bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A machine learning-based radiomics approach for differentiating patellofemoral osteoarthritis from non-patellofemoral osteoarthritis using Q-Dixon MRI
Authors: Lyu Liangjing , Ren Jing , Lu Wenjie , Zhong Jingyu , Song Yang , Li Yongliang , Yao Weiwu
Published: January 2025

This prospective diagnostic study aimed to assess the utility of machine learning-based quadriceps fat pad (QFP) radiomics in distinguishing patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) from non-PFOA using Q-Dixon MRI in patients presenting with anterior knee pain. This diagnostic accuracy study retrospectively analyzed data from 215 patients (mean age: 54.2 ± 11.3 years; 113 women). Three predictive models were evaluated: a proton density-weighted image model, a fat fraction model, and a merged model. Feature selection was conducted using analysis of variance, and logistic regression was applied for classification. Data were collected from training, internal, and external test cohorts. Radiomics features were extracted from Q-Dixon MRI sequences to distinguish PFOA from non-PFOA. The diagnostic performance of the three models was compared using the area under the curve (AUC) values analyzed with the Delong test. In the training set (109 patients) and internal test set (73 patients), the merged model exhibited optimal performance, with AUCs of 0.836 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.762–0.910] and 0.826 (95% CI: 0.722–0.929), respectively. In the external test set (33 patients), the model achieved an AUC of 0.885 (95% CI: 0.768–1.000), with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.833 and 0.933, respectively (p < 0.001). Fat fraction features exhibited a stronger predictive value than shape-related features. Machine learning-based QFP radiomics using Q-Dixon MRI accurately distinguishes PFOA from non-PFOA, providing a non-invasive diagnostic approach for patients with anterior knee pain.
How are new collective models transforming support for smallholder farmers? Empirical evidence from thematic and sentiment content analysis
Authors: Kale Rajiv B. , Dangi Pooja A. , Nikam Vinayak , Khandagale Kiran , Gadge Shailendra S. , Mahajan Vijay
Published: January 2025

Collective farmer models represent an important approach for smallholders to engage in agricultural activities collaboratively, fostering sustainable economic development, particularly in the context of India. The increasing frequency of published research articles on collective models highlights their significance in addressing various challenges faced by smallholder farmers in India and globally. This study is guided by three primary research questions: first, to identify trends in publications related to collective models; second, to measure the sentiments associated with the identified themes within this literature; and third, to uncover the potential of various collective models in meeting the needs of smallholder farmers, with a particular focus on India. The study analyzed research articles published from 2000 to 2024, focusing on the frequency of appearance and the content related to the functions of farm collectives. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative approach, this research employs content analysis to gather primary data from 4,382 research articles. The NVivo 15 tool is used to analyze the data, identifying key themes, functions, and support agencies as units of analysis. Through this comprehensive analysis, the study seeks to elucidate the emergence of collective models and their potential to address critical agricultural issues faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in India. The research underscores the evolving trends of farmers’ collectives, transitioning from cooperatives to contemporary Farmer Producer Companies in response to emerging needs. The findings from the global literature provide valuable insights for enhancing the development of collective models in India, where such initiatives can play a transformative role in addressing the challenges of smallholder farmers.
Rate of cesarean section among breech deliveries in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mussa Ibsa , Debella Adera , Regassa Lemma Demissie , Ahamed Badhasa , Jibro Usmael , Eyeberu Addis
Published: January 2025

Background

Breech deliveries are a significant public health concern in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the cesarean section rate should not be higher than 10%–15%. As unnecessary C-sections may be associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal mortality, this meta-analysis was aimed at determining the rate of caesarean sections among breech deliveries in Ethiopia.

Methods

All published and unpublished articles were obtained from legitimate databases and websites. The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the primary and secondary outcomes was performed using STATA version 18. The overall effect size with a 95% CI was estimated using the random effect model with the Der Simonian Liard method. A sensitivity analysis using a leave-one-out meta-analysis was computed.

Results

This meta-analysis included a total of 57,236 mothers who had breech deliveries. The pooled prevalence of breech deliveries among women in Ethiopia was 5% [95% CI: 4, 6]. The overall pooled cesarean section rate among breech deliveries in Ethiopia was 41% (95% CI: 29–54).

Conclusions

In this review, the pooled prevalence of breech deliveries among women in Ethiopia was 5%, and the overall rate of caesarian section among the breech deliveries was 41%. This finding pointed out that two out of every five pregnant women with breech presentation gave birth by cesarean section in Ethiopia. Therefore, the finding implies that both the government and all the concerned stakeholders shall be given particular emphasis made on strengthening antenatal care services and ensure more women have access to skilled healthcare professionals during childbirth. This can help in providing appropriate interventions, support to women and reducing the need for emergency and unnecessary breech deliveries. The result of this research are a baseline data for future researchers to conduct further studies to better understand the reasons behind the high rates and identify potential interventions and solutions specific to the African context.
Percutaneous unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation in geriatric patients
Authors: Qin Rongqing , Guan Anhong , Zhu Min , Zhou Pin , Zhou Bing , Zhou Ruihua , Guan Zaiyong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the surgical efficacy and safety of percutaneous unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy (UBED) for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in geriatric patients.

Methods

Seventy-two geriatric patients, aged 65–86 years (mean age: 73.2 years), with single or two-level LDH who underwent UBED from January 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on operation time, total blood loss, hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, modified MacNab criteria, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Results

Surgery was successfully performed on all geriatric patients, with a mean operation time of 46 min (range: 32–68 min). All patients were followed up for an average duration of 14.2 ± 1.9 months (range: 12–16 months). The leg pain VAS score decreased from 8.37 ± 1.21 preoperatively to 2.03 ± 0.61 immediately after surgery, 1.56 ± 0.32 at 1 month postoperatively, 1.16 ± 0.45 at 6 months postoperatively, and 0.91 ± 0.26 at 12 months postoperatively. Similarly, the ODI score also decreased from 61.21 ± 11.06 preoperatively to 27.52 ± 10.41 immediately after surgery, 19.12 ± 7.05 at 1 month postoperatively, 12.17 ± 5.21 at 6 months postoperatively, and 8.56 ± 4.32 at 12 months postoperatively. Statistically significant differences were observed in both VAS and ODI scores at each follow-up time point when compared with preoperative parameters (P < 0.01). Also, there were 53 excellent cases, 12 good cases, and 7 fair cases based on the modified MacNab criteria at 12 months postoperatively, resulting in an excellent and good rate of 90.2%. Only three cases were found to be complicated by low extremity numbness, all of which were recovered via conservative treatment in 3 weeks. No infections or iatrogenic neurological deficits occurred in all patients.

Conclusions

We concluded that UBED achieved satisfactory results and provided a minimally invasive, effective, and safe alternative for the treatment of symptomatic LDH in geriatric patients.
In vitro exposure to epididymal extracellular vesicles from normospermic domestic cats improves developmental potential of sperm from teratospermic cats
Authors: Sosnicki Danielle M. , Travis Alexander J. , Comizzoli Pierre
Published: January 2025

We have previously reported a difference in the composition of epididymal extracellular vesicles (EVs) between normospermic and teratospermic domestic cats. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the fertilizing ability or developmental potential of sperm from teratospermic cats could be improved after incubation with EVs isolated from normospermic cats. For each of 11 experimental replicates, pools of EVs were collected from the whole epididymides of 5 normospermic cats (normospermic EVs). Spermatozoa were also collected from the cauda epididymides of 2 teratospermic cats, pooled, and half was co-incubated with normospermic EVs for 1 h and 15 min prior to using the sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The other half of the sperm was kept for 1 h and 15 min in the absence of EVs as a control group. We found no difference (p > 0.05) in sperm fertilizing ability, based on the percentage of cleaved embryos, after incubation with EVs (67.0%) and without EVs (60.6%). However, the developmental potential of teratospermic sperm, based on the proportion of embryos that reached the 8-cell stage or further, was better (p < 0.05) after co-incubation with EVs (58.4%) compared to the control group without EVs (47.2%). Additionally, the proportion of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage was better (p < 0.05) after co-incubation with EVs (30.7%) compared to the control group without EVs (19.9%). These findings can be used to improve the outcome of IVF with teratospermic males in domestic or wild felid species.
Electronic Playback Devices to Reduce Ungulates’ Attendance in an Olive Grove Farm in the Province of Florence (Italy)
Authors: Conti Leonardo , Angeloni Giulia , Masella Piernicola , Sottili Caterina , Corti Ferdinando , Camiciottoli Stefano , Racanelli Veronica , Spadi Agnese , Garbati Pegna Francesco , Parenti Alessandro
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: Human–wildlife conflict can lead to adverse consequences for both parties, particularly in areas with a high concentration of wild ungulates. Ungulates cause frequent, severe plant damage by stripping the bark or browsing on the youngest plants. In the latter case, they damage vegetative sprouts and leaves, which can cause a delay in growth or the plant’s death. Tuscany is notable for its significant population of wild boar, which cause substantial damage to vineyards and cereal crops, costing farmers millions annually. In Tuscany, given the highly cultivated landscape of olive trees, damage has also been recorded in these plants. Balancing human and wildlife needs is crucial for minimizing damage and ensuring coexistence. (2) Methods: This study tested innovative electronic playback devices using long-range radio technology (LoRa) to deter wild ungulates and prevent crop damage. These devices use sounds and lights to induce wild animals to be afraid and thus run away from the cultivated plot to be protected. The experiment was conducted on a farm in Chianti, Tuscany, involving four plots of land planted with olive trees: in two test areas, four playback devices and four camera traps were installed, and in the two control areas, only camera traps were installed. Playback devices aimed to deter wild ungulates and camera traps aimed to test their effectiveness. Data from the camera traps were analyzed statistically and behaviorally. (3) Results: Playback devices significantly reduced wild animal activity in the equipped areas. Statistical analysis revealed that the use of acoustic–luminous deterrent devices (PDs) significantly reduced wildlife visits to the olive groves. (4) Conclusion: The study’s findings, supported by heatmaps and frequency analyses, provide insights into wildlife activity patterns and guide the development of targeted, effective wildlife management strategies.
Towards an Integrated Orobanche Management: Understanding Farmers’ Decision-Making Processes Using a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Yangui Ahmed , Mlayeh Taheni , Abbes Zouhaier , Kharrat Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Controlling the Orobanche weed parasite is a major challenge for farmers, and the individual application of various management practices has not yet proven to be successful in addressing this issue. To develop an effective strategy for managing this parasitic weed, an Integrated Orobanche Management (IOM) approach has become a priority. Using a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) methodology, we analyze the trade-off in farmers’ preferences between different attributes of IOM scenarios and estimate their willingness to pay (WTP). A sample of 124 Tunisian faba bean farmers participated in the study. The findings indicate that Tunisian farmers are open to adopt an IOM that includes Orobanche-tolerant faba bean varieties, and that the cost of technical package does not seem to be an obstacle. Nevertheless, farmers feel to be rewarded for delaying the sowing date from November to December. Furthermore, the study highlights that farmers show no clear preferences for the use of herbicide, specifically glyphosate, as well as for the practice of intercropping with fenugreek. While increasing faba bean yields remains a priority, farmers are willing to pay more for IOM scenarios that reduce the Orobanche plant shoot count. In conclusion, there is significant heterogeneity in farmers’ preferences, their financial situation, and the severity of Orobanche infestation significantly influencing their decision. Policy recommendations are derived from our results.
Decoding Subjective Understanding: Using Biometric Signals to Classify Phases of Understanding
Authors: Lazic Milan , Woodruff Earl , Jun Jenny
Published: January 2025

The relationship between the cognitive and affective dimensions of understanding has remained unexplored due to the lack of reliable methods for measuring emotions and feelings during learning. Focusing on five phases of understanding—nascent understanding, misunderstanding, confusion, emergent understanding, and deep understanding—this study introduces an AI-driven solution to measure subjective understanding by analyzing physiological activity manifested in facial expressions. To investigate these phases, 103 participants remotely worked on 15 riddles while their facial expressions were video recorded. Action units (AUs) for each phase instance were measured using AFFDEX software. AU patterns associated with each phase were then identified through the application of six supervised machine learning algorithms. Distinct AU patterns were found for all five phases, with gradient boosting machine and random forest models achieving the highest predictive accuracy. These findings suggest that physiological activity can be leveraged to reliably measure understanding. Further, they advance a novel approach for measuring and fostering understanding in educational settings, as well as developing adaptive learning technologies and personalized educational interventions. Future studies should explore how physiological signatures of understanding phases both reflect and influence their associated cognitive processes, as well as the generalizability of this study’s findings across diverse populations and learning contexts (A suite of AI tools was employed in the development of this paper: (1) ChatGPT4o (for writing clarity and reference checking), (2) Grammarly (for grammar and editorial corrections), and (3) ResearchRabbit (reference management)).
Welfare Implications of Low-Dose Atipamezole Reversal of Tiletamine/Zolazepam/Xylazine Anaesthesia in Pigs
Authors: Layton Rachel , Beggs David S. , Fisher Andrew , Mansell Peter , Layton Daniel , Durr Peter A. , Allen Teegan , Taylor Grace , Kelly Michael L. , Williams David T. , Stanger Kelly J.
Published: January 2025

Anaesthesia is sometimes required for the effective restraint of laboratory pigs for sample collection. Yet, anaesthesia can initiate a range of physiological disruptions that can increase variability in study data and lead to poorer animal welfare. Judicious use of anaesthesia can mitigate experimental, human safety, and animal welfare concerns, but it does not eliminate the potential for adverse effects. The use of reversal agents can shorten recovery time and reduce the physiological impacts of anaesthesia but can also cause additional side effects. We, therefore, trialled the use of low-dose atipamezole (0.12 mg/kg) for the antagonism of xylazine in laboratory pigs anaesthetised using a combination of xylazine and zolazepam/tiletamine. We measured time to recovery, selected clinical variables, recovery characteristics, and behaviours to investigate if a low dose of antagonist decreased recovery time and reduced the physiological impacts of anaesthesia whilst avoiding adverse negative side effects. We categorised side effects and behaviours as having either a low or high negative welfare impact based on the potential risk of injury and whether behaviours were displayed before or after return to consciousness. Collectively, our results indicated that while the use of low-dose atipamezole decreased recovery time and improved thermoregulation in most pigs, it introduced and exacerbated adverse side effects and behaviours that can lead to poorer welfare outcomes for laboratory pigs.
Role of Oxidative Stress in the Occurrence, Development, and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Dong Rui , Wang Jing , Guan Ruiqi , Sun Jianwei , Jin Ping , Shen Junling
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Recent studies have increasingly emphasized the role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. This article reviews how oxidative stress imbalance influences the occurrence and advancement of breast cancer, elucidating the intricate mechanisms through which reactive oxygen species (ROS) operate in this context and their potential therapeutic applications. By highlighting these critical insights, this review aims to enhance our understanding of oxidative stress as a potential target for innovative therapeutic strategies in the management of breast cancer.
Performance and Economic Evaluation of Asphalt-Based High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) Applications
Authors: Roshan Alireza , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: January 2025

High Friction Surface Treatments (HFSTs) are recognized for enhancing friction between tires and road surfaces, with reduced road accidents being a key benefit. Epoxy-based HFSTs, though widely used, come with challenges like compatibility issues with existing pavements, higher installation and removal costs, and reduced durability tied to substrate quality. Recently, state agencies have increasingly focused on developing asphalt-based alternative binders for HFST applications as highlighted in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) RFP #NCHRP 10-145. This study introduces asphalt-based HFSTs as an alternative to traditional epoxy-based treatments. Various aggregate types were examined for friction performance and the effect of polishing cycles on asphalt-based HFST. Tests such as the British Pendulum Test (BPT), Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT), and Circular Track Meter (CTM) were conducted to assess the Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Mean Profile Depth (MPD) before and after polishing cycles. Additionally, a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) was performed to determine the economic advantages of asphalt-based HFSTs over epoxy treatments. The goal was to develop a method to convert diverse project and material data into comparable outputs like net present value (NPV), enabling comparisons between alternatives. Results from the LCCA demonstrated that the use of specific asphalt-based binders combined with optimized aggregate gradation not only achieves performance levels comparable to traditional HFST options but also improves cost efficiency.
Becoming an Employer of Choice for Generation Z in the Construction Industry
Authors: Bou Hatoum Makram , Nassereddine Hala
Published: January 2025

The construction industry faces significant challenges including a critical skill shortage and an aging workforce, threatening the industry’s productivity, resilience, and knowledge retention. To address this issue, it becomes critical to attract, hire, and retain younger generations, particularly Generation Z (Gen Z), who are projected to become a dominant workforce by 2030. To this end, this study explores the employer preferences of Gen Z students joining the USA construction industry, providing valuable insights into their priorities and expectations. The study evaluates 27 employer of choice (EOC) factors to identify key criteria influencing Gen Z’s choice of employers. Analyses were conducted across various demographic and experiential categories, including gender, racial/ethnic backgrounds, first-generation status, those with loans, family influence, prior industry experience, intimidation by macho culture, and shifts in perspectives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that Gen Z prioritizes respect, work–life balance, and job security, and values flexibility in work schedules and hybrid work environments. The findings were also used to propose eight recommendations for employers to become EOCs. Insights from this research serve a dual purpose by offering a foundation for further academic exploration and equipping industry practitioners with the data needed to tailor their recruitment and retention strategies to Gen Z.
Derivation and Characterization of Isogenic OPA1 Mutant and Control Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines
Authors: Pohl Katherine A. , Zhang Xiangmei , Ji Johnny Jeonghyun , Stiles Linsey , Sadun Alfredo A. , Yang Xian-Jie
Published: January 2025

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is the most commonly inherited optic neuropathy. The majority of DOA is caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene, which encodes a dynamin-related GTPase located to the mitochondrion. OPA1 has been shown to regulate mitochondrial dynamics and promote fusion. Within the mitochondrion, proteolytically processed OPA1 proteins form complexes to maintain membrane integrity and the respiratory chain complexity. Although OPA1 is broadly expressed, human OPA1 mutations predominantly affect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that are responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. Due to the scarcity of human RGCs, DOA has not been studied in depth using the disease affected neurons. To enable studies of DOA using stem-cell-derived human RGCs, we performed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to generate OPA1 mutant pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines with corresponding isogenic controls. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing yielded both OPA1 homozygous and heterozygous mutant ESC lines from a parental control ESC line. In addition, CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) successfully corrected the OPA1 mutation in a DOA patient’s iPSCs. In comparison to the isogenic controls, the heterozygous mutant PSCs expressed the same OPA1 protein isoforms but at reduced levels; whereas the homozygous mutant PSCs showed a loss of OPA1 protein and altered mitochondrial morphology. Furthermore, OPA1 mutant PSCs exhibited reduced rates of oxygen consumption and ATP production associated with mitochondria. These isogenic PSC lines will be valuable tools for establishing OPA1-DOA disease models in vitro and developing treatments for mitochondrial deficiency associated neurodegeneration.
Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures
Authors: Osser Brigitte , Toth Csongor , Nistor-Cseppento Carmen Delia , Osser Gyongyi , Miuța Caius Calin , Ilia Iosif , Iovanovici Diana Carina , Aur Cristina , Bondar Laura Ioana
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as neck pain, back pain, and eye strain, are prevalent in modern work environments, particularly among individuals engaged in prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of these symptoms and the impact of ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures on symptom intensity and daily functioning. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study used a self-developed questionnaire to assess the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms among participants aged 6–18 years. The survey collected data on ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures (such as taking breaks and seeking professional help). Symptom intensity was assessed across common musculoskeletal issues. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation, were used to identify significant correlations and associations between variables. Results: A significant proportion of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms, including neck pain, back pain, and eye strain. Participants who used ergonomic tools reported significantly lower symptom intensity (<0.001). A positive correlation was found between fewer breaks and higher symptom intensity (r = 0.908, p < 0.001). Those with higher posture awareness reported lower symptom intensity (p < 0.001). Proactive measures, including regular breaks and ergonomic interventions, were perceived as effective strategies for managing symptoms. Increased symptom intensity was associated with reduced ability to perform daily activities (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role of ergonomic tools, posture awareness, and regular breaks in mitigating musculoskeletal symptoms. Proactive measures, including structured interventions, can effectively reduce symptom intensity and improve daily functioning. These findings suggest that workplace health strategies focusing on ergonomics and posture education are crucial for reducing the impact of musculoskeletal discomfort on employee well-being and productivity.
IDH Mutant Cholangiocarcinoma: Pathogenesis, Management, and Future Therapies
Authors: Bray Alexander , Sahai Vaibhav
Published: January 2025

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes are among the most frequently encountered molecular alterations in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). These neomorphic point mutations endow mutant IDH (mIDH) with the ability to generate an R-enantiomer of 2-hydroxyglutarate (R2HG), a metabolite that drives malignant transformation through aberrant epigenetic signaling. As a result, pharmacologic inhibition of mIDH has become an attractive therapeutic strategy in CCAs harboring this mutation. One such inhibitor, ivosidenib, has already undergone clinical validation and received FDA approval in this disease, but there is still much work to be done to improve outcomes in mIDH CCA patients. In this publication we will review the pathogenesis and treatment of mIDH CCA with special emphasis on novel agents and combinations currently under investigation.
School-Based Physical Activity Levels and Quality of Physical Education Participation Experiences of Children with Physical and Sensory Disabilities Living in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Jevdjevic Aleksandra , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , Voss Christine
Published: January 2025

This mixed-methods study examined school-based physical activity (PA) and the quality of physical education (PE) experiences for children with physical or sensory disabilities. The participants included 10 children (4 girls, 6 boys) with a mean age of 10 years, 5 of whom had sensory disabilities, and 5 of whom had physical disabilities. PA was measured using accelerometry over a 7-day period. Semi-structured interviews explored the children’s experiences in PE classes. Interview data were deductively coded using the Quality Participation Framework to identify examples of autonomy, belongingness, challenge, engagement, mastery, and meaning. On average, children engaged in 17 min per day (standard deviation (SD) = 16) of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) during school, and 5 min of MVPA (SD = 6) during PE classes. Most children did not meet the provincial policy of 30 min per day of school-based MVPA. Children reported both positive and negative examples of autonomy, belongingness, challenge, engagement, and mastery, and positive experiences of meaning. Overall, children with physical or sensory disabilities accumulate minimal MVPA during school and have mixed-quality participation experiences in PE. These insights can guide efforts to enhance both the quantity of school-based MVPA and the quality of participation in PE for children with disabilities.
An Evaluation of Secondary School Students’ Use and Understanding of Learning Strategies to Study and Revise for Science Examinations
Authors: Sultana Fatema , Watkins Richard , Al Baghal Tarek , Hughes J.
Published: January 2025

There is currently no population-based data evaluating secondary school-aged students’ use, or understanding of, learning strategies to study/revise independently for science. There is also no research evaluating the effort students make towards independent science study and revision, nor how schools support students with study and/or revision strategies for science examinations. In this paper, we report data from a representative sample of 385 students (aged 14 to 15 years) from 29 secondary schools in the UK, using the Effective Revision and Study Strategies Questionnaire (ERaSSQ) survey. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a multistage implicitly stratified sampling method. Our results show that the learning strategies most frequently used by students for independent science study and revision were making notes, repeatedly reading information, and highlighting or underlining information (i.e., lower utility learning strategies). Our findings also suggest many students do not have a complete understanding of the strategies that are known to have higher utility (i.e., retrieval and spaced practice). These results represent the first attempt to gather information using robust survey methods and are of interest to secondary school science teachers and education policymakers.
A Wavelet Transform-Based Transfer Learning Approach for Enhanced Shaft Misalignment Diagnosis in Rotating Machinery
Authors: Habbouche Houssem , Benkedjouh Tarak , Amirat Yassine , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Rotating machines are vital for ensuring reliability, safety, and operational availability across various industrial sectors. Among the faults that can affect these machines, shaft misalignment is particularly critical due to its impact on other components connected to the shaft, making it a key focus for diagnostic systems. Misalignment can lead to significant energy losses, and therefore, early detection is crucial. Vibration analysis is an effective method for identifying misalignment at an early stage, enabling corrective actions before it negatively impacts equipment efficiency and energy consumption. To improve monitoring efficiency, it is essential that the diagnostic system is not only intelligent but also capable of operating in real-time. This study proposes a methodology for diagnosing shaft misalignment faults by combining wavelet transform for feature extraction and transfer learning for fault classification. The accuracy of the proposed soft real-time solution is validated through a comparison with other time-frequency transformation techniques and transfer learning networks. The methodology also includes an experimental procedure for simulating misalignment faults using a laser measurement tool. Additionally, the study evaluates the thermal impacts and vibration signature of each type of misalignment fault through multi-sensor monitoring, highlighting the effectiveness and robustness of the approach. First, wavelet transform is used to obtain a good representation of the signal in the time-frequency domain. This step allows for the extraction of key features from multi-sensor vibration signals. Then, the transfer learning network processes these features through its different layers to identify the faults and their severity. This combination provides an intelligent decision-support tool for diagnosing misalignment faults, enabling early detection and real-time monitoring. The proposed methodology is tested on two datasets: the first is a public dataset, while the second was created in the laboratory to simulate shaft misalignment using a laser alignment tool and to demonstrate the effect of this defect on other components through thermal imaging. The evaluation is carried out using various criteria to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology. The results highlight the potential of implementing the proposed soft real-time solution for diagnosing shaft misalignment faults.
A Novel Wild-Type Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Suitable for the Production of Functional Yoghurt and Ayran Products
Authors: Prapa Ioanna , Pavlatou Chrysoula , Kompoura Vasiliki , Nikolaou Anastasios , Stylianopoulou Electra , Skavdis George , Grigoriou Maria E. , Kourkoutas Yiannis
Published: January 2025

Raw goat and ewe’s milk samples were used for the isolation of seven lactic acid bacteria new strains. After testing hemolytic activity and resistance to antibiotics, specific functional properties were evaluated; Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis FBM_1321 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei FBM_1327 strains resulted in the highest cholesterol assimilation percentages ranging from 28.78 to 30.56%. In addition, strong adhesion capacity to differentiated Caco-2 cells (1.77–21.04%) was mapped, and the lactobacilli strains exhibited strong antagonistic activity against foodborne pathogens compared to lactococci. The strains were able to grow at low pH and high NaCl concentrations, conditions that prevail in food systems (cell counts ranged from 1.77 to 8.48 log CFU/mL after exposure to pH 3 and from 5.66 to 9.52 log CFU/mL after exposure to NaCl concentrations up to 8%). As a next step, freeze-dried immobilized Lc. paracasei FBM_1327 cells on oat flakes were used for the preparation of functional yoghurt and ayran products. Cell loads of the functional strain remained high and stable in both products (7.69 log CFU/g in yoghurt and 8.56 log CFU/g in ayran after 30 days of storage at 4 °C) throughout their shelf life. No significant changes in the volatile profile were noticed, and the new products were accepted by the panel during the sensory evaluation.
Digital Twins: Strategic Guide to Utilize Digital Twins to Improve Operational Efficiency in Industry 4.0
Authors: Fantozzi Italo Cesidio , Santolamazza Annalisa , Loy Giancarlo , Schiraldi Massimiliano Maria
Published: January 2025

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, known as Industry 4.0, has transformed the manufacturing landscape by integrating advanced digital technologies, fostering automation, interconnectivity, and data-driven decision-making. Among these innovations, Digital Twins (DTs) have emerged as a pivotal tool, enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization of production processes. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of DT technology, offering a strategic framework for its effective implementation within Industry 4.0 environments to enhance operational efficiency. The proposed methodology integrates key enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning to create accurate digital replicas of manufacturing systems. Through a detailed case study, this work demonstrates how DTs can optimize production processes, reduce downtime, and improve maintenance strategies. The findings highlight DTs’ transformative potential in achieving continuous improvement, competitiveness, and operational excellence. This research aims to provide organizations with actionable insights and a roadmap to leverage DT technology for sustainable industrial innovation.
Adjuvant Systemic Immunotherapies for Resected Stage III Melanoma: A Single-Centre Retrospective Clinical Practice Review
Authors: Lefas Alicia Yioli , Cinar Cigdem , Sreekumar Shruti , Pakzad Farrokh , Koliou Panagiotis
Published: January 2025

Melanoma poses significant challenges due to its resistance to conventional therapies and increasing incidence rates. Stage III melanoma, characterised by regional lymph node involvement, has a high risk of recurrence despite surgical resection. Adjuvant immunotherapy, particularly using the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, has shown promising results in improving recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in Stage III melanoma patients. This retrospective analysis examined the effects of adjuvant pembrolizumab or nivolumab on patients with Stage III melanoma treated in a tertiary oncology centre. Of the 110 patients, 95 received pembrolizumab and 15 received nivolumab. The pembrolizumab completion rate was 62.1%, with 31.2% discontinuing due to disease progression or adverse effects. The nivolumab completion rate was lower at 40%, with 60% discontinuing due to toxicity or disease progression. Grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed in 17% of pembrolizumab and 53.3% of nivolumab patients. Disease progression occurred in 27.4% of pembrolizumab and 26.7% of nivolumab patients. Pembrolizumab showed a 12-month RFS of 78.9% and 24-month RFS of 77.6%, with an OS of 97.9% at 12 months. Nivolumab exhibited a 12-month RFS of 86.7% and 24-month RFS of 80%. RFS rates varied by disease stage and mutation status. Adjuvant pembrolizumab and nivolumab both demonstrate efficacy in improving RFS and OS in Stage III melanoma patients. Pembrolizumab has higher completion rates and fewer toxicities compared to nivolumab. Further studies are warranted to explore long-term outcomes and optimise treatment strategies.
Novel Micro-Ribonucleic Acid Biomarkers for Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Complications—A Literature Review
Authors: Ahmed Sara , Adnan Haroon , Khawaja Maryam A. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: January 2025

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally, with its prevalence expected to rise significantly in the years ahead. Previous studies on risk stratification for T2DM identify certain biomarkers, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), fructosamine, and glycated albumin, as key indicators for predicting the onset and progression of T2DM. However, these traditional markers have been shown to lack sensitivity and specificity and their results are difficult to analyze due to non-standardized interpretation criteria, posing significant challenges to an accurate and definitive diagnosis. The strict measures of these traditional markers may not catch gradual increases in blood sugar levels during the early stages of diabetes evolution, as these might still fall within acceptable glycemic parameters. Recent advancements in research have suggested novel micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) as circulatory molecules that can facilitate the early detection of prediabetic conditions in high-risk groups and potentially enable prevention of the progression to T2DM. This capability makes them a very powerful tool for potentially improving population health, enhancing outcomes for many patients, and reducing the overall burden of T2DM. These promising biomarkers are small, noncoding RNA involved in the regulation of many cellular functions that have a hand in the metabolic activities of cells, making them a very useful and relevant biomarker to explore for the diagnosis and risk stratification of T2DM. This review analyzes the current literature, outlining the occurrence of miRNAs in prediabetic and diabetic individuals and their implications in predicting dysglycemic disorders.
Multimodal Assessment of Mental Workload During Automated Vehicle Remote Assistance: Modeling of Eye-Tracking-Related, Skin Conductance, and Cardiovascular Indicators
Authors: Walocha Fabian , Schrank Andreas , Nguyen Hoai Phuong , Ihme Klas
Published: January 2025

Remote assistance for highly automated vehicles (HAVs), i.e., third-party assistance from support staff outside the vehicle in times of the need for assistance, presents a solution to extend the capabilities of HAVs by integrating a third party for decision making in uncertain situations. Similar to other control center positions, we expect the remote assistance tasks to exert high mental demands on the human operators. Therefore, we assessed impact of elevated mental workload during HAV remote assistance in a controlled environment in a user study (N = 37) with the goal of identifying cues to differentiate workload levels based on eye-tracking-related, skin conductance, and cardiovascular indicators. The results provide evidence that (A) elevated workload induced via a secondary task depreciates performance, and (B) we can identify workload levels person-independently as differences in tonic skin conductance (F(2,72) = 24.538, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.405) and pupil dilation (F(2,72) = 13.872, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.278), resulting in a classification accuracy of 58% in a three-class classification task. The results provide evidence that we are able to differentiate operator workload during remote assistance in a time-resolved way with the ultimate goal to provide adaptations to counteract task deficiencies.
Determinants of Social Activity Among Geriatric Patients in Northern Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Donca Valer , Grad Diana Alecsandra , Ungureanu Marius I. , Bodolea Constantin , Hirişcău Elisabeta Ioana , Avram Lucreţia
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The aging population poses a significant challenge to global public health, impacting the physical, mental, and social health of older adults. Social activity has been widely acknowledged as a protective factor for both mental and physical well-being. Research indicates that consistent engagement in social activities can mitigate the risk of depression, prevent cognitive decline, and support physical functionality. This study aims to explore the correlations and associations between two variables related to social activity (self-reported activity level and time spent with friends) and various other variables among geriatric patients in Northern Romania. Methods: This cross-sectional, single-center observational study utilized data from 588 geriatric patients (402 females and 186 males) admitted to the Geriatrics ward of the Municipal Clinical Hospital. The dataset included variables such as sociodemographic information, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and SARC-F questionnaire scores, time spent with friends, and activity levels. Descriptive statistics were computed alongside statistical tests to examine group differences, associations, and predictive relationships. Results: The sample was characterized by variability in age, educational attainment, and pension levels. The statistical analyses revealed significant differences based on education, pension, and civil status. Patients with higher GDS and SARC-F scores had lower odds of spending time with friends or belonging to the active or extremely active groups. Notably, women reported higher GDS scores and lower activity levels compared to men. Conclusions: Understanding the factors that influence social activity among older adults is essential for designing targeted interventions aimed at preventing social isolation and fostering healthy aging across diverse demographic and environmental contexts.
Trends in Endometrial Cancer in Poland: Shifts in Clinical Features and Survival Outcomes over 18 Years
Authors: Misiek Marcin , Witczak Grzegorz , Picheta Agnieszka , Skuza Michał , Misiek Aleksandra , Kluz Tomasz , Wróbel Andrzej , Chudecka-Głaz Anita
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Endometrial cancer is becoming an even more significant health concern in Poland, with incidence and mortality rates rising each year. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 1532 patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer at a single center in Poland between 2002 and 2020, examining changes in clinical and histopathological characteristics and their impact on patient outcomes over three time periods: 2003–2008, 2009–2014, and 2015–2020. Results: The study revealed significant shifts in tumor characteristics over time. Early-stage tumors (FIGO IA) increased in prevalence, from 34.1% in 2003–2008 to 49.8% in 2015–2020 (p < 0.001), while advanced-stage cases (FIGO IIIC or higher) decreased from 12.1% to 8.1% (p < 0.001). Similarly, well-differentiated tumors (G1) rose from 46.5% to 62.6% (p < 0.001), while poorly differentiated tumors (G3) decreased slightly from 13.4% to 12.2%. Histologically, the incidence of most typical endometrioid carcinoma peaked at 92.6% in 2009–2014 with 77.4% in 2015–2020 (p < 0.001). The prevalence of serous carcinoma significantly decreased from 16.5% in 2003–2008 to 1.2% in 2009–2014 and 3.2% in 2015–2020. Conclusions:Statistically significant differences in overall survival (OS) across the time periods were found. Three-year OS was 78.0% for patients treated in 2003–2008, compared to 66.2% in 2009–2014 and 69.9% in 2015–2020 (p = 0.024). Similarly, 5-year OS was significantly higher for the 2003–2008 group at 68.8% compared to 50.2% for the 2009–2014 group (p = 0.001). However, progression-free survival (PFS) did not differ significantly at either the 3-year (p = 0.279) or 5-year (p = 0.279) time points.
Increasing Neural-Based Pedestrian Detectors’ Robustness to Adversarial Patch Attacks Using Anomaly Localization
Authors: Ilina Olga , Tereshonok Maxim , Ziyadinov Vadim
Published: January 2025

Object detection in images is a fundamental component of many safety-critical systems, such as autonomous driving, video surveillance systems, and robotics. Adversarial patch attacks, being easily implemented in the real world, provide effective counteraction to object detection by state-of-the-art neural-based detectors. It poses a serious danger in various fields of activity. Existing defense methods against patch attacks are insufficiently effective, which underlines the need to develop new reliable solutions. In this manuscript, we propose a method which helps to increase the robustness of neural network systems to the input adversarial images. The proposed method consists of a Deep Convolutional Neural Network to reconstruct a benign image from the adversarial one; a Calculating Maximum Error block to highlight the mismatches between input and reconstructed images; a Localizing Anomalous Fragments block to extract the anomalous regions using the Isolation Forest algorithm from histograms of images’ fragments; and a Clustering and Processing block to group and evaluate the extracted anomalous regions. The proposed method, based on anomaly localization, demonstrates high resistance to adversarial patch attacks while maintaining the high quality of object detection. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective in defending against adversarial patch attacks. Using the YOLOv3 algorithm with the proposed defensive method for pedestrian detection in the INRIAPerson dataset under the adversarial attacks, the mAP50 metric reaches 80.97% compared to 46.79% without a defensive method. The results of the research demonstrate that the proposed method is promising for improvement of object detection systems security.