bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Oral Xylitol, Sucrose, and Acesulfame Potassium on Total Energy Intake During a Subsequent ad libitum Test Meal: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial in Healthy Humans
Authors: Flad Emilie , Altstädt Anita , Beglinger Christoph , Rehfeld Jens F. , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Wölnerhanssen Bettina K. , Meyer-Gerspach Anne Christin
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Xylitol, a natural low-caloric bulk sweetener, is increasingly used as a sugar alternative due to its low-glycemic and low-insulinemic properties. The aim was to investigate the effect of orally administered xylitol, sucrose, and acesulfame potassium (ace-K) on energy intake during a subsequent ad libitum test meal. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05671965, 20 December 2022), we included 20 healthy participants with normal body weight. Over four study visits, participants consumed an oral preload containing 33.5 g xylitol, 33.5 g sucrose, or 0.1675 g ace-K dissolved in 300 mL water, or 300 mL pure water as control. Participants were provided with an ad libitum test meal 15 min after the preload consumption, and both energy intake and total energy intake (= preload + ad libitum test meal) were assessed. Blood samples were collected to quantify cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose, and insulin concentrations. Results: Total energy intake was lower in response to xylitol and ace-K compared to sucrose (pTukey < 0.03), with no differences between xylitol and ace-K or water. Plasma CCK concentrations were higher in response to xylitol compared to sucrose, ace-K, and water (pHolm < 0.01), whereas GLP-1 concentrations did not differ between the preloads. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower in response to xylitol compared to sucrose (pHolm < 0.01), but xylitol led to an increase in insulin compared to ace-K and water (pHolm < 0.01). Conclusions: The consumption of oral preloads sweetened with xylitol or ace-K prior to an ad libitum test meal result in a lower total energy intake compared to a preload with sucrose.
The Diet Quality of Ultramarathon Runners Taking Part in an Australian Event: A Cross-Sectional Explorative Study
Authors: Craddock Joel C. , Walker Gabriel , Chapman Michael , Lambert Kelly , Peoples Gregory E.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Ultramarathon runners exceed the physical activity guidelines and in doing so are constantly exposed to physical and metabolic demands, requiring strategic dietary practices to support training, performance, and recovery. This study aimed to assess the diet quality and nutrient intake in runners enrolled in an Australian-based ultramarathon. Methods: A 3-day food diary was collected using the Australian smartphone application ‘Easy Diet Diary’ during both peak and taper periods. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were analysed using the AUSNUT 2011–2013 food composition database within the Foodworks professional software, and diet quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index for Australians (HEIFA-2013). Results: A total of 26 runners participated in the study. The results revealed that, although runners met or exceeded protein recommendations, their carbohydrate intake fell short of endurance-specific guidelines, whilst total dietary fat intake exceeded recommendations (excluding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids). Diet quality scores averaged 63.1 out of 100, reflecting moderate alignment with dietary recommendations. Fruit, vegetable, and wholegrain food groups were inadequately consumed. Conclusions: The findings indicate that ultramarathon runners who easily exceed physical activity recommendations, may paradoxically consume suboptimal diets, characterized by insufficient intake of core food groups such as whole grains and fruits, alongside excessive consumption of discretionary items. This dietary pattern may not only elevate their risk of chronic disease but also impair optimal performance by compromising recovery and adaptation to training. Further research is warranted to better understand the dietary behaviors and nutritional needs of this population.
The “Burden” of Childhood Obesity on Bone Health: A Look at Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Farella Ilaria , Chiarito Mariangela , Vitale Rossella , D’Amato Gabriele , Faienza Maria Felicia
Published: January 2025

Childhood obesity represents a multifaceted challenge to bone health, influenced by a combination of endocrine, metabolic, and mechanical factors. Excess body fat correlates with an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) yet paradoxically elevates fracture risk due to compromised bone quality and increased mechanical loading on atypical sites. Additionally, subjects with syndromic obesity, as well as individuals with atypical nutritional patterns, including those with eating disorders, show bone fragility through unique genetic and hormonal dysregulations. Emerging evidence underscores the adverse effects of new pharmacological treatments for severe obesity on bone health. Novel drugs, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and bariatric surgery demonstrate potential in achieving weight loss, though limited evidence is available regarding their short- and long-term impacts on skeletal health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the impact of childhood obesity on bone health. It critically appraises evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical research in children with exogenous obesity, syndromic obesity, and eating disorders. It also explores the effects of emerging pharmacological and surgical treatments for severe obesity on skeletal integrity, highlights prevention strategies, and identifies research gaps.
Genotypic Characterization of Human Parvovirus B19 Circulating in the 2024 Outbreak in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Beligni Giada , Alessandri Giulia , Cusi Maria Grazia
Published: January 2025

Human Parvovirus B19 (hB19V) is a widespread virus, causing erythema infectiosum in children and several clinical manifestations from acute to persistent infections in adults. In early 2024, ECDC reported an increased human Parvovirus B19 circulation in 14 European countries. A hB19V outbreak was also reported in Tuscany, Italy, prompting a detailed investigation of its genetic characteristics. In this context, through strict monitoring of circulating strains via next-generation sequencing (NGS), we carried out a phylogenetic analysis based on the whole of hB19V genomes. Phylogenetic clustering assigned all isolates to the G1a genotype, although with some mutations in NS1, VP1, and VP2, compared to the reference strains. Further characterization of these variants is necessary to fully assess their potential implications for public health. This study provides valuable insights into the spread of Parvovirus B19 and underlines the importance of continuous genomic surveillance to monitor and respond to possible hB19V epidemics that could impact public health.
The “New” Disease in Congo: Lessons Learned Compared to Previous Human and Animal Epidemics
Authors: Di Guardo Giovanni
Published: January 2025

The “new” disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which had already been heavily struck by the “Monkeypox” (MPX) epidemic, has been hitherto responsible for approximately 900 cases and 48 fatalities, mostly among children [...]
Exploring the Benefits, Barriers and Improvement Opportunities in Implementing Automated Dispensing Cabinets: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Al Mutair Abbas , Elgamri Alya , Taleb Kawther , Alhassan Batool Mohammed , Alsalim Mohamed , Alduriahem Horia , Saha Chandni , Alsaleh Kawthar
Published: January 2025

Technology has increasingly influenced the provision of healthcare services by enhancing patient safety, optimising workflows, and improving efficiency. Large healthcare facilities have adopted automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) as an advanced technological solution. A key gap exists in understanding the ADC implementation experience in different contexts. Therefore, this study seeks to fill this literature gap by exploring key stakeholders’ perspectives on the benefits, barriers, and improvement opportunities related to ADCs, offering valuable insights to support their effective integration across various healthcare settings. This qualitative study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The implementation of ADCs generally has positive outcomes for all staff. The system has brought about enhanced medication tracking, greater time efficiency, along with reduced workload and medication errors. However, there are barriers to their implementation, including changes in workflow and workload distribution, cabinet design, technical medication management challenges, and the need for staff training. To maximise the effectiveness of ADCs, healthcare organisations should focus on improving operational workflows, providing ongoing staff training, and maintaining robust system monitoring. Additionally, manufacturers should focus on advancing technology to further enhance the efficiency and functionality of ADCs.
Multivariate Analysis of Root Architecture, Morpho-Physiological, and Biochemical Traits Reveals Higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency Heterosis in Maize Hybrids During Early Vegetative Growth
Authors: Jan Muhammad Faheem , Li Ming , Liu Changzhuang , Liaqat Waqas , Altaf Muhammad Tanveer , Barutçular Celaleddin , Baloch Faheem Shehzad
Published: January 2025

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a globally significant crop with high economic and nutritional importance. Its productivity, however, relies heavily on nitrogen (N) inputs, often resulting in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Enhancing NUE necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms driving N uptake and utilization. The study evaluated the NUE heterosis of 7 inbred lines and their 12 hybrids under low and high N conditions during early vegetative growth. Significant genotypic variations across traits were analyzed using analysis of variance, principal component analysis, correlation, regression, and structural equation modeling. The key contributors to genetic variation included shoot dry weight, N accumulation, and NUE. Hybrids demonstrated enhanced root architecture, superior enzymatic activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS), and improved morphological traits, photosynthetic efficiency, and N accumulation, resulting in greater biomass production, N accumulation, and NUE compared to inbred lines. Among hybrids, Zheng58 × PH4CV exhibited the highest NUE, driven by efficient N uptake, robust enzymatic activity, and substantial N accumulation. Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) correlated strongly with root traits such as activity (r = 0.80 ***), length (r = 0.73 ***), surface area (r = 0.67 ***), GS activity (r = 0.84 ***), and dry weight (r = 0.92). Similarly, nitrogen utilization efficiency (NutE) was positively correlated with shoot NR activity (r = 0.90 ***), shoot GS activity (r = 0.56 ***), leaf area (r = 0.73 ***), shoot dry weight (r = 0.82 ***), and shoot N accumulation (r = 0.55 ***), particularly under high N conditions. Based on key traits such as shoot dry weight, N accumulation, and NUE, hybrids Zheng58 × PH4CV, 444 × PH4CV, 444 × MO17, and B73 × MO17 emerged as N-efficient genotypes, confirmed by contrasting root systems, enhanced N metabolism, and superior NUE. These findings reveal the pivotal roles of root architecture and N metabolism in optimizing NUE, emphasizing the biochemical and physiological traits crucial for developing highly N-efficient maize hybrids.
Usage of the Fungus Mucor indicus and the Bacterium Rhodovulum adriaticum in a Biorefinery System for Biochemical Production on Grass Hydrolysates
Authors: Marđetko Nenad , Kolakušić Antonio , Trontel Antonija , Novak Mario , Pavlečić Mladen , Dobrinčić Ana , Petravić Tominac Vlatka , Šantek Božidar
Published: January 2025

Utilization of various biomasses as raw materials in biorefineries represents a promising alternative for the production of valuable chemicals and biofuels. This study investigates the potential of the fungus Mucor indicus DSM 2158, cultivated on media containing the liquid phase of grass hydrolysates (LGH) and various nitrogen sources (yeast extract and corn steep liquor), for the production of valuable metabolites, such as ethanol, chitin, chitosan, and fatty acids. The ethanol yield varied depending on the cultivation media and conditions. The highest substrate-into-ethanol conversion coefficients (0.14–0.2 g g−1) were achieved during M. indicus cultivation on the LGH medium containing 5 g L−1 CSL in Erlenmeyer flasks and a bubble column bioreactor. In these cultivations, the highest fungal biomass concentrations (5.61–5.91 g L−1) were also observed. In flask cultivations, the highest content of total lipids in fungal dry biomass (15.76%) was observed. The obtained fungal biomass contained up to 22 fatty acids, with oleic acid (≈50%) being the most predominant. Chitin and chitosan yields were from 0.1 g g−1 to 0.3 g g−1 of dry biomass depending on the cultivation media and conditions. The residual media from the cultivation of M. indicus were used for the growth of the non-sulfur purple bacterium Rhodovulum adriaticum DSM 2781. Cultivations of R. adriaticum DSM 2781 on the residual media, in Erlenmeyer flasks and a stirred-tank bioreactor, resulted in a biomass yield of 0.50 to 2.26 g L−1. After extraction of bacterial biomass, total pigments (expressed as bacteriochlorophyll-a) were obtained in the range from 1.8 to 48.1 mg g−1 dry biomass depending on the media and cultivation conditions. The highest titer of bacteriochlorophyll-a was achieved during cultivation on the exhausted LGH medium with 5 g L−1 yeast extract. The established biorefinery system has to be optimized in order to reach capacity for transfer to a larger scale.
Bayesian Evidence Synthesis to Infer Unobserved Population Dynamics: An Application to International Migration Into the United States, 2000–2019
Authors: Menzies Nicolas A.
Published: January 2025

For the United States, detailed estimates of the number of resident migrants and the rates of migrant arrival are valuable for understanding population dynamics and for determining the impact of economic and political changes that influence migration. The goal of this analysis was to derive estimates of the U.S. foreign-born population and how this population has changed in recent years, as well as estimates of recent and historical immigration volumes. Using data from large population surveys (the 2000 U.S. decennial census and 2001–2019 American Community Survey (ACS)), a Bayesian evidence synthesis was conducted to pool survey data across years while accounting for various biases and logical constraints that apply to these data. This analysis produced highly disaggregated estimates of the foreign-born population residing in the United States over the period 2000–2019, as well as estimates of immigration volume for 1950–2019. These population estimates demonstrated high in- and out-of-sample predictive performance, with substantially greater precision than that for raw survey estimates. Estimated immigration flows tracked other available time series, although with higher precision and with the potential to include undocumented immigration not represented in other immigration data. This study documents immigration from 100 countries of origin into the United States and demonstrates how the results of repeated cross-sectional population surveys can be used to infer migration dynamics that are difficult to measure directly.
Gravity and Magnetic Separation for Concentrating Critical Raw Materials from Granite Quarry Waste: A Case Study from Buddusò (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Aquilano Antonello , Marrocchino Elena , Vaccaro Carmela
Published: January 2025

The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), enacted by the European Union (EU) in May 2024, represents a strategic framework that aims to address the growing demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) and reduce dependency on non-EU sources. The present study explores the potential of CRMs recovery from granite extractive waste (EW) at a granite quarry in Buddusò (Sardinia, Italy). A significant quantity of granite EW, stored in piles within designated disposal areas at the quarry under study, is estimated in terms of mass and volume using GISs and digital elevation models (DEMs). Analysis performed using a scanning electron microscope attached to an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) reveals the presence of allanite, a rare-earth-bearing mineral with substantial light rare-earth elements (LREEs), which can potentially be exploited for LREEs recovery. A combined working process including gravity and magnetic separations yields CRMs-enriched fractions with concentrations of REEs, Sc, and Ga, reaching levels of potential economic interest for different industrial applications. Despite promising concentrations, limited knowledge of allanite processing represents significant challenges for CRMs recovery from this waste. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the efficiency of these gravity and magnetic separation methods in order to concentrate CRMs from granite EW. Economic evaluations, including potential market value estimates, suggest that CRMs recovery from granite EW can be very profitable under optimized processing conditions. Expanding studies to other quarries in the region can provide valuable insights into the feasibility of establishing a recycling hub, offering a sustainable supply chain solution for CRMs within the EU’s strategic framework.
Mapping Bedrock Outcrops in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (California, USA) Using Machine Learning
Authors: Shastry Apoorva , Cerovski-Darriau Corina , Coltin Brian , Stock Jonathan D.
Published: January 2025

Accurate, high-resolution maps of bedrock outcrops can be valuable for applications such as models of land–atmosphere interactions, mineral assessments, ecosystem mapping, and hazard mapping. The increasing availability of high-resolution imagery can be coupled with machine learning techniques to improve regional bedrock outcrop maps. In the United States, the existing 30 m U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Land Cover Database (NLCD) tends to misestimate extents of barren land, which includes bedrock outcrops. This impacts many calculations beyond bedrock mapping, including soil carbon storage, hydrologic modeling, and erosion susceptibility. Here, we tested if a machine learning (ML) model could more accurately map exposed bedrock than NLCD across the entire Sierra Nevada Mountains (California, USA). The ML model was trained to identify pixels that are likely bedrock from 0.6 m imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). First, we labeled exposed bedrock at twenty sites covering more than 83 km2 (0.13%) of the Sierra Nevada region. These labels were then used to train and test the model, which gave 83% precision and 78% recall, with a 90% overall accuracy of correctly predicting bedrock. We used the trained model to map bedrock outcrops across the entire Sierra Nevada region and compared the ML map with the NLCD map. At the twenty labeled sites, we found the NLCD barren land class, even though it includes more than just bedrock outcrops, accounted for only 41% and 40% of mapped bedrock from our labels and ML predictions, respectively. This substantial difference illustrates that ML bedrock models can have a role in improving land-cover maps, like NLCD, for a range of science applications.
Preliminary Assessment of the Impact of the Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer (CIMR) on the Copernicus Mediterranean Sea Surface Temperature L4 Analyses
Authors: Sabatini Mattia , Pisano Andrea , Fanelli Claudia , Buongiorno Nardelli Bruno , Liberti Gian Luigi , Santoleri Rosalia , Donlon Craig , Ciani Daniele
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the potential impact of the Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer (CIMR) mission on the sea surface temperature (SST) products of the Mediterranean Sea. Currently, infrared (IR) radiometers provide accurate, high-resolution SST measurements, but they are limited by their inability to see through clouds. Passive microwave (PMW) radiometers, on the other hand, offer monitoring capabilities in almost all weather conditions but typically at lower spatial resolutions. The CIMR mission represents a notable advance in microwave remote sensing of SSTs, as it will ensure a ≤15 km spatial resolution in the recovered SST field. Using an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE), this study evaluates the effect of inserting synthetic CIMR observations into the Copernicus Mediterranean SST analysis system, which is based on an optimal interpolation (OI) algorithm. The OSSE was conducted using data for the year 2017, including daily SST and salinity outputs from a Mediterranean Sea model, hourly precipitation rates from the IMERG, and wind and cloud cover data from ERA5. The results suggest that the improved spatial resolution and accuracy of the CIMR could potentially improve SST retrievals in the Mediterranean Sea, offering better insights for climate and environmental monitoring in semi-closed basins. Including CIMR data in the OI algorithm reduced the mean error and root mean square error (RMSE) of the SST analysis, especially under conditions of low IR coverage. The greatest improvements were found to occur in July, corresponding to coastal upwelling and Atlantic inflow into the Alboran Sea. Improvements ranged from 16% to 29%, with an overall improvement of 26% for the full year of 2017. In conclusion, this preliminary study indicates that Copernicus Mediterranean Sea HR SST products could benefit from the inclusion of the CIMR in the current IR sensor constellation.
Early Detection of Water Stress in Kauri Seedlings Using Multitemporal Hyperspectral Indices and Inverted Plant Traits
Authors: Felix Mark Jayson B. , Main Russell , Watt Michael S. , Arpanaei Mohammad-Mahdi , Patuawa Taoho
Published: January 2025

Global climate variability is projected to result in more frequent and severe droughts, which can have adverse effects on New Zealand’s endemic tree species such as the iconic kauri (Agathis australis). Several studies have investigated the physiological response of kauri to medium- and long-term water stress; however, no research has used hyperspectral technology for the early detection and characterization of water stress in this species. In this study, physiological (stomatal conductance (gs), assimilation rate (A), equivalent water thickness (EWT)) and leaf-level hyperspectral measurements were recorded over a ten-week period on 100 potted kauri seedlings subjected to control (well-watered) and drought treatments. In addition, plant functional traits (PTs) were retrieved from spectral reflectance data via inversion of the PROSPECT-D radiative transfer model. These data were used to (i) identify key PTs and narrow-band hyperspectral indices (NBHIs) associated with the expression of water stress and (ii) develop classification models based on single-date and multitemporal datasets for the early detection of water stress. A significant decline in soil water content and physiological responses (gs and A) occurred among the trees in the drought treatment in weeks 2 and 4, respectively. Although no significant treatment differences (p > 0.05) were observed in EWT across the whole duration of the experiment, lower mean values in the drought treatment were apparent from week 4 onwards. In contrast, several spectral bands and NBHIs exhibited significant differences the week after water was withheld. The number and category of significant NBHIs varied up to week 4, after which a substantial increase in the number of significant indices was observed until week 10. However, despite this increase, the single-date models did not show good model performance (F1 score > 0.70) until weeks 9 and 10. In contrast, when multitemporal datasets were used, the classification performance ranged from good to outstanding from weeks 2 to 10. This improvement was largely due to the enhanced temporal and feature representation in the multitemporal models. Among the input NBHIs, water indices emerged as the most important predictors, followed by photochemical indices. Furthermore, a comparison of inverted and measured EWT showed good correspondence (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 8.49%, root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.0026 g/cm2), highlighting the potential use of radiative transfer modelling for high-throughput drought monitoring. Future research is recommended to scale these measurements to the canopy level, which could prove valuable in detecting and characterizing drought stress at a larger scale.
Impact of Playing Position on Competition External Load in Professional Padel Players Using Inertial Devices
Authors: Miralles Ricardo , Guzmán José F. , Ramón-Llin Jesús , Martínez-Gallego Rafael
Published: January 2025

Padel is a racket sport that has grown internationally, both in the number of players and in the number of competitions. Inertial measurement devices enable a comprehensive analysis of competitive load in padel by providing kinematic variables that enhance players’ performance in this discipline. This study aimed to analyse the external load variables recorded with an inertial device in elite padel players, comparing metrics based on the players’ positions (left and right sides of the court). A total of 83 players were monitored during 23 matches of the professional circuit. The results revealed specific load metrics, including distance covered, frequency of accelerations and decelerations per hour, maximum speeds reached, and acceleration profiles relative to distance covered, which were all measured using the Wimu Pro™ device. Left-side players showed more frequent accelerations and decelerations per hour compared to right-side players. The results of this study will, on one hand, enable the adjustment of new specific parameters for professional padel training, such as acceleration and deceleration profiles, player load, and distances covered at explosive speeds. On the other hand, the results will provide a more objective evaluation of padel players’ performance based on their positions.
Productivity and Profitability of Maize-Mungbean and Maize-Chili Pepper Relay Intercropping Systems for Income Diversification and Soil Fertility in Southern Benin
Authors: Legba Eric C. , Dossou Laurence , Honfoga Judith , Pawera Lukas , Srinivasan Ramasamy
Published: January 2025

Low vegetable consumption in sub-Saharan Africa partly arises from limited availability across cereal-based zones. A field experiment in southern Benin (April to September 2023) evaluated four maize–chili and five maize–mungbean relay intercropping. Growth and yield data and farmers’ perceptions were analyzed using analysis of variance with the least significant difference test, land equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary indexes. Maize grain yield was statistically similar across patterns, whereas chili and mungbean yields differed significantly. All sowing patterns achieved LER > 1. Pattern (1:1) maize–chili had a modest LER (1.15), while treatment (1:3) had a high LER (1.60) for mungbean–maize. Both patterns showed high actual yield gain and intercropping advantage. Pattern (2:2) for maize–chili and pattern (1:3) for maize–mungbean yielded the greatest gross return (7796.6 USD/ha and 1301.2 USD/ha, respectively). Sole mungbean and all intercropping sowing patterns significantly increased mineralizable carbon. Pattern (1:3) maize-mungbean slightly increased total nitrogen and potassium. Farmers ranked the highest pattern (2:2) for maize–chili and (1:3) for maize–mungbean due to sup erior weed, water, and soil management and increased yields. These findings suggest that diversified maize systems incorporating chili pepper and mungbean offer economic benefits and better soil health in southern Benin.
Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement in Building Information Modelling-Enabled Construction: A Review of Critical Success Factors in Design and Planning Phases
Authors: Motalebi Maedeh , Heffernan Emma , McCarthy Timothy , Marzban Samin , Rashidi Ali
Published: January 2025

This scoping literature review examines critical success factors (CSFs) in the design and planning phases of BIM-enabled construction projects, focusing on integrating sustainability practices across the quadruple bottom line: profit, people, planet, and process. By introducing the novel ‘Process’ pillar, this study aims to bridge critical gaps in sustainability research, emphasising technology-driven practices and mapping 62 CSFs from 31 studies to specific stakeholder roles, and focuses on early project phases in which decisions have the most significant impact on long-term outcomes. The findings highlight how early-phase decisions, guided by the QBL framework, can optimise project outcomes and drive long-term sustainability through effective stakeholder engagement. Despite advancements, the design and planning phases of BIM-enabled construction projects consistently exhibit an underrepresentation of end users and environmental considerations. These omissions highlight inadequacies in stakeholder engagement, which are critical for achieving comprehensive sustainability and aligning project outcomes with user needs and environmental goals. This research maps CSFs to corresponding stakeholders, revealing a complex network with the BIM coordinator/manager playing a pivotal role. This mapping underscores the importance of integrating stakeholder inputs, particularly from end users, early in the project lifecycle to enhance functionality and ensure the long-term viability of construction projects. However, current practices often overlook this, leading to a potential misalignment between project deliverables and user expectations. The construction industry can move towards more sustainable, efficient, and user-focused outcomes by addressing these gaps. This study calls for a paradigm shift in BIM methodologies to adopt a construction environment that is not only efficient but also adaptable to the needs of its users and the environmental imperatives of today’s world.
College Students’ Views on Museum Learning: A Sustainable Aesthetic Education Perspective
Authors: Song Baoqing , Ren Jie , Wang Xiaohu , Xie Xiang
Published: January 2025

Museums are important educational platforms in informal learning environments, offering essential off-campus venues for university-level aesthetic education. Over half of students’ independent off-campus art appreciation activities occur in museums. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyse students’ general impressions of museums using the TF-IDF algorithm. Additionally, the specific feelings of university students participating in self-directed museum learning were explored through focus groups, and differences between learning in museums and appreciating other art forms from the students’ perspectives were analysed. The results show that museums provide students with profound cultural and artistic knowledge. Students prefer museums for independent art appreciation because of the freedom, control, and safety offered in that learning process. In terms of interactivity, comprehensiveness, and repeatability, clear differences exist between museum art appreciation and other art disciplines. Overall, museums are important and sustainable off-campus aesthetic educational resources for universities.
Short Food Supply Chains in Slovakia: Motivations and Barriers for Foodservice Establishments
Authors: Varecha Lukáš , Laginová Lucia , Jarábková Jana
Published: January 2025

This study examined the involvement of foodservice establishments in Slovakia in short food supply chains (SFSCs), focusing on factors influencing supplier selection, perceived benefits and barriers, and the impact of logistical and market conditions. The findings revealed that, while freshness and price–quality ratio are key factors for all establishments, products with local origins are significantly more valued by those engaged in SFSCs. These establishments report strengthened social connections with local producers, enhanced trust, transparency, and support for local agriculture as core benefits of SFSC participation. Key barriers include high product costs, seasonal availability, and logistical challenges, with those engaged in SFSCs facing additional difficulties in meeting volume requirements and accessing suppliers. The study found that logistical capabilities, particularly the ability to manage transport independently, strongly influence SFSC involvement, while market conditions were not shown to be significant. A lack of comprehensive distribution systems and the limited knowledge of regional suppliers further constrain SFSC engagement. These insights highlight the need for improved coordination and information channels to facilitate broader foodservice participation in regional food systems in Slovakia.
New Methodologies and Techniques for Biomonitoring Pesticide Exposure in Agricultural Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moreira Andreia , Guedes Joana , Vieira da Silva Manuela
Published: January 2025

Biomonitoring allows for the assessment of internal exposure to various pesticides and metabolites. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aims to summarise innovative biomonitoring techniques for assessing pesticide exposure in agricultural workers, their advantages and limitations, and their applicability. The search of the Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 14 articles dealing with new techniques for biomonitoring pesticide exposure in agricultural workers. These new methodologies have identified several biomarkers associated with exposure to organophosphates. Most of the included studies combine and/or improve traditional methods to overcome their limitations. This leads to more sensitive, specific, and precise techniques with lower detection and quantification limits. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly analyse and test new biomonitoring methods for assessing pesticide exposure. These techniques can complement qualitative risk assessments and aid in developing strategies to protect public health and the environment.
Intensive Therapeutic Plasma Exchange—New Approach to Treat and Rescue Patients with Severe Form of Yellow Fever
Authors: Ho Yeh-Li , Nukui Youko , Villaça Paula Ribeiro , Okazaki Erica , Tatsui Nelson Hidekazu , Netto Lucas Chaves , Joelsons Daniel , da Rocha Tania Rubia Flores , de Mello Malta Fernanda , Pinho João Renato Rebello , Segurado Aluisio Augusto Cotrim , Rocha Vanderson
Published: January 2025

Background: Severe yellow fever (YF) can result in acute liver failure (ALF) and high mortality. The role of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in managing YF-ALF remains unclear. This study evaluated the impact of TPE strategies in severe YF. Methods: This observational case-series study evaluated three groups of patients classified according to treatment: G1 (standard intensive care support [ICS]), G2 (ICS + high-volume-TPE [HV-TPE]), and G3 (ICS + intensive TPE). HV-TPE was performed during 3 consecutive days with extra sessions of one plasma-volume, if necessary, whereas intensive TPE consisted of one plasma volume/session performed twice daily, with additional fresh frozen plasma infusion. Hemostatic agents, including tranexamic acid, platelets, and cryoprecipitate, were administered as needed. TPE was de-escalated based on clinical and laboratory parameters. The primary outcome was mortality. Results: Sixty-six patients were included (G1: 41, G2: 11, G3: 14). Groups had similar baseline characteristics. Mortality was significantly lower in G3 (14%) compared to G2 (82%) and G1 (85%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, G3 patients showed a higher frequency of undetectable YF viral load. Conclusions: Intensive TPE is a feasible and effective intervention for severe YF, achieving an 84% reduction in mortality. The limitations of our results are the small sample size, observational and single-center study. Further studies are warranted to elucidate intensive TPE’s role in YF management.
Utility of VIDAS® Dengue Diagnostic Assays to Differentiate Primary and Secondary Dengue Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Military Hospital from Colombia
Authors: Prieto-Torres Andrés E. , Medina-Lozano Leidy J. , Ramírez-Ávila Juan David , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of VIDAS® DENGUE NS1 Ag and anti-DENV IgM and IgG assays in parallel for an early and accurate diagnosis and classification of dengue virus (DENV) infection. For this retrospective cross-sectional study, 190 patients with suspected dengue were tested using VIDAS® NS1, IgM, and IgG assays, requested in parallel, regardless of symptom onset timing, and classified into primary and secondary infections. Results were analyzed to determine diagnostic accuracy and correlation with disease severity. Parallel testing effectively differentiated between primary and secondary DENV infection. Secondary dengue cases with warning signs showed significantly elevated IgG levels (p = 0.026). Notably, NS1-negative (possible secondary cases) had higher IgM and IgG levels than NS1-positive cases (p < 0.01), suggesting that NS1 negativity might indicate an amplified immune response. In conclusion, VIDAS® Dengue diagnostic assays not only enhance the diagnostic accuracy of dengue infection but also offer valuable insights into serological patterns, especially in secondary cases. These assays could be used not only to confirm diagnosis but also to stratify patients by risk, particularly in cases of secondary dengue, where IgG levels might indicate a higher risk for severe outcomes.
New Bacteriophage Pseudomonas Phage Ka2 from a Tributary Stream of Lake Baikal
Authors: Ilyina Valeriya , Gatina Alina , Trizna Elena , Siniagina Maria , Yadykova Liudmila , Ivannikova Anastasiya , Ozhegov Georgiy , Zhuravleva Daria , Fedorova Marina , Gorshkova Anna , Evseev Peter , Drucker Valentin , Bogachev Mikhail , Validov Shamil , Kharitonova Maya , Kayumov Airat
Published: January 2025

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, causes various biofilm-associated infections like pneumonia, infections in cystic fibrosis patients, and urinary tract and burn infections with high morbidity and mortality, as well as low treatment efficacy due to the extremely wide spread of isolates with multidrug resistance. Here, we report the new bacteriophage Pseudomonas phage Ka2 isolated from a tributary stream of Lake Baikal and belonging to the Pbunavirus genus. Transmission electron microscopy resolved that Pseudomonas phage Ka2 has a capsid of 57 ± 9 nm and a contractile and inflexible tail of 115 ± 10 nm in the non-contracted state. The genome consists of 66,310 bp with a GC content of 55% and contains 96 coding sequences. Among them, 52 encode proteins have known functions, and none of them are potentially associated with lysogeny. The bacteriophage lyses 21 of 30 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates and decreases the MIC of amikacin, gentamicin, and cefepime up to 16-fold and the MIC of colistin up to 32-fold. When treating the biofilms with Ka2, the biomass was reduced by twice, and up to a 32-fold decrease in the antibiotics MBC against biofilm-embedded cells was achieved by the combination of Ka2 with cefepime for the PAO1 strain, along with a decrease of up to 16-fold with either amikacin or colistin for clinical isolates. Taken together, these data characterize the new Pseudomonas phage Ka2 as a promising tool for the combined treatment of infections associated with P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Black Mothers’ Experiences of Having a Preterm Infant: A Scoping Review
Authors: Boakye Priscilla N. , Prendergast Nadia , Thomas Obewu Ola Abanta , Hayrabedian Victoria
Published: January 2025

Black mothers with preterm infants face unique challenges during their stay in the NICU and after discharge. Racism-related barriers impact access to care for Black preterm infants. Understanding their experiences in caring for preterm infants is crucial to developing equity-focused interventions to address racism in the NICU and promote Black preterm infant health outcomes. The purpose of this scoping review is to shed light on Black mothers’ experiences of having a preterm infant. A search was conducted in CINAHL, Medline, Maternity and Infant Care, and Google Scholar. A total of 287 articles were retrieved and screened. Twelve (12) articles included in the final review were from the United States. The findings highlight the need to address racism among healthcare providers in the NICU through training and education. Gaps in understanding the experiences of Black parents with preterm infants from other Western contexts remain and require further research.
Zoonymy in Brazilian Sign Language: A semantic-motivational analysis and taxonomic proposal to classify signs given to pets by the deaf
Authors:   Federal University of Alagoas (UFAC), Brazil, Sousa Alexandre Melo de
Published: January 2025

Onomastics is the field of Linguistics devoted to studying proper names in general. This article has a specific twofold objective: 1) to conduct a semantic-motivational analysis of the signs given to pets by deaf individuals who use Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), and 2) to present a taxonomic proposal to classify zoonyms in sign languages. It is based on a study including deaf participants of both sexes aged from 10 to 20 years who provided interviews in the cities of Rio Branco (28 interviews) and Campinas (24 interviews). These interviews produced a total of 106 signs. This applied research has a quali-quantitative and documental approach. Its theoretical framework is based on Biderman (2001), Dick (1990), and Sousa (2022a, 2022b) to deal with lexicon and Onomastics. The semantic-motivational analysis of zoonyms showed that 62.26% were motivated by the pets’ physical characteristics (especially their fur types and marks), 24.53% by their behavioural characteristics (such as the way they walk or their temperament), and 2.83% by borrowings from oral language. In addition, 8.49% were influenced by other factors, such as metaphors and accessories used by the pet. This indicates that visual aspects stand out in name-giving processes involving pets among the deaf.
A classification of Havana street names
Authors:   Instituto Interuniversitario de Estudios sobre América Latina, University of Seville, Spain, Collazo Allen Adianys
Published: January 2025

Although historians, geographers, and other specialists have often described the street names of Havana, the capital of Cuba, this study, part of a doctoral research project (2013–2017), presents a broad linguistic description that classifies these names based on motivation. It is a method of analysis developed in the twentieth century, and so this study parallels other studies of urban toponymy worldwide. In such studies street names are commonly called hodonyms and are classified, as here, into four linguistic types: commemorative, directional, ordinal, and descriptive names. The data for this project come from bibliographical and cartographical sources, census information, questionnaires collected from the residents of the streets, and interviews with several municipal historians of Havana. From such sources, a total of 4725 names have been compiled and screened qualitatively. The resulting linguistic classification of these names provides a broad and updated overview of Havana hodonyms.
Institucionalización de los procesos para la gestión de los conflictos sociales en el Perú
Authors: Condori-Morales Yony Yasmany , Huachaca-Urquizo Norka Lizbeth
Published: January 2025

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo principal evaluar el nivel de formalización, eficacia y percepción de los actores involucrados respecto a los mecanismos implementados por el Estado peruano para prevenir y resolver conflictos sociales. Se utilizó una metodología descriptiva basada en encuestas aplicadas a 300 participantes, incluyendo funcionarios gubernamentales, líderes comunitarios y representantes de empresas privadas. Las dimensiones evaluadas fueron: la transparencia de los procesos, la accesibilidad de los mecanismos, la participación de los actores, y los resultados percibidos. Los resultados mostraron que un 65% de los encuestados percibieron los procesos como poco institucionalizados, con marcadas deficiencias en la participación inclusiva y la transparencia. Se concluyó que, aunque el Perú ha avanzado en la creación de marcos normativos para la gestión de conflictos sociales, persisten desafíos significativos relacionados con la confianza, la participación inclusiva y la eficacia de los mecanismos
Análisis del internamiento preventivo de adolescentes infractores y el principio última ratio del derecho penal
Authors: Araya-Lara Rocío Elizabeth , Rojas-Lujan Víctor William
Published: January 2025

El propósito de la investigación fue analizar el internamiento preventivo de adolescentes infractores y el principio última ratio del derecho penal. El método en la investigación se basó en el enfoque cualitativo, manejando la recolección y análisis de una tipología documental-bibliográfica. Esto permitió estructurar un análisis detallado del objeto de estudio con la intención de descubrir el propósito presentado por los investigadores. El proceso de selección siguió una estructura organizada, comenzando por la revisión de títulos, resúmenes y palabras clave utilizadas en la búsqueda. Se verificó la congruencia de los artículos. Se apoyó igualmente, en los métodos analítico y sintético. Se concluye que, en la actualidad se aborda el internamiento preventivo de adolescentes infractores y el principio de ultima ratio del derecho penal buscando medidas proporcionadas, necesarias y centradas en el desarrollo juvenil, evitando la aplicación automática de penas privativas de libertad y fomentando alternativas más efectivas y menos intrusivas
Thinking Through AI: Advancing Cognitive and Collaborative Research for AI in Education
Authors: Tzirides Anastasia , Galla Michele , Cope Bill , Kalantzis Mary
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces the "Thinking Through AI" framework, an innovative methodological approach designed to explore and enhance cognitive and collaborative processes in educational settings mediated by artificial intelligence (AI). Based on a synthesis of cognitive labs, think-aloud protocols, and cyber-social research methods, the framework addresses key methodological challenges in studying AI's role in education. The framework emphasizes three core dimensions: (1) students’ cognitive engagement with AI, fostering their ability to achieve learning objectives while simultaneously improving AI systems through interactive feedback; (2) educators’ pedagogical strategies, integrating rubrics and knowledge bases to design AI tools tailored to student needs; and (3) the concurrent design of AI tools and learning experiences, informed by think-aloud and cognitive labs as part of Learning Experience Research (LXR). To support and exemplify this framework, the study integrates data from the implementation of the CGScholar AI Helper at a rural Alaska school involving 30 students. This implementation provides empirical insights into how AI-enabled tools can enhance writing instruction in middle school classrooms, emphasizing the practical application and refinement of the framework. This approach redefines the intersection of user experience and educational design in the AI era, positioning educators, learners, and developers as co-creators in the design process. By enabling educators to actively contribute to AI tool creation, the framework bridges pedagogical practices with AI advancements, ensuring tools align with diverse learning objectives and teaching methodologies. This paper highlights the transformative potential of collaborative methodologies, offering a practical and theoretical contribution to advancing AI's role in education.