bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of distance away and depth of transmitters relative to a vertical acoustic telemetry array in the open ocean
Authors: Schneider Eric V. C. , Talwar Brendan S. , Bailey David M. , Killen Shaun S. , Webber Dale M. , MacSween Courtney E. , Van Leeuwen Travis E. , Smith Frank I.
Published: January 2025

Background

Many ecologically and commercially important species occur in the epipelagic marine environment and have been observed to spend a considerable amount of time associating with surface structure. The bottom depth of this habitat often exceeds transmission (~ 500-1000 m) and receiver (500–750 m) range specifications for commonly used acoustic telemetry methods that rely on an array of receivers deployed on the seafloor with overlapping fields of detection to provide positioning of acoustically tagged individuals. This poses logistical challenges for tracking the fine-scale movements, behaviors, and associations to moored and free-floating structure of these species. Acoustic telemetry can provide high resolution positioning data for tagged animals within an array of receivers with overlapping fields of detection; however, this technique has not been applied in deep open-ocean environments off the benthos.

Results

Herein, we detail the development of a novel vertical acoustic telemetry array that can be mounted on, or suspended from, various moored and free-floating structures in the open ocean, thus facilitating high resolution tracking of structure-associated epipelagic animals. This new ‘vertical acoustic array’ (VAR) allows for the calculation of a transmitter’s distance from the array and depth with average error around these metrics ranging from 16.2 to 54.8 m (distance error) and 8.6 to 61.5 m (depth error) within the tested range (~ 500 m radius around the array, ~ 300 m deep). We also validated the ability of the VAR to inform the association of an epipelagic species to surface structure by calculating fine-scale positioning for a great barracuda around a fish aggregating device (FAD), which on average was 27.9 ± 2.9 m away at a depth of 9.3 ± 0.4 m over a 9-day tracking period, demonstrating high association with the structure.

Conclusions

This new array is able to provide two-dimensional (distance away and depth) animal behavior data around natural and anthropogenic moored and free-floating structures in open-ocean environments where bottom depths often exceed transmission (~ 1000 m) and receiver (~ 500 m) range specifications of traditional bottom moored positioning arrays. This array can also be used to quantitatively assess associations of epipelagic species beyond presence/absence using a single receiver, advancing the potential to improve understanding of the interactions between pelagic fauna and anthropogenic structures such as wind turbines, oil rigs, and fish aggregation devices.
Assessing exposure to weight stigma: development and initial validation of the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI)
Authors: Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip , Chen I-Hua , Pramukti Iqbal , Huang Po-Ching , Latner Janet D. , O’Brien Kerry S. , Wang Xuelian , Chen Jung-Sheng , Üztemur Servet , Lin Chien-Chin , Chang Yen-Ling , Chin Wei-Leng , Griffiths Mark D. , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Weight stigma is pervasive, and it has a significant impact on the social, physical, and psychological health of an individual. Weight stigma is observed from several different sources. Therefore, the present study developed and validated a new instrument, the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI), to assess different sources of observed weight stigma across interpersonal and non-interpersonal sources.

Methods

The participants (n = 15,991) comprised Taiwanese young adults, Chinese adolescents, and Chinese young adults who completed paper-and-pencil and online surveys between September 2023 and December 2023. All participants provided demographic information, and completed the WeSEI, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and Perceived Weight Stigmatization Scale (PWSS). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the factor structure of the WeSEI.

Results

EFA and CFA results confirmed a seven-factor structure (television sources, traditional media sources, social media sources, parent sources, stranger sources, significant other sources, and friends sources) across 35 items of the WeSEI. Moreover, the WeSEI was supported by measurement invariance across subgroups (i.e., subsamples, gender, and weight status). Moreover, there were positive correlations between all seven factors of the WeSEI and the WSSQ and PWSS.

Conclusion

The WeSEI appears to assess observed weight stigma from different sources, and had good reliability, validity, and invariance across various subsamples. The WeSEI may be useful in clinical practice and research for assessing exposure to weight stigma from different sources.
Aggression in crime and sports: a study on prisoners and amateur combat athletes in Türkiye
Authors: Çemç Muhammed Sıddık , Madak Enes , Gülen Özgür , Sönmez Hüseyin Ozan
Published: January 2025

Background

This research focuses on examining and comparing the aggression levels of prisoners incarcerated for intentional injury and amateur combat athletes. The study aims to explore the differences in aggression levels among these groups to understand the impact of incarceration and sports participation on aggression.

Methods

The participants included in the analysis consist of prisoners (n = 363) housed in Marmara No. 7 and No. 3 Type L Closed Penal Institutions, who have been incarcerated for intentional injury, with an average age of 36.64 ± 10.30 years and an average custody period of 980.47 ± 1335.27 days. Amateur combat athletes (n = 203) with an average age of 25.17 ± 10.09 years have been actively engaged in sports for an average of 11.83 ± 9.53 years. The control group (n = 329) has an average age of 32.65 ± 7.56 years. Data collection instruments included a personal information form and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results

Analysis of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire scores revealed that the aggression levels of prisoners incarcerated for intentional injury were statistically significantly lower than those of both amateur combat athletes and control group participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant reduction in overall aggression scores was observed among prisoners as the number of days in custody increased (p = 0.045). No significant differences were found among amateur combat athletes concerning the discipline variable, and no meaningful relationship was identified between years of active sports participation and aggression scores.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that educational, social, and sports activities organized in correctional facilities can be effective in reducing aggression levels among inmates. Systematic planning, professional implementation, and continuous evaluation of such programs can make significant contributions to the rehabilitation of prisoners and their successful reintegration into society.
A dimension reduction assisted credit scoring method for big data with categorical features
Authors: Miljkovic Tatjana , Wang Pei
Published: January 2025

In the past decade, financial institutions have invested significant efforts in the development of accurate analytical credit scoring models. The evidence suggests that even small improvements in the accuracy of existing credit-scoring models may optimize profits while effectively managing risk exposure. Despite continuing efforts, the majority of existing credit scoring models still include some judgment-based assumptions that are sometimes supported by the significant findings of previous studies but are not validated using the institution’s internal data. We argue that current studies related to the development of credit scoring models have largely ignored recent developments in statistical methods for sufficient dimension reduction. To contribute to the field of financial innovation, this study proposes a Dimension Reduction Assisted Credit Scoring (DRA-CS) method via distance covariance-based sufficient dimension reduction (DCOV-SDR) in Majorization-Minimization (MM) algorithm. First, in the presence of a large number of variables, the DRA-CS method results in greater dimension reduction and better prediction accuracy than the other methods used for dimension reduction. Second, when the DRA-CS method is employed with logistic regression, it outperforms existing methods based on different variable selection techniques. This study argues that the DRA-CS method should be used by financial institutions as a financial innovation tool to analyze high-dimensional customer datasets and improve the accuracy of existing credit scoring methods.
Does sustainability disclosure improve analysts’ forecast accuracy? Evidence from European banks
Authors: Acheampong Albert , Elshandidy Tamer
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigate the extent to which sustainability disclosures in the narrative sections of European banks’ annual reports improve analysts’ forecasting accuracy. We capture sustainability disclosures with a machine learning approach and use forecast errors as a proxy for analysts’ forecast accuracy. Our results suggest that sustainability disclosures significantly improve analysts’ forecasting accuracy by reducing forecast errors. In a further analysis, we also find that the introduction of Directive 2014/95/European Union is associated with increased disclosure content, which reduces forecast error. Collectively, our results suggest that sustainability disclosures improve forecast accuracy, and the introduction of the new EU directive strengthens this improvement. These results hold after several robustness tests. Our findings have important implications for market participants and policymakers.
Clinically meaningful classes of financial toxicity for patients with diabetes
Authors: Patel Minal R. , Troost Jonathan P. , Heisler Michele , Carlozzi Noelle E.
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aims to improve the interpretability and clinical utility of the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) by identifying distinct financial toxicity classes in adults with diabetes.

Methods

Data included a sample of 600 adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and high A1c. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients based on COST-FACIT score patterns.

Results

We identified 3 financial toxicity classes (high, medium and low) with strong indicators of membership classification. Multiple indicators of financial stress, maladaptive cost-coping behaviors, more comorbidities, more prescribed medications, more diabetes distress, more depressive symptoms, closer to the federal poverty level, female, having lower educational attainment and being single were all significant predictors of high financial toxicity class membership. A score of 26 on the COST-FACIT was the strongest threshold for sorting high vs. medium/low financial toxicity, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 76% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 93%.

Conclusion

The COST-FACIT can be used to reliably identify people with diabetes that have high financial toxicity. Integrating this new cut-score into clinical practice may help clinical teams identify people in need of additional support due to financial toxicity.
Assessment of risk communication and community engagement interventions during the Marburg virus disease outbreak in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Mwanjala Mololo Noah , Mnkeni Emmanuel , Mtalika Mikidadi Issanudia , Mponela Marcelina , Musyani Atuganile , Mrema George , Seleman Amour , Gitige Catherine , Mukurasi Kokuhabwa , Macha Gloria , Mohamed Hussein , Horumpende Pius , Leonard Leopord Sibomana , Mcharo Jonathan , Gatei Wangeci , Manyatta Salum
Published: January 2025

Background

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a deadly illness caused by the zoonotic Marburg virus, which has led to outbreaks with fatality rates up to 100% in some African countries. On March 21, 2023, Tanzania had its first MVD outbreak, resulting in nine cases and six deaths, leading to a fatality rate of 66.7%. Following that, the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) approach was promptly initiated to create community awareness regarding the MVD. A descriptive cross-sectional assessment was conducted in May 2023 in Bukoba District Council and Bukoba Municipal Council in the Kagera region to document the community awareness and sources of information regarding MVD during the outbreak. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed using the WHO COVID-19 RCCE Rapid Quantitative Assessment Tool. Descriptive analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel 2021.

Results

There were a total of 714 community respondents, of whom 456 (63.9%) were from Bukoba District Council. The majority 628 (88%) were aged 18 years and above. There were 393 (55%) females, and 407 (57%) of respondents had completed primary education. All respondents reported being informed about MVD through different channels, with 588 (82.4%) receiving information from Community Health Workers. Most of them 573 (80.3%) were satisfied with implemented RCCE interventions, 651 (91.2%) perceived MVD to be an extremely severe disease, and 698 (97.76%) mentioned hand washing as one of the recommended preventive measures.

Conclusions

During the Marburg virus disease outbreak response, where risk communication and community engagement interventions were implemented, the community was aware of the Marburg virus disease and community health workers emerged as the most frequently mentioned channel of communication during the outbreak.
The SEIRS-NIMFA epidemiological model for malware propagation analysis in IoT networks
Authors: Quiroga-Sánchez Laura , Montoya Germán A. , Lozano-Garzon Carlos
Published: January 2025

With the rapid advancement of Internet of Things networks and its significant cybersecurity challenges, the proposal of models capable of studying malware propagation within these structures has become highly relevant. This paper aims to formulate and implement an SEIRS-NIMFA model to analyze the dissemination of malware infections with a latency period. To accomplish this, we mathematically articulated an SEIRS epidemiological model using an individual-based approach and implemented it using Python. In addition, this paper examines how varying the network size and density, the initially infected device, and several model parameters influence the propagation dynamics. Moreover, to address the Markov chain approach’s high temporal and spatial complexity, we use the n-intertwined mean-field approximation method. Our findings demonstrate that our proposal can effectively aid decision-making in implementing security measures in real-world situations. Finally, our proposal and its implementation are open to further enhancements, broadening their potential applications.
Role of childhood trauma in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: a report from China
Authors: Tong Xin , Luo Rong , Hu Xiao , Zhou Dong , An Dongmei
Published: January 2025

Background

To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of childhood trauma in Chinese patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) compared to the healthy population.

Methods

Patients with PNES and sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited. All the participants were interviewed to collect demographics, information of childhood environment, and clinical characteristics. Each participant completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Factors associated with childhood trauma, psychiatric symptoms, and clinical features of PNES were analyzed.

Results

A total of 35 PNES patients and 34 controls were included in this study. Compared with the controls, the PNES patients reported a higher rate of childhood trauma and more severe psychiatric symptoms. In the PNES patients, early separation from parents was related to more types of childhood trauma and emotional neglect (EN); older age and rural residence during childhood were related to sexual abuse (SA). Moreover, childhood SA and trauma accumulation were correlated with the present psychiatric symptoms. Childhood trauma and rural residence were associated with dissociative symptoms. Separation from parents predicted an earlier PNES onset, whereas childhood SA predicted a later onset. More severe dissociative symptoms were associated with higher seizure frequency.

Conclusions

Childhood trauma is related to the development of PNES and the compromised mental health in PNES patients. This highlights the importance of child protection for preventing psychiatric disorders such as PNES.
Unveiling the cultural tradition and science of Indonesian fermented ethnic soybean paste: tauco
Authors: Herlina Vika Tresnadiana , Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo
Published: January 2025

Tauco is a fermented soybean paste that originated from the acculturation between Chinese and Sundanese ethnic groups in Cianjur. This product has become an integral part of Indonesian culinary traditions. Tauco is commonly utilized as a seasoning ingredient and is incorporated into a variety of Indonesian dishes. Tauco is made through fungal solid-state fermentation, followed by aging in a salt brine. During fermentation, the nutrients in soybeans undergo biochemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes naturally secreted by microorganisms. This process produces many functional substances, enhancing tauco’s nutritional and health benefits. This review comprehensively discusses the cultural aspect, traditional fermentation process, biochemical transformations during fermentation, as well as nutritional and functional properties of tauco. The review also addresses major challenges faced by traditionally fermented tauco, such as high salt content, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and mycotoxins, and inconsistencies in quality. It concludes that establishing scientific quality standards and innovating fermentation processes are potential solutions to these issues and can enhance the safety of traditional tauco products in the future.
Lewinnek zone not “the be-all and end-all” functional planning for acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Iorio Raffaele , Viglietta Edoardo , Corsetti Federico , Gugliotta Yuri , Massafra Carlo , Polverari Daniele , Redler Andrea , Maffulli Nicola
Published: January 2025

Background

Proper positioning of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) plays a crucial role in the success and long-term survivorship of the implant. Cup positioning within the Lewinnek Safe Zone (LSZ) does not, however, avoid implant dislocation. Thus, the concept of a functional cup position has been introduced. The purpose of this study was to assess the discrepancy between LSZ and the acetabular cup position suggested by the patient’s specific functional planning. The hypothesis was that a mismatch does exist.

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with primary hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary THA with a personalized functional preoperative planning and patient-specific cup implantation system were enrolled. Anatomical and spino-pelvic functional parameters were recorded and, for each patient, a “safe cup orientation” was suggested. The suggested functional safe zone was compared to the LSZ.

Results

The mean suggested inclination was 39° ± 3° (range 32°–45°). The mean suggested anteversion was 21° ± 3° (range 12°–28°). The patient’s functional acetabular inclination (AI) corresponded to the LSZ in one of the 100 patients, whereas the acetabular anteversion (AV) was outside the LSZ in 8 of the 100 patients. The mean pelvic tilt while standing and sitting were 0.5° ± 7° (range 21°–45°) and −6° ± 16.7° (range −63°–33°), respectively. The mean pelvic incidence was 52° ± 9.7° (range 33°–83°).

Conclusion

When a functional patient’s specific preoperative planning is performed, the LZS does not correspond to the patient’s functional safe zone in about 8% of patients. The concept of a universal safe zone should be revisited, and a functional personalized safe zone may have to be more widely considered.
Performance analysis, conceptual mapping, and emerging trends for Gum Arabic research: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 1916 to 2023
Authors: Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Mariod Abdalbasit Adam
Published: January 2025

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural ingredient used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Numerous studies have been conducted on the physicochemical properties and applications of GA. This study aimed to map knowledge and perform a bibliometric analysis of GA research (GAR) for over a century ago. A search was carried out in the Scopus database using relevant terms and Boolean operators (Gum Arabic OR Acacia gum, OR gum sudani), and data-driven documents in English were extracted. The extracted data included citations, bibliographical and geographical information, abstracts, and keywords. The CVS and BibTex data files were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix platforms, respectively. The annual increase in GAR is incremental, consisting of 5313 documents over 108 years and produced by 27 scientific disciplines. The three most productive countries are India, China, and the United States. The rate of international co-authorship was 22.07%, with China being the most collaborative country. Food Hydrocolloids is the most prestigious source. Phillips, G.O., is the most prolific, cited, and co-cited author. Four clusters were detected based on the co-citation analysis of the authors. The most frequent terms in the GAR were “nanoparticles,” “carbon nanotubes,” “stability,” “rats,” “microencapsulation,” and ”lipase.” “Carbon nanotubes” and “microencapsulation” are evolving subjects in GAR. 2000 and 2010 are the turning points in GAR’s thematic evolution. “Ultrasound,” “Pickering emulsion,” “sensory evaluation,” “bioactive compounds,” “cytotoxicity,” and “green synthesis” are the trending topics. Our findings reveal the most common scientific research on GAR, with the physiochemical qualities of GA as a dietary and pharmaceutical constituent being the most common. The marketing, production, tapping, and processing of GA requires further investigation.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of leadless pacemaker implantation site on cardiac synchronization and tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Gao Xiao-fei , Zhu Hong , Zhang Jia-sheng , Ning-Zhang  , Pan Xiao-hong , Xu Yi-Zhou
Published: January 2025

Background

To investigate the optimization of leadless pacemaker placement and to assess its impact on heart synchronization and tricuspid regurgitation.

Results

A clinical trial was conducted involving 53 patients who underwent leadless pacemaker implantation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Hangzhou First People’s Hospital between March 2022 and February 2023. Implantation site localization was determined using the 18-segment method under RAO 30° imaging. Intraoperative and 1-month post-operative echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac electromechanical synchronization and tricuspid regurgitation; parameters of interest included interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD), pre-ejection period of the aorta (L-PEI), and septal-to-posterior wall motion delay (SPWMD). Pacing thresholds, sensing, and impedance exhibited no significant differences between the 8/9 zone and other sites (P > 0.05). In contrast, the 8/9 zone group manifested a significant reduction in L-PEI (128.24 ± 12.27 vs. 146.50 ± 18.17 ms, P < 0.001), IVMD (17.92 ± 8.47 vs. 28.56 ± 15.16 ms, P < 0.001), and SPWMD (72.84 ± 19.57 vs. 156.56 ± 81.54 ms, P < 0.001), compared to the non-8/9 group. Post-pacing QRS duration showed no significant difference between the two groups (139.21 ± 11.36 vs. 143.83 ± 16.35 ms P = 0.310). Notably, for patients with atrial fibrillation, the 8/9 zone placement significantly reduced tricuspid regurgitation. During the 1-month follow-up, neither group reported major complications such as bleeding, cardiac tamponade, pacemaker detachment, or malignant arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Implantation of the leadless pacemaker in the right ventricular 8/9 zone provides superior electromechanical synchronization compared to other sites.
Ursolic acid attenuates obesity-related metabolic dysfunction via modulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma in male Wistar rats fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat diet
Authors: Omodara Oluwatosin O. , Kawu Mohammed U. , Bako Ibrahim G. , Mhya Daniel H. , Dawus Theophilus T.
Published: January 2025

Background

The risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) precedes the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and are largely triggered by high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHFD) and sedentary lifestyle. The development of these risk factors is connected to persistent low-grade inflammation. Though, ursolic acid (UA) has been shown to prevent HCHFD-induced metabolic parameters. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of dietary UA supplementation on obesity-related metabolic disorders and inflammation in male Wistar rats fed with HCHFD. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 5): 1—normal diet (ND) + distilled water (DW); 2—ND + UA; 3—HCHFD + DW; 4—HCHFD + UA. HCHFD was augmented with 20% fructose in drinking water. The animals were fed their respective diets daily for 20 weeks. 250 mg/kg body weight of ursolic acid was administered orally to UA-treated groups for the last 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected and liver and adipose tissues were harvested for biochemical and tissue analysis, respectively.

Results

BMI and FBG were significantly lowered in the HCHFD + UA-fed animals compared to the HCHFD + DW-fed animals. In the HCHFD + UA-fed animals, HOMA-IR, serum insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased compared to the HCHFD + DW-fed animals. UA significantly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased adiponectin level compared to the HCHFD + DW-fed animals. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) in adipose tissue was significantly upregulated while liver PPAR-γ mRNA level was significantly downregulated in HCHFD + UA-fed animals compared to HCHFD + DW group, respectively. UA restored the architecture of liver parenchyma to near normal.

Conclusion

Dietary UA supplementation mitigated metabolic dysfunction and inflammation associated with obesity via modulation of liver and adipose tissue PPAR-γ in male Wistar rats fed with HCHFD for 20 weeks.
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of insect-derived natural products for drug discovery
Authors: Anal Jasha Momo H. , Mozhui Lobeno , Rokhum Samuel Lalthazuala
Published: January 2025

Background

The recent FDA-approved Ycanth (cantharidin) for treating Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection, was first reported from blister beetles. Medicinal insects are reservoirs for exploring bioactive molecules, which have various benefits. Their use in traditional medicinal practices explains why uncovering new chemical substances is worthwhile.

Main body of the abstract

Insect-derived natural products with diverse and unique structures are significant for drug discovery and development potential. Various natural products are reported from insect sources; in this context, it also emphasizes the importance of active global participation among researchers, as it offers significant potential for developing a sustainable approach to why this should not remain untouched for ever-increasing unmet challenges.

Conclusion

Hence, practitioners in natural product chemistry and allied disciplines have a role in understating the enormous potential of discovering bioactive metabolites for their medicinal value to human health.
Diagnostic value of selected fetal echocardiographic parameters in the prenatally suspected bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Zheng Min , Ruan Yanping , Sun Lin , Liu Xiaowei , Han Jiancheng , He Yihua
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the diagnostic value of crucial parameters of echocardiography for fetal bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Fetuses with a prenatal suspected diagnosis of BAV were followed, and confirmed and misdiagnosed cases were obtained. Prenatal echocardiography was reviewed and analyzed. ROC curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of different echo signs.

Results

14 cases were confirmed, and 7 patients were misdiagnosed. Some abnormal ultrasound signs were observed in both groups, including direct ultrasound signs of the aortic valve: Two commissures and a “fish-mouth” opening; Thickening, hyperechogenicity, or the presence of a raphe; Restricted motion or opening; Eccentric or a-linear valve leaflet closure line and indirect ultrasound signs: Increased supra-aortic valve velocity; Post-stenotic widening of the ascending aorta. The combination of “Increased supra-aortic valve velocity” and “Two commissures and a ‘fish-mouth’ opening” had the highest AUC (AUC: 0.893, 95%CI: 0.752-1.000, Sensitivity: 0.786, Specificity: 1.000).

Conclusions

We first found that the combination of “Increased supra-aortic valve velocity” and “Two commissures and a ‘fish-mouth’ opening” had the best diagnostic capability and could reduce the rate of misdiagnosis. Fetuses with BAV should be followed up prenatally for the aortic valve and ascending aorta as they progressively deteriorate with gestational age.
Efficient Bayesian Physics Informed Neural Networks for Surface Tomography via Ensemble Kalman Inversion
Authors: Li Yunduo , Pensoneault Andrew , Zhang Yijie , Zhu Xueyu , Gou Rongxi , Gao Jinghuai
Published: January 2025

Surface travel-time tomography is a widely-used method to characterize the structure of the underground. However, conventional seismic tomography techniques often require a high-fidelity numerical forward model, which leads to significant computational burden and time consumption. Additionally, the inverse problem in travel-time tomography is prone to ill-posedness and lacks uncertainty quantification for the inferred results.
Extracting multi-modal Scholte wave dispersion spectra from OBC data using a frequency-Hankel transform
Authors: Sun Yao-Chong , Yang Zhentao , Pan Lei , Han Peng , Yang Jianfeng , Chen Xiaofei
Published: January 2025

The ocean bottom cable (OBC) acquisition technique has become a significant geophysical method to simultaneously record geophone and hydrophone signals. The geophone signals have been used by many surface wave dispersion inversion methods for seafloor imaging. However, geophones are not always perfectly coupled to seabed, which can lead to low-quality or unavailable signals. In contrast, hydrophones are naturally coupled to sea water and record pressure disturbances induced by Scholte waves propagating on the ocean-bottom interface. We attempt to extract useful Scholte wave dispersion energy spectra from independent hydrophone or geophone signals of OBC systems by an extended frequency-Hankel transform method. Results show that this transform method can extract high-quality multi-modal Scholte wave dispersion energy spectra from independent geophone or hydrophone data.
High-resolution imaging of sedimentary bauxite deposits and structural controls on mineralization in western Guangxi province based on efficient 3-D TEM observation and inversion
Authors: Wei Laonao , Liu Yunhe , Yin Changchun , Zhang Bo , Ren Xiuyan , Su Yang , Rong Zhihao
Published: January 2025

Bauxite plays a crucial role in metallic and non-metallic industry. The surface-exposed salento-type bauxite deposits have been largely exploited and developed. With the increasing demand of these resources, it is important but very challenging to explore the potential bauxite deposits in the deep earth. In this paper, based on new developments in transient electromagnetic (TEM) technologies, we conducted explorations of the sedimentary bauxite in Dengli-Tianyanggumei and Dajia mining areas in western Guangxi province. To achieve a fast and high-resolution inversion, we adopt an array-based observation strategy for large-scale 3-D TEM and collect EM data inside and outside the transmitting loop. Compared to traditional TEM surveys, the observation strategy can quickly acquire the data for large-scale surveys and improve the data acquisition efficiency by more than 25 times. We then use a 3-D inversion algorithm to estimate the underground conductivity structure and analyze the distribution of the sedimentary bauxite. To do that, we discretize the undulating surface and transmitter-receiver locations with unstructured grids and employ the finite-element and quasi-Newton methods to achieve high-resolution imaging of subsurface electrical structures. Since the observation strategy greatly reduces the number of transmitters, the efficiency of 3-D EM inversions can be significantly improved. Experiments over two mining areas show that our inversions can clearly recover the underground resistivities. The inferred burial depth and spatial distribution of the sedimentary bauxite are in agreement with the drilling data. By combining ERT results and geological data, we illustrate the impact of faults on the spatial distribution of potential sedimentary bauxite deposits.
Egg shape and color mediate acceptance thresholds in diverse avian host species with different rates of antiparasitic egg rejection
Authors: Fernandez-Duque Facundo , Stanback Mark , Lawson Shelby L. , Hauber Mark E.
Published: January 2025

Eggshell recognition in parental birds is vital for nest management, defense against brood parasitism, optimal embryonic development and minimizing disease and predation risks. This process relies on acceptance thresholds balancing the risk of rejecting own eggs against the benefit of excluding foreign ones, following signal detection theory. We investigated the role of object shape in egg rejection decisions among three host species of the obligate brood parasitic brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), each with a varying known response to parasitic eggs. Following previous studies on the American robin (Turdus migratorius; a robust cowbird-egg rejecter), we presented Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis; moderate rejecter) and red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus; an accepter) with 3D-printed blue model eggs varying in width or angularity. To examine the shape–color interaction, we also presented Eastern bluebirds with these series in two colors and maculation: light blue (bluebird mimetic) and white with speckles (more cowbird-like). Both American robins and Eastern bluebirds were less likely to accept blue models as their width decreased. For the blue angularity series, acceptance decreased significantly with increased angularity for the red-winged blackbird, as has been previously seen in the American robin, but not for the Eastern bluebird. For bluebirds with the white-maculated models, these patterns remained but statistical significance reversed: acceptance did not decrease significantly with width, but did decrease significantly with angularity. These results suggest that egg shape variation influences antiparasitic egg rejection behaviors, is modulated by shell color and maculation patterns, and varies among different host species, highlighting the complexity of behavioral defense cues against brood parasitism.
Artificial light at night alters risk-related behaviors of the ground-dwelling isopod Porcellionides pruinosus
Authors: Dissegna Andrea , Chiandetti Cinzia
Published: January 2025

Artificial light at night (ALAN) has emerged as a significant ecological disruptor, affecting various behavioral and physiological processes in numerous species. This study investigated the impact of ALAN on the risk-related behaviors and activity patterns of the ground-dwelling isopod Porcellionides pruinosus. Isopods were exposed to one of three different illuminance conditions (<0.01, 1 and 10 lx) over a period of 14 consecutive nights. Behavioral assays included emergence, open-field, habituation to a looming stimulus, and spatial navigation tests. Additionally, the distribution and activity patterns of the isopods within the terraria were monitored. Our results indicate that ALAN significantly disrupted the repeatability of risk-related behaviors, suggesting individual-level behavioral alterations. At the group level, ALAN-exposed isopods exhibited prolonged freezing durations in response to a looming stimulus, increased shelter-seeking behavior and reduced dispersal in the terrarium. These findings suggest that ALAN-induced transformation of activity pattern of isopods is linked to the adoption of more prudent behaviors. A similar phenomenon may affect the activity pattern of other ground-dwelling invertebrates, leading to severe alterations of the soil invertebrate community.
Elevated developmental temperatures below the lethal limit reduce Aedes aegypti fertility
Authors: Pekľanská Miriama , van Heerwaarden Belinda , Hoffmann Ary A. , Nouzová Marcela , Šíma Radek , Ross Perran A.
Published: January 2025

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the principal vectors of dengue and continue to pose a threat to human health, with ongoing urbanization, climate change and trade all impacting the distribution and abundance of this species. Hot periods are becoming increasingly common and their impacts on insect mortality have been well established, but they may have even greater impacts on insect fertility. In this study, we investigated the impacts of high temperatures on Ae. aegypti fertility both within and across generations. Mosquitoes developing under elevated temperatures exhibited higher critical thermal maxima (CTmax), reflecting developmental acclimation, but their fertility declined with increasing developmental temperature. In females, elevated developmental temperatures decreased fecundity while in males it tended to decrease the proportion of eggs that hatched and the proportion of individuals producing viable offspring. Rearing both sexes at 35°C increased fecundity in the subsequent generation but effects of elevated temperatures persisted across gonotrophic cycles within the same generation. Moreover, exposure of adults to 35°C further decreased fertility beyond the effects of developmental temperature alone. These findings highlight sub-lethal impacts of elevated temperatures on Ae. aegypti fertility and plastic responses to thermal stress within and across generations. This has significant implications for predicting the distribution and abundance of mosquito populations thriving in increasingly warmer environments.
Strategic priorities and challenges in research software funding: Results from an international survey
Authors: Jensen Eric A. , Katz Daniel S.
Published: January 2025

Background Research software is increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure in contemporary science. It spans a broad spectrum, including source code files, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows, and executables, all created for or during research. While research funders have developed programs, initiatives, and policies to bolster research software’s role, there has been no empirical study of how these funders prioritize support for research software. Understanding their priorities is essential to clarify where current support is concentrated and to identify strategic gaps. Methods We conducted an online mixed methods survey of international research funders (n=36) to explore their priorities in supporting research software. The survey gathered data on the specific outcomes funders emphasize in their programs and initiatives for research software. Results The survey revealed that funders place strong emphasis on developing skills, promoting software sustainability, embedding open science practices, building community and collaboration, advancing research software funding mechanisms, increasing software visibility and use, fostering innovation, and ensuring security. Conclusions The findings highlight opportunities to enhance research software’s role through increased funder attention on professional recognition for software contributions and the non-technical, social aspects of research software sustainability. Addressing these areas could lead to more effective support and development of research software, ultimately benefitting the entire research ecosystem.
Controlled carbon dioxide enrichment using beer fermentation off-gas results in 89% spinach yield increase
Authors: Halter Mathew
Published: January 2025

Carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment is a strategy commonly employed by indoor/vertical farms to improve crop yields. Artificially elevating the CO2 concentration within an enclosed growth space results in improved photosynthetic efficiency, and therefore improved crop growth rates and flavor profiles. Alcohol fermentation provides a steady stream of CO2 that is typically emitted to the atmosphere as a by-product. To evaluate the feasibility of using fermentation off-gas as a source for indoor CO2 enrichment, spinach plants were randomly assigned to 2 growth chambers. The control chamber was maintained under ambient CO2 concentrations, while the treatment chamber was piped onto a flow control system capable of delivering CO2 from a beer fermentation vessel to the growth chamber to maintain CO2 levels at a setpoint of 1200 parts-per-million (ppm). CO2 flow was diverted to the growth chamber when levels were below 1200 ppm, and to an external exhaust when chamber levels were above 1200 ppm, with the flow control device measuring internal CO2 concentrations and responding accordingly every 6 seconds. Standardized batches of beer were used to replenish the fermentation source to maintain continuous fermentation and CO2 off-gas production. The CO2 flow control device successfully maintained a strong oscillation of CO2 around the 1200 ppm setpoint within the treatment growth chamber for the duration of the 50-day growth period. Spinach plants grown in the treatment chamber produced significantly more fresh biomass (5.456 g vs. 2.888 g), dry biomass (0.5711 g vs. 0.271 g), and significantly longer leaf lengths (231.0 mm vs. 159.9 mm) than their control chamber counterparts, respectively. This represents an 89% increase in fresh spinach crop yield within a controlled indoor growth environment.
Expression status transition of NOTCH1 accompanies chromatin remodeling in human early retinal progenitor cells
Authors: Watabe Yoshitoku , Kobayashi Sakurako , Nakayama Takahiro , Takahashi Satoru , Yoshihara Masaharu
Published: January 2025

Background The regulation of receptor expression is crucial for fine-tuned signal transduction. Notch signaling is a key signaling pathway involved in retinal development. Although the involvement of this signaling pathway in the differentiation of retinal ganglion cells has been documented, less is known about its involvement in earlier stages of retinal progenitor cell differentiation. We aimed to clarify the timing of Notch receptor expression in undifferentiated retinal progenitor cells and elucidate the possible involvement of chromatin remodeling in the regulation of Notch receptor expressions. Methods We re-analyzed publicly available human fetal retina single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data (GSE183684) using Seurat/Signac pipelines. Results On days 59, 74, and 78, we observed NOTCH1 mRNA expression in early retinal progenitor cells, which diminished at later stages of differentiation. Integration of single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq revealed that chromatin remodeling in part of the NOTCH1 locus was accompanied by transitions in its mRNA expression. Importantly, chromatin accessibility in the region upstream of NOTCH1 depended on the differentiated cell types. Conclusions These results suggest that chromatin remodeling may be involved in the differential expression of NOTCH1, although another type of Notch mRNA expression regulation may exist.
Regional Innovation System (RIS) as a means for development: Policies, opportunities and challenges in Ethiopia.
Authors: Sube Kassahun , Belay Tegegn , Hando Filimon , Bayinesagn Ashenafi
Published: January 2025

Background The successful execution of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies is crucial for developing a strong Regional Innovation System (RIS) in Ethiopia, which is essential for promoting economic growth and enhancing competitiveness. Methods This study utilized a document review approach to critically analyze Ethiopia’s current STI policies and legal frameworks within the context of the Regional Innovation System (RIS). Results The findings indicate potential solutions to strengthen Ethiopia’s regional innovation system, including increasing funding for research and development (R&D), fostering better collaboration between universities and industries, and cultivating an entrepreneurial culture. The analysis reveals that Ethiopia possesses significant opportunities to enhance its STI capabilities due to its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and growing governmental and non-governmental support. However, it also highlights critical implementation gaps in STI policies, such as inadequate infrastructure, poor coordination among stakeholders, weak university-industry partnerships, and limited R&D investment. Conclusion Ethiopia’s STI policies and legal frameworks are essential for driving economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness by fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and technology transfer. Nevertheless, the country faces challenges in effectively implementing these comprehensive policies due to existing barriers like policy gaps and insufficient institutional support. To strengthen its National Innovation System and promote sustainable economic development, Ethiopia must assess current opportunities, address these obstacles, and explore alternative policies that can enhance its STI capabilities.
Fuzzy PTM subalgebra of PTM - algebra
Authors: Melaku Alemayehu Girum , Alaba Berhanu Assaye , Bitew Bekalu Tarekegn , Derseh Beza Lamesgin
Published: January 2025

Background This article introduces the concept of fuzzy pseudo-TM subalgebra (FPTMSA) of pseudo-TM algebra (PTMA). This study explores the relationship between FPTMSAs and their level sets within the context of PTMA. It further investigates the homomorphic behavior of FPTMSAs under various algebraic operations, thereby providing a foundation for further exploration of the algebraic structure of fuzzy pseudo-ideals within PTMAs. Methods The concept of level sets for FPTMSAs is defined and examined, highlighting their role in characterizing these subalgebras within a PTMA. This study explores the behavior of FPTMSAs under homomorphisms, considering both homomorphic images (HI) and inverse images (II) of FPTMSAs in PTMAs. In addition, the composition of epimorphic images and inverse images of FPTMSAs is discussed. The study also considers the properties of FPTMSAs under Cartesian products (CPs), demonstrating that the Cartesian product of two FPTMSAs remains an FPTMSA. Results This study establishes several key properties of FPTMSAs in PTMAs, particularly focusing on their behavior under homomorphisms, epimorphisms, and Cartesian products. Specifically, this study demonstrates that the Cartesian product of two FPTMSAs results in another FPTMSA. Additionally, this study examines the relationships between the homomorphic image and inverse image of FPTMSAs and presents further algebraic results related to these concepts. Conclusions The article concludes by highlighting the significant role of FPTMSAs in the structure of PTMAs, particularly in their interaction with homomorphisms, epimorphisms, and Cartesian products. The results suggest that the FPTMSAs are robust under various algebraic operations. Future work will extend these concepts to intuitionistic fuzzy pseudo-TM subalgebra within PTMAs with the goal of uncovering new algebraic insights and results.