bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, correlates of psychological distress and mental health challenges among college and university students during the COVID-19 lockdowns in South Africa
Authors: Sifunda Sibusiso , Sewpaul Ronel , Mokhele Tholang , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Naidoo Inbarani , Dukhi Natisha , Parker Saahier , Davids Adlai , Zungu Nompumelelo , Shisana Olive , Makgalemane Ruth , Thakoordeen-Reddy Semone , Reddy Priscilla
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The outbreak of the SARS COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 led to a total disruption of life and impacted mental health negatively worldwide. Studies across many countries showed the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health status of students enrolled in higher institutions due to the disruption of the school year and learning. This study was aimed a measuring the prevalence and psychosocial determinants of psychological distress experienced by college and university students during the COVID-19 lockdowns in South Africa.

Methods

Students aged 18–35 years that were enrolled at tertiary institutions nationally were invited to participate in the online survey. The survey was conducted at the peak of the epidemic in South Africa from 18 June till 18 September 2020. The Kessler −10 (K10) screening scale was used to measure psychological distress among students.

Results

A total of 6,810 young people aged of between 18 and 35 years participated in the study. The majority of these students were aged between 18 and 24 years old (83.9%). About one third (66.7%) of the youth reported that they had mild to severe distress (MSD). The prevalence of psychological distress among the youth differed significantly by age group, gender, risk perception of contracting COVID-19, year of study, institution and community type (p < 0.05). Logistics regression investigated the socio-demographic factors associated with psychological distress. Older students aged 25–29 years (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.88) and 30–35 years (aOR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97), male students (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.95) and those with moderate (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.95), low (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.30–0.57]) and very low (aOR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.16–0.31) risk perceptions of contracting COVID-19 were significantly less likely to experience MSD. Fourth year students (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.14–1.69), and students in universities of technology (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.20–2.04) were significantly more likely to have MSD.

Discussion

This study showed high prevalence rates of psychological distress among students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These finding highlights the need for tertiary institutions to put holistic mental health services and interventions at the center of their health and wellness programs.
Dysregulation of ubiquitination modification in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: You Hongjie , Zhang Hui , Jin Xiaofeng , Yan Zejun
Published: December 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor of the renal tubular epithelial cells with a relatively high incidence rate worldwide. A large number of studies have indicated that dysregulation of the ubiquitination, including ubiquitination and dysregulation, is associated with the occurrence and development of RCC. This review focuses on several abnormal signaling pathways caused by E3 ligases and deubiquitinases. Additionally, we discuss research progress in RCC treatment by targeting key enzymes related to ubiquitination modifications.
Current status and trends of illegal trade in hawksbill turtle products in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Ji Xinyu , Wang Zhao , Zhang Ting , Chen Dehui , Yang Wenxiang , Li Meimei , Shi Haitao , Lin Liu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Illegal wildlife trade is among the most profitable illegal businesses worldwide. The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), which has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, has long been a prominent target of illegal wildlife trading worldwide, thus posing a substantial threat to its continued survival. In China, although Hainan Island is the largest trading area and the most important transit point for the illegal trade of hawksbill turtles, very few investigations of this trade have been conducted here.

Methods

In this study, from 2019 to 2020, we conducted field investigations to assess the extent of the illegal trade in hawksbill turtle products in nine cities on Hainan Island.

Results

Among the 878 shops surveyed in 2019, 157 shops (17.9%) sold hawksbill turtle products, totaling 6,208 pieces. In 2020, 122 shops (13.6%) of 895 surveyed shops sold such products, totaling 1,821 pieces. Thus, these findings indicate that the number of shops selling hawksbill turtle products and the total number of products sold declined in 2020. Among the surveyed cities, the highest levels of illegal trade in hawksbill turtle products were recorded in Haikou and Sanya, the capital city of Hainan and a renowned tourist city, respectively. Jewelry and craft shops were found to produce the most products, accounting for 98.0% of the shops surveyed. Accessories such as bracelets and necklaces accounted for the highest proportions of hawksbill turtle products, representing 72.5% and 92.9% of the total in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Discussion

The observed decline in illegal trade in 2020 can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strengthening of government law enforcement and supervision after the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift in illegal trade from offline to online activities, and a reduction in tourists. Law enforcement agencies should continue strict enforcement and supervision to effectively combat illegal trade, particularly in the key trading areas of Haikou and Sanya. Additionally, authorities should emphasize public education to increase awareness of wildlife conservation and relevant legislation. The findings of this study will serve as a vital reference for relevant law enforcement agencies, contributing to the effective combatting and prevention of the illegal hawksbill turtle trade in China.
Trace element concentrations in effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plants along the Turkish coasts and assessment of human health risk
Authors: Akdemir Tolga
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the concentrations, sources, and health risks of trace metals and metalloids in the effluents of 15 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located along the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, ecologically and economically vital regions of Türkiye. Effluent samples were collected in winter and autumn, and metal concentrations were analyzed using ICP-MS to assess seasonal variations and potential risks. Results showed notable seasonal and regional differences, with aluminium (Al) and nickel (Ni) as the most abundant metals. The highest total metal concentration was recorded in autumn at station S2 (326.09 mg/L). Non-carcinogenic risks were negligible (HI< 1) across all stations, but low carcinogenic risks (10-6< CRi ≤ 10-4) for chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) were detected at some locations. Source apportionment using Principal Component Analysis revealed mixed geogenic and anthropogenic origins, primarily from industrial activities and urban runoff. While effluents generally complied with national standards, several metals exceeded international limits, highlighting risks to ecosystems and human health. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter discharge regulations, improved treatment technologies, and continuous monitoring to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of WWTP discharges.
Tryptase and tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Ribatti Domenico
Published: December 2024

Tryptases represent the most abundant constituent of human mast cells, involved in extracellular matrix degradation, contributing to wound healing and metastasis. Moreover, most recently, it has been demonstrated that tryptase is angiogenic both in vitro and in vivo. Tryptase-positive mast cell number increases parallelly with increased microvascular density in both solid and hematological tumors. The objective and the scope of this review article are to emphasize the important role of tryptase as one of the principal effectors of tumor angiogenesis mediated by mast cells. In this context, tryptase inhibitors may be considered a novel therapeutic approach in cancer treatment.
Spanning three decades: global research wave and future prospects of broader autism phenotype—a visual researches by CiteSpace and VOS viewer
Authors: Qiao Fu-Qiang , Li Si-Ning , Du Tong-Tong , Cheng Wen-Ming , Sun Ying-Ying , Qiang Xu , Dong Ya-Jie , Wang Lei
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To conduct a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to the broader autism phenotype, the paper endeavors to delineate the key research directions and topics, document the current research trends, and furnish insightful analyses and novel perspectives to foster future advancements in the field, with the aid of CiteSpace and VOS viewer.

Methods

CiteSpace and VOS viewer are two kinds of software for visualizing citations that is intended to examine academic literature and identify possible sources of knowledge. The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to retrieve articles from 1994 to 2024 that discussed the autism phenotype in general. Following data collection, analyses were conducted using CiteSpace V.6.2.R4 (64-bit) on a number of topics, such as annual publication output, highly cited journals, affiliations with countries and institutions, eminent authors, cited references, and keywords. Knowledge maps, collaborative network analysis, cluster analysis, and strongest citation burst analysis were among the tools used to visualize the data.

Results

A total of 1,075 articles about the broader autism phenotype were found. Roughly speaking, the annual number of publications is rising. With 546 articles on the subject, the United States is the nation with the greatest amount of authority and influence (centrality of 0.32), with England (218 articles) and Canada (115 articles) coming in second and third, respectively. The cited journals and institutions are mainly from the United States. The research consistently emphasizes the academic achievement and engagement of broader autism phenotype when analyzing the most cited references and authors.

Conclusion

This study used CiteSpace to analyze the state of the larger autism phenotype field and then identified research frontiers and hotspots. As new findings are made, global trends in more thorough studies of the autism phenotype suggest that interest in these studies will only grow.
The association between early maladaptive schemas and romantic relationship satisfaction
Authors: Kover Lili , Szollosi Gergo Jozsef , Frecska Ede , Bugan Antal , Berecz Roland , Egerhazi Aniko
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Relationship dynamics could be shaped by schemas, and relationship satisfaction could be depend on how couples perceive each other through these schemas. The main aim of this study was to assess how early maladaptive schemas are related to relationship satisfaction for both males and females in a relationship, by highlighting factors that contribute to relationship satisfaction, with a particular focus on the interaction of schemas between males and females.

Methods

The study involved a total of healthy 47 different-gender couples. Participants completed the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationship (PAIR) and Young’s Schema questionnaires. Actor-partner interdependence models (APIM) were created to assess which factors contributed to satisfaction.

Results

Our study identifies sex differences in early maladaptive schemas, revealing complex interactions within romantic relationships. Strong associations were observed between both sexes’ maladaptive schemas, suggesting mutual influence. The emotional deprivation schema is associated with reduced satisfaction for both partners. For females, the abandonment schema is linked to decreased both their own and their partner’s satisfaction, while the mistrust/abuse schema is related to lower satisfaction in the male partner. Social isolation and defectiveness/shame schemas are associated with lower female satisfaction but do not appear to affect their partners, whereas male satisfaction is reduced by vulnerability to harm. Schemas such as failure to achieve, dependence/incompetence and enmeshment show little association with relationship satisfaction. Approval-seeking schema is linked to reduced female satisfaction, and negativity/pessimism is associated with reduced male satisfaction.

Discussion

Our research provides a nuanced insight into the interactions between partners’ schemas, thus improving the understanding of how maladaptive schemas may contribute to relationship outcomes.
Challenges in assessing national radiotherapy costs: application of the ESTRO-HERO model in Spain
Authors: Corral Julieta , Algara Manel , Muñoz-Montplet Carles , Eraso Arantxa , Giralt Jordi , Defourny Noémie , Lievens Yolande , Borras Josep Maria
Published: December 2024

Background and purpose

The aim was to estimate the cost of the external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in public health care centers in Catalonia (Spain), according to the ESTRO-HERO costing model for 2018.

Materials and methods

Personnel, equipment, and activity data from 2018 from the 11 RT centers were used, incorporating European mean values adapted to the Catalan context. Secondly, EBRT costs were estimated, incorporating 2023 fractionation technique and scheme usage percentages. Finally, complementary estimates were included: complementary planning examinations, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) fiducial markers, and hospital overhead costs.

Results

In 2018, EBRT cost was estimated at EUR 42.2 M for all patients in the region. Directly related treatment activities represented 69.0% of the total cost, while support and non-directly related EBRT activities accounted for 20.2 and 10.8%, respectively. Mean radical treatment cost varied from €1714 (leukemia) to €4,645 (pancreas), and for palliative intent, from €938 (bone metastases) to €1753 (brain metastases). According to the technique used, costs ranged from €1,475 (3D conformal) to €3,608 (rotational IMRT), and by fractionation scheme, from €1,308 (extreme hypofractionation) to €4,094 (standard fractionation). Accounting for 2023 complexity levels, mean treatment cost rose by 0.9%, but varied widely by tumor site, with a 13% increase for stomach cancer, and decreases of −15.0, −24.4, and − 17.2% in myeloma, pancreas, and lung cancer, respectively. Including complementary examinations and hospital overhead costs, mean cost increased by 15.6%.

Conclusion

This study provides a first approximation to EBRT cost using time-driven activity-based costing (TD-ABC) in Catalonia showing the feasibility of the assessment. For each indication, average treatment cost increases with the associated complexity. Additionally, costs decrease with hypofractionation schemes, largely due to lower equipment weight in treatment cost. Consequently, the adoption of stereotactic techniques is driving cost decreases. Overall, this model represents a robust tool for analyzing different possible scenarios, including changes in fractionation and complexity.
Integrating machine learning for the sustainable development of smart cities
Authors: Mrabet Manel , Sliti Maha
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of machine learning in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable urban and community development. To reduce the impacts of increasing urbanization on the environment, it is necessary to prioritize the sustainable development of smart cities. Smart cities use information and communication technology techniques to enhance sustainability by improving resource management and reducing environmental impact. In this context, the use of artificial intelligence enhances the overall quality of life, which is a critical component of sustainable smart cities. Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, is crucial in promoting the development of sustainable smart cities. This study focuses on the application of machine learning in sustainable smart cities, ranging from energy management, transportation efficiency, waste management, and public safety. It highlights the role of machine learning algorithms to improve operational efficiency, minimize expenses, and reduce environmental impact. The practical use of ML in smart cities across several countries demonstrates its ability to handle urban challenges and increase sustainability. This paper discusses a variety of real-world initiatives that have successfully employed machine learning to develop sustainable smart cities, as well as in-depth studies of the ML algorithms used and the obtained results. The paper also covers the challenges of implementing machine learning into smart city projects, such as data quality, model interpretability, scalability, and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the importance of high-quality data, clear models, and the right use of machine learning tools.
Changing Wobbles Into Wins: Helping Older Adults Stay Upright
Authors: Pate Joshua W. , Sherrington Cathie
Published: December 2024

Have you ever wondered how people maintain their balance? This article is an exploratory journey into the human body’s remarkable balance system. Many body parts work together to stay upright. This article explains why balance can become challenging as people get older and why some people, like gymnasts and dancers, are exceptional at it. Importantly, this article also covers the science behind falls and the importance of balance exercises for preventing them. Falling does not have to be part of getting older. By learning about balance, we can appreciate the intricate teamwork within our bodies and discover ways to help our older relatives and friends to improve their stability. Using the strategies in this article, you can help older adults stay upright, and change wobbles into wins!
Statistical survey of pitch angle anisotropy of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt and its variation with solar wind/geomagnetic activity
Authors: Chakraborty Suman , Rae Iain Jonathan , Killey Shannon , Ojha Biswajit , Watt Clare E. J. , Potts Charles , Irving Eleanor , Elliott Gina , Johnson Katherine , Mohammed Nathanial , Gupta Tara , Slater Thomas , Liu Xingyang , Cheng Yike
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In this study, we use 7 years (2012–2019) of pitch angle resolved electron flux measurements from Van Allen Probe-B spacecraft to study the variation of near-equatorial pitch angle distributions (PADs) of outer radiation belt (L ≥ 3) relativistic electrons (E ≥ 0.5 MeV) with different levels of geomagnetic activity.

Methods

We calculate a pitch angle anisotropy index (PAI) to categorize the PADs into three types: pancake, PAI ≥ 1.05; butterfly, PAI ≤ 0.95; and flattop, 0.95 < PAI < 1.05.

Results and Discussion

Our statistical results show that L shells ≥ 5 are dominated by pancake PADs on the dayside (9 < MLT < 15), butterfly PADs on the nightside (21 < MLT < 3), and flattop PADs in the dawn (3 < MLT < 9) and dusk (15 < MLT < 21) sectors, across almost all relativistic energies. In the inner L shells, the pancake and flattop PADs exhibit dependence on both L-shell and energy, with the occurrence rate increasing with decreasing L and increasing energy. For the butterfly PADs, we discovered a second population of low-L butterflies that are present at almost all local times. When the variation of electron PAI is compared with solar wind dynamic pressure Pdyn and geomagnetic indices SYM-H and AL, Pdyn is found to be the dominant parameter in driving the outer radiation belt pitch angle anisotropy. During periods of enhanced Pdyn, pancake PADs on the dayside become more 90°-peaked, butterfly PADs on the nightside exhibit enhanced flux dips around 90° pitch angle along with an enhanced azimuthal and radial extent, and flattop PADs turn into either pancake or butterfly PADs.
Assessment of Respiratory Health Impacts of PM2.5 by AirQ+ Software in a Sub-Saharan African Urban Setting
Authors: Ngutuka Kinzunga Mélanie , Westervelt Daniel M. , Matondo Masisa Daniel , Bangelesa Freddy , Kasereka Isevulambire Paulson , Tangou Tabou Thierry , Kabengele Obel Benoit , Kiyombo Mbela Guillaume , Kayembe Ntumba Jean Marie
Published: December 2024

Background: Ambient air pollution remains a major risk factor for population health worldwide. The impact of PM2.5 air pollution is underestimated in sub-Saharan Africa due to a lack of epidemiological studies. AirQ+ is proposed to reduce these inequalities in research. The aim of this study is to assess, by AirQ+, the impact of prolonged exposure to PM2.5 on respiratory health in Kinshasa in 2019, and to estimate the health benefits of reducing this air pollution. Methods: Population and mortality data were obtained from the Institut National de la Statistique and the Institut de Métrologie et d’Évaluation en santé, respectively. PM2.5 concentrations were measured using PurpleAir PA-II-SD sensors, and average annual concentration was 43.5 µg/m3 in 2019. AirQ+ was used to estimate the health effect attributable to PM2.5 in adults aged over 25 in Kinshasa. Results: In 2019, the proportion of deaths attributable to PM2.5 air pollution was 30.72% for ALRI, 26.55% for COPD and 24.32% for lung cancers. Each 10% reduction in current PM2.5 levels would prevent 1093 deaths (from all causes) per year in Kinshasa. Life expectancy would increase by 4.7 years (CI 3.5–5.3) if the WHO threshold of 5 mg/m3 were respected. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the major respiratory public health problem associated with air pollution by fine particles in Kinshasa. AirQ+ was used to assess the impact of prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and respiratory deaths among adults in Kinshasa and revealed that this number of deaths could be avoided by improving air quality.
An Intelligent Approach for Early and Accurate Predication of Cardiac Disease Using Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Bilal Hazrat , Tian Yibin , Ali Ahmad , Muhammad Yar , Yahya Abid , Izneid Basem Abu , Ullah Inam
Published: December 2024

This study proposes a new hybrid machine learning (ML) model for the early and accurate diagnosis of heart disease. The proposed model is a combination of two powerful ensemble ML models, namely ExtraTreeClassifier (ETC) and XGBoost (XGB), resulting in a hybrid model named ETCXGB. At first, all the features of the utilized heart disease dataset were given as input to the ETC model, which processed it by extracting the predicted probabilities and produced an output. The output of the ETC model was then added to the original feature space by producing an enriched feature matrix, which is then used as input for the XGB model. The new feature matrix is used for training the XGB model, which produces the final result that whether a person has cardiac disease or not, resulting in a high diagnosis accuracy for cardiac disease. In addition to the proposed model, three other hybrid DL models, such as convolutional neural network + recurrent neural network (CNN-RNN), convolutional neural network + long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM), and convolutional neural network + bidirectional long short-term memory (CNN-BLSTM), were also investigated. The proposed ETCXGB model improved the prediction accuracy by 3.91%, while CNN-RNN, CNN-LSTM, and CNN-BLSTM enhanced the prediction accuracy by 1.95%, 2.44%, and 2.45%, respectively, for the diagnosis of cardiac disease. The simulation outcomes illustrate that the proposed ETCXGB hybrid ML outperformed the classical ML and DL models in terms of all performance measures. Therefore, using the proposed hybrid ML model for the diagnosis of cardiac disease will help the medical practitioner make an accurate diagnosis of the disease and will help the healthcare society decrease the mortality rate caused by cardiac disease.
Multi-Modal MR Image Segmentation Strategy for Brain Tumors Based on Domain Adaptation
Authors: Yang Qihong , Jing Ruijun , Mu Jiliang
Published: December 2024

During the study of multimodal brain tumor MR image segmentation, the large differences in the image distributions make the assumption that the conditional probabilities are similar when the edge distributions of the target and source domains are similar, and that the edge distributions are similar when the conditional probabilities are similar, not valid. In addition, the training network is usually trained on single domain data, which creates a tendency for the network to represent the image towards the source domain when the target domain is not labeled. Based on the aforementioned reasons, a new multimodal brain tumor MR segmentation strategy based on domain adaptation is proposed in this study. First, the source domain targets for each modality are derived through the clustering methods in the pre-training stage to select the target domain images with the strongest complementarity in the source domain and further produce the pseudo labels. Second, feature adapters are proposed to improve the feature alignment, and a network sensitive to both source and target domain images is designed to comprehensively leverage the multimodal image information. These measures mitigate the domain shift problem and improve the generalization ability of the model, enhancing the accuracy of multimodal brain tumor MR image segmentation.
Potential Pitfalls of IgG4 Immunohistochemical Staining on Lesional Tissue in Cutaneous Acantholytic Disorders
Authors: Stephan Carla , Ma Linglei
Published: December 2024

The diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections in bullous disorders is useful when frozen tissue is not available. In pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, an intercellular lace-like staining pattern of IgG4 on lesional tissue by immunohistochemistry has been described, with a comparable sensitivity and specificity to direct immunofluorescence on perilesional tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the staining pattern of IgG4 in non-immunobullous disorders to highlight the potential pitfalls when using this stain. In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of our institution’s database of non-immunobullous disorders where immunohistochemistry of IgG4 was performed to rule out pemphigus. We identified 27 cases where IgG4 immunohistochemistry was performed and observed intercellular IgG4 staining in some cases of Grover disease, bullous impetigo, irritated dermal hypersensitivity reaction, acantholytic actinic keratosis, and graft versus host disease. Our results indicate that the interpretation of IgG4 staining by immunohistochemistry in cutaneous acantholytic disorders should be approached with caution. Confirmation on cryosections with direct immunofluorescence study results is important in these settings.
Demographic Profiles, Etiological Spectrum, and Anatomical Locations of the Post-Hepatic Obstructive Jaundice in Adult Population in Hadhramout Region in Yemen
Authors: Alshoabi Sultan Abdulwadoud , Binnuhaid Abdulkhaleq Ayedh , Muslem Halah Fuad , Hamid Abdullgabbar M. , Alhazmi Fahad H. , Alrehily Faisal A. , Qurashi Abdulaziz A. , Abdulaal Osamah M. , Alshamrani Abdullah F. , Omer Awatif M.
Published: December 2024

Background: Obstructive jaundice is a common health challenge in daily clinical practice caused by a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant conditions in or around extrahepatic bile ducts. This study aimed to investigate the causes of obstructive jaundice, analyze the age and sex distribution, and report the locations of obstruction. Methods: This was a retrospective study of electronic records of patients diagnosed with obstructive jaundice in the Hadhramout region in Yemen. Results: This study analyzed the data of 303 patients (mean age: 57 ± 17.99 years; range: 18–95 years); 60.40% (n = 183) were female, and 39.60% (n = 120) were male. The highest prevalence was found in middle-aged adults (n = 112, 36.96%), followed by the old (n = 101, 33.33%). Common bile duct (CBD) stones were the most common cause of obstructive jaundice (n = 175, 57.8%), followed by CBD stricture (n = 58, 19.1%), carcinoma of the head of the pancreas (n = 35, 11.6%), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 21, 6.9%), and external compression of the CBD (n = 2, 0.7%). CBD stones, cholangiocarcinoma, and ampulla of Vater masses were more prevalent in females (30.9%, 3.8%, and 2.2%, respectively) than in males (25.8%, 2.9%, and 1.7%, respectively). In contrast, CBD stricture and carcinoma of the pancreas were more frequent in males, occurring in 12.1% and 7.1% of male patients, respectively, compared to 7.9% and 4.9% in female patients. The primary obstruction site was the CBD (n = 254, 83.8%), followed by the head of the pancreas (n = 30, 9.9%), and the ampulla of Vater (n = 13, 4.3%). Conclusions: Obstructive jaundice predominantly affects middle-aged adults followed by the old-aged patients predominantly in females. The most common cause of obstructive jaundice was CBD stones, followed by CBD stricture, while carcinoma of the head of the pancreas was the most common malignant cause, followed by cholangiocarcinoma. Distal CBD is the most common anatomical location of obstructive jaundice.
Parametric Analysis of Landing Capacity for UAV Fleet Operations with Specific Airspace Structures and Rule-Based Constraints
Authors: Han Peng , Yang Xinyue , Low Kin Huat , Zhao Yifei
Published: December 2024

As Urban Air Mobility (UAM) moves toward implementation, managing high-density, high-volume flights in urban airspaces becomes increasingly critical. In such environments, the design of vertiport airspace structures plays a key role in determining how many UAVs can operate safely and efficiently within a specific airspace. Existing studies have not fully explored the complex interdependencies between airspace structure parameters and fleet operation capacity, particularly regarding how various structural components and their configurations affect UAV fleet performance. This paper addresses these gaps by proposing a multi-layered funnel-shaped airspace structure for vertiports, along with an adjustable parameter model to assess factors affecting landing capacity. The proposed design includes the assembly layer, upper layer, lower layer, and approach point, forming the basis for fleet operations, divided into three phases: arrival, approach, and landing. By modeling fleet operations with various constraints and time-based algorithms, simulations have been conducted to analyze the impact of changing airspace structure parametric dimensions on UAV fleet operation capacity. The results reveal that fleet capacity is closely influenced by two limitations: the distance traveled in each phase and the availability of holding points at each layer. These findings provide valuable insights and contribute to future airspace design efforts for UAM vertiports.
Lost Work Due to Burn-Related Disability in a US Working Population
Authors: Dougherty Jacob M. , Maqsood Hannan A. , Rittle Christopher J. , Blake Eva S. , Fan Zhaohui , Oliphant Bryant W. , Hemmila Mark R. , Sangji Naveen F.
Published: December 2024

Background: Burn injuries can require hospitalization, operations, and long-term reconstruction. Burn-injured patients can experience short- or long-term disability. We investigated lost workdays (LWDs), short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD) in the 12-month period following a burn injury. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted using a commercial claims database, IBM® MarketScan®. Patients aged ≤65 years with an ICD-10 burn diagnosis from 2018 to 2019 were included. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), procedure and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patients undergoing burn-related operations. Patients were mapped to data tables for LWDs, STD, and LTD for the 12 months pre- and post-injury. Paired t-tests were employed to compare the pre- and post-injury outcomes. Results: We identified 1745 patients with burn diagnoses. Of those, 263, 1449, and 1448 patients had data available for LWDs, STD, and LTD, respectively. STD and LTD were reported by 8.1% and 0.0% of patients in the 12-month period pre-injury, respectively, and 20.3% and 1.0% of patients in the 12-month period post-injury, respectively. Average days of STD increased from 3.70 to 9.34 days following injury. Conclusions: Burn injuries are associated with increased STD and LTD utilization. Quantifying the impact of burn injuries on patients’ work will help us understand the economic implications of burns, which is a key area in burn research.
Preliminary Assessment of a Hydrogen Farm Including Health and Safety and Capacity Needs
Authors: Alssalehin Esmaeil , Holborn Paul , Pilidis Pericles
Published: December 2024

The safety engineering design of hydrogen systems and infrastructure, worker education and training, regulatory compliance, and engagement with other stakeholders are significant to the viability and public acceptance of hydrogen farms. The only way to ensure these are accomplished is for the field of hydrogen safety engineering (HSE) to grow and mature. HSE is described as the application of engineering and scientific principles to protect the environment, property, and human life from the harmful effects of hydrogen-related mishaps and accidents. This paper describes a whole hydrogen farm that produces hydrogen from seawater by alkaline and proton exchange membrane electrolysers, then details how the hydrogen gas will be used: some will be stored for use in a combined-cycle gas turbine, some will be transferred to a liquefaction plant, and the rest will be exported. Moreover, this paper describes the design framework and overview for ensuring hydrogen safety through these processes (production, transport, storage, and utilisation), which include legal requirements for hydrogen safety, safety management systems, and equipment for hydrogen safety. Hydrogen farms are large-scale facilities used to create, store, and distribute hydrogen, which is usually produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. Since hydrogen is a vital energy carrier for industries, transportation, and power generation, these farms are crucial in assisting the global shift to clean energy. A versatile fuel with zero emissions at the point of use, hydrogen is essential for reaching climate objectives and decarbonising industries that are difficult to electrify. Safety is essential in hydrogen farms because hydrogen is extremely flammable, odourless, invisible, and also has a small molecular size, meaning it is prone to leaks, which, if not handled appropriately, might cause fires or explosions. To ensure the safe and dependable functioning of hydrogen production and storage systems, stringent safety procedures are required to safeguard employees, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment from any mishaps.
Water Discharge and Sediment Transport from the Dese River Estuary to the Venice Lagoon (Italy): Annual Dynamics and the Influence of Floods
Authors: Zonta Roberto , Lorenzetti Giuliano , Manfè Giorgia , Leoni Simone , Scarpa Gian Marco , Zaggia Luca , Bendoricchio Carlo , Cerni Martino , Dominik Janusz
Published: December 2024

The sediment load from the drainage basin may play a key role in sustaining the fragile tidal and subtidal habitats of the Venice Lagoon, which underwent significant erosional losses in recent decades. Freshwater discharge and suspended sediment transport were studied in two estuarine sections of the main tributary of the lagoon, Dese River, employing acoustic instruments and analyzing sediment accumulation in the estuary through bathymetric measurements. The results for 2021 are discussed in terms of discharge, rainfall–runoff relationships, suspended sediment load, and the impact of floods. Compared to previous estimates from 1999, the mean water flow was similar in both years, but the annual suspended sediment load nearly doubled. A single flood event is described, which produced extreme sediment transport and delivered 21.8% of the annual load over a 22 h period. This study provides a framework for assessing whether the sediment load from the Dese River may offset degradation in the morphodiversity of its estuary and the habitats it supports. High-resolution monitoring of sediment delivery from the freshwater tributaries is emphasized as a critical approach for protecting the estuarine areas at the water–land interface of the Venice Lagoon.
Analysis of the Effect of Cut Sweep Ratio of Lily Impeller on the Distribution of Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Tauviqirrahman Mohammad , Yohana Eflita , Cakranegara Jourdy , Jamari  , Setiyana Budi
Published: December 2024

The aquaculture industry encounters substantial obstacles, including organic pollution, oxygen insufficiency, and elevated levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide. Aeration systems are employed to enhance the process of oxygen transfer and promote circulation. The Lily impeller, a newly developed technology, has demonstrated reduced energy consumption in comparison to conventional impeller designs. The objective of this study is to examine how changes in the cut sweep ratio impact the distribution of dissolved oxygen in shrimp ponds, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. A user-defined function (UDF) was utilized to incorporate a dissolved oxygen model into the pond. Five designs of Lily impellers were analyzed and compared with each other. This study demonstrated that alterations in the cut sweep ratio significantly affected the distribution of dissolved oxygen, dynamic pressure, and flow velocity in the pond. The “no cut” variant exhibited the highest average dissolved oxygen value of 0.00385 kg/m3, along with a maximum dynamic pressure of 11.5 Pa and a maximum flow velocity of 0.96 m/s, resulting in the most significant outcomes. This study determined that only the immediate area surrounding the aerator possesses dissolved oxygen levels that are sufficiently elevated to support the survival of shrimp. Consequently, the installation of additional aerators is necessary to guarantee the presence of adequate dissolved oxygen throughout the entire pond.
Bacterial and Viral-Induced Changes in the Reflectance Spectra of Nicotiana benthamiana Plants
Authors: Grishina Alyona , Lysov Maxim , Ageyeva Maria , Diakova Victoria , Sherstneva Oksana , Brilkina Anna , Vodeneev Vladimir
Published: December 2024

Phytopathogens pose a serious threat to agriculture, causing a decrease in yield and product quality. This necessitates the development of methods for early detection of phytopathogens, which will reduce losses and improve product quality by using lower quantities of agrochemicals. In this study, the efficiency of spectral imaging in the early detection and differentiation of diseases caused by pathogens of different types (Potato virus X (PVX) and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae) was analyzed. An evaluation of the visual symptoms of diseases demonstrated the presence of pronounced symptoms in the case of bacterial infection and an almost complete absence of visual symptoms in the case of viral infection. P. syringae caused severe inhibition of photosynthetic activity in the infected leaf, while PVX did not have a pronounced effect on photosynthetic activity. Reflectance spectra of infected and healthy plants were detected in the range from 400 to 1000 nm using a hyperspectral camera, and the dynamics of infection-induced changes during disease progression were analyzed. P. syringae caused a strong increase in reflectance in the blue and red spectral ranges, as well as a decrease in the near-infrared range. PVX-induced changes in the reflectance spectrum had smaller amplitudes compared to P. syringae, and were localized mainly in the red edge (RE) range. The entire set of normalized reflectance indices (NRI) for the analyzed spectral range was calculated. The most sensitive NRIs to bacterial (NRI510/545, NRI510/850) and viral (NRI600/850, NRI700/850) infections were identified. The use of these indices makes it possible to detect the disease at an early stage. The study of the identified NRIs demonstrated the possibility of using the multispectral imaging method in early pathogen detection, which has high performance and a low cost of analysis.
Biological Control of Streptomyces sp. PR69 Against Phytophthora capsici and Its Growth-Promoting Effects on Plants
Authors: López-Reyes Perla Karina , De la Torre-Zavala Susana , Cortés-González María Mercedes , Galán-Wong Luis Jesús , Avilés-Arnaut Hamlet
Published: December 2024

Actinomycetes are a group of bacteria that have been reported as potential controllers of several plant pathogens and plant growth-promoting agents. This study focused on the isolation of 60 actinobacterial strains from the Cuatro Cienegas Basin, Coahuila, Mexico, with an emphasis on evaluating their potential as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. Among the strains tested, the isolate PR69 exhibited significant in vitro antagonistic activity against eight plant pathogens, with inhibition rates ranging from 44% to 73%, including Phytophthora capsici. The genome of PR69 was sequenced and assembled. It was identified as Streptomyces by phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated multiple sequence alignments of 81 core bacterial genes. Additionally, volatile compounds produced by PR69 enhanced the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings in vitro, increasing seedling weight, primary root length, and the number of secondary roots. Furthermore, the soil treated with Streptomyces sp. PR69 effectively controlled the infection caused by the pathogen P. capsici in bell pepper plants, reducing mortality by 47% compared to plants inoculated solely with the pathogen. PR69-treated plants also showed 30% increase in fresh weight compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that Streptomyces sp. PR69 holds promise as a bioinoculant for promoting pepper plant growth and controlling P. capsici populations.
Correction: Holte et al. A Semi-Automatic Approach for Holistic 3D Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Changes. J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13, 343
Authors:   JPM Editorial Office
Published: December 2024

The journal’s Editorial Office and Editorial Board are jointly issuing a resolution and removal of the Journal Notice linked to this article [...]
Advanced Characterization of Solid-State Battery Materials Using Neutron Scattering Techniques
Authors: Novak Eric , Daemen Luke , Jalarvo Niina
Published: December 2024

Advanced batteries require advanced characterization techniques, and neutron scattering is one of the most powerful experimental methods available for studying next-generation battery materials. Neutron scattering offers a non-destructive method to probe the complex structural and chemical processes occurring in batteries during operation in truly in situ/in operando measurements with a high sensitivity to battery-relevant elements such as lithium. Neutrons have energies comparable to the energies of excitations in materials and wavelengths comparable to atomic distances in the solid state, thus giving access to study structural and dynamical properties of materials on an atomic scale. In this review, a broad overview of selected neutron scattering techniques is presented to illustrate how neutron scattering can be used to gain invaluable information of solid-state battery materials, with a focus on in situ/in operando methods. These techniques span multiple decades of length and time scales to uncover the complex processes taking place fundamentally on the atomic scale and to determine how these processes impact the macroscale properties and performance of functional battery systems. This review serves the solid-state battery research community by examining how the unique capabilities of neutron scattering can be applied to answer critical and unresolved questions of materials research in this field. A thorough and broad perspective is provided with numerous practical examples showing these techniques in action for battery research.
Classification of Red Blood Cells in the Kendall Space of Reflection Shapes
Authors: Gual-Arnau Ximo , Gual-Vayà Lluïsa
Published: December 2024

The classification of red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes into three categories based on their shape, normal, sickle-shaped, and those with other deformations, has proven to be a crucial tool in diagnosing and managing sickle cell disease (SCD). Manual classification techniques have evolved into automated tools, with numerous classification methods being applied based on different ways of representing the cells. In this work, we propose a novel methodology for representing RBCs, defined by selecting k landmarks along the cell boundaries and characterizing shapes as points in the Kendall space of reflection shapes, Ω2k. Using this representation, we applied an embedding of the Kendall space Ω2k into a Euclidean space, which allowed for the use of machine learning classification algorithms. We also compared our results with those obtained using other classification methods applied to the same dataset in the literature, highlighting the strong performance of our approach in terms of classification accuracy.
Proof of Concept Study: Comparison of Semi-Automated RNA Isolation Methods from Archived Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissues with Clinical Routine RNA Isolation Methods
Authors: Petersen Patrick Hannibal Dalsbo , James Jaslin Pallikkunnath , Riis Lene Buhl , Høgdall Claus Kim , Høgdall Estrid Vilma
Published: December 2024

High-quality RNA is crucial in clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues pose a challenge due to nucleic acid fragmentation and crosslinking. In this pilot study, various commercially available techniques for extracting RNA from small FFPE samples were compared. We evaluated the KingFisher Duo automated system or the manual MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit as an RNA extraction method combined with either a xylene, d-limonene, or AutoLys M tubes deparaffinization method. Additionally, the automated Maxwell RSC RNA FFPE kit and the High Pure FFPET RNA Isolation Kit were examined using FFPE samples from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, as well as samples from ovarian, kidney, and breast cancer and the skin. The KingFisher Duo system gave a higher yield and more consistent RNA quantities, especially from small volumes of IBD samples, compared to manual extraction. The deparaffinization method also impacted results, with AutoLys M tubes proving effective in combination with the KingFisher Duo system. Conversely, the High Pure kit exhibited higher yields for larger FFPE samples. While RNA integrity is a critical factor, particularly for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression studies, its role is less prominent in microRNA (miRNA) analyses. Recognizing this, our study focused on RNA yield and purity (A260/A230) to evaluate RNA extraction methods for various sample types. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate RNA extraction methods based on sample characteristics and research goals, highlighting the performance of automated methods and the impact of deparaffinization choices. The findings contribute to refining RNA extraction for molecular biology analyses, suggesting avenues for further exploration, including cost-effectiveness under specific experimental conditions.
FRW Cosmology with Chiral Tensor Particles
Authors: Kirilova Daniela , Chizhov Emanuil , Chizhov Mihail
Published: December 2024

We discuss an extended model of FRW cosmology with additional chiral tensor particles. We discuss the influence of these particles on the expansion rate of the Universe, their direct interactions with the constituents of the early Universe plasma, we determine their cosmological place and derive updated cosmological constraints on their interaction strength.