bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping simulated visual field defects with movie-viewing pupil perimetry
Authors: Cai Yuqing , Strauch Christoph , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Brink Antonia F. Ten , Cornelissen Frans W. , Naber Marnix
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Assessing the quality of the visual field is important for the diagnosis of ophthalmic and neurological diseases and, consequently, for rehabilitation. Visual field defects (VFDs) are typically assessed using standard automated perimetry (SAP). However, SAP requires participants to understand instructions, maintain fixation and sustained attention, and provide overt responses. These aspects make SAP less suitable for very young or cognitively impaired populations. Here we investigate the feasibility of a new and less demanding form of perimetry. This method assesses visual sensitivity based on pupil responses while performing the perhaps simplest task imaginable: watching movies.

Method

We analyzed an existing dataset, with healthy participants (n = 70) freely watching movies with or without gaze-contingent simulated VFDs, either hemianopia (left- or right-sided) or glaucoma (large nasal arc, small nasal arc, and tunnel vision). Meanwhile, their gaze and pupil size were recorded. Using a recently published toolbox (Open-DPSM), we modeled the relative contribution of visual events to the pupil responses to indicate relative visual sensitivity across the visual field and to dissociate between conditions with and without simulated VFDs.

Result

Conditions with and without simulated VFDs could be dissociated, with an AUC ranging from 0.85 to 0.97, depending on the specific simulated VFD condition. In addition, the dissociation was better when including more movies in the modeling but the model with as few movies as 10 movies was sufficient for a good classification (AUC ranging from 0.84 to 0.96).

Conclusion

Movie-viewing pupil perimetry is promising in providing complementary information for the diagnosis of VFDs, especially for those who are unable to perform conventional perimetry.
Long-term kidney outcomes in survivors of Wilms tumor: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Reinert Shannon , Benoit Stefanie W. , Nagarajan Rajaram
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies have investigated long-term kidney outcomes in survivors of Wilms tumor (WT). However, many have small sample sizes, and there is a wide variation in reported outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term kidney outcomes in survivors of WT (S-WT), including those patients considered to be at high risk for poor kidney outcomes, and using updated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of 64 patients treated for WT at a single pediatric center. Patients were off treatment for 5 years or more at the time of analysis and were evaluated for decreased kidney function, hypertension, proteinuria, and compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney.

Results

At a median follow-up time of 11.3 years off treatment (range 5–22.6) and average age of 16.7 years (range 6.5–30), 35 patients had a decreased eGFR (< 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 2 patients had progressed to chronic kidney disease stage 5. Compensatory hypertrophy was observed in 67% of cases. 41% of patients had elevated clinic blood pressures, with 2 patients on an anti-hypertensive medication. Three of 9 patients had evidence of hypertension on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Eight of 37 patients (22%) had proteinuria.

Conclusions

Kidney dysfunction is common in S-WT at a young age. This population should be carefully monitored for the development of decreased eGFR, hypertension, and proteinuria as part of their routine survivorship care. This is particularly true for modifiable risk factors of chronic kidney disease progression, such as hypertension and proteinuria.

Graphical Abstract
FLAME: fire detection in videos combining a deep neural network with a model-based motion analysis
Authors: Gragnaniello Diego , Greco Antonio , Sansone Carlo , Vento Bruno
Published: January 2025

Among the catastrophic natural events posing hazards to human lives and infrastructures, fire is the phenomenon causing more frequent damages. Thanks to the spread of smart cameras, video fire detection is gaining more attention as a solution to monitor wide outdoor areas where no specific sensors for smoke detection are available. However, state-of-the-art fire detectors assure a satisfactory Recall but exhibit a high false-positive rate that renders the application practically unusable. In this paper, we propose FLAME, an efficient and adaptive classification framework to address fire detection from videos. The framework integrates a state-of-the-art deep neural network for frame-wise object detection, in an automatic video analysis tool. The advantages of our approach are twofold. On the one side, we exploit advances in image detector technology to ensure a high Recall. On the other side, we design a model-based motion analysis that improves the system’s Precision by filtering out fire candidates occurring in the scene’s background or whose movements differ from those of the fire. The proposed technique, able to be executed in real-time on embedded systems, has proven to surpass the methods considered for comparison on a recent literature dataset representing several scenarios. The code and the dataset used for designing the system have been made publicly available by the authors at (https://mivia.unisa.it/large-fire-dataset-with-negative-samples-lfdn/).
Capillary assembly of anisotropic nanoparticles at cylindrical fluid interfaces in the immersion regime
Authors: Eatson Jack L. , Stephenson Benjamin T. , Gordon Jacob R. , Horozov Tommy S. , Buzza D. Martin A.
Published: January 2025

The unique behaviour of colloids at liquid interfaces provides exciting opportunities for engineering the assembly of colloidal particles into functional materials. In particular, the deformable nature of liquid interfaces means that we can use interfacial curvature, in addition to particle properties, to direct self-assembly. In this paper, we use a finite element method to study the self-assembly of rod-shaped particles adsorbed at a curved interface formed by a sessile drop with cylindrical geometry, where the lateral width of the cylindrical drop is much greater than the length of the rods, and the height of the drop is comparable to or smaller than the radius of the rods, i.e. the system is in the so-called immersion regime. Specifically, we study the configuration of single and multiple rods as a function of drop height, particle shape (ellipsoid, cylinder, spherocylinder) and contact angle. We find that for low enough drop heights, regardless of the shape or contact angle of the particles, all rods orientate themselves parallel to the long axis of the cylindrical interface and are strongly confined laterally to be at the centreline of the cylindrical drop. The rods also experience long-range immersion capillary forces which assemble the rods tip-to-tip at larger drop heights and, in the case of ellipsoids and spherocylinders, side-to-side at smaller drop heights. We note that the capillary forces that drive particle ordering are very strong in the immersion regime, even for rods on the nanoscale, allowing us to control the configuration of nanorods using near micron-scale droplets. Our capillary assembly method therefore provides a facile method for creating functional nanoclusters. Our study also provides insights into how the structure of such clusters evolves during the drying of the droplet.
Deep Learning Models for Automatic Classification of Anatomic Location in Abdominopelvic Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Taghavi Reza Moein , Shah Amol , Filkov Vladimir , Goldman Roger Eric
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To explore the information in routine digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and evaluate deep learning algorithms for automated identification of anatomic location in DSA sequences.

Methods

DSA of the abdominal aorta, celiac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric, and bilateral external iliac arteries was labeled with the anatomic location from retrospectively collected endovascular procedures performed between 2010 and 2020 at a tertiary care medical center. “Key” images within each sequence demonstrating the parent vessel and the first bifurcation were additionally labeled. Mode models aggregating single image predictions, trained with the full or “key” datasets, and a multiple instance learning (MIL) model were developed for location classification of the DSA sequences. Model performance was evaluated with a primary endpoint of multiclass classification accuracy and compared by McNemar’s test.

Results

A total of 819 unique angiographic sequences from 205 patients and 276 procedures were included in the training, validation, and testing data and split into partitions at the patient level to preclude data leakage. The data demonstrate substantial information sparsity as a minority of the images were designated as “key” with sufficient information for localization by a domain expert. A Mode model, trained and tested with “key” images, demonstrated an overall multiclass classification accuracy of 0.975 (95% CI 0.941–1). A MIL model, trained and tested with all data, demonstrated an overall multiclass classification accuracy of 0.966 (95% CI 0.932–0.992). Both the Mode model with “key” images (p < 0.001) and MIL model (p < 0.001) significantly outperformed a Mode model trained and tested with the full dataset. The MIL model additionally automatically identified a set of top-5 images with an average overlap of 92.5% to manually labelled “key” images.

Conclusion

Deep learning algorithms can identify anatomic locations in abdominopelvic DSA with high fidelity using manual or automatic methods to manage information sparsity.
Non-native vegetation encroachment drives trophic turnover in island nematodes
Authors: Sharp Adam , Correia Margarida , Gray Alan , Lawson Rebecca , Ledger Martha , Tawatao Noel , Prior Thomas
Published: January 2025

Nematodes are important components of terrestrial ecosystems. There is currently limited understanding of how soil nematode communities are altered by non-native vegetation encroachment. The spatial turnover of nematode communities was studied on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic: an isolated and degraded volcanic island of sparse native vegetation. Many non-native plants were introduced in the mid-1800’s, and non-native shrubs have more recently spread across the lowlands. Ascension’s elevation gradient represented a unique space-for-time proxy for non-native vegetation colonisation of a relatively barren landscape. Nematodes were collected at 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 m elevations along three transects and their community composition linked to Landsat-derived vegetation cover and moisture over the 2000–2023 period. Although taxonomic turnover was elevation independent, both nematode abundance and richness increased with elevation. The moist and densely-vegetated mountain top was dominated by plant-root parasites, less dense mid-elevations by omnivores, dry and sparsely-vegetated lowlands by fungivores, and the moist littoral habitat by predators. Landsat analysis predicted that the relative abundance of root parasitic nematodes on Ascension increased by 23% with spreading non-native vegetation over 24 years. While taxonomic turnover in nematode composition may be resultant solely of historic species introductions, trophic turnover is spatially structured and likely follows non-native vegetation encroachment closely. Root parasitic nematodes may be spreading rapidly with non-native vegetation, especially on oceanic islands. The abundance of such nematodes in soil could become an unanticipated hinderance in the restoration of invaded habitat – potentially requiring management long after non-native vegetation is cleared.
Conservation aquaculture of wild-origin offspring preserves genetic diversity in an endangered population of white sturgeon
Authors: Johnson Peter , Crossman James , Miller Andy , Nichols Brent , McLellan Jason , Howell Matthew , Schreier Andrea
Published: January 2025

Conservation aquaculture programs that release fish to supplement wild populations can potentially capture greater genetic diversity by collecting offspring as embryos and larvae from wild spawning events than by producing them conventionally from broodstock. A conservation aquaculture program for the endangered white sturgeon population of the Upper Columbia River initially utilized wild broodstock for 14 years before fully transitioning to rearing wild-origin offspring in 2014. Here we evaluated the performance of this program in capturing the wild population’s genetic diversity since transitioning to wild-origin offspring. We analyzed genotypes of 325 tetrasomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in more than 5,000 offspring reared from 2014 to 2020 and over 1,000 wild adults from the population. Genetic diversity statistics were highly similar between each offspring year class and the wild adult population. We inferred sibship structure to estimate the total number of spawners (Ns) and effective number of breeders (Nb) represented within each year class and found values as high as 932.5 (95% CI 876–989) and 146.3 (95% CI 144–149), respectively, far surpassing the numbers included as broodstock. We further estimated Ns and Nb for three year classes with their individuals that died in aquaculture and found that on average, the mortality rate of 33.2% decreased Ns by 21.5% and Nb by 7.9%. Finally, we analyzed relationship coefficients to identify full-sibships spanning collection sites and found them in one year class, comprising 0.27% of all full-sibling pairs that year, demonstrating that the separate sites display negligible redundancy with respect to sibling families collected. Our results illustrate a robust performance by this program in representing the wild population’s diversity compared to broodstock approaches and support the adoption of utilizing wild-origin offspring in other conservation aquaculture programs when feasible.
Indexing temporal relations for range-duration queries
Authors: Ceccarello Matteo , Dignös Anton , Gamper Johann , Khnaisser Christina
Published: January 2025

Temporal information plays a crucial role in many database applications, however support for queries on such data is limited. We present an index structure, termed RD-index, to support range-duration queries over interval timestamped relations, which constrain both the range of the tuples’ positions on the timeline and their duration. RD-index is a grid structure in the two-dimensional space, representing the position on the timeline and the duration of timestamps, respectively. Instead of using a regular grid, we consider the data distribution for the construction of the grid in order to ensure that each grid cell contains approximately the same number of intervals. RD-index features provable bounds on the running time of all the operations, allows for a simple implementation, supports very predictable query performance, and can be constructed and queried in parallel using multithreading. We benchmark our solution on a variety of datasets and query workloads, investigating both the query rate and the behavior of the individual queries. The results show that RD-index performs better than the baselines on range-duration queries, for which it is explicitly designed. Furthermore, it outperforms state of the art indexes also on mixed workloads containing queries that constrain either only the duration or the range along with range-duration queries. Finally, the size of the RD-index is in all settings smaller than the competitors, its construction scales with the number of threads, and parallelization helps improving the runtime of expensive moderate and lowly selective queries.
The Cronbach’s Alpha of Domain-Specific Knowledge Tests Before and After Learning: A Meta-Analysis of Published Studies
Authors: Edelsbrunner Peter A. , Simonsmeier Bianca A. , Schneider Michael
Published: January 2025

Knowledge is an important predictor and outcome of learning and development. Its measurement is challenged by the fact that knowledge can be integrated and homogeneous, or fragmented and heterogeneous, which can change through learning. These characteristics of knowledge are at odds with current standards for test development, demanding a high internal consistency (e.g., Cronbach's Alphas greater .70). To provide an initial empirical base for this debate, we conducted a meta-analysis of the Cronbach's Alphas of knowledge tests derived from an available data set. Based on 285 effect sizes from 55 samples, the estimated typical Alpha of domain-specific knowledge tests in publications was α = .85, CI90 [.82; .87]. Alpha was so high despite a low mean item intercorrelation of .22 because the tests were relatively long on average and bias in the test construction or publication process led to an underrepresentation of low Alphas. Alpha was higher in tests with more items, with open answers and in younger age, it increased after interventions and throughout development, and it was higher for knowledge in languages and mathematics than in science and social sciences/humanities. Generally, Alphas varied strongly between different knowledge tests and populations with different characteristics, reflected in a 90% prediction interval of [.35, .96]. We suggest this range as a guideline for the Alphas that researchers can expect for knowledge tests with 20 items, providing guidelines for shorter and longer tests. We discuss implications for our understanding of domain-specific knowledge and how fixed cut-off values for the internal consistency of knowledge tests bias research findings.
Improvements in beef cattle productivity can increase economy-wide activity and simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland
Authors: Allan Grant , Comerford David , Connolly Kevin , McGregor Peter G.
Published: January 2025

Cutting emissions from agriculture will be important in meeting emissions reduction targets. However, there are concerns that such outcomes might require reductions in the scale of agricultural activity, with negative impacts on agriculture reliant economies. A number of policies seek to improve the productivity of the agricultural sector, i.e. permitting increased output from a given set of inputs, but the impact of such policies on emissions or economic activity is unclear. The objective of this study is to demonstrate how a Computable General Equilibrium model can be used to undertake ex ante analysis of the potential economic and environmental impacts of full implementation of a policy targeted at raising productivity in Scotland’s beef farming sector. We find positive impacts on economic variables and reductions in emissions, largely generated through reductions in the size of the capital stock in the beef farming sector. Our results contribute to a growing and important literature exploring the future capability of the agricultural sector to provide livelihoods, while minimising its environmental impacts.
Analysis of Disparities in Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Military Health System Pediatrics Population
Authors: Chikezie-Darron Ocheze , Sakai Joshua , Tolson Daniel
Published: January 2025

There have been disparities reported in prevalence of autism by gender, race, and socioeconomic status with older ages of diagnosis in non-White and in female children. Possible disparities in the ages of autism diagnosis are not well-established within the Military Health System (MHS) pediatric population, where we hypothesized less disparities given universal Tricare coverage for active-duty military families and theoretically equal access to the military treatment facility (MTF). We conducted retrospective cross-sectional analysis using deidentified database repository records from the MHS. We collected and analyzed demographic data on children covered by Tricare and newly diagnosed with autism within an MTF (N = 31,355) or outside of the MTF (5,579 respectively). Within the MTF, we identified younger ages of autism diagnosis in non-White children less than 18 years old (p < 2.2e−16), without significant differences in ages of diagnosis by race in children less than 6 years of age. There were no statistically significant differences in ages of diagnosis between males and females. Outside the MTF, we identified younger ages of autism diagnosis in males versus females with statistically significant difference in average ages of autism diagnosis between males and females less than the age of 18 years (p = 4.4e-08). This difference was not seen in children less than 6 years of age. Racial data was not available for diagnosis outside the MTF. The age of autism diagnosis in the military pediatric population within the MTF did not reflect historical disparities seen in non-White and in female children.
Comprehensive analysis of dehydrated edible macroalgae: Volatile compounds, chemical profiles, biological activities, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Trigueros Esther , Amaro Filipa , de Pinho Paula Guedes , Oliveira Andreia P.
Published: January 2025

Seaweeds offer sustainable, low-calorie nutritional options to address global food demand. Their limited use is due to a lack of understanding of their flavor, influenced by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study aims to expand knowledge of sensory, bioactive, and chemical properties of edible macroalgae (Chondrus crispus, Gracilaria gracilis, Porphyra dioica, Pyropia haitanensis, Palmaria palmata, and Ulva rigida) analyzing their VOCs, phenolics, proteins, free amino acids, sugars, and bioactivities. Extracts were obtained using 80% ethanol (25ºC, 60 min). HS-SPME/GC–MS analyses identified distinct compounds, such as 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, geranylacetone, trans-linalool oxide, and trimethylpyrazine in P. haitanensis, (Z)-4-heptenal in P. dioica, octanal, isophorone, heptanoic acid, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, and tetramethylpyrazine in P. palmata, 2-methyl-2-pentenal, 1-pentanol, and 1-hexanol in G. gracilis, (E)-2-pentenal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 5-ethyl-2-furaldehyde, α-terpineol, and α-muurolene in U. rigida. Novel compounds were discovered in P. haitanensis (20), P. palmata (4), C. crispus (10), U. rigida (14), G. gracilis (11), and P. dioica (19). Red algae, especially Porphyra/Pyropia and P. palmata, were rich in phenolics, proteins, and sugars. P. haitanensis showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while P. dioica demonstrated lipid peroxidation prevention. These results, with the safe profile of all evaluated macroalgae, underscore the potential of seaweeds as innovative nutritional and bioactive food ingredients.
Primary School Children’s Self-Reported Experience of Parental Emotional Maltreatment and Peer Violence: Frequency and Associations with Quality of Life
Authors: Hermenau Katharin , Scharpf Florian , Hecker Tobias
Published: January 2025

Exposure to child maltreatment is associated with various negative outcomes across the life-span. Even though emotional maltreatment is highly prevalent, it is underrepresented in research. Most studies on emotional maltreatment to date focused only on adults and adolescents in retrospective surveys. However, it is important to include the current experiences of children. Methods: The present study included self- reports of German children aged 8–11 (N = 124) on emotional maltreatment and physical violence by parents as well as peer violence. In addition, quality of life was assessed. Results: Children were able to understand and to respond to items concerning maltreatment and violence. In general, frequency of violence exposure was low. Children mostly reported being shouted at and being insulted, quarrels between parents and emotional neglect. In interactions with peers, emotional violence was reported most often, followed by physical violence. Negative associations between parental emotional maltreatment and quality of life and between peer violence and quality of life were found. Conclusions: To gain more knowledge on current emotional maltreatment, it is crucial to include the perspectives of the children themselves. Our findings underscore the need for more research on emotional maltreatment among children in Germany and beyond.
A Symbolic AI Approach to Medical Training
Authors: Bottrighi Alessio , Grosso Federica , Ghiglione Marco , Maconi Antonio , Nera Stefano , Piovesan Luca , Raina Erica , Roveta Annalisa , Terenziani Paolo
Published: January 2025

In traditional medical education, learners are mostly trained to diagnose and treat patients through supervised practice. Artificial Intelligence and simulation techniques can complement such an educational practice. In this paper, we present GLARE-Edu, an innovative system in which AI knowledge-based methodologies and simulation are exploited to train learners “how to act” on patients based on the evidence-based best practices provided by clinical practice guidelines. GLARE-Edu is being developed by a multi-disciplinary team involving physicians and AI experts, within the AI-LEAP (LEArning Personalization of AI and with AI) Italian project. GLARE-Edu is domain-independent: it supports the acquisition of clinical guidelines and case studies in a computer format. Based on acquired guidelines (and case studies), it provides a series of educational facilities: (i) navigation, to navigate the structured representation of the guidelines provided by GLARE-Edu, (ii) automated simulation, to show learners how a guideline would suggest to act, step-by-step, on a specific case, and (iii) (self)verification, asking learners how they would treat a case, and comparing step-by-step the learner’s proposal with the suggestions of the proper guideline. In this paper, we describe GLARE-Edu architecture and general features, and we demonstrate our approach through a concrete application to the melanoma guideline and we propose a preliminary evaluation.
Overall survival and progression-free survival in pediatric meningiomas: a systematic review and individual patient-level meta-analysis
Authors: Wach Johannes , Vychopen Martin , Basaran Alim Emre , Tatagiba Marcos , Goldbrunner Roland , Güresir Erdem
Published: January 2025

Background

Pediatric meningiomas (PMs) are rare central nervous system tumors, accounting for 1–5% of all meningiomas, and differ from adult meningiomas in clinical, histopathological, and molecular features. Current guidelines primarily focus on adults, leaving a gap in evidence-based management for PMs. This study presents the largest meta-analysis of longitudinal individual patient data (IPD) to date, addressing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in pediatric patients.

Methods

Data from 20 studies (2011–2023), including 1010 pediatric meningioma cases, were analyzed to assess PFS and OS stratified by WHO grade, NF1/NF2 status, extent of resection (EOR), and adjuvant radiotherapy. Longitudinal survival data were reconstructed from Kaplan–Meier curves using IPD extraction methods.

Results

PMs affect males and females nearly equally (52.1% vs. 47.9%). WHO grade 3 tumors had significantly shorter PFS (72.1 months) compared to grades 1 (209.8 months) and 2 (137.5 months) (p < 0.001). No significant OS difference between WHO grades 1 and 2 PMs were observed. NF1- and NF2-associated tumors showed shorter PFS (59.7 and 138.4 months) than sporadic cases (180.6 months) (p = 0.02). GTR significantly improved PFS (113.8 vs. 40.1 months, p < 0.001) and OS (602.9 vs. 173.8 months, p < 0.001). Radiotherapy enhanced PFS (72.5 vs. 23.8 months, p = 0.009) and OS (140.7 vs. 63.0 months, p = 0.002) in grade 3 tumors but not in WHO grade 2 PMs (p = 0.43).

Conclusions

This largest meta-analysis highlights the critical roles of GTR and adjuvant radiotherapy in improving outcomes for high-grade PMs and underscores the urgent need for pediatric-specific management guidelines based on robust longitudinal data.

Graphical Abstract
Parametric excitation and friction modulation for a forced 2-DOF system
Authors: Sulollari Enxhi , van Dalen Karel N. , Cabboi Alessandro
Published: January 2025

A two degree of freedom mass on a moving belt system has been considered to study the effect of friction-induced oscillations, due to nonlinear contact properties and external excitation, on friction modulation. Both tangential and normal excitation are present and the Hertz-Damp model governs the normal contact. The combined presence of the normal-tangential coupling through friction and of the external excitation, results in a parametric excitation and triggers friction-induced oscillations. Using a numerical analysis, the occurrence of such oscillations is explained through the inspection of the friction force versus relative velocity plots, which indicate the presence of a negative damping effect in the tangential direction, despite considering Amontons-Coulomb law. Hence, a linearized stability analysis of the steady sliding state, by taking advantage of the Method of Direct Separation of Motion, is employed to predict the bifurcation point as function of system parameters. It is shown that the linearized stability analysis provides a good qualitative agreement for the occurrence of the friction-induced oscillations for the investigated system, while the quantitative match varies depending on the system parameters and their values. Lastly, the effect of the observed friction-induced oscillations on the friction modulation is studied. Through a numerical analysis, a significant degree of scatteredness in friction force modulation is observed. Such scatteredness is significantly linked to the emergence of friction-induced oscillations, and it also depends on the averaging procedure used to quantify the effective friction reduction.
Decentralized multi-robot formation control in environments with non-convex and dynamic obstacles based on path planning algorithms
Authors: Ruiz-Fernandez Luis E. , Ruiz-Leon Javier , Gomez-Gutierrez David , Murrieta-Cid Rafael
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we propose a new strategy to solve the multi-robot formation problem. Considering a set of holonomic robots, a decentralized algorithm is proposed to guide the robots to achieve a predefined formation while avoiding collisions with non-convex obstacles, dynamic obstacles, and other robots. Local collision avoidance is achieved using a variant of the well-known ORCA (optical reciprocal collision avoidance) algorithm. We modify this algorithm to ensure the continuity of the robots’ controls (velocities). The implementation of an online replanning algorithm, RRT, is essential to guide the robots and prevent them from getting stuck in minima. The resulting method guarantees formation convergence, and several simulations are presented to illustrate its effectiveness.
FoMO and Psychological Distress Mediate the Relationship Between Life Satisfaction, Problematic Smartphone Use, and Problematic Social Media Use
Authors: Soraci Paolo , Demetrovics Zsolt , Bevan Nadia , Pisanti Renato , Servidio Rocco , Di Bernardo Carla , Chini Elisa , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: January 2025

Low life satisfaction has often been associated with problematic social media use (PSMU), problematic smartphone use (PSU), FoMO and psychological distress. However, no studies have analyzed the relationship between life satisfaction, PSMU, PSU, FoMO, and psychological distress, in an integrated model. The present study hypothesized that life satisfaction may influence PSMU and PSU through the role of FoMO and psychological distress. A cross-sectional survey completed by 537 Italians (82.9% females [n = 445] and 17.1% males [n = 92], mean age = 35.35 years [SD ± 12.14]), included the Satisfaction With Life Scale, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and Fear of Missing Out Scale. The results indicated direct negative associations between life satisfaction and both PSMU and PSU. Additionally, the findings indicated that both FoMO and psychological distress acted as full mediators in this complex relationship, suggesting that problematic technology use may be driven by emotional vulnerabilities such as fear of social exclusion and heightened levels of psychological distress. The present study contributes to understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between life satisfaction, fear of missing out, psychological distress, and problematic technology use, offering insights for potential interventions aimed at reducing the negative impact of technology on well-being.
Inclisiran, Reasons for a Novel Agent in a Crowded Therapeutic Field
Authors: Di Giacomo-Barbagallo Francesco , Andreychuk Natalia , Scicali Roberto , Gonzalez-Lleó Ana , Piro Salvatore , Masana Lluis , Ibarretxe Daiana
Published: January 2025

Purpose of the Review

A significant number of patients fail to achieve target LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. This review aims to explore why inclisiran, a novel class of LLT, should be considered a valuable addition to the current treatment options.

Recent Findings

Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets PCSK9 synthesis specifically in the hepatocytes. The drug remains in circulation for less than 48 h, but its effect lasts for over six months. Two subcutaneous injections per year consistently lowers LDL-C by approximately 55% with a favorable safety profile. In combination with other LLTs, it can achieve LDL-C reductions of over 80%, supporting its role in high-intensity LLT strategies.

Inclisiran represents a novel class of LLT. Administered biannually, reduces baseline LDL-C levels by half. Additionally, it has a strong safety profile. Due to its pharmacokinetic properties, is likely to improve adherence to LLT and persistently maintain low LDL-C levels.
Injury pattern of feet and lower limbs in a feet-first fall from height
Authors: Amadasi Larissa , Amadasi Alberto , Buschmann Claas , Tsokos Michael
Published: January 2025

In fatalities caused by falls from height, the analysis of the injury pattern, alongside with circumstantial data, is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the incident. In rare cases, even a differentiation between accidental and intentional events might be possible. The injury pattern of the lower limbs is particularly significant in this context. In the present case - fall from height with primary impact on the feet - fractures of the lower limbs were diagnosed, including comminuted fractures in the middle-distal third of the tibiae and bilateral perforation of both feet and shoes by bone fragments. The longitudinal transmission of high kinetic energy caused by the impact could thus be proven. This specific feature allowed to conduct a complete and accurate assessment of injuries resulting from falls from height.
Stress Appraisal, Stress Mindset, and Perceived Pain During a Cold Pressor Test
Authors: Tse Helen Wing Yuk , Hanssen Marjolein M. , Vancleef Linda M. G. , Peters Madelon L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Previous studies demonstrated that task-specific stress appraisals as well as the more general belief that stress is (mal)adaptive (i.e., stress mindset) can affect the stress response. Little is known about the influence of stress appraisals and stress mindset on pain perception. The current study investigated whether stress appraisals and/or stress mindset moderates the impact of stress on pain perception.

Method

Sixty participants performed a stress-inducing speech preparation task followed by the cold pressor test (CPT) to induce pain. Threat appraisal of the speech task was measured with a questionnaire. Stress mindset was manipulated with a video clip emphasizing either the debilitating or enhancing nature of stress, after which another administration of the CPT took place.

Results

Participants in the “stress-is-enhancing” condition reported less pain on the second CPT than on the first, while participants in the “stress-is-debilitating” condition demonstrated similar pain levels. There was no effect of threat appraisals of the speech task on pain perception.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence on the impact of stress mindset on pain perception. Future studies could extend these findings to patients with pain and examine whether mindset interventions can be a useful component in pain management.
Virus Association with Bacteria and Bacterial Cell Components Enhance Virus Infectivity
Authors: Deng Wenjun , Almeida Giselle , Gibson Kristen E.
Published: January 2025

The transmission and infection of enteric viruses can be influenced by co-existing bacteria within the environment and host. However, the viral binding ligands on bacteria and the underlying interaction mechanisms remain unclear. This study characterized the association of norovirus surrogate Tulane virus (TuV) and murine norovirus (MNV) as well as the human enteric virus Aichi virus (AiV) with six bacteria strains (Pantoea agglomerans, Pantoea ananatis, Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Exiguobacterium sibiricum, Pseudomonas spp.). At room temperature, the viruses bound to all bacteria in strain-dependent rates and remained bound for at least 2 h. The virus association with two gram-positive bacteria B. cereus and E. sibiricum was less efficient than gram-negative bacteria. Next, the bacterial envelope components including lipopolysaccharides (LPS), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and peptidoglycan (PG) from selected strains were co-incubated with viruses to evaluate their effect on virus infectivity. All the tested bacteria components significantly increased virus infection to variable degrees as compared to PBS. The LPS of E. coli O111:B4 resulted in the greatest increases of infection by 0.19 log PFU for TuV as determined by plaque assay. Lastly, bacterial whole cell lysate of B. cereus and E. cloacae was examined for their impact on the infectivity of MNV and TuV. The co-incubation with whole cell lysates significantly increased the infectivity of TuV by 0.2 log PFU but not MNV. This study indicated that both the individual bacteria components and whole bacterial cell lysate can enhance virus infectivity, providing key insights for understanding virus–bacteria interaction.
Sarkoidose – neue Leitlinien, neue Therapieansätze
Authors: Lang David
Published: January 2025

Die Sarkoidose ist eine Systemerkrankung mit Bildung von nichtverkäsenden Epitheloidzellgranulomen in verschiedenen Organen. Ihre Ätiologie ist bis dato nicht abschließend geklärt. Sie tritt bevorzugt zwischen dem 30. und 50. Lebensjahr auf, wobei Frauen etwas häufiger und tendenziell im späteren Lebensalter betroffen sind. Die sichere Diagnose der Sarkoidose erfordert neben einer (Schnitt‑)Bildgebung den histologischen Nachweis der granulomatösen Entzündung bei gleichzeitigem Ausschluss anderer möglicher Differenzialdiagnosen. Therapeutisch kommen als Stufentherapie Glukokortikosteroide, krankheitsmodifizierende Basistherapeutika aus der Rheumatologie sowie verschiedene Biologika zur Anwendung. In den letzten Jahren wurden die Forschung zur Sarkoidose intensiviert sowie Leitlinien zur Diagnostik und Therapie aktualisiert. Die wesentlichen Inhalte dieser Aktualisierungen und eines Positionspapiers zur Diagnostik und Therapie der Sarkoidose unter Berücksichtigung der Patientenperspektive der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie (ÖGP) und der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (Positionspapier der ÖGR und ÖGP zur Diagnose und Therapie der Sarkoidose 2024: https://www.springermedizin.at/positionspapier-der-oegr-und-oegp-zur-diagnose-und-therapie-der-/50090498, ÖGR) werden hier übersichtlich dargestellt.
Design and Development of IoT Smart Drip Irrigation and Fertigation Prototype for Small and Medium Scale Farmers. Acase Study of Tomato Farmers in Tanzania
Authors: Ngoma Daniel H. , Nkongo Dickson , Abdul-Rahman Humoud M. , Muna Baraka H. , Buberwa Aneth P. , Ngaiza Edison , Rhee Herb
Published: January 2025

In Tanzania, almost 30% of the farm land are practicing traditional irrigation farming while around 60% rely on the seasonal rains which are only once every year. This resulted to inefficiency agriculture practices due to the absence of real-time weather data that in cooperates plants characteristics on seasonal growth for better yield. Studies have shown that, only about 10% of the crop caltivated land in Tanzania are farming using modern irrigation practices which include drip and smart irrigation systems. To address these challenges for the purpose of improving crop yield, there is a need to research, design and develop an integrated farming system that will monitor crop environmental conditions and nutritional requirements for the purpose of improving harvest and reduce food shortages. Based on this gap, the current research is aiming to design and develop a smart drip irrigation and fertigation system, using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Due to the availability of many crops in Tanzania, this study will specifically focusing on tomato farming because they are commonly used as food crop as well cash crops in many parts of Tanzania. This innovative idea integrates sensors and real-time data analysis capabilities to enhance precision in water conservation and nutrient management. Studies have shown that tomato crops thrive best in the temperature range between 20 and 30 ℃ with humidity content above 60% and soil pH value between 6.2 and 6.8. This suitable weather condition for tomato growth is available in many parts of the Tropical countries like Tanzania. The implementation of this research project is based on design and develop a prototype for smart drip irrigation and fertigation system to be used for small and medium farmers in Tanzania. The culmination of these efforts aims to modernize Tanzanian agriculture by improving the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices. The project underscores the significance of precision agriculture techniques in optimizing crop yield and resource utilization. It emphasizes the potential of IoT—driven solutions in addressing longstanding agricultural challenges. The developed of a smart irrigation and fertigation system not only offers a promising avenue for enhancing agricultural productivity but also contributes to environmental conservation efforts through more efficient resource management.
Non-Caucasian Race/Ethnicity Predisposes to Unfavorable Stage and Grade at Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Diagnosis
Authors: Di Bello Francesco , de Angelis Mario , Siech Carolin , Peñaranda Natali Rodriguez , Tian Zhe , Goyal Jordan A. , Ruvolo Claudia Collà , Califano Gianluigi , Creta Massimiliano , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K. H. , Micali Salvatore , Longo Nicola , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To test whether race/ethnicity affects stage or grade distribution at upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) diagnosis.

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database 2004–2020, UTUC patients were identified. Multivariable logistic regression models tested for the association between race/ethnicity and stage as well as grade at diagnosis according to renal pelvis vs. ureteral origin. Stage at presentation was defined as (i) metastatic stage (TanyNanyM1) and (ii) advanced stage (locoregional or metastatic (T3-4N0-2M0-1)).

Results

Of 14,384 UTUC patients, 8926 (62%) were renal pelvis. Of renal pelvis UTUC patients, 7064 (79%) were Caucasian, 797 (9%) Hispanic, 623 (7%) Asian Pacific Islander (API), and 442 (5%) African American (AA). Relative to Caucasians, API (odd ratio (OR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–2.37, p < 0.001) and AA (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.83, p = 0.03) patients more frequently harbored metastatic stage. APIs also more frequently harbored advanced (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11–1.60, p = 0.002) stage and high (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.67, p = 0.01) grade. Of 5458 (38%) ureteral UTUC patients, 4360 (80%) were Caucasian, 362 (7%) Hispanic, 509 (9%) API, and 227 (4%) AA. Relative to Caucasians, Hispanic (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01–2.05, p = 0.03) patients more frequently harbored metastatic stage. APIs also more frequently harbored advanced stage (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02–1.47, p = 0.03) and high (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.49–2.55, p < 0.001) grade.

Conclusions

Race/ethnicity other than Caucasian, such as API and Hispanic, may predispose to higher odds of metastatic (TanyNanyM1) or advanced (T3-4N0-2M0-1) stages as well as to higher grade at initial diagnosis.
Analysis of the spatio-temporal impact of the built environment on shared bicycle ridership density
Authors: Li Na , Wang Tianqun
Published: January 2025

The spatiotemporal nonstationarity of shared bicycle usage, a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation, is believed to be influenced by the built environment. However, the specific spatial and temporal impacts of built environment factors on shared bicycle trips are not yet fully understood. This study investigates the relationship between the built environment and shared bicycle ridership in Shenzhen, a city where the distribution of shared bicycles is relatively dense, by utilizing multisource urban big data. Key independent variables were selected based on the “5Ds” dimensions of the built environment, and the performance of two models—Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR)—were compared. The analysis evaluates the impact of the built environment on the density of shared bicycle ridership, incorporating both spatial and temporal dimensions. The results of the study found that the GTWR model used in this paper can effectively explain the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of built environment-related variables on shared bicycle trips with high goodness of fit. And the regression fit coefficients of the model show that the effects of different built environment indicators on the density of shared bicycle ridership are significantly different in both time and space. Among them, road network density, catering POI density, traffic POI density and POI diversity have a facilitating effect on shared bicycle travels, particularly during peak hours on weekdays and in central urban areas. Shopping POI density shows different effects on shared bike use in different times and spaces. While the distance from the city center and the nearest distance to the bus station have a suppressive effect on shared bicycle use, they show opposite degrees of influence in the spatial distribution. The results can provide more precise guidance for future rational transportation strategies or sustainable urban planning.
Rethinking participation in urban planning: analytical and practical contributions of social network analysis
Authors: Alhassan Alhassan Yakubu
Published: January 2025

Citizen participation is essential in urban development, but existing participation methods often neglect the complex informal relationships among stakeholders, limiting broader engagement. This study uses a narrative review to explore how relational approaches and social network analysis (SNA) affect participation in urban planning. It proposes an analytical framework combining relational approaches and SNA to understand the role of social interactions in decision-making. Unlike traditional methods that focus on individual or group attributes, SNA emphasizes social connections and interactions. The study shows how urban development decision-makers can use SNA to foster inclusive practices, improve coordination, and build trust between planners and residents. SNA enables better information flow, addresses power imbalances, and enhances community representation, especially for marginalised groups. This approach leads to more resilient and equitable urban environments. The findings suggest that urban planners can use SNA to design more inclusive decision-making processes, aligning with the sustainable development goals.