bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Study on Flow Characteristics of Shocked Light Backward-Triangular Bubbles in Polyatomic Gas
Authors: Alsaeed Salman Saud , Singh Satyvir
Published: December 2024

This study computationally examined the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) evolution in a helium backward-triangular bubble immersed in monatomic argon, diatomic nitrogen, and polyatomic methane under planar shock wave interactions. Using high-fidelity numerical simulations based on the compressible Navier–Fourier equations based on the Boltzmann–Curtiss kinetic framework and simulated via a modal discontinuous Galerkin scheme, we analyze the complex interplay of shock-bubble dynamics. Key findings reveal distinct thermal non-equilibrium effects, vorticity generation, enstrophy evolution, kinetic energy dissipation, and interface deformation across gases. Methane, with its molecular complexity and higher viscosity, exhibits the highest levels of vorticity production, enstrophy, and kinetic energy, leading to pronounced Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities and enhanced mixing. Conversely, argon, due to its simpler atomic structure, shows weaker deformation and mixing. Thermal non-equilibrium effects, quantified by the Rayleigh–Onsager dissipation function, are most significant in methane, indicating delayed energy relaxation and intense turbulence. This study highlights the pivotal role of molecular properties, specific heat ratio, and bulk viscosity in shaping RMI dynamics in polyatomic gases, offering insights on uses such as high-speed aerodynamics, inertial confinement fusion, and supersonic mixing.
Sharp Second-Order Hankel Determinants Bounds for Alpha-Convex Functions Connected with Modified Sigmoid Functions
Authors: Abbas Muhammad , Alhefthi Reem K. , Ritelli Daniele , Arif Muhammad
Published: December 2024

The study of the Hankel determinant generated by the Maclaurin series of holomorphic functions belonging to particular classes of normalized univalent functions is one of the most significant problems in geometric function theory. Our goal in this study is first to define a family of alpha-convex functions associated with modified sigmoid functions and then to investigate sharp bounds of initial coefficients, Fekete-Szegö inequality, and second-order Hankel determinants. Moreover, we also examine the logarithmic and inverse coefficients of functions within a defined family regarding recent issues. All of the estimations that were found are sharp.
A Comprehensive Model and Numerical Study of Shear Flow in Compressible Viscous Micropolar Real Gases
Authors: Črnjarić Nelida , Dražić Ivan
Published: December 2024

Understanding shear flow behavior in compressible, viscous, micropolar real gases is essential for both theoretical advancements and practical engineering applications. This study develops a comprehensive model that integrates micropolar fluid theory with compressible flow dynamics to accurately describe the behavior of real gases under shear stress. We formulate the governing equations by incorporating viscosity and micropolar effects and transform the obtained system into the mass Lagrangian coordinates. Two numerical methods, Faedo–Galerkin approximation and finite-difference methods, are used to solve it. These methods are compared using several benchmark examples to assess their accuracy and computational efficiency. Both methods demonstrate good performance, achieving equally precise results in capturing essential flow characteristics. However, the finite-difference method offers advantages in speed, stability, and lower computational demands. This research bridges gaps in existing models and establishes a foundation for further investigations into complex flow phenomena in micropolar real gases.
Fractals as Julia Sets for a New Complex Function via a Viscosity Approximation Type Iterative Methods
Authors: Almutlg Ahmad , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: December 2024

In this article, we examine and investigate various variants of Julia set patterns for complex exponential functions W(z)=αezn+βzm+logct, and T(z)=αezn+βzm+γ (which are analytic except at z=0) where n≥2, m,n∈N, α,β,γ∈C,c∈C∖{0} and t∈R,t≥1, by employing a viscosity approximation-type iterative method. We employ the proposed iterative method to establish an escape criterion for visualizing Julia sets. We provide graphical illustrations of Julia sets that emphasize their sensitivity to different iteration parameters. We present graphical illustrations of Julia sets; the color, size, and shape of the images change with variations in the iteration parameters. With fixed input parameters, we observe the intriguing behavior of Julia sets for different values of n and m. We hope that the conclusions of this study will inspire researchers with an interest in fractal geometry.
A Note on Injective g-Frames in Quaternionic Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Zhang Jianxia , Gao Fugen , Hong Guoqing
Published: December 2024

Motivated by recent advancements in the quantum detection problem employing both discrete and continuous frames, this paper delves into a quantum detection problem utilizing g-frames within the context of quaternionic Hilbert spaces. We offer several equivalent representations of injective g-frames in separable quaternionic Hilbert spaces. By normalizing the trace, we establish a classification for the g-frame injectivity problem. Additionally, we propose a method to derive an injective g-frame by leveraging an injective frame within quaternionic Hilbert spaces. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the injectivity of a g-frame remains intact under a linear isomorphism, while injective g-frames exhibit instability in infinite-dimensional scenarios.
Topological Properties of the Intersection Curves Between a Torus and Families of Parabolic or Elliptical Cylinders
Authors: Breda Ana , Trocado Alexandre , Dos Santos José
Published: December 2024

This paper reports the research work carried out with the goal of geometrically and algebraically describing, as well as topologically classifying, the curves resulting from the intersection of a torus with families of parabolic and elliptical cylinders within a purely Euclidean framework. The parabolic cylinders under analysis have generatrices parallel to the axis of the torus, whereas the elliptical cylinders, centered at the same point as the torus, have axes either aligned with or orthogonal to the torus’s axis. For the topological classification of these intersection curves, we consider their number of connected components and self-intersection points. GeoGebra, which was used to create the 3D visual geometric representations of the intersection curves, and Maple, which was used to perform the essential symbolic algebraic calculations, were critical computational tools in the development of this work. Theoretical and computational approaches are interwoven throughout this study, with the computational work serving as the foundation for exploration and providing insights that contributed to the theoretical validation of the results revealed through GeoGebra simulations.
Impulsive Linearly Implicit Euler Method for the SIR Epidemic Model with Pulse Vaccination Strategy
Authors: Zhang Gui-Lai , Zhu Zhi-Yong , Chen Lei-Ke , Liu Song-Shu
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a new numerical scheme, which we call the impulsive linearly implicit Euler method, for the SIR epidemic model with pulse vaccination strategy is constructed based on the linearly implicit Euler method. The sufficient conditions for global attractivity of an infection-free periodic solution of the impulsive linearly implicit Euler method are obtained. We further show that the limit of the disease-free periodic solution of the impulsive linearly implicit Euler method is the disease-free periodic solution of the exact solution when the step size tends to 0. Finally, two numerical experiments are given to confirm the conclusions.
The Expression of Proteases and the Oligopeptide Transporter PepT1 in the Yolk Sac Membrane, Proventriculus, and Small Intestine During the Development of Anas platyrhynchos domestica Embryo
Authors: Shbailat Seba Jamal , Aslan Ibtisam Omar
Published: December 2024

The role of the yolk sac membrane (YSM) and digestive tract in the processing of egg yolk proteins during embryogenesis is unexplored in the duck Anas platyrhynchos domestica. Here, we investigated in the duck embryo the function of the YSM, proventriculus, and small intestine in protein digestion and uptake. We tested the expression of aminopeptidase N (APN) and the oligopeptide transporter PepT1 as well as the expression of cathepsin B (CTSB) and cathepsin D (CTSD) lysosomal genes in the YSM during incubation days 12, 14, 16–18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 (the day of hatch). Also, we examined embryonic duck pepsinogen (EDPg) expression in the proventriculus and APN and PepT1 expression in the small intestine. In the YSM, CTSD expression was weak compared to that of CTSB, and the expression of CTSB, APN, and PepT1 reached its maximum on day 24 and decreased afterwards. In the proventriculus, EDPg expression peaked on days 17 to 20 and decreased thereafter. The APN and PepT1 expression levels were highest in the jejunum and ileum and reached their maximum on day 28. Our results suggest that the YSM plays a role in the degradation and uptake of the peptides that are digested by the activated yolk proteases, and it also functions in the lysosomal digestion of yolk lipoproteins. Furthermore, the proventriculus is possibly involved in the digestion of yolk proteins. Finally, the jejunum and ileum appear to be the primary sites for peptide digestion and absorption at the end of the incubation.
The Universal Set of 99 InDel Markers for Human Identification
Authors: Chudinov Alexander V. , Ivanovsky Ivan D. , Polyakov Sergey A. , Zasedatelev Alexander S. , Fesenko Denis O.
Published: December 2024

The aim of this work was to select InDel markers sufficient for human identification and to create a routine method for their genotyping. We analyzed the allele distribution of all known InDels in European, East Asian, South Asian, African, and American populations and selected markers whose minor allele frequency, MAF, was ≥ 0.30. Thus, a set of 99 polymorphisms was formed with an average MAF for all five populations of 0.397 and a distance between markers of ≥3 million bp. The expected values of combined random match probability differ very little between the five superpopulations and are in the range of 1.44 × 10−41–3.68 × 10−41. For the genotyping of this set of markers, we have developed a method that includes single-step multiplex PCR followed by hybridization on a biochip. The average amplicon length was 72 bp. Aiming to verify the usefulness of 99 biallelic InDels in genetic identification and kinship testing, two phylogenetically distant populations were studied: Russian and Ecuadorian. For the Russian population, the combined random match probability was 2.09 × 10−40, and the combined power of exclusion, CPE, was 0.999999989. For the Ecuadorian population, the combined random match probability was 1.02 × 10−40, and the combined power of exclusion was 0.999999978. The proposed method is intended to become an alternative to human identification based on differences in the length of STR loci.
Anti-Obesity Effects Evaluation of a Blackcurrant Leaf Standardized Hydro-Alcoholic Extract in Wistar Rat Subjected to a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Bréger Gwendoline , André Agnès , Cotte César , Hammaidi Abderrahim , Amérand Aline , Faivre Claude , Martignat Lionel , Mallem Mohamed Yassine
Published: December 2024

Blackcurrant (BC) extract was reported to exert anti-obesity effects. However, it is unknown whether BC extract with a composition close to the totum differentially affects obesity when compared to one of its active compounds. We evaluated the anti-obesity effects of a BC standardized hydro-alcoholic leaf extract (BC-HLE) in an HFD-induced obesity rat model and compared them with quercetin (QUE). Thirty-six 12-week-old Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, HFD, BC-HLE- (41 and 50 mg/kg) and QUE- (0.9 and 50 mg/kg) supplemented HFD rats for 12 weeks. HFD rats developed a moderate obesity, associated with a gut dysbiosis and a change in their total antioxidant capacity. The increase in body weight gain was prevented only by the low dose of BC-HLE and the high dose of QUE. The impaired glucose tolerance by HFD was attenuated by the low dose of QUE. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in the HFD group and only BC-HLE supplementation counteracted this change. The low BC-HLE dose tended to reduce the HFD-induced gut dysbiosis. These findings suggest that while QUE has beneficial effects on obesity-related disorders, the BC-HLE may offer even greater overall benefits and could contribute to preventing obesity and related conditions.
Immune-Inflammatory Response in Lifespan—What Role Does It Play in Extreme Longevity? A Sicilian Semi- and Supercentenarians Study
Authors: Accardi Giulia , Calabrò Anna , Caldarella Rosalia , Caruso Calogero , Ciaccio Marcello , Di Simone Marta , Ligotti Mattia Emanuela , Meraviglia Serena , Zarcone Rosa , Candore Giuseppina , Aiello Anna
Published: December 2024

Studying models of healthy aging and exceptional longevity is crucial to understanding a possible longevity signature, as most show resistance to age-related diseases. In particular, semi- and supercentenarians are a highly selected group, having survived significant adversities, including the Spanish flu and COVID-19 pandemics, indicating distinctive immune system characteristics. This paper analyzes the inflammatory scores (INFLA-score, Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI)) and Aging-Related Immune Phenotype (ARIP) indicators calculated from the dataset of the DESIGN project, including 249 participants aged 19–111 years, aiming to understand the immune-inflammatory (IMFLAM) role in achieving longevity. Statistical analyses, including linear regression and one-way ANOVA, were performed to explore the correlations between these parameters and age. Both INFLA-score and SIRI showed a significant increase with age. However, no statistical differences were found when comparing the values of semi- and supercentenarians to other age groups, which are similar to adults and lower than younger centenarians. Regarding ARIP values, it is noteworthy that when comparing the CD8+ Naïve/Effector scores between groups, no significant differences were observed between the semi- and supercentenarian group and the other groups. These results support the idea that the control of IMFLAM response can promote extreme longevity.
Postural Responses in Trauma-Experienced Individuals
Authors: Koncz Adam , Egri Dora , Yildirim Mustafa , Lobko Anna , Máté Evelin , McVige Jennifer W. , Schwartz Kristof
Published: December 2024

Background: Balance and proprioception are essential elements in postural control and injury prevention. Proprioception, the body’s sense of position and movement, is closely tied to balance, which depends on input from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. This article explores the link between trauma experiences and proprioceptive dysfunction, emphasizing how heightened muscle tone, dissociation, and altered sensory processing contribute to balance issues and the risk of injury. Method: The study included 48 participants, aged 18–25. Participants completed the Emotional Regulation Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale II, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, after which they had to stand on a BTrackS Balance Plate while being exposed to images that are designed to evoke emotions from the OASIS image set. The balance plate software calculated outcomes of the participants’ postural sway (total sway, sway area, root mean square (RMS) to the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) way, and excursion to ML and AP ways). Results: Dissociative experience shows significant correlation with RMS ML when viewing positive pictures (rτ = 0.207, p = 0.045) and when viewing negative pictures again; scores with RMS ML (rτ = 0.204, p = 0.049) but also with RMS AP (rτ = 0.209, p = 0.042) and with Excursion ML (rτ = 0.200, p = 0.049) were significant. Experiences of physical abuse affected certain indicators of postural sway when viewing positive images compared to participants with no such experience (sway area: U = 374.50, p = 0.027; RMS AP: U = 383.50, p = 0.016; Excursion ML: U = 397.00, p = 0.007). Similarly, physical neglect affected postural sway during viewing of negative images (sway area: U = 366.50, p = 0.003; RMS AP: U = 371.00, p = 0.004; Excursion ML: U = 347.00, p = 0.034; and Excursion AP: U = 353.00, p = 0.010). Conclusions: The study highlights that dissociation disrupts balance in trauma survivors, especially under emotional stress which highlights the potential for motor-based treatments.
Axial Compressive Behavior and Calculation Model for Axial-Compressive-Load-Carrying Capacity of Locally Corroded RC Short Columns
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , He Baorui , Chen Xueqiong , Liu Yang , Li Xin
Published: December 2024

The individual effects of the main reinforcement corrosion and stirrup corrosion on the axial compressive behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) columns were evaluated through axial compression tests on 10 full-scale short columns. The primary experimental parameters were the corrosion location and the corrosion ratio of the steel bar. The electrochemical accelerated corrosion method was applied on nine of the columns, including three columns corroded in the main reinforcement, three columns corroded in the stirrup, and three columns corroded in both the main reinforcement and stirrup. The full-field displacement of the column and strain of concrete were evaluated using a non-contact 3D-DIC (digital image correlation) technique. The results indicated that, with the increase in the main reinforcement corrosion ratio, the width of the longitudinal corrosion crack increased. The transverse corrosion cracks appeared when the stirrup corrosion ratio is larger than 8%, and the increase in stirrup corrosion ratio increased the crack number, but had little effect on the crack width. Compared to the non-corroded RC column, the peak load of specimens with main reinforcement corrosion ratios of 8.02%, 9.01%, and 19.27% decreased by 10.53%, 13.56%, and 19.77%, respectively, and that of the specimens with stirrup corrosion ratios of 7.08%, 12.33%, and 24.36% decreased by 11.59%, 12.07%, and 17.15%, respectively. The axial-compressive-load-carrying capacity of RC columns decreased almost linearly as the corrosion ratio of the main reinforcement increases, while it exhibited an approximately bilinear degradation as the corrosion ratio of the stirrups increases. The stirrup corrosion ratio had less effect on the axial compressive loading capacity of the RC column when it was larger than 7.5%. A model for calculating the axial-compressive-load-carrying capacity of the corroded RC short columns was developed based on the impact mechanisms of the corroded main reinforcement and stirrups on the columns’ axial compressive behavior. The calculated results closely matched the test data, demonstrating that the proposed model can reliably predict the residual load-carrying capacity of corroded columns.
Versican Proteolysis by ADAMTS: Understanding Versikine Expression in Canine Spontaneous Mammary Carcinomas
Authors: Souza Maria Carolina , Nunes Simone , Figuerêdo Samantha Hellen Santos , de Almeida Bruno Sousa , Santos Isac Patrick Conceição , Cassali Geovanni Dantas , Arruda Sérgio Marcos , Cardoso Thiago Marconi de Souza , Estrela-Lima Alessandra , Damasceno Karine Araújo
Published: December 2024

Background: The present study investigates VKINE, a bioactive proteolytic fragment of the proteoglycan VCAN, as a novel and significant element in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). Although VKINE has been recognized for its immunomodulatory potential in certain tumor types, its impact on ECM degradation and prognostic implications remains poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate VCAN proteolysis and its association with ADAMTS enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling in spontaneous canine mammary gland cancer. Methods: The expression levels of VKINE, ADAMTS enzymes, and collagen fibers were comparatively analyzed in situ and in invasive areas of carcinoma in mixed tumor (CMT) and carcinosarcoma (CSS) with different prognoses. Results: VKINE was notably expressed in the stroma adjacent to the invasion areas in CMT, whereas ADAMTS-15 was identified as the enzyme associated with VCAN proteolysis. Inverse correlations were observed between type III collagen and VCAN expression in in situ areas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VKINE and ADAMTS-15 play crucial roles in the tumor microenvironment, influencing invasiveness and type III collagen deposition. This study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics within the ECM, paving the way for potential new tools in diagnosing and treating human and canine mammary tumors.
A Review on Mitotane: A Target Therapy in Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Flauto Fabiano , De Martino Maria Cristina , Vitiello Chiara , Pivonello Rosario , Colao Annamaria , Damiano Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare and aggressive malignancies of adrenal cortex, associated with largely unknown mechanisms of biological development and poor prognosis. Currently, mitotane is the sole approved drug for treating advanced adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) and is being utilized more frequently as postoperative adjuvant therapy. Although it is understood that mitotane targets the adrenal cortex and disrupts steroid production, its precise mechanism of action requires further exploration. Additionally, mitotane affects cytochrome P450 enzymes, causes the depolarization of mitochondrial membranes, and leads to an accumulation of free cholesterol, ultimately resulting in cell death. Many patients treated with mitotane develop disease progression over time, underlying the need to understand the mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance. In this manuscript, we provide an overview on the intracellular mechanisms of action of mitotane, exploring data regarding predictive factors of response and evidence associated with the development of primary and acquired resistance mechanisms. In this discussion, mitotane is considered a real target therapy.
Limited Thyroidectomy Achieves Equivalent Survival to Total Thyroidectomy for Early Localized Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jishu Jessan A. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Sadakkadulla Salman , Baah Solomon , Bashumeel Yaser Y. , Toraih Eman , Kandil Emad
Published: December 2024

Background: The optimal surgical approach for localized T1 medullary thyroid cancer remains unclear. Total thyroidectomy is standard, but lobectomy and subtotal thyroidectomy may minimize mortality while maintaining oncologic control. Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry to identify 2702 MTC patients including 398 patients with T1N0/1M0 MTC treated with total thyroidectomy or lobectomy/subtotal thyroidectomy from 2000 to 2019. Cox regression analyses assessed thyroid cancer-specific and overall mortality. Results: The majority (89.7%) underwent total thyroidectomy, while 10.3% had lobectomy/subtotal thyroidectomy. Nodal metastases were present in 29.6%. Over a median follow-up of 8.75 years, no significant difference was observed in cancer-specific mortality (5.7% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.47) or overall mortality (13.2% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.95). On multivariate analysis, undergoing cancer-directed surgery was associated with significantly improved overall survival (HR 0.18, p < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR 0.17, p < 0.001) compared to no surgery. However, no significant survival difference was seen between total thyroidectomy and lobectomy/subtotal thyroidectomy for overall mortality (HR 0.77, p = 0.60) or cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.44, p = 0.23). The extent of surgery also did not impact outcomes within subgroups stratified by age, gender, T stage, or nodal status. Delayed surgery >1 month after diagnosis was associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.012). Conclusions: For localized T1 MTC, lobectomy/subtotal thyroidectomy appears to achieve comparable long-term survival to total thyroidectomy in this population-based analysis. The selective use of limited thyroidectomy may be reasonable for low-risk T1N0/1M0 MTC patients. Delayed surgery is associated with worse survival and additional neck dissection showed no benefit for this select group of patients.
Using a Single-Atom FeN4 Catalyst on Defective Graphene for the Efficient Reduction of NO to Alanine: A Computational Study
Authors: Tian Yu , Yuan Xiaoxi , Guo Zexuan , Liu Jingyao , Zhao Tingting , Su Zhongmin
Published: December 2024

The use of a single-atom FeN4 catalyst on defective graphene (Fe-NC) has recently emerged as an effective method for the synthesis of amino acids. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of alanine formation on FeN4-doped graphene using comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) computations. The alanine formation reaction begins with the activation of NO molecules on the surface, followed by their reaction with hydrogen atoms provided in the system. The computational results show that NO molecules can be effectively activated on Fe-NC, facilitating the subsequent alanine formation at a relatively lower potential. The potential-limiting step in alanine production involves either the formation of HNO* or HNOH* intermediates on Fe-NG, as the free energy changes (ΔG) in these two elementary steps are nearly equivalent. Notably, the formation of HNO* exhibits a higher activation energy (Ea) compared to HNOH* formation. This study provides valuable insights into the C–N coupling reaction and the mechanism of amino acid synthesis on single-atom catalysts.
Catalytic Ozonation of Formaldehyde with an Oxygen-Vacancy-Rich MnOx/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst at Room Temperature
Authors: Sun Yulin , Zhang Yiwei , Hou Baoqing , He Yong , Weng Wubin , Zhu Yanqun , Wang Zhihua
Published: December 2024

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is known as one of the important indoor organic pollutants. How to remove and decompose the low concentration of formaldehyde at room temperature is important for indoor environments. Catalytic ozonation is an efficient method to thoroughly remove HCHO at room temperature, with high efficiency and few byproducts. A series of MnOx/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared in this work via the impregnation method and treated with different reagents (acid, alkali, and H2O2) to evaluate their catalytic activity for HCHO removal. The results showed that MnAl-II (acid treatment) performed well in activity tests, reaching a nearly 100% HCHO conversion at an O3/HCHO of 2.0 and attaining a CO2 selectivity of above 95% at an O3/HCHO of 3.0 at 30 °C, with almost no ozone residual existing. The larger specific surface area, abundant oxygen vacancies, and higher number of acid sites contributed to the excellent performance of MnAl-II. Stability and H2O resistance tests of MnAl-II were also conducted. To reveal the intermediate product formation and further investigate the reaction mechanism of HCHO ozonation, in-situ DRIFTS measurement was carried out combined with DFT calculations.
Siamese Network-Based Lightweight Framework for Tomato Leaf Disease Recognition
Authors: Thuseethan Selvarajah , Vigneshwaran Palanisamy , Charles Joseph , Wimalasooriya Chathrie
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a novel Siamese network-based lightweight framework is proposed for automatic tomato leaf disease recognition. This framework achieves the highest accuracy of 96.97% on the tomato subset obtained from the PlantVillage dataset and 95.48% on the Taiwan tomato leaf disease dataset. Experimental results further confirm that the proposed framework is effective with imbalanced and small data. The backbone network integrated with this framework is lightweight with approximately 2.9629 million trainable parameters, which is second to SqueezeNet and significantly lower than other lightweight deep networks. Automatic tomato disease recognition from leaf images is vital to avoid crop losses by applying control measures on time. Even though recent deep learning-based tomato disease recognition methods with classical training procedures showed promising recognition results, they demand large labeled data and involve expensive training. The traditional deep learning models proposed for tomato disease recognition also consume high memory and storage because of a high number of parameters. While lightweight networks overcome some of these issues to a certain extent, they continue to show low performance and struggle to handle imbalanced data.
Challenges and Perspectives in Proving Harm of Anticoagulants to Marine Predators and Scavengers
Authors: Boesch Robert
Published: December 2024

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) have been used for eradication of mammals such as rats and mice on islands for more than three decades. Baits containing 25 to 50 parts per million of an AR (usually the second-generation anticoagulant brodifacoum) were aerially applied to 70% or more of the area on islands. In some areas, baits entered the seas. Many apparent coincidences between the AR bait applications and marine mammal strandings that were observed are summarized and discussed. The coincidences were not well studied and the associations between AR applications and mammal strandings have been understudied or denied. Such associations warrant a need to investigate whether AR applications are directly associated with marine mammal deaths and strandings, for which challenges are discussed. Monitoring marine ecosystems faces many challenges. This review calls for attention to consider and possibly establish a reasonable certainty of no harm for ecosystem restoration efforts. Cases potentially related to ARs are presented to illustrate the concept and the need of establishing such a certainty.
Evaluating Hospital Revisit Risk in Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department with Blood Glucose of 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) or Greater
Authors: Richstein Ryan M. , Gordon Caitlyn , Gozar Martin , Ohanesian Lori , Fishbein Joanna , Gottlieb Dana E. , Silverman Robert A. , Schulman-Rosenbaum Rifka C.
Published: December 2024

Background: In the emergency department (ED), hyperglycemia may be overlooked due to non-diabetes mellitus (DM) primary diagnoses. We compared the risk of all-cause hospital revisits within 30 days after ED discharge in DM patients with normal blood glucose (BG), moderate hyperglycemia, and severe hyperglycemia. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years and older discharged from a tertiary care ED between 1 January and 31 March 2018. The severe hyperglycemia group had BG levels of 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) or greater. The moderate hyperglycemia group had a history of DM, all BG levels less than 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L), and at least one BG level of 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) or greater. The normal BG group had a history of DM and BG less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Results: Of 302 patients who met criteria, 118 had severe hyperglycemia, 67 had moderate hyperglycemia, and 117 had normal BG. No significant difference between the severe hyperglycemia, moderate hyperglycemia, and normal BG groups was found in 30-day all-cause hospital revisits (19.5% vs. 10.4% vs. 15.4%, respectively, p = 0.25). Patients with a past medical history (PMH) of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or any ED visit in the year preceding the index visit each had an increased risk of a hospital revisit within 30 days (p = 0.025) after covariate adjustment; the adjusted risk of a 30-day hospital revisit among those with a PMH of ASCVD was 2.68 times greater than the risk among those without a history of ASCVD (95% CI: 1.59 to 4.53), and the adjusted RR of a 30-day revisit among those who had an ED visit in the prior year was 1.92 times greater than those without an ED visit in the prior year (95% CI: 1.10 to 3.35). Conclusions: The results suggest no significant association between hyperglycemia in the ED and 30-day hospital revisits. In any patient with DM with a history of ASCVD or any ED visit in the previous year, there may be an increased risk of revisits.
Empowering Through Group Exercise: Beat It Trainers’ Views on Successful Implementation of a Diabetes Management Program Online and In-Person
Authors: Kirwan Morwenna , Chiu Christine L. , Henson Connie , Laing Thomas , Fermanis Jonathon , Scott Leah , Janszen Jordan , Gwynne Kylie
Published: December 2024

Background: The Beat It program is a clinician-led, community-based group exercise intervention for adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). While previous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving physical and mental health outcomes, this study explores the perspectives of Beat It Trainers to identify key factors contributing to the program’s success and areas for improvement. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Accredited Exercise Physiologists who had delivered both in-person and online versions of the program. Interviews were thematically analyzed using inductive approaches. Results: Eight main themes emerged: customization to individual needs, capability building, outcome improvement, affordability, accessibility, sustainability, and a holistic approach delivered in a group setting. Challenges identified included managing group dynamics, maintaining participant commitment in a fully subsidized program, and providing nutrition advice within the trainers’ scope of practice. The program’s adaptability to both in-person and online delivery modes was highlighted as enhancing its accessibility and resilience. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to the success of the Beat It program from the implementers’ perspective. The findings suggest that investing in comprehensive training for facilitators, particularly in group dynamics management, could benefit similar programs. While the program’s fully subsidized structure reduces financial barriers to entry, innovative strategies to enhance participant engagement and perceived value should be explored. The success of the online delivery mode indicates that hybrid models offering both in-person and virtual options could increase accessibility in future supervised, community-based exercise programs for T2DM management.
Cultural Competence in Dietetic Practice
Authors: Atomei Oana-Liliana , Sânpălean Monica , Tarcea Monica
Published: December 2024

In the European context shaped by migration, it is necessary to adapt dietitians to cultural diversity for effective professional practice. The objectives of the research are to analyze the cultural and ethnic diversity in Romania, highlighting the possible influence of acculturation on the dietary behaviors of different ethnic groups, and to formulate ways to apply the stages of cultural competence. The research methodology included the collection and use of data from the population census and other statistical sources to analyze the ethnic, linguistic, and religious composition in different regions of Romania, and the use of a cultural competence model that could be applied in the Romanian medical context for the formulation of health recommendations tailored to eating habits and influenced by acculturation and sociocultural factors. The study reveals the cultural diversity of the Romanian population, with more than 1.7 million inhabitants having a native language other than Romanian and with a wide ethnic and religious variety. We adapted a cultural competence model including methods to assess dietary acculturation, understand food preferences, and respect ethnic, religious, and generational diversity, ensuring its applicability in various multicultural contexts. This study emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in dietetic practice in a diverse health care setting and tailoring nutrition services according to cultural diversity to improve health and patient satisfaction.
Virtual Versus Traditional Learning: A Comparison of Dental Students’ Perception and Satisfaction
Authors: Madi Marwa , Gaffar Balgis , Farooqi Faraz Ahmed , Zakaria Osama , Sadaf Shazia , Alhareky Muhanad , AlHumaid Jehan
Published: December 2024

Background: Comparing the effectiveness of virtual and traditional learning methods is crucial for understanding their impact on knowledge transmission in different subjects. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore dental students’ perceptions and satisfaction levels with their experiences in virtual learning compared to traditional classroom learning. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to all dental students in the College of Dentistry across preclinical (3rd and 4th year) and clinical (5th and 6th year) levels using Google Forms. The questionnaire included items from the validated student survey component of the Blended Learning Toolkit, the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, and the Web Learning Project Student Survey. Results: With a 93% response rate from 313 students, the survey results indicated a strong preference (87%) for traditional learning among 3rd-year preclinical students who favored it over virtual learning, contrasting with 54% of 6th-year clinical year students. Most of the students acknowledged that traditional learning facilitates the use of various instructional methods while virtual learning hinders interactions among each other (p = 0.068). However, virtual lectures were perceived as more organized (70% to 89%, p = 0.014). Gender differences were minimal in preference for virtual learning, but male students significantly preferred traditional methods (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate a preference for traditional over virtual learning, especially among males and preclinical dental students, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that combines the structured benefits of virtual learning with the interactive advantages of traditional classrooms.
Molecular Identification of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Using COI Barcode and D2 Expansion of 28S Gene
Authors: Oliveira Tatiane M. P. , Saraiva José F. , da Silva Herculano , Sallum Maria Anice M.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to improve the identification of Culicidae species from the Vale Ribeira region, São Paulo state, Brazil. Adults were collected in the municipalities of Cananeia and Pariquera-Açu and morphologically identified. Molecular analyses were performed on sequences of COI barcode and a fragment of the D2 expansion of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene generated from field collected mosquitoes. The analyses included species delimitation, phylogeny, and interspecific genetic distances using the Kimura 2-parameter model. Species included in the analyses were Aedes perventor, Aedes scapularis, Aedes serratus/Aedes nubilus, Aedes serratus s.s., Aedes terrens, Haemagogus capricornii, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Haemagogus janthinomys, Kerteszia bellatrix, Kerteszia cruzii, Psorophora ferox, Psorophora forceps, Sabethes conditus, and Wyeomyia confusa. COI sequences from specimens collected at other localities were included in the analysis for comparison. Results of barcode RESL analysis showed that specimens of Ps. ferox and Hg. janthinomys split into three clusters for each species. Similarly, sequences of Ke. bellatrix and Ke. cruzii were recovered in two groups for each species. Distinct from other species included in analyses, Ps. ferox and Ps. forceps shared 100% similarity in the D2 fragment sequenced. Overall, the analysis of COI barcode sequences revealed the following key findings: (1) the presence of subclades within Hg. janthinomys, with its division into three groups suggests that this species may represent a species complex; (2) Ke. bellatrix from the Atlantic tropical rainforest shares 95.59% sequence similarity with a specimen from the type locality, indicating that specimens from Southeastern Brazil may belong to an unidentified species within the Ke. bellatrix complex; (3) Ke. cruzii also represents a species complex; and (4) D2 sequences successfully identified most species studied, apart from Ps. forceps and Ps. ferox.
Is There a Mild Form of Pediatric Appendicitis? An Eight-Year Single-Center Retrospective Review
Authors: Scheier Eric , Khalilia Khaled , Peslin Pavel , Amir Stav , Pasherstnik Bizer Luba
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The literature has suggested two variants of appendicitis: a simple variant that may even resolve spontaneously and a more aggressive variant that may proceed to complication. We review two cohorts compatible with “mild” appendicitis: children with acute appendicitis that presented with normal inflammatory markers (NIMs), and confirmed on pathological examination, and children with sonographically confirmed appendicitis that resolved without medical or surgical intervention. Methods: We identified all children diagnosed with appendicitis from June 2016 to June 2024. To confirm the accuracy of the initial sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis in children with spontaneous resolution, two study radiologists, blinded to clinical data, reviewed the images for signs of appendiceal inflammation. We compared cases of NIM with cases presenting with elevated inflammatory markers, and cases of spontaneous resolution with cases of uncomplicated appendicitis treated medically. Results: A total of 999 children were diagnosed with appendicitis, with 845 confirmed on pathology. Of these 845, 17 had NIMs and were less likely to present with vomiting than children with elevated inflammatory markers (24% versus 61%, p = 0.002). Fourteen had spontaneous resolution and twenty-five were treated medically. White blood cell count (14.1 versus 10.2, p = 0.005) and appendiceal diameter (8.6 mm versus 7.6 mm, p = 0.078) were higher for children with conservative treatment. Children receiving medical treatment received intravenous analgesia more frequently (88% versus 50%, p = 0.009). More resources were used for medical treatment—these children had longer hospitalizations (3.5 versus 1.6 days, p = 0.001) and more frequently received repeat bloodwork (68% versus 36%, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Appendicitis that resolves spontaneously, and appendicitis that presents with normal inflammatory markers, may represent rare, low-risk forms of appendicitis that may not be associated with progression to complication. While pediatric appendicitis should not be ruled out in the presence of a normal laboratory evaluation, cases that present without gastrointestinal symptoms, without severe pain, and with an appendiceal diameter and inflammatory markers below a certain threshold may warrant continued observation and serial ultrasound to evaluate for progression prior to initiating therapy.
Robust Sparse Bayesian Learning Source Localization in an Uncertain Shallow-Water Waveguide
Authors: Zhang Bing , Jin Rui , Jiang Longyu , Yang Lei , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2024

Conventional matched-field processing (MFP) for acoustic source localization is sensitive to environmental mismatches because it is based on the wave propagation model and environmental information that is uncertain in reality. In this paper, a mode-predictable sparse Bayesian learning (MPR-SBL) method is proposed to increase robustness in the presence of environmental uncertainty. The estimator maximizes the marginalized probability density function (PDF) of the received data at the sensors, utilizing the Bayesian rule and two hyperparameters (the source powers and the noise variance). The replica vectors in the estimator are reconstructed with the predictable modes from the decomposition of the pressure in the representation of the acoustic normal mode. The performance of this approach is evaluated and compared with the Bartlett processor and original sparse Bayesian learning, both in simulation and using the SWellEx-96 Event S5 dataset. The results illustrate that the proposed MPR-SBL method exhibits better performance in the two-source scenario, especially for the weaker source.
The Latest Trends in the Management of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: DeClue Cory , Gonzalez Matthew , Bradley Anna Beth , Carranza-Leon Barbara G. , Srivastava Gitanjali
Published: December 2024

Over the past few years, we have witnessed many advances in the understanding of diabetes and its management. Greater insight into pathogenesis has led to the approval of the first immunopreventative therapy for T1DM. We are using non-insulin agents more for nephro- and cardioprotection than glucose-lowering effects while leaning on advancing technology to use insulin more safely. We now recognize that over half of T1DM is diagnosed in adulthood, the prevalence of obesity in patients with T1DM matches that of the general population, and rates of pediatric T2DM have dramatically risen amongst marginalized youths in recent years. Diabetes is now considered more of a heterogenous disease state than ever before, and practitioners will need to be familiar with these endotypes as personalized medicine replaces standardized treatment approaches. To this end, this article aims to summarize recent findings in an easily digestible manner so that providers may be more familiar with this ever-growing complex disease state.
Multiple PUE Attack Detection in Cooperative Mobile Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Cadena Muñoz Ernesto , Chica Pedraza Gustavo , Aponte Moreno Alexander
Published: December 2024

The Mobile Cognitive Radio Network (MCRN) are an alternative to spectrum scarcity. However, like any network, it comes with security issues to analyze. One of the attacks to analyze is the Primary User Emulation (PUE) attack, which leads the system to give the attacker the service as a legitimate user and use the Primary Users’ (PUs) spectrum resources. This problem has been addressed from perspectives like arrival time, position detection, cooperative scenarios, and artificial intelligence techniques (AI). Nevertheless, it has been studied with one PUE attack at once. This paper implements a countermeasure that can be applied when several attacks simultaneously exist in a cooperative network. A deep neural network (DNN) is used with other techniques to determine the PUE’s existence and communicate it with other devices in the cooperative MCRN. An algorithm to detect and share detection information is applied, and the results show that the system can detect multiple PUE attacks with coordination between the secondary users (SUs). Scenarios are implemented on software-defined radio (SDR) with a cognitive protocol to protect the PU. The probability of detection (PD) is measured for some signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values in the presence of one PUE or more in the network, which shows high detection values above 90% for an SNR of -7dB. A database is also created with the attackers’ data and shared with all the SUs.