bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The resilience of the school network in Romania - dynamics of the spatial structures of rural primary schools
Authors: Buza Victoria
Published: February 2025

Recent research into the geography of education frequently addresses the consequences of declining birth rates and demographic ageing in relation to the shrinking rural school network. Although studies often present conflicting views, whether it is pro- or anti-restructuring, the motivations of decision-makers converge around similar dilemmas: a small school is not financially sustainable, although the institution itself in a small village is perceived by the local community as the "heart of the village". However, the steady decline in school population forces decisions to close or merge them with larger ones, and implicitly, the daily commute of pupils to the larger one. The motivation for this analysis follows from an exhaustive rationale based on the scarcity of quantitative micro- and macro-scale research on the resilience of the rural school network to the dynamics of the primary-age population. The objectives of the study are aimed both at the punctual identification of the spatial structures and conjunctural situations regarding the numerical evolution of primary schools in Romania between 2015-2021, as well as the geographical and cartographic analysis of the spaces with indicators at both extremes of school population statistics. On the one hand, the areas affected early by the effects of depopulation have seen the most extensive restructuring of the schools, either by merging the small units or by adopting multi-grade teaching, one the other hand, the suburban areas of large cities have experienced substantial increases in a short period of time in the number of pupils, leading to overcrowding of classes.
Book debate Cătălin Zamfir, Romania in crisis, Romanian Academy Publishing House, Bucharest, 2023
Authors: Gavriluță Nicu , Gavriluță Cristina , Cojocaru Stefan , Netedu Adrian , Ungureanu Nicoleta , Tofan Cristina , Bortoș Sergiu
Published: February 2025

The "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University in Iasi, the Faculty of Philosophy and Social-Political Sciences, the Department of Sociology, Social Assistance and Human Resources hosted on 31st of October 2024 a book debate on the Cătălin Zamfir volume, Romania in crisis, Romanian Academy Publishing House, Bucharest, 2023. This article includes the discussions held on this scientific occasion.
Effect of eDNA metabarcoding temporal sampling strategies on detection of coastal biodiversity
Authors: Sevellec Maelle , Lacoursière-Roussel Anaïs , Normandeau Eric , Bernatchez Louis , Howland Kimberly Lynn
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of water is increasingly being used to monitor coastal biodiversity shifts. However, we have limited knowledge of whether samples collected during discreet temporal periods depict holistic ecosystem changes over longer time spans.

Methods

Here, we show how eDNA community structure varies across repeated sampling events at different temporal scales ranging from years to months to days at an Arctic coastal site, Churchill (Canada), using metabarcoding analyses of water eDNA samples with four universal primer pairs (two primers in COI and two in the 18S rRNA).

Results

Daily variations were highly dynamic and less structured, likely due to the stochastic nature of estuarine ecosystems, but there was a clear annual consistency in eDNA communities with a high proportion of shared taxa between years. However, monthly sampling was the most efficient for capturing holistic biodiversity.

Discussion

We provide recommendations for optimal eDNA metabarcoding sampling design based on our observations. The study underscores the importance of understanding biological and physical factors altering eDNA detection to improve the efficiency of detecting and interpreting long-term eDNA changes.
Toward an integrated pantropical ocean observing system
Authors: Foltz Gregory R. , Eddebbar Yassir A. , Sprintall Janet , Capotondi Antonietta , Cravatte Sophie , Brandt Peter , Sutton Adrienne J. , Morris Tamaryn , Hermes Juliet , McMahon Clive R. , McPhaden Michael J. , Looney Lev B. , Tuchen Franz Philip , Roxy Mathew Koll , Wang Fan , Chai Fei , Rodrigues Regina R. , Rodriguez-Fonseca Belen , Subramanian Aneesh C. , Dengler Marcus , Stienbarger Cheyenne , Bailey Kathleen , Yu Weidong
Published: February 2025

Global climate is regulated by the ocean, which stores, releases, and transports large amounts of mass, heat, carbon, and oxygen. Understanding, monitoring, and predicting the exchanges of these quantities across the ocean’s surface, their interactions with the atmosphere, and their horizontal and vertical pathways through the global oceans, are key for advancing fundamental knowledge and improving forecasts and longer-term projections of climate, weather, and ocean ecosystems. The existing global observing system provides immense value for science and society in this regard by supplying the data essential for these advancements. The tropical ocean observing system in particular has been developed over decades, motivated in large part by the far-reaching and complex global impacts of tropical climate variability and change. However, changes in observing needs and priorities, new challenges associated with climate change, and advances in observing technologies demand periodic evaluations to ensure that stakeholders’ needs are met. Previous reviews and assessments of the tropical observing system have focused separately on individual basins and their associated observing needs. Here we provide a broader perspective covering the tropical observing system as a whole. Common gaps, needs, and recommendations are identified, and interbasin differences driven by socioeconomic disparities are discussed, building on the concept of an integrated pantropical observing system. Finally, recommendations for improved observations of tropical basin interactions, through oceanic and atmospheric pathways, are presented, emphasizing the benefits that can be achieved through closer interbasin coordination and international partnerships.
Prevalence and clinical implications of the rare arc of Bühler using computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Gaowu , Li Yong , He Suyu , Li Hongwei , McClure Morgan A. , Li Qiang , Yang Jifang , Wang Hu , Zhao Linwei , Fan Xiaoping , Yan Jing , Wu Siyi , Guo Wenwen
Published: February 2025

Background

Knowledge of the rare arc of Bühler (AOB) is limited but clinically important. At present, there is no publication of systematic review and meta-analysis on AOB in computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examinations.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pooled prevalence and clinical implications of the AOB by using CTA and DSA examinations.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and Baidu Scholar databases were comprehensively searched for AOB-related literature. Stata 17.0 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis.

Results

Eleven publications with 3,837 patients and 65 AOB cases were included. The pooled prevalence of AOB was 1.9% (95% confidence interval: 0.8–3.2%). CTA showed a pooled prevalence of AOB of 2.0% (95% confidence interval: 0.5–4.3%) and DSA showed a pooled prevalence of AOB of 1.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.5–3.9%).

Conclusion

AOB is a rare anatomical variant, with a pooled prevalence of 1.9% in the general population. General surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists should consider its existence when performing relevant abdominal procedures to avoid intraoperative difficulties, visceral organ ischemia or bleeding, and other complications.
Diversity of microbial communities in cigar filler leaves with different initial water contents analyzed based on high-throughput sequencing technology
Authors: Gao Yumeng , Wang Yihui , Hou Bingqing , Zhang Guo , Jiang Chun , Fang Song , Wang Qian , Ning Yang
Published: February 2025

Introduction

To study the composition and succession of bacterial and fungal communities during the fermentation of cigar filler leaves with varying initial water contents, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the bacterial 16SrRNA genes and fungal ITS1 genes from cigar tobacco leaf samples. This was followed by analyses of microbial α-diversity, microbial community structure, and bacterial function prediction based on the sequencing data.

Results

The diversity and richness of microbial communities decreased over time during fermentation under different water content conditions. Among the 18 cigar filler leaf samples, the predominant phyla identified were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, with the leading genera being Staphylococcus, Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Pseudomonas, and Humicola. Functional predictions for the bacteria revealed their primary involvement in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism.

Conclusion

The initial water content of cigar tobacco leaves influenced the structure and relative abundance of microbial communities during fermentation. While the microbial community exhibited a similar structural composition, there were notable differences in relative abundance. The functional prediction results from PICRUSt indicated that the differences in predicted functional species among samples were minimal, whereas the variations in the abundance of functional species were more pronounced across different fermentation stages and initial water contents.
Taxonomic refinement of Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Shiekh Suliman Nagham , Talaei-Hassanloui Reza , Abachi Hamid , Zarei Sadegh , Osdaghi Ebrahim
Published: February 2025

Bacillus thuringiensis is the most important biological control agent against various agricultural pests. The bacterium taxonomically belongs to the Bacillus cereus group, which also contains human pathogenic species, e.g., Bacillus anthracis. Thus, precise identification and taxonomic delineation of candidate strains for agricultural usage is of high importance in terms of both public health and biosecurity. By October 2023, whole genome sequences (WGS) of 885 bacterial strains were labeled as B. thuringiensis in the NCBI GenBank database. This study investigates the taxonomic authenticity of those strains using DNA similarity indexes, i.e., average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH). All strains were compared with the type strain of B. thuringiensis ATCC 10972T. WGS-based phylotaxonomic investigations showed that out of 885 strains 803 strains authentically belonged to B. thuringiensis while 82 strains were mislabeled as B. thuringiensis having dDDH and ANI values less than the acceptable threshold of 70 and 95% respectively, for prokaryotic species definition in comparison with the B. thuringiensis type strain. Among these 82 mislabeled strains, 39 strains need to be reclassified within the B. cereus group in the species B. anthracis (33 strains), Bacillus toyonensis (five strains), and Bacillus mycoides (one strain). Furthermore, four strains were identified as Bacillus tropicus while one strain belonged to each of the species Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus paranthracis, and Bacillus weidmannii. The remaining 36 strains did not match with any known Bacillus species nor the species of other bacterial genera, thus they could be assigned to hypothetical new species. Results of the present study, on the one hand, pave the way of comprehensive taxonomic refinements within B. thuringiensis species. On the other hand, highlight the role of taxonomic investigations in targeting authentic B. thuringiensis strains for biological control purposes.
Intestinal microbiota as biomarkers for different colorectal lesions based on colorectal cancer screening participants in community
Authors: Li Gairui , Zhao Dan , Ouyang Binfa , Chen Yinggang , Zhao Yashuang
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The dysregulation of intestinal microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the utilization of intestinal microbiota for identify the lesions in different procedures in CRC screening populations remains limited.

Methods

A total of 529 high-risk individuals who underwent CRC screening were included, comprising 13 advanced adenomas (Aade), 5 CRC, 59 non-advanced adenomas (Nade), 129 colon polyps (Pol), 99 cases of colorectal inflammatory disease (Inf), and 224 normal controls (Nor). 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to profile the intestinal microbiota communities. The Gut Microbiota Health Index (GMHI) and average variation degree (AVD) were employed to assess the health status of the different groups.

Results

Our findings revealed that the Nor group exhibited significantly higher GMHIs and the lowest AVD compared to the four Lesion groups. The model incorporating 13 bacterial genera demonstrated optimal efficacy in distinguishing CRC and Aade from Nor, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.72 to 0.89. Specifically, the 55 bacterial genera combination model exhibited superior performance in differentiating CRC from Nor (AUC 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1), the 25 bacterial genera combination showed superior performance in distinguishing Aade from Nor (AUC 0.95). Additionally, the 27 bacterial genera combination demonstrated superior efficacy in differentiating Nade from Nor (AUC 0.82). The 13 bacterial genera combination exhibited optimal performance in distinguishing Inf from Nor (AUC 0.71).

Discussion

Our study has identified specific microbial biomarkers that can differentiate between colorectal lesions and healthy individuals. The intestinal microbiota markers identified may serve as valuable tools in community-based CRC screening programs.
Methanotroph-methylotroph lipid adaptations to changing environmental conditions
Authors: Richter Nora , Villanueva Laura , Hopmans Ellen C. , Bale Nicole J. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Rush Darci
Published: February 2025

Methanotrophs, in particular methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB), regulate the release of methane from lakes, and often co-occur with methylotrophs that may enhance methane-oxidation rates. Assessing the interaction and physiological status of these two microbial groups is essential for determining the microbial methane buffering capacity of environmental systems. Microbial membrane lipids are commonly used as taxonomic markers of specific microbial groups; however, few studies have characterized the changes of membrane lipids under different environmental conditions. For the case of methane-cycling microorganisms, this could be useful for determining their physiological status and potential methane buffering capacity. Here we investigated the changes in membrane lipids, bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) and respiratory quinones, produced by MOB and methylotrophs in an enrichment co-culture that primarily consists of a methanotroph (Methylobacter sp.) and a methylotroph (Methylotenera sp.) enriched from a freshwater lake under different methane concentrations, temperatures, and salinities. To assess whether the lipid response is similar in methanotrophs adapted to extreme environmental conditions, we also characterize the BHP composition and respiratory quinones of a psychrotolerant methanotroph, Methylovulum psychrotolerans, isolated from an Arctic freshwater lake and grown under different temperatures. Notably, in the Methylobacter-Methylotenera enrichment the relative abundance of the BHPs aminobacteriohopanepentol and aminobacteriohopanepolyols with additional modifications to the side chain increased at higher temperatures and salinities, respectively, whereas there was no change in the distribution of respiratory quinones. In contrast, in the Methylovulum psychrotolerans culture, the relative abundance of unsaturated BHPs increased and ubiquinone 8:8 (UQ8:8) decreased at lower temperatures. The distinct changes in lipid composition between the Methylobacter-Methylotenera enrichment and the psychrotolerant methanotroph at different growth temperatures and the ability of the Methylobacter-Methylotenera enrichment to grow at high salinities with a singular BHP distribution, suggests that methane-cycling microbes have unique lipid responses that enable them to grow even under high environmental stress.
Ketogenic metabolic therapy for schizoaffective disorder: a retrospective case series of psychotic symptom remission and mood recovery
Authors: Laurent Nicole , Bellamy Erin L. , Tague Katherine A. , Hristova Donika , Houston Ally
Published: February 2025

Background

Schizoaffective disorder is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by mood disturbances and psychotic symptoms. Standard treatments, primarily pharmacological, often fail to control symptoms fully and can lead to significant metabolic side effects. Emerging evidence suggests that ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT), also known as the ketogenic diet, may offer a powerful alternative to conventional treatments for mood components and resolve psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

This case series investigates the effects of KMT on two individuals diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder who pursued this therapy due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments. Both case presentations followed a modified ketogenic diet with medical oversight. Symptom changes in mood were assessed using validated tools, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

Both case presentations experienced the complete cessation of psychotic symptoms and improvements in mood. Case 1, a 17-year-old female, achieved full remission of severe suicidal ideation, hallucinations, and anxiety within 6 weeks, with sustained improvements at a 24-week follow-up. Case 2, a 32-year-old female, achieved full remission of chronic psychotic and mood symptoms by 6 months. Patients either achieved full psychiatric deprescription or were in the process of deprescription at time of follow-up.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrates that ketogenic metabolic therapy can resolve chronic psychotic and mood symptoms in patients with schizoaffective disorder, leading to full remission and significant functional recovery and reported improvements in quality of life that extend beyond symptom control with standard of care interventions.
Comparative and synergistic impacts of lime and biochar on soil properties, nitrogen transformation, and microbial function in acidic soils under tobacco cropping
Authors: Zhang Bianhong , Tang Lina , Chen Zhicheng , Chen Xiaoyan , You Lindong , Pan Ruixin , Chen Ting , Liu Yifei , Lin Wenxiong , Huang Jinwen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Lime and biochar are widely utilized to enhance nitrogen utilization in crops grown on acidic soils, though each has its own set of limitations. Understanding their combined effects is crucial for optimizing soil remediation strategies.

Methods

This study investigates the impact of lime and biochar on nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in a tobacco monoculture system, which has been practiced for 20 years on acidified soils in Fuzhou, southeastern China, over the period from 2021 to 2022. Four treatments were applied: control (CK), lime alone (L), biochar alone (B), and a lime-biochar combination (L+B).

Results

The results indicated that all treatments significantly improved NUE, with increases ranging from 20.07% to 27.17% compared to CK. Biochar (B) was more effective than lime (L), and the combined treatment (L+B) showed comparable effects to biochar alone. Correlation analysis revealed that increases in soil pH and exchangeable base cations facilitated nitrogen transformation, thereby enhancing NUE. Lime treatments (L, L+B) promoted nitrification potential in rhizosphere soil, whereas biochar application (B, L+B) resulted in elevated nitrate nitrogen content. Microbial functional analysis indicated that lime (L, L+B) enhanced nitrification, while biochar (B, L+B) fostered dissimilatory nitrate reduction, thereby improving nitrogen retention. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relationship between dissimilatory nitrate reduction and both soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen contents.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that lime enhances nitrification, while biochar promotes nitrate retention, together increasing soil nitrogen availability. The combined application of lime and biochar integrates these benefits, yielding results comparable to biochar alone. This study offers valuable insights into the synergistic use of lime and biochar for mitigating soil acidification and optimizing nitrogen management in agricultural systems.
Evaluating causes and gestures: source-related and crossmodal features in the perception of environmental sounds
Authors: Lembke Sven-Amin
Published: February 2025

Communication through auditory cues often evokes associations to other sensory modalities. In film music, for instance, a descending pitch contour commonly resembles a falling motion. Such crossmodal associations to physical actions or shapes are here termed sound gestures and can naturally occur in environmental sounds. Little is known about how reliably listeners perceive gestures in such environmental contexts and how salient the gesture-relevant auditory feature needs to be. This article reports on an exploratory study concerning the identification of sound gestures by crossmodal matching using analogous visualizations. The study considered gesture-related factors, such as auditory salience and contour complexity, and explored whether a concurrent evaluation of features related to the environmental sound source or cause would affect gesture identification. Twenty untrained listeners evaluated sound gestures occurring in environmental sounds, e.g., pitch contour when switching a vacuum cleaner on and off, loudness contour of a ball dropping. Participants evaluated 28 environmental sounds in three variants (original, isolated gesture, hybrid) and had to identify the sound gesture among four visualized options while also inferring the underlying environmental source or cause through verbal description and rating their confidence in identifying the source/cause. Based on features describing the macro contour of gestures, participants correctly identified 81-83% of all gestures. Manipulated sounds that emphasized gesture salience yielded only slight improvements of identification accuracy compared to original environmental sounds. Participants were more confident in identifying the source/cause in sounds containing pitch gestures than those containing loudness gestures, while lexical and semantic diversity in describing underlying materials (source) and actions (cause) varied considerably. For both groups, however, measures for gesture identification and the evaluation of underlying materials and actions correlated only weakly, suggesting task independence. Overall, findings suggest that untrained listeners perceive sound gestures in environmental sounds and can reliably use them to form crossmodal associations, while also evaluating properties related to the sound source and cause. For one, the perception of environmental sounds may evoke crossmodal links, while the reliable identification of sound gestures highlights their utility to crossmodal control or search interfaces.
Digitally assessing social–emotional skills in early school years: initial validation of a screening instrument
Authors: Kogler Andrea , Gasteiger-Klicpera Barbara , Prinz Katharina , Paleczek Lisa
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Social–emotional skills are essential in everyday interaction and develop in early and middle childhood. However, there is no German instrument to help primary school students identify their strengths and weaknesses in different social–emotional skills that does not rely on written language. This paper introduces a new digital instrument, the GraSEF: Grazer Screening to assess Social–Emotional Skills, which was developed to measure (1) Behavior in Social Situations, (2) Prosocial Behavior, (3) Emotion Regulation Strategies, (4) Emotion Recognition and (5) Self-Perception of Emotions using different test formats (e.g., situational judgement test, self-assessment, performance tests). In the GraSEF, students work through an online survey tool, using audio instructions to guide them through the test.

Methods

The present study analyses the responses of second graders (Mage = 8.23 years, SDage = 0.48, 48% female). The intention was to gain initial insight into the instrument’s psychometric quality and user-friendliness.

Results

In general, the instrument was found to have acceptable to good internal consistency, sufficient discriminatory power and item difficulty. However, one subtest (5: Self-Perception of Emotions), as well as three situations of the situational judgment test (1: Behavior in Social Situations), were excluded due to unsatisfactory fit and distribution. The validity check revealed low to moderate correlations between teacher rating and student scores. On average, students completed the screening in about 30 min and provided positive feedback regarding usability.

Discussion

While the small sample size only provides preliminary insight into the instrument’s psychometric quality, the results suggest that the GraSEF can reliably measure various dimensions of social–emotional skills in second graders, even among those with low reading skills.
Menadione as Antibiotic Adjuvant Against P. aeruginosa: Mechanism of Action, Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Shehu Kristela , Schneider Marc , Kraegeloh Annette
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance in chronic lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires alternative approaches to improve antibiotic efficacy. One promising approach is the use of adjuvant compounds that complement antibiotic therapy. This study explores the potential of menadione as an adjuvant to azithromycin against planktonic cells and biofilms of P. aeruginosa, focusing on its mechanisms of action and cytotoxicity in pulmonary cell models. Methods: The effect of menadione in improving the antibacterial and antibiofilm potency of azithromycin was tested against P. aeruginosa. Mechanistic studies in P. aeruginosa and AZMr-E. coli DH5α were performed to probe reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and bacterial membrane disruption. Cytotoxicity of antibacterial concentrations of menadione was assessed by measuring ROS levels and membrane integrity in Calu-3 and A549 lung epithelial cells. Results: Adding 0.5 µg/mL menadione to azithromycin reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by four-fold and the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) by two-fold against P. aeruginosa. Adjuvant mechanisms of menadione involved ROS production and disruption of bacterial membranes. Cytotoxicity tests revealed that antibacterial concentrations of menadione (≤64 µg/mL) did not affect ROS levels or membrane integrity in lung cell lines. Conclusions: Menadione enhanced the efficacy of azithromycin against P. aeruginosa while exhibiting a favorable safety profile in lung epithelial cells at antibacterial concentrations. These findings suggest that menadione is a promising antibiotic adjuvant. However, as relevant data on the toxicity of menadione is sparse, further toxicity studies are required to ensure its safe use in complementing antibiotic therapy.
Determination of Kinematic and Dynamic Characteristics of Oscillating Conveyor Mechanism
Authors: Zhauyt Algazy , Alipbayev Kuanysh , Aden Alisher , Orazaliyeva Aray , Bikhozhayeva Gulmira
Published: February 2025

This research focuses on the dynamic analysis of an oscillating conveyor mechanism using numerical methods to solve nonlinear differential equations that govern its motion. The system under study is modeled by a second-order differential equation of the form R(t)dω1dt+Q(t)ω12(t)=W(t), where R(t), Q(t), and W(t) are time-dependent functions representing system parameters such as resistance, damping, and external driving forces. To solve these equations, we employed a numerical approach based on Euler’s method, which discretizes the time domain into small steps h and approximates the derivatives of angular velocity and angular displacement. The angular velocity ωk+1 and angular displacement φk+1 are updated iteratively using the formulas ωk+1=ωk+h(WkRk−QkRkωk2) and φk+1=φk+hωk, respectively. Initial conditions, with ω0=0 and φ0=0, were specified, and the system was simulated over a specified time range divided into N time steps. In the simulation, key parameters such as A(t), B(t), D(t), E(t), F(t), H(t), N(t), M(t), Q(t), R(t), and W(t) were evaluated at each time step based on the system’s geometry and the angular displacements. Due to the complexity of the system, analytical solutions were impractical, so the Runge–Kutta method was employed for higher accuracy in the integration process. The results from the numerical simulations were validated by comparing them with theoretical expectations, and the system’s dynamic behavior was visualized using time-series and 3D plots. The simulation demonstrated that the system’s stability and accuracy were highly dependent on the time step h, with smaller values providing more precise results at the cost of increased computational time. The research confirms the applicability of numerical methods in solving complex nonlinear differential equations for dynamic systems and provides insights into the system’s behavior under various operating conditions.
Analysis of Photocatalytic Properties of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composites with Titanium(IV) and Ruthenium(III) Complexes
Authors: Kubiak Barbara , Topolski Adrian , Radtke Aleksandra , Muzioł Tadeusz , Impert Olga , Katafias Anna , van Eldik Rudi , Piszczek Piotr
Published: February 2025

This study explores poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based composites as potential alternatives to conventional TiO2-based photocatalysts. Specifically, it examines PMMA composites enriched with oxo–titanium(IV) complexes, [Ti8O2(OiPr)20(man)4] (1), [Ti4O(OiPr)10(O3C14H8)2] (2), and [Ti6O4(OiPr)2(O3C14H8)4(O2CEt)6] (3), alongside ruthenium(III) complexes, K[Ru(Hedta)Cl]∙2H2O (4) and [Ru(pic)3]·H2O (5). We assessed the physicochemical, adsorption, and photocatalytic properties of these composites with structural analyses (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption (XAS), and SEM-EDX), confirming the stability of complexes within the PMMA matrix. Composites containing titanium(IV) compounds demonstrated notably higher photocatalytic efficiency than those with ruthenium(III) complexes. Based on activity profiles, composites were categorized into three types: (i) UV-light active (complexes (1) and (2)), (ii) visible-light active (complexes (4) and (5)), and (iii) dual-range active (complex (3)). The results highlight the strong potential of titanium(IV)–PMMA composites for UV-driven photocatalysis. Moreover, their activity can be extended to the visible range after structural modifications. Ruthenium(III)–PMMA composites, in turn, showed superior performance under visible light. Overall, PMMA composites with titanium(IV) or ruthenium(III) complexes demonstrate promising photocatalytic properties for applications using both UV and visible light ranges.
Assessing Cardiac Sympatho-Vagal Balance Through Wavelet Transform Analysis of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Nelushi A.M. , Manathunga C.H. , Shantha Gamage N.G.S. , Nakayama Tadachika
Published: February 2025

Heart rate variability (HRV), which is the variation between consecutive heartbeats, reflects the electrical activity of the heart and provides insight into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. This study uses wavelet transform-based HRV feature extraction to investigate cardiac sympatho-vagal balance. Both the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) methods were applied in different steps. DWT was used for R-peak detection and CWT and MODWT were used to generate spectrograms from RR intervals. Frequency components (HF, LF, and VLF) within 0.003–0.4 Hz were extracted, and power estimation was performed. The LF/HF ratio, indicating sympatho-vagal balance, was calculated. ECG data from 42 arrhythmia patients and 18 normal sinus rhythm subjects were analyzed. The results showed a lower LF/HF ratio in arrhythmia patients, with higher HF power in arrhythmia subjects and higher LF power in normal sinus rhythm subjects. The study suggests that the parasympathetic nervous system dominates the ANS in arrhythmia patients, while the sympathetic nervous system dominates in normal sinus rhythm patients.
Using Machine Learning to Shorten and Adapt Fall Risk Assessments for Older Adults
Authors: Khatib Lilyana , Toledano-Shubi Adi , Bahat Hilla Sarig , Hel-Or Hagit
Published: February 2025

Falls are a leading cause of injury and mortality among older adults, placing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. The early identification of fall risk and frequent reassessments during rehabilitation are essential for prevention and recovery. However, conventional assessments are time-intensive, rely on multiple motor tasks, and are typically conducted in specialized facilities, limiting their accessibility. This study introduces a novel machine learning-based computerized adaptive testing algorithm that personalizes testing to individual capabilities. The adaptive approach reduces task sequences by over 50% while maintaining high predictive accuracy. It also enables remote testing, predicting performance on complex tasks using as few as 2–3 simpler, accessible tasks. This innovation supports scalable online fall risk screening and frequent balance assessments during rehabilitation, offering a practical and efficient solution for both personalized and community-wide healthcare needs.
Preliminary Investigation of a Cd0.9Zn0.1Te Detector for Small-Field Dosimetry Applications Using Therapeutic MV Beams
Authors: Kim Sangsu , Song Ju-Young , Kim Yong-Hyub , Jeong Jae-Uk , Yoon Mee Sun , Nam Taek-Keun , Ahn Sung-Ja , Cho Shinhaeng
Published: February 2025

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) require precise small-field dosimetry, verified through patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA). This study evaluated the feasibility of using a single-crystal cadmium–zinc–telluride (Cd0.9Zn0.1Te, CZT) detector for PSQA in SRS and SBRT. We fabricated a CZT detector with Au electrodes and examined its fundamental characteristics, including dose linearity, dose rate dependence, energy dependence, angular dependence, source-to-surface distance (SSD) dependence, field size dependence, depth dependence, and reproducibility, under 6 and 10 MV LINAC beam irradiation and compared the results with those from a standard ionization chamber. The results revealed that the CZT detector demonstrated excellent linearity across 0–1000 cGy with minimal deviation in the low-dose region, negligible dose rate dependence, and minimal energy dependence, exhibiting a 2.2% drop at 15 MV relative to 6 MV. Its angular and SSD dependencies deviated slightly from the ionization chamber, consistent with the expected physical behaviors and correctable in clinical practice. The detector also revealed consistent performance over time with excellent reproducibility, and its depth dependence results were consistent with those of the ionization chamber. Thus, the CZT detector provides consistent performance in small-field measurements under varying conditions, satisfying the requirements for SRS and SBRT.
Conception of a System-on-Chip (SoC) Platform to Enable EMG-Guided Robotic Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Nieto Rubén , Fernández Pedro R. , Murano Santiago , Navarro Victor M. , del-Ama Antonio J. , Borromeo Susana
Published: February 2025

Electromyography (EMG) signals are fundamental in neurorehabilitation as they provide a non-invasive means of capturing the electrical activity of muscles, enabling precise detection of motor intentions. This capability is essential for controlling assistive devices, such as therapeutic exoskeletons, that aim to restore mobility and improve motor function in patients with neuromuscular impairments. The integration of EMG into neurorehabilitation systems allows for adaptive and patient-specific interventions, addressing the variability in motor recovery needs. However, achieving the high fidelity, low latency, and robustness required for real-time control of these devices remains a significant challenge. This paper introduces a novel multi-channel electromyography (EMG) acquisition system implemented on a System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture for robotic neurorehabilitation. The system employs the Zynq-7000 SoC, which integrates an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor, for high-level control and an FPGA for real-time signal processing. The architecture enables precise synchronization of up to eight EMG channels, leveraging high-speed analog-to-digital conversion and advanced filtering techniques implemented directly at the measurement site. By performing filtering and initial signal processing locally, prior to transmission to other subsystems, the system minimizes noise both through optimized processing and by reducing the distance to the muscle, thereby significantly enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A dedicated communication interface ensures low-latency data transfer to external controllers, crucial for adaptive control loops in exoskeletal applications. Experimental results validate the system’s capability to deliver high signal fidelity and low processing delays, outperforming commercial alternatives in terms of flexibility and scalability. This implementation provides a robust foundation for real-time bio-signal processing, advancing the integration of EMG-based control in neurorehabilitation devices.
A Temporal Convolutional Network–Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (TCN-BiLSTM) Prediction Model for Temporal Faults in Industrial Equipment
Authors: Bai Jinyin , Zhu Wei , Liu Shuhong , Ye Chenhao , Zheng Peng , Wang Xiangchen
Published: February 2025

Traditional algorithms and single predictive models often face challenges such as limited prediction accuracy and insufficient modeling capabilities for complex time-series data in fault prediction tasks. To address these issues, this paper proposes a combined prediction model based on an improved temporal convolutional network (TCN) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM), referred to as the TCN-BiLSTM model. This model aims to enhance the reliability and accuracy of time-series fault prediction. It is designed to handle continuous processes but can also be applied to batch and hybrid processes due to its flexible architecture. First, preprocessed industrial operation data are fed into the model, and hyperparameter optimization is conducted using the Optuna framework to improve training efficiency and generalization capability. Then, the model employs an improved TCN layer and a BiLSTM layer for feature extraction and learning. The TCN layer incorporates batch normalization, an optimized activation function (Leaky ReLU), and a dropout mechanism to enhance its ability to capture multi-scale temporal features. The BiLSTM layer further leverages its bidirectional learning mechanism to model the long-term dependencies in the data, enabling effective predictions of complex fault patterns. Finally, the model outputs the prediction results after iterative optimization. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, simulation experiments were conducted to compare the TCN-BiLSTM model with mainstream prediction methods such as CNN, RNN, BiLSTM, and A-BiLSTM. The experimental results indicate that the TCN-BiLSTM model outperforms the comparison models in terms of prediction accuracy during both the modeling and forecasting stages, providing a feasible solution for time-series fault prediction.
Towards a Better Control of Engineered Circuit Transcription in Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Sarica Nazim , Janniere Laurent , Jester Brian C.
Published: February 2025

The transcription of genes and engineered circuits can deeply vary when inserted into different genomic loci. This unpredictable performance, termed context sensitivity, complicates strain development. Although the causes and mechanisms of context sensitivity are emerging, it is poorly known how to engineer circuits and synthetic pathways isolated from it. Using tools of synthetic biology for designing and inserting various reporter cassettes in the Escherichia coli genome and RT-qPCR for directly measuring gene transcription, we first surveyed the genomic landscape for context sensitivity at 214 positions in cells grown in glucose or glycerol. The results show deep variations in cassette transcription with respect to position (up to 160-fold) and growth condition (up to a 30-fold). We then demonstrated that this position-dependent transcription variability is strongly reduced when the reporter cassette is insulated in an artificial protein-bound DNA loop. Finally, we measured the transcription of two loop-insulated genes at different genomic positions. The results show that transcription strongly depends on the relative orientation of the genes, promoter strength, and positive supercoiling. We present a model suggesting that DNA looping is an important cause of context sensitivity and can be used for better controlling the transcription of engineered circuits.
Control Strategy of In-Port U-Turn for Ships Based on Arctangent Function Nonlinear Feedback
Authors: Gao Shihang , Zhang Xianku
Published: February 2025

This study presents an innovative control strategy for enabling ships to perform automatic U-turns in restricted waters, with a focus on minimizing energy consumption and reducing wear on the steering gear. The strategy integrates a closed-loop gain-shaping algorithm with nonlinear feedback control, applied to a nonlinear motion mathematical model specifically designed for low-speed operations in shallow waters. The simulations, conducted under a Beaufort wind scale conditions up to No. 5 and water depths of 15 m, demonstrate that ships can successfully execute automatic U-turns within a distance three times their length. The incorporation of nonlinear feedback technology significantly reduces energy consumption and steering gear wear, with specific improvements including a reduction in the average rudder angle by up to 18.26%, a reduction in the mean absolute error (MAE) by up to 3.6%, a reduction in the mean integrated absolute (MIA) by up to 13.55%, and a reduction in the mean total variation (MTV) by up to 36.36%. These enhancements not only optimize the control effect but also extend the service life of the steering gear, thereby contributing to more sustainable maritime operations. Theoretical proofs and Matlab-based simulations validate the effectiveness of the controller, highlighting its potential for energy savings and improved navigational efficiency in challenging maritime environments.
Sequence-Only Prediction of Super-Enhancers in Human Cell Lines Using Transformer Models
Authors: Kravchuk Ekaterina V. , Ashniev German A. , Gladkova Marina G. , Orlov Alexey V. , Zaitseva Zoia G. , Malkerov Juri A. , Orlova Natalia N.
Published: February 2025

The study discloses the application of transformer-based deep learning models for the task of super-enhancers prediction in human tumor cell lines with a specific focus on sequence-only features within studied entities of super-enhancer and enhancer elements in the human genome. The proposed SE-prediction method included the GENA-LM application at handling long DNA sequences with the classification task, distinguishing super-enhancers from enhancers using H3K36me, H3K4me1, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac landscape datasets from HeLa, HEK293, H2171, Jurkat, K562, MM1S and U87 cell lines. The model was fine-tuned on relevant sequence data, allowing for the analysis of extended genomic sequences without the need for epigenetic markers as proposed in early approaches. The study achieved balanced accuracy metrics, surpassing previous models like SENet, particularly in HEK293 and K562 cell lines. Also, it was shown that super-enhancers frequently co-localize with epigenetic marks such as H3K4me3 and H3K27ac. Therefore, the attention mechanism of the model provided insights into the sequence features contributing to SE classification, indicating a correlation between sequence-only features and mentioned epigenetic landscapes. These findings support the potential transformer models use in further genomic sequence analysis for bioinformatics applications in enhancer/super-enhancer characterization and gene regulation studies.
Association Between Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer and Non-Proliferative Retinopathy Without Macular Edema in Type 2 Diabetes via Diabetes Duration and HbA1c Link
Authors: Vrabec Romano , Bulum Tomislav , Ljubić Spomenka , Tomić Martina
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the thickness of the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL), a marker of retinal neurodegeneration, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), a microvasculopathy, in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM), and to determine the related risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 eyes of 25 T2DM with a median age of 64 and a median diabetes duration of 13 years. Complete diabetological, nephrological, and ophthalmological examination was performed, including color fundus photography according to the EURODIAB methodology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula. Patients with proliferative DR and diabetic macular edema were not included in the study. Data were analyzed using the software package Statistica™ 14.0.1.25 (TIBCO Inc., USA). Results: Fifty eyes were divided into two groups: no DR (n = 34) and non-proliferative DR (NPDR) (n = 16). The NPDR group had longer diabetes duration (p = 0.042), higher HbA1c (p = 0.002), lower HDL cholesterol (p = 0.036), and also lower macular GC-IPL thickness (p = 0.027) than those without DR. The correlation between DR and GC-IPL was significantly negative (R = −0.319, p = 0.024). DR was positively related to diabetes duration (p = 0.047) and HbA1c (p = 0.003), while the relation between GC-IPL and diabetes duration (p = 0.042) and HbA1c (p = 0.043) was negative. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that HbA1c (OR = 2.77, p = 0.007) and HDL cholesterol (OR = 0.08, p = 0.031) were the main predictors for DR, whereas the best model for predicting the GC-IPL thickness (R2 = 0.223) obtained from stepwise regression analysis included HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and albumin/creatinine ratio. Conclusions: The negative correlation between macular GC-IPL and DR in T2DM indicates the coexistence of two parts, neurodegenerative and microvascular, in one diabetic eye complication, linked by the same well-known risk factors: diabetes duration and HbA1c.