bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building a rights-based approach to nutrition for women and children: harnessing the potential of women’s groups and rights-based organizations in South Asia
Authors: Shrivastav Monica , Sethi Vani , Hazra Avishek , Murira Zivai , Singh Roopal Jyoti , Wagh Krishna , Nair Anuradha , Njikho Veronica Kamanga , Desai Sapna
Published: February 2025

Women face numerous gender-based barriers that hinder their access to resources, nutritious foods, nutrition services, and maternity entitlements. Evidence shows that certain types of women’s groups can improve women’s access to resources and social capital and in some approaches also improve health and nutrition outcomes. Women’s rights-based organizations in South Asia have a longstanding tradition of collective action toward gender equality. Women’s rights-based organizations work in areas such as microfinance, livelihoods, women’s rights, health, and combating violence against women. In this perspective article, we explore how women’s groups and rights-based organizations can leverage their collective strength to advance nutrition outcomes for women and children. We identify seven pathways implemented through women’s groups toward improving nutrition outcomes. These pathways include (i) income generation, (ii) agriculture, (iii) health and nutrition behavior change communication and participatory learning and action, (iv) advocating for rights to better health and social services, (v) food access, (vi) cash transfers, and (vii) strengthening service delivery and fostering convergence with health systems. We also note that women’s groups have the potential to implement integrated interventions through combined food-systems-rights pathways. Investing in this area can support transforming nutrition policy from a service delivery model to a rights-based approach.
Vaginal colonization, vertical transmission rate, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and associated factors of potential neonatal pathogens among pregnant women at public health facilities of Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Shimeles Getnet , Gedefie Alemu , Motbainor Hilina , Genet Chalachew
Published: February 2025

Background

Vaginal colonization by pathogenic bacteria increases the risk of bacterial infections such as sepsis, which is associated with high neonatal mortality. More than half a million newborn deaths occur globally each year due to infections that lead to sepsis. However, the problem is worsening in Ethiopia the evidence of vaginal colonization and vertical transmission is scarce.

Methods

A healthcare facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie town from April 1 to June 30, 2023, among 348 pregnant women and their newborns. Socio-demographic, clinical, and related data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Vaginal swab samples from pregnant women and pooled external ear, nasal area, and umbilical swab samples from the newborns were collected and transported using Amies transport media. Samples were inoculated into blood agar, Todd Hewitt selective enrichment broth, and MacConkey agar for bacterial isolation, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and CHROM Agar for Candida species isolation. The antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Logistic regression model was used to identify the associated factors. Finally, variables with p < 0.05 and their 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 348 pregnant women attending vaginal delivery were included in the study. The maternal colonization and vertical transmission rates were 55.5% (193/348) and 53.9% (104/348), respectively. The most frequent potential pathogen among pregnant women was Escherichia coli (27.6%), followed by Candida spp. (14.1%), and Klebsiella spp. (6%). Similarly, the predominant isolates in the newborns were E. coli (16.4%), Candida spp. (6.3%), and Klebsiella spp. (3.6%). The overall multidrug resistance levels of potential pathogens were 37.3%. Living with domestic animals (p = 0.001), having premature rupture of membrane (p = 0.010) and history of urinary tract infection (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with maternal colonization. Potential pathogen colonization newborn was significantly associated with duration of labor (p = 0.024) and low birth weight (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The finding of the present study revealed that vaginal colonization and vertical transmissions of potential pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance is still a significant problem. This alarms the urgency of evidence based-intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health.
Connections between redlining, food access, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in Boston
Authors: Mehrtash Farhad
Published: February 2025

This paper explores how redlining has disproportionately impacted the Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. Initiated in the 1930s, the discriminatory practice of marking these neighborhoods as high-risk for lending has led to significant health inequities today. The paper focuses on how limited access to healthier foods in these areas contributes to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and obesity, compared to wealthier neighborhoods. Additionally, the paper examines interventions aimed at reducing health disparities by improving affordability and access to nutritious foods. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policies and interventions with community-based involvement to address food insecurity and health disparities that originated from redlining in Boston.
Latent profile and determinants of self-management behaviors among older adult patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shao Yu Jiao , Duan Xiao Cui , Xu Xue Jun , Guo Hong Yan , Zhang Ze Yu , Zhao Shuang , Wang Fu Zhi , Chen Yong Xia , Chen Qin , Zhang Shi Qing , Yang Xiu Mu
Published: February 2025

Objective

To explore latent profiles of self-management behaviors in older adult patients with chronic diseases and identify the factors that influence different profiles, guiding targeted interventions.

Methods

This study used convenience sampling to recruit 536 older adult patients with chronic diseases from three tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province between October 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI), the Chronic Disease Self-Management Behavior Scale, the Chronic Disease Management Self-Efficacy Scale, the Psychological Status Scale, the Digital Health Literacy Scale, and the Social Support Scale. Latent profile analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.3, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0.

Results

Three profiles of self-management behaviors emerged: “Low Self-Management” (50.2%), “High Exercise and Cognitive Management” (8.6%), and “Moderate Management with Enhanced Communication” (41.2%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that residence, aCCI, number of digital devices used, perceived usefulness of digital health information, digital health literacy, social support, chronic disease management self-efficacy, and psychological status were significant factors affecting self-management profiles (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Self-management behaviors in older adult patients with chronic diseases were generally low, with substantial heterogeneity across profiles. Healthcare providers should tailor interventions based on the characteristics of each group to enhance self-management in digital health contexts.
The relationship between perceptions toward advertising and consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods among adults in the United States: results from a national survey
Authors: Thai Chan L. , Villarreal Jacqui , Thai Jacqueline A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Much of the research on the effects of food advertising has been focused on children and adolescents; however, adults may also be influenced. Prior research has also shown that exposure to food advertisements have impacted the consumption behaviors of adults. The purpose of this study is to explore (1) the differences in perceptions toward and trust in food advertisements between racial/ethnic population subgroups; and (2) the associations between perceptions toward food advertising and the consumption of energy-dense, nutrient poor (EDNP) foods among adults using data from a national data set (n = 1,535).

Methods

Data from the National Cancer Institute’s Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) survey were utilized in this secondary data analysis study. We conducted one-way ANOVAs to evaluate demographic subgroup differences within advertising trust and perceptions, and utilized bivariate and multivariable linear regression models to examine associations between (1) the perceptions toward and trust in food advertisements between racial/ethnic population subgroups; and (2) the associations between perceptions toward food advertising and the consumption of EDNP foods, while controlling for sociodemographic factors.

Results

Results show significant differences between racial/ethnic groups on advertising perceptions (F = 8.59, p < 0.0001). Planned contrasts show that there was a statistically significant and meaningful difference (p = 0.04) between Non-Hispanic Blacks (mean = 2.85) and Non-Hispanic Whites (mean = 2.52) for trust in food advertising. Regression analyses show that as positive perceptions toward food advertising increase among adults, there is an increase in daily frequency of consumption of EDNP foods and drinks (𝛽 = 0.15, p < 0.0001). This pattern was similar for trust in food advertising (𝛽 = 0.13, p < 0.0001).

Discussion

Given that previous studies have shown that ethnic minority groups, particularly Non-Hispanic Blacks, are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy food advertisements across various types of media, such as TV, billboards, and in grocery stores, it is possible that Non-Hispanic Black adults have greater trust in food advertising because of the increased environmental exposure to advertising through various channels of communication. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to food advertisements is linked to consumption of the foods found in those advertisements. Our results provide some initial empirical support for the cognitive mechanisms of how exposure to food advertising may contribute to consumption. Developing advertising literacy interventions to inoculate against the cognitive impacts of food advertising may be a viable strategy to limiting consumption of EDNP foods.
Large language models generating synthetic clinical datasets: a feasibility and comparative analysis with real-world perioperative data
Authors: Barr Austin A. , Quan Joshua , Guo Eddie , Sezgin Emre
Published: February 2025

Background

Clinical data is instrumental to medical research, machine learning (ML) model development, and advancing surgical care, but access is often constrained by privacy regulations and missing data. Synthetic data offers a promising solution to preserve privacy while enabling broader data access. Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) provide an opportunity to generate synthetic data with reduced reliance on domain expertise, computational resources, and pre-training.

Objective

This study aims to assess the feasibility of generating realistic tabular clinical data with OpenAI’s GPT-4o using zero-shot prompting, and evaluate the fidelity of LLM-generated data by comparing its statistical properties to the Vital Signs DataBase (VitalDB), a real-world open-source perioperative dataset.

Methods

In Phase 1, GPT-4o was prompted to generate a dataset with qualitative descriptions of 13 clinical parameters. The resultant data was assessed for general errors, plausibility of outputs, and cross-verification of related parameters. In Phase 2, GPT-4o was prompted to generate a dataset using descriptive statistics of the VitalDB dataset. Fidelity was assessed using two-sample t-tests, two-sample proportion tests, and 95% confidence interval (CI) overlap.

Results

In Phase 1, GPT-4o generated a complete and structured dataset comprising 6,166 case files. The dataset was plausible in range and correctly calculated body mass index for all case files based on respective heights and weights. Statistical comparison between the LLM-generated datasets and VitalDB revealed that Phase 2 data achieved significant fidelity. Phase 2 data demonstrated statistical similarity in 12/13 (92.31%) parameters, whereby no statistically significant differences were observed in 6/6 (100.0%) categorical/binary and 6/7 (85.71%) continuous parameters. Overlap of 95% CIs were observed in 6/7 (85.71%) continuous parameters.

Conclusion

Zero-shot prompting with GPT-4o can generate realistic tabular synthetic datasets, which can replicate key statistical properties of real-world perioperative data. This study highlights the potential of LLMs as a novel and accessible modality for synthetic data generation, which may address critical barriers in clinical data access and eliminate the need for technical expertise, extensive computational resources, and pre-training. Further research is warranted to enhance fidelity and investigate the use of LLMs to amplify and augment datasets, preserve multivariate relationships, and train robust ML models.
Assessing the impact of green transformation on carbon emissions: a dynamic spatial Durbin model
Authors: Gao Peng , Qu Chao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

China's environmental policies and the green transformation of its industries have attained paramount significance in the wake of intensifying climate change and soaring carbon emissions, critically shaping sustainable development at both national and international scales. As the exploration of the drivers and outcomes of this green revolution on carbon emissions gains traction as a focal point of research, this study endeavors to assess the effects and their underlying causes.

Methods

Utilizing a systems thinking methodology, a dynamic spatial Durbin model was constructed, analyzing statistical data spanning from 2004 to 2021, encompassing 30 Chinese provinces.

Results

China's green transformation significantly influences the spatial distribution patterns of carbon emissions across various regions.

Discussion

Environmental Protection investment has been effective in curbing carbon emissions from local businesses, yet it may also prompt a relocation of these businesses to neighboring provinces, inadvertently elevating their carbon emissions. Green innovation and the adoption of green energy technologies have proven instrumental in reducing carbon emissions in a region, with positive spillover effects extending to nearby areas. The dynamic spatial Durbin model analysis further underscores the inertia of carbon emissions, indicating that achieving carbon reduction is a process requiring consistent and sustained efforts over the long term. The findings of this study offer valuable insights and recommendations for the government in devising and implementing green transformation policies that align with the dual-carbon target, aiming to achieve a greener and more sustainable future.
The challenges of consent in a decentralised metaverse: exploring ethically informed protections and standards to safeguard humans
Authors: Smith Carl Hayden , Molka-Danielsen Judith , Webb-Benjamin Jean-Brunel , Rasool Jazz
Published: February 2025

Throughout the history of Web2.0 there is a large body of evidence of data being used for something other than what it was consented to be used for. What were 2D webpages are becoming 3D worlds, collectively forming a Metaverse of virtual and mixed reality domains which should help to create new interactive learning, social and economic opportunities. In this paper we reflect on how the physical world will itself become a networked interface, making reality even more machine-readable, click-able, and searchable. We begin with a review of the Metaverse and some of the consent challenges that arise and urgently need to be addressed whilst exploring its potential. There is a core need for creators of Metaverse environments to make them safe spaces for everyone to use. We explore and review the knowledge gap of consent needed to ensure a fair and just use of data within the Metaverse. We explore the challenges of consent including examples such as unauthorised surveillance and the need for ethical and moral standards in large platforms such as VRChat. This need is then further elaborated using experiences gathered during the XPRIZE Rapid Re-skilling Competition. The main contributions of this paper are the five stage Shared Consent Framework which was developed in response to understanding the limitations of existing consent frameworks and the extended definition of the Metaverse.
Perceived discrimination in fatigue: a qualitative interview study in the SOMA.SOC project
Authors: Barbek Rieke , Makowski Anna Christin , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Fatigue is a frequent somatic symptom impacting health and well-being and lately receiving increased attention as a long-term consequence of COVID-19. Emerging evidence suggests that persons afflicted with fatigue symptoms are often stigmatized and discriminated because their symptoms are still poorly understood and not recognizable to others. Existing stigma research mainly focused on specific medical conditions and domains and overlooked intersectional discrimination – the negative amplification effect of intersecting social identities. The purpose of the current study is to examine perceived discrimination in fatigue across different medical conditions and domains, also considering intersectional discrimination.

Materials and methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were carried out with 19 patients with clinically significant fatigue, considering a variety of different social identities like gender, history of migration, and occupational status. The interviews were analyzed using a structured qualitative content approach with consensual coding.

Results

The findings on perceived discrimination could be subsumed in eight practices: (nonverbal) communication, negative emotional reaction, medical treatment, leadership responsibility, structural barriers, diagnostic terminology, and scientific controversy. Participants reported overlapping experiences of perceived discrimination across several intertwined domains: medical setting, work, social, public, and at an overarching structural level. Thereby, especially discrimination in the medical setting and on structural level occurred with great impact on health care and social protection. By applying an intersectional approach, intersectional discrimination specific for certain stigmatized social identities, like female gender and low occupational status became apparent.

Discussion

These findings need to be further researched and addressed in intervention strategies increasing resilience and public knowledge to reduce intersectional discrimination and health inequalities.
The principles of tactical formation identification in association football (soccer) — a survey
Authors: Sotudeh Hadi
Published: February 2025

This paper reviews the principles employed to identify team tactical formations in association football, covering over two decades of research based on event and tracking data. It first defines formations and discusses their history and importance. It then introduces the preprocessing and team/position-level principles. Preprocessing includes match segments and normalized locations followed by data representation using various options, such as average locations, hand-engineered features, and graphs for the team-level and relative locations, distributions, and images for the position-level approaches. Either of them is later followed by applying templates or clustering. Among the limitations for future research to address is the reliance on spatial rather than temporal aggregation, which bases formation identification on newly introduced coordinates that may not be available in raw tracking data. Assuming a fixed number of outfield players (e.g., 10) fails to address scenarios with fewer players due to red cards or injuries. Additionally, accounting for phases of play is crucial to provide more practical context and reduce noise by excluding irrelevant segments, such as set pieces. The existing formation templates do not support arrangments with more or fewer players in each horizontal line (e.g., 6-3-1). On the other hand, clustering forces new observations to be described with previously learned clusters, preventing the possibility of discovering emerging formations. Lastly, alternative evaluation methods should have been explored more rigorously, in the absence of ground truth labels. Overall, this study identifies assumptions, consequences, and drawbacks associated with formation identification principles to structure the body of knowledge and establish a foundation for the future.
A functional SNP of the core promoter region within goat CDC25A gene affects litter size
Authors: Zhang Taiyuan , Wang Jingxuan , Bai Yangyang , Wang Qian , Wang Ke , Zhu Haijing , Qu Lei , Guo Zhengang , Pan Chuanying , Lan Xianyong
Published: February 2025

The Cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A) gene has been considered as a candidate gene associated with reproductive traits for goat breeding. In this study, five truncated fragments divided at position-2285 nt to +198 nt were amplified and cloned into the luciferase reporter vectors to identify the core promoter. The luciferase reporter assay showed that the core promoter of CDC25A was located at position-663 nt to-237 nt. Afterwards, a single nucleotide polymorphism (NC_030829.1:g.51731829A > C) at the core promoter was detected using sequencing and KASP in a population of 1,016 goats and luciferase reporter vectors carrying the A allele or C allele were transfected into cells, respectively. The results displayed that the higher relative luciferase activity was observed in plasmids carrying the A allele rather than the C allele. The litter size of individuals with the AA genotype was significantly better than those with other genotypes, which corresponded to increased transcriptional activity in plasmids carrying the A allele. In short, our study provides a potential molecular genetic marker for improving reproductive efficiency in goat breeding.
A novel scoring system proposal to guide treatment of dogs with hepatoid gland tumors
Authors: Maniscalco Lorella , Olimpo Matteo , Parisi Lorenza , Buracco Paolo , Mazzone Eugenio , Martinelli Greta , Martano Marina , Iussich Selina , Morello Emanuela
Published: February 2025

Hepatoid perianal gland tumors are relatively common in dogs, accounting for 25% of all skin tumors. However, the specific factors involved in their development are still not completely clear. It has been established that hormonal influences can impact the formation of these tumors. The prognosis for dogs with perianal tumors depends largely on histology (benign vs. malignant) and, in case of malignancy, it has been suggested that the stage of the disease is important, with a more favorable outcome in dogs having small (under 5 cm in diameter), non-metastatic adenocarcinomas which are surgically removed with non-infiltrated margins. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies which thoroughly relate hepatoid gland histotypes to their prognosis; therefore, it is possible that a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma could be misclassified. Based on a retrospective review of 76 dogs with hepatoid gland tumors having clinical follow-up, the aims of this study were (1) to establish a histological grading system capable of potentially predicting prognosis and (2) to explore the role of Ki67 as a potential prognostic marker. Based on histopathological features only, the proposed grading system effectively differentiated tumors with a favorable prognosis from those with a worse prognosis to support histological diagnosis. The evaluation of the Ki67 index was not useful to predict prognosis in this study.
Proposal of an objective formula-based model for equitable ranking of veterinary colleges
Authors: Gogal Robert M. , Holladay Steven David
Published: February 2025

Introduction

We suggest an objective ranking formula that has wide national and international application. The new formula is presented with U.S. Colleges of Veterinary Medicine as an example. Methods used by ranking agencies differ, as do the ranks they generate. In some instances, relatively narrow information is collected from a limited number of polled contributors, raising questions about strength and validity of the generated ranks.

Methods

A new formula-based weighted model for ranking of veterinary colleges is proposed. Numbers fed into the formula parameters, for instance teaching hospital case load, faculty number and research expenditures, derive from real and measurable qualities of each college and drive an objective final ranking score for each veterinary college. This formula is designed to be readily modified within and beyond the veterinary profession.

Results

The new ranking system works from calculations that are straightforward and transparent with little room for subjective interpretation. It is designed to provide a rigorous and defendable institutional rank for all veterinary colleges.

Discussion

The new ranking system is designed to be readily adaptable within veterinary colleges as the profession changes, as well as to academic institutions with focuses other than veterinary medicine. The goal is to provide a new model that is useful for objective comparisons.
Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Healthcare Workers in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abaate Taagbara Jolly , Buowari Dabota Yvonne , Agiri Utchay A. , Inimgba Tamunodiepiriye , Ogbonna Vivian Ifeoma , Onyeaghala Chizaram , Worgu Glory Ovunda , Somiari Abiye , Ezebuiro Emmanuella I. , Onuah Ibe Arthur
Published: February 2025

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Nigerian healthcare professionals.

Methods

An extensive language-unrestricted literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the African Index Medicus to identify studies reporting hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in Nigeria. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.

Results

Of the 206 articles, 22 publications with 20,724 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 75% (95% CI: 61%–88%, I2 = 99.69%, P < 0.001). Reasons for hesitancy, including concerns about side effects, lack of trust, and safety, were prevalent at 76% (CI: 0.57–0.94, I2 = 99.24%, P < 0.001), 55% (CI: 0.042–0.272, I2 = 97.42%, P < 0.001), and 68% (CI: 0.047–0.89, I2 = 98.59%, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

There was significant hesitancy among Nigerian healthcare workers towards COVID-19 vaccination; thus, strategies to increase vaccination acceptance among healthcare workers should be developed.
Deep Neural Network for Valve Fault Diagnosis Integrating Multivariate Time-Series Sensor Data
Authors: Jeong Eugene , Yang Jung-Hwan , Lim Soo-Chul
Published: February 2025

Faults in valves that regulate fluid flow and pressure in industrial systems can significantly degrade system performance. In systems where multiple valves are used simultaneously, a single valve fault can reduce overall efficiency. Existing fault diagnosis methods struggle with the complexity of multivariate time-series data and unseen fault scenarios. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a method based on a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) for diagnosing the location and severity of valve faults in a multi-valve system. An experimental setup was constructed with 17 sensors, including 8 pressure sensors at the inlets and outlets of 4 valves, 4 flow sensors, and 5 pressure sensors along the main pipe. Sensor data were collected to observe the sensor values corresponding to valve behavior, and foreign objects of varying sizes were inserted into the valves to simulate faults of different severities. These data were used to train and evaluate the proposed model. The proposed method achieved robust prediction accuracy (MAE: 0.0306, RMSE: 0.0629) compared to existing networks, performing on both trained and unseen fault severities. It identified the location of the faulty valve and quantified fault severity, demonstrating generalization capabilities.
The Design and Analysis of a Lightweight Robotic Arm Based on a Load-Adaptive Hoisting Mechanism
Authors: Wang Ruchao , Lu Zhiguo , Wang Yiru , Li Zhongqing
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the design and control of a lightweight three degrees of freedom robotic arm based on a load-adaptive hoisting mechanism. The proposed design integrates a spring-loaded rope and a variable radius reel into the gripper, enabling efficient load adaptability with minimal structural complexity. By leveraging this mechanism, the robotic arm achieves significant weight reduction while maintaining robust performance under variable payloads. The study includes a comprehensive analysis of the system’s kinematics and dynamics, focusing on the interaction between the adaptive gripper and the arm structure. A prototype of the robotic arm was developed and experimentally tested to validate its functionality.
Investigating Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing for Disassembly and Reparability of Adhesive Joints by Precision Heating
Authors: Frascio Mattia , Morchio Stefano , Musiari Francesco , Muhammad Usman Khalid , Dittamo Federico , Minuto Matilde , Avalle Massimiliano
Published: February 2025

Additive manufacturing enables new design solutions across various engineering fields. This work presents a method to enhance the sustainability of adhesive joints by designing joints that can be disassembled and repaired multiple times. The approach involves the use of a Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing process to produce substrates with integrated circuits and electrical resistance, printed using a conductive filament. This resistance can be used to heat the thermoplastic adhesive layer up to 110 °C, allowing for reversibility in the assembly process and enabling joint re-use and repair without constraints on the component’s materials and thicknesses. The joints tested after successive assembly/disassembly operations reach maximum strength during the first iteration, which decreases by around 50% after five repair iterations. The focus of the work is on the feasibility of this process, but it is expected that performance can be improved after process optimization. This result could be highly valuable for enabling component in-service healing and the design for demanufacturing and remanufacturing.
Isolation, Characterization, and Anti-Biofilm Activity of a Novel Kaypoctavirus Against K24 Capsular Type, Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
Authors: Wintachai Phitchayapak , Santini Joanne M. , Thonguppatham Renuka , Stroyakovski Maria , Surachat Komwit , Atipairin Apichart
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The significant outbreak of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged as a primary global concern associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Certain strains of K. pneumoniae are highly resistant to most antibiotics available in clinical practice, exacerbating the challenge of bacterial infections. Methods: Phage vB_KpnP_PW7 (vKPPW7) was isolated and characterized. Its morphology, stability, adsorption rate, one-step growth curve, lytic activity, whole-genome sequence analysis, and antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated. Results: The virulent phage has a 73,658 bp linear dsDNA genome and was classified as a new species of the genus Kaypoctavirus, subfamily Enquatrovirinae, and family Schitoviridae. Phage vKPPW7 has a high adsorption rate, a short latent period, and a large burst size. The phage showed activity against 18 K. pneumoniae isolates with the K24 capsular type but was unable to lyse K. pneumoniae isolates whose capsular type was not classified as K24. Additionally, phage vKPPW7 demonstrated strong stability across various temperatures and pH values. The phage exhibited antibacterial activity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed its ability to lyse MDR K. pneumoniae with the K24 capsular type. Furthermore, phage vKPPW7 effectively removed preformed biofilm and prevented biofilm formation, resulting in reduced biofilm biomass and biofilm viability compared to controls. The architecture of phage-treated biofilms was confirmed under SEM. Conclusions: These findings suggest that phage vKPPW7 holds promise for development as a therapeutic or biocontrol agent.
Gossypin-Loaded Ethosome Gel for Cutaneous Administration: A Preliminary Study on Melanoma Cells
Authors: Bondi Agnese , Pula Walter , Benedusi Mascia , Trinchera Giulia , Baldisserotto Anna , Manfredini Stefano , Ortore Maria Grazia , Pepe Alessia , Mariani Paolo , Stuart Marc C. A. , Valacchi Giuseppe , Esposito Elisabetta
Published: February 2025

A preformulative study was conducted to produce and characterize ethosomes for the transdermal delivery of gossypin. This plant-derived compound possesses many pharmacological properties, including antitumoral potential. Ethosome dispersions were designed as transdermal delivery systems for gossypin, employing two different production procedures. The evaluation of vesicle size distribution by photon correlation spectroscopy, morphology by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and gossypin entrapment capacity, as well as in vitro release and permeation by vertical diffusion cells, enabled us to select a production strategy based on the injection of a phosphatidylcholine ethanolic solution in water. Indeed, vesicles prepared by this method were almost unilamellar and measured roughly 150 nm mean diameter while displaying an entrapment capacity higher than 94%. Moreover, vesicles prepared by the ethanol injection method enabled us to control gossypin release and to improve its permeation with respect to the solution of the drug. To obtain semi-solid forms suitable for cutaneous gossypin administration, ethosome dispersions were thickened with 0.5% w/w xanthan gum, selected by a spreadability test. These ethosome gels were then further characterized by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, while their antioxidant activity was demonstrated in vitro by a radical scavenging assay. Finally, in vitro biological studies were conducted on A375 melanoma cell lines. Namely, wound healing and cell migration assays confirmed the potential antitumoral effect of gossypin, especially when loaded in the selected ethosomal gel. The promising results suggest further investigation of the potential of gossypin-loaded ethosomal gel in the treatment of melanoma.
Enhanced Multi-Class Driver Injury Severity Prediction Using a Hybrid Deep Learning and Random Forest Approach
Authors: Acı Çiğdem İnan , Mutlu Gizen , Ozen Murat , Acı Mehmet
Published: February 2025

Predicting driver injury severity and identifying factors influencing crash outcomes are crucial for developing effective traffic safety measures. This study focuses on estimating driver injury severity (uninjured, injured, or killed) and determining critical factors affecting crash outcomes. A hybrid framework combining Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) and Random Forest (RF) is proposed, where a DNN extracts features and RF performs the final classification, leveraging ensemble methods. The results were compared with those of well-known methods (e.g., kNN, XGBoost), with the hybrid approach achieving the best performance (0.92 accuracy, 0.89 F1-macro, 0.91 F1-micro scores) in predicting injury severity. The results showed that crash type, vehicle type, driver fault, intersection type, season, time, and road type had the greatest impact, while factors like pavement condition and driver gender had minimal influence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to combine DNN-based feature extraction with RF classification in the context of traffic injury severity prediction. The framework offers a new approach for drivers and policymakers, providing a deeper understanding of driver injury severity prediction and its underlying factors.
A Flexible Risk-Based Security Evaluation Methodology for Information Communication Technology System Certification
Authors: Matheu Sara N. , Martínez-Gil Juan F. , Bicchierai Irene , Marchel Jan , Piliszek Radosław , Skarmeta Antonio
Published: February 2025

As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems become increasingly complex, the need for adaptable and efficient security certification frameworks grows. This paper introduces a flexible security evaluation methodology designed to serve as the foundation for cybersecurity certification across diverse ICT systems. The proposed methodology integrates risk assessment and test-based evaluation, offering a scalable approach that adapts to different tools and processes, addressing the limitations of existing rigid certification schemes. The certification approach expands on ETSI’s Risk-Based Security Assessment and Testing methods, based on ISO 31000 and ISO 29119, and it integrates widely recognized standards such as MUD. This ensures an objective, empirical evaluation process that enables partial automation and simplifies recertification. As a proof of concept, we validate the methodology in two real use cases, an ICT gateway for smart grids and an AI-powered investments platform, demonstrating its flexibility and applicability to real-world contexts while addressing the challenges of modern ICT ecosystems.
Positioning Technology Without Ground Control Points for Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar Images Using Rational Polynomial Coefficient Model Considering Atmospheric Delay
Authors: Hu Doudou , Cheng Chunquan , Yang Shucheng , Hu Chengxi
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the issue of atmospheric delay correction for the rational polynomial coefficient (RPC) model associated with spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery under conditions lacking ephemeris data, proposing a novel approach to enhance the geometric positioning accuracy of RPC models. A satellite position inversion method based on the vector-autonomous intersection technique was developed, incorporating ionospheric delay and neutral atmospheric delay models to derive atmospheric delay errors. Additionally, an RPC model reconstruction approach, which integrates atmospheric correction, is proposed. Validation experiments using GF-3 satellite imagery demonstrated that the atmospheric delay values obtained by this method differed by only 0.0001 m from those derived using the traditional ephemeris-based approach, a negligible difference. The method also exhibited high robustness in long-strip imagery. The reconstructed RPC parameters improved image-space accuracy by 18–44% and object-space accuracy by 19–32%. The results indicate that this approach can fully replace traditional ephemeris-based methods for atmospheric delay extraction under ephemeris-free conditions, significantly enhancing the geometric positioning accuracy of SAR imagery RPC models, with substantial application value and development potential.
Optimization of Adhesive Joint Design in Timber–Glass Systems: Enhancing Structural Performance with Primer Treatment
Authors: Agliata Rosa , De Luca Alessandro , Caputo Francesco , Marchione Francesco , Sepe Raffaele , Munafò Placido
Published: February 2025

The increasing use of large glass surfaces in modern architecture requires robust adhesive solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with structural resilience, particularly in timber–glass applications. This study examines the influence of primer treatments on the shear performance of timber–glass adhesive joints, employing a combination of experimental testing and simulation techniques. Double-lap shear tests with epoxy adhesives assess the impact of various surface treatments on joint stiffness, shear stress distribution, and deformation. Additionally, a finite element model is developed to simulate joint behavior, evaluate failure modes, and analyze displacement patterns. Results indicate that primer applications notably enhance structural integrity by reducing displacement and increasing joint stability, thereby supporting more durable timber–glass assemblies. These findings offer valuable insights for advancing adhesive technologies in architectural components, enabling a closer alignment between structural performance and design innovation in timber–glass systems.
Leningrad Contemporary Music Club: An Early Bird of Soviet Musical Underground
Authors: Kan Alexander
Published: February 2025

This essay discusses the genesis, evolution, and impact of the Leningrad Contemporary Music Club (CMC), a pivotal hub for avant-garde and experimental music in the late Soviet Union. Founded amidst the socio-political constraints of the late 1970s, the CMC emerged as a sanctuary for jazz, classical avant-garde, and progressive rock enthusiasts. This paper chronicles the CMC’s unique ability to foster creative expression within the repressive Soviet cultural framework, driven by a coalition of visionaries including such musicians as Sergey Kuryokhin and jazz theoreticians like Efim Barban. The narrative highlights the club’s seminal role in introducing Western avant-garde music to Soviet audiences, hosting groundbreaking performances, and cultivating a vibrant community of musicians, critics, and fans. Through an exploration of the CMC’s organisational strategies, cultural exchanges, and its ultimate closure following state intervention, the paper examines how the Club bridged underground and mainstream music while navigating ideological constraints. The research underscores the CMC’s legacy as a microcosm of resistance and innovation, situating its contributions within broader discussions of Soviet countercultural movements and global avant-garde practices. This work contributes to the historiography of Soviet underground culture, shedding light on the interplay between art, politics, and social transformation in late 20th-century Leningrad.
Primary Mid-Succession Carbon Fluxes in a Spontaneously Recovering Post-Mining Ecosystem
Authors: Badraghi Aysan , Montagnani Leonardo , Kučera Jiří , Frouz Jan
Published: February 2025

Limited research exists on the carbon sequestration potential of spontaneously developing post-coal-mining sites in the mid-stage of primary succession. Therefore, in 2023, net ecosystem exchange (NEE) was quantified in Czechia using an eddy covariance (EC) tower to assess carbon fluxes in a spontaneously developing ecosystem dominated by pioneer tree species such as willow, along with aspen and birch, growing on a wave-like microtopography. The ecosystem functioned as a strong carbon sink, with an annual NEE of −415 g C m−2 yr−1, ~39 years after coal mining. This NEE was derived by gross ecosystem exchange (GEE) of −1423 g C m−2 yr−1 and ecosystem respiration (Reco) of 1008 g C m−2 yr−1. Seasonal variation was driven by higher GEE in summer rather than by Reco. Consequently, Reco accounted for ca. 51% of GEE in summer, compared to 56% in spring. In addition, temperature was an important climatic factor in spring, whereas vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and global radiation (Rg) were more critical in summer. Overall, our results highlight the robust carbon sequestration capacity of naturally developing pioneer forests, suggesting their potential role in restoring mined areas in Central Europe and other regions without water limitations following coal mining.
Intensification of the Dimethyl Sulfide Precursor Conversion Reaction: A Retrospective Analysis of Pilot-Scale Brewer’s Wort Boiling Experiments Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Meneguzzo Francesco , Albanese Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a low-boiling compound generated during barley germination and wort boiling from the conversion of its main precursor S-methylmethionine (SMM), a functional biomolecule, is detrimental to beer flavor. Vigorous and prolonged boiling, a time-consuming and energy-intensive process, is required to decrease the content of SMM and remove free DMS. The standard model, further validated in this study, assumed wort temperature and pH as the limiting factors of the SMM conversion reaction. This study aimed to assess the specific effect of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) on the SMM conversion rate in pilot-scale experiments of brewer’s wort boiling. For the first time, the SMM conversion rate was shown to be significantly affected by HC processes. The SMM half-life was reduced by up to 70% and showed remarkable sensitivity to HC regimes. The intensification of the SMM conversion reaction could be attributed to the HC-based generation of hydroxyl radicals. Other wort processes unfolded in compliance with standard specifications, such as the removal of free DMS, the isomerization of hop alpha-acids, and the change in wort color. In conclusion, evidence supported HC for a substantial saving in process time and energy consumption in the brewer’s wort boiling step.
Extraction of Grape Juice: Impact of Laboratory-Scale Pressing Methods on the Chemical Composition
Authors: Shanshiashvili Gvantsa , Baviera Marta , Ounaissi Daoud , Lançon-Verdier Vanessa , Maury Chantal , Cola Gabriele , Fracassetti Daniela
Published: February 2025

The monitoring of grape maturity is essential for determining the ideal harvest time as well as for obtaining the expected characteristics of grape juice and, consequently, of wine. This study aimed to examine the impact of various laboratory-scale pressing methods on key chemical parameters (sugars, pH, and titratable acidity), as well as on phenolic-related indexes and antioxidant activity, in juices from Chardonnay (six grape samples) and Pinot blanc (two grape samples) across two vintages (2022 and 2023). The grape samples were characterized in terms of total and extractable flavonoids and extractability (%). Four different methods (manual pressing, vacuum pressing, small screw press, and juicer) were applied for producing grape juice. The results showed relevant differences in the extractability among the grape samples up to 64.1% and 43.8% for harvests 2022 and 2023, respectively. Comparable sugar content, pH, and titratable acidity were found in the juice samples independently from the method used. On the contrary, notable variability among the different pressing methods was revealed for phenolic-related indexes and antioxidant activity. The small screw press led to lower total phenol index values across grape batches compared to other methods, while the juice samples obtained with the juicer revealed a composition consistently differing in comparison to the other methods. Raman spectroscopy allowed to clearly classify the juice samples based on the pressing method. Good predictive models were obtained due to the composition of juice samples being clearly distinct among methods. This data suggests that an appropriate pressing method should be adopted for monitoring the grape ripening as well as for simulating the pressing under industrial scale.