bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROBLEMS OF SMALL ARMS POINTING WHEN SHOOTING AT SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
Authors:   National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Bilenko Oleksandr , Pavlov Dmytro ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine
Published: January 2025

Based on the analysis, it was concluded that small arms are currently the most expedient means of defeating small UAVs on the battlefield. It is noted that the nature of the movement of small UAVs in combat conditions may require firing in directions with large angles relative to the horizon, which is not provided for by the shooting rules and sighting devices of most small arms. An approach to determining the aiming point when firing at low-altitude air targets with small arms using standard sights is planned. Recommendations for improving the sights of small arms for shooting at low-altitude air targets are presented. The following conclusions are made. In order to provide aiming angles that correspond to the distance to the target and the angle of the target, it is necessary to improve the existing mechanical and optical sights by introducing an adjustment mechanism for the angle of the target. An acceptable option for adapting existing sights to shooting at air targets according to the "cost" and "efficiency" indicators is the development of special tables with two inputs, (at the angle of the target's place and distance to the target) and the number mark of the sight at the output. When firing at objects with large angles, actual mechanical and optical sights do not provide sufficiently small aiming angles. As a result, it is advisable to calculate and use negative corrections for distance or use upgraded sights. If possible, open fire on the target should be at a time when the target changes direction and has zero or minimal lateral velocity relative to the direction of fire. Due to the complexity of taking into account the shape of the flight path of the bullet, when determining the aiming point when firing at air targets, it is necessary to choose such distances at which the height of the trajectory does not exceed the height of the target.
METHOD OF SYSTEMIC MULTI-CRITERION FORMATION OF MODERNIZATION PROJECTS OF MILITARY TRANSPORT AND WAREHOUSE SYSTEMS
Authors:   Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Dudukalov Yurii , Rybalko Iryna ,   Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Poberezhnyi �ndrii ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Marenko Hennadii ,   National academy of the National Guard of Ukraine
Published: January 2025

Based on the methodology of structural-functional modeling, a method for system formulation of tasks for the design and technological modernization of military transport and warehouse systems has been developed. Robotic platforms are used in such modern systems, therefore, it is necessary to include the stages of their modernization in the life cycle stages of existing systems. The spectrum of modernization solutions is constantly expanding, which makes it relevant to systematically determine the modernization resource, form a set of design and technological developments for making optimal design decisions. It is advisable to determine the modernization resource of military transport and warehouse systems based on system structural-functional models, which ensures a well-founded formulation of tasks for their modernization. These issues are of particular importance in the conditions of modernization of complex objects, to increase their technical level in the conditions of comparison of alternative design and technological measures. The relevance of research in the direction of developing robotic systems is an important task in view of the modern challenges faced by armies around the world. Robotic systems are becoming increasingly important military technologies, they can be used to automate the transportation and logistics process, including the delivery of ammunition, replenishment of supplies, maintenance of warehouses and equipment. The developed block structural and functional model of modernization provides the definition of the modernization resource and allows you to form its systemic assessment. To assess the modernization resource, it is advisable to use an analytical formalized approach based on the method of hierarchy analysis, which allows you to reasonably form the tasks of design and technological modernization. The multivariate and uncertainty of making design decisions is taken into account by applying mathematical methods of multi-criteria hierarchy analysis. The results obtained can be used to improve the technical level of the system for providing material resources to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING THE DYNAMIC (TRACTION) PERFORMANCE OF MILITARY VEHICLES DURING ACCEPTANCE TESTS USING COMPUTER PROGRAMS
Authors:   National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Litvinov Oleksii , Kudimov Serhii ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Tenenov Yevhenii ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Shabatura Serhii ,   National academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Mazur Maksym ,   National academy of the National Guard of Ukraine
Published: January 2025

A methodology for determining the dynamic (traction) performance of military automotive vehicles f units and formations of the National Guard of Ukraine during testing has been developed. The proposed method makes it possible to carry out tests, namely, acceptance tests, both new and modernized automotive equipment, more qualitatively, by determining such an indicator as the dynamic factor using computer programs. The obtained value of dynamic (traction) indicators by the theoretical method for military vehicles by classical calculation showed its lack of perfection, namely, the calculations are cumbersome and require a sufficiently large amount of time to carry out and do not exclude the occurrence of errors caused by the �human factor�. A methodology for determining the traction indicator using modern software in the Mathcad environment has been developed, which allowed to quickly and efficiently determine dynamic (traction) indicators in the classical way, while having the following advantages � introduction of minimum values of tactical and technical characteristics; � no transfer of the obtained values to other expressions, which increases the accuracy of the data obtained by eliminating the human factor error; � the possibility of obtaining graphical values (if necessary). An improved methodology for determining the dynamic (traction) performance of new and modernized automotive equipment during acceptance tests has been developed, which will allow for better quality testing, namely, during acceptance tests of both new and modernized automotive equipment, due to the definition of such an indicator as the dynamic factor.
ALGORITHMS OF ACTIONS OF REPAIR UNITS ON THE RESTORATION OF ARMORED TANK VEHICLES IN THE CONDITIONS OF COMBAT OPERATIONS
Authors:   National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Pavlov Yaroslav
Published: January 2025

The article provides algorithms for the actions of the repair units of the National Guard of Ukraine in compliance with the procedure for searching, evacuating, and repairing damaged samples of armored personnel carriers in the conditions of hostilities. Practical recommendations for the organization of technical reconnaissance of damaged samples of armored vehicles, determination of the composition of evacuation means and evacuation routes, control and technical inspection of the equipment and its repair have been formed. When conducting modern hostilities, ensuring the combat capability of armored vehicles and weapons at the required level depends on the organization of technical support measures, namely the restoration of armored vehicles, taking into account the presence of the enemy with high-precision weapons for its destruction. The purpose of restoring armored vehicles is to bring them into a combat-ready condition. Restoration includes: technical reconnaissance, evacuation, repair (restoration of serviceability) of samples of military equipment and bringing them into combat readiness. The task of technical units is to continuously maintain the combat capability of military units from the point of view of the combat capability of armored vehicles and weapons by identifying damaged samples, preparing for evacuation, carrying out repairs and restoration. The experience of conducting hostilities with the russian federation shows that the success of military units (groupings of troops) in carrying out the assigned tasks depends on the operation of the system for the restoration of armored vehicles and weapons, which is in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard of Ukraine and is one of the functions of system technical support. Therefore, questions regarding methodical approaches to improving the functionality of systems of recovery of armored vehicles and methods of assessing recovery indicators are very relevant and require research.
INFLUENCE OF THE MASS OF THE COMBAT EQUIPMENT OF A SECURITY FORCE EMPLOYEE ON HIS MOTOR REACTION TIME
Authors:   National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Pashchenko Viktor , B�lenko Oleksandr ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine
Published: January 2025

Based on the analysis of scientific sources, it was established that the motor reaction time of a security forces employee depends on a complex of physiological, psychological, and external factors, which in aggregate can increase or decrease the motor reaction time of workers, thereby affecting their efficiency during the performance of tasks. It was determined that an important factor that affects the physiological parameters (fatigue) of the worker, and therefore the time of his motor reaction, is the mass characteristics of the elements of combat equipment, which determine the level of fatigue during the performance of tasks with time restrictions. The need to determine the effect of the mass of combat equipment on the time indicators of the movement reaction of a security forces employee during the performance of assigned tasks with the purpose of forecasting it, as well as ensuring the necessary speed of movement reaction in specific conditions of the situation, is substantiated. The effect of the mass of the combat equipment of a security forces employee on the time of his motor reaction was studied. It was established that increasing the mass of combat equipment has a negative effect on the time of a mobile reaction of a security forces employee after performing tactical actions related to the need for maneuvering and rapid movement in space. Dependences of changes in the motor reaction time of a security forces employee after he has performed some tactical actions on the mass of combat equipment have been obtained, which make it possible to predict changes in the specified time. The obtained results make it possible to increase the validity of assigning quantitative indicators of tasks related to the need for an immediate response to certain actions after maneuvering and rapid movement in space, and can also be used to optimize the distribution of physical load on individual employees of the security forces of one unit in order to increase efficiency performance of assigned tasks by the unit as a whole.
Targeting the glioblastoma micro-environment
Authors:   , van Straten Demian
Published: January 2025

The thesis "Targeting the glioblastoma micro-environment" focuses on novel approaches for glioblastoma treatment and research. Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor, with patients having a median survival of 14 months. Most systemic therapeutics are not effective due to the blood brain barrier, that protects the brain from toxic substances. This thesis therefore describes the investigation of a drug loaded nanoparticle-in-hydrogel delivery platform that can be implanted intracranially for the on-site delivery of a variety of therapeutics. This platform can release two drug formulations in a sequential manner and can be modified to achieve the required profile of drug release for optimal treatment outcome. The thesis further reports the consequences of local delivery for the performance of lipid nanoparticle based RNA therapeutics that were initially designed for systemic application. It appears that the biological environment, specifically its protein composition, can affect the efficacy of certain lipid nanoparticle therapeutics. This needs to be taken into account when developing these nanoparticles for local delivery. This same principle translates to an issue encountered in lipid nanoparticle research in vitro. A standard protocol of heat inactivation of sera for the cultivation of cells not only denatured unwanted proteins that can interfere with the experiments, but also hampered the efficacy of lipid nanoparticle RNA therapeutics by denaturing proteins needed for their interactions with cells. This influences cell experiments and thus introduces bias when developing new formulations. Next, a novel model for glioblastoma specific tumor associated macrophages is described and compared to often used standard macrophage models. The novel model more accurately represents the macrophages found in glioblastoma patients tumors. The final chapter gives examples on how the gathered information can be used to develop new therapies for glioblastoma.
Know Where You Start, Not Just Where You're Going: Civic Incomes Assessment at Radford University
Authors: Rackaway Chapman
Published: January 2025

This paper summarizes the genesis and first deployment of an assessment of student civic knowledge, orientations, and skills at the beginning of their college experience as a way to improve civic engagement interventions and provide improved diagnostic data for student self-reflection and improvement. A survey was adapted and deployed to more than 600 students in a university orientation class in Fall 2024 to determine a baseline of civic knowledge, orientations, and skills. Future iterations of the assessment will provide a longitudinal measure of the value-add of civic interventions through a student's undergraduate experience.
A aplicação do método regressivo-progressivo de Henri Lefebvre para análise de espaços públicos em Ponta Grossa (PR)
Authors: Souza Edson Belo Clemente de , Cham Adriana Aparecida de Andrade
Published: January 2025

As praças são espaços públicos importantes e fazem parte da história e memória das cidades. A justificativa do estudo se dá por compreender que as praças são objetos marcantes no espaço urbano, possuem usos e formas variadas e são organizadas e mantidas pelo poder público. Objetivamente, o artigo apresenta a aplicação do método regressivo-progressivo de Henri Lefebvre para o estudo de praças. O recorte espacial é a cidade de Ponta Grossa (PR). Metodologicamente, foram realizadas visitas a algumas praças, pesquisa no Diário Oficial do Município, download de shapefiles, disponibilizados pelo Instituto de Pesquisa e Planejamento Urbano (IPLAN) de Ponta Grossa, para criação de mapas, bem como se apoiou em referencial teórico. Como resultados, conclui-se que a distribuição espacial das praças ocorre de forma desigual, o que pode favorecer um espaço urbano segregador, e se espera contribuir para o debate da cidade mais equânime em relação à distribuição de espaços públicos.
Educação, gênero e sexualidade: a formação inicial e os desafios para superar o conservadorismo
Authors: Sousa Sandra Novais , Chaves Nathália Rodrigues
Published: January 2025

O estudo objetivou investigar a percepção de professoras(es) iniciantes, egressos(as) do curso de Pedagogia da Faculdade de Educação da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, sobre a influência da formação no modo como lidam com questões de sexualidade e de gênero no cotidiano do trabalho docente. Como procedimentos metodológicos, utilizou-se: pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e entrevistas narrativas com quatro professoras(es) iniciantes. Os resultados apontaram o silenciamento das questões de gênero e sexualidade na Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), em nome de uma pretensa neutralidade. Em relação às(aos) professoras(es) iniciantes entrevistadas(os), aponta-se que, embora tenham confirmado que tiveram uma formação de qualidade, suas ações na escola não são isoladas, perpassam pelo currículo, pelos(as) pais, mães ou responsáveis das(os) alunas(os), outras(os) professoras(es), equipe gestora, os(as) quais possuem suas crenças e valores e querem legitimá-las acima do trabalho docente, sem respeitar à riqueza que a diferença carrega.
Correlation between CT-derived fractional flow reserve and myocardial strain in ischemic heart disease patients with single coronary artery stenosis assessed based on CCTA
Authors: Ren Ruichen , Li Wenting , Zhao Qingyuan , Qi Chengcheng , Zhang Xiaoxue , Peng Mingyu , Su Duwang , Han Pei , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the correlation between CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CTFFR) and myocardial strain in patients with single coronary artery stenosis and to investigate the diagnostic value of CTFFR in identifying impaired myocardial strain.

Methods

We selected 89 patients, categorized into three groups based on the affected coronary artery: 36 with left anterior descending (LAD), 23 with left circumflex (LCX), and 30 with right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis, along with 25 healthy controls. We investigated correlations between CTFFR and both global and regional myocardial strain parameters. Additionally, we assessed the ability of the CTFFR to detect impaired myocardial strain in these patients.

Results

In this study, no significant difference was found in overall myocardial strain between the patient and control groups. However, regional longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) in the myocardial areas supplied by stenotic coronary arteries was significantly lower in each patient group compared to the others (P < 0.001). The CTFFR exhibited a strong negative correlation with both regional and global myocardial strain, with a stronger association for regional strain. Particularly in group LAD, CTFFR in optimal diastole phase (CTFFR-D) was negatively correlated with Endo-LS (r = −0.66, P < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis indicated that CTFFR were effective in diagnosing impaired myocardial strain, particularly LS.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between CTFFR, which is a functional measure for assessing coronary artery stenosis, and myocardial strain. CTFFR can identify impaired myocardial strain and can be used as an indirect indicator of myocardial ischemia.
Assessing costs and constraints of forest residue disposal by pile burning
Authors: Barker Jake , Voorhis Jimmy , Crotty Sinéad M.
Published: January 2025

Pile burning of thinned residues is a critical tool to dispose of fuels and to reduce wildfire risk in overstocked, fire-prone forests globally. However, cost estimates of pile burning are limited. In the Western United States, where fuel reduction and pile burning are key strategies to mitigate risk of severe wildfire, previous reports estimate that the average cost of pile burning after machine treatment is $543 ac−1 ($1,343 ha−1). There is, however, limited information on the costs of hand thinning and pile burning. In response, this study quantified the costs of cutting and yarding, piling, and burning residues via two pathways: the USDA Forest Service (USFS) Activity Tracking System (FACTS) database, and interviews with 11 USFS fire management professionals from California, Oregon, and Washington. Interviews highlighted cost drivers, implementation constraints, and opportunities for efficiency improvements. The average costs of piling and burning machine piles as determined from the interviews were $735 ± $464 ac−1 ($1,817 ± $1,146 ha−1; all mean ± SD), 80% higher than reported in the FACTS database and 35% higher than previous reports. The average costs of piling and burning hand piles as determined from the interviews were $1,291 ± $717 ac−1 ($3,190 ± $1,722 ha−1), 135% higher than reported in the FACTS database. Interview participants reported proximity to roads and terrain as key cost drivers, and described common practices, challenges, and constraints to pile burning. Geospatial analyses supported interviewee-identified cost drivers, district road density (a proxy for accessibility) and district maximum elevation (a proxy for terrain). Simulations of direct emissions from pile burning on National Forests included in this study indicated annual emissions of 11,322 metric tons (MT) of particulate matter (PM), 8,029 MT of PM10, and 6,993 MT of PM2.5 across the study area. In addition, pile burning on these National Forests annually emits >1.7 million MT CO2, 61,515 MT of carbon monoxide, 3,823 MT of methane, and 3,211 MT of non-methane hydrocarbons. Given the economic, human health, and climate implications of current pile burning practice, removing residues as feedstocks for carbon-negative utilizations is recommended as a near-term priority. Policy mechanisms, such as feedstock production, transport, or offtake subsidies of a similar magnitude to such avoided costs, could efficiently incentivize residue removal and support such climate-positive utilizations.
Otolith annulus validation and population dynamics of dark sleeper Odontobutis potamophila: insights for sustainable fisheries management
Authors: Xiang Miao , Liu Haoran , Li Bo , Guo Hongxi , Zhu Chuankun , Wang Man , Wang Jie , Xie Songguang , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2025

In this study, we assessed the growth patterns and population characteristics of the Odontobutis potamophila in Nansi Lake to inform evidence-based management recommendations for the sustainable development of fisheries in the region. A collection of O. potamophila was taken from Nansi Lake between August 2017 and July 2018 (except February) to estimate the age structure, growth pattern, and mortality of the population. Edge-type analysis of sagittal otoliths indicated that a single annulus was formed from March to May. The results revealed that the age structure of O. potamophila consisted of four age groups (0-3 ages), with 0-1 year-old fish comprising about 85.11% of the harvest. An isometric growth pattern was observed, with the Logistic growth function providing the best fit for combined sexes. SLt=172.94/(1+e−0.458(t−0.79))(n=591, R2 = 0.622). Total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were computed as 1.69, 0.53, and 1.16/year, respectively. Meanwhile, the exploitation rate (E) was 0.69/year, in accordance with the rule of thumb (E>0.5, the fish stock was undergoing overfishing), which indicated the stock has been overfished slightly. These results showed that brief generation-time, dominance of juvenile fish and relatively high natural mortality of the O. potamophila provide essential information on the native fish species in Nansi Lake, which may be essential for conservation strategies and artificial propagation. At the same time, these results provide critical data for sustainable fisheries management in Nansi Lake and similar ecosystems.
Case report: Rare observation of thyroid-like cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Bondarenko Ekaterina , Kalinin Dmitriy , Urusova Liliya , Pastukhova Dariya , Salimkhanov Rustam , Mokrysheva Natalia
Published: January 2025

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Radical surgical resection remains the “gold standard” for improving patient outcomes; however, only a minority of patients qualify for this approach. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is primarily classified into two major histologic types: small and large ductal cholangiocarcinomas. Nevertheless, rare subtypes with unique diagnostic and prognostic characteristics are increasingly reported. These subtypes often exhibit features such as slow growth, a histologic architecture resembling thyroid tissue, or ductal ectasia, and are associated with a more favorable prognosis. We present the case of a 61-year-old patient with a solitary liver mass initially identified as a hemangioma through imaging studies. Histopathologic examination of the postoperative specimen revealed a thyroid-like structural pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for CK7 and CK19, confirming the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with a thyroid-like structure. The tumor was completely resected with clear margins, and no evidence of metastasis was found. Consequently, the patient was managed without adjuvant chemotherapy. At 14 months of follow-up, there were no signs of recurrence or metastasis. This clinical case underscores the importance of recognizing novel subtypes of cholangiocarcinoma and exercising vigilance in the management of patients with presumed benign hepatic lesions.
Long-term safety of dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes in pediatric patients with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Koenig Mary Kay , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Gouider Riadh , Yiu Eppie M. , Pietrucha Barbara , Stray-Pedersen Asbjørg , Perlman Susan L. , Wu Steve , Burgers Trudy , Borgohain Rupam , Kandadai Rukmini Mridula , Meyts Isabelle , Bucciol Giorgia , Udwadia-Hegde Anaita , Yadav Ravi , Roberts Donna , Dane Aaron , Roden Maureen , Thye Dirk , Horn Biljana , Lederman Howard M. , Whitehouse William P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes (EryDex) was developed as an alternative to standard glucocorticoids in an effort to eliminate chronic steroid toxicity while preserving efficacy. The primary objective of this report is to describe the safety of long-term use of EryDex in treatment of pediatric patients with ataxia telangiectasia.

Methods

This is a post-hoc analysis of patients treated with EryDex for a minimum of 24 months in two prospective clinical trials. Outcomes include adverse events, growth, hemoglobin and serum iron, glucose levels, HbA1c, CD4+ lymphocytes, and bone mineral density.

Results

Sixty-eight patients completed a minimum of 2 years of treatment with EryDex (mean treatment length 39 ± 11 months). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), reported in 67 (99%) out of 68 patients, were typically mild and did not cause discontinuation of treatment or death. Treatment-related TEAE were noted in 48 (71%) patients. Notable adverse events included transient pruritus reported in 23 (34%) patients and findings of low serum iron reported in 27 (40%) patients, while at baseline one fifth of patients had low serum iron. Anemia was reported in 9 (13%) patients. The mean hemoglobin level changed by −0.8 ± 1.0 g/dL after 6 months of therapy without subsequent decline. Longitudinal height and weight mean z-scores showed minimal change from baseline to month 24 for height (−0.06 ± 0.49), weight (−0.02 ± 0.71), and body mass index (0.03 ± 0.87). The mean bone mineral density (BMD) z-score showed a decline of 0.4 points over the 24 months of treatment. Values for glucose, HbA1c, cortisol, and CD4+ lymphocyte counts did not show clinically significant changes during prolonged treatment with EryDex.

Conclusion

The most common treatment-related adverse events were transient infusion-related pruritus and iron deficiency. There was a decline in BMD which could not be distinguished from the natural course of disease. There were no adverse effects on height, weight and body mass index noted, as documented by stable z-scores throughout the 2 years of treatment. Adverse events typically observed with prolonged glucocorticoid use such as Cushingoid features, weight gain, hypertension, hirsutism, diabetes or stunted growth were rarely reported.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifiers: NCT02770807 and NCT03563053.
Chemical characterization and encapsulation of Ganoderma pfeifferi extract with cytotoxic properties
Authors: Šťastný Jan , Morellá-Aucejo Ángela , Skala Tomáš , Bernardos Andrea , Maršík Petr , Lérida-Viso Araceli , Matějka Jaroslav , Mascellani Bergo Anna , Marcos María Dolores , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Jablonský Ivan , Klouček Pavel
Published: January 2025

Mushrooms of the genus Ganoderma are known for diverse biological activities, demonstrated both traditionally and experimentally. Their secondary metabolites have shown cytotoxic potential across different cancer cell lines. Besides exploration of the most active components in different species or genotypes, new formulation techniques are in development. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of nanomaterials because of significant potential for pharmacology applications as substance carriers. Applying nanoparticles may enhance the medicinal effect of the mushroom substances. This study investigated the cytotoxic properties of Ganoderma species methanolic extracts against the HeLa cancer cell line. Notably, the extract obtained from Ganoderma pfeifferi demonstrated the highest activity and was further used for encapsulation within synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticles MCM-41. Subsequently, the cytotoxic effect of the loaded MCM-41 to the free form of extract was compared. The obtained results indicate successful encapsulation, and similar activity comparing encapsulated form to free extracts (IC50 16.6 μg/mL and 20.5 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, the four unique compounds were identified as applanoxidic acid A, applanoxidic acid G, ganoderone A, and ganoderone B in the G. pfeifferi. This study is an essential prerequisite for further steps like nanoparticle functionalization for sustained or on-command delivery of these natural extracts.
Impact of sand and dust storms on mortality in Jinan City, China
Authors: Shen Chaofan , Li Mingjun , Wang Qingchang , Luan Jinjiao , Si Jiliang , Cui Liangliang
Published: January 2025

Background

Sand and dust storms (SDSs) cause considerable health risks worldwide. China is a country seriously affected by SDSs, however only few studies researched the risk of SDS in China. The insufficient evidence on SDS hampers effective measures to mitigate its harm.

Objective

To reveal the mortality risks associated with SDSs in Jinan City and identify sensitive populations vulnerable to these events.

Methods

For this time-stratified case-crossover study, we collected daily data on all-cause, circulatory, and respiratory deaths, as well as air pollution and meteorological information from Jinan City in China between January 1, 2013, and November 30, 2022. We initially utilized a time-stratified case-crossover design and logistic regression model to examine the short-term relationship between SDSs and mortality risks, adjusting for specific variables such as mean temperature, humidity, wind speeds, and holidays. Subsequently, we conducted stratified analyses by age, gender, and season.

Results

A total of 53 SDSs were observed, lasting for 88 days during the study period, which accounted for 2% of the study period. The excess mortality risks associated with SDSs were 13% (95% CI: 4–22%), 4% (95% CI: 1–8%), and 3% (95% CI: 1–6%) for respiratory, circulatory, and all-cause death, respectively. Females and people over 65 years of age are vulnerable to respiratory deaths caused by SDSs.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to SDSs caused the significantly elevated risks of respiratory, circulatory and all-cause death. Females and individuals over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable to the effects of SDSs.
Exploring the potential of AI-driven food waste management strategies used in the hospitality industry for application in household settings
Authors: Clark Quintana M. , Kanavikar Disha Basavaraja , Clark Jason , Donnelly Patrick J.
Published: January 2025

This study explores the potential for adapting AI-driven food waste management strategies from the hospitality industry for application in household settings. The hospitality industry, particularly hotels and restaurants, has implemented AI technologies through companies like Leanpath, Winnow, and Kitro, which use real-time data and predictive analytics to monitor, categorize, and reduce food waste. These AI-driven systems have demonstrated significant reductions in food waste, offering economic savings and environmental benefits. This study employs an instrumental case study approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with representatives from these companies to gain insights into the technologies and strategies that have proven effective in hospitality. The findings suggest that with modifications for scale, cost, and user engagement, AI-driven solutions could enhance household food management by providing insights into consumption patterns, offering expiration reminders, and supporting sustainable practices. Highlighted are key considerations for household adaptation, including policy support, educational strategies, economic incentives, and integration with smart home systems. Ultimately, this study identifies a promising avenue for reducing household food waste through AI, underscoring the need for continued research and policy initiatives to facilitate the transition of these technologies from commercial kitchens to everyday homes.
Income-related inequalities in the prevalence of dental pain intensity in adults: gender differences
Authors: Lima Carolina Veloso , de Arruda Alanna Barros , Noronha Mayara dos Santos , Sampaio Aline Araujo , Silveira Marise Fagundes , Martins Andrea Maria Eleuterio de Barros Lima , Ferreira Raquel Conceição , de Godoy Aline Netto , Sousa Daniela Marques da Silva , Garcia Patrick Pereira , Costa Cyrene Piazera Silva , Souza João Gabriel Silva , Costa Oliveira Bárbara Emanoele
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Dental pain is a multifactorial and unpleasant experience that negatively affects daily activities. Previous studies have shown that adults living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas showed higher dental pain prevalence. This study evaluated whether income inequalities are related to increased dental pain intensity among adults and identified differences between women and men.

Methods

A probabilistic sample of adults was investigated, and income inequality was evaluated using the Gini Index. Dental pain intensity was recorded on a scale from 1–10 for those who experienced dental pain in the 6 months preceding the survey. The covariates were contextual (related to cities) and individual (related to individuals). Associations were investigated for the entire sample and stratified by gender using multilevel Poisson regression models.

Results

Dental pain was reported by 41% of the included sample (n = 4,512 adults). Maximum pain intensity was reported more frequently for women than for men. Those living in municipalities with higher Gini Index values reported 1.26 times (95% CI: 1.01–1.56) greater dental pain intensity compared to adults living in cities with lower Gini Index values, even after adjustment by variables. The same pattern was observed when stratified by gender, but it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Thus, the contexts of income inequalities can contribute to more severe dental pain intensity among adults. Also, the findings suggest that income inequality does not modify the relationship between gender and dental pain intensity.
Exploring SLEEPINESS through home monitoring with ultra-long-term subcutaneous EEG and ecological momentary assessment in sleepy treatment naïve obstructive sleep apnea patients starting CPAP treatment—A study protocol article
Authors: Sarkez-Knudsen Mathias , Ballegaard Martin , Piilgaard Henning , Ahrens Esben , Hemmsen Martin Christian , Andersen Tobias Søren , Bradram Jakob Eyvind , Homøe Preben
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a key symptom for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite important limitations in the longitudinal monitoring of EDS, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) are the best available objective tests to predict EDS. Limited information exists on the day-to-day fluctuations of sleepiness symptoms from the everyday life perspective of OSA patients. The most feared is sudden sleep episodes that cause traffic accidents. The following study protocol investigates the novel possibilities of ultra-long-term Electroencephalography (EEG) (ULT-EEG) home monitoring in sleepy OSA patients with a subcutaneous implant. We hypothesize that the high-frequency testing from ULT-EEG, in combination with an ecological momentary assessment (EMA), can provide the information to develop new electrophysiological monitoring of sleep propensity as an alternative to the well-established, yet subjective, ESS.

Methods

This clinical exploratory and experimental study will include 15 treatment-naïve patients with severe OSA, with a baseline ESS score above 10. The subjects will be implanted with a two-channel subcutaneous EEG monitoring device upon inclusion and a confirmative polysomnography MSLT. Subcutaneous EEG is recorded 24/7 for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Daily assessments with the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, the Psychomotor Vigilance Task test, and a sleep/nap diary will be collected using EMA methods.

Discussion

This study combines data collection from sleepy OSA patients' natural environments using ULT-EEG and EMA methods to obtain sleepiness metrics suitable for developing and preliminarily validating the possibilities of ULT-EEG sleepiness monitoring. We aim to prove a new concept of monitoring sleepiness symptoms in OSA patients and gain new insights into CPAP-related sleepiness rehabilitation.

Ethics and dissemination

All participants will provide written informed consent to participate in this study. Ethical approval from the Region Zealand Ethics Committee on 13/09/2021 (SJ939, EMN-2021-06803). The study will be conducted in accordance with local legislation and institutional requirements and comply with the Declaration of Helsinki and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
First microscopic and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in fat sand rats (Psammomys obesus) in Egypt and their potential zoonotic implications
Authors: Mohamed Sara Abdel-Aal , Anwar Fatma A. S. , Gareh Ahmed , Ghallab Marwa M. I. , Martínez Remigio , Gouda Asmaa Aboelabbas , Alajmi Fatemah Enad , Alzaylaee Hind , García-Bocanegra Ignacio , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Rodents, thriving in human-altered environments, pose significant public health risks due to their role as reservoirs for numerous zoonotic parasites. Among these, Cryptosporidium spp. are recognized globally as leading causes of waterborne and foodborne diarrheal illnesses in humans. The specific role of fat sand rats (Psammomys obesus) in the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. in Egypt and the genotypic characteristics of the circulating species in these animals remain poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, a total of 150 individual fat sand rat stool samples were collected from the saline marsh periurban areas of Abu-Rawash, Giza, Egypt. The samples were initially screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using light and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the parasite’s oocysts. Furthermore, molecular identification and characterization of the parasite were carried out on selected microscopy-positive samples (n = 30) using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene. A subset of these positive samples by PCR was subjected to sequencing, with the resulting sequences deposited in GenBank™ and analyzed through phylogenetic methods.

Results

Conventional microscopy revealed that 46.7% (70/150; 95% CI: 38.7–54.6) of the analyzed stool samples contained structures consistent with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Moreover, the molecular analysis confirmed Cryptosporidium species in DNA from all 30 stool samples previously identified as heavily infected through microscopy. Notably, the phylogenetic analysis identified Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) in the sequenced samples, likely originating from the rats’ native habitats. These identified species have been deposited in GenBank™ under the accession numbers OM817461 (C. parvum FSA-1), OM817462 (C. parvum FSA-2), and OM817463 (C. parvum FSA-3) and revealed closed genetic identity with those species reported from human and other animal species in the same geographic location.

Conclusion

Overall, this study represents the first morphological and genetic identification of C. parvum isolated from fecal samples of fat sand rats trapped from periurban areas in Egypt. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential zoonotic implications of rodents in disease transmission at the national level, offering crucial information for public health awareness campaigns and informing local authorities.
Conceptual Design and Aerostructural Trade-Offs in Hydrogen- Powered Strut-Braced Wing Aircraft: Insights into Dry and Wet Ultra-High Aspect Ratio Wings
Authors: Wahler Nicolas F. M. , Ma Yiyuan , Elham Ali
Published: January 2025

Stringent sustainability goals are set for the next generation of aircraft. A promising novel airframe concept is the ultra-high aspect ratio Strut-Braced Wing (SBW) aircraft. Hydrogen-based concepts are active contenders for sustainable propulsion. The study compares a medium-range Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) to a kerosene-based SBW aircraft designed with the same top-level requirements. For both concepts, overall design, operating costs, and emissions are evaluated using the tool SUAVE. Furthermore, aerostructural optimizations are performed for the wing mass of SBW aircraft with and without wing-based fuel tanks. Results show that the main difference in the design point definition results from a higher zero-lift drag due to an extended fuselage housing the LH2 tanks, with a small reduction in the required wing loading. Structural mass increases of the LH2 aircraft due to additional tanks and fuselage structure are mostly offset by fuel mass savings. While the fuel mass accounts for nearly 25% of the kerosene design’s Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM), this reduces to 10% for the LH2 design. The LH2 aircraft has 16% higher operating costs with emission levels reduced to 57–82% of the kerosene aircraft, depending on the LH2 production method. For static loads, the absence of fuel acting as bending moment relief in the wing results in an increase in wing structural mass. However, the inclusion of roll rate requirements causes large wing mass increases for both concepts, significantly outweighing dry wing penalties.
Evaluation of the Cultivation of Three Halophytic Plants Under Half-Strength Seawater Aquaponics
Authors: Rosales-Nieblas Ayenia Carolina , Yamada Mina , Murillo-Amador Bernardo , Endo Masato , Yamada Satoshi
Published: January 2025

Water scarcity poses a significant threat to food security, particularly in coastal, arid, and semi-arid regions. To address this challenge, a half-strength seawater aquaponics system (approximately 250 mM NaCl) was developed to cultivate halophytes. This study investigated the growth performance of three halophytic species—ice plant, romeritos, and sea asparagus—to assess their adaptability and optimal agronomic management in a saline aquaponics setting. After rearing tilapia in half-strength seawater, four treatments were applied to the rooting medium: untreated half-strength seawater aquaculture rearing water (HSW) (C), pH-adjusted (5.5) HSW (pH), pH-adjusted (5.5) HSW supplemented with additional nutrients (pH+S), and a standard nutrient solution (NS). The findings revealed that ice plant growth was significantly enhanced by pH adjustment and nutrient supplementation, leading to improved water and potassium absorption. Conversely, romeritos and sea asparagus demonstrated stable growth across treatments, likely due to high sodium accumulation and consistent water uptake despite elevated salinity. Sea asparagus exhibited dependency on high salinity, while romeritos showed increased phosphorus accumulation with nutrient supplementation. This study suggests that while pH adjustments favor ice plant growth, romeritos and sea asparagus are resilient across diverse salinity conditions, highlighting saline aquaponics as a viable approach for halophyte cultivation in water-scarce environments.
The Role of Melatonin in Modulating Morphometric Parameters and Bioactive Compounds of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck Under Drought Stress
Authors: Arena Donata , Ben Ammar Hajer , Rodriguez Victor Manuel , Velasco Pablo , Calì Riccardo , Ciccarello Luca , Branca Ferdinando
Published: January 2025

Drought stress significantly affects plant growth, productivity, and yield by inducing morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes. This study evaluates exogenous melatonin effects on agronomic and biochemical traits of two broccoli varieties (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) at the baby-leaves stage under drought stress. The varieties used were the Sicilian sprouting black broccoli, Broccolo nero (BR), and the commercial one, Cavolo Broccolo Ramoso Calabrese (CR). The experiment was conducted in a cold greenhouse in Catania, Sicily, considering two levels of melatonin (0 and 100 µmol L−1) under two irrigation regimes: 100% and 60% of pot water capacity (I100 and I60). Plant weight, SPAD index, and leaf parameters were affected by the melatonin treatment, irrigation regime, and genotypes. Total glucosinolates were highest in BR under melatonin treatment (M1) at full irrigation (I100). Significant differences were observed for glucosinolates and phenolic profiles. Specifically, CR showed significantly higher glucoraphanin content compared to BR. CR, in response to the combined M1-I60 treatment, exhibited a marked increase in total phenolic content (TPC), reaching its highest level among the tested conditions. Similarly, antioxidant capacity, evaluated through ABTS and FRAP assays, showed a significant improvement in BR under combined treatments. Additionally, the caffeic acid hexose varies from 5.11 to 8.93% for control (M0) and melatonin application (M1). These findings highlight melatonin’s potential to mitigate drought stress effects in broccoli.