bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Initial Genetic Assessment of the Emblematic Pumas of the Torres del Paine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Elbroch L. Mark , Weckworth Byron V. , Pilgrim Kristine , Ohrens Omar , Lagos Nicolás , Arroyo-Arce Stephanny , Montt Mauricio , Goic Dania , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: September 2024

Physical and genetic isolation are recognized as significant threats to wildlife, especially in large carnivores inhabiting fragmented landscapes. We conducted an initial genetic assessment of pumas (Puma concolor) using 19 microsatellite loci for the emblematic puma population in the Torres del Paine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southernmost Chile, which exhibits some distinctive phenology that some local people speculate may be due to isolation and inbreeding depression. We extracted DNA from 385 scats collected in the field, of which 96 were identified as puma, representing 20 unique individuals. Torres del Paine pumas exhibited an Ho (0.51) only slightly lower than He (0.53), with 2 of the 19 loci significantly out of Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium. Tests for a recent bottleneck of the population were not significant. The small sample size of individuals notwithstanding, these results seemingly do not support high levels of inbreeding. We also identified individual pumas in the field and assessed them for observable cowlicks (twirls of fur on their backs), a trait some have associated with genetic inbreeding depression in other puma populations. A total of 7 of 39 pumas exhibited cowlicks, consistent with geographic patterns of cowlicks within the species. Our tests exploring population structure among local pumas provided the most support for a single-population cluster, but we explored secondary structures as well, given its conservation implications. We encourage additional sampling in the region to further explore population structure and connectivity and determine the conservation status of the region’s pumas to guide the development of best strategies to ensure their persistence.
Eucarid and Peracarid Fauna of the Valencia Seamount, a Deep-Isolated Seamount of the Western Mediterranean: Colonisation Capacity and Historical Changes
Authors: Cartes Joan E.
Published: September 2024

Seamounts can have a strong influence on the distribution and diversity of species, creating an oasis effect that may favour diversification. In order to assess how and to what extent supra- and epibenthic crustaceans can colonise these environments, the eucarid and peracarid fauna collected from the summit of the Valencia Seamount (VS), a small deep seamount (summit depth: 1056 m), rising from a depth of ca. 1850 m, in the oligotrophic Balearic Basin, was analysed. Based on a first sampling (beam trawls, plankton nets and stomach contents), and a faunal reconstruction from a sediment core (MC2, at 1151 m), the supra(epi)benthic crustaceans at the VS summit (to 1300 m) were composed of nine Eucarida and 25 Peracarida. Polycheles typhlops, Munida tenuimana, and Aristeus antennatus were the dominant species among eucarids. Among Peracarida the most abundant species were the Mysida Boreomysis arctica, the Amphipoda Rhachtropis caeca, and the Isopoda Munnopsurus atlanticus. Among Decapoda, a species with a wide amplitude in their depth distribution and small eggs (i.e., with planktotrophic larvae), showed a higher colonisation capacity. In the absence of larvae, the colonisation of peracarids depends on the amplitude of their depth distribution and only those species that reach the highest depths in the entire Balearic Basin, at least 1600–1800 m, were able to colonise the summit of VS. The natatory capacity of the species also has some influence and whole groups with low natatory capacity, such as the Desmosomatidae, were completely absent on the VS summit; however, they are distributed throughout the Balearic Basin to depths (up to about 1500 m) exceeding the depth of the seamount summit. Therefore, colonisation by peracarids must not have occurred by swimming through the entire water column, but by swimming along or just above the bottom. Remains of some suprabenthic species (mainly the isopod M. atlanticus) in MC2 and another core collected in NW Mallorca (MC3, 1114 m), i.e., out of the VS, showed how isopod diversity and size distribution changed historically. Also, after the 1960s, a decrease in primary production due to a decrease in rainfall and river runoff associated with river damming could have reduced the abundance of M. atlanticus. These types of historical studies can be useful in interpreting long-term changes in deep-sea communities and optimising the management of these vulnerable areas.
Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Antimalarial Evaluation of New 1,3,5-Tris[(4-(Substituted-Aminomethyl)Phenoxy)Methyl]Benzenes
Authors: Albenque-Rubio Sandra , Guillon Jean , Agnamey Patrice , Damiani Céline , Savrimoutou Solène , Mustière Romain , Pinaud Noël , Moreau Stéphane , Mergny Jean-Louis , Ronga Luisa , Kanavos Ioannis , Marchivie Mathieu , Moukha Serge , Dozolme Pascale , Sonnet Pascal , Cohen Anita
Published: September 2024

By taking into account our previously described series of 1,3,5-tris[(4-(substituted-aminomethyl)phenyl)methyl]benzene compounds, we have now designed, prepared, and evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum a novel series of structural analogues of these molecules, i.e., the 1,3,5-tris[(4-(substituted-aminomethyl)phenoxy)methyl]benzene derivatives. The pharmacological data showed antimalarial activity with IC50 values in the sub and μM range. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these new nitrogen polyphenoxymethylbenzene compounds was also evaluated on human HepG2 cells. The 1,3,5-tris[(4-(substituted-aminomethyl)phenoxy)methyl]benzene derivative 1m was found as one of the most potent and promising antimalarial candidates with favorable cytotoxic to antiprotozoal properties in the P. falciparum strains W2 and 3D7. In conclusion, this 1,3,5-tris[(4-(pyridin-3-ylmethylaminomethyl)phenoxyl)methyl]benzene 1m (IC50 = 0.07 μM on W2, 0.06 μM on 3D7, and 62.11 μM on HepG2) was identified as the most promising antimalarial derivative with selectivity indexes (SI) of 887.29 on the W2 P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant strain, and of 1035.17 on the chloroquine-sensitive and mefloquine decreased sensitivity strain 3D7. It has been previously described that the telomeres of P. falciparum could represent potential targets for these types of polyaromatic compounds; therefore, the capacity of our novel derivatives to stabilize the parasitic telomeric G-quadruplexes was assessed using a FRET melting assay. However, with regard to the stabilization of the protozoal G-quadruplex, we observed that the best substituted derivatives 1, which exhibited some interesting stabilization profiles, were not the most active antimalarial compounds against the two Plasmodium strains. Thus, there were no correlations between their antimalarial activities and selectivities of their respective binding to G-quadruplexes.
Seeking Endurance: Designing Smart Dental Composites for Tooth Restoration
Authors: Alluhaidan Tasneem , Qaw Masoumah , Garcia Isadora Martini , Montoya Carolina , Orrego Santiago , Melo Mary Anne
Published: September 2024

Smart dental materials refer to materials used in dentistry with additional functionality to enhance treatment outcomes, which may improve oral health. Smart materials for dental restorations can react to stimuli such as a specific temperature, a different pH, or mechanical stress, repair small cracks or damage by themselves, and interact beneficially with biological surroundings. For example, they might release ions and promote tooth remineralization or have antibacterial properties to prevent bacterial growth. Others can have enhanced mechanical properties like strength and wear resistance to ensure these materials can withstand daily masticatory forces. This review presents our current comprehension of smart dental materials designed for tooth restoration. We focused on what these materials need to be effective, like durability, biocompatibility, and aesthetic requests, besides identifying new ideas for their design. A detailed analysis of the current challenges in formulating these materials, such as the balance between enough ions released with proper physicochemical properties and achieving the desired biological response, was discussed. We also discussed how these cutting-edge technologies are leveraged to overcome existing limitations, creating more dental materials with potential clinical translation. The review also discusses the practical challenges in implementation and the prospects for these materials in dentistry.
A Performance Evaluation of Convolutional Neural Network Architectures for Pterygium Detection in Anterior Segment Eye Images
Authors: Moreno-Lozano Maria Isabel , Ticlavilca-Inche Edward Jordy , Castañeda Pedro , Wong-Durand Sandra , Mauricio David , Oñate-Andino Alejandra
Published: September 2024

In this article, various convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures for the detection of pterygium in the anterior segment of the eye are explored and compared. Five CNN architectures (ResNet101, ResNext101, Se-ResNext50, ResNext50, and MobileNet V2) are evaluated with the objective of identifying one that surpasses the precision and diagnostic efficacy of the current existing solutions. The results show that the Se-ResNext50 architecture offers the best overall performance in terms of precision, recall, and accuracy, with values of 93%, 92%, and 92%, respectively, for these metrics. These results demonstrate its potential to enhance diagnostic tools in ophthalmology.
The Impact of Human Papillomavirus Infections on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Dedousi Dimitra , Potiris Anastasios , Zikopoulos Athanasios , Karampitsakos Theodoros , Topis Spyridon , Skentou Charikleia , Gerede Angeliki , Christopoulos Panagiotis , Zachariou Athanasios , Domali Ekaterini , Drakakis Peter , Stavros Sofoklis
Published: September 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are significantly associated with multiple adverse reproductive outcomes such as miscarriages. Pregnant women are more susceptible to an HPV infection and its prevalence increases as pregnancy progresses. In this present review, we summarize the existing evidence indicating the potential impact of an HPV infection on the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Comprehensive research of the literature was performed in the Medline/PubMed and Scopus databases. A total of 185 articles were identified and 40 full-text articles were assessed. Four studies were eligible to be included in this literature review. To our knowledge, this is the first review aiming to summarize the current state of evidence regarding the possible association of HPV infections and RPL. Recurrent pregnancy loss constitutes a distressing reproductive event and scientific research has made significant efforts to determine the causes and mechanisms that could lead to RPL. It is still unclear whether the papillomavirus infection is associated with an increased risk for recurrent miscarriages. Research in the field revealed conflicting results and their deductions are limited by methodological limitations. Given the high prevalence of HPV infections and their potential role in the occurrence of adverse outcomes during pregnancy, further research is required to clarify the possibility of an HPV infection being a potential risk factor for recurrent miscarriages.
Edge-Intelligence-Powered Joint Computation Offloading and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Trajectory Optimization Strategy
Authors: Liu Qian , Qi Zhi , Wang Sihong , Liu Qilie
Published: September 2024

UAV-based air-ground integrated networks offer a significant benefit in terms of providing ubiquitous communications and computing services for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With the empowerment of edge intelligence (EI) technology, they can efficiently deploy various intelligent IoT applications. However, the trajectory of UAVs can significantly affect the quality of service (QoS) and resource optimization decisions. Joint computation offloading and UAV trajectory optimization bring many challenges, including coupled decision variables, information uncertainty, and long-term queue delay constraints. Therefore, this paper introduces an air-ground integrated architecture with EI and proposes a TD3-based joint computation offloading and UAV trajectory optimization (TCOTO) algorithm. Specifically, we use the principle of the TD3 algorithm to transform the original problem into a cumulative reward maximization problem in deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to obtain the UAV trajectory and offloading strategy. Additionally, the Lyapunov framework is used to convert the original long-term optimization problem into a deterministic short-term time-slot problem to ensure the long-term stability of the UAV queue. Based on the simulation results, it can be concluded that our novel TD3-based algorithm effectively solves the joint computation offloading and UAV trajectory optimization problems. The proposed algorithm improves the performance of the system energy efficiency by 3.77%, 22.90%, and 67.62%, respectively, compared to the other three benchmark schemes.
Information-Theoretic Modeling of Categorical Spatiotemporal GIS Data
Authors: Percy David , Zwick Martin
Published: September 2024

An information-theoretic data mining method is employed to analyze categorical spatiotemporal Geographic Information System land use data. Reconstructability Analysis (RA) is a maximum-entropy-based data modeling methodology that works exclusively with discrete data such as those in the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). The NLCD is organized into a spatial (raster) grid and data are available in a consistent format for every five years from 2001 to 2021. An NLCD tool reports how much change occurred for each category of land use; for the study area examined, the most dynamic class is Evergreen Forest (EFO), so the presence or absence of EFO in 2021 was chosen as the dependent variable that our data modeling attempts to predict. RA predicts the outcome with approximately 80% accuracy using a sparse set of cells from a spacetime data cube consisting of neighboring lagged-time cells. When the predicting cells are all Shrubs and Grasses, there is a high probability for a 2021 state of EFO, while when the predicting cells are all EFO, there is a high probability that the 2021 state will not be EFO. These findings are interpreted as detecting forest clear-cut cycles that show up in the data and explain why this class is so dynamic. This study introduces a new approach to analyzing GIS categorical data and expands the range of applications that this entropy-based methodology can successfully model.
Enhancing Grit and Critical Thinking in Rural Primary Students: Impact of a Targeted Educational Intervention
Authors: Gallardo-Estrada Carla , Nussbaum Miguel , Pinto Mauricio , Alvares Danilo , Alario-Hoyos Carlos
Published: September 2024

This study examined the impact of a targeted educational intervention on enhancing grit and critical thinking skills among 10-year-old primary school students in rural Chile. The intervention, involving 153 students from six public schools, used a language classroom model with structured reading activities. Grit and critical thinking were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results showed improvements in the intervention group. The intervention’s effectiveness was consistent across genders. The findings suggest that structured, student-centered educational strategies can enhance grit and critical thinking in primary students. Further research is needed to generalize the results to different settings and age groups.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Decision Support System for Sustainable Urban Mobility
Authors: Shulajkovska Miljana , Smerkol Maj , Noveski Gjorgji , Bohanec Marko , Gams Matjaž
Published: September 2024

As urban populations rise globally, cities face increasing challenges in managing urban mobility. This paper addresses the question of identifying which modifications to introduce regarding city mobility by evaluating potential solutions using city-specific, subjective multi-objective criteria. The innovative AI-based recommendation engine assists city planners and policymakers in prioritizing key urban mobility aspects for effective policy proposals. By leveraging multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and ±1/2 analysis, this engine provides a structured approach to systematically and simultaneously navigate the complexities of urban mobility planning. The proposed approach aims to provide an open-source interoperable prototype for all smart cities to utilize such recommendation systems routinely, fostering efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking urban mobility strategies. Case studies from four European cities—Helsinki (tunnel traffic), Amsterdam (bicycle traffic for a new city quarter), Messina (adding another bus line), and Bilbao (optimal timing for closing the city center)—highlight the engine’s transformative potential in shaping urban mobility policies. Ultimately, this contributes to more livable and resilient urban environments, based on advanced urban mobility management.
High-Switching-Frequency SiC Power Conversion Systems with Improved Finite Control Set Method Prediction Control
Authors: Fan Yibiao , Tong Lixia , Lu Yingjie , Cai Xiaowei , Fu Zhihe , Mao Xingkui
Published: September 2024

With the development of power conversion systems or bidirectional grid-connected inverters characterized by high DC voltage, high efficiency, and high-power density, high-switching-frequency SiC power switches are being widely used, and these require a short computational time of control algorithm. Based on the sector judgment of a space voltage vector and the midpoint potential control balancing of a DC bus, an improved finite control set method prediction control (FCS-MPC) method was proposed for a T-type three-level PCS. This improved FCS-MPC first judges the sector of the space voltage vector and locates the position of the corresponding large sector according to phase lock information; then, it analyzes the sampled voltage of the upper and lower bus capacitors to obtain the midpoint potential situation and selects appropriate small vectors based on the midpoint potential situation. This simple improved strategy can reduce the computational complexity of traditional MPC for rolling optimization, resulting in a reduction in the vectors from 27 to 8. A SiC-based 10 kW bidirectional PCS prototype verified the improved FCS-MPC, and the computational time was reduced about by 56% in comparison to traditional FCS-MPC.
Effect of Heating Rate on the Pyrolysis Behavior and Kinetics of Coconut Residue and Activated Carbon: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mian Inamullah , Rehman Noor , Li Xian , Ullah Hidayat , Khan Abbas , Choi Chaejin , Han Changseok
Published: September 2024

The pyrolysis process of coconut residue and the activated carbon was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis in the range of 25 to 900 °C, with three altered heating rates: 3, 5, and 10 °C/min. The results of the thermal decomposition showed that it occurred in three distinct phases: dehydration, active pyrolysis, and passive pyrolysis. The derivative thermogravimetric analysis indicated that increasing the heating rate led to a shift in the maximum weight loss rate towards higher temperatures. To better understand the kinetics constraints, the Coats–Redfern method was applied to determine the activation energy (Ea) and the frequency factor (A). The activation energies for the pyrolysis process varied between 159.57 and 177.45 kJ/mol for RCR and from 132.62 to 147.1 kJ/mol for ACCR at different heating rates. Additionally, the physical properties of the samples were investigated using techniques like scanning electron microscopy and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis. The findings of the study demonstrated that the activation energies of the activated carbon were lower than those of the original biomass. Furthermore, the activation energy values achieved from the D1–D4 models were considered reliable, indicating that the D model was more suitable compared to other models for describing the pyrolysis process and predicting its kinetics.
Eye-Tracking Applications in Architecture and Design
Authors: Lavdas Alexandros A.
Published: September 2024

Eye-tracking is a biometrics technique that has started to find applications in research related to our interaction with the built environment. Depending on the focus of a given study, the collection of valence and arousal measurements can also be conducted to acquire emotional, cognitive, and behavioral insights and correlate them with eye-tracking data. These measurements can give architects and designers a basis for data-driven decision-making throughout the design process. In instances involving existing structures, biometric data can also be utilized for post-occupancy analysis. This entry will discuss eye-tracking and eye-tracking simulation in the context of our current understanding of the importance of our interaction with the built environment for both physical and mental well-being.
Historical Pollution Exposure Impacts on PM2.5 Dry Deposition and Physiological Responses in Urban Trees
Authors: Liu Ruiyu , Wang Manli , Chen Shuyu , Zhang Jing , Jin Xiaoai , Ren Yuan , Chen Jian
Published: September 2024

Urban trees are known for their ability to settle fine particulate matter (PM2.5), yet the effects of historical pollution exposure on their dust-retention capacity and stress memory remain underexplored. Therefore, we selected Euonymus japonicus Thunb. var. aurea-marginatus Hort. and Photinia × fraseri Dress, which are two common urban greening tree species in the Yangtze River Delta, a highly urbanized region in China facing severe air pollution challenges, characterized by dense urban forests, and we employed an aerosol generator to perform controlled experiments aiming to simulate PM2.5 pollution exposure in a sealed chamber. The experiments encompassed a first pollution treatment period P1 (15 days), a recovery period R (15 days), and a second pollution treatment period P2 (15 days). The study investigates the historical impacts of pollution exposure by simulating controlled environmental conditions and assessing the morphological and physiological changes in trees. The main results are as follows: Vd of Euonymus japonicus Thunb. var. aurea-marginatus Hort. significantly decreased on the 10th day during P2 compared with that on the same day during P1, whereas Vd of Photinia × fraseri Dress significantly decreased on the 15th day. Compared with those during P1, the specific leaf area of both plants significantly decreased, the specific leaf weight significantly increased, the wax layer significantly thickened, the stomata decreased, and the content of photosynthetic pigments remained stable during P2. Furthermore, the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) generally increased during both P1 and P2. This study contributes to international knowledge by examining stress memory in urban trees and underscores the role of stress memory in enhancing plant resistance to periodic particulate pollution, offering insights into the adaptive mechanisms that can be applied globally, not just regionally.
Impacts of Climate Change on the Potential Distribution of Three Cytospora Species in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Quansheng , Cao Shanshan , Wang Lei , Hou Ruixia , Sun Wei
Published: September 2024

Xinjiang is an important forest and fruit production area in China, and Cytospora canker, caused by the genus Cytospora Ehrenb., has caused serious losses to forestry production in Xinjiang. In this study, we constructed ensemble models based on Biomod2 to assess the potential geographical distribution of Cytospora chrysosperma, C. nivea, and C. mali in Xinjiang, China and their changes under different climate change scenarios, using species occurrence data and four types of environmental variables: bioclimatic, topographic, NDVI, and soil. The model performance assessment metrics (AUC and TSS) indicated that the ensemble models are highly reliable. The results showed that NDVI had the most important effect on the distribution of all three species, but there were differences in the response patterns, and bioclimatic factors such as temperature and precipitation also significantly affected the distribution of the three species. C. chrysosperma showed the broadest ecological adaptation and the greatest potential for expansion. C. nivea and C. mali also showed expansion trends, but to a lesser extent. The overlapping geographical distribution areas of the three species increased over time and with an intensification of the climate scenarios, especially under the high-emission SSP585 scenario. The centroids of the geographical distribution for all three species generally shifted towards higher latitude regions in the northeast, reflecting their response to climate warming. C. chrysosperma may become a more prevalent forest health threat in the future, and an increase in the overlapping geographical distribution areas of the three species may lead to an increased risk of multiple infections. These findings provide an important basis for understanding and predicting the distribution and spread of the genus Cytospora in Xinjiang and are important for the development of effective forest disease prevention and control strategies.
European Beech Masting Cycles and the Spatial Distribution of Wisents in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
Authors: Wołoszyn-Gałęza Aleksandra , Januszczak Maciej , Perzanowski Kajetan
Published: September 2024

The variability of food resources considerably affects the habitat preferences of animals. In mast years, the availability of highly nutritive food increases significantly. We tested whether changes in the distribution of the areas of wisents, Bison bonasus L. concentration, in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland, were connected with the availability of beechnuts. In the two beech masting years of 2013 and 2022, we considered the months with the highest availability of beechnuts, namely September and October. The beechnut crop varied significantly between as little as 2.4 g dry matter/m2, recorded within the Baligród herd’s home range in 2013, and up to 238.8 g dry matter/m2 within the Tworylne herd’s range, also in 2013. The analysis of the spatial distribution of beech stands within various parts of the wisents’ home range showed that within the 95% kernel area, their share was mostly high, varying between 25.7% and 42.8%. Meanwhile, within the 50% kernel area, it was generally much lower, except for the year 2022 in the case of the Baligród herd. The densities of wisents varied significantly between the kernel areas of 95% and 50%, ranging between 0.04 and 0.08 animals/ha and 0.17 and 0.48 animals/ha, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference between the figures for all plots tested within the home range of the wisent population and plots dominated by beech. Based on the data obtained in this study, habitat selection patterns of wisents in the Bieszczady Mountains cannot be explained by the availability of beech stands and the phenomenon of mast years.
Investigation on Flexural Behavior of Galvanized Cold-Formed Steel Beams Exposed to Fire with Different Stiffener Configurations
Authors: Sam Varun Sabu , Marak Garry Wegara K , Nammalvar Anand , Andrushia Diana , Gurupatham Beulah Gnana Ananthi , Roy Krishanu
Published: September 2024

Cold-formed steel (CFS) sections, increasingly favored in the construction industry due to their numerous advantages over hot-rolled steel, have received limited attention in research concerning the flexural behavior of galvanized iron (GI)-based CFS at elevated temperatures. Understanding how these materials and structures behave under elevated temperatures is crucial for fire safety. The authors have performed experimental studies previously on GI-based CFS under elevated temperatures. In that study, CFS sections made of GI of grade E350 of 1.5 m long and 2 mm thickness were used. Built-up beam sections were tested under two-point loading after heating to 60 and 90 min durations and subsequently cooling them down using air and water. This study aims to uncover the influence of different stiffener configurations on the load carrying capacity of sections under elevated temperature parametrically. With the experimental study results from previous studies as a reference, authors used FEM analysis to comprehensively study the behavior of GI-based CFS sections under fire. Vertical, horizontal, and not providing a stiffener were the configurations selected to study the beams parametrically. Parametric analysis confirmed that different stiffener configurations did not alter the predominant failure mode, which remained distortional buckling across all specimens. Beams with vertical stiffeners demonstrated superior performance compared to those with horizontal stiffeners in parametric analysis. Lateral–torsional buckling was observed in the reference specimen, lacking stiffeners due to inadequate restraint at the supports.
Utilizing Sensory and Visual Data in the Value Estimation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Suurmets Seidi , Clement Jesper , Piras Simone , Barlagne Carla , Tura Matilde , Mokhtari Noureddine , Thabet Chokri
Published: September 2024

Food evaluation is a topic central to consumer research and food marketing. However, there is little consensus regarding how consumers combine sensory stimuli, product information, and visual impressions to shape their evaluation. Moreover, the bulk of research relies on studies based on questionnaires and declarative responses, raising questions about subliminal processes and their hierarchy in an evaluation process. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a study with more than 400 participants in Morocco and Tunisia and investigated how factors such as flavor/taste, product information, and packaging design in a variety of olive oils influence visual attention and are reflected in willingness to pay (WTP). We implemented incentivization through an auction to reduce the hypothetical bias in stated WTP values. The results revealed that, compared to tasting the oils, the provision of cognitive information led to an increase in consumers’ WTP. However, a drastic increase in WTP occurred when the consumers were exposed to package designs, overshadowing the formerly dominant effects of product attributes. These findings support theories suggesting a visual perceptual processing advantage due to the picture superiority effect–a picture says a thousand words. Further, it underlines the importance of graphic design in food marketing. The findings have ramifications for food marketing, product development, and pricing strategies.
Goat Cheese Produced with Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Extract and a Native Culture of Limosilactobacillus mucosae: Characterization and Probiotic Survival
Authors: Lima Guimarães Osíris , da Silva Quirino Viviane , de Moura Alícia , Correia Joyceana , Furtado João , Florêncio Isanna , da Silva Márcia , Salles Hévila , dos Santos Karina , do Egito Antonio , Buriti Flávia
Published: September 2024

The microbiological and biochemical properties of a goat cheese produced using Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract as a coagulant and the potentially probiotic autochthonous culture Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 were examined in comparison to a control cheese devoid of the autochthonous culture. Throughout a 60-day storage period at 6 ± 1 °C, lactobacilli maintained a count of above 8 log CFU/g. Additionally, its viability in cheeses subjected to the in vitro gastrointestinal conditions demonstrated improvement over this period. Specifically, the recovery of lactobacilli above 6 log CFU/g was observed in 16.66% of the samples in the first day, increasing to 66.66% at both 30 and 60 days. While total coliforms were detected in both cheese trials, this sanitary parameter exhibited a decline in L. mucosae cheeses during storage, falling below the method threshold (<3 MPN/g) at 60 days. This observation suggests a potential biopreservative effect exerted by this microorganism, likely attributed to the higher acidity of L. mucosae cheeses at that point (1.80 g/100 g), which was twice that of the control trial (0.97 g/100 g). Furthermore, distinct relative proportions of >30 kDa, 30–20 kDa, and <20 kDa proteins during storage was verified for L. mucosae and control cheeses. Consequently, either the H. annuus seed extract or the L. mucosae CNPC007 autochthonous culture influenced the biochemical properties of the cheese, particularly in terms of proteolysis. Moreover, L. mucosae CNPC007 acidification property resulted in a biopreservative effect throughout the storage period, indicating the potential as a promising source of probiotics for this product.
Iatrogenic Sigma Perforation in a Patient with Localized Rectal and Sigma AL Amyloidosis: A Forensic Case and a Literature Review
Authors: Albano Giuseppe Davide , Zerbo Stefania , Di Franco Simone , Orlando Elisabetta , Formisano Eleonora , Argo Antonina , Belmonte Beatrice
Published: September 2024

Amyloidosis is defined as a rare group of 30 protein-folding diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of a specific soluble precursor protein that aggregates in the form of insoluble fibrils. The gastrointestinal tract (GI) is a common site for amyloid deposits: Among patients with systemic amyloidosis, at least 70% present with gastrointestinal deposition. Rarely, the deposition is exclusively localized in this area, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms (bleeding, weight loss, etc.). In this case report, we present a rare and unusual form of localized gastrointestinal amyloidosis, diagnosed after a post-mortem examination of an 83-year-old woman who died due to septic shock resulting from post-colonoscopy iatrogenic perforation of the sigma, in a suspected medical liability case. Morphological examination revealed AL amyloid deposits within the muscular wall of the submucosal vessels of the rectum, which caused increased friability of the vessels and ischemic changes in the intestinal mucosa. A renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was found, which might be related to amyloid deposits, as reported by the literature. Amyloid deposits are an unknown and unpredictable pathological substrate that increase the risk of iatrogenic perforation. Analysis of the medical documentation did not reveal any censurable conduct in terms of prescribing the procedure, technical execution, or subsequent management of the patient following the perforation. GI amyloidosis should be part of the risk stratification of patients with rectal bleeding and gastrointestinal symptoms, and awareness is essential to guide subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and investigate underlying causes.
Exploring Hydrogel Nanoparticle Systems for Enhanced Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Arabpour Zohreh , Salehi Majid , An Seungwon , Moghtader Amirhossein , Anwar Khandaker N. , Baharnoori Seyed Mahbod , Shah Rohan Jaimin , Abedi Farshad , Djalilian Ali R.
Published: September 2024

Drug delivery to the ocular system is affected by anatomical factors like the corneal epithelium, blinking reflex, aqueous blood barrier, and retinal blood barrier, which lead to quick removal from the site and inefficient drug delivery. Developing a drug delivery mechanism that targets specific eye tissue is a major hurdle for researchers. Our study examines the challenges of drug absorption in these pathways. Hydrogels have been researched as a suitable delivery method to overcome some obstacles. These are developed alone or in conjunction with other technologies, such as nanoparticles. Many polymer hydrogel nanoparticle systems utilizing both natural and synthetic polymers have been created and investigated; each has pros and cons. The complex release mechanism of encapsulated agents from hydrogel nanoparticles depends on three key factors: hydrogel matrix swelling, drug-matrix chemical interactions, and drug diffusion. This mechanism exists regardless of the type of polymer. This study provides an overview of the classification of hydrogels, release mechanisms, and the role of controlled release systems in pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it highlights the integration of nanotechnology in ocular disease therapy, focusing on different types of nanoparticles, including nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, and pharmaceutical nanoparticles. Finally, the review discusses current commercial formulations for ocular drug delivery and recent advancements in non-invasive techniques. The objective is to present a comprehensive overview of the possibilities for enhancing ocular medication delivery through hydrogel nanoparticle systems.
Hydrogel Surface/Coating for Smart Drug Delivery and Medical Devices
Authors: Shi Changcan , Peng Xingzhou , Feng Yakai
Published: September 2024

In recent years, multifunctional hydrogels have been used to develop emerging medical platforms and become an alternative approach in targeting therapies and tissue regeneration [...]
Design and Validation of a Scale to Measure Perceptions and Misconceptions about Menstruation in Nursing College Students: The METCON© Scale
Authors: Botello-Hermosa Alicia , Escribano-Cubas Silvia , Guerra-Martín María Dolores , del Rocío Santana-Berlanga Nicia , Cáceres-Matos Rocío
Published: September 2024

Menstruation remains surrounded by taboo and symbolic violence for many adolescents and young women today, and it is urgent to identify existing stereotypes. The objective was to validate a Spanish-language instrument to assess perceptions, false beliefs, gender stereotypes, fears, and taboos surrounding menstruation in nursing women’s studies. A cross-sectional study for psychometric validation of the METCON© scale (22 item version) was assessed in a cohort of 401 female nursing university students (2016–2019), assessing the psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and structural validity. Furthermore, an invariance analysis was conducted to discern structural disparities before and after studying the subject of gender and health. The METCON© scale showed acceptable internal consistency scores measured by Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a structure of six factors which explained 60.50% of the total variance with a total of 19 items. Reliability analysis indicated adequate internal consistency (α = 0.613). Confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate values, confirming this structure. The invariance analyses identified that the structure remained adequate when evaluated before and after studying the subject of gender and health. Once validated, this instrument could serve as a valid and reliable tool for comprehensively examining perceptions, beliefs, and myths surrounding menstruation, addressing not only biological but also social and cultural aspects.
Minimizing the Risk of Diagnostic Errors in Acute Care for Older Adults: An Interdisciplinary Patient Safety Challenge
Authors: Jawad Baker Nawfal , Pedersen Kirstine Zink , Andersen Ove , Meier Ninna
Published: September 2024

Modern healthcare systems are increasingly organized according to diagnosis-specific clinical pathways and treatment protocols. At the same time, the number of patients with complex problems and needs that do not fit the single-diagnosis approach is rising, contributing to a high prevalence of diagnostic errors. In this article, we focus on the risk of diagnostic errors arising from missed or incomplete diagnosis and assessment of older adult patients’ care needs in the first hours of acute hospitalizations in EDs. This focus is important for improving patient safety, as clinical decisions made in EDs impact patient safety in the subsequent steps of the process, thereby potentially causing new risks to arise. Based on our discussion of clinical decision-making and diagnostic errors in the acute care context, we propose a more comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to improvements in patient safety that integrates organizational and clinical research and examines where, when, how, and why risks to patient safety arise in and across different clinical–organizational contexts.
Parental Psychological Control and Risk-Taking among Taiwanese Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Benefit Perception as a Mediator
Authors: Chou Catherine P.
Published: September 2024

Youth risk-taking behaviors present important public health concerns due to their prevalence and potential adverse consequences, underscoring the need for research and prevention strategies to promote youth’s healthy development. The present research examined the relationship between parental psychological control and risk-taking behaviors via benefit perception among high school and college students in Taiwan. Using a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 378 participants to assess maternal and paternal psychological control, benefit perception, and engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Results indicated no significant difference in psychological control or benefit perception between high school and college students. However, college students reported higher levels of risk-taking behaviors, such as risky driving, alcohol use, and unprotected sex. Both maternal and paternal psychological control positively correlated with benefit perception and risk-taking behaviors. Furthermore, benefit perception mediated the relationship between psychological control and risk-taking behavior among high school and college students. These findings suggested that parental psychological control indirectly influenced youth risk-taking by shaping their perceptions of the benefits of such behaviors. The study highlights the importance of promoting autonomy-supportive parenting to reduce risk-taking behaviors and advocates for programs that enhance decision-making skills among adolescents and emerging adults.
Impacts of Digital Transformation and Basel III Implementation on the Credit Risk Level of Vietnamese Commercial Banks
Authors: Nguyen Ngan Bich , Nguyen Hien Duc
Published: September 2024

For a bank-based economy like Vietnam, the commercial banking sector’s conduct greatly influences Vietnamese economic and social prosperity. In Vietnam, net income from credit activities hold the largest portion of the total revenue of Vietnamese commercial banks. Therefore, in the context of Vietnam, credit risk obviously also plays a pivotal important role in the banking sector. Hence, the risk of credit failure can lead to a bank’s collapse and have a profound effect on a country’s societal structure. As seen in the previous literature, there are many macroeconomic and bank-level factors that have commonly affected the level of credit risk; however, these factors may change in the recent development era of the banking industry, especially the new impacts of digital transformation and the transition to full Basel III adoption. The overall aim of this study is to analyze the impacts of digital transformation and Basel III implementation on the credit risk level of Vietnamese commercial banks during the period from 2017 to 2023, with a sample of 21 Vietnamese listed commercial banks. This study employs the pooled OLS, fixed effect model (FEM), and random effect model (REM) methods to reach the finding that investing in technology for the readiness of digital transformation and implementing Basel III could adversely affect credit risk. Based on this finding, the authors give some recommendations for commercial banks to enhance the sustainability, safety, and better management of credit risk.
Association of Titin Polymorphisms with the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinicopathological Characteristics
Authors: Hsu Ching-Hui , Chen Mu-Kuan , Lo Yu-Sheng , Ho Hsin-Yu , Lin Chia-Chieh , Chuang Yi-Ching , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chou Ming-Chih
Published: September 2024

This study examined the correlation of titin (TTN) polymorphisms with the sensitivity of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) and clinical characteristics. Six TTN SNPs, including rs10497520, rs12463674, rs12465459, rs2042996, rs2244492, and rs2303838, were evaluated in 322 control groups and 606 patients with oral cancer. We then investigated whether the SNP genotypes rs10497520 had associations with clinical pathological categories. Our data showed that the TC + CC genotype of rs10497520 was associated with moderate/poor tumor cell differentiation. The carriers of TTN rs10497520 polymorphic variant “TC + CC” in OSCC patients with cigarette smoking were linked with poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.008). Our results suggest that the TTN SNP rs10497520 is a possible genetic marker for oral cancer patients in the cigarette-smoking population. The TTN rs10497520 polymorphisms may be essential biomarkers to predict the onset and prognosis of oral cancer disease.
RNA Sequencing Reveals a Strong Predominance of THRA Splicing Isoform 2 in the Developing and Adult Human Brain
Authors: Graceffo Eugenio , Opitz Robert , Megges Matthias , Krude Heiko , Schuelke Markus
Published: September 2024

Thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRα) is a nuclear hormone receptor that binds triiodothyronine (T3) and acts as an important transcription factor in development, metabolism, and reproduction. In mammals, THRα has two major splicing isoforms, THRα1 and THRα2. The better-characterized isoform, THRα1, is a transcriptional stimulator of genes involved in cell metabolism and growth. The less-well-characterized isoform, THRα2, lacks the ligand-binding domain (LBD) and is thought to act as an inhibitor of THRα1 activity. The ratio of THRα1 to THRα2 splicing isoforms is therefore critical for transcriptional regulation in different tissues and during development. However, the expression patterns of both isoforms have not been studied in healthy human tissues or in the developing brain. Given the lack of commercially available isoform-specific antibodies, we addressed this question by analyzing four bulk RNA-sequencing datasets and two scRNA-sequencing datasets to determine the RNA expression levels of human THRA1 and THRA2 transcripts in healthy adult tissues and in the developing brain. We demonstrate how 10X Chromium scRNA-seq datasets can be used to perform splicing-sensitive analyses of isoforms that differ at the 3′-end. In all datasets, we found a strong predominance of THRA2 transcripts at all examined stages of human brain development and in the central nervous system of healthy human adults.
Whole-Genome and Poly(A)+Transcriptome Analysis of the Drosophila Mutant agnts3 with Cognitive Dysfunctions
Authors: Zhuravlev Aleksandr V. , Polev Dmitrii E. , Medvedeva Anna V. , Savvateeva-Popova Elena V.
Published: September 2024

The temperature-sensitive Drosophila mutant agnts3 exhibits the restoration of learning defects both after heat shock (HS) and under hypomagnetic conditions (HMC). Previously, agnts3 was shown to have an increased level of LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1). However, its limk1 sequence did not significantly differ from that of the wild-type strain Canton-S (CS). Here, we performed whole-genome and poly(A)-enriched transcriptome sequencing of CS and agnts3 males normally, after HMC, and after HS. Several high-effect agnts3-specific mutations were identified, including MED23 (regulation of HS-dependent transcription) and Spn42De, the human orthologs of which are associated with intellectual disorders. Pronounced interstrain differences between the transcription profiles were revealed. Mainly, they included the genes of defense and stress response, long non-coding RNAs, and transposons. After HS, the differences between the transcriptomes became less pronounced. In agnts3, prosalpha1 was the only gene whose expression changed after both HS and HMC. The normal downregulation of prosalpha1 and Spn42De in agnts3 was confirmed by RT-PCR. Analysis of limk1 expression did not reveal any interstrain differences or changes after stress. Thus, behavioral differences between CS and agnts3 both under normal and stressed conditions are not due to differences in limk1 transcription. Instead, MED23, Spn42De, and prosalpha1 are more likely to contribute to the agnts3 phenotype.