bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring gender disparities in the disease and economic tobacco-attributable burden in Latin America
Authors: Alcaraz Andrea , Lazo Elena , Casarini Agustín , Rodriguez-Cairoli Federico , Augustovski Federico , Bardach Ariel , Perelli Lucas , Palacios Alfredo , Pichon-Riviere Andrés , Espinola Natalia
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Tobacco use has significant health consequences in Latin America, and while studies have examined the overall impact, the gender-specific effects have not been thoroughly researched. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective tobacco control policies. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in tobacco-attributable disease and economic burden between men and women in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.

Methods

We used a previously validated economic model to quantify the impact of tobacco-related illnesses, including morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, productivity losses, informal care expenses, and DALYs, by gender and age. We utilized data from national surveys, records, studies, and expert opinions to populate the model.

Results

In 2020, there were 351,000 smoking-attributable deaths. Men accounted for 69% and women 31%. Ecuador and Mexico had the highest male-to-female death ratio, while Peru and Chile had the smallest disparities. 2.3 million tobacco-related disease events occurred, with 65% in men and 35% in women. Ecuador and Mexico had higher disease rates among men, while Peru had a more balanced ratio. Regarding DALYs, men lost 6.3 million due to tobacco, while women lost 3.3 million, primarily from COPD, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Brazil and Mexico had the highest DALY losses for both genders. Costa Rica had a lower male-to-female tobacco use prevalence ratio but ranked second in deaths, disease events, and DALYs attributed to tobacco. Colombia had a unique pattern with a male-to-female death ratio of 2.08 but a higher ratio for disease events. The health systems spent $22.8 billion to treat tobacco-attributable diseases, with a male-to-female cost ratio 2.15. Ecuador showed the greatest gender cost difference, while Peru had the lowest. Productivity loss due to tobacco was $16.2 billion, with Ecuador and Mexico exhibiting the highest gender disparities and Peru the lowest. Informal care costs amounted to $10.8 billion, with men incurring higher costs in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Discussion

Tobacco causes significant health and economic burdens in Latin America, with gender-based differences. There is a need for gender-disaggregated data to improve tobacco control policies.
To trust or not to trust? Face and voice modulation of virtual avatars
Authors: Siehl Sebastian , Kammler-Sücker Kornelius , Guldner Stella , Janvier Yannick , Zohair Rabia , Nees Frauke
Published: February 2024

Introduction: This study explores the graduated perception of apparent social traits in virtual characters by experimental manipulation of perceived affiliation with the aim to validate an existing predictive model in animated whole-body avatars.

Methods: We created a set of 210 animated virtual characters, for which facial features were generated according to a predictive statistical model originally developed for 2D faces. In a first online study, participants (N = 34) rated mute video clips of the characters on the dimensions of trustworthiness, valence, and arousal. In a second study (N = 49), vocal expressions were added to the avatars, with voice recordings manipulated on the dimension of trustworthiness by their speakers.

Results: In study one, as predicted, we found a significant positive linear (p < 0.001) as well as quadratic (p < 0.001) trend in trustworthiness ratings. We found a significant negative correlation between mean trustworthiness and arousal (τ = −.37, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation with valence (τ = 0.88, p < 0.001). In study two, wefound a significant linear (p < 0.001), quadratic (p < 0.001), cubic (p < 0.001), quartic (p < 0.001) and quintic (p = 0.001) trend in trustworthiness ratings. Similarly, to study one, we found a significant negative correlation between mean trustworthiness and arousal (τ = −0.42, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with valence (τ = 0.76, p < 0.001).

Discussion: We successfully showed that a multisensory graduation of apparent social traits, originally developed for 2D stimuli, can be applied to virtually animated characters, to create a battery of animated virtual humanoid male characters. These virtual avatars have a higher ecological validity in comparison to their 2D counterparts and allow for a targeted experimental manipulation of perceived trustworthiness. The stimuli could be used for social cognition research in neurotypical and psychiatric populations.
Gender-inclusive consumer studies improve cassava breeding in Nigeria
Authors: Madu Tessy , Onwuka Samuel , Nwafor Solomon , Ejechi Mercy , Ofoeze Miriam , Onyemauwa Nnaemeka , Ukeje Blessing , Eluagu Chinwe , Olaosebikan Olamide , Okoye Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Including gender research in cassava breeding makes it easier for farmers to adopt new varieties that meet the specific needs and preferences of both male and female farmers, leading to increased adoption of new varieties, improved productivity, and better economic outcomes for the entire farming community. Gender was included in 2013 in variety development at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria in response to the dis-adoption of some varieties by farmers who had not been part of varietal development from the start, and in light of social roles which influence the responsibilities, resources and livelihood outcomes of men, women and youths. Gender inclusion has given plant breeders accurate information about the cassava traits preferred by all end-users, not just male farmers. At NRCRI, gender studies intensified in the last 5 years, contributing to the development and release of improved varieties. Quantitative and qualitative research by the gender cross-cutting team modeled trait profiling and consumer preferences, to aid demand-led breeding. Some of the methods were acquired at several trainings on how to quantify qualitative responses for prioritization. Gender research techniques include participatory varietal selection (PVS), participatory plant breeding (PPB), mother-baby trials, focus group discussions (FGD), surveys, value chain mapping, G+ tools, experiments in farmer field schools (FFS), demonstration farms, and tricot. These gave the cross-cutting team a better understanding of gender relations, power, decision-making, ownership and control of resources, and have mitigated operational and field challenges during the surveys. These methods also elicited feedback from end-users that led to better naming of newly released varieties, reflecting perceptions of agronomic performance, and food qualities, which made the varieties easier to identify and remember.
Soccer above all? Analysis of academic and vocational education among female soccer players in the German women's Bundesliga and 2nd women's Bundesliga
Authors: Ehnold Peter , Gohritz Andreas , Lotzen Lena , Schlesinger Torsten
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Career-related (financial) reasons as well as advantages in terms of expanding social support systems, promoting a balanced lifestyle and personal development suggest that female soccer players should pursue academic or vocational education in parallel to elite sport. However, dual careers are fraught with challenges, mainly due to simultaneity in time and the associated conflicting goals. The aim of this article is to analyze the vocational or academic educational careers of professional female soccer players.

Methods

To generate the data, an online survey was conducted among soccer players in the German Women's Bundesliga and 2nd Women's Bundesliga. A total of n = 200 questionnaires (German: n = 191; English: n = 9) were included in the analysis, which corresponds to approx. 29.6% of the population addressed.

Results

90.6% of the players are pursuing or have already completed academic or vocational education. The majority (71.2%) of female soccer players choose to study. 81.8% of players report no impact or even a positive impact of soccer on their performance in academic or vocational education. Willingness to pursue and complete academic or vocational education is influenced by membership of the A-National Team, time spent playing soccer, form of school-leaving qualification, nationality and age.

Discussion

This study increases the visibility of professional women's soccer as an object of analysis in sports science research, follows up on demands for a more athlete-centered approach and generates further insights for research and practice with regard to the success of dual careers in elite sport.
Molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus in sheep from Upper Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Sara Abdel-Aal , Dyab Ahmed Kamal , Raya-Álvarez Enrique , Abdel-Aziz Fatma Mohamed , Osman Fathy , Gareh Ahmed , Farag Alshimaa M. M. , Salman Doaa , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Bravo-Barriga Daniel , Agil Ahmad , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Haemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite’s blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples.

Methods

We employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored.

Results

The study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with the infection. Notably, sheep under 2 years old exhibited a higher risk, with an infection rate of 43.75% (84 out of 192), than their older counterparts. Furthermore, all reported infections were exclusively observed during the cold season, constituting 58.93% (132 out of 224) of cases. By contrast, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis.

Discussion

The study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health.
Determination of sweetener specificity of horse gut-expressed sweet taste receptor T1R2-T1R3 and its significance for energy provision and hydration
Authors: Smith Liberty , Moran Andrew W. , Al-Rammahi Miran , Daly Kristian , Shirazi-Beechey Soraya P.
Published: February 2024

Studies carried out in several species have demonstrated that detection of low-calorie sweeteners in the lumen of the intestine, by the sweet receptor, T1R2-T1R3, initiates a signaling pathway leading to enhanced expression and activity of intestinal Na+/glucose cotransporter 1, SGLT1. This results in an increased gut capacity to absorb glucose, sodium chloride and water, the basis for oral rehydration therapy. Horses express T1R2, T1R3 and downstream signaling elements in the intestinal tissue. As such, the potential of sweetener-stimulation of T1R2-T1R3 leading to upregulation of SGLT1 allows the provision of more glucose (energy) and hydration for horses. This is especially important when the need for glucose increases during strenuous exercise, pregnancy, and lactation. There are significant differences among species in the ability to detect sweeteners. Amino acid substitutions and pseudogenization of taste receptor genes underlie these variations. Nothing is known about the sweetener specificity of horse T1R2-T1R3. Using heterologous expression methodology, we demonstrate that sweeteners sucralose, stevia and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) activate horse T1R2-T1R3, but cyclamate does not. Determination of sweetener specificity of equine sweet receptor is crucial for developing suitable dietary additives to optimize glucose absorption, hydration and avoiding the intestinal disease brought about by microbial fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrate reaching the large intestine.
Dynamic and Static Assistive Strategies for a Tailored Occupational Back-Support Exoskeleton: Assessment on Real Tasks Carried Out by Railway Workers
Authors: Di Natali Christian , Poliero Tommaso , Fanti Vasco , Sposito Matteo , Caldwell Darwin G.
Published: February 2024

This study on occupational back-support exoskeletons performs a laboratory evaluation of realistic tasks with expert workers from the railway sector. Workers performed both a static task and a dynamic task, each involving manual material handling (MMH) and manipulating loads of 20 kg, in three conditions: without an exoskeleton, with a commercially available passive exoskeleton (Laevo v2.56), and with the StreamEXO, an active back-support exoskeleton developed by our institute. Two control strategies were defined, one for dynamic tasks and one for static tasks, with the latter determining the upper body’s gravity compensation through the Model-based Gravity Compensation (MB-Grav) approach. This work presents a comparative assessment of the performance of active back support exoskeletons versus passive exoskeletons when trialled in relevant and realistic tasks. After a lab characterization of the MB-Grav strategy, the experimental assessment compared two back-support exoskeletons, one active and one passive. The results showed that while both devices were able to reduce back muscle activation, the benefits of the active device were triple those of the passive system regarding back muscle activation (26% and 33% against 9% and 11%, respectively), while the passive exoskeleton hindered trunk mobility more than the active mechanism.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: A Fundamental Cellular and Microenvironmental Process in Benign and Malignant Prostate Pathologies
Authors: Goncharov Aviv Philip , Vashakidze Nino , Kharaishvili Gvantsa
Published: February 2024

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial and fundamental mechanism in many cellular processes, beginning with embryogenesis via tissue remodulation and wound healing, and plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. EMT is a complex process that involves many transcription factors and genes that enable the tumor cell to leave the primary location, invade the basement membrane, and send metastasis to other tissues. Moreover, it may help the tumor avoid the immune system and establish radioresistance and chemoresistance. It may also change the normal microenvironment, thus promoting other key factors for tumor survival, such as hypoxia-induced factor-1 (HIF-1) and promoting neoangiogenesis. In this review, we will focus mainly on the role of EMT in benign prostate disease and especially in the process of establishment of malignant prostate tumors, their invasiveness, and aggressive behavior. We will discuss relevant study methods for EMT evaluation and possible clinical implications. We will also introduce clinical trials conducted according to CONSORT 2010 that try to harness EMT properties in the form of circulating tumor cells to predict aggressive patterns of prostate cancer. This review will provide the most up-to-date information to establish a keen understanding of the cellular and microenvironmental processes for developing novel treatment lines by modifying or blocking the pathways.
Impact of Long-Lasting Environmental Factors on Regulation Mediated by the miR-34 Family
Authors: Štefánik Peter , Morová Martina , Herichová Iveta
Published: February 2024

The present review focuses on the interactions of newly emerging environmental factors with miRNA-mediated regulation. In particular, we draw attention to the effects of phthalates, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and a disrupted light/dark cycle. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules with a tremendous regulatory impact, which is usually executed via gene expression inhibition. To address the capacity of environmental factors to influence miRNA-mediated regulation, the miR-34 family was selected for its well-described oncostatic and neuro-modulatory properties. The expression of miR-34 is in a tissue-dependent manner to some extent under the control of the circadian system. There is experimental evidence implicating that phthalates, EMFs and the circadian system interact with the miR-34 family, in both lines of its physiological functioning. The inhibition of miR-34 expression in response to phthalates, EMFs and light contamination has been described in cancer tissue and cell lines and was associated with a decline in oncostatic miR-34a signalling (decrease in p21 expression) and a promotion of tumorigenesis (increases in Noth1, cyclin D1 and cry1 expressions). The effects of miR-34 on neural functions have also been influenced by phthalates, EMFs and a disrupted light/dark cycle. Environmental factors shifted the effects of miR-34 from beneficial to the promotion of neurodegeneration and decreased cognition. Moreover, the apoptogenic capacity of miR-34 induced via phthalate administration in the testes has been shown to negatively influence germ cell proliferation. To conclude, as the oncostatic and positive neuromodulatory functions of the miR-34 family can be strongly influenced by environmental factors, their interactions should be taken into consideration in translational medicine.
New Trend of Amperometric Gas Sensors Using Atomic Gold-Decorated Platinum/Polyaniline Composites
Authors: Faricha Anifatul , Chakraborty Parthojit , Chang Tso-Fu Mark , Sone Masato , Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: February 2024

The Amperometric Gas Sensor (AGS) uses an electrode as the transducer element which converts its signal into a current from the electrochemical reaction of analytes taking place at the electrode surface. Many attempts to improve AGS performance, such as modifying the working electrode, applying a particular gas-permeable membrane, and selecting the proper electrolyte, etc., have been reported in the scientific literature. On the other hand, in the materials community, atomic gold has gained much attention because its physicochemical properties dramatically differ from those of gold nanoparticles. This paper provides an overview of the use of atomic gold in AGSs, both in a bulky AGS and a miniaturized AGS. In the miniaturized AGS, the system must be redesigned; for example, the aqueous electrolyte commonly used in a bulky AGS cannot be used due to volatility and fluidity issues. A Room Temperature Ionic Liquid (RTIL) can be used to replace the aqueous electrolyte since it has negligible vapor pressure; thus, a thin film of RTIL can be realized in a miniaturized AGS. In this paper, we also explain the possibility of using RTIL for a miniaturized AGS by incorporating a quartz crystal microbalance sensor. Several RTILs coated onto modified electrodes used for isomeric gas measurement are presented. Based on the results, the bulky and miniaturized AGS with atomic gold exhibited a higher sensor response than the AGS without atomic gold.
Parental Satisfaction with the Quality of Care in an Early Intervention Service for Children with Visual Impairment: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Battistin Tiziana , Mercuriali Elena , Borghini Carlotta , Reffo Maria Eleonora , Suppiej Agnese
Published: February 2024

The fundamental role of vision during development and the nurturing role of early intersubjectivity have enabled the Robert Hollman Foundation to develop an early intervention program providing holistic support to visually impaired children and their families, where fostering parent-infant interactions is at the heart of our care. The aim of this study is to understand how parents perceive this approach. It is an eleven-year retrospective study of children following the Robert Hollman Foundation’s early intervention program, in which parents’ (n = 1086) perceptions of quality of care were measured through the administration of a specifically designed 4-point scale questionnaire. Annual longitudinal trends of parents’ perceptions were calculated for every single response. Parents reported a very high satisfaction value in 21/23 questions (Mean > 3.7 out of a maximum score of 4, with the highest scores in human and soft skills of professionals) with a statistically positive trend (p < 0.05), throughout the period considered. Our core approach, based on an individualized nurturing relational support, has been appreciated and confirmed by the high satisfaction reported in the questionnaires by parents of children with visual impairment. We therefore hypothesize that parent-infant relationship-based and individualized approaches may help parents achieve better health, well-being, and quality of daily life for their children.
The Use of Cannabinoids in Pediatric Palliative Care—A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Tagsold David , Toni Irmgard , Trollmann Regina , Woelfle Joachim , Gravou-Apostolatou Chara
Published: February 2024

This data analysis aimed to systematically analyze a pediatric patient population with a life-limiting disease who were administered cannabinoids. It was a retrospective single-center analysis of patients under supervision of the specialized outpatient pediatric palliative care (SOPPC) team at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). Thirty-one patients with a primary diagnosis of neuropediatric, oncologic, metabolic, and cardiologic categories were included. The indications we identified were spasticity, pain, restlessness, anxiety, loss of appetite, epilepsy, and paresis. Certain aspects of quality of life were improved for 20 of 31 patients (64.5%). For nine patients (29%), no improvement was detected. No conclusions could be drawn for two patients (6.5%). Adverse events were reported for six of the thirty-one patients (19.4%). These were graded as mild, including symptoms such as restlessness, nausea, and behavioral issues. We detected no clinically relevant interactions with other medications. We collected fundamental data on the use of cannabinoids by pediatric palliative patients. Cannabinoids are now frequently administered in pediatric palliative care. They seem to be safe to use and should be considered an add-on therapy for other drug regimens.
Step by Step: Evaluation of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Children, Young Adults, and Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Using a Simple Standardized Stair Climbing Test
Authors: Mall Maurice Pablo , Wander Johanna , Lentz Anne , Jakob André , Oberhoffer Felix Sebastian , Mandilaras Guido , Haas Nikolaus Alexander , Dold Simone Katrin
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is known to be a prognostic factor regarding long-term morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to develop a standardized Stair Climbing Test (SCT) with a reliable correlation to spiroergometry and the 6MWT which can be used in healthy children as well as patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and a restricted exercise capacity. (2) Methods: A total of 28 healthy participants aged 10–18 years were included. We tested the individuals’ CRF by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill, the 6MWT, and a newly developed Stair Climbing Test (SCT). For the SCT, we defined a standardized SCT protocol with a total height of 13.14 m to achieve maximal exercise effects while recording time and vital parameters. To compare the SCT, the 6 Min Walking Test, and CPET, we introduced an SCT-Index that included patient data (weight, height) and time. To assess the SCT’s feasibility for clinical practice, we also tested our protocol with five adolescents with complex congenital heart disease (i.e., Fontan circulation). (3) Results: A strong correlation was observed between SCT-Index and O2 pulse (r = 0.921; p < 0.001). In addition, when comparing the time achieved during SCT (tSCT) with VO2max (mL/min/kg) and VO2max (mL/min), strong correlations were found (r = −0.672; p < 0.001 and r = −0.764; p < 0.001). Finally, we determined a very strong correlation between SCT-Index and VO2max (mL/min) (r = 0.927; p = <0.001). When comparing the 6MWD to tSCT, there was a moderate correlation (r = −0.544; p = 0.003). It appears to be feasible in patients with Fontan circulation. (4) Conclusions: We were able to demonstrate that there is a significant correlation between our standardized SCT and treadmill CPET. Therefore, we can say that the SCT can be used as an easy supplement to CPET and in certain contexts, it can also be used as a screening tool when CPET is not available. The advantages would be that the SCT is a simple, quick, cost-effective, and reliable standardized (sub)maximal exercise test to evaluate CRF in healthy children on a routine basis. We can even assume that it can be used in patients with congenital heart disease.
A 16 × 16 Patch-Based Deep Learning Model for the Early Prognosis of Monkeypox from Skin Color Images
Authors: Arshed Muhammad Asad , Rehman Hafiz Abdul , Ahmed Saeed , Dewi Christine , Christanto Henoch Juli
Published: February 2024

The DNA virus responsible for monkeypox, transmitted from animals to humans, exhibits two distinct genetic lineages in central and eastern Africa. Beyond the zoonotic transmission involving direct contact with the infected animals’ bodily fluids and blood, the spread of monkeypox can also occur through skin lesions and respiratory secretions among humans. Both monkeypox and chickenpox involve skin lesions and can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions, but they are caused by different viruses. The key difference is that monkeypox is caused by an orthopox-virus, while chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. In this study, the utilization of a patch-based vision transformer (ViT) model for the identification of monkeypox and chickenpox disease from human skin color images marks a significant advancement in medical diagnostics. Employing a transfer learning approach, the research investigates the ViT model’s capability to discern subtle patterns which are indicative of monkeypox and chickenpox. The dataset was enriched through carefully selected image augmentation techniques, enhancing the model’s ability to generalize across diverse scenarios. During the evaluation phase, the patch-based ViT model demonstrated substantial proficiency, achieving an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 rating of 93%. This positive outcome underscores the practicality of employing sophisticated deep learning architectures, specifically vision transformers, in the realm of medical image analysis. Through the integration of transfer learning and image augmentation, not only is the model’s responsiveness to monkeypox- and chickenpox-related features enhanced, but concerns regarding data scarcity are also effectively addressed. The model outperformed the state-of-the-art studies and the CNN-based pre-trained models in terms of accuracy.
Using 3D Imaging to Preoperatively Plan Facelift Procedures for the Lower Third of the Face and Neck
Authors: Borisenko Anastasiya S. , Sharobaro Valentin I. , Avdeev Alexey E. , Burkhonova Nigora S. , Fisun Anastasiya O.
Published: February 2024

The pursuit of youth and attractiveness is a fundamental desire in contemporary society. For many individuals, the appearance of visible signs of aging, such as skin laxity, gravitational changes in facial and neck soft tissues, and loss of harmonious proportions, can be psychologically distressing. The choice of effective methods for addressing these changes depends on their specific characteristics, the patient’s anatomical features, and the type of facial aging. The introduction of 3D imaging to determine the hyoid bone level, the volume of soft tissue structures in the cervico-mental area, ptosis of subplatysmal structures, and the volume of submandibular glands, in addition to ultrasound study of the submental projection at the preoperative stage, are key for making the best decisions regarding preoperative planning. This case report aims to illustrate how modern imaging techniques are a fundamental part of the preoperative assessment of the mid and lower third of the face to ensure the most favorable aesthetic outcomes for each patient.
AriAplBud: An Aerial Multi-Growth Stage Apple Flower Bud Dataset for Agricultural Object Detection Benchmarking
Authors: Yuan Wenan
Published: February 2024

As one of the most important topics in contemporary computer vision research, object detection has received wide attention from the precision agriculture community for diverse applications. While state-of-the-art object detection frameworks are usually evaluated against large-scale public datasets containing mostly non-agricultural objects, a specialized dataset that reflects unique properties of plants would aid researchers in investigating the utility of newly developed object detectors within agricultural contexts. This article presents AriAplBud: a close-up apple flower bud image dataset created using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based red–green–blue (RGB) camera. AriAplBud contains 3600 images of apple flower buds at six growth stages, with 110,467 manual bounding box annotations as positive samples and 2520 additional empty orchard images containing no apple flower bud as negative samples. AriAplBud can be directly deployed for developing object detection models that accept Darknet annotation format without additional preprocessing steps, serving as a potential benchmark for future agricultural object detection research. A demonstration of developing YOLOv8-based apple flower bud detectors is also presented in this article.
Fried-Yennie Gauge in Pseudo-QED
Authors: Mizher Ana , Raya Alfredo , Raya Khépani
Published: February 2024

The Fried-Yennie gauge is a covariant gauge for which the mass-shell renormalization procedure can be performed without introducing spurious infrared divergences to the theory. It is usually applied in calculations in regular Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), but it is particularly interesting when employed in the framework of pseudo-QED (PQED), where fermions are constrained to 2 + 1 dimensions while the dynamical fields interacting with these fermions live in the bulk of a 3 + 1 space. In this context, the gauge parameter can be adjusted to match the power of the external momentum in the denominator of the photon propagator, simplifying the infrared region without the need for a photon mass. In this work, we apply this machinery, for the first time, to PQED, generalizing the procedure to calculate the self energy in arbitrary dimensions, allowing, of course, for different dimensionalities of fermions and gauge fields.
FSN: Joint Entity and Relation Extraction Based on Filter Separator Network
Authors: Dai Qicai , Yang Wenzhong , Wei Fuyuan , He Liang , Liao Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

Joint entity and relation extraction methods have attracted an increasing amount of attention recently due to their capacity to extract relational triples from intricate texts. However, most of the existing methods ignore the association and difference between the Named Entity Recognition (NER) subtask features and the Relation Extraction (RE) subtask features, which leads to an imbalance in the interaction between these two subtasks. To solve the above problems, we propose a new joint entity and relation extraction method, FSN. It contains a Filter Separator Network (FSN) module that employs a two-direction LSTM to filter and separate the information contained in a sentence and merges similar features through a splicing operation, thus solving the problem of the interaction imbalance between subtasks. In order to better extract the local feature information for each subtask, we designed a Named Entity Recognition Generation (NERG) module and a Relation Extraction Generation (REG) module by adopting the design idea of the decoder in Transformer and average pooling operations to better capture the entity boundary information in the sentence and the entity pair boundary information for each relation in the relational triple, respectively. Additionally, we propose a dynamic loss function that dynamically adjusts the learning weights of each subtask in each epoch according to the proportionality between each subtask, thus narrowing down the difference between the ideal and realistic results. We thoroughly evaluated our model on the SciERC dataset and the ACE2005 dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves satisfactory results compared to the baseline model.
Global Environmental Systems—A Spatial Framework for Better Understanding the Changing World
Authors: Hrdina Aleš , Romportl Dušan
Published: February 2024

Purely natural land formations are increasingly rare in today’s world, as most areas have been shaped, to varying degrees, by human influence over time. To better understand ongoing changes in the natural environment, we adopted an approach that involves identifying global systems with a significant anthropogenic component. In this study, we developed a new classification of Global Environmental Systems based on over 20 high-resolution datasets, covering abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic conditions. We created abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic classifications, each with ten classes. The combinations of these classes result in 169 distinct classes of Global Environmental Systems. This classification provides a suitable spatial framework for monitoring land use dynamics, biodiversity changes, global climate change impacts, and various processes exhibiting complex spatial patterns.
Development and Application of Bioactive Bi-Layer Edible Films Based on Starch and LAB-Fermented Whey and/or Mango Solution
Authors: Hernández-Carranza Paola , Mendoza-Gutiérrez Bricia A. , Estévez-Sánchez Karen H. , Ramírez-López Carolina , Beristain-Bauza Silvia del C. , Avila-Reyes Sandra V. , Ruíz-López Irving I. , Ochoa-Velasco Carlos E.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to develop bioactive bi-layer edible films based on starch (primary layer) and LAB-fermented whey and/or mango pulp powder solutions (secondary layer). Bioactive bi-layer edible films were evaluated for their physical properties, mechanical properties, antioxidant capacity, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus availability for 28 days (4 and 20 °C). Selected bioactive bi-layer edible film was applied to sushi to evaluate its sensory acceptance. The results indicated that bi-layer edible films based on LAB-fermented whey/mango solutions presented a higher quantity of phenolic compounds (95.87–107.67 mg GAE/100 g) and higher antioxidant capacity (74.84–77.64%). In addition, the higher viability (106–107 CFU/g) of L. rhamnosus after edible film production was obtained in those formulated with whey. After the storage period, the antioxidant capacity of all edible films was significantly affected by the storage time, while edible films containing whey in their formulation and stored at 4 °C had a L. rhamnosus count higher than 6 log cycles, which is the minimum required threshold to exert its beneficial effects in humans. The sushi covered with the selected bi-layer edible film was well accepted by the consumers, showing acceptance values between “I like it” and “I like it much”. Therefore, the developed bi-layer edible films can serve as an alternative for adding health-promoting compounds to sushi with an adequate sensory acceptance of the consumers.
Understanding the Interaction between Nanomaterials Originated from High-Temperature Processed Starch/Myristic Acid and Human Monocyte Cells
Authors: Periasamy Vaiyapuri Subbarayan , Athinarayanan Jegan , Alshatwi Ali A.
Published: February 2024

High-temperature cooking approaches trigger many metabolically undesirable molecule formations, which pose health risks. As a result, nanomaterial formation has been observed while cooking and reported recently. At high temperatures, starch and myristic acid interact and lead to the creation of nanomaterials (cMS-NMs). We used a non-polar solvent chloroform to separate the nanomaterials using a liquid–liquid extraction technique. The physico-chemical characterization was carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To determine the biological impact of these nanomaterials using different in vitro assays, including a cell viability assay, microscopic staining, and gene expression analysis, we adopted the THP-1 cell line as an in vitro monocyte model in our study. The TEM images revealed that fabricated cMS nanomaterials are smaller than 100 nm in diameter. There were significant concerns found in the cytotoxicity assay and gene expression analysis. At concentrations of 100–250 µg/mL, the cMS-NMs caused up to 95% cell death. We found both necrosis and apoptosis in cMS-NMs treated THP-1 cells. In cMS-NMs-treated THP-1 cells, we found decreased expression levels in IL1B and NFKB1A genes and significant upregulation in MIF genes, suggesting a negative immune response. These findings strongly suggest that cMS-NMs originated from high-temperature food processing can cause adverse effects on biological systems. Therefore, charred materials in processed foods should be avoided in order to minimize the risk of health complications.
Dietary Acrylamide: A Detailed Review on Formation, Detection, Mitigation, and Its Health Impacts
Authors: Govindaraju Indira , Sana Maidin , Chakraborty Ishita , Rahman Md. Hafizur , Biswas Rajib , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: February 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, people increasingly rely on a variety of processed foods due to their busy lifestyles. The enhanced flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of accessibility at reasonable prices have made ready-to-eat foods the easiest and simplest choice to satiate hunger, especially those that undergo thermal processing. However, these foods often contain an unsaturated amide called ‘Acrylamide’, known by its chemical name 2-propenamide, which is a contaminant formed when a carbohydrate- or protein-rich food product is thermally processed at more than 120 °C through methods like frying, baking, or roasting. Consuming foods with elevated levels of acrylamide can induce harmful toxicity such as neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and prenatal and postnatal toxicity. This review delves into the major pathways and factors influencing acrylamide formation in food, discusses its adverse effects on human health, and explores recent techniques for the detection and mitigation of acrylamide in food. This review could be of interest to a wide audience in the food industry that manufactures processed foods. A multi-faceted strategy is necessary to identify and resolve the factors responsible for the browning of food, ensure safety standards, and preserve essential food quality traits.
Development of 3D Printed pNIPAM-Chitosan Scaffolds for Dentoalveolar Tissue Engineering
Authors: Salar Amoli Mehdi , Anand Resmi , EzEldeen Mostafa , Geris Liesbet , Jacobs Reinhilde , Bloemen Veerle
Published: February 2024

While available treatments have addressed a variety of complications in the dentoalveolar region, associated challenges have resulted in exploration of tissue engineering techniques. Often, scaffold biomaterials with specific properties are required for such strategies to be successful, development of which is an active area of research. This study focuses on the development of a copolymer of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and chitosan, used for 3D printing of scaffolds for dentoalveolar regeneration. The synthesized material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the possibility of printing was evaluated through various printability tests. The rate of degradation and swelling was analyzed through gravimetry, and surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Viability of dental pulp stem cells seeded on the scaffolds was evaluated by live/dead analysis and DNA quantification. The results demonstrated successful copolymerization, and three formulations among various synthesized formulations were successfully 3D printed. Up to 35% degradability was confirmed within 7 days, and a maximum swelling of approximately 1200% was achieved. Furthermore, initial assessment of cell viability demonstrated biocompatibility of the developed scaffolds. While further studies are required to achieve the tissue engineering goals, the present results tend to indicate that the proposed hydrogel might be a valid candidate for scaffold fabrication serving dentoalveolar tissue engineering through 3D printing.
Effects of Freeze-Drying Processes on the Acoustic Absorption Performance of Sustainable Cellulose Nanocrystal Aerogels
Authors: Ruan Ju-Qi , Xie Kai-Yue , Wan Jun-Nan , Chen Qing-Yuan , Zuo Xiaoqing , Li Xiaodong , Wu Xiaodong , Fei Chunlong , Yao Shanshan
Published: February 2024

Cellulose aerogels have great prospects for noise reduction applications due to their sustainable value and superior 3D interconnected porous structures. The drying principle is a crucial factor in the preparation process for developing high-performance aerogels, particularly with respect to achieving high acoustic absorption properties. In this study, multifunctional cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) aerogels were conveniently prepared using two distinct freeze-drying principles: refrigerator conventional freezing (RCF) and liquid nitrogen unidirectional freezing (LnUF). The results indicate that the rapid RCF process resulted in a denser CNC aerogel structure with disordered larger pores, causing a stronger compressive performance (Young’s modulus of 40 kPa). On the contrary, the LnUF process constructed ordered structures of CNC aerogels with a lower bulk density (0.03 g/cm3) and smaller apertures, resulting in better thermal stability, higher diffuse reflection across visible light, and especially increased acoustic absorption performance at low–mid frequencies (600–3000 Hz). Moreover, the dissipation mechanism of sound energy in the fabricated CNC aerogels is predicted by a designed porous media model. This work not only paves the way for optimizing the performance of aerogels through structure control, but also provides a new perspective for developing sustainable and efficient acoustic absorptive materials for a wide range of applications.
Navigating Gene Therapy Access: The Case of Bulgaria in the Context of the EU Regulatory Landscape
Authors: Kostadinov Kostadin , Marinova Yuliyana , Dimitrov Kostadin , Hristova-Atanasova Eleonora , Iskrov Georgi , Stefanov Rumen
Published: February 2024

Gene therapies (GTs) have recently emerged as revolutionary personalized therapeutic options. Despite their promising potential, challenges such as uncertainty regarding long-term health benefits and safety, along with extreme price tags, pose significant obstacles to patient access. Within the EU, the European Medicines Agency plays a pivotal role with regards to GT market authorization. However, national authorities are responsible for pricing and reimbursement, which results in fragment patient access within the EU. This study aimed to provide an overview of the complex landscape of post-market authorization accessibility for GT products in Bulgaria, comparing it with neighboring EU countries. We applied a mixed-methods approach, including desk research, public data requests, and list price comparisons. As of 1 April 2023, 14 GTs had a valid market authorization at the EU level. In Bulgaria, Kymriah® was the only GT included in the Positive Drug List (PDL), with an official list price of EUR 335,636.94. Similar results were found in Romania, whereas five GTs were included in Greece’s PDL. Additionally, Zolgensma® was found accessible in Bulgaria through an alternative individual access scheme at an estimated price of EUR 1,945,000.00. In conclusion, this study emphasized targeted policy interventions to address health inequalities and to ensure timely access to GTs within the EU.
Gait Analysis of Hemiparetic Adult Patients with a Quadripod Cane and a Rolling Cane
Authors: Maillard Bérengère , Boutaayamou Mohamed , Cassol Helena , Pirnay Laurence , Kaux Jean-François
Published: February 2024

Stroke consequences include hemiparesis and difficulty walking. Several types of canes exist to overcome these alterations, but little data compares the quadripod cane and the rolling cane in hemiparetic patients. The objective of this work is twofold: to determine whether the gait speed—the most often used parameter to assess gait performance—depends on the type of cane, and to establish which spatiotemporal parameters have the most influence. Thirty-four hemiparetic patients performed 10 m walking tests at comfortable and fast speed conditions, using both canes on two different days. To objectively analyze their gait patterns, we used a tri-axial Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based system to record the walking signals from which we extracted the gait spatiotemporal parameters. We particularly examined the speed, stride length, and durations of stance, swing, and double support phases. The results showed that hemiparetic patients walked faster with the rolling cane during both speed conditions. These speed increases could be explained by the decrease in the stance phase duration of the affected leg, the decrease in the double support duration, and the increase in cadence. Our findings suggest that the rolling cane allows safe and faster walking.
Biological Control and Cross Infections of the Neofusicoccum spp. Causing Mango Postharvest Rots in Spain
Authors: Guirado-Manzano Lucía , Tienda Sandra , Gutiérrez-Barranquero José Antonio , de Vicente Antonio , Cazorla Francisco M. , Arrebola Eva
Published: February 2024

Mango is one of the main subtropical crops growing in southern Spain. Spanish mango fruit production can be efficiently transported to the rest of Europe, and these mangoes are very appreciated for their quality and flavour. However, postharvest rots have been detected in stored mango fruits, making their commercialization difficult. The causal agents associated with such rot symptoms have been isolated and identified. Because the mango crops used to share the same growing area with avocado crops, fungal presence on surrounding asymptomatic avocado fruits was also analysed to detect potential cross infections. Artificial inoculation with Neofusicoccum parvum and N. mediterraneum was able to reproduce rot symptoms in mango but was also able to induce rots in avocado fruits. To approach a biological control strategy against these rot-producing fungi, two very well-known antagonistic biocontrol bacteria, Pseudomonas chlororaphis PCL1606, and Bacillus velezensis UMAF6639, were tested. The obtained results revealed that both bacteria can control the fungal rots on stored mango and avocado fruits under controlled conditions. Additionally, the strain B. velezensis UMAF6639 showed the ability to persist on the fruit surface of adult commercial trees in experiments under open field conditions, helping to prevent the appearance of these postharvest diseases.