bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outdoor activity time and depression risk among adults aged 40 years and older: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011–2018 data
Authors: Liu Kai , Guo Cheng , Xie Juan , Cheng Liming
Published: January 2025

Background

Depression is a significant global public health issue, affecting millions worldwide. Outdoor activities have shown potential mental health benefits, but the specific mechanisms and influencing factors remain unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between time spent outdoors and depression risk among U.S. adults, with a focus on variations across age and ethnic groups.

Methods

Using data from the NHANES 2011–2018 survey, we analyzed 9,036 adults aged 20 years and older. Participants self-reported their outdoor activity time and depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis, accounting for various demographic and lifestyle factors, was employed to assess the relationship between outdoor activity and depression risk.

Results

Spending more time outdoors was associated with a 51% lower risk of depression (odds ratio: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.40–0.64). Subgroup analysis revealed that this association was particularly pronounced among adults aged 40 and older, as well as non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks.

Conclusion

Encouraging outdoor activities may represent an effective public health strategy to reduce depression risk, particularly among middle-aged and older adults and specific ethnic populations. Public health policies should prioritize initiatives that encourage outdoor engagement, and future research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and population-specific responses to outdoor activity.
Depression, anxiety and its predictor among internally displaced person in metekel Ethiopia, 2023: using a structural equation model
Authors: Bekeko Solomon Debela , Nimani Teshome Demis , Darcho Samuel Demissie , Bayisa Feyisa Shasho
Published: January 2025

Introduction

These individuals face psychological and physical trauma, loss of jobs, and emotional isolation, which may lead to the development of depression and anxiety. In 2022, 120 countries had over 71 million IDPs, a 20% increase from the previous year. In sub-Saharan Africa, natural disasters accounted for 40% of all new IDPs worldwide.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 997 respondents. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire. STATA Version 17 and Amos Version 21 were used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequency, percentage, table, graph, chart, figure, and summary statistics. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationship.

Result

The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was 79.64% (95% CI: 77.02 82.03) and 74.62% (95% CI =71.83%, 77.23%) respectively. age (adjusted β = 0.0034, 95% CI: 0.0012, 0.0056), history of the death of a loved one (adjusted β = 0.132, 95% CI: 0.0803, 0.185), had formal education (β = -0.164, 95% CI: -0.229, -0.098) occupation other (adjusted β = -0.183, 95% CI: -0.261, -0.105), Not having medically confirmed mental illness (adjusted β = -0.185, 95% CI: (-0.325, -0.045), PTSD score (adjusted β = 0.0082, 95% CI: 0.0048, 0.012) associated with anxiety.

Conclusion

Displacement medically confirmed mental illness, death of a loved one, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impact anxiety. Policymakers should provide greater access to mental health management and prevention services, and medical practitioners should understand the connection between depression and anxiety.
Reducing maladaptive behavior in neuropsychiatric disorders using network modification
Authors: Timme Nicholas M.
Published: January 2025

Neuropsychiatric disorders are caused by many factors and produce a wide range of symptomatic maladaptive behaviors in patients. Despite this great variance in causes and resulting behavior, we believe the maladaptive behaviors that characterize neuropsychiatric disorders are most proximally determined by networks of neurons and that this forms a common conceptual link between these disorders. Operating from this premise, it follows that treating neuropsychiatric disorders to reduce maladaptive behavior can be accomplished by modifying the patient’s network of neurons. In this proof-of-concept computational psychiatry study, we tested this approach in a simple model organism that is controlled by a neural network and that exhibits aversion-resistant alcohol drinking – a key maladaptive behavior associated with alcohol use disorder. We demonstrated that it was possible to predict personalized network modifications that substantially reduced maladaptive behavior without inducing side effects. Furthermore, we found that it was possible to predict effective treatments with limited knowledge of the model and that information about neural activity during certain types of trials was more helpful in predicting treatment than information about model parameters. We hypothesize that this is a general feature of developing effective treatment strategies for networks of neurons. This computational study lays the groundwork for future studies utilizing more biologically realistic network models in conjunction with in vivo data.
Case report: Development of anxiety symptoms after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 vaccine: a case series
Authors: Taube Maris , Lesiņa Alise Alma
Published: January 2025

Severe acute respiratory sindrome - Coronavirus - 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease - 19 (COVID-19)) infection can result in long-term health consequences, such as long COVID. The clinical manifestations of long COVID include depression, anxiety, brain fog with cognitive dysfunction, memory issues, and fatigue. However, the links between vaccination and psychiatric disorders have been less studied. This article describes three patients who reported anxiety after receiving a complete course of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine. It is important to explore the relationship between anxiety, other mental health disorders, and COVID-19 vaccination, as well as to investigate potential pathogenetic mechanisms.
Empirical evidence for a process-based model of health-related quality of life using network analysis
Authors: Stogios Nicolette , Francis Troy , Peiris Rachel G. , Stanimirovic Aleksandra , Rac Valeria , Nolan Robert P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is the perceived impact of a medical condition on one's overall wellbeing. While contemporary assessments are structured to evaluate an individual's HRQL state, we propose a complementary process-based model, which is defined as an appraisal that evolves over time as it reflects and informs a self-regulatory process of adapting to dynamic changes in bio-psycho-social life domains. In support of this approach, we developed a novel HRQL assessment tool called the EUROIA: EvalUation of goal-diRected activities to prOmote wellbeIng and heAlth, which uses self-report data to assess the frequency with which individuals engage in a sample of goal-directed activities in pursuit of living well.

Methods

We conducted a network analysis to evaluate the hypothesis that the EUROIA subscales would demonstrate a meaningful pattern of associations with an established HRQL measure and associated indices of psychosocial functioning and efficacy in self-managing a chronic medical condition.

Results

The EUROIA is associated with established indices of HRQL in a manner that is theoretically consistent with our process-based model. Stability coefficients (i.e., betweenness, closeness, and strength) of the analysis revealed high reliability for the network.

Conclusion

This analysis provides support for the validation of a process-based approach to HRQL assessment, which is represented, in part, by the EUROIA. A process-based approach complements and expands conventional measures of HRQL by focusing on how a patient's capacity to engage in goal-directed activities for living well is affected by their medical condition.
Physical activity and happiness of college students: chain mediating role of exercise attitude and sleep quality
Authors: Li Kehan , Omar Dev Roxana Dev , Li Wenhao
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study explores the role of physical activity, exercise attitude, and sleep quality in college students’ happiness, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving college students’ mental health.

Methods

The study employed a whole group sampling method, utilizing a physical activity level scale, exercise attitude scale, sleep quality scale, and happiness scale. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,308 college students from four universities in China.

Results

The analysis yielded three key findings: (1) Physical activity significantly improves college students’ happiness, and this improvement can be achieved through direct and indirect effects. (2) Positive exercise attitude plays an important mediating role between physical activity and happiness, and a high level of exercise attitude can enhance happiness. In addition, the effect of physical activity on happiness is most significant through exercise attitude. (3) Although sleep quality did not significantly mediate the relationship between physical activity and happiness alone, it played a positive role in the chain mediation path of “physical activity → exercise attitude → sleep quality → happiness.”

Discussion

The discovery of the chain mediation path shows that physical activity not only affects happiness, but also indirectly affects college students’ happiness through the combined effects of psychological and physiological factors.
Comparison of modelled diffusion-derived electrical conductivities found using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hakhu Sasha , Hu Leland S. , Beeman Scott , Sadleir Rosalind J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Magnetic resonance-based electrical conductivity imaging offers a promising new contrast mechanism to enhance disease diagnosis. Conductivity tensor imaging (CTI) combines data from MR diffusion microstructure imaging to reconstruct electrodeless low-frequency conductivity images. However, different microstructure imaging methods rely on varying diffusion models and parameters, leading to divergent tissue conductivity estimates. This study investigates the variability in conductivity predictions across different microstructure models and evaluates their alignment with experimental observations.

Methods

We used publicly available diffusion databases from neurotypical adults to extract microstructure parameters for three diffusion-based brain models: Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), Soma and Neurite Density Imaging (SANDI), and Spherical Mean technique (SMT) conductivity predictions were calculated for gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) tissues using each model. Comparative analyses were performed to assess the range of predicted conductivities and the consistency between bilateral tissue conductivities for each method.

Results

Significant variability in conductivity estimates was observed across the three models. Each method predicted distinct conductivity values for GM and WM tissues, with notable differences in the range of conductivities observed for specific tissue examples. Despite the variability, many WM and GM tissues exhibited symmetric bilateral conductivities within each microstructure model. SMT yielded conductivity estimates closer to values reported in experimental studies, while none of the methods aligned with spectroscopic models of tissue conductivity.

Discussion and conclusion

Our findings highlight substantial discrepancies in tissue conductivity estimates generated by different diffusion models, underscoring the challenge of selecting an appropriate model for low-frequency electrical conductivity imaging. SMT demonstrated better alignment with experimental results. However other microstructure models may produce better tissue discrimination.
Machine learning-based spectrum occupancy prediction: a comprehensive survey
Authors: Aygül Mehmet Ali , Çırpan Hakan Ali , Arslan Hüseyin
Published: January 2025

In cognitive radio (CR) systems, efficient spectrum utilization depends on the ability to predict spectrum opportunities. Traditional statistical methods for spectrum occupancy prediction (SOP) are insufficient for addressing the non-stationary nature of spectrum occupancy, especially with UEs’ increased mobility and diversity in the sixth-generation and beyond wireless networks. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning (ML)-based SOP methods that address these challenges. The paper begins with a brief discussion of problem definition and traditional statistical methods before delving into a detailed survey of ML-based methods. Various aspects of SOP are analyzed from a CR perspective, highlighting the multidimensional correlations in spectrum usage across time, frequency, space, etc. Key challenges and enabling methods for effective prediction are reviewed, focusing on deep learning methods that exploit these multidimensional correlations. The survey also covers dataset generation techniques for SOP. Additionally, the paper discusses CR threats that impair spectrum utilization and reviews ML methods for detecting these threats. The future directions for ML-based SOP are also given.
Impact of leukemia subtype and demographics on patient quality of life in 76 countries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salek Sam , Nier Samantha , Pemberton-Whiteley Zack , Ionova Tatyana , Ianni Giuseppe , Tripepi Giovanni , York Nick , Schroeter Nicole , Huntley Kathryn , Rynne Michael , Costello Denis , Pecova Lidija , Oliva Esther Natalie
Published: January 2025

Background

Disease-specific factors associated with decreased quality of life (QoL) in patients with leukemia have not been studied in a large-scale, global, observational study.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used the validated Hematological Malignancy Patient Reported Outcomes (HM-PRO) questionnaire to assess the impact of leukemia subtype, age, sex, and years living with the disease on QoL of patients with leukemia.

Results

Overall, 2,628 patients responded: 45.7% had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 34.0% had chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 11.8% had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 3.5% had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). HM-PRO scores differed significantly between leukemia subtypes (p<0.001); patients with ALL reported the worst outcomes. Women had significantly worse scores than men (p<0.001). HM-PRO scores were inversely correlated both with age (ρ= –0.24, p<0.001) and years living with the disease (ρ= –0.14, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patients reported the greatest concerns over their future treatment and future health, as well as concerns over dying and being a burden to others. Patients need access to support services, such as the availability of a clinical psychologist as part of the hematology team, to provide support with the emotional aspects of a leukemia diagnosis, especially for patients with acute leukemia subtypes reporting the lowest mean QoL scores.
Developing a virtual reality application for online arts and psychomotor therapies using action research
Authors: Jans Nathalie , Wouters Hans , Kolijn Joep , Haeyen Suzanne
Published: January 2025

Background

Virtual Reality (VR) holds much promise for online offering of arts and psychomotor therapies. As these therapies use bodily experiences, expressive/artistic media, materials, movement, music, and (role) play, VR is more suitable than online/video consultations.

Objectives

This study was set up to improve VR possibilities for arts and psychomotor therapies, with the primary aim of redeveloping and rebuilding a VR application.

Methods

Using Lewin’s paradigm of Action Research in conjunction with the Lean Start up Method to develop Minimal Viable Products, we developed and built the Virtual Reality Health Experience (VRhExp), a full body multiplayer VR space providing online arts and psychomotor therapies. The Action Research concerned a one-year co-creation project involving 17 arts and psychomotor therapists (Mean age 44.1 years, SD 11.3) together with input from media designers in education and technical VR developers. The Action Research consisted of five cycles. All cycles were held in groups.

Results

We redeveloped an initial multiplayer full body VRhExp application based on users’ preferences, and ideas. Our participants reported becoming more proficient in using VR than at the start. Training and workshops held with arts and psychomotor therapists enhanced their knowledge of and skills in using the VRhExp. They provided input for the patient journey which was then used to develop a roadmap with the prerequisites for the implementation of the VRhExp in clinical practice. All participants indicated that the current version of VRhExp is not yet ready for use in clinical practice but appreciated that a great step forward had been made. Of the arts and psychomotor therapists who participated in the workshops, four out of five acknowledged the potential of acting and experiencing with the VRhExp (79%).

Conclusion

The VRhExp is a promising tool for patients with psychological disorders as it enables the continuity of care provision by therapists. The VRhExp is a first step towards developing a broader landscape for offering online experiential arts and psychomotor therapies.
Streamflow and sediment simulation in the Song River basin using the SWAT model
Authors: Quamar Shams , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Harendra Prasad
Published: January 2025

This study assesses the performance of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in simulating streamflow and sediment for the Song River watershed, with a focus on calibration, validation, and sensitivity analysis. Thirteen parameters were selected for calibration, with eight identified as highly sensitive, reflecting key hydrological processes of the area. The model was calibrated for the period 1974–1995 and validated from 1996 to 2004, with additional testing using field data collected in 2022–2023 through Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements. Key model adjustments, such as the baseflow recession constant (ALPHA_BF) and channel roughness coefficient (CH_N2), were set to 0.05 and 0.04, respectively, to capture the area’s groundwater dynamics and channel characteristics. The calibration results indicated a strong fit, with R2 values of 0.77, NSE of 0.70, and PBIAS of 17.06, demonstrating good agreement between observed and simulated streamflow. Validation showed slightly lower but acceptable performance, with R2 of 0.75 and NSE of 0.68. Further ADCP validation from field data showed R2 values of 0.79 and 0.78 for two monitoring sites, confirming the model’s reliability. Sediment yield simulations at site-2 yielded R2 values of 0.70 and 0.59 for calibration and validation, with NSE values of 0.53 and 0.52, indicating the model’s capability to simulate both streamflow and sediment accurately. These results demonstrate SWAT’s practical utility for water resource management in similar data-limited regions.
Hear the herd: the power of Sámi perspectives for achieving just transitions in Norway
Authors: Vasconcellos Oliveira Rita , Gaspers Anne , Lurås Oftebro Thea
Published: January 2025

Introduction

For achieving just transitions, it is crucial to address Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems. In the North of Europe, the fast pace of transformational actions toward the decarbonisation of society has caused much controversy associated with the (further) endangerment of the traditional modes of life. Reindeer herding is a traditional activity of the Sámi, the Indigenous Peoples of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and North-Western Russia. For many Sámi, reindeer herding is of economic, social, and cultural importance. However, increasingly, pressures are being put on reindeer, as human activities, such as the building of roads or wind turbines, further encroaches on grazing lands.

Methods and objective

Using semi-structured group and individual interviews, this article investigates Sámi perspectives on drivers and stressors impacting reindeer in Norway and its connections to sustainable development activities, in the context of the energy transition. It also focuses on the communication of Traditional Ecological Knowledge to better address inclusive decision-making processes.

Results

The results highlight the divide between Western and Indigenous ways of thinking about land management and use. They provide reflections on why Traditional Ecological Knowledge, including from the Sámi is still far from being actively integrated in the processes toward Just Transitions. This work also brings to light some of the reasons behind the hesitance of many Indigenous Peoples to integrate mainstream transition processes as well as make available their Ancestral Knowledge for the benefit of nature conservation and sustainable management of the areas they inhabit. Lastly, the article offers some insight into how to facilitate communication of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its potential impact on the current Norwegian strategy toward nature conservation and societal decarbonization.
Economic vs. ecological benefit for organic food: the role of perceived values in online consumer reviews
Authors: Huo Hong , Yao Junru , Li Qiutong , Wu Rong , Wang Chen , Yu Dingyao
Published: January 2025

Introduction

With the growing awareness of sustainable development, organic food has been favored by consumers due to its advantages in both human health and environmental sustainability. However, the economic and ecological values of organic food have been two factors that consumers weigh. Online reviews, as an important source of data for capturing consumers’ perceived value, especially the temporal information of reviews, provide new opportunities for revealing the dynamic impact of consumers’ perceived value on satisfaction.

Methods

Based on 63,674 online reviews, this study utilizes structural topic modeling to identify the specific dimensions of consumers’ perceptions of economic and ecological values of organic food, and incorporates multiple linear regression modeling to explore the specific effects of these perceived values on consumer satisfaction and their dynamic trends.

Results

The results of the study indicate that consumers’ perceptions of both economic and ecological values significantly enhance their satisfaction with organic food. Further, this study found that the positive effect of perceived ecological value on consumer satisfaction increased over time, while the positive effect of perceived economic value on consumer satisfaction gradually weakened.

Discussion

This study theoretically provides a new research idea to identify consumer perceived value based on online review data, and reveals the dynamic impact of perceived value on satisfaction, adding a new perspective for sustainable consumption research. Practically, this study provides an important reference for the marketing and product optimization of the organic food industry, especially in terms of dynamic consumer behavior analysis and market positioning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with increased risk of migraine in the long term: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Hwang Heewon , Lee Solam , Heo Yeon-Woo , Ha Woo-Seok , Kim Kyung Min , Cha Yong Sung
Published: January 2025

Objective

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause migraine-like attacks. However, the association between carbon monoxide poisoning and the risk of migraine has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to investigate the long-term risk of migraine in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Methods

This nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted using the administrative database of the National Health Insurance Service of Korea from 2002 to 2021. Patients with carbon monoxide poisoning with at least one visit documented according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code T58 were included. Patients were only included if they had the same diagnostic code at two or more outpatient clinic visits. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of migraine after carbon monoxide poisoning.

Results

The overall risk of migraine was higher in the carbon monoxide poisoning group regardless of age, sex, or use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–1.48). The carbon monoxide poisoning group had a persistently higher cumulative incidence of migraine during the observation period than the control group.

Conclusion

Carbon monoxide poisoning was associated with an increased overall risk of developing migraine during long-term follow-up.
Transcriptomic characterization of the functional and morphological development of the rumen wall in weaned lambs fed a diet containing yeast co-cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Xu Zixuan , Yang Lan , Chen Hui , Bai Pengxiang , Li Xiao , Liu Dacheng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In lambs, the function of the rumen is incompletely developed at weaning, and the inclusion of yeast cultures in the diet can profoundly influence the morphological and functional development of the rumen.

Methods

In this study, the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus (NM) yeast co-cultures on ruminal histomorphology were assessed, and corresponding transcriptomic changes within the rumen epithelium were identified. In total, 24 lambs were grouped into four groups of six lambs including a control (C) group fed a basal diet, and N, M, and NM groups in which lambs were fed the basal diet, respectively, supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cultures (30 g/d per head), Kluyveromyces marxianus yeast cultures (30 g/d per head), and co-cultures of both yeasts (30 g/d per head), the experiment lasted for 42 d.

Results

In morphological analyses, lambs from the NM group presented with significant increases in papilla length, papilla width, and epithelial thickness in the rumen relative to lambs in the C group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses revealed 202 genes that were differentially expressed between samples from the C and NM groups, with the largest proportion of these genes being associated with the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In a weighted gene coexpression network analysis, a positive correlation was observed between the MEgreen and MEpurple modules and rumen morphology. Of these modules, the MEgreen module was found to be more closely linked to fatty acid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, whereas the MEpurple module was linked to oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid degradation. Ultimately, these results suggest that dietary supplementation with NM has driven the degradation of fatty acids, the induction of oxidative phosphorylation, the acceleration of lipid metabolism, the production of ATP to sustain ruminal growth, and the maintenance of intracellular NADH/NAD+ homeostasis on weaned lambs and is superior to single yeast fermentation.

Discussion

These results thus offer a theoretical foundation for further studies examining the mechanisms through which NM cultures can influence ruminal development in lambs.
Effects of 20 Weeks of Endurance and Strength Training on Running Economy, Maximal Aerobic Speed, and Gait Kinematics in Trained Runners
Authors: Rodríguez-Barbero Sergio , González-Ravé José María , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Juárez Santos-García Daniel , Muñoz de la Cruz Violeta , González-Mohíno Fernando
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 20-week endurance and strength training program on running economy and physiological, spatiotemporal, and neuromuscular variables in trained runners. Methods: A total of 18 runners (13 males and 5 females) completed a running economy test (2 bouts of 5 min at 3.06 m·s−1 for females and at 3.61 m·s−1 for males) and a graded exercise test (5 min at 2.78 m⋅s−1, with speed increasing by 0.28 m⋅s−1 every 1 min until volitional exhaustion). During the training program, the participants completed different low-intensity continuous running sessions, high-intensity interval running sessions, and auxiliary strength training sessions. Results: Running economy, measured as oxygen cost and energy cost, increased by 4% (p = 0.011) and 3.4% (p = 0.011), respectively. Relative maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) increased by 4.6%. There was an improvement in the speed associated with the first (VT1) and the second ventilatory threshold and with the maximal aerobic speed by 9.4, 3.7, and 2.8% (p = 0.000, p = 0.004, and p = 0.004, respectively). The %VO2max value of VT1 increased by 4.8% (p = 0.014). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a 20-week endurance and strength training program significantly improves performance and physiological factors without changing the runner’s biomechanics.
Sediment-Based Unfired Bricks Reinforced with Waste Flax Fibers: Implementation, Physical Aspects and Kinetics of Air Drying—Part I
Authors: Levacher Daniel , Suriray Alexandre , Ndahirwa Désiré , Zmamou Hafida , Leblanc Nathalie , Shimpo Tomoki
Published: January 2025

Raw earth bricks made from river sediments and natural fibers are essentially environmentally friendly bricks. They are made from river sediment waste and natural fiber waste, both of which are renewable resources. Sediment-based bricks have been formed from river sediment and flax fibers, the latter being considered as waste. Both types of waste are available in the same region. The study focused on the definition of water content by means of a miniature Proctor test, on the incorporation of short flax fibers of 2, 3 and 4 cm at various dosages and on the shaping by dynamic compaction of bricks of reduced size of 4 cm × 4 cm × 16 cm, dimensions similar to mortar specimens. The air-drying kinetics of the specimens were monitored from manufacture through to stabilization of their mass. The effects of water content, fiber content and fiber length were analyzed. Recommendations are given for the manufacturing and drying of green bricks and natural fibers.
Physicochemical and Sensory Evaluation of Gummy Candies Fortified with Microcapsules of Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Blood Erythrocytes and Tumbo (Passiflora tarminiana) Juice
Authors: Ligarda-Samanez Carlos A. , Villano-Limache Eliana , Pichihua-Oscco Williams , Choque-Quispe David , Sucari-León Reynaldo , Calderón Huamaní Dante Fermín , Cruz Germán De la , Luciano-Alipio Rober , Calsina Ponce Wilber Cesar , Aroquipa-Durán Yolanda , Campos-Huamaní María José Victoria
Published: January 2025

Recently, interest in developing functional foods that promote health has grown significantly. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of microencapsulating guinea pig blood erythrocytes by vacuum drying and incorporating them into gummies fortified with tumbo juice. Physicochemical analysis (proximate analysis, iron content, color, pH, soluble solids, and particle size) and functional group analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry were performed on three formulations of gummy candy with added encapsulated erythrocytes from guinea pig blood (EEGPB): F1 (4% EEGPB), F2 (5% EEGPB), and F3 (6% EEGPB). The results showed a significant decrease in the moisture content (52.02% in F1 to 43.27% in F3) and increases in protein (11.44% in F3) and iron (2.63 mg Fe/g in F3) contents when higher EEGPB levels were used. Sensory evaluation revealed that F3 was the most acceptable formulation in terms of taste, aroma, and texture, with no significant differences in color. FTIR analysis confirmed physical incorporation with no chemical interactions between ingredients. These results demonstrate that the encapsulation of erythrocytes by vacuum drying not only preserves the bioactive compounds but also improves the organoleptic properties of the gummies, making them an attractive product for consumers. In conclusion, this technique is effective for fortifying functional foods and has potential application in other food products. This approach represents a significant advance in the development of innovative functional foods.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Erbium Glass Laser Therapy for Acne Scars
Authors: Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Kuca Dagmara , Bożek Małgorzata , Makarski Krzysztof , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: January 2025

Background: Acne scarring presents a significant esthetic and psychological concern, commonly classified into atrophic and hypertrophic types. Effectively managing these lesions often involves the use of therapeutic strategies such as laser treatments, dermabrasion, and fillers. This study investigates the efficacy of 1550 nm erbium glass laser therapy in the treatment of atrophic acne scars through a quantitative assessment. Material and Methods: Participants with mild to moderate atrophic acne scars received two sessions of fractional erbium glass laser therapy at one-month intervals. Skin density and epidermal thickness were measured using a high-frequency ultrasound device (DUB SkinScanner), while the Antera 3D imaging system facilitated a comprehensive analysis of skin parameters, including texture, volumetric depressions, and pigmentation. Results: The use of this therapy led to significant improvements across multiple parameters. Skin density and epidermal thickness increased. Significant reductions were observed in fold depth, pore volume, and depression volume, indicating enhanced smoothness and minimized scar appearance. Improvements in texture roughness and pigmentation contributed to a visually coherent skin surface. Conclusions: Fractional erbium glass laser therapy effectively ameliorates the appearance of atrophic acne scars by increasing skin density, reducing dermal depressions, and improving texture and pigmentation uniformity. The Antera 3D system and high-frequency ultrasound device demonstrated high efficacy in capturing subtle changes, supporting its value in clinical applications for optimizing treatment parameters.
Automated Road Extraction from Satellite Imagery Integrating Dense Depthwise Dilated Separable Spatial Pyramid Pooling with DeepLabV3+
Authors: Mahara Arpan , Khan Md Rezaul Karim , Deng Liangdong , Rishe Naphtali , Wang Wenjia , Sadjadi Seyed Masoud
Published: January 2025

Road extraction is a sub-domain of remote sensing applications; it is a subject of extensive and ongoing research. The procedure of automatically extracting roads from satellite imagery encounters significant challenges due to the multi-scale and diverse structures of roads; improvement in this field is needed. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), especially the DeepLab series known for its proficiency in semantic segmentation due to its efficiency in interpreting multi-scale objects’ features, address some of these challenges caused by the varying nature of roads. The present work proposes the utilization of DeepLabV3+, the latest version of the DeepLab series, by introducing an innovative Dense Depthwise Dilated Separable Spatial Pyramid Pooling (DenseDDSSPP) module and integrating it in the place of the conventional Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) module. This modification enhances the extraction of complex road structures from satellite images. This study hypothesizes that the integration of DenseDDSSPP with a CNN backbone network and a Squeeze-and-Excitation block will generate an efficient dense feature map by focusing on relevant features, leading to more precise and accurate road extraction from remote sensing images. The Results Section presents a comparison of our model’s performance against state-of-the-art models, demonstrating better results that highlight the effectiveness and success of the proposed approach.
Multimodal Neural Network Analysis of Single-Night Sleep Stages for Screening Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ramesh Jayroop , Solatidehkordi Zahra , Sagahyroon Assim , Aloul Fadi
Published: January 2025

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent chronic sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by partial or complete airway obstruction. The expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive nature of the gold-standard approach, polysomnography (PSG), and the lack of regular monitoring of patients’ daily lives with existing solutions motivates the development of clinical support for enhanced prognosis. In this study, we utilize image representations of sleep stages and contextual patient-specific data, including medical history and stage durations, to investigate the use of wearable devices for OSA screening and comorbid conditions. For this purpose, we leverage the publicly available Wisconsin Sleep Cohort (WSC) dataset. Given that wearable devices are adept at detecting sleep stages (often using proprietary algorithms), and medical history data can be efficiently captured through simple binary (yes/no) responses, we seek to explore neural network models with this. Without needing access to the raw physiological signals and using epoch-wise sleep scores and demographic data, we attempt to validate the effectiveness of screening capabilities and assess the interplay between sleep stages, OSA, insomnia, and depression. Our findings reveal that sleep stage representations combined with demographic data enhance the precision of OSA screening, achieving F1 scores of up to 69.40. This approach holds potential for broader applications in population health management as a plausible alternative to traditional diagnostic approaches. However, we find that purely modality-agnostic sleep stages for a single night and routine lifestyle information by themselves may be insufficient for clinical utility, and further work accommodating individual variability and longitudinal data is needed for real-world applicability.
The Quirky Rot Fungi: Underexploited Potential for Soil Remediation and Rehabilitation
Authors: Venâncio Cátia
Published: January 2025

Currently, when the role of biodiversity in maintaining and restoring ecosystems is widely discussed, rot fungi are far from being integrated into common policies, conservation laws, or risk assessment frameworks. Despite the widespread recognition of the natural role of rot fungi as decomposers and their capabilities for various industrial purposes (the treatment of effluents rich in organic or inorganic substances), their peculiar characteristics are poorly understood and investigated. Highlighting the potential of rot fungi is of paramount importance because, as natural resources, rot fungi align perfectly with soil sustainability and the green growth policies and strategies outlined in this decade by the European Commission (2021) and United Nations (2021). This short piece aims to highlight and encourage efforts that channel into the exploration of this group of organisms as bioinoculants and biofertilizers for agriculture and forestry, as remediators and rehabilitators of soils affected by anthropogenic contamination (e.g., metals, agrochemicals, and plastics), and devastated by phenomena arising from climate change (e.g., forest fires) by briefly presenting the pros and cons of each of these lines of action and how rot fungi characteristics may fill in the current knowledge gap on degraded soil rehabilitation.
Ontology-Based Customisation Management System for Driver-Vehicle Interfaces: A Preventive Approach to Incident Reduction and Legal Accountability in Highly Automated Vehicles
Authors: Cappelli Maria Assunta , Di Marzo Serugendo Giovanna
Published: January 2025

This study presents the development of an ontology-based customisation management system (Onto-CMS) for driver–vehicle interfaces (DVIs) in highly automated vehicles (HAVs). The objective of the proposed system is to enhance safety, minimise the probability of accidents and address legal liability concerns. The study highlights the importance of DVIs in automated vehicles and the need for safe and adaptable options for human drivers, while also considering the legal implications associated with the development of these interfaces. The research identifies the shortcomings of existing systems and proposes the Onto-CMS as a more effective alternative solution. The proposed system facilitates additional personalisation tasks and demonstrates higher performance compared to systems lacking ontological structuring. Indeed, the Onto-CMS allows dynamic adaptation to individual preferences while maintaining the integrity of standardised safety elements. It is distinguished by its ability to adjust to diverse contexts, such as those involving impaired drivers, without compromising critical safety standards. The onto-CMS reduces the need for recurrent revisions and improves operational productivity and overall usability. The results show that the Onto-CMS improves the configuration of DVIs by providing customised, scalable and context-aware alternatives. The study provides a basis for further research that could extend the system’s capabilities to cover a wider range of driver characteristics and requirements.
Evaluation of Ototoxic Effects of Cisplatin in a Rat Model: A Dose–Response Study
Authors: Hellies Filippo , Fracaro Silvia , Pintus Giovanni , Simoni Edi , Gentilin Erica , Marioni Gino , Martini Alessandro , Nicolai Piero , Zanoletti Elisabetta , Albertin Giovanna , Astolfi Laura
Published: January 2025

Cisplatin (cis-diclorodiamminoplatin, CDDP) is a common chemotherapeutic agent for solid tumors, but its use is limited by severe side effects such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Variability in CDDP dosing and administration, along with high mortality and sensitivity in animal models, complicates experimental approaches. This study aimed to evaluate ototoxic damage in rats by comparing a single bolus versus three divided CDDP injections, also considering nephrotoxic effects. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: eight received a single intraperitoneal injection of CDDP (14 mg/kg), eight received three injections (4.6 mg/kg/day), and eight were untreated controls. All CDDP-treated rats showed significant high-frequency hearing loss and morphological damage, including cochlear outer hair cell loss and renal glomerular atrophy with proximal tubule necrosis. Oxidative stress markers (nitrotyrosine and SOD1 expression) confirmed cochlear and renal alterations. Notably, the single bolus group had a 25% mortality rate and significant weight loss among survivors, unlike the other groups. This study introduces the novel finding that cumulative administration of three doses reduces mortality and weight loss while maintaining similar ototoxic and nephrotoxic effects. Therefore, cumulative administration is recommended for future studies to mitigate ototoxic and nephrotoxic damage, offering a potentially improved protocol for the administration of cisplatin.
Image-Based Tactile Deformation Simulation and Pose Estimation for Robot Skill Learning
Authors: Fu Chenfeng , Li Longnan , Gao Yuan , Wan Weiwei , Harada Kensuke , Lu Zhenyu , Yang Chenguang
Published: January 2025

The TacTip is a cost-effective, 3D-printed optical tactile sensor commonly used in deep learning and reinforcement learning for robotic manipulation. However, its specialized structure, which combines soft materials of varying hardnesses, makes it challenging to simulate the distribution of numerous printed markers on pins. This paper aims to create an interpretable, AI-applicable simulation of the deformation of TacTip under varying pressures and interactions with different objects, addressing the black-box nature of learning and simulation in haptic manipulation. The research focuses on simulating the TacTip sensor’s shape using a fully tunable, chain-based mathematical model, refined through comparisons with real-world measurements. We integrated the WRS system with our theoretical model to evaluate its effectiveness in object pose estimation. The results demonstrated that the prediction accuracy for all markers across a variety of contact scenarios exceeded 92%.
Study on the Effect of Air Velocity and Duct Area on the Heat Dissipation of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Zhiheng , Zhi Maoyong , Yuan Lei , Xu Qinrou , Sun Qiang , Chen Xiantao
Published: January 2025

With the growing adoption of lithium-ion batteries, the risk of battery thermal runaway is increasing, so effective temperature regulation for battery systems is essential. The air cooling system for battery thermal management offers advantages such as a simple structure and low cost, making it a promising solution for electric aircraft, electric vehicles, and other applications. In this work, the influence of inlet air velocity, inlet size, and inlet/outlet area ratio on the maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference in the battery pack was simulatively studied. When the inlet air velocity was 4 m/s, inlet size was 73 mm × 25 mm, and inlet/outlet area ratio was 1.25, the heat dissipation effect of battery pack was excellent, and the maximum temperature was 324.8 K. This research offers a crucial foundation for designing and setting the operational parameters of air cooling thermal management systems in lithium-ion battery packs.
Constraint of Different Knee Implant Designs Under Anterior–Posterior Shear Forces and Internal–External Rotation Moments in Human Cadaveric Knees
Authors: Brendle Saskia A. , Krueger Sven , Grifka Joachim , Müller Peter E. , Mihalko William M. , Richter Berna , Grupp Thomas M.
Published: January 2025

Instability remains one of the most common indications for revision after total knee arthroplasty. To gain a better understanding of how an implant will perform in vivo and support surgeons in selecting the most appropriate implant design for an individual patient, it is crucial to evaluate the implant constraint within clinically relevant ligament and boundary conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the constraint of three different implant designs (symmetrical implants with and without a post-cam mechanism and an asymmetrical medial-stabilized implant) under anterior–posterior shear forces and internal–external rotation moments at different flexion angles in human cadaveric knees using a six-degrees-of-freedom joint motion simulator. Both symmetrical designs showed no significant differences between the anterior–posterior range of motion of the medial and lateral condyles. In contrast, the medial-stabilized implant exhibited less anterior–posterior translation medially than laterally, without constraining the medial condyle to a fixed position. Furthermore, the post-cam implant design showed a significantly more posterior position of the femoral condyles in flexion compared to the other designs. The results show that despite the differences in ligament situations and individual implant positioning, specific characteristics of each implant design can be identified, reflecting the different geometries of the implant components.