bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Development and Severity of Cognitive Decline in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Militaru Marius , Lighezan Daniel Florin , Tudoran Cristina , Tudoran Mariana , Militaru Anda Gabriela
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Considering the increasing prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) and cognitive decline (CD) observed in recent decades and the complex interrelation between these two pathologies often encountered in the same patient, in this study, we aimed to highlight the connection between CHF, defined as recommended by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, and CD, evaluated by employing five neuropsychological scales. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted on 190 patients with very high cardiovascular risk profiles admitted between 5 September 2021 and 15 November 2023 in the Municipal Emergency Hospital Timisoara. Of these, 103 had CHF (group A) and 87 did not (group B). Results: Although similar concerning age, sex distribution, and risk factors (excepting lipid profile), patients from group A had lower Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA levels (p = 0.003, respectively, p = 0.017) scores, more reduced daily activity (p = 0.021), and more severe depression (p = 0.015) compared to group B. We documented statistically significant correlations between left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the levels of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), as well as with the results of MMSE (r = 0.226, p = 0.002 and r = −0.275, p = 0.005, respectively), daily activity, and depression (p ˂ 0.001). Multi-logistic regression models indicated age, blood pressure values, decreased daily activity, and depression as risk factors for CD in patients with CHF. Conclusions: In patients with CHF, there is an increased propensity of CD, with a direct relationship between MMSE and LVEF levels and an indirect one between MMSE and NT-pro-BNP levels. The concomitance of depression and reduced activity levels are aggravating CD in these patients.
Miodynamic and Radiographic Evaluation in Recreative Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Garza-Borjón Abiel Eugenio , González-González Mirna , de la Garza-Salazar José Fernando , Simental-Mendía Mario , Acosta-Olivo Carlos
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is frequent in the young and active population. The effect of muscle strength in the lower extremities after aerobic activity in patients with this condition has yet to be detailed. Our objective was to determine if patients with PFP show alterations in lower extremity muscle strength measurements after performing a session of ten minutes of aerobic activity on a treadmill compared to people without patellofemoral pain. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective experimental study with a stratified, non-randomized, and non-blinded population sample with group matching, including an experimental group with PFP and a control group with no pain. Subjects completed self-reported functional questionnaires (IKDC, Kujala, KOOS, SF-12), underwent radiographic studies, and were evaluated by measuring the strength of hip and knee muscles and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop (SLTH) test before and after ten minutes of exercise on a treadmill. Results: Seventeen subjects diagnosed with PFP and seventeen control subjects were evaluated. Both groups were homogeneous and had no significant differences in the demographic variables. A wider sulcus angle at 30° (136.8 ± 3.8° vs. 132.5 ± 5.6°, p = 0.0140), a decrease strength post-exercise in the hip abductor (37.9 ± 7.1 N⋅m vs. 45.6 ± 7.7 N⋅m, p < 0.05) and knee extensor (36.0 ± 9.1 N⋅m vs. 47.7 ± 14.0 N⋅m, p < 0.05), and a shorter distance in the SLTH test (337.9 ± 74.9 cm vs. 438.6 ± 65.8 cm, p < 0.01) was recorded in subjects with patellofemoral pain. Conclusions: Subjects with PFP had an overall lower strength of hip and knee muscles, showing significant differences in the hip abductors and knee extensors between people with PFP and healthy matched controls after aerobic exercise.
Pharmaceutical Removal with Photocatalytically Active Nanocomposite Membranes
Authors: Popović Marin , Morović Silvia , Kovačić Marin , Košutić Krešimir
Published: November 2024

The advancement of pharmaceutical science has resulted in the development of numerous tailor-made compounds, i.e., pharmaceuticals, tuned for specific drug targets. These compounds are often characterized by their low biodegradability and are commonly excreted to a certain extent unchanged from the human body. Due to their low biodegradability, these compounds represent a significant challenge to wastewater treatment plants. Often, these compounds end up in effluents in the environment. With the advancement of membrane technologies and advanced oxidation processes, photocatalysis in particular, a synergistic approach between the two was recognized and embraced. These hybrid advanced water treatment processes are the focus of this review, specifically the removal of pharmaceuticals from water using a combination of a photocatalyst and pressure membrane process, such as reverse osmosis or nanofiltration employing photocatalytic nanocomposite membranes.
Regulation of Milk Fat Synthesis: Key Genes and Microbial Functions
Authors: Yu Ye , Fu Runqi , Jin Chunjia , Gao Huan , Han Lin , Fu Binlong , Qi Min , Li Qian , Suo Zhuo , Leng Jing
Published: November 2024

Milk is rich in a variety of essential nutrients, including fats, proteins, and trace elements that are important for human health. In particular, milk fat has an alleviating effect on diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Fatty acids, the basic units of milk fat, play an important role in many biological reactions in the body, including the involvement of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids in the formation of cell membranes. However, milk fat synthesis is a complex biological process involving multiple organs and tissues, and how to improve milk fat of dairy cows has been a hot research issue in the industry. There exists a close relationship between milk fat synthesis, genes, and microbial functions, as a result of the organic integration between the different tissues of the cow’s organism and the external environment. This review paper aims (1) to highlight the synthesis and regulation of milk fat by the first and second genomes (gastrointestinal microbial genome) and (2) to discuss the effects of ruminal microorganisms and host metabolites on milk fat synthesis. Through exploring the interactions between the first and second genomes, and discovering the relationship between microbial and host metabolite in the milk fat synthesis pathway, it may become a new direction for future research on the mechanism of milk fat synthesis in dairy cows.
Immune Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines: Advances and Challenges
Authors: Silva Gabriela Souza da , Borges Sofia Giacomet , Pozzebon Bruna Bastos , Souza Ana Paula Duarte de
Published: November 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly. This virus primarily infects ciliated epithelial cells and activates alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering an innate antiviral response that releases pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, immunity generated by infection is limited, often leading to reinfection throughout life. This review focuses on the immune response elicited by newly developed and approved vaccines against RSV. A comprehensive search of clinical studies on RSV vaccine candidates conducted between 2013 and 2024 was performed. There are three primary target groups for RSV vaccines: pediatric populations, infants through maternal immunization, and the elderly. Different vaccine approaches address these groups, including subunit, live attenuated or chimeric, vector-based, and mRNA vaccines. To date, subunit RSV vaccines and the mRNA vaccine have been approved using the pre-fusion conformation of the F protein, which has been shown to induce strong immune responses. Nevertheless, several other vaccine candidates face challenges, such as modest increases in antibody production, highlighting the need for further research. Despite the success of the approved vaccines for adults older than 60 years and pregnant women, there remains a critical need for vaccines that can protect children older than six months, who are still highly vulnerable to RSV infections.
Case Series of Listeria monocytogenes in Pregnancy: Maternal–Foetal Complications and Clinical Management in Six Cases
Authors: Castaño Frías Lucía , Tudela-Littleton Peralta Carmen , Segura Oliva Natalia , Suárez Arana María , Cuenca Marín Celia , Jiménez López Jesús S.
Published: November 2024

Background: Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive intracellular bacillus, causes listeriosis, which is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and vertical transmission. The incidence of the disease is estimated to be between one and ten cases per million globally, with pregnant women being particularly vulnerable. Objective: The aim was to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of cases of gestational listeriosis at Hospital Materno Infantil de Málaga in order to improve our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of six confirmed cases of listeriosis was performed in pregnant women or neonates. Diagnostic confirmation was achieved using analytic and microbiological methodologies, including blood cultures and the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP). Ethical approval was obtained, and clinical data were reviewed for reasons related to consultation, treatment approaches, and complications. Results: The most frequently observed symptoms were fever and abdominal pain, with complications such as intrauterine death and suspected chorioamnionitis. Four patients were treated with antibiotics, leading to improved outcomes. No severe complications such as neurolisteriosis were observed. Conclusions: Pregnant women are more susceptible to L. monocytogenes, which can cause mild maternal symptoms but severe foetal outcomes, including prematurity, foetal death, or neonatal infections. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving maternal–foetal outcomes.
Effect of Hyaluronic Acid on the Activity of Methylene Blue in Photogeneration of 1O2
Authors: Kardumyan Valeriya V. , Kuryanova Anastasia S. , Chernyak Aleksandr V. , Aksenova Nadezhda A. , Biryukov Mikhail V. , Glagolev Nicolay N. , Solovieva Anna B.
Published: November 2024

The effect of a natural polysaccharide (hyaluronic acid (HA)) on the photocatalytic activity of methylene blue (MB) was studied both under model conditions (a tryptophan photooxidation reaction in water) and with in vitro experiments on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacterial cultures. It was shown spectrophotometrically that, in the presence of HA, an increase in the optical density of the absorption bands λ = 665 nm and 620 nm—which correspond to the monomeric and dimeric forms of the dye, respectively—was observed in the EAS of the dye, while the ratio of the optical density of these bands remained practically unchanged. When adding HA to MB, the intensity of singlet oxygen 1O2 photoluminescence and the degree of fluorescence polarization of MB increase. The observed effects are associated with the disaggregation of molecular associates of the dye in the presence of HA. The maximum increase in the photocatalytic activity of MB (by 1.6 times) was observed in the presence of HA, with concentrations in a range between 0.0015 wt.% and 0.005 wt.%.
Co Cluster-Modified Ni Nanoparticles with Superior Light-Driven Thermocatalytic CO2 Reduction by CH4
Authors: Li Mei , Zhang Yuhua , Sun Na , Cheng Dan , Sun Peng , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2024

Excessive fossil burning causes energy shortages and contributes to the environmental crisis. Light-driven thermocatalytic CO2 reduction by methane (CRM) provides an effective strategy to conquer these two global challenges. Ni-based catalysts have been developed as candidates for CRM that are comparable to the noble metal catalysts. However, they are prone to deactivation due to the thermodynamically inevitable coking side reactions. Herein, we reported a novel Co-Ni/SiO2 nanocomposite of Co cluster-modified Ni nanoparticles, which greatly enhance the catalytic durability for light-driven thermocatalytic CRM. It exhibits high production rates of H2 (rH2) and CO (rCO, 22.8 and 26.7 mmol min−1 g−1, respectively), and very high light-to-fuel efficiency (ƞ) is achieved (26.8%). Co-Ni/SiO2 shows better catalytic durability than the referenced catalyst of Ni/SiO2. Based on the experimental results of TG-MS, TEM, and HRTEM, we revealed the origin of the significantly enhanced light-driven thermocatalytic activity and durability as well as the novel photoactivation. It was discovered that the focused irradiation markedly reduces the apparent activation energy of CO2 on the Co-Ni/SiO2 nanocomposite, thus significantly enhancing the light-driven thermocatalytic activity.
Potassium and Boron Co-Doping of g-C3N4 Tuned CO2 Reduction Mechanism for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance: A First-Principles Investigation
Authors: Fu Gang , Zhen Wenqing , Wang Hongyi , Zhou Xin , Yang Li , Zhang Jiaxu
Published: November 2024

Graphitic phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4, abbreviated as CN) can be used as a photocatalyst to reduce the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, there is still potential for improvement in the small band gap and carrier migration properties of intrinsic materials. K-B co-doped CN (KBCN) was investigated as a promising photocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction via the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. The electronic and optical properties of CN and KBCN indicate that doping K and B can improve the catalytic performance of CN by promoting charge migration and separation. In terms of the Gibbs free energy change, the CO2 reduction reaction catalysed by KBCN results in CH3OH, and its optimal pathway is CO2 → *CO2 → *COOH → CO → *OCH → HCHO → *OCH3 → CH3OH. Compared with CN, the doping elements K and B shift the rate-determining step from CO2 → *CO2 to *CO2 → *COOH. The K and B elements co-doping tuned the charge distribution between the catalyst and the adsorbate and reduced the Gibbs free energy of the rate-determining step from 1.571 to 0.861 eV, suggesting that the CO2 reduction activity of KBCN is superior to that of CN. Our work provides useful insights for the design of metallic–nonmetallic co-doped CN for photocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2PR) reactions.
Genus Stachys—Phytochemistry, Traditional Medicinal Uses, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Pashova Stela , Karcheva-Bahchevanska Diana , Ivanov Kalin , Ivanova Stanislava
Published: November 2024

The genus Stachys represents one of the most extensive genera within the subfamily Lamioideae and ranks as one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae family. Many Stachys species are associated with a rich history in traditional medicine across various cultures, and their extracts and essential oils are rich in non-volatile and volatile compounds. Because of their complex profile of bioactive substances, Stachys members are considered to possess an extensive spectrum of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and wound-healing effects, as well as benefits for memory enhancement, lipid profile regulation, blood glucose control, and weight management. Despite the wide distribution and chemical diversity of the genus, studies on its biological activities remain limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the most relevant data from studies on the bioactive compounds, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of Stachys species found in databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus. Specific keywords were used in the search strategy, including “bioactive compounds”, “Stachys”, “Lamiaceae”, “Stachys extract”, “Stachys essential oil”, “traditional uses”, “chemical composition”, “therapeutic potential”, “clinical trials”, “in vivo studies”, “in vitro studies”. The search strategy was performed according to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data from 171 studies were included. The manuscript highlights the drug-discovery potential of Stachys species, emphasizing their potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and the food industry. Moreover, it provides important data that could assist Stachys research programs.
Recent Applications of In Silico Approaches for Studying Receptor Mutations Associated with Human Pathologies
Authors: Pappalardo Matteo , Sipala Federica Maria , Nicolosi Milena Cristina , Guccione Salvatore , Ronsisvalle Simone
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the advent of computational techniques to predict the potential activity of a drug interacting with a receptor or to predict the structure of unidentified proteins with aberrant characteristics has significantly impacted the field of drug design. We provide a comprehensive review of the current state of in silico approaches and software for investigating the effects of receptor mutations associated with human diseases, focusing on both frequent and rare mutations. The reported techniques include virtual screening, homology modeling, threading, docking, and molecular dynamics. This review clearly shows that it is common for successful studies to integrate different techniques in drug design, with docking and molecular dynamics being the most frequently used techniques. This trend reflects the current emphasis on developing novel therapies for diseases resulting from receptor mutations with the recently discovered AlphaFold algorithm as the driving force.
The Impact of Telemonitoring and Telehealth Coaching on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Eid Noura M. S. , Al-Ofi Ebtisam A. , Enani Sumia , Mosli Rana H. , Saqr Raneem R. , Qutah Karimah M. , Eid Sara M. S.
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: The literature has demonstrated several pathways that link obesity with stress. Thus, new approaches to weight management programs must also integrate health coaching and telemonitoring for overall health and wellbeing. This study aimed to measure stress, anxiety, and depression scales (DASS-21) in overweight and obese participants who joined a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and the association between changes in DASS-21 scores and changes in anthropometric measures. (2) Methods: Fifty participants were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and divided into two groups: the intervention group, which received a hypocaloric diet remotely, weekly telemonitoring, and monthly telehealth coaching, and the control group, which only followed a hypocaloric diet without any support. The Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used. (3) Results: The data reveal that participants from the intervention group exhibited a significant decrease in the anxiety scale after 3 months compared with the control group. In addition, the correlations between depression, anxiety, stress, and all anthropometric measures in the intervention group showed a moderately significant positive correlation between changes in waist circumference and depression. (4) Conclusions: The findings confirm that integrating health coaching and telemonitoring can improve wellbeing and weight loss.
Fusarium spp. in Metalworking Fluid Systems: Companions Forever
Authors: Ruiz Célia , von Känel Giulia , Burkard Stefan , Küenzi Peter
Published: November 2024

Water-miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs) are utilized in a variety of metal removal and forming operations. For end-use, formulation concentrates are diluted in water, creating conditions conducive to microbial growth and metabolism, possibly compromising the fluid’s integrity and mechanically obstructing filters or piping systems. Metalworking machines offer additional habitats on surfaces that are in permanent or temporary contact with MWFs. For that reason, biocides have been incorporated into concentrates for years, but legal constraints will restrain their use in the future. While bacterial contamination of MWFs is well documented, fungal contamination is often overseen and infrequently reported in the literature. In this study, we report fungal prevalence in in-use MWFs sampled worldwide over 10 years, and we are convinced that the presence of fungi is the norm rather than the exception. In addition, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of fungicides on fungal growth, sporulation and spore viability using traditional culture-dependent methods and flow cytometry. In essence, we show that the effectiveness of these fungicides is limited and dependent on the chemical construction of the fluid. We think that the ecology created by water-diluted MWFs is of higher importance than the anti-fungal activity of single components.
Accurately Segmenting/Mapping Tobacco Seedlings Using UAV RGB Images Collected from Different Geomorphic Zones and Different Semantic Segmentation Models
Authors: Li Qianxia , Zhou Zhongfa , Qian Yuzhu , Yan Lihui , Huang Denghong , Yang Yue , Luo Yining
Published: November 2024

The tobacco seedling stage is a crucial period for tobacco cultivation. Accurately extracting tobacco seedlings from satellite images can effectively assist farmers in replanting, precise fertilization, and subsequent yield estimation. However, in complex Karst mountainous areas, it is extremely challenging to accurately segment tobacco plants due to a variety of factors, such as the topography, the planting environment, and difficulties in obtaining high-resolution image data. Therefore, this study explores an accurate segmentation model for detecting tobacco seedlings from UAV RGB images across various geomorphic partitions, including dam and hilly areas. It explores a family of tobacco plant seedling segmentation networks, namely, U-Net, U-Net++, Linknet, PSPNet, MAnet, FPN, PAN, and DeepLabV3+, using the Hill Seedling Tobacco Dataset (HSTD), the Dam Area Seedling Tobacco Dataset (DASTD), and the Hilly Dam Area Seedling Tobacco Dataset (H-DASTD) for model training. To validate the performance of the semantic segmentation models for crop segmentation in the complex cropping environments of Karst mountainous areas, this study compares and analyzes the predicted results with the manually labeled true values. The results show that: (1) the accuracy of the models in segmenting tobacco seedling plants in the dam area is much higher than that in the hilly area, with the mean values of mIoU, PA, Precision, Recall, and the Kappa Coefficient reaching 87%, 97%, 91%, 85%, and 0.81 in the dam area and 81%, 97%, 72%, 73%, and 0.73 in the hilly area, respectively; (2) The segmentation accuracies of the models differ significantly across different geomorphological zones; the U-Net segmentation results are optimal for the dam area, with higher values of mIoU (93.83%), PA (98.83%), Precision (93.27%), Recall (96.24%), and the Kappa Coefficient (0.9440) than those of the other models; in the hilly area, the U-Net++ segmentation performance is better than that of the other models, with mIoU and PA of 84.17% and 98.56%, respectively; (3) The diversity of tobacco seedling samples affects the model segmentation accuracy, as shown by the Kappa Coefficient, with H-DASTD (0.901) > DASTD (0.885) > HSTD (0.726); (4) With regard to the factors affecting missed segregation, although the factors affecting the dam area and the hilly area are different, the main factors are small tobacco plants (STPs) and weeds for both areas. This study shows that the accurate segmentation of tobacco plant seedlings in dam and hilly areas based on UAV RGB images and semantic segmentation models can be achieved, thereby providing new ideas and technical support for accurate crop segmentation in Karst mountainous areas.
Phytochemical Compounds, and Antioxidant, Anti-Hyperglycemic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Microencapsulated Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) Extract During In Vitro Digestion and Storage
Authors: Ruíz-Aguilar Isay , Meza-Márquez Ofelia Gabriela , Osorio-Revilla Guillermo , Gallardo-Velázquez Tzayhri , Ramos-Monroy Oswaldo Arturo
Published: November 2024

Garambullo fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is a rich source of phytochemical compounds that exhibit antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory activities, helping to prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate phenolic compound (PC), betalain (BL), betaxanthin (BX), and betacyanin (BC) contents, and in vitro biological activities (antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory) in microencapsulated garambullo extract during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and storage. Microencapsulation was performed using spray drying. Arabic Gum (GA, 10% in feed solution) and soy protein isolate (SPI, 7% in feed solution) were used as wall materials. After in vitro digestion, the microcapsules (GA, SPI) exhibited higher bioaccessibility (p ≤ 0.05) of PC, BL, BX, and BC, and higher antioxidant activity (AA), compared to the non-encapsulated extract. Both microcapsules showed bioaccessibility in anti-hyperglycemic activity: α-amylase (GA: 90.58%, SPI: 84.73%), α-glucosidase (GA: 76.93%, SPI: 68.17%), and Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) (GA: 52.81%, SPI: 53.03%); and in anti-inflammatory activity: cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) (GA: 78.14%, SPI: 77.90%) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (GA: 82.77%, SPI: 84.99%). During storage, both microcapsules showed a similar trend with a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in PC (GA: 39.29%, SPI: 39.34%), BL (GA: 21.17%, SPI: 21.62%), BX (GA: 23.89%, SPI: 23.45%), BC (GA: 19.55%, SPI: 19.84%), and AA (GA: 41.59%, SPI: 42.51%) after 60 days at 30 °C. Both microcapsules retained anti-hyperglycemic activity evaluated by the inhibitory activity of α-amylase (GA: 68.84%, SPI: 70.18%), α-glucosidase (GA: 59.93%, SPI: 58.69%), and DPP-4 (GA: 52.81%, SPI: 53.01%), and anti-inflammatory activity evaluated by the inhibitory activity of COX-1 (GA: 82.18%, SPI: 82.81%) and COX-2 (GA: 81.11%, SPI: 81.08%). Microencapsulation protected the phytochemical compounds and in vitro biological activities by allowing controlled release during in vitro digestion compared to the non-encapsulated extract. However, after 60 days storage at 30 °C, 60% of PC and AA, 80% of BL, BX, and BC, and 20–45% of the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activity were lost.
The Modification of Waste Polystyrene and Its Application as a Heavy Oil Flow Improver
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Chunhui , Wang Meng , Wei Tuo , Zang Yunlei , Chen Gang
Published: November 2024

The widespread use of polystyrene has brought great convenience to people’s lives, but inappropriate recycling practices can also have a significant negative impact on the environment and public health. In this work, waste polystyrene was refined using maleic acid anhydride to produce flow improvers. The effect of the modified polystyrene perception of viscosity reduction and pour point depression of Henan oil was evaluated. The results show that modified polystyrene reduces the viscosity of Henan oil by 96.5% at most and depresses the pour point by 6.1 °C at most. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HH NMR) were used to investigate the modified polystyrene. The mechanism of modified polystyrene that improves the fluidity of heavy oil was proposed and analyzed through the study of wax crystal morphology (at 20 °C below the pour point).
Measuring the Effectiveness of the ‘Batch Operations’ Energy Design Pattern to Mitigate the Carbon Footprint of Communication Peripherals on Mobile Devices
Authors: Vergallo Roberto , Cagnazzo Alberto , Mele Emanuele , Casciaro Simone
Published: November 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to play a significant role in the future development of smart cities, which are designed to be environmentally friendly. However, the proliferation of these devices, along with their frequent replacements and the energy required to power them, contributes to a significant environmental footprint. In this paper we provide scientific evidences on the advantages of using an energy design pattern named ‘Batch Operations’ (BO) to optimize energy consumption on mobile devices. Big ICT companies like Google already batch multiple API calls instead of putting the device into an active state many times. This is supposed to save tail energy consumption in communication peripherals. To confirm this, we set up an experiment where we compare energy consumption and carbon emission when BO is applied to two communication peripherals on Android mobile device: 4G and GPS. Results show that (1) BO can save up to 40% energy when sending HTTP requests, resulting in an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. (2) no advantages for the GPS interface.
Validation of the Psychometric Properties of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory in the University Population
Authors: Ramírez Andrés , Medina-Maldonado Venus , Burgos-Benavides Luis , Alfaro-Urquiola Alhena L. , Sinchi Hugo , Herrero Díez Javier , Rodríguez-Diaz Fco. Javier
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI) within the context of the university population in Ecuador. The CRSI measures how individuals manage interpersonal conflicts, a critical skill for university students. A sample of 746 university students from various institutions across Ecuador participated in the study. The CRSI, which categorizes conflict resolution styles into five types (competing, avoiding, accommodating, collaborating, and compromising), was translated and culturally adapted for the Ecuadorian context. Psychometric analyses, including factor analysis and reliability testing, were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the inventory. The factor analysis supported the five-factor structure of the CRSI, confirming that the inventory is suitable for measuring distinct conflict resolution styles in this population. The inventory showed good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.70 for all subscales. Additionally, the test–retest reliability indicated stability over time. The validated CRSI provides a robust instrument for understanding and improving conflict resolution skills among university students in Ecuador, contributing to better interpersonal relationships and academic environments.
“Our Needs Our Solutions”: Workshop with Migrant Adolescents on Their Emotional and Relational Needs
Authors: Rodríguez-Ventosa Herrera Elena , Roldán Franco María Angustias , Muñoz-San Roque Isabel
Published: November 2024

Migrant adolescents face unique emotional and relational challenges that can hinder their well-being and development. While prior research has identified many of these challenges, there is limited work exploring migrant adolescents’ perspectives on their needs. This study aims to bridge that gap by adopting a participatory approach to investigate the emotional and relational needs of migrant adolescents in Spain and the solutions they propose to address them. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as the theoretical framework, we conducted qualitative participatory research with migrant adolescents. They identified their emotional and relational needs, which were categorised into six thematic areas distributed across the ecological levels. The themes include supporting their families, receiving recognition and emotional support from relatives, improving school and societal experiences, learning the host language, gaining empathy from the local population, and regularising their legal status. The key actors identified to help meet their needs include parents, teachers, peers, society, and policymakers. The participants proposed self-directed solutions to these challenges, such as fostering peer relationships and advocating for policy reforms. The findings suggest that migrant adolescents have valuable insights into their emotional and relational needs, emphasising the importance of involving them in shaping interventions that support their inclusion and mental health.
Testing in Football: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hall Elliott C. R. , John George , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: November 2024

Football clubs regularly test and monitor players, with different approaches reflecting player age and competitive level. This narrative review aims to summarise justifications for testing and commonly used testing protocols. We also aim to discuss the validity and reliability of specific tests used to assess football players and provide a holistic overview of protocols currently used in football or those demonstrating potential utility. The PubMed, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar databases were screened for relevant articles from inception to September 2024. Articles that met our inclusion criteria documented tests for several purposes, including talent identification or the assessment of growth/maturation, physiological capacity, sport-specific skill, health status, monitoring fatigue/recovery, training adaptation, and injury risk factors. We provide information on specific tests of anthropometry, physical capacity, biochemical markers, psychological indices, injury risk screening, sport-specific skills, and genetic profile and highlight where certain tests may require further evidence to support their use. The available evidence suggests that test selection and implementation are influenced by financial resources, coach perceptions, and playing schedules. The ability to conduct field-based testing at low cost and to test multiple players simultaneously appear to be key drivers of test development and implementation among practitioners working in elite football environments.
Immunity Dynamics of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroups ACYW from Birth and Following Vaccination
Authors: Zeng Lilian , Deng Yingyin , Liang Chumin , Qian Zixia , Chen Yueling , Lin Huifang , Yuan Runyu , Zhou Pingping , Zhuang Xue , Yang Ying , Zhu Qi , Sun Limei , He Jianfeng , Sun Jiufeng
Published: November 2024

Background: Serosurveillance of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis (ECM) in healthy individuals is crucial for assessing disease risk and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccinations. However, this practical work is rare in China. Methods: We conducted cross-section serosurveillance in Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, and Heyuan in Guangdong Province, measuring Anti-Nm IgG with serogroups A, C, Y, and W, and analyzed the trends using a generalized additive model (GAM). Results: During 2019–2022, 7752 participants were included. The overall antibody positivity rate for serogroups A, C, Y, and W were 60.75%, 15.51%, 32.83%, and 14.56%, respectively. High Anti-Nm IgG was in children aged 0–5 and 5–10 years old. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of Anti-Nm IgG were higher and correlated positively with vaccine doses compared with unvaccinated individuals. The GMC showed a consistent decrease trend in the vaccinated and a U-shaped curve in populations. The declined rates of GMC were 1.59 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.14) µg/mL, 1.65 (95% CI: 1.28, 2.03), 0.62 (95% CI: 0.22, 1.03), and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.53) µg/mL per year for serogroups A, C, Y, and W, respectively. Conclusions: There were differences in antibody positivity rate and GMC for the four serogroups of ECM in the healthy individuals of Guangdong Province, with serogroup A showing the highest, and the demographic differences highlighted the high seroprevalence of Neisseria meningitidis in younger people. The variable prevalence rates among serogroups A, C, Y, and W and the observed decline in antibody titers underscore the need for adjustments in the immunization program targeting the meningococcal vaccine.
Lumpy Skin Disease: Insights into Molecular Pathogenesis and Control Strategies
Authors: Haider Ali , Abbas Zaheer , Taqveem Ahsen , Ali Abid , Khurshid Mohsin , Naggar Rania F. El , Rohaim Mohammed A. , Munir Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral infection that affects buffaloes and cattle across various regions, including both tropical and temperate climates. Intriguingly, the virus–carrying skin sores remain the primary source of infection for extended periods, exacerbated by the abundance of vectors in disease–endemic countries. Recent scientific advances have revealed the molecular aspects of LSD and offered improved vaccines and valuable antiviral targets. This review summarizes the molecular features of LSD and its effect on various livestock species. We then provide an extensive discussion on the transmission dynamics of LSD and the roles of vectors in its continued spread among livestock populations. Additionally, this review critically analyses the rationales behind, as well as the affordability and effectiveness, of current control strategies worldwide.
Lake Trafford Nutrients Budget and Influxes After Organic Sediment Dredging (South Florida, USA)
Authors: Thomas Serge , Lucius Mark A. , Kim Jong-Yeop , Everham Edwin M. , Missimer Thomas M.
Published: November 2024

Lake Trafford, a 600-ha subtropical lake in southwestern Florida, has suffered from over 50 years of cultural eutrophication, resulting in the invasion of Hydrilla verticillata and organic sediment accumulation due to herbicide treatments. This study aimed to assess the effects of dredging on nutrient dynamics. A pre-dredging nutrient budget, developed using land use models and climatic data, estimated nutrient loads of 190 kg d−1 for total nitrogen (TN) and 18.6 kg d−1 for total phosphorus (TP), with total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) of 70.4 kg d−1 for TN and 4.15 kg d−1 for TP. Post-dredging analysis, using detailed spatiotemporal data, showed higher nutrient loads of 274.3 kg d−1 for TN and 24.2 kg d−1 for TP. While dredging reduced legacy nutrient accumulation, it led to increased nutrient influx from groundwater, caused by the exposure of organic sediment, as evidenced by increased lake water electrical conductivity. These findings demonstrate the importance of conducting thorough pre-dredging assessments to mitigate unintended consequences, offering practical insights for managing nutrient loads and improving restoration strategies in eutrophic lakes.
Numerical Study of the Cavitation Performance of an Ice-Blocked Propeller Considering the Free Surface Effect
Authors: Zhou Li , Zhang Anwen , Ding Shifeng , Han Sen , Li Fang , Kujala Pentti
Published: November 2024

Propeller cavitation performance can be predicted based on model tests or simulations. However, the cavitation performance of an ice-blocked propeller near the free surface differs from that of a propeller in the cavitation tunnel. Therefore, research on the cavitation performance simulation of propellers near the free surface holds crucial scientific significance. In this study, a coupled model was established using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) coupling method. The CFD-VOF model weighted the overlapping grids and simulated the cavitation performance of an ice-blocked propeller using various immersion depths, cavitation numbers, and advance coefficients. The propeller inflow ahead of the propeller and the wake field behind it were controlled to accurately obtain the propeller cavitation performance. Moreover, a comparison was conducted between the cavitation tunnel test results and the numerical simulation results at various immersion depths. When the immersion depth was at a distance of 1D, the effect of the free surface on the propeller cavitation performance became significant. When the immersion depth was at a distance of 9D, the average errors between the numerical simulation and the model test data were within 10%. This study analyzed the cavitation performance of ice-blocked propellers near the free surface and provided valuable insights for the design of ice-class propellers.
Patient hand hygiene experiences in a primary care centre in Ireland during COVID-19
Authors: Kinsella Anne-Marie , O'Reilly Pauline
Published: November 2024

The implementation of proper hand hygiene (HH) has been shown to reduce the risk of developing healthcare-associated infections. There is an increased awareness of the importance of HH since the onset of COVID-19. This study used an interpretive descriptive qualitative design to explore patients’ experiences of healthc workers’ (HCWs’) HH practices in a primary care centre in Ireland during COVID-19. The data were collected from 12 participants using in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were constructed, each with two subthemes. Theme 1, ‘Focus and Awareness’, had the subthemes ‘Hand Hygiene and Patient’s Awareness’ and ‘Positive Effects of COVID-19’. Theme 2, ‘Breaking Barriers’, had the subthemes ‘Fear of Repercussions’ and ‘Responsibility and Empowerment’. Patients believed they should have a role when it comes to ensuring correct HH is performed during their episode of care. Barriers to this included the perceived reaction of HCWs to the feedback and a lack of knowledge of the five moments of hand hygiene.
Repercusión del delito de prostitución forzada de niñas, niños y adolescentes en el Ecuador
Authors: Rodríguez Tapia Cristopher Patricio , Tapia Torres Janneth Marizol
Published: November 2024

La prostitución forzada de niños, niñas y adolescentes es un delito grave que viola múltiples derechos humanos fundamentales. En Ecuador, este problema tiene serias repercusiones a nivel individual, familiar y social. Las víctimas sufren daños físicos y psicológicos severos. El objetivo de este artículo es describir repercusión del delito de prostitución forzada de niñas, niños y adolescentes en el Ecuador. Se orientó en el enfoque cuantitativo, el paradigma positivista, el tipo de investigación fue descriptivo-documental-bibliográfica. Como técnica de información se utilizó análisis de bibliografías y documentales. Los resultados muestran que, existe un impacto en las víctimas, la cual se ve reflejado en daños físicos y psicológicos severos, incluyendo estrés postraumático, depresión, ansiedad y baja autoestima. Se concluye que, la prostitución forzada en NNA constituye uno de los delitos más graves ya que se puede reconocer como una grave vulneración a los miembros de un grupo de atención prioritaria como son los menores
Deficiencias procesales en las garantías jurisdiccionales respecto del derecho a la salud
Authors: Burbano Zambrano Leonardo Andrés , Freire Gaibor Edward Fabricio
Published: November 2024

Las garantías jurisdiccionales respecto del derecho a la salud son fundamentales para asegurar que los ciudadanos puedan acceder a servicios de salud adecuados y oportunos. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las deficiencias procesales en las garantías jurisdiccionales respecto del derecho a la salud en Ecuador. Se orienta en la investigación cuantitativa, de tipo analítico, documental; la muestra fueron los documentos legales sobre las deficiencias procesales en las garantías jurisdiccionales respecto del derecho a la salud, nacionales e internacionales. La técnica para recopilar la información se utilizaron las revistas indexadas y documentos legales. Los resultados fueron los principales problemas identificados son la falta de jueces especializados, la residualización de las garantías, vacíos en la regulación probatoria, complejidad de los procedimientos y desconocimiento ciudadano. Se concluye que, Es fundamental revisar y reformar la normativa vigente para eliminar la residualización de la Acción de Protección.
Fundamentación de los actos administrativos: un análisis a partir de la sentencia No. 1158-17-EP/21
Authors: Aponte Sánchez Ronnal José , Benavides Martínez Jessika Larisa , Vaca Mantilla Marcos Daniel , Chiliquinga Jaramillo Luis Adrian , Chiliquinga Cevallos Luis Adrian
Published: November 2024

La fundamentación de los actos administrativos constituye un pilar fundamental del Estado de Derecho, garantizando la transparencia, la predictibilidad y la legitimidad de la actuación administrativa. El objetivo del estudio es analizar los estándares de suficiencia motivacional presentes en la sentencia No. 1158-17-EP/21, a través de un análisis fenomenológico y hermenéutico. Se orientó en el enfoque cualitativo y paradigma interpretativo. La técnica utilizada fue una revisión bibliográfica. Se recopiló una variedad de fuentes para construir la muestra cualitativa. Los hallazgos muestran que, la Corte Constitucional del Ecuador establece que la motivación no es solo un requisito formal, sino un componente que garantiza la legalidad y legitimidad de las decisiones administrativas. La sentencia No. 1158-17- EP/21 establece estándares claros sobre lo que constituye una motivación suficiente, estableciendo que esta debe ser explícita, específica y comprensible. Se concluye que, la motivación no es un mero formalismo, sino un requisito esencial para garantizar la legalidad, la transparencia y la legitimidad de la acción administrativa.
Seguridad laboral de los pescadores artesanales de pequeños peces pelágicos en Ecuador
Authors: Murillo Cedeño Jamileth Mayerly , Piloso Moreira Verónica Alexandra
Published: November 2024

La seguridad laboral de los pescadores se refiere a las condiciones y prácticas que garantizan la protección de la salud de los trabajadores en el sector, es fundamental para la economía y la alimentación de millones de personas. El objetivo es analizar la seguridad laboral de los pescadores artesanales de pequeños peces pelágicos en Ecuador considerando el marco legal que la rige. Obedece a las características y condiciones de una revisión sistemática considerando el marco legal que rige la seguridad laboral de los pescadores artesanales, entonces es de tipo hermenéutica. El diseño fue documental. La técnica para recopilar la información mediante revistas indexadas y de documentos legales. Los resultados fueron que los reglamentos instituyen medidas preventivas que deben implementarse para reducir riesgos laborales asociados con la actividad pesquera. Se concluye que, exige evaluaciones previas para cualquier actividad que pueda impactar significativamente el medio ambiente, incluida la pesca.
Análisis jurídico de la nulidad absoluta de los contratos de compraventa en el Ecuador
Authors: Guerrero Villacis Jessica Michelle , Carrillo Alfredo Fabián
Published: November 2024

La nulidad absoluta de los contratos de compraventa en Ecuador es un tema de gran relevancia jurídica, ya que afecta la validez de las transacciones comerciales y la protección de los derechos de las partes involucradas. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar desde los criterios jurídicos la Nulidad Absoluta de los Contratos de Compraventa en el Ecuador. El tipo es cuantitativa, de carácter analítico, documental. La muestra son los documentos legales sobre la nulidad absoluta de los contratos de compraventa en el Ecuador. El diseño fue documental, se utilizaron las revistas indexadas y documentos legales. Los resultados es que, la Corte Nacional de Justicia de Ecuador ha emitido fallos que refuerzan la interpretación de la nulidad absoluta, estableciendo precedentes sobre cómo se deben manejar los casos de nulidad en los contratos de compraventa. Se concluye que, los fallos han sido cruciales para establecer precedentes sobre la nulidad absoluta.
Guía de práctica clínica para la toma de hemocultivos
Authors: Vázquez Larios María del Rosario , Huertas Jiménez Martha A. , Ramos Beltrán Carmen , Jiménez Martínez Danae , Galindo Fraga Arturo
Published: November 2024

Some factors that affect the performance of blood cultures are skin aseptic technique, blood volume, number of samples, and incubation time. However, blood culture collection is a simple technique; contaminated blood cultures can derive in erroneous diagnosis and treatment, which may increase the patients’ morbimortality. To establish and standardize the procedures and technical resources that allow for generating optimal samples for blood cultures, a multidisciplinary group of experts developed Guía de práctica clínica para la toma de muestra de hemocultivos (Clinical Practice Guide for Blood Culture Sample Collection). This guideline includes recommendations for taking blood samples for blood cultures and blood samples for blood cultures by intravascular devices.