to analyze the literature that addresses balance training in older adults, (2) to identify and summarize gaps in the existing literature, and (3) to propose future research on this topic.

Methods

We focused on studies that evaluated the effect of balance training on balance control in apparently healthy older adults over 60 years of age.

Results

Out of 6910 potentially relevant studies, only 26 met the eligibility criteria. The identified shortcomings were as follows: missing a priori criteria for training session attendance and leisure-time physical activities, insufficiently described exercises and training load, and inappropriately chosen tests.

Conclusions

Among the shortcomings of the balance training research, the insufficiently described balance training program and inappropriately chosen tests can be considered the most important. For this reason, even with an excellently designed experiment, it is almost impossible for practitioners to apply the results of such studies into practice. Therefore, researchers should pay more attention to possible users of the acquired knowledge, which is more than desirable in the case of exercise programs for older adults.
Self /other recognition and distinction in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A pilot study using a double mirror paradigm
Authors: Lavenne-Collot Nathalie , Maubant Emilie , Déroulez Stéphanie , Bronsard Guillaume , Wehrmann Moritz , Botbol Michel , Berthoz Alain
Published: January 2025

Background

Abnormalities in body perception in patients affected by anorexia nervosa have been widely studied, but without explicit reference to their relationship to others and the social processes involved. Yet, there are a several arguments supporting impairments in interpersonal relationships in these patients. Notably, some evidence suggests that self/other distinction (SOD), the ability to distinguish one’s own body, actions and mental representations from those of others could be impaired. But research remains scarce in this area.

Material and methods

A single-centre, prospective pilot study was conducted to investigate, for the first time, self-recognition and SOD in seven adolescents with anorexia nervosa compared with matched healthy controls (HCs) using the "Alter Ego"TM double mirror paradigm. This innovative device allows the progressive morphing of one’s own face to that of another and vice versa between two subjects that interact on opposite sides of the device. Two judgement criteria were used: 1) M1: the threshold at which subjects start to recognize their own face during other-to-self morphing, and 2) M2: the threshold at which subjects start to recognize the other’s face during self-to-other morphing. In a second part, SOD was reassessed during five different sensorimotor tasks aimed at increasing body self-consciousness in participants with anorexia nervosa.

Results

The results showed that the participants with anorexia nervosa exhibited earlier self-recognition in the other-to-self sequence and delayed other-recognition in the self-to-other sequence. Furthermore, in contrast with that of HCs, the critical threshold for switching between self and other varied with the direction of morphing in anorexia nervosa participants. Finally, when participants with anorexia were seated in a chair with a backrest and footrest strengthening the median axis of their body, the self-recognition threshold (M1) increased significantly, approaching that of controls.

Conclusions

Although additional research is needed to replicate the results of this pilot study, it revealed the first behavioural evidence of altered SOD in individuals affected by anorexia nervosa through an embodied, semiecological face-recognition paradigm. The relationships between anomalies in body perception and alterations in interpersonal relationships are discussed within an integrative framework from phenomenology to neuroscience, and new research and therapeutic perspectives are presented.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis, sarcopenia, osteoporosis and osteosarcopenia in older people: A systematic review protocol
Authors: José Neto Nailton , Duarte Brito Mário , Gomes Cristiano dos Santos , Corrêa Luana Caroline de Assunção Cortez , Guerra Gerlane Coelho Bernardo , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis are two prevalent conditions in the older population and are defined by low strength, muscle quality/volume and low Bone Mineral Density, respectively. When there is a concomitant presence of both, there is a novel musculoskeletal condition called Osteosarcopenia. These conditions adversely affect quality of life and elevate the risk of fractures, disability, and mortality among older individuals. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is the impairment of the mutualistic relationship between microorganisms, metabolic products and the host’s immune system. Gut microbiota dysbiosis could be intricately linked to sarcopenia and osteoporosis, shedding light on the complex microbiota-gut-bone-muscle axis. Furthermore, the intestinal microbiota experiences a notable decline in beneficial microorganisms as part of the aging process. The relationship between dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota in older people and sarcopenia, osteoporosis or osteosarcopenia is still unclear. This review protocol aims to systematically review the literature and compile evidence on the influence of gut microbiota dysbiosis on musculoskeletal function in older people with sarcopenia, osteoporosis or osteosarcopenia.

Methods/Analysis

This systematic review will analyze observational studies that have investigated the relationship between the effects of gut microbiota dysbiosis and sarcopenia, osteoporosis and osteosarcopenia in older people aged 65 and over. Studies will be retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Outcome measures will include body composition for diagnosing osteoporosis and screening for sarcopenia/osteosarcopenia by any criteria. Data synthesis will involve quantitative analysis using summary measures. If sufficient studies, homogeneity and heterogeneity analysis will be performed to conduct Meta-analysis and pooled OR, RR and HR measures will be provided.
Predicting noncontact injuries of professional football players using machine learning
Authors: Freitas Diogo Nuno , Mostafa Sheikh Shanawaz , Caldeira Romualdo , Santos Francisco , Fermé Eduardo , Gouveia Élvio R. , Morgado-Dias Fernando
Published: January 2025

Noncontact injuries are prevalent among professional football players. Yet, most research on this topic is retrospective, focusing solely on statistical correlations between Global Positioning System (GPS) metrics and injury occurrence, overlooking the multifactorial nature of injuries. This study introduces an automated injury identification and prediction approach using machine learning, leveraging GPS data and player-specific parameters. A sample of 34 male professional players from a Portuguese first-division team was analyzed, combining GPS data from Catapult receivers with descriptive variables for machine learning models—Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Feedforward Neural Networks (FNNs), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost)—to predict injuries. These models, particularly the SVMs with cost-sensitive learning, showed high accuracy in detecting injury events, achieving a sensitivity of 71.43%, specificity of 74.19%, and overall accuracy of 74.22%. Key predictive factors included the player’s position, session type, player load, velocity and acceleration. The developed models are notable for their balanced sensitivity and specificity, efficiency without extensive manual data collection, and capability to predict injuries for short time frames. These advancements will aid coaching staff in identifying high-risk players, optimizing team performance, and reducing rehabilitation costs.
Rifampicin and isoniazid resistance not promote fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Zhou Qin , Pu Na , Xu Ge , Liu Hangchi , Jia Xudong , Wang Xiaomin , Xu Peng
Published: January 2025

Background

The emergence of drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB) has made treatment challenging. Although fluoroquinolones (FQs) are used as key drugs in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), the problem of FQs resistance is becoming increasingly serious. Rifampicin (RIF) resistance is considered a risk factor for FQs resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of RIF and isoniazid (INH) resistance on the FQs resistance in vitro experiment.

Methods

FQs resistant strains were selected in vitro from RIF and/or INH resistant Mycobacterium smegmatis (M.sm). The sequencing of the gyrA gene, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FQs (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin) were performed for FQs-resistant strains.

Results

A total of 222 FQs-resistant M.sm strains were selected, all of which had the gyrA mutation. Seven gyrA mutations were detected, with mutations at loci 90 and 94 being the most common. There were no differences in FQs resistance developed from RIF and/or INH resistant M.sm. There was a significant difference in the MIC of the gyrA mutant types to FQs. The highest resistance to FQs was observed in the Gly88Cys mutant strains. M.sm with the identical gyrA mutation showed the highest resistance to ciprofloxacin and relatively low resistance to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin.

Conclusions

In this study, we found no evidence that RIF and/or INH resistance directly affects FQs resistance in M.sm in vitro experiments. Resistance profiles of different gryA mutations to the four FQs drugs were also presented. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of FQs resistance.
Techno-structural and 3-D geometric morphometric analysis applied for investigating the variability of Holocene unifacial tools in tropical Central Brazil
Authors: González-Varas Marina , Lourdeau Antoine , Gonçalves Letícia , Lemos de Souza Rafael , Teixeira Mendes Diego , Beltrão de Oliveira Tatyana , Furlaneto Silva Gustavo , Forestier Hubert , Romero Rolando , Pérez-Balarezo Antonio
Published: January 2025

During the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene and in the early Holocene period, hunter-gatherer communities across tropical South America deployed a range of technological strategies to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. This period witnessed a rich tapestry of technological practices, from enduring, widely disseminated tools to local and sporadically utilized technologies, shaping a multifaceted landscape of technological traditions. Lithic technology during this period was mainly marked by localized sourcing of raw materials, the use of multifunctional tools, a variety of projectile point designs, and the frequently utilization of unifacial shaping technology. In tropical Central Brazil, the Itaparica technocomplex, with unique unifacial lithic tools like limaces, is a pivotal innovation from the Late Pleistocene through the Holocene. However, the factors influencing their morphological and structural variability remain largely unexplored, obscuring our understanding of their ergonomics and their role as mediators between humans and tropical environments. This study hypothesizes that the variability observed within and among unifacial tools from the GO-Ni sites in Central Brazil is a result of a combination of factors, including raw material availability and functional and ergonomic requirements. To test this hypothesis, a study of 67 unifacial tools from this region was conducted, employing techno-structural analysis and 3D geometric morphometrics. This approach was designed to precisely quantify tool geometry and uncover their functional potentials. The analysis revealed significant variability within the techno-structural groups, often intersecting with typological classifications. These results indicate that despite their production attributes, unifacially shaped artifacts demonstrate considerable morpho-structural diversity. The study delineated nine distinct techno-structural groups, each suggesting potentially different functional organizations and deviating from conventional typologies. These results indicate that unifacially shaped artifacts, while embodying a novel technological paradigm of production, exhibit a broader spectrum of variation mainly due to different tool functions. The combined approach adopted in this research highlights on the cultural significance of unifacial tools within Paleoamerican technological systems. It suggests probable unique tool concepts specific to the study area, challenges existing classifications, and enriches our comprehension of early lithic technology in South America.
Measuring four facets of emotion beliefs in Germany: A German-language adaptation of the EBQ and its comparability across gender and different emotion abilities
Authors: Gutzweiler Raphael , Grüning David J.
Published: January 2025

Adaptive emotion regulation, involving the modulation of positive and negative emotions based on goals, is a crucial function for a person’s mental health and general well-being. Factors influencing successful emotion regulation include beliefs about emotions, such as the controllability and usefulness of emotions. The Emotion Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ) was developed to assess these beliefs and has shown promise in predicting emotion regulation and psychopathology across different countries. This study aims to advance EBQ’s generalizability in measuring emotion beliefs by examining the scale’s different validities for a developed German version. In a German sample of 348 respondents, we show the scale’s factorial and broader construct validity as well as its factors’ reliability. Notably, we demonstrate that the German EBQ is mostly strictly measurement invariant across central sociodemographic variables like age and gender. Interestingly, we also find the scale to be robust across different levels of other psychological constructs such as emotional reactivity and efficacy.
An Extenics-TRIZ integrated RFPS model for different object of design requirements
Authors: Gui Fangzhi , Zhou Jing , Sun Xiangdong , Lu Jianfei , Cao Sheng
Published: January 2025

Extending product life is one of the effective ways to reduce the waste of resources. However, many unsatisfactory products are scrapped because of a lack of adequate performance. The product should be improved and upgraded innovatively, and the existing upgradable products may create more economic benefits for the longer product life cycles. This paper proposed a product innovative design and product upgrade employing an Extenics-TRIZ Integrated requirement-function-principle-structure (RFPS) model, which aims at complex requirement flexibility with easy-to-use design process when the product needs a redesign. Here, the requirement flexibility refers to the ability of a design object to adapt its design levels. There are two design strategies: the extension analysis methods are utilized to map the top-level requirements to functions, principles, and structures requirements, and then the TRIZ is used to handle the design problems according to the objects on different levels. This design knowledge is summarized as RFPS, and it can be reused in computer-aided innovation further. A case study for a cutting table is illustrated to the innovation and upgrade, and it indicates the effectiveness for designers to implement the design methodology.
Substance use and disordered eating risk among college students with obsessive-compulsive conditions
Authors: Jacobs Wura , DeLeon Angela , Bristow Alane , Quinn Patrick , Lederer Alyssa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

College students are at higher risk for problematic substance use and disordered eating. Few studies have examined the comorbid risks associated with OCD despite the increased prevalence of OCD among young adults. This study examined substance use and disordered eating risk associated with OCD conditions among college students and how this association may vary by sex/gender.

Methods

Data were from 92,757 undergraduate students aged 18–24 enrolled in 216 colleges between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III. Regression models were used to estimate alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and disordered eating risk among those with OCD related conditions compared to those without conditions, overall and by sex/gender, while adjusting for covariates and school clustering.

Results

Students with OCD conditions displayed a higher prevalence of substance use and disordered eating risks. In adjusted models, OCD conditions were associated with increased odds of moderate/high tobacco (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.05, 1.21), cannabis (aOR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18), alcohol (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.24) and disordered eating risk (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI 2.13, 2.43). Analyses stratified by gender revealed cis-female students with OCD conditions were at increased risk for moderate/high risk alcohol (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.08, 1.29), tobacco (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03, 1.22), cannabis (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.23) and disordered eating (aOR = 2.30, 9%% CI 2.14, 2.47). Among TGNC students, OCD conditions were associated with increased risk for moderate/high tobacco risk (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05, 1.48) and disordered eating (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.85, 2.47). OCD conditions was only associated with disordered eating among male students (aOR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.93, 2.83).

Discussion

Young adult college students with OCD conditions exhibit a higher prevalence of medium/high risk alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use and disordered eating compared to their counterparts without such conditions, even after adjusting for stress, depression, and anxiety.
Block selection in multiblock partial least squares for modeling genotype-phenotype relations in Saccharomyces
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Yude Bu , Mehmood Tahir , Bashir Saima , Ashraf Zeeshan
Published: January 2025

In data-based modeling, correlations between explanatory variables often lead to the formation of distinct gene blocks. This study focuses on identifying influential gene blocks and key variables within these blocks, with a particular application in mind: genotype-phenotype mapping in Saccharomyces. To overcome the challenges of a limited sample size, we use partial least squares (PLS). These gene blocks, which consist of combinations of genes, play a critical role in explaining phenotypic variations. Using partial least squares with multiple blocks, we propose a novel approach, weighted block importance on projection in partial least squares (BwIP-mbPLS), to identify influential gene blocks. Variable importance on projection is used to select significant genes within these blocks. Our study models copper chloride at 0.375mM and melibiose at 2% efficiency and rate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Analysis based on silhouette index and total distance within clusters using k-means shows the classification of 5629 genes into 18 gene blocks. Remarkably, BwIP-mbPLS identifies 4 gene blocks on average and significantly improves the prediction of efficiency-based phenotypes. In contrast, traditional block importance in partial least squares projection identifies 6 gene blocks on average and shows comparable or better performance than BIP-mbPLS for rate-based phenotypes. Remarkably, most gene blocks contain fewer than 10 influential genes. Both proposed variants consistently outperform conventional approaches such as partial least squares and multi-block partial least squares in predicting phenotypes. These results highlight the potential of our methods for advancing data-based modeling and genotype-phenotype mapping.
“MoSpec”: A customized and integrated system for model development, verification and validation
Authors: Pompa Marcello , Panunzi Simona , Borri Alessandro , D’Orsi Laura , De Gaetano Andrea
Published: January 2025

Background and objective

The growing availability of patient data from several clinical settings, fueled by advanced analysis systems and new diagnostics, presents a unique opportunity. These data can be used to understand disease progression and predict future outcomes. However, analysing this vast amount of data requires collaboration between physicians and experts from diverse fields like mathematics and engineering.

Methods

Mathematical models play a crucial role in interpreting patient data and enable in-silico simulations for diagnosis and treatment. To facilitate the creation and sharing of such models, the CNR-IASI BioMatLab group developed the “Gemini” (MoSpec/Autocoder) system, a framework allowing researchers with basic mathematical knowledge to quickly and correctly translate biological problems into Ordinary Differential Equations models. The system facilitates the development and computation of mathematical models for the interpretation of medical and biological phenomena, also using data from the clinical setting or laboratory experiments for parameter estimation.

Results

Gemini automatically generates code in multiple languages (C++, Matlab, R, and Julia) and automatically creates documentation, including code, figures, and visualizations.

Conclusions

This user-friendly approach promotes model sharing and collaboration among researchers, besides vastly increasing group productivity.
Artificial intelligence in dentistry: Assessing the informational quality of YouTube videos
Authors: Naik Sachin , Al-Kheraif Abdulaziz Abdullah , Vellappally Sajith
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

The most widely used social media platform for video content is YouTubeTM. The present study evaluated the quality of information on YouTubeTM on artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used YouTubeTM (https://www.youtube.com) for searching videos. The terms used for the search were "artificial intelligence in dentistry," "machine learning in dental care," and "deep learning in dentistry." The accuracy and reliability of the information source were assessed using the DISCERN score. The quality of the videos was evaluated using the modified Global Quality Score (mGQS) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) score.

Results

The analysis of 91 YouTube™ videos on AI in dentistry revealed insights into video characteristics, content, and quality. On average, videos were 22.45 minutes and received 1715.58 views and 23.79 likes. The topics were mainly centered on general dentistry (66%), with radiology (18%), orthodontics (9%), prosthodontics (4%), and implants (3%). DISCERN and mGQS scores were higher for videos uploaded by healthcare professionals and educational content videos(P<0.05). DISCERN exhibited a strong correlation (0.75) with the video source and with JAMA (0.77). The correlation of the video’s content and mGQS, was 0.66 indicated moderate correlation.

Conclusion

YouTube™ has informative and moderately reliable videos on AI in dentistry. Dental students, dentists and patients can use these videos to learn and educate about artificial intelligence in dentistry. Professionals should upload more videos to enhance the reliability of the content.
Manganese is a potent inducer of lysosomal activity that inhibits de novo HBV infection
Authors: Yu Lin , Chang Hao , Xie Wentao , Zheng Yuan , Yang Le , Wu Qiong , Bu Fan , Zhu Yuanfei , Xie Youhua , Pan Guoyu , Lan Ke , Deng Qiang
Published: January 2025

Sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) has been identified as an entry receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV), but the molecular events of the viral post-endocytosis steps remain obscure. In this study, we discovered that manganese (Mn) could strongly inhibit HBV infection in NTCP-reconstituted HepG2 cells without affecting viral replication. We therefore profiled the antiviral effects of Mn2+ in an attempt to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involved in early HBV infection. Intriguingly, Mn2+ conspicuously stimulated lysosomal activity, as evidenced by hyperactivation of mTORC1 and increased endo/lysosomal acidity. After HBV-triggered internalization, the NTCP receptor was sorted to late endosomal compartments by the ESCRT machinery in concert with the invading virion. The establishment of HBV infection was found to be independent of lysosomal fusion-driven late endosome maturation; Mn2+-induced lysosomal hyperfunction virtually impaired infection, suggesting that virions may gain cytosolic access directly from late endosomes. In contrast, suppression of lysosomal activity substantially enhanced HBV infection. Prolonged mTORC1 inactivation facilitated viral infection by depleting lysosomes and accelerating endocytic transport of virions. Notably, treatment with the natural steroidal alkaloid tomatidine recapitulated the effects of Mn2+ in stimulating lysosomal activity and exhibited potent anti-HBV activity in HepG2-NTCP cells and in proliferating human hepatocyte organoids. These findings provide new insights into the post-endocytosis events of HBV infection. The negative regulation of early HBV infection by endo/lysosomal activity makes it a promising target for antiviral therapies.
An Ensemble Based Machine Learning Classification for Automated Glaucoma Detection
Authors: Pawar Digvijay J. , Kanse Yuvraj K. , Patil Suhas S.
Published: January 2025

Glaucoma is an irredeemable eye disease that causes sight degeneration and is the fourth leading cause of vision impairment as per the World Report on Vision 2019. Several techniques exist for the screening, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation of glaucoma. But still, they are not sufficient to have control over this disease to prevent further vision loss. Studies done on the prevalence of glaucoma have reported a high proportion of undiagnosed patients. Late diagnosis is related to an increased risk of glaucoma associated with visual disability. For the effective management or prevention of blindness, the importance of early diagnosis of glaucoma cannot be underestimated. This paper has proposed an approach for effectively extracting the key features of colour retinal fundus images and categorizing them as normal or glaucomatous. The novel approach of an ensemble machine learning technique has been implemented with an Automated Weightage Based Voting (AWBV) algorithm. This paper has been designed to evaluate the performance of Probabilistic Neural Networks (PNN), K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB) and Logistic Regression (LR) as individual and ensemble classifiers. It includes the extraction of fused features from various retinal fundus image datasets. The proposed Combined Features Fused Classifier (CF2C) model has had a remarkable performance with the IEEE DataPort image dataset, achieving an ensembled prediction accuracy of 96.25 %, a sensitivity of 95.83 % and a specificity of 96.67 % which are better results than those of the five classifiers individually.
Bus Ridership Prediction and Scenario Analysis through ML and Multi-Agent Simulations
Authors: Martí Pasqual , Ibáñez Alejandro , Julian Vicente , Novais Paulo , Jordán Jaume
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces an innovative approach to predicting bus ridership andanalysing transportation scenarios through a fusion of machine learning (ML) techniques and multi-agent simulations. Utilising a comprehensive dataset from an urban bus system, we employ ML models to accurately forecast passenger flows, factoring in diverse variables such as weather conditions. The novelty of our method lies in the application of these predictions to generate detailed simulation scenarios, which are meticulously executed to evaluate the efficacy of public transportation services. Our research uniquely demonstrates the synergy between ML predictions and agent-based simulations, offering a robust tool for optimising urban mobility. The results reveal critical insights into resource allocation, service efficiency, and potential improvements in public transport systems. This study significantly advances the field by providing a practical framework for transportation providers to optimise services and address long-term challenges in urban mobility
Climate change mitigation through alternative uses of Norwegian forest resources
Authors:   Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O.Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway, Kallio A. Maarit I. , Strîmbu Victor F. , Gobakken Helle , Gobakken Terje
Published: January 2025

The carbon substitution and storage effects related to Norwegian forests and the forest sector were compared under three potential roundwood harvest scenarios: maintaining harvests at 2021 levels, increasing harvests by 20% due to policies aimed at maximizing economic benefits from the forest sector, and reducing harvests by 20% due to biodiversity concerns. For harvested wood products, both the current product structure and hypothetical alternatives were considered. The carbon stock development in forests was projected using a forestry simulation tool for Norway. Many uncertainties in carbon storage, substitution parameters, and data have been addressed using Monte Carlo simulations. Shifting a portion of pulpwood use to produce wood-based insulation materials and textile fibres was found to increase the climate benefits from the Norwegian forest sector. In contrast, the shift to bioethanol production had only a marginal effect compared to the current production structure. The analysis spanned the next two decades, which is a period relevant to the investment and operational lifespan of industrial facilities. The results suggest that during this time, smarter use of harvested roundwood for HWPs with high carbon substitution benefits can be an effective means of climate change mitigation. However, in the long term, enhancing forest carbon sinks by reducing harvests may be more beneficial for the climate, provided that global efforts to reduce emissions from energy production are successful and lead to a decrease in emissions associated with the production of various materials.
Continuous non-Equilibrium state in Novel Mechanical Interaction mechanism: A Groundbreaking Approach to Achieve First Cause Motion in Fuel Free Engine.
Authors: Naseer Khawar
Published: January 2025

Scientists are desperately looking for a new engine and trying big improvements in different engine types to fulfil future needs of world. This Engine is completely new only I have worked on it and I am launching it for first time at this level. It is Exploring the potential of novel mechanical interactionbetween two specifically shaped wheels. There is harvesting of motion from condition of non-equilibrium state dropping continuously in to non-equilibrium stateultimately achieving dynamic equilibrium in rotation of both wheels. This continuous non-equilibrium state is generating first-cause interactive motion named Muftk, while this motion is creating a new discrete Mechanical interactive force which is active force in the fuel free engine.
Analyzing the Dynamics of Curling: Insights from the Quasi Liquid Layer-Pressure Asymmetrical Model
Authors: Liu Bingmiao
Published: January 2025

Curling, a sport characterized by the precision movement of rocks on ice, has intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike. In the recent paper by Hao and Wang (2023), a novel quasi liquid layer-pressure asymmetrical model is proposed to elucidate the motion of a curling rock on an ice surface. This communication paper discusses the main findings of this research, its implications for the sport of curling, and its contributions to the broader field of physics and sports dynamics.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: January 2025
Authors: Moutsoglou Daphne
Published: January 2025

Article Title: Medical Therapies for Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Pouch Disorders —A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Die Long-COVID-Pandemie: Fakten, Kontroversen, Krankheitskonzepte und Gesellschaft
Authors: Erbguth F
Published: January 2025

Epidemiologische Daten zu den postakuten COVID-19-Folgen zeigen eine große Heterogenität (1) zur Prävalenz, (2) zur Assoziation einzelner Symptome mit der Schwere der Akuterkrankung und (3) zum Verlauf der Symptome. Anders als bei der Akutinfektion dominieren bei »Post-COVID« unspezifische neuropsychiatrische Symptome wie Fatigue, Kopfschmerzen, Brain Fog und Schmerzen. Obwohl eine rein »organische« Ursache des Syndroms bislang nicht nachgewiesen werden konnte, besteht eine heftige Kontroverse, inwieweit psychogene Mechanismen mitberücksichtigt werden müssten. Protagonisten der ausschließlich organischen Verursachung lehnen kategorisch jegliche psychosomatische Betrachtung ab. Damit findet eine Abkehr vom bewährten bio-psycho-sozialen Krankheitsmodells statt. Die Verknüpfung mit dem Syndrom der »Myalgischen Enzephalomyelitis/Chronischem Fatigue-Syndrom« verschärft die Kontroverse, deren Heftigkeit auch durch die (sozialen) Medien befeuert wird. Notwendig ist ein wissenschaftlich fundierter Diskurs über die Ursachen der Post-COVID-Symptome, die der Tatsache Rechnung trägt, dass die archaische Trennung »Soma versus Psyche« bei einer Beeinträchtigung von Gehirnfunktionen obsolet ist. Eine solche Betrachtung sollte auch dazu beitragen, dass Betroffene die Berücksichtigung psychischer Mechanismen als »zerebraler SoftwareStörung« nicht länger als diskreditierend erleben. Schlüsselwörter: Post-COVID, postakute SARS-CoV-2-Folgen, Krankheitskonzepte, bio-psycho-soziales Krankheitsmodell
Managing Urban Cultural Complexity
Authors: Skyllstad Kjell
Published: January 2025

Around the middle of the 1970s some musicians and music educators living in the Norwegian capital of Oslo met to discuss ways to create better harmony between the nature and extent of music activities in the capital and the increasing cultural complexity of its population caused by a sharp increase in immigration. This gave rise to the founding of the Intermusic center, a pioneer organization working towards bringing the population at large into living contact with the rich cultural heritage of the variegated immigrant population. The competence earned through this pioneering work was later to form the professional basis for launching the first official research undertaking evaluating the potential of a large scale school music program based on these resources. It was launched for the purpose of promoting better social relations among students in city public schools with differing populations of immigrant students. The paper attempts to discuss the methodical issues connected with an evaluative research program of this nature as well as those connected with practical teaching. An historical overview of institutionalized multicultural music teaching in Norway precedes a description of the Resonant Community project itself and is followed by an evaluative description of results and aftereffects. A concluding section discusses the future of multicultural education in Europe on the backdrop of the economic downturn and extremist actions.
Plečnikovo místo mezi náboženskými kulturami
Authors: Putna Martin C.
Published: January 2025

The Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik is known both for his ardent Roman Catholic religiosity as for his work for the Czechoslovak president, liberal religious thinker President Masaryk. Less attention has been paid to the question how these two religious cultures were compatible in his worldviews and his self-reflection. We search for the answer primarily with the help of Plečnik’s correspondence with religious personalities belonging to the Slovenian, the Austrian and the Czech culture, as well as with the help of the memoirs of Plečnik’s pupils and friends. The solution is offered by an analogy to Plečnik’s own architectonical work. His work is based on the principles and motifs of Greek and Roman architecture, but these “inherited” elements are freely modified and combined with elements of a different origin – so his religious worldview is based on beliefs and social stereotypes (and prejudices) of the contemporary Catholic milieu, but again, these elements are freely adapted and combined with other, “heterogeneous”, motifs. This internal freedom makes Plečnik’s enthusiasm plausible both for the Catholic Church and for the “anti-Catholic” President Masaryk. Although Plečnik declares himself to be an artist and a man deeply rooted in traditions – in practice, he creates and thinks as a typically “modern”, individualistic “homo religiosus”.