bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adductor pollicis muscle thickness is not associated with physical function, lean mass, and nutritional status in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Morais Débora Moreira , Trombim Isadora Cordeiro , de Góes Cassiana Regina , Vogt Barbara Perez
Published: January 2025

Background

The adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) may be associated with the muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis. However, the association of APMT with other physical function assessment tests has not yet been tested. Moreover, because it is considered a good nutritional indicator and not influenced by fluid overload, the APMT may be associated with the muscle mass and nutritional status of these patients. Therefore, the objective was to assess the association of APMT with physical function, muscle mass and nutritional status in patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

The APMT was measured using a skinfold caliper between pollicis finger and index finger. Physical function was evaluated by handgrip strength (HGS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the sit-to-stand test, gait speed test, and timed up and go (TUG). Appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI) was estimated using bioelectrical impedance. The nutritional status was evaluated by the Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS).

Results

Fifty-one patients were included, 60.8% men, mean age 58.4 ± 12.6 years. There were no significant correlations of APMT with physical function, muscle mass and nutritional status. Values of APMT were not different between the groups according to adequate physical function or muscle mass. In the multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for sex, age and diabetes, APMT was not significantly associated with physical function tests, as HGS (β = 0.101; p = 0.778), gait speed (β = −0.014; p = 0.180), SPPB (β = −0.054; p = 0.590), TUG (β = 0.202; p = 0.109), lean mass AMMI (β = 0.058; p = 0.147).

Conclusion

There were no associations of APMT with physical function, muscle mass and nutritional status in patients on hemodialysis. We suggest APMT should not be used in physical function and nutritional assessments of these patients.
Association of dietary intake with cancer of the digestive system: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qin Xinxin , Ge Litao , Wu Song , Li Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

In recent years, the incidence of cancers of the digestive system has been increasing, posing a severe threat to the lives and health of people around the world, and has become one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The three most common cancers of the digestive system include gastric, colorectal, and liver cancers, and attention has been paid to the role of diet in the progression of these cancers. However, the relationship between dietary factors and cancers of the digestive system remains to be investigated.

Methods

This study included 30,789 adults aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted from 2007 to 2018. It assessed the association between 30 dietary factors and digestive system cancers. Descriptive analysis was used to explore the demographic characteristics of the participants and p-values were calculated using a weighted linear regression model. Categorical variables were described as percentages, and p-values were calculated using weighted chi-square tests.

Results

We found that protein, vitamin B1, calcium, and iron intake were positively associated with colorectal cancer; vitamin B2 and phosphorus intake were negatively related to colorectal cancer; dietary folate and vitamin B12 intake were negatively associated with gastric cancer; vitamin D and copper intake were positively associated with gastric cancer; vitamin E intake was negatively related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma; and lycopene, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, and zinc intake was positively associated with the development of liver cancer. Other than that, we did not observe any correlation between other dietary factors and cancers of the digestive system.

Conclusion

Dietary intake is associated with digestive system cancers, and more epidemiologic studies are needed to validate our results.
Nomogram prediction of overall survival in breast cancer patients post-surgery: integrating SEER database and multi-center evidence from China
Authors: Zheng Yufen , Yuan Yuan , Jin Minya , Wu Chunlong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Overall survival (OS) in postoperative breast cancer patients is influenced by various clinicopathological features. Current prognostic methods, such as the 7th edition of AJCC staging, have limitations. This study aims to construct and validate a comprehensive nomogram integrating multiple clinicopathological features to predict OS more accurately in breast cancer patients.

Methods

We identified 60,445 .female patients who underwent breast cancer surgery between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, randomly divided into training and internal validation cohorts. Additionally, data from 332 breast cancer surgery patients from four hospitals in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, were included as an external validation cohort. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed the impact of clinicopathological features on OS, and multivariable Cox regression identified independent prognostic factors. A nomogram based on these factors was constructed to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS. Model predictive performance was evaluated using C-index, AUC, calibration curves, and decision curves during internal and external validation.

Results

Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified age, pathological grade, AJCC stage, ER status, PR status, and HER2 status as independent prognostic factors used in the nomogram construction. The nomogram achieved a C-index of 0.724 (95% CI, 0.716-0.732) in the training cohorts, 0.717 (95% CI, 0.705-0.729) in the internal validation cohorts, and 0.793 (95% CI, 0.724-0.862) in the external validation cohorts, indicating strong discriminative ability. Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes in all validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram provided maximum net benefit across all validation cohorts.

Conclusion

The nomogram developed in this study integrates multiple clinicopathological features and provides a convenient and accurate tool for predicting individualized OS in breast cancer patients. This tool can optimize treatment strategies and improve patient prognosis.
Addressing challenges in pediatric thrombosis: a comprehensive guideline development
Authors: Wang Yin , Yin Qinan , Liao Jiangting , Wang Na , Li Li , Li Siyan , Zhang Qingxia , Yu Feifei , Luo Jianchun , Wang Hongmei , Hu Die , Li Wenyi , Li Biao , Chen Jingjing , Dong Limei , Luo Min , Yan Yu , Dong Lie , Ding Zheng , Wei Xi , Yang Jiadan , Tan Shenglan , Li Lian , Zheng Xi , Wu Liuyun , Yang Yong , Zeng Linan , Li Jinqi , Han Lizhu , Bian Yuan
Published: January 2025

Background

Pediatric thrombosis is a relatively rare but severe condition in the field of pediatrics, with far-reaching consequences. Recent studies have indicated a rising incidence of this disease in children over the years. Additionally, the pharmacological treatment of thrombotic diseases in children faces numerous challenges. Due to significant physiological differences between children and adults, guidelines for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases in adults cannot be directly applied to pediatric patients.

Purpose

A systematic review of the existing evidence-based medical literature should be conducted to propose pharmacological prevention and treatment recommendations for pediatric thrombotic diseases. Developing a comprehensive and practical pharmacotherapy guideline for the prevention and treatment of pediatric thrombotic diseases is essential to enhancing the rational use of medications in managing these conditions in children.

Methods

The guideline development followed the World Health Organization's (WHO) Handbook for Guideline Development. This involves systematically searching and extensively collecting data on common medication issues in the prevention and treatment of pediatric thrombosis nationwide. The Delphi method was used to survey experts and identify the clinical issues to be included. Subsequently, a systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate existing primary studies, systematic reviews, and guidelines or consensus statements from professional organizations. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The Delphi method was employed again to reach a consensus on the recommendations and evidence levels. This process was culminated in the development of the Guideline for Pharmacological Management of Thrombotic Diseases in Children.

Results

During the guideline development process, a total of 29 clinical issues were collected and evaluated by 78 experts in clinical pharmacy and clinical medicine. Through two rounds of surveys, 13 clinical issues were selected. Under the supervision of two methodologists, 13 clinical pharmacotherapy recommendations were formulated.

Conclusion

By conducting a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility and safety of clinical practices, the guideline provides specific anticoagulant medication recommendations for pediatric healthcare professionals. This will help enhance the prevention and treatment of pediatric thrombosis, promoting more standardized and effective medical practices.
Study on the Optimal Harvesting Age of Astragalus Mongholicus Under Wild-Simulated Cultivation in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Li Xingcong , Sheng Jinhua , Zhang Xiongjie , Liu Yuxiao
Published: January 2025

The harvesting age is a critical factor influencing the quality of medicinal crops, as it significantly affects the content of active compounds and clinical efficacy, which vary across different cultivation years. This study aims to clarify the growth and development patterns of wild-simulated and cultivated Astragalus mongholicus at different ages and provide theoretical and practical guidance for determining its optimal harvesting age. The morphological indicators, photosynthetic performance, stress resistance enzyme activities, medicinal compounds, and yields of Astragalus mongholicus cultivated and wild-simulated for one, two, three, and four years were analyzed. Results showed that the harvesting age influenced the various measurement indicators of wild-simulated Astragalus mongholicus. The underground growth of the two-year-old plants was the most vigorous, with a stronger photosynthetic capacity and the highest content of calycosin-7-O-glucoside. Both two-year-old and three-year-old plants exhibited higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. The three-year-old plants had the highest astragaloside IV content and the greatest economic benefit. Considering both the quality of the medicinal material and the economic returns, this study suggests that the optimal harvesting age for wild-simulated cultivated Astragalus mongholicus in Inner Mongolia is three years, though harvesting at two years may also be feasible under practical conditions.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Kinesin Gene Family in Soybean and Its Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Jin Ting , Zhang Kai , Zhang Xiujie , Wu Chunhua , Long Weihua
Published: January 2025

The kinesin (KIN) gene family is a subgroup of motor proteins. It plays a critical role in plant development and responses to environmental stresses. However, their function in soybean salt tolerance has yet to be clearly defined. This study employed bioinformatics approaches and identified 139 kinesin family members in the soybean genome. These 139 genes were classified into 10 subgroups, unevenly distributed across the chromosomes. The promoter regions of GmKIN genes harbored several stress-responsive elements, and segmental duplication was the primary driver of the expansion of the GmKIN gene family. Based on publicly available RNA-seq data, we studied the response patterns of 139 GmKIN genes to salt stress and found that 20 KIN genes in soybeans were upregulated after salt stress, with GmKIN114, GmKIN102, GmKIN109, and GmKIN99 showing more than a threefold increase in their expression under salt stress. Using quantitative fluorescence PCR, transgenic yeast, and a transgenic hairy root system, we preliminarily validated the salt tolerance functions of the four KIN genes in soybeans. This study probed into the GmKIN gene family in soybean, offering valuable insights into the functional roles of these genes in stress adaptation.
Knowledge, Awareness, and Perceptions Towards Antibiotic Use, Resistance, and Antimicrobial Stewardship Among Final-Year Medical and Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshehri Abdullah A. , Khawagi Wael Y.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a global crisis leading to increased mortality and economic burden. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) promotes responsible antibiotic use and prescribing practices to combat ABR. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of final-year medical and pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic use, ABR, and AMS. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2024 using a 49-item questionnaire. The survey assessed knowledge of antibiotic use, ABR, and AMS using predefined scoring, while perceptions were evaluated with a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to explore associations between independent variables and outcomes. A logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with good knowledge, and results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among 197 participants from 26 Saudi universities, pharmacy students comprised 73.1% of the sample. Good knowledge was observed in 44.7% for antibiotic use, 47.7% for ABR, and 52.8% for AMS. However, 28.4% lacked awareness of AMS, and 5.6% were unaware of ABR. Pharmacy students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and confidence in AMS and antibiotic handling compared to medical students (p < 0.001). Higher knowledge was also associated with the university’s region and prior education on resistance or AMS during college. Conclusions: This study highlights significant gaps in knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use, ABR, and AMS among final-year medical and pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia. The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational strategies, standardized curricula, and enhanced AMS training to better prepare future healthcare professionals to combat ABR effectively.
A 3D-Printed Enclosed Twist Dielectric Resonator Antenna with Circular Polarization
Authors: Ávila-Saavedra Andrea , Diaz Marcos , Pizarro Francisco
Published: January 2025

This article presents a circular polarized enclosed dielectric resonator antenna (DRA), operating at 5.8 GHz. The design consists of a twist DRA, which is enclosed in a box to give stability to the structure. The circular polarization of the antenna depends on the sense of twisting the top with respect to its base to achieve Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) or Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP). The antenna was manufactured using 3D printing and low-loss dielectric filament. The measurement results show the two resonance frequencies and an axial ratio below 3 dB at the operational frequency, while exhibiting a bandwidth and gain compatible for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications.
Relationship Between Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Force, Sprint Acceleration Mechanics and Performance in National-Level Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Stavridis Ioannis , Zisi Maria , Arsoniadis Gavriil G. , Terzis Gerasimos , Tsolakis Charilaos , Paradisis Giorgos P.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to examine the relationships between isometric mid-thigh pull maximal force (IMTPF), sprint mechanics, and performance. Fifteen national-level track and field athletes (sprinters and hurdlers) performed three maximal-effort isometric mid-thigh pulls on a force plate and two 30 m sprints. The IMTPF, the sprint mechanical variables (theoretical maximum horizontal force (F0), velocity (v0), and power (Pmax)), as well as the sprint performance data at 5 m distance intervals, were collected. Pearson’s product–moment correlation analysis revealed large linear associations between IMTPF and v0 (r = 0.65, R2 = 0.42, p = 0.009), as well as negative linear relationships between IMTPF and sprint times of 15 m (r = −0.53, R2 = 0.28, p = 0.043), 20 m (r = −0.55, R2 = 0.30, p = 0.033), 25 m (r = −0.57, R2 = 0.33, p = 0.025), and 30 m (r = −0.60, R2 = 0.36, p = 0.019). The F0, Pmax, and sprint times to 5 m and 10 m were not significantly correlated with the IMTPF (p < 0.05). The study results highlight that during the late acceleration phase (>15 m), the capacity to generate horizontal force at high running velocities is related to the ability to develop maximal force during isometric contractions.
A Manikin-Based Study of Particle Dispersion in a Vehicle Cabin
Authors: Nabilou Fatemeh , Derwein Dennis , Kirmas Alexander , Dhake Abhinav , Vogt Rainer , Eckstein Lutz , Rewitz Kai , Müller Dirk
Published: January 2025

Recently, there has been a growing interest in understanding how respiratory particles spread within passenger cars, especially in light of ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases. This study experimentally investigates dispersion patterns of respiratory airborne particles (<1 µm) within these confined spaces. The main objective is to introduce a manikin-based method for studying particle dispersion and assessing in-cabin air quality. To achieve this, a respiratory manikin as a particle source has been developed and tested under various use-cases, including variations in source emission (breathing vs. speaking), the HVAC ventilation mode (fresh and recirculation), and the blower level of the HVAC system (low and high). The findings reveal that for an infection source on the first row of the vehicle when cabin airflow originates from the front panel, the seat directly behind the particle source is associated with the highest particle exposure, while the seat adjacent to the source offers the lowest exposure. Among the tested configurations, the recirculation mode with an active HEPA filter and high blower level shows the lowest particle concentration at recipients’ breath levels during both breathing and speaking. These findings can be used to enhance the design of passenger cars to reduce the transmission of potentially pathogen-laden particles.
Association of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Ambient Temperature Variation in Shanghai, China: Beyond Air Quality Index PM2.5
Authors: Li Qi , Li Shizhen , Zhai Ting , Jin Shan , Wang Chunfang , Fang Bo , Xia Tian
Published: January 2025

Evidence from megacity registry data regarding the independent association between ambient temperature and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, after accounting for Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), remains scarce. In this study, we collected 308,116 CVD mortality cases in Shanghai from 2015 to 2020. The distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was utilized. The daily PM2.5 concentration was transformed using a natural spline (ns) function and integrated into the model for adjustment. The DLNM analysis revealed that the exposure–response curve between daily temperature and CVD mortality approximated an inverted “J” shape, consistent for both women and men. The minimum mortality temperature (MMT) for total CVD mortality was 25 °C, with an MMT of 26 °C for females and 24 °C for males. The highest relative risk (RR) of CVD mortality was 2.424 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.035, 2.887] at the lowest temperature of −6.1 °C, with 2.244 (95% CI: 1.787, 2.818) for female and 2.642 (95% CI: 2.100, 3.326) for male. High temperatures exert acute and short-term effects, with the peak risk occurring on the day of exposure. In contrast, the risk from low temperature peaks on day 3 of the lag time and subsequently declines until days 16–21. This study offers evidence-based support for the prevention of temperature-induced CVD mortality.
Enhancing Blood Cell Diagnosis Using Hybrid Residual and Dual Block Transformer Network
Authors: Tanwar Vishesh , Sharma Bhisham , Yadav Dhirendra Prasad , Dwivedi Ashutosh Dhar
Published: January 2025

Leukemia is a life-threatening blood cancer that affects a large cross-section of the population, which underscores the great need for timely, accurate, and efficient diagnostic solutions. Traditional methods are time-consuming, subject to human vulnerability, and do not always grasp the subtle morphological differences that form the basic discriminatory features among different leukemia subtypes. The proposed residual vision transformer (ResViT) model breaks these limitations by combining the advantages of ResNet-50 for high dimensional feature extraction and a vision transformer for global attention to the spatial features. ResViT can extract low-level features like texture and edges as well as high-level features like patterns and shapes from the leukemia cell images. Furthermore, we designed a dual-stream ViT with a convolution stream for local details and a transformer stream for capturing the global dependencies, which enables ResViT to pay attention to multiple image regions simultaneously. The evaluation results of the proposed model on the two datasets were more than 99%, which makes it an excellent candidate for clinical diagnostics.
Targeting Ferroptosis in Rare Neurological Disorders Including Pediatric Conditions: Innovations and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Alatawi Ahmed D. , Venkatesan Krishnaraju , Asseri Khalid , Paulsamy Premalatha , Alqifari Saleh F. , Ahmed Rehab , Nagoor Thangam Mathar Mohideen , Sirag Nizar , Qureshi Absar A. , Elsayes Hala Ahmed , Faried Bahgat Zeinab , Bahnsawy Nesren S. M. , Prabahar Kousalya , Dawood Basma Mahmoud Abd Elhamid
Published: January 2025

Ferroptosis, characterized by iron dependency and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a key mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in rare neurological disorders. These conditions, often marked by significant therapeutic gaps and high unmet medical needs, present unique challenges for intervention development. This review examines the involvement of ferroptosis in rare neurological disease pathogenesis, focusing on its role in oxidative damage and neuronal dysfunction. We explore recent pharmacological advancements, including iron chelators, lipid peroxidation blockers, and antioxidant-based strategies, designed to target ferroptosis. While these approaches show promise, challenges such as disease heterogeneity, limited diagnostic tools, and small patient cohorts hinder progress. Furthermore, we discuss the translational and regulatory barriers to implementing ferroptosis-based therapies in clinical practice. By addressing these obstacles and fostering innovative solutions, this review underscores the potential of ferroptosis-targeting strategies to revolutionize treatment paradigms for rare neurological disorders.
Integration of Thermo-Responsive Materials Applied to Bio-Inspired Structures
Authors: Lima Elton , Ferreira Hilma , Mateus Luís , Arruda Amilton
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the integration of thermo-responsive materials into bio-inspired structures, combining biomimicry and adaptive technologies in architecture. A problem-based biomimetic approach and a morphological analogy with the plate-type snowflake—known for its lightness, transparency, and crystalline organisation—were adopted to develop the geometry of an architectural pavilion. This research highlights glass as a main constructive material, analysing the potential of thermochromic film and the hydrogel technique, both inserted in the context of thermo-responsiveness. In this regard, the focus is on adaptations to temperature changes, exploring how these materials can alter their properties in response to solar incidence, offering solutions for energy efficiency, thermal regulation, and environmental adaptation. The pavilion demonstrates that this integration is feasible, and this is supported by an interdisciplinary approach that combines materials science, bio-inspired design, and practical experimentation. It also highlights biomimicry’s fundamental role as a tool for guiding the development of innovative architectural geometries, while thermo-responsive materials expand the possibilities for creating structures that are adaptable to temperature variations and solar exposure. The conclusion points to the applicability and relevance of this combination, highlighting the transformative potential of thermo-responsive materials in architectural projects, especially in the development of lightweight, transparent, and environmentally responsive structures.
How Does Passive Cyber Incivility Influence Work Engagement? A Serial Mediation via Motivation and Emotion
Authors: Lu Yi , Yan Yu , Xiao Shuai-Ping , Zhao Kai-Chen , Cao Zhao-Xue , Zhou Yan-Hui
Published: January 2025

Passive cyber incivility, with its ambiguity and offensive nature, can have a detrimental impact on employees’ well-being and negative work consequences. To explore passive cyber incivility in depth, we examined its effects through both motivational and affective channels. Over the course of a month, this study conducted a three-wave survey across industries, involving a sample of 306 employees. Results showed that passive cyber incivility has no direct impact on work engagement. Instead, it hampered work engagement through the serial mediation of intrinsic motivation and emotional exhaustion. Overall, this study aims not only to raise awareness of the risks associated with passive cyber incivility but also to contribute to the existing literature on work engagement by investigating the mediating processes that have not been sufficiently studied.
Experimental Study on the Damage Properties of Mechanical Properties of Saline Soil Under Different Influencing Factors
Authors: Zheng Fang , Li Wenqiang , Song Zhanping , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Yuwei , Wang Junbao
Published: January 2025

Influenced by factors such as the freeze–thaw cycle and water–salt migration, road construction in Uzbekistan’s highway project areas is prone to dissolution and subsidence, salt swelling, corrosion, and other engineering diseases. To investigate how various factors impact saline soils in Uzbekistan’s monsoon freezing zone, we conducted analyses of stress–strain curves, failure strength, and shear strength parameters of these soils through freeze–thaw (F-T) cycle tests and unconsolidated and undrained (UU) triaxial shear tests. The findings indicate that with the increase of salt content, the average reduction in the failure strength of saline soil was 15.8%, 6.3%, and 5.7%; with the increase of water content, the average reduction in cohesion was 10.8%, 44.1%, and 32.6%; and the internal friction angle increased with the increase of the number of F-T cycles and decreased with the increase of freezing temperature. Ultimately, we defined the rates of failure strength deterioration and cohesion damage in saline soil due to various factors, analyzing the destructive impacts of these factors. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the curves of failure strength deterioration and cohesion damage ratios, indicating that the significant degradation of saline soil due to salt is primarily influenced by F-T cycles, with the extent of damage closely linked to water content.
Characterization of Clay Shock Slurry and Its Safety Risk Control in Shield Crossing Project
Authors: Kou Dingtao , Wang Kai
Published: January 2025

To investigate the mechanism by which clay shock slurry fills excavation gaps and reduces ground layer deformation during shield tunneling, we conducted a study using the project example of Beijing Metro Line 19 from Youanmenwai Station to Niujie Station, which passes through Guang’anmennei Station to CaiShiKou Station of Beijing Metro Line 7 at a close distance. We employed physical and mechanical testing, numerical simulation calculations, and other methods to examine the deformation law and mechanism of the clay shock method in shield tunneling construction. Our results indicate that (1) as the mass concentration of clay shock slurry increases, its permeability decreases significantly; at a mass concentration of 400 kg/m3, clay shock slurry can prevent synchronous grouting slurry from flowing forward, providing optimal filling and support for excavation gaps. (2) Clay shock slurry can reduce friction between the shield shell and soil body by 50%, avoiding super-consolidation, shear damage, and volumetric expansion of the surrounding soil body. (3) Radial grouting with a two-fluid slurry of cement–water glass at a 1:1 ratio within 15 rings after shield tail removal effectively reduces settlement of the existing tunnel. (4) Numerical simulations demonstrate that using clay shock slurry to fill shield tunnel gaps not only significantly reduces construction settlement but also effectively inhibits strata displacement along the tunnel axis.
Success Evaluation Index Model for Running Healthcare Projects in Hong Kong: A Delphi Approach
Authors: Oppong Goodenough D. , Chan Albert Ping-Chuen , Chan Man-Wai , Darko Amos , Adabre Michael A.
Published: January 2025

Hospital projects or healthcare projects (HPs) are major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, high energy consumption, and environmental pollution. These problems serve as a clarion call for the development of a standardized list of metrics that define the triple bottom line of sustainability performance, track sustainability progress, and allow for essential comparisons or benchmarking of HPs. Through a comprehensive literature review, a Delphi survey with experts, and a fuzzy synthetic evaluation, the ten most suitable key performance indicators (KPIs) were identified, categorized, and modeled into a normalized HP success index (HPSI). The HPSI comprises relatively weighted (in brackets) KPI categories, namely, ‘project prosecution performance’ (0.287), ‘project purpose performance’ (0.353), and ‘project people performance’ (0.360), for evaluating and comparing success levels of HPs. The HPSI provides understanding on the relative contribution levels of the standardized KPIs to achieve predictable life cycle success levels of HPs. Ultimately, it can be used by policymakers and practitioners to inform life cycle decision-making (e.g., resource/effort allocation toward important contributors to success) in HPs. Future studies should seek to develop a computerized HPSI system, by adding quantitative indicators and ranges of KPIs to current findings, to objectively and practically assess, monitor, benchmark, and improve HP success across the life cycle.
Effectiveness of Exercise on Sleep Quality in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: González-Devesa Daniel , Sanchez-Lastra Miguel Adriano , Outeda-Monteagudo Benito , Diz-Gómez José Carlos , Ayán-Pérez Carlos
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of exercise training programs on sleep quality in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods: Studies were searched in five electronic databases until March 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scales. Results: A total of five randomized clinical trials, two non-randomized comparative studies, and one single-arm trial were included. Self-reported sleep quality (n = 7) and objective sleep status (n = 3) were the main outcomes analyzed. Generally, exercise induced positive effects on self-reported sleep outcomes. The performed meta-analysis with data from 131 participants indicated that exercise showed a non-significant trend towards increasing objective sleep duration (Hedges’ g −2.67; 95% CI −11.33; 5.99, p = 0.185). While exercise appears safe for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, its efficacy in managing sleep disturbances in this population remains uncertain. Conclusions: While there is evidence suggesting a positive impact of exercise on self-reported sleep quality, its efficacy for improving sleep duration could not be confirmed.
The Influence of Climate Variables on Malaria Incidence in Vanuatu
Authors: Sorenson Jade , Watkins Andrew B. , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: January 2025

Malaria, a climate-sensitive mosquito-borne disease, is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, and its elimination is a global health priority. Malaria is endemic to Vanuatu, where elimination campaigns have been implemented with varied success. In this study, climate variables were assessed for their correlation with national malaria cases from 2014 to 2023 and used to develop a proof-of-concept model for estimating malaria incidence in Vanuatu. Maximum, minimum, and median temperatures; diurnal temperature variation; median temperature during the 18:00–21:00 mosquito biting period (VUT); median humidity; and precipitation (total and anomaly) were evaluated as predictors at different time lags. It was found that maximum temperature had the strongest correlation with malaria cases and produced the best-performing linear regression model, where malaria cases increased by approximately 43 cases for every degree (°C) increase in monthly maximum temperature. This aligns with similar findings from climate–malaria studies in the Southwest Pacific, where temperature tends to stimulate the development of both Anopheles farauti and Plasmodium vivax, increasing transmission probability. A Bayesian model using maximum temperature and total precipitation at a two-month time lag was more effective in predicting malaria incidence than using maximum temperature or precipitation alone. A Bayesian approach was preferred due to its flexibility with varied data types and prior information about malaria dynamics. This model for predicting malaria incidence in Vanuatu can be adapted to smaller regions or other malaria-affected areas, supporting malaria early warning and preparedness for climate-related health challenges.
Comparative Analysis of Open and Closed Nasal Fractures in Trauma Settings: Mechanisms, Intent, Surgical Interventions, and Outcomes
Authors: Alnemare Ahmad K.
Published: January 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to explore nasal fracture patterns, trauma mechanism and intent, treatment approaches, and mortality rates, offering insights for clinical practice and prevention in trauma settings. Design: This retrospective analysis was carried out using trauma data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) for the years 2013 to 2016. Main outcome measures: Trauma mechanism and mortality rates between closed and open fractures were conducted. Results: This study involved 122,574 closed and 9704 open nasal fractures to elucidate demographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics. Significant risk factors for open nasal fractures included a higher injury severity score, self-inflicted intent, unintentional causes, and firearm mechanism compared to assault injuries. Conclusions: Significant factors associated with open nasal fractures include injury severity, self-inflicted intent, trauma type, and firearm mechanisms, which notably increase the likelihood of open fractures. Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention, efficient resource allocation, and risk screening to enhance the management of complex facial traumas in the national trauma system.
Impact of Freeze–Thaw Cycling on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Rapid Repair-Based Overlay Systems
Authors: Thibodeaux Noah A. , Hasan Md Maruf , Bandelt Matthew J. , Adams Matthew P.
Published: January 2025

Rapid repair materials (RRMs) have been used in concrete overlay systems to rehabilitate infrastructure for many years. The bond performance between RRMs and a concrete substrate is crucial for maintaining the desired performance and can deteriorate due to freeze–thaw action. In the case of partial depth repairs (PDRs), the mechanical and durability properties at the interface between the substrate and repair materials have not been thoroughly studied resulting in frequent failures. There is limited research on the freeze–thaw durability of RRM overlay–substrate interface, and no standardized test methods exist for evaluating the performance under freeze–thaw cycling. The proposed experimental procedure combines freeze–thaw cycling of an overlay–substrate specimen with pull-off testing of the overlay. Three RRM overlay systems were used consisting of calcium sulfoaluminate cement and ordinary Portland cement (PC), and a ternary blend of PC, calcium aluminate cement, and calcium sulfate cement. A correlation between tensile bond strength and fundamental transverse frequency in composite specimens was observed, and the results demonstrated that RRMs can maintain robust adhesion following 300 cycles of freeze–thaw exposure. Furthermore, the employed testing methodology elicited bond-only failures, underscoring the necessity for continued investigation into optimal conditioning intervals and substrate integrity to enhance the durability of repair systems.
Numerical Study of Integrating Thermal Insulation Local Bio-Sourced Materials into Walls and Roofs for Thermal Comfort Improvement in Buildings in a Tropical Climate
Authors: Dowou Kokou , Nougbléga Yawovi , Toka Kokou Aménuvéla , Amou Komi Apélété
Published: January 2025

Thermal insulation is a reliable strategy for achieving optimal thermal comfort in built environments and is among the most effective energy-saving measures. Currently, environmentally friendly insulation materials produced from plant and animal fibers constitute a significant component of the building industry, largely due to their minimal embodied energy and concerns about certain synthetic insulation materials’ potential adverse health effects. The main objective of the present study is to encourage and facilitate the utilization of environmentally friendly thermal insulation materials derived from biological sources, including vegetal and animal fibers, to improve thermal comfort and consequently reduce energy consumption in buildings. The study attempts to simulate the indoor air temperature profiles of a single building constructed using locally sourced materials and insulated in a series of stages with the aforementioned insulation materials. Firstly, insulation is applied exclusively to the roof. Secondly, the insulation is applied to the remaining wall surfaces. Alternatively, the insulation is applied to both the roof and the wall surfaces simultaneously. The objective is to ascertain the optimal combination of bio- and geo-insulating materials to achieve thermal comfort in buildings constructed with local materials in tropical climates. The Gauss-Seidel iterative method was employed to solve the energy equations that had been written on the walls and roof of the building. The equations were then discretized using the nodal method. To ascertain the thermal comfort of the simulated buildings, a comparison was made of the indoor air temperatures. The results of the simulations demonstrated that the utilization of wood fiber, reed panels, and straw bales as insulation materials led to a notable enhancement in comfort levels across all five building types, with an average increase of 17.5%. Among these materials, wood fiber emerged as the most effective insulation option, reducing temperatures by up to 19%. Its integration into the sheet metal-clad Banco building would be particularly advantageous. The findings demonstrate that the simultaneous insulation of walls and roofs with natural fiber thermal insulation materials markedly reduces indoor air and wall temperatures in buildings by up to 19% in comparison to uninsulated walls and roofs.
Binder-Free Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets (BNNSs) as Protective Coatings for Copper, Steel, and Wood: A Review
Authors: Maqsood Muhammad Faheem , Mehdi Syed Muhammad Zain , Ashraf Arslan , Azhar Umair , Abbas Naseem , Raza Muhammad Asim , Amer Mohammed
Published: January 2025

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has emerged as a promising dielectric material for protecting metallic substrates such as copper and steel under ambient conditions. The layered structure of h-BN offers significant potential in preventing the oxidation and corrosion of these substrates. Due to their impermeability, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) do not form a galvanic cell with the underlying metals, enhancing their effectiveness as protective coatings. BNNSs are both thermally and chemically stable, making them suitable for coatings that protect against environmental degradation. Additionally, BNNSs have demonstrated excellent fire resistance, hydrophobicity, and oxidation resistance when applied to wood, functioning as a binder-free, retardant coating that remains effective up to 900 °C in air. This review focuses on the anti-corrosion properties of BNNSs, particularly on copper and steel substrates, and discusses various methods for their application. This article also discusses future perspectives in this field, including the innovative concept of wooden satellites designed for short- and long-term missions.
Thermodynamics of Morphogenesis: Beading and Branching Pattern Formation in Diffusion-Driven Salt Finger Plumes
Authors: Ozawa Hisashi , Murayama-Ogino Sayaka , Kleidon Axel
Published: January 2025

Spontaneous pattern formation is a universal phenomenon that occurs in purely physical systems, biology, and human societies. Salt fingering due to differential diffusion of heat and salt in seawater is a typical example, although the general principle that governs pattern formation remains unknown. We show through simple experiments injecting a salt solution into a sucrose solution of equal density that a salt finger exhibits characteristic pattern transitions depending on the injection flow rate. When the rate increases, a linear finger starts meandering, branching, and multiple branching, whereas when the rate is decreased, it produces a beading pattern. These morphological instabilities and associated pattern formation are caused by a local accumulation of kinetic energy that minimizes the flow resistance and maximizes the energy dissipation in the final steady state. We suggest that this energy accumulation mechanism governs a wide variety of pattern formation phenomena in non-equilibrium systems, including morphogenesis of abiotic protocells.
Business Efficiency: Insights from Visegrad Four Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Durana Pavol , Kovalova Erika , Blazek Roman , Bicanovska Klaudia
Published: January 2025

Efficiency is one of the tenets in assessing the financial health of an enterprise. Ultimately, the form of asset management has a major impact on growth but also on the decline of profit. It also reveals how the enterprises are positioned within the competitive market environment. For this reason, the aim of this article is to define the level of business activity in the Visegrad Four in the pre-crisis, during-crisis and post-crisis periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation included 48,650 enterprises from Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary over the period 2017–2023. We determined the median values of eleven business efficiency indicators separately for each country and sector. The Friedman test and Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed significant differences between years and countries. Furthermore, multiple pairwise comparisons revealed analogies between the pre-crisis and post-crisis periods, as well as similarities between the two pandemic years for the tested ratios. One can observe that the results serve as the foundation for regional and international benchmarks, particularly for enterprises from former Eastern Bloc countries.
Microcontroller-Based Electronic Laboratory Measurement Device for Distance Education
Authors: Smolaninovs Vladimirs , Terauds Maris
Published: January 2025

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the educational process was organised remotely, a need arose for inexpensive laboratory equipment that could be given to each student at home. This article describes the development of an affordable and compact laboratory complex allowing laboratory work that is typically performed in an educational institution to be carried out remotely. The proposed device is based on the PIC24FJ128GC006 microcontroller. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a two-channel USB oscilloscope with the ability to receive an analogue signal having a frequency of up to 500 kHz; a signal generator is also required. The user interface is developed in MATLAB, and a new method for multi-channel signal capture using a single-channel ADC is proposed. Notably, the cost of the device is EUR 24.
An Efficient Multipath-Based Caching Strategy for Information-Centric Networks
Authors: Zhang Wancai , Han Rui
Published: January 2025

The growing demand for large-scale data distribution and sharing presents significant challenges to content transmission within the current TCP/IP network architecture. To address these challenges, Information-Centric Networking (ICN) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering inherent support for multipath forwarding and in-network caching to improve data transmission performance. However, most existing ICN caching strategies primarily focus on utilizing resources along the default transmission path and its neighboring nodes, without fully exploiting the additional resources provided by multipath forwarding. To address this gap, we propose an efficient multipath-based caching strategy that optimizes cache placement by decomposing the problem into two steps, multipath selection and cache node selection along the paths. First, multipath selection considers both transmission and caching resources across multiple paths, prioritizing the caching of popular content while efficiently transmitting less popular content. Next, along the selected paths, cache node selection evaluates cache load based on cache utilization and available capacity, prioritizing nodes with the lowest cache load. Extensive simulations across diverse topologies demonstrate that the proposed strategy reduces data transmission latency by at least 12.22%, improves cache hit rate by at least 16.44%, and enhances cache node load balancing by at least 18.77%, compared to the neighborhood collaborative caching strategies.