bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Crowdsourced Data from iNaturalist Can Assist Monitoring of Invasive Mosquitoes
Authors: Cull Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Invasive mosquitoes continue to spread, increasing the threat of mosquito-borne disease. Ongoing mosquito surveillance is necessary to track the introduction and establishment of these species in new areas and implement appropriate public health and vector control measures. Contributions from citizen science initiatives have been an important component in detecting, controlling, and raising awareness of invasive mosquitoes. The open-access biodiversity platform iNaturalist is an extensive source of human observations of wildlife, including arthropod vectors, and can be a useful supplementary tool for passive vector surveillance. In this study, the utility of iNaturalist data to support invasive mosquito surveillance was assessed by examining the distribution and seasonal data on four invasive Aedes species (IAS) in Europe and neighbouring countries. Almost 16,000 iNaturalist observations of mosquitoes were examined across 62 countries; 13% were identified as IAS, with a further 2% considered probable IAS. These included 16 observations of Aedes aegypti, 1582 Aedes albopictus, 373 Aedes japonicus, and 58 Aedes koreicus. iNaturalist observations of IAS were present in most known areas of establishment, but potential new regions of spread were also identified. These results further support the use of iNaturalist data as a low-cost source of arthropod data to assist existing vector surveillance.
Impact of Heart Failure Team on Inpatient Rapid Sequencing of Heart Failure Therapy
Authors: Zhou Zhongrui , Kardas Khalid , Gue Ying Xuan , Najm Ali , Tirawi Anas , Goode Rachel , Frodsham Robert , Kavanagh Rory , Rao Archana , Dobson Rebecca , Wright David , Kahn Matthew
Published: January 2025

The management of heart failure (HF) has undergone a paradigm shift from conventional stepwise methods of initiation and the up-titration of HF therapy towards an early, more intensive initiation of pharmacotherapy to improve the prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH), with new diagnosis of HF, who were reviewed by the inpatient heart failure team (HFT), compared to patients that were not reviewed. A retrospective review of the electronic records of patients admitted with a new diagnosis of HF to the LHCH from May to December 2023 was performed. Admission drugs were similar, apart from betablockers, which were more frequent in the non-HFT group (58% vs. 24.2%; p = 0.002). The length of inpatient stay was longer in the HFT group (median 5.5 days vs. 3 days; p = 0.001) and more likely to be on all four pillars of HF medical therapy (96.8% vs. 0; p < 0.001) within 30 days of discharge. The 30-day and 6-month mortality outcomes were not significantly different. Patients reviewed by the HFT were significantly more likely to receive the four pillars of HF therapy within 30 days of their diagnosis compared to their counterparts at the expense of a longer length of stay.
Antiarrhythmic Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with HFrEF
Authors: Katov Lyuboslav , Rostan Jonas , Teumer Yannick , Diofano Federica , Bothner Carlo , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Weinmann-Emhardt Karolina
Published: January 2025

Background: In recent years, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with heart failure (HF), in addition to their established antidiabetic effects. However, their role in arrhythmia prevention remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the incidence of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) during an extended follow-up period. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2019 and November 2024 at the Ulm University Heart Center. All patients exhibited severely reduced left ventricular function and underwent primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Half of the cohort initiated SGLT2 inhibitor therapy alongside optimal medical HF treatment (the SGLT2 group). Patients were followed for approximately three years (846.2 ± 520.0 days) and the incidence of SVT and VT was analyzed using intracardiac Holter records of the ICD. Results: The study population consisted of 78 patients with a mean age of 66.6 ± 12.9 years. Over the follow-up period, a significant prolongation in the time to first occurrence of SVT was observed in the SGLT2 group (Log-Rank p = 0.03), suggesting a potential protective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors. However, regarding VT, additional SGLT2 inhibitor therapy did not show an additional benefit to optimal medical HF treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may play a beneficial role in reducing the incidence of SVT in patients with HFrEF. These results highlight the importance of further investigating the antiarrhythmic potential of SGLT2 inhibitors through large-scale, prospective studies to better understand their clinical implications and mechanisms of action.
Gastric Epithelial Neoplasms in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Receiving Continuous Intravenous Prostacyclin Therapy
Authors: Mannami Tomohiko , Tanaka Takehiro , Shimokawahara Hiroto , Horikawa Kyosuke , Shinno Yoko , Umekawa Tsuyoshi , Sakaki Tsukasa , Fukumoto Yasushi , Shimizu Shin’ichi , Nozaki Isao , Ogawa Aiko , Matsubara Hiromi
Published: January 2025

Background: The association of intravenous prostacyclin therapy, essential for improving prognosis and survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with gastric epithelial neoplasms is uncertain. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathologic features of gastric neoplasms in patients with PAH undergoing continuous intravenous prostacyclin therapy. Methods: We screened the registry of patients with pulmonary hypertension who visited the NHO Okayama Medical Center. Of the patients with PAH managed between January 2003 and December 2022, those who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were assessed for gastric neoplasms. Their clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological data were reviewed. Results: Among the 186 patients with PAH, 56 underwent EGD, revealing 4 patients (aged 37–50 years) with gastric epithelial neoplastic lesions. All four patients received continuous intravenous prostacyclin therapy for a median of 151 months. Of the 98 patients who received prostacyclin, 28 patients underwent EGD; the incidence of gastric epithelial neoplasms was 4.1% (4/98) and the endoscopic detection rate was 14.3% (4/28). All patients had multiple tumors against a background of hypertrophic gastropathy (histologically being foveolar epithelial hyperplasia), with shared features of distal location, elevated morphology, and absent submucosal invasion. However, lymph node metastasis was observed in one lesion. By immunohistochemistry, the tumors exhibited gastric-predominant mucus phenotype and were managed by surgical or endoscopic resection without recurrence. Conclusions: The consistent clinicopathologic features of these cases suggest an association between continuous intravenous prostacyclin therapy and the development of hypertrophic gastropathy with potential progression to gastric epithelial neoplasia. Further prospective clinical trials are warranted to ensure safer prostacyclin use.
Atrial Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation (AFTR) Is Associated with Better Outcome After Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (T-TEER) Compared to Ventricular FTR (VFTR)
Authors: Scheffler Jinny Karin , Ott Jan-Philipp , Landes Mona , Felbel Dominik , Gröger Matthias , Kessler Mirjam , Mörike Johannes , Krohn-Grimberghe Marvin , Schneider Leonhard Moritz , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Paukovitsch Michael
Published: January 2025

Background: Transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) is widely used to treat atrial (AFTR) and ventricular (VFTR) functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR). Methods: The outcome of 136 patients treated with T-TEER for severe AFTR or VFTR was analyzed using a composite endpoint of all-cause death and rehospitalization for decompensated heart failure. AFTR was defined as TR in the context of left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) ≥ 35% and sPAP ≤ 50 mmHg. Results: Patients with VFTR (N = 109) and AFTR (N = 27, 19.9%) were both elderly (82.0 {IQR: 74.5–84.5} vs. 82.0 {IQR: 75.0–84.0} years, p = 0.98) and had similar interventional risk according to the EuroScore II (6.1 {4.0–9.8} vs. 4.7 {3.6–9.6} %, p = 0.3). Atrial fibrillation was equally frequent in both groups (89.9 vs. 88.9%, p = 0.88). AFTR patients were significantly more often female (56.0 vs. 77.8%, p = 0.04) and had lower NT-proBNP (3600.0 {1706.0–6302.0} vs. 1988.0 {1034.8–3723.3} pg/mL, p < 0.01). While RVFAC (29.5 ± 8.6 vs. 42.1 ± 4.3%, p < 0.01) and LVEF (48.5 ± 12.3 vs. 58.6 ± 8.0%, p < 0.01) were expectedly lower in patients with VFTR, right atrial dilation (RA volume: 126.7 ± 56.5 vs. 127.6 ± 74.2 mL, p = 0.99) was similar. Successful T-TEER with TR reduction ≥ 2 degrees (96.3 vs. 92.6%, p = 0.34) was observed in both groups, and residual TR ≤ II was equally frequent (94.5 vs. 96.3%, p = 1.0). The incidence of the 1-year composite endpoint was significantly higher (34.3 vs. 12.0%) in patients with VFTR (log-rank p = 0.02). AFTR was inversely associated with the composite endpoint (HR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.7, p < 0.01) in multivariate Cox regression. Conclusions: Despite equally effective TR reduction through T-TEER, a better outcome was observed in patients with AFTR.
Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between Single-Port Access Laparoscopic and Single-Site Robotic Surgery in Benign Gynecologic Diseases: A Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Hyun Suk Hwan , Yoo Ji Geun , Jung Ye Won , Shin Won Kyo , Song Soo Youn , Choi Jae Sung , Ko Young Bok , Lee Mina , Kang Byung Hun , Park Mia , Kim You Jin , Lee Geon Woo , Lee Kyong-No , Yoo Heon Jong
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: To compare the outcomes of single-port access laparoscopic surgery (SPALS) and single-site robotic surgery (SSRS) for benign gynecological diseases, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 367 patients who underwent gynecologic surgery at Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital from October 2020 to December 2023. Methods: Of these 367 patients, 197 underwent SPALS, whereas 170 underwent SSRS. The SPALS group comprised 87 patients who underwent hysterectomy; 107, adnexal surgery (cystectomy: 44, adnexectomy: 63); and 1 myomectomy. The SSRS group included 68 patients who underwent myomectomy; 61, adnexal surgery (cystectomy: 52, adnexectomy: 9); 35, hysterectomy, and 4, sacrocolpopexy. Results: Both surgical techniques were successful, with no patients requiring open surgery. No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. Compared with the SPALS group, the SSRS group had a younger age (39.8 ± 9.5 vs. 44.5 ± 12.3 years, p = 0.001). Severe intra-abdominal adhesions were more frequently observed in the SSRS group (p = 0.004). Operation time (118.1 ± 65.9 vs. 57.1 ± 27.3 min, p = 0.001), gas passing time (39.4 ± 15.37 vs. 30.4 ± 13.5 h, p = 0.001), and hospital length of stay (4.26 ± 1.02 vs. 4.02 ± 0.8 days, p = 0.012) were significantly longer in the SSRS group. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative complications, or readmission rates. Conclusions: SSRS offers a feasible and promising approach for treating gynecological benign diseases. Younger and lower-parity patients tend to undergo SSRS rather than SPALS, with SSRS primarily performed for myomectomy and complex adnexal surgery. However, operation time and gas passing time were significantly longer in the SSRS group.
Functional Alignment Achieved a More Balanced Knee After Robotic Arm-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty than Modified Kinematic Alignment
Authors: Yang Hong-Yeol , Seon Jong-Keun , Yim Ji-Hyeon , Lee Dong-Hyun , Song Eun-Kyoo
Published: January 2025

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the balance in extension and flexion achievable after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a modified kinematic alignment (KA) plan and the subsequent balance achievable after adjusting the component based on the functional alignment (FA) principle. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis through an image-based robotic system in a single center between October 2021 and February 2022. Whether modified KA or FA could achieve a balanced knee was evaluated by assessing the ligament balance in the medial and lateral compartments using a robotic system at extension and 90° flexion. Balance was defined as a difference of ≤2 mm between the compartments. Component positioning was adjusted within limits based on the functional positioning principles to achieve balance. Implant positioning and balance in extension and 90° flexion were compared between the modified KA plan (n = 100) and after FA adjustments (n = 100). Results: FA achieved significantly better balance in extension (FA, 99.0% vs. modified KA, 86.0%; p = 0.001) and flexion (98.0% vs. 43.0%; p < 0.001) than the modified KA plan. The mean difference in gap balance in extension (FA, 0.1 mm vs. modified KA, 0.6 mm; p = 0.001) and flexion (0.1 mm vs. 2.3 mm; p < 0.001) was also significant between the two techniques. The femoral component was positioned more externally rotated relative to the transepicondylar axis (FA, 2.5° vs. modified KA, 0.0°; p < 0.001) to obtain balanced targets. There were significant improvements in the patient-reported outcome measures between preoperative and postoperative assessments two years after TKA (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: FA consistently achieved superior balance in both extension and flexion following TKA compared with modified KA without altering the soft tissue envelope, leading to significant improvements in clinical outcomes at the two-year follow-up.
Synergistic Tribological Performance of Phosphorus- and Sulfur-Based Extreme Pressure and Anti-Wear Additives
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Zheng Jinhua , Wang Jun , Yao Xiao , Xiong Xing , Huang Haipeng
Published: January 2025

Higher demands on extreme pressure lubrication performance are posed by stringent working conditions. In this study, the synergistic tribological properties of phosphate ammonium salt in combination with active sulfurized olefin (S1) and non-active sulfurized fatty acids (S2) were investigated to meet the needs under stringent working conditions. The anti-wear mechanisms were further explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and focused ion beam microscopy. The experimental results indicate that P-S2 demonstrates superior friction reduction and wear resistance under low loads, potentially attributable to its higher polarity, whereas P-S1 exhibits better wear resistance under high loads. P-S1 also shows superior extreme pressure performance attributed to its higher active sulfur content and stronger film-forming ability, evidenced by a thicker friction film (82.62 nm vs. 24.28 nm for P-S2). The study highlights that the variations in the synergistic tribological performance of phosphorus- and sulfur-based additives may link to differences in molecular structure, active sulfur content, polarity, and corrosiveness, with P-S1 demonstrating enhanced extreme pressure performance possibly through the formation of a multi-layered friction film of polyphosphate, sulfide, oligophosphate, and sulfate layers.
Polytetrafluoroethylene and Aluminum Powder as an Alternative to Copper in Car Brakes Composite Friction Materials
Authors: Borawski Andrzej , Szpica Dariusz , Mieczkowski Grzegorz
Published: January 2025

Brakes are one of the most important systems of every vehicle. They have an undoubted impact on safety. Their effects produce wear products, which in the case of conventional composition of friction materials also means the content of copper in compounds emitted into the atmosphere. Its harmful effect makes it necessary to look for an alternative that will replace its excellent lubricating and thermal properties. This article presents prototype materials in which attempts were made to replace copper with powdered aluminum and polytetrafluoroethylene. Four types of samples were prepared—one group with a conventional composition, and three groups with an alternative composition, in different proportions. Using the previously developed methodology, friction tests were performed. As a result, the values of friction coefficients and abrasive wear rate were determined. The results show that the proposed material is characterized by lower values of the coefficient of friction and a higher value of the abrasive wear rate coefficient.
Layered Growth of 3D Snowflake Subject to Membrane Effect and More than One Nucleation Center by Means of Cellular Automata
Authors: Acosta César Renán , Martín Irma , Rivadeneyra Gabriela
Published: January 2025

In this work, it is taken into account that in nature, due to pressure and temperature, water drops in general are either spherical or ellipsoidal. Thus, starting from a more general structure, a 3D elliptical surface (oblate spheroid) is constructed, which, by means of parameters, can be turned into a spherical shape. Hexagons are built on a rectangular horizontal plane, then this plane is passed through an elliptical surface at height h, which is determined by a parameter θ. As a result of the cutting of these surfaces, a curve and a plane are obtained, both horizontal ellipsoidal; if these hexagons are within the perimeter of the horizontal ellipse obtained as a function of θ, they are marked with an N, and if they are outside the perimeter, they are marked with an E. Several frozen nucleation centers are established, either in the same layer or in different planes, marking them with an F and their first eight neighbors with a B. The calculations based on a modified snowflake model are carried out tile by tile and layer by layer, governed by the thermodynamic factors α, β, and γ, leading to results that depend on the position of the nucleator, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical for a snowflake with more than one nucleation center and an external surface formed by water vapor that functions as a membrane.
Monitoring Dynamic Changes of Cellular Membrane GSH During Stroke via an ESIPT-Based Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Gao Yue , Wang Zhao
Published: January 2025

Stroke, primarily ischemic (85%), results from inadequate blood supply and is worsened by ferroptosis, characterized by free radical generation and lipid peroxidation. Monitoring ferroptosis is essential for understanding its mechanisms and developing treatments. Glutathione (GSH) is a key ferroptosis biomarker, but current probes are limited by short excitation/emission wavelengths, small Stokes shifts, and inability to monitor dynamic GSH changes at the cellular membrane, where ferroptosis plays a crucial role. To address these issues, we developed the PM-Red-GSH, a novel near-infrared (NIR) probe based on the Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism. It shows strong NIR emission (715 nm), large Stokes shift (290 nm), and enhanced membrane binding (PCC = 0.95) due to its alkyl group. PM-Red-GSH enables dynamic GSH monitoring in an MCAO mouse model. These findings offer new insights into ferroptosis and stroke treatment.
High Internal Phase Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilised by Cost-Effective Rhamnolipid/Alginate Biocomplexes
Authors: Kłosowska-Chomiczewska Ilona E. , Burakowska Gabriela , Żmuda-Trzebiatowska Paulina , Soukup Aleksandra , Rok-Czapiewska Iwona , Hallmann Elżbieta , Pokynbroda Tetiana , Karpenko Olena , Mędrzycka Krystyna , Macierzanka Adam
Published: January 2025

A novel, cost-effective, partially purified biosurfactant in the form of a rhamnolipid biocomplex (RLBC) was investigated for its emulsifying properties. The RLBC was obtained through the cultivation of Pseudomonas sp. SP-17 on glycerol, followed by acidic precipitation, without the use of organic solvents for isolation or purification. Composed of rhamnolipids (RLs) and the exopolysaccharide alginate, RLBC exhibited emulsifying properties towards rapeseed oil comparable to those of purified RLs at concentrations as low as 0.15% (w/w), sufficient for the effective stabilisation of oil-in-water (o/w) high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs, 80% oil). Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed similar droplet sizes (9.54 ± 0.96 µm for RLBC vs. 8.93 ± 0.58 µm for RLs), while multiple light scattering confirmed high emulsion stability over 120 days. The emulsions displayed shear-thinning behaviour, with yield stresses of approximately 11.5 Pa and 7.7 Pa for systems prepared with RLBC and RLs, respectively, after seven days of pre-storage. Although increasing the RLBC concentration from 0.15% to 1% (w/w) slightly improved the degree of emulsion dispersion, it did not substantially impact the long-term stability observed at the lowest concentration. Biodegradation tests demonstrated that the RLBC preparations are environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic surfactants, achieving 60% biodegradation within 2.5 days and complete biodegradation within 14 days, which outperformed synthetic emulsifiers. The RLBC offers both environmental and economic advantages over purified RLs, including reduced production costs and the elimination of organic solvents. Our findings highlight the potential of RLBC for stabilising HIPEs in applications requiring sustainable and biodegradable formulations, such as cosmetics, lubricants, and industrial fluids widely manufactured and utilised today.
Use of Antimicrobial Nanoparticles for the Management of Dental Diseases
Authors: Yin Iris Xiaoxue , Udduttulla Anjaneyulu , Xu Veena Wenqing , Chen Kitty Jieyi , Zhang Monica Yuqing , Chu Chun Hung
Published: January 2025

Dental diseases represent a significant global health concern, with traditional treatment methods often proving costly and lacking in long-term efficacy. Emerging research highlights nanoparticles as a promising, cost-effective therapeutic alternative, owing to their unique properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of antimicrobial and antioxidant nanoparticles in the management of dental diseases. Silver and gold nanoparticles have shown great potential for inhibiting biofilm formation and thus preventing dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Various dental products can integrate copper nanoparticles, known for their antimicrobial properties, to combat oral infections. Similarly, zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the antimicrobial performance of dental materials, including adhesives and cements. Titanium dioxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties, rendering them advantageous for dental materials and oral hygiene products. Chitosan nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting oral pathogens and reducing inflammation in periodontal tissues. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles, with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can enhance the overall performance of dental materials and oral care products. Incorporating these diverse nanoparticles into dental materials and oral care products holds the potential to significantly reduce the risk of infection, control biofilm formation, and improve overall oral health. This review underscores the importance of continued research and development in this promising field to realize the full potential of nanoparticles in dental care.
Design of a Freeform Surface Optical Detection System with a Square Aperture
Authors: Zhao Hongkai , Mao Xianglong
Published: January 2025

To meet the demands for heightened detection sensitivity in satellite-based space target detection systems, we introduce an innovative square aperture diaphragm system utilizing freeform surfaces for detecting targets in the visible light spectrum. Characterized by a 40 mm × 40 mm square entrance pupil, a 4° × 4° field of view (FOV), and a 150 mm focal length, this system achieves a spot size of 2 × 2 pixels with 85% energy concentration within 18.4 μm, showcasing exceptional performance. Our design, compared to a circular aperture system of similar specifications, increases the entrance pupil area by 27% while having a smaller volume, resulting in a 0.24 magnitude improvement in the detection of space targets. This advancement significantly enhances our ability to detect fainter space targets with high sensitivity. The findings of this study pave the way for advancements in satellite-based space target detection technology.
Morphological and Transcriptome Analysis of the Near-Threatened Orchid Habenaria radiata with Petals Shaped Like a Flying White Bird
Authors: Takeda Seiji , Nishikawa Yuki , Tachibana Tsutomu , Higaki Takumi , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Kimura Seisuke
Published: January 2025

Orchids have evolved flowers with unique morphologies through coevolution with pollinators, such as insects. Among the floral organs, the lip (labellum), one of the three petals, exhibits a distinctive shape and plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators and facilitating pollination in many orchids. The lip of the terrestrial orchid Habenaria radiata is shaped like a flying white bird and is believed to attract and provide a platform for nectar-feeding pollinators, such as hawk moths. To elucidate the mechanism of lip morphogenesis, we conducted time-lapse imaging of blooming flowers to observe the extension process of the lip and analyzed the cellular morphology during the generation of serrations. We found that the wing part of the lip folds inward in the bud and fully expands in two hours after blooming. The serrations of the lip were initially formed through cell division and later deepened through polar cell elongation. Transcriptome analysis of floral buds revealed the expression of genes involved in floral organ development, cell division, and meiosis. Additionally, genes involved in serration formation are also expressed in floral buds. This study provides insights into the mechanism underlying the formation of the unique lip morphology in Habenaria radiata.
Varied Growth Media Necessitate Different Light Regimes for Indoor Duckweed Cultivation
Authors: Redmond Cian , O’Mahoney Rachel , Blanchard Marion , Coughlan Neil E.
Published: January 2025

Controlled indoor cultivation of duckweed plants can support remediation of wastewaters through generation of plant biomass. Despite numerous advantages, indoor cultivation of duckweeds on agri-food wastewaters remains underexplored. Lighting regimes need to be optimised for duckweed growth and affordability of energy consumption, as it has been shown that the composition of wastewater growth medium can alter light utilisation. In the present study, four duckweed (Lemna minor) clones were grown under four different light regimes on either optimised half-strength Hutner’s medium or wastewater derived from the liquid fractions of anaerobically digested pig slurry. Cultivation of L. minor was assessed for the four light regimes using a commercial hydroponics plant growth medium in a 3.96 m2 multitiered cultivation system. When cultivated on optimised half-strength Hutner’s medium or diluted pig slurry under laboratory conditions, it appeared that photoperiod rather than light intensity was more important for duckweed growth. Yet, under moderate flow conditions within a larger scale multitiered cultivation system, greater light intensity appeared to support duckweed cultivation irrespective of photoperiod. These findings emphasise the need to move beyond small-scale and static assessments of duckweed before embarking on larger, industry-relevant scales.
A Novel Framework for Whole-Slide Pathological Image Classification Based on the Cascaded Attention Mechanism
Authors: Liu Dehua , Hu Bin
Published: January 2025

This study introduces an innovative deep learning framework to address the limitations of traditional pathological image analysis and the pressing demand for medical resources in tumor diagnosis. With the global rise in cancer cases, manual examination by pathologists is increasingly inadequate, being both time-consuming and subject to the scarcity of professionals and individual subjectivity, thus impacting diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Deep learning, particularly in computer vision, offers significant potential to mitigate these challenges. Automated models can rapidly and accurately process large datasets, revolutionizing tumor detection and classification. However, existing methods often rely on single attention mechanisms, failing to fully exploit the complexity of pathological images, especially in extracting critical features from whole-slide images. We developed a framework incorporating a cascaded attention mechanism, enhancing meaningful pattern recognition while suppressing irrelevant background information. Experiments on the Camelyon16 dataset demonstrate superior classification accuracy, model generalization, and result interpretability compared to state-of-the-art techniques. This advancement promises to enhance diagnostic efficiency, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Localization of Capsule Endoscope in Alimentary Tract by Computer-Aided Analysis of Endoscopic Images
Authors: Zhang Ruiyao , Peng Boyuan , Liu Yiyang , Liu Xinkai , Huang Jie , Suzuki Kohei , Nakajima Yuki , Nemoto Daiki , Togashi Kazutomo , Zhu Xin
Published: January 2025

Capsule endoscopy is a common method for detecting digestive diseases. The location of a capsule endoscope should be constantly monitored through a visual inspection of the endoscopic images by medical staff to confirm the examination’s progress. In this study, we proposed a computer-aided analysis (CADx) method for the localization of a capsule endoscope. At first, a classifier based on a Swin Transformer was proposed to classify each frame of the capsule endoscopy videos into images of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, respectively. Then, a K-means algorithm was used to correct outliers in the classification results. Finally, a localization algorithm was proposed to determine the position of the capsule endoscope in the alimentary tract. The proposed method was developed and validated using videos of 204 consecutive cases. The proposed CADx, based on a Swin Transformer, showed a precision of 93.46%, 97.28%, and 98.68% for the classification of endoscopic images recorded in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, respectively. Compared with the landmarks identified by endoscopists, the proposed method demonstrated an average transition time error of 16.2 s to locate the intersection of the stomach and small intestine, as well as 13.5 s to locate that of the small intestine and the large intestine, based on the 20 validation videos with an average length of 3261.8 s. The proposed method accurately localizes the capsule endoscope in the alimentary tract and may replace the laborious real-time visual inspection in capsule endoscopic examinations.
A Bearing Fault Diagnosis Model Based on a Simplified Wide Convolutional Neural Network and Random Forrest
Authors: Zhang Qikai , Yao Yunan , Huang Yage , Liu Yangbowen , Wu Linfeng
Published: January 2025

Bearings play a crucial role in the complex mechanical systems of ships, and their operational status is closely related to vibration signals. Therefore, analyzing bearing signals plays an important role in the field of fault diagnosis. In order to solve the problems of low accuracy and slow response speed in fault diagnosis through vibration signals at mixed speeds, this paper introduces an improved Simple Window Deep Convolutional Neural Network with Random Forest (SWDCNN-RF) model on traditional Wide Convolutional Neural Network (WDCNN). It was verified through the publicly available dataset of ball bearings from Western Reserve University in the United States. It was found that the improved model increased speed by 38.51% and accuracy from 97.5% to 99.6% at epoch = 50, and also achieved faster convergence and smaller fluctuations during training. This study is of great significance for determining the occurrence time and type of bearing faults, and provides criteria for reliability evaluation and fault diagnosis of equipment using bearings.
Internet of Robotic Things: Current Technologies, Challenges, Applications, and Future Research Topics
Authors: Krejčí Jakub , Babiuch Marek , Suder Jiří , Krys Václav , Bobovský Zdenko
Published: January 2025

This article focuses on the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Robotic Things, representing a dynamic research area with significant potential for industrial applications. The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) integrates IoT technologies into robotic systems, enhancing their efficiency and autonomy. The article provides an overview of the technologies used in IoRT, including hardware components, communication technologies, and cloud services. It also explores IoRT applications in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and more. The article discusses challenges and future research directions, including data security, energy efficiency, and ethical issues. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of IoRT and demonstrate how this technology can bring significant benefits across various sectors.
Cross-Domain Generalization for LiDAR-Based 3D Object Detection in Infrastructure and Vehicle Environments
Authors: Zhi Peng , Jiang Longhao , Yang Xiao , Wang Xingzheng , Li Hung-Wei , Zhou Qingguo , Li Kuan-Ching , Ivanović Mirjana
Published: January 2025

In the intelligent transportation field, the Internet of Things (IoT) is commonly applied using 3D object detection as a crucial part of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) cooperative perception. However, challenges arise from discrepancies in sensor configurations between vehicles and infrastructure, leading to variations in the scale and heterogeneity of point clouds. To address the performance differences caused by the generalization problem of 3D object detection models with heterogeneous LiDAR point clouds, we propose the Dual-Channel Generalization Neural Network (DCGNN), which incorporates a novel data-level downsampling and calibration module along with a cross-perspective Squeeze-and-Excitation attention mechanism for improved feature fusion. Experimental results using the DAIR-V2X dataset indicate that DCGNN outperforms detectors trained on single datasets, demonstrating significant improvements over selected baseline models.
Permittivity Characterization of Conductive and Corrosive LiBr Water Solutions, Method Validation up to 9 GHz Using a Low-Cost SMA Probe
Authors: Perrier Anne-Laure , Houzet Gregory , Outin Jonathan , Rochefeuille Edouard , Stutz Benoit , Lacrevaz Thierry
Published: January 2025

In this article, we present a method for extracting the complex permittivity of high-conductivity solutions up to 9 GHz. Microwave measurements were performed using a low-cost SMA connector, employed as an open-circuit coaxial probe, which was subsequently brought into contact with the liquids under characterization. Compared to state-of-the-art techniques, this method offers the advantage of good accuracy while remaining simple to implement with a low-cost sensor. The affordability of the sensor is crucial because the sensor must operate in a corrosive environment. The use of existing but expensive commercial solutions is prohibitive. Therefore, sensor replacement must be straightforward and inexpensive in case of damage. Two permittivity extraction methods were studied, both relying on a straightforward experimental approach and knowledge of the complex permittivity of reference liquids (deionized water, ethanol, methanol). The technique was initially validated on saline solutions (NaCl) known from the literature before being applied to aqueous lithium bromide (LiBr water) solutions. Eight LiBr water solutions, known to be highly corrosive, were measured for LiBr mass concentrations ranging from 1% to 54% and for conductivities up to 14 S/m. The high conductivity of these solutions brings challenges to extract the real part of the permittivity, which is underestimated by both methods. In contrast, the imaginary part exhibits consistent results with variations strongly correlated to the concentration. Notably, an inversion of the direction of variation was observed for mass concentration in LiBr exceeding 35% aligning with the conductivity curve.
Transformation of the Dairy Supply Chain Through Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Serrano-Torres Gabriela Joseth , López-Naranjo Alexandra Lorena , Larrea-Cuadrado Pedro Lucas , Mazón-Fierro Guido
Published: January 2025

The dairy supply chain encompasses all stages involved in the production, processing, distribution, and delivery of dairy products from farms to end consumers. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the use of advanced technologies to optimize processes and make informed decisions. Using the PRISMA methodology, this research analyzes AI technologies applied in the dairy supply chain, their impact on process optimization, the factors facilitating or hindering their adoption, and their potential to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. The findings show that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming dairy supply chain management through technologies such as artificial neural networks, deep learning, IoT sensors, and blockchain. These tools enable real-time planning and decision-making optimization, improve product quality and safety, and ensure traceability. The use of machine learning algorithms, such as Tabu Search, ACO, and SARIMA, is highlighted for predicting production, managing inventories, and optimizing logistics. Additionally, AI fosters sustainability by reducing environmental impact through more responsible farming practices and process automation, such as robotic milking. However, its adoption faces barriers such as high costs, lack of infrastructure, and technical training, particularly in small businesses. Despite these challenges, AI drives operational efficiency, strengthens food safety, and supports the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. It is important to note that the study has limitations in analyzing long-term impacts, stakeholder resistance, and the lack of comparative studies on the effectiveness of different AI approaches.
Improving Ride-Hailing Platform Operations in Dynamic Markets: A Drivers’ Switching Perspective
Authors: Chen Xingguang , Deng Hepu
Published: January 2025

Improving the performance of the operations of ride-hailing platforms (RHPs) by adequately considering drivers’ switching behaviors is becoming crucial for their profitability and sustainability. This study explores how to optimize the operations of RHPs by investigating the impact of commission rates on drivers’ switching behaviors in a dynamic mobility market. Two queue-theory-based mathematical models have been developed to explore the relationship between commission rates, drivers’ switching behaviors, and critical platform parameters in optimizing the operations of RHPs. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of such models in determining the best commission rate to optimize the operations of RHPs in duopoly and fully competitive market conditions. The findings suggest that understanding the intricate relationship between commission rates, drivers’ switching behaviors, and critical platform parameters is significant for RHPs in formulating appropriate strategies and policies to ensure their sustainable operations.
Soluble Activin Receptor Type IIB Improves Muscle Regeneration Following Crotalus atrox Venom-Induced Damage
Authors: Sonavane Medha , Alqallaf Ali , Mitchell Robert D. , Almeida José R. , Gilabadi Soheil , Richards Nicholas J. , Adeyemi Sodiq , Williams Jarred , Ritvos Olli , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Patel Ketan
Published: January 2025

Viper bite envenoming often results in prominent skeletal muscle damage. According to our previous studies, the prolonged presence of Crotalus atrox venom toxins induced extensive muscle damage, which mimicked the outcome of chronic muscle damage often seen in human muscular dystrophies. In the case of chronic muscle damage, two critical processes occur: muscle regeneration is impaired, and fibrosis develops. Myostatin/activin signalling is a key regulator of both of these processes. Myostatin and its closely related molecules, in particular activin, inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of myocytes while promoting proliferation of fibroblasts and expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Thus, attenuating myostatin/activin signalling offers an attractive means of promoting muscle development while decreasing fibrosis. Hence, we have used the soluble activin receptor type IIb, which acts as a ligand trap for both myostatin and activin, to dampen signalling and assessed whether this intervention could alter the pathological trajectory of C. atrox venom-induced muscle damage in mice. We report that the soluble activin receptor type IIb treatment increased the size of regenerating fibres while reducing the level of fibrotic tissues in venom-damaged muscle.
Effective Immune Protection of Mice from Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection by Oral Salmonella-Based Vaccine Expressing Viral M78 Antigen
Authors: Liu Yujun , Gong Hao , Zhu Jiaming , Liu Fenyong
Published: January 2025

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of viral congenital infections worldwide. The development of effective vaccines against human CMV infection and disease is a high priority. Attenuated Salmonella are attractive oral vaccine vectors against human diseases because they can be administrated orally. Methods: In this study, an attenuated Salmonella strain was generated as an oral vaccine vector for the delivery and expression of the M78 protein of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Using the MCMV infection of mice as the CMV infection model, we characterized the immune responses and protection induced by the constructed Salmonella-based vaccine. Results: The generated Salmonella-based vaccine, v-M78, which contained an M78 expression plasmid construct, carried out gene transfer efficiently for M78 expression and showed little pathogenicity and virulence in mice. In orally vaccinated mice, v-M78 induced anti-MCMV serum IgG and mucosal IgA responses and also elicited anti-MCMV T cell responses. Furthermore, mice immunized with v-M78 were protected from intraperitoneal and intranasal challenges with MCMV. The v-M78 vaccination reduced the titers of the challenged viruses in spleens, livers, lungs, and salivary glands. Conclusions: These results provide the first direct evidence that a Salmonella-based vaccine expressing M78 elicits strong humoral and cellular immune responses and induces immune protection against MCMV infection. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the potential of using Salmonella-based oral vaccines against CMV infection.
Continuity and locum use for acute consultations: observational study of subsequent workload
Authors: Kajaria-Montag Harshita , Scholtes Stefan , Gray Denis Pereira , Sidaway-Lee Kate , Freeman Michael , Evans Philip
Published: January 2025

Background

Workload is probably the biggest challenge facing general practice and little is known about any modifiable factors. For GPs, both continuity and locum status are associated with differences in outcomes.

Aim

To determine whether practice and hospital workload after an index acute consultation depend on the type of GP consulted (locums and practice GPs with [regular] and without [non-regular] continuity, and locums).

Design and setting

An observational, cross-sectional analysis of consultation-level data from English general practices from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 2015 to 2017.

Method

Antibiotic prescription was used as a marker for acute consultations with regression models to calculate adjusted relative risks for emergency department consultations and admissions, outpatient referrals, and test ordering, as well as the patients’ GP reconsultation interval following consultations with the three types of GP.

Results

After adjustment, consultations with antibiotic prescriptions with regular GPs with continuity were associated with fewer subsequent hospital admissions and lower emergency department use but higher outpatient referrals relative to locums and non-regular GPs. Locums ordered tests less often (relative risk [RR] −24.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −27.3 to −21.2) than regular GPs whereas non-regular GPs ordered tests more often (RR 19.1%, 95% CI = = 16.4 to 21.8). Patients seeing their regular GP had on average a 9% longer (95% CI = 8 to 10) reconsultation interval than if they saw any other GP.

Conclusion

The differences in outcomes were associated more with having continuity than with GP locum status. Seeing a GP with whom the patient had continuity of care was associated with reduced workload within the practice and in hospital.
The Significance of Inner Circle Support for Prospective Parents in LGBTQ Family Formation Processes
Authors: Anttila Sonja , Palojoki Päivi , Vuori Jaana , Janhonen-Abruquah Hille
Published: January 2025

Prospective parents in LGBTQ families often require donated gametes, fertility clinic or adoption agency services, new co-parenting partners. In addition to this, various support networks can play a meaningful role for prospective LGBTQ parents during family formation processes. In this study, we investigate how parents’ relationships with former families, kin, and others are reconfigured. Although some of the support networks in this study are referred to as “family” or “kin”, the terms are used to describe a broader set of relationships than those generally included in the terms. Limited research has been conducted on the significance of close relationships in the transition to parenthood for LGBTQ people. The present study addresses the following questions: How do close relationships affect prospective LGBTQ parents’ family formation processes? From whom do prospective parents receive support, and what kind of support do they receive? How do they describe these supportive relationships? Data were collected through interviews with parents in LGBTQ families in Finland. Face-to-face interviews (n = 18) were conducted using a semi-structured interview protocol, and the data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. Prospective LGBTQ parents were found to receive emotional, instrumental, financial, informational, and appraisal support from their inner circles during the family formation process. They defined family not only in terms of legal ties or biological kinship but also based on emotional connections with others, viewing kinship as a relationship based on individual choice. Intergenerational assistance was relevant, but close friends of the prospective parents . Conversely, a lack of support from inner circles also affected the family formation process.
Quelques unités phytosociologique de Charente-Maritime observées lors de la 156e session extraordinaire de la SBF
Authors: Botineau Michel , Royer Jean-Marie
Published: January 2025

Contribution to the study of phytosociological units of Charente-Martime (France).
Introduction – Agriculture et urbanisation : dynamiques et enjeux des espaces périurbains
Authors: Bouchemal Salah , Tchékémian Antony
Published: January 2025

exploration des formes d’agriculture périurbaine, jouant un rôle clé dans l'histoire et l'évolution des villes. Ces espaces agricoles, bien qu'intégrés à la production, répondent aux attentes citadines, retrouvant un statut paysager. Les agriculteurs périurbains anticipent l'urbanisation inévitable de leurs terres, souvent en délocalisant progressivement leurs activités. Les enjeux de la sécurisation foncière et la mixité des usages soulèvent des défis pour la gestion urbaine moderne. Ce volume analyse ces recompositions territoriales, questionnant les frontières traditionnelles entre l'urbain et le rural à l'ère de l'anthropocène.