bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Performance and Applicability of Satellite Precipitation Products over the Rio Grande–San Juan Basin in Northeast Mexico
Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez Dariela A. , Guerra-Cobián Víctor H. , Bruster-Flores José L. , Fonseca Carlos R. , Yépez-Rincón Fabiola D.
Published: June 2024

Accurate observation of precipitation data is crucial for hydrometeorological applications, requiring temporal and spatial precision. Satellite precipitation products offer a promising solution for obtaining precipitation estimates, facilitating long-term observations from global to local scales. However, assessing their accuracy compared to rain gauge observations is essential. This study aims to assess the accuracy and applicability of precipitation data from CMORPH, IMERG, and PERSIANN CCS in the Rio Grande–San Juan Basin in northeast Mexico. The evaluation of estimated precipitation was assessed using the Pearson and Spearman correlations, RMSE, MAE, and BIAS for both monthly and yearly averages. CMORPH showed minimal errors and low underestimation, while IMERG exhibited high correlations with consistent underestimation. PERSIANN CCS had lower correlations, significant overestimation, and higher errors. The Mann–Kendall (MK) test was used to determinate the precipitation trends of observed and estimated data. The observed data showed a significant positive trend in monthly averages, which is not reflected in the annual trend. Furthermore, negative annual trends were found in at least 10 stations across the basin. The application of satellite precipitation data yielded mixed outcomes, with CMORPH showing the highest level of agreement with the trend analysis results from rain gauge data. This demonstrates its reliability for weather and climate studies and suggests the potential for CMORPH to be used as an input in hydrological modeling.
Particulate Matter Exposure during Pregnancy and Childhood Leukemia Incidence
Authors: Sanz Olea Enrique , Ojeda Sanchez Carlos , Guxens Mònica , Cañete Adela , Romaguera Elena Pardo , Gómez-Barroso Diana , García-Pérez Javier , Nuñez-Corcuera Beatriz , Ortega-García Juan Antonio , Ramis Rebeca
Published: June 2024

Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer and its etiology could be related to various environmental contaminants such as particulate matter (PM). The objective of our study is to evaluate the potential association between exposure to PM during pregnancy and the incidence of childhood leukemia. We established a population-based nationwide cohort using the Spanish Birth Registry Statistics database of the National Statistics Institute. We used spatiotemporal land use random forest models to estimate the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 for the entire pregnancy and by trimesters. We conducted logistic regression analyses adjusted for various covariates. In addition, we fitted generalized additive models (GAMs) to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM levels and leukemia incidence. The study included 3,112,123 children and 1066 cases of leukemia. The results for the continuous variable of PM10 exposure levels suggested an increased risk of childhood leukemia to be associated with higher exposure. The results for the categorized PM10 variable suggest an increased risk of childhood leukemia among pregnant women whose exposure levels were higher than the median (third and fourth quartiles). The results for PM2.5 were weaker. We found association between exposure to PM10 during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood leukemia. Our findings indicate that public health interventions should aim to reduce air pollution to lower the incidence of childhood leukemia.
Improvement in the Forecasting of Low Visibility over Guizhou, China, Based on a Multi-Variable Deep Learning Model
Authors: He Dongpo , Wang Yuetong , Tang Yuanzhi , Kong Dexuan , Yang Jing , Zhou Wenyu , Li Haishan , Wang Fen
Published: June 2024

High-quality visibility forecasting benefits traffic transportation safety, public services, and tourism. For a more accurate forecast of the visibility in the Guizhou region of China, we constructed several visibility forecasting models via progressive refinements in different compositions of input observational variables and the adoption of the Unet architecture to perform hourly visibility forecasts with lead times ranging from 0 to 72 h over Guizhou, China. Three Unet-based visibility forecasting models were constructed according to different inputs of meteorological variables. The model training via multiple observational variables and visibility forecasts of a high-spatiotemporal-resolution numerical weather prediction model (China Meteorological Administration, Guangdong, CMA-GD) produced a higher threat score (TS), which led to substantial improvements for different thresholds of visibility compared to CMA-GD. However, the Unet-based models had a larger bias score (BS) than the CMA-GD model. By introducing the U2net architecture, there was a further improvement in the TS of the model by approximately a factor of two compared to the Unet model, along with a significant reduction in the BS, which enhanced the stability of the model forecast. In particular, the U2net-based model performed the best in terms of the TS below the visibility threshold of 200 m, with a more than eightfold increase over the CMA-GD model. Furthermore, the U2net-based model had some improvements in the TS, BS, and RMSE (root-mean-square error) compared to the LSTM_Attention model. The spatial distribution of the TS showed that the U2net-based model performed better at the model grid scale of 3 km than at the scale of individual weather stations. In summary, the visibility forecasting model based on the U2net algorithm, multiple observational variables, and visibility data from the CMA-GD model performed the best. The compositions of input observational variables were the key factor in improving the deep learning model’s forecasting capability, and these improvements could improve the value of forecasts and support the socioeconomic needs of sectors reliant on visibility forecasting.
Natural Aerosols, Gaseous Precursors and Their Impacts in Greece: A Review from the Remote Sensing Perspective
Authors: Amiridis Vassilis , Kazadzis Stelios , Gkikas Antonis , Voudouri Kalliopi Artemis , Kouklaki Dimitra , Koukouli Maria-Elissavet , Garane Katerina , Georgoulias Aristeidis K. , Solomos Stavros , Varlas George , Kampouri Anna , Founda Dimitra , Psiloglou Basil E. , Katsafados Petros , Papachristopoulou Kyriakoula , Fountoulakis Ilias , Raptis Panagiotis-Ioannis , Georgiou Thanasis , Gialitaki Anna , Proestakis Emmanouil , Tsekeri Alexandra , Drakaki Eleni , Marinou Eleni , Giannakaki Elina , Misios Stergios , Kapsomenakis John , Eleftheratos Kostas , Hatzianastassiou Nikos , Kalabokas Pavlos , Zanis Prodromos , Vrekoussis Mihalis , Papayannis Alexandros , Kazantzidis Andreas , Kourtidis Konstantinos , Balis Dimitris , Bais Alkiviadis F. , Zerefos Christos
Published: June 2024

The Mediterranean, and particularly its Eastern basin, is a crossroad of air masses advected from Europe, Asia and Africa. Anthropogenic emissions from its megacities meet over the Eastern Mediterranean, with natural emissions from the Saharan and Middle East deserts, smoke from frequent forest fires, background marine and pollen particles emitted from ocean and vegetation, respectively. This mixture of natural aerosols and gaseous precursors (Short-Lived Climate Forcers—SLCFs in IPCC has short atmospheric residence times but strongly affects radiation and cloud formation, contributing the largest uncertainty to estimates and interpretations of the changing cloud and precipitation patterns across the basin. The SLCFs’ global forcing is comparable in magnitude to that of the long-lived greenhouse gases; however, the local forcing by SLCFs can far exceed those of the long-lived gases, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Monitoring the spatiotemporal distribution of SLCFs using remote sensing techniques is important for understanding their properties along with aging processes and impacts on radiation, clouds, weather and climate. This article reviews the current state of scientific know-how on the properties and trends of SLCFs in the Eastern Mediterranean along with their regional interactions and impacts, depicted by ground- and space-based remote sensing techniques.
Spatial Analysis of Intra-Urban Air Pollution Disparities through an Environmental Justice Lens: A Case Study of Philadelphia, PA
Authors: Scolio Madeline , Borha Charlotte , Kremer Peleg , Shakya Kabindra M.
Published: June 2024

Urban air pollution has been long understood as a critical threat to human health worldwide. Worsening urban air quality can cause increased rates of asthma, respiratory illnesses, and mortality. Air pollution is also an important environmental justice issue as it disproportionately burdens populations made vulnerable by their socioeconomic and health status. Using spatially continuous fine-scale air quality data for the city of Philadelphia, this study analyzed the relationship between two air pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and three dimensions of vulnerability: social (non-White population), economic (poverty), and health outcomes (asthma prevalence). Spatial autoregressive models outperformed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, indicating the importance of considering spatial autocorrelation in air pollution-related environmental-justice modeling efforts. Positive relationships were observed between PM2.5 concentrations and the socioeconomic variables and asthma prevalence. Percent non-White population was a significant predictor of BC for all models, while percent poverty was shown to not be a significant predictor of BC in the best fitting model. Our findings underscore the presence of distributive environmental injustices, where marginalized communities may bear a disproportionate burden of air pollution within Philadelphia.
The Efficacy of Wireless Auditory Training in Unilateral Hearing Loss Rehabilitation
Authors: Lovato Andrea , Monzani Daniele , Kambo Ylenia , Franz Leonardo , Frosolini Andrea , De Filippis Cosimo
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of auditory training (AT) in patients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) using hearing aids (HAs), comparing traditional methods with a new approach involving a wireless remote microphone. Methods: The study included 96 participants, divided into two groups, with ages ranging from 42 to 64 years, comprising both male and female subjects. A clinical trial including consecutive moderate UHL patients was performed at our institution. For the study group, a Roger Pen was used during AT with patients inside a sound-attenuating cabin. Controls followed conventional sessions. Professional speech and language pathologists performed the rehabilitation. Audiological outcomes were measured, including word recognition at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of 0 dB, +5 dB, and +10 dB, to determine the effectiveness of the training. Measurements also included the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale to assess perceived auditory abilities. Results: A total of 46 and 50 UHL patients were randomly included in the study and control groups, respectively. No differences were found in terms of sex, age, presence of tinnitus, duration of hearing loss, pure tone average, and speech-in-noise perception without an HA. Following HA fitting and AT, a notable enhancement in the ability to identify speech in noisy environments was observed in the study group. This improvement was significant at SNRs of +5 and +10. When comparing the ability to identify speech in noise using HAs across both groups, it was observed that hearing capabilities post-wireless AT showed a significant improvement at an SNR of +5. Only the study group had a significant improvement in the total Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale score after the training. Conclusions: In our group of UHL patients, we found significantly better speech-in-noise perception when HA fitting was followed by wireless AT. Wireless AT may facilitate usage of HAs, leading to binaural hearing in UHL patients. Our findings suggest that future interventions might benefit from incorporating wireless technology in AT programs.
Real-Time Object Classification on an Enamel Paint Coating Conveyor Line Using Mask R-CNN
Authors: Citlak Tarik , Pillay Nelendran
Published: June 2024

The rising demand to efficiently acquire live production data has added more significance to automated monitoring and reporting within the industrial manufacturing sector. Real-time parts screening requiring repetitive human intervention for data input may not be a feasible solution to meet the demands of modern industrial automation. The objective of this study is to automatically classify and report on manufactured metal sheet parts. The metal components are mechanically suspended on an enamel paint-coating conveyor line in a household appliance manufacturing plant. At any given instant, the parts may not be in the exact coordinates within the desired area of interest and the classes of objects vary based on changing production requirements. To mitigate these challenges, this study proposes the use of a trained Mask R-CNN model to detect the objects and their associated class. Images are acquired in real-time using a video camera located next to the enamel coating line which are subsequently processed using the object detection algorithm for automated entry into the plant management information system. The highest achieved average precision obtained from the model was 98.27% with an overall accuracy of 98.24% using the proposed framework. The results surpassed the acceptable standard for the average precision of 97.5% as set by the plant production quality engineers.
C0–Semigroups Approach to the Reliability Model Based on Robot-Safety System
Authors: Kasim Ehmet , Yumaier Aihemaitijiang
Published: June 2024

This paper considers a system with one robot and n safety units (one of which works while the others remain on standby), which is described by an integro-deferential equation. The system can fail in the following three ways: fails with an incident, fails safely and fails due to the malfunction of the robot. Using the C0–semigroups theory of linear operators, we first show that the system has a unique non-negative, time-dependent solution. Then, we obtain the exponential convergence of the time-dependent solution to its steady-state solution. In addition, we study the asymptotic behavior of some time-dependent reliability indices and present a numerical example demonstrating the effects of different parameters on the system.
Exploring the Link between Varicella-Zoster Virus, Autoimmune Diseases, and the Role of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine
Authors: Ishihara Ryuhei , Watanabe Ryu , Shiomi Mayu , Katsushima Masao , Fukumoto Kazuo , Yamada Shinsuke , Okano Tadashi , Hashimoto Motomu
Published: June 2024

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a human neurotropic herpes virus responsible for varicella and herpes zoster (HZ). Following primary infection in childhood, VZV manifests as varicella (chickenpox) and enters a period of latency within the dorsal root ganglion. A compromised cellular immune response due to aging or immunosuppression triggers viral reactivation and the development of HZ (shingles). Patients with autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of developing HZ owing to the immunodeficiency associated with the disease itself and/or the use of immunosuppressive agents. The introduction of new immunosuppressive agents with unique mechanisms has expanded the treatment options for autoimmune diseases but has also increased the risk of HZ. Specifically, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and anifrolumab have raised concerns regarding HZ. Despite treatment advances, a substantial number of patients suffer from complications such as postherpetic neuralgia for prolonged periods. The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is considered safe and effective even in immunocompromised patients. The widespread adoption of RZV may reduce the health and socioeconomic burdens of HZ patients. This review covers the link between VZV and autoimmune diseases, assesses the risk of HZ associated with immunosuppressant use, and discusses the benefits and risks of using RZV in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI Riboswitch Conformation Change Requires Peripheral Helix Formation
Authors: Xiao Wenwen , Liu Guangfeng , Chen Ting , Zhang Yunlong , Lu Changrui
Published: June 2024

The Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch undergoes dynamic conformational changes that modulate downstream gene expression. Traditional structural methods such as crystallography capture the bound conformation at high resolution, and additional efforts would reveal details from the dynamic transition. Here, we revealed a transcription-dependent conformation model for Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch. In this study, we combine small-angle X-ray scattering, chemical probing, and isothermal titration calorimetry to unveil the ligand-binding properties and conformational changes of the Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch and its variants. Our results suggest that the SAM-VI riboswitch contains a pre-organized ligand-binding pocket and stabilizes into the bound conformation upon binding to SAM. Whether the P1 stem formed and variations in length critically influence the conformational dynamics of the SAM-VI riboswitch. Our study provides the basis for artificially engineering the riboswitch by manipulating its peripheral sequences without modifying the SAM-binding core.
AR Platform for Indoor Navigation: New Potential Approach Extensible to Older People with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Bibbò Luigi , Bramanti Alessia , Sharma Jatin , Cotroneo Francesco
Published: June 2024

Background: Cognitive loss is one of the biggest health problems for older people. The incidence of dementia increases with age, so Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent type of dementia, is expected to increase. Patients with dementia find it difficult to cope with their daily activities and resort to family members or caregivers. However, aging generally leads to a loss of orientation and navigation skills. This phenomenon creates great inconvenience for autonomous walking, especially in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The loss of orientation and navigation skills is most felt when old people move from their usual environments to nursing homes or residential facilities. This necessarily involves a person’s constant presence to prevent the patient from moving without a defined destination or incurring dangerous situations. Methods: A navigation system is a support to allow older patients to move without resorting to their caregivers. This application meets the need for helping older people to move without incurring dangers. The aim of the study was to verify the possibility of applying the technology normally used for video games for the development of an indoor navigation system. There is no evidence of this in the literature. Results: We have developed an easy-to-use solution that can be extended to patients with MCI, easing the workload of caregivers and improving patient safety. The method applied was the use of the Unity Vuforia platform, with which an augmented reality APK application was produced on a smartphone. Conclusions: The model differs from traditional techniques because it does not use arrows or labels to identify the desired destination. The solution was tested in the laboratory with staff members. No animal species have been used. The destinations were successfully reached, with an error of 2%. A test was conducted against some evaluation parameters on the use of the model. The values are all close to the maximum expected value. Future developments include testing the application with a predefined protocol in a real-world environment with MCI patients.
Surface Topography of Thermoplastic Appliance Materials Related to Sorption and Solubility in Artificial Saliva
Authors: Porojan Liliana , Toma Flavia Roxana , Gherban Mihaela Ionela , Vasiliu Roxana Diana , Matichescu Anamaria
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a transparent, inexpensive, and versatile thermoplastic biomaterial, and it is increasingly being used for a variety of medical applications in dentistry, orthopedics, tissue engineering, and surgery. It is known to have remarkable properties such as tensile strength, high ductility, and resistance to chemical insults and heat, but it can be affected by various environmental conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the topographical characteristics of four thermoplastic dental appliance materials in relation to water sorption in simulated oral environments (artificial saliva samples with different pH values). (2) Methods: The following four types of PETG clear thermoplastic materials were selected for the present study: Leone (L), Crystal (C), Erkodur (E), and Duran (D). In relation to the desiccation and water-uptake stages, their water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were calculated, and the surface topographies were analyzed on two length scales. The surface roughness was determined using a contact profilometer, and nanoroughness measurements were generated by three-dimensional profiles using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Statistical analyses (one-way ANOVA and unpaired and paired Student t-tests) were performed. (3) Results: After saliva immersion, the weights of all samples increased, and the highest sorption was recorded in a basic environment. Among the materials, the water uptake for the L samples was the highest, and for E, it was the lowest. In relation to water solubility, significant values were registered for both the L and C samples’ materials. After immersion and desiccation, a decreasing trend in microroughness was observed. The AFM high-resolution images reflected more irregular surfaces related to saliva immersion. (4) Conclusions: The sorption rates recorded in water-based artificial saliva were higher for basic pH levels, with significant differences between the samples. There were also significant differences related to the behaviors of the materials included in the study. In relation to roughness, on a microscale, the surfaces tended to be smoother after the saliva immersions, and on a nanoscale, they became more irregular.
Fueling the Future: The Emergence of Self-Powered Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Biosensors
Authors: Gupta Akhilesh Kumar , Krasnoslobodtsev Alexey Viktorovich
Published: June 2024

Self-powered biosensors are innovative devices that can detect and analyze biological or chemical substances without the need for an external power source. These biosensors can convert energy from the surrounding environment or the analyte itself into electrical signals for sensing and data transmission. The self-powered nature of these biosensors offers several advantages, such as portability, autonomy, and reduced waste generation from disposable batteries. They find applications in various fields, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, and wearable devices. While self-powered biosensors are a promising technology, there are still challenges to address, such as improving energy efficiency, sensitivity, and stability to make them more practical and widely adopted. This review article focuses on exploring the evolving trends in self-powered biosensor design, outlining potential advantages and limitations. With a focal point on enzymatic biofuel cell power generation, this article describes various sensing mechanisms that employ the analyte as substrate or fuel for the biocatalyst’s ability to generate current. Technical aspects of biofuel cells are also examined. Research and development in the field of self-powered biosensors is ongoing, and this review describes promising areas for further exploration within the field, identifying underexplored areas that could benefit from further investigation.
Bowtie Nanoantenna LSPR Biosensor for Early Prediction of Preeclampsia
Authors: Yi Ke , Ao Mengyin , Ding Ting , Zheng Danxi , Li Lin
Published: June 2024

Objective: The concentration of the placental circulating factor in early pregnancy is often extremely low, and the traditional prediction method cannot meet the clinical demand for early detection preeclampsia in high-risk gravida. It is of prime importance to seek an ultra-sensitive early prediction method. Methods: In this study, finite-different time-domain (FDTD) and Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) simulation, and electron beam lithography (EBL) methods were used to develop a bowtie nanoantenna (BNA) with the best field enhancement and maximum coupling efficiency. Bio-modification of the placental circulating factor (sFlt-1, PLGF) to the noble nanoparticles based on the amino coupling method were explored. A BNA LSPR biosensor which can specifically identify the placental circulating factor in preeclampsia was constructed. Results: The BNA LSPR biosensor can detect serum placental circulating factors without toxic labeling. Serum sFlt-1 extinction signal (Δλmax) in the preeclampsia group was higher than that in the normal pregnancy group (14.37 ± 2.56 nm vs. 4.21 ± 1.36 nm), p = 0.008, while the serum PLGF extinction signal in the preeclampsia group was lower than that in the normal pregnancy group (5.36 ± 3.15 nm vs. 11.47 ± 4.92 nm), p = 0.013. The LSPR biosensor detection results were linearly consistent with the ELISA kit. Conclusions: LSPR biosensor based on BNA can identify the serum placental circulating factor of preeclampsia with high sensitivity, without toxic labeling and with simple operation, and it is expected to be an early detection method for preeclampsia.
Co-Occurring Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and rs1801131 Genotypes as Associative Genetic Modifiers of Clinical Severity in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Singh Jatinder , Wilkins Georgina , Goodman-Vincent Ella , Chishti Samiya , Bonilla Guerrero Ruben , McFadden Leighton , Zahavi Zvi , Santosh Paramala
Published: June 2024

Aim: Remethylation disorders such as 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency reduce the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. The resulting hyperhomocysteinemia can lead to serious neurological consequences and multisystem toxicity. The role of MTHFR genotypes has not been investigated in patients with Rett Syndrome (RTT). In this study, we sought to assess the impact of co-occurring MTHFR genotypes on symptom profiles in RTT. Method: Using pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, the MTHFR genetic polymorphisms rs1801133 (c.665C>T mutation) and rs1801131 (c.1286A>C mutation) were determined in 65 patients (18.7 years ± 12.1 [mean ± standard deviation]) with RTT as part of routine clinical care within the Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, a National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the UK. The clinical severity of patients was assessed using the RTT-anchored Clinical Global Impression Scale (RTT-CGI). Results: The clinical severity symptom distribution varied between the homozygous and heterozygous MTHFR rs1801133 and rs1801131 genotypes. Those with the homozygous genotype had a narrower spread of severity scores across several domains (language and communication, ambulation, hand-use and eye contact clinical domains). Patients with the homozygous genotype had statistically significantly greater CGI-Severity scores than individuals with a non-homozygous MTHFR genotype (Z = −2.44, p = 0.015). When comparing the ratings of moderately impaired (4), markedly impaired (5), severely impaired (6) and extremely impaired (7), individuals with the homozygous MTHFR genotype were more impaired than those with the non-homozygous MTHFR genotype (Z = −2.06, p = 0.039). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of prescribed anti-epileptic drugs between the genotypes. Conclusions: Our findings show that in those with a pathogenic RTT genetic variant, co-occurring homozygotic MTHFR rs1801133 and rs1801131 polymorphisms may act as associative genetic modifiers of clinical severity in a subset of patients. Profiling of rs1801133 and rs1801131 in RTT may therefore be useful, especially for high-risk patients who may be at the most risk from symptom deterioration.
Take a Break for Memory Sake! Effects of Short Physical Activity Breaks on Inhibitory Control, Episodic Memory, and Event-Related Potentials in Children
Authors: Drollette Eric S. , Pasupathi Praveen A. , Slutsky-Ganesh Alexis B. , Etnier Jennifer L.
Published: June 2024

The pervasive sedentary lifestyle exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced physical activity (PA) among school-age children, necessitating innovative strategies to evaluate short PA breaks that are feasible in a classroom setting. This study explored the cognitive and neurophysiological (electroencephalography; EEG) impacts of short bouts of different PA modalities on inhibitory control (flanker task) and episodic memory (word recognition task) in children. Utilizing a within-participants cross-over design, thirty-six children (n = 36; 9–12 years old) attended the lab on three separate days with each visit including either a 9 min bout of sustained moderate-intensity cycling, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), or seated rest. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were assessed during the flanker task (P3 component) and the word recognition task (LPC and FN400 components) to elucidate the neural mechanisms underpinning behavioral outcomes. Findings indicated no differences in flanker performance but greater episodic memory recall for HIIE compared to seated rest. Neurophysiological results revealed no differences for P3, but notably larger amplitude for LPC and FN400 postcycling, particularly over parietal electrode sites. These results underscore the potential of short PA breaks to improve cognitive and neurocognitive function in children, offering a feasible integration strategy into daily school routines without extensive time commitment.
Emerging Trends of Biomedical Signal Processing in Intelligent Emotion Recognition
Authors: Goshvarpour Ateke
Published: June 2024

The field of biomedical signal processing has experienced significant advancements in recent years, particularly in the realm of emotion recognition [...]
Effectiveness of Computer-Mediated Educational Counseling for Tinnitus Relief: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Sumin , Jin Tae-Jun , Lee Donghyeok , Jin In-Ki
Published: June 2024

Counseling can help alleviate tinnitus-caused emotional distress and correct misconceptions, making it an effective rehabilitation option for people with tinnitus. Advances in communication technology have increased the demand for computer-mediated tinnitus counseling; however, the effectiveness of such counseling in reducing tinnitus is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the tinnitus-relieving effects of computer-mediated counseling. Thirty-six participants with tinnitus were randomly assigned to online counseling (15 participants) or video-based counseling (21 participants) groups, defining how remote counseling was conducted. Tinnitus counseling, comprising 100 items, lasted 2 weeks and was separated into six sessions for the online counseling group and 8–9 items daily for 12 days for the video-based counseling group. The effectiveness of counseling was determined based on score changes between baseline and 2-week follow-up using the Korean version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scales for annoyance and loudness. While no significant improvements were observed in other domains, average emotional aspect-related scores showed significant improvements in both groups. Regarding individual results, four and seven participants in the online and video-based counseling groups reported significant improvements in the emotional domain, respectively. Overall, computer-mediated educational counseling might be a rehabilitation option for individuals with tinnitus.
Utilization of MANAGE-PD Tool in a Real-World Setting in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Südmeyer Martin , Pedrosa David J. , Siebecker Frank , Arlt Carolin , Kopra Jaakko J. , Jost Wolfgang H.
Published: June 2024

MANAGE-PD is a validated, web-based tool to assist physicians in identifying patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) whose symptoms are inadequately controlled by oral medication. Also, a modified patient version of MANAGE-PD (Parkinson Check) is available in Germany. However, prospective research into the clinical utility of MANAGE-PD is lacking. This non-interventional study aimed to assess the real-world clinical utility of the MANAGE-PD and Parkinson Check in PD patients attending a single visit at specialist clinics and neurologist practices in Germany in 2022. Participants’ disease control was rated by the physicians using their own judgment, and by completing the MANAGE-PD, and by the patients completing the Parkinson Check. Concordance was calculated between the unassisted physician’s assessment and the outcome of MANAGE-PD, as well as the Parkinson Check. A total of 278 patients from 19 sites were included in the analyses, of whom 160 patients (57.6%) were assigned to the same category of disease control by physicians’ judgment and the MANAGE-PD. Concordance was higher in patients treated in specialist clinics (63.9%) than in neurologist practices (43.7%). Concordance between physicians’ and patients’ responses was high (>80%) for each question in the Parkinson Check. MANAGE-PD proved to be especially valuable for general neurologists in identifying patients who should be referred to specialist clinics. The Parkinson Check self-assessment generated promising outcomes that merit its more widespread use.
Improving Spasticity by Using Botulin Toxin: An Overview Focusing on Combined Approaches
Authors: Raciti Loredana , Raciti Gianfranco , Ammendolia Antonio , de Sire Alessandro , Onesta Maria Pia , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: June 2024

Spasticity is a very common sign in the neurological field. It can be defined as “a motor disorder marked by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone or tonic stretch reflexes” associated with hypertonia. It leads to a high risk of limb deformities and pain that prejudices residual motor function, impairing quality of life”. The treatment of spasticity depends on its severity and its location and, in general, it is based on rehabilitation, oral therapies (the gamma-aminobutyric acid b agonist baclofen) and injectable medications (i.e., botulin toxins, acting on polysynaptic reflex mechanisms). The botulin toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection has been effectively used to improve different types of spasticity. However, when BoNT-A is not sufficient, a combination of nonpharmacological approaches could be attempted. Therefore, additional intervention, such as conventional physical therapy by itself or further combined with robotic gait training, may be needed. Indeed, it has been shown that combination of BoNT-A and robotics has a positive effect on activity level and upper limb function in patients with stroke, including those in the chronic phase. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological or nonpharmacological treatment in combination with BoNT-A injections on spasticity. The combined therapy of BoNT with conventional or adjunct activities or robot-assisted training, especially with end-effectors, is a valid tool to improve patients’ performance and outcomes. The combined strategies might rise the toxin’s effect, lowering its dosages of botulinum and reducing side effects and costs.
Cysteamine HCl Administration Impedes Motor and Olfactory Functions, Accompanied by a Reduced Number of Dopaminergic Neurons, in Experimental Mice: A Preclinical Mimetic Relevant to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Selvaraj Divya Bharathi , Panneerselvam Anusiya , Vergil Andrews Jemi Feiona , Kandasamy Mahesh
Published: June 2024

Cysteamine hydrochloride (Cys-HCl) has been established as a potent ulcerogenic agent of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. GI dysfunction and olfactory deficits are the most common clinical symptoms of many movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Cys-HCl has been shown to interfere with dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for motor, olfactory, and cognitive functions. However, the reports on the effect of Cys-HCl treatment on the behavioral aspects and functions of the dopamine system appear to be inconsistent. Therefore, we revisited the impact of Cys-HCl on the motor function in experimental mice using a battery of behavioral tests, such as the pole test (PT), beam-walking test (BWT), and rotarod test (RDT), while the olfactory ability and cognitive functions were examined through the buried-food test (BFT) and Y-maze test. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Cys-HCl on the number of dopaminergic tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in the substantia nigra (SN) and olfactory bulb (OB) of the experimental mice using immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that Cys-HCl administration in the mice induced significant impairments in their motor balance and coordination, as their movement-related performances were markedly reduced in terms of the behavioral tasks. Mice exposed to Cys-HCl showed pronounced reductions in their odor discrimination abilities as well as cognitive impairments. Strikingly, the number of TH-positive neurons was found to be reduced in the SN and OB of the Cys-HCl-treated group, which is a bonafide neuropathogenic hallmark of PD. This study highlights the potential neurotoxic effects of Cys-HCl in experimental brains and suggests further investigation into its role in the pathogenesis of Parkinsonism.
Concurrent Validity and Inter-Rater Reliability Assessment of Two Mental Toughness Instruments in Firefighting: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Stamatis Andreas , Papadakis Zacharias , Beitia Peter
Published: June 2024

Mental toughness (MT), a construct linked to high-stress performance, is predominantly studied via self-assessment in cross-sectional designs. In the firefighting context, where no dedicated MT instrument exists, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) and the Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI) have been used. However, their reliability and concurrent validity remain unexamined. This study employs a two-wave longitudinal design involving sixty-two male firefighters. Over two days, they completed the SMTQ, while colleagues and officers assessed their MT using the MTMTI. Analyses included concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability tests. Inter-rater reliability exhibited minimal agreement (Day 1: κ = 0.04, p = 0.172; Day 2: κ = 0.05, p = 0.063), low internal consistency (Day 1: α = 0.03, ω = 0.03; Day 2: α = 0.45, ω = 0.45), and weak inter-rater correlations (Day 1: ICC2k < 0.001, 95%CI [−0.53, 0.35]; Day 2: ICC2k = 0.13, 95%CI [−0.33, 0.43]). Concurrent validity showed limited correlations between self-assessed SMTQ scores and MTMTI ratings on both days (Day 1: r = −0.09, p = 0.5; Day 2: r = 0.1, p = 0.5). These findings may underscore the necessity to develop firefighting-specific MT tools, recognizing the unique demands and nuances of this high-stress profession.
Do Juveniles Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses Have Higher Callous-Unemotional Traits Compared to Juveniles Who Have Committed General Offenses? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramião Eduarda , Geraldo Andreia , Figueiredo Patrícia , Barroso Ricardo , Barbosa Fernando
Published: June 2024

The importance of assessing psychopathic traits in juveniles who have committed sexual offenses has been established in individuals who demonstrate a particularly severe and violent pattern of behavior. Additionally, the assessment of these traits in other juveniles might be relevant considering that higher levels of these traits represent an increased probability of the juvenile committing offenses. This study is a systematic review of the literature about the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in juveniles who have committed sexual and non-sexual offenses, in order to ascertain eventual differences between these groups regarding the presence of CU traits. Studies were obtained from multiple databases, with predefined exclusion and inclusion criteria, according to PRISMA-P guidelines. A total of 18 studies were reviewed and included in the final analysis. The 18 studies used measures of CU traits and reported descriptive categories of CU traits in juveniles who have committed general offenses or juveniles who have committed sexual offenses. Meta-analytic procedures such as pooled means, pooled variances, and pooled standard deviations are presented in this study. The main conclusion obtained is that juveniles who have committed general offenses present higher levels of CU traits compared to juveniles who have committed sexual offenses. Although the review highlights limitations in the literature, the identification of these characteristics in different types of juveniles who have committed offenses is important to shed light on the phenomenon and develop interventions better suited to their characteristics. Recommendations for future research are also presented.
Effect of Drying and Wetting Cycles on the Surface Cracking and Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Expansive Clays
Authors: Shaker Abdullah A. , Dafalla Muawia , Al-Mahbashi Ahmed M. , Al-Shamrani Mosleh A.
Published: June 2024

Expansive clays present serious issues in a variety of engineering applications, including roadways, light buildings, and infrastructure, because of their notable volume changes with varying moisture content. Tough weather conditions can lead to drying and shrinking, which alters expansive clays’ hydro-mechanical properties and results in cracking. The hydro-mechanical behavior of Al-Ghatt expansive clay and the impact of wetting and drying cycles on the formation of surface cracks are addressed in this investigation. For four cycles of wetting and drying and three vertical stress levels, i.e., 50 kPa, 100 kPa, and 200 kPa, were investigated. The sizes and patterns of cracks were observed and classified. A simplified classification based on main track and secondary branch tracks is introduced. The vertical strain measure at each cycle, which showed swell and shrinkage, was plotted. The hydromechanical behavior of the clay, which corresponds to three levels of overburden stress as indicated by its swell potential and hydraulic conductivity was observed. It was found that at low overburden stresses of 50 kPa, the shrinkage is high and drops with increasing the number of cycles. Al-Ghatt clay’s tendency to crack is significantly reduced or eliminated by the 200 kPa overburden pressure. The results of this work can be used to calculate the depth of a foundation and the amount of partial soil replacement that is needed.
Opportunities and Barriers of Calibrating Residential Building Performance Simulation Models Using Monitored and Survey-Based Occupant Behavioural Data: A Case Study in Northern Spain
Authors: Arbulu Markel , Perez-Bezos Silvia , Figueroa-Lopez Anna , Oregi Xabat
Published: June 2024

The performance gap caused by occupant behaviour (OB) is one of the main challenges to the accuracy of building performance simulations (BPS) models. Calibration of BPS models has shown great improvements in tertiary and single residential buildings. Nevertheless, the calibration in collective residential buildings is still uncertain. This study aims to identify the opportunities and barriers to the calibration of collective residential building BPS models for the analysis of heating energy consumption. For this, the research calibrates a real case study of a social rental housing building located in northern Spain. The method involves the adjustment of input data based on OB clusters, developed by monitorization and survey data and the statistical comparison of the results of normative models, calibrated models and real data. The results show an average improvement of 67% in hourly indoor temperature and 16% in hourly heating energy consumption in calibrated models, but still with a considerable performance gap. The main barriers to a higher accuracy are the wide diversity and lack of uniformity of OB patterns, uncertainty of parameters, and use of auxiliary heating systems. However, deeper monitorization and survey campaigns with the use of OB clusters can be a promising opportunity.
Construction Engineering and Management: Review of Research from Australia-Based Academics
Authors: Ahmad Tayyab , Aibinu Ajibade A. , Ahmed Dawood
Published: June 2024

Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) is a critically important discipline that provides a scientific and management-oriented perspective for building and construction projects. Owing to the contingent nature of this industry, CEM research is highly context-specific and is governed by socio-economic needs, environmental challenges, and industry-specific issues. Australia is home to several universities engaged in CEM-related research and training. In terms of the CEM research volume, Australia occupies fourth place, globally. Considering the importance of Australia-based CEM research, the aim of this study was to investigate how CEM research in Australia has developed temporally and across different institutions, how research collaborations in this area materialized, and which topics and research domains are typically being explored. Accordingly, this study conducted a systematic review of 4318 publications from 158 Australia-based CEM academics, primarily based in eight Australian universities. Based on Scientometric and critical review techniques, this study provides insights into research topics, research growth, publication volume, and collaboration in the CEM research discipline in Australia. Similar to global CEM research, Australia-based CEM research places a high emphasis on topics such as risk, sustainability, decision-making, cost, design, and BIM. However, unlike global research trends, Australia-based CEM research places a much higher emphasis on safety and stakeholder management. Australian institutions have high collaboration among themselves and with Chinese and Hong Kong-based institutions. Recommendations for research development in Australia are provided to facilitate a discussion on how Australian institutions can set the future agenda for CEM research.