bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectrically Monitored Flow Synthesis of Functional Vaccine Adjuvant Mixtures via Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Chain Transfer Processing
Authors: Hege Cordula S. , Hamilton Ian E. , Dundas Adam A. , Adlington Kevin , Walker Edward , Henke Helena , Wang Kaiyang , Dimitrakis Georgios , Buttress Adam , Dodds Christopher , Fox Christopher B. , Irvine Derek J.
Published: January 2025

A novel flow process to produce low-molecular-weight (Mwt) methacrylate oligomer mixtures that have potential as vaccine adjuvants and chain transfer agents (CTAs) is reported. The chemistry and process were designed to significantly reduce the number of stages required to manufacture methyl methacrylate oligomer-in-monomer mixtures with an oligomer Mwt range of dimers to pentamers and >50% conversion. Combining rapid in-flow, in situ catalytic chain transfer polymerization catalyst synthesis and volumetric microwave heating of the reaction medium resulted in catalyst flow synthesis being completed in <4 min, removing the need to pre-synthesize it. The steady-state operation was then successfully maintained with very low levels of external energy, as the process utilized the reaction exotherm. The microwave process outperformed a comparative conventionally heated system by delivering a 20% increase in process throughput with no change in final product quality or conversion. Additionally, combining flow and in situ catalyst processing enabled the use of a more oxidatively unstable catalyst. This allowed for in situ catalyst deactivation post-generation of the oligomers, such that residual catalyst did not need to be removed prior to preparing subsequent vaccine adjuvant or CTA screening formulations. Finally, dielectric property measurements were able to monitor the onset of reaction and steady-state operation.
Neonatal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Reference Intervals in Multi-Ethnics Population
Authors: Priyanto Hery , Aulia Fauqa Arinil , Kahar Hartono , Faizi Muhammad , Marpaung Ferdy Royland , Aryati Aryati
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: This study is designed to establish thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) reference intervals tailored to different neonatal age groups and Indonesian local populations. (2) Methods: Dried blood spot neonatal TSH values, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023, were used to establish the neonatal TSH reference intervals partitioned by sex, gestational age, and ethnic group at different neonatal ages. (3) Results: A significant difference in the reference intervals value was observed in sex, gestational ages, and parental ethnicity groups in different neonatal age subgroups (p < 0.05). Male reference intervals were significantly higher than those of females at all neonatal ages. Late and post-term gestational age categories reference intervals were higher than early and full-term. Among the ethnic groups, Madurese had a higher upper limit TSH reference interval. (4) Conclusions: Our neonatal TSH reference intervals were needed to provide a reference adapted to the local population of Indonesia.
Establishment of a Rapid and Convenient Fluoroimmunoassay Platform Using Antibodies Against PDL1 and HER2
Authors: Choi Ji Eun , Yun Hanool , Jeong Hee-Jin
Published: January 2025

The development of accurate and high-throughput tools for cancer biomarker detection is crucial for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. In this study, we developed a simple and rapid fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) using fluorescent dye-conjugated antibody fragments against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). We optimized key steps in the FLISA process, including antigen immobilization, blocking, and antibody reaction, reading the assay time to 3 h—significantly faster compared to the 23 h duration of usual FLISA. The limit of detection for the rapid FLISA in detecting PDL1 was lower than that of FLISA, and the detection of HER2 was similar between the two methods, indicating that the rapid FLISA provides a fast and accurate approach for detecting PDL1 and HER2. This robust platform can be readily adapted for various fluoroimmunoassays targeting other antigens of interest.
Immunosuppression and Outcomes in Patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Iancu Doriana , Fulga Ana , Vesa Doina , Fulga Iuliu , Tutunaru Dana , Zenovia Andrei , Piraianu Alin Ionut , Stamate Elena , Sterian Corina , Dimofte Florentin , Badea Mihail Alexandru , Tatu Alin Laurentiu
Published: January 2025

Cutaneous squamous scell carcinoma (cSCC) is a frequent non-melanoma skin cancer that originates from keratinocytes with increased prevalence. cSCC can be either in situ, as in Bowen’s disease, or extended. Advanced age, accumulated sun exposure, light pigmentation, and prior skin cancer diagnosis are all significant risk factors for cSCC. Although most cSCCs can be treated surgically, some recur and metastasize, resulting in death. The role of immune status is not yet determined in the prognosis of these patients. Objective. Immunosuppressed patients are more likely to develop cSCC, which is often characterized by more aggressive, multifocal lesions. This study aimed to determine the risks of mortality in patients with cSCC and immunosuppression versus non immunosuppression and to compare variations in overall survival based on different clinical features. Method. We evaluated clinical cases of patients at “Sfantul Apostol Andrei” Emergency Hospital of Galati, Romania, from 1 March 2018 to 1 April 2024. Subjects in the trial had to be at least 18 years old and have a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (cHNSCC). We divided the patients into two different categories based on whether they had immunosuppression. Results. In this cohort of 68 subjects with cSCC, patients with immunosuppression had significantly lower overall survival, as well as lower three- and five-year survival rates compared with those without immunosuppression, even after adjustment for age, sex, stage, and previous surgical treatment. The median survival time for immunosuppressed individuals ranged from 11 to 21 months, varying based on their particular characteristics, and most critically, on the presence of other malignancies, while that of immunocompetent patients ranged from 18 to 51 months. In addition, immune-deficient patients with early-stage disease had a 21-month median survival rate that changed to11 months for advanced-stage cases. In a similar manner, immunocompetent patients with early-stage cancer had a significantly better median survival than those withadvancedstages,43 versus 18months. Our results indicate that immunosuppression is a distinct risk factors associated with a less favorable outcome in patients with cHNSCC.
CSP-Former: A Transformer-Based Network for Point Cloud Analysis with Compressed Sensing and Spatial Self-Attention
Authors: Zhong Jiandan , Jiang Hongyu , Ji Yulin , Li Yingxiang , Xue Yajuan
Published: January 2025

Point cloud analyzing and processing have attracted extensive attention due to their broad application in numerous sectors. Although many previous deep learning-based frameworks have had significant improvement, they often struggle with processing efficiency and neglect the spatial relationships between points. In this paper, we introduce CSP-Former, a novel framework for point cloud classification and segmentation. Inspired by the impressive strides of self-attention obtained in NLP and CV tasks, we designed a transformer-based network as a backbone for feature extraction; additionally, a fast sampling layer based on compressed sensing theory is proposed to enhance the sampling efficiency, which speeds up the sampling process through only once matrix multiplication. Subsequently, a hierarchical spatial self-attention module is also proposed to better capture the spatial relationships between points, improving segmentation performance. Extensive experiments on the ModelNet40 and ShapeNet part datasets demonstrate that our proposed framework achieves superior performance in point cloud classification and segmentation tasks.
Eco-Evo-Devo in the Adaptive Evolution of Artificial Creatures Within a 3D Physical Environment
Authors: Jaafar Siti Aisyah Binti , Suzuki Reiji , Arita Takaya
Published: January 2025

Eco-evo-devo is an interdisciplinary field integrating ecology, evolutionary biology, and developmental biology. Niche construction refers to the phenomenon where organisms alter selection pressures through ecological activities, and ecological inheritance is the consequence of niche construction, passed down through generations. Development encompasses the process by which an organism grows and changes its form and behavior throughout its lifetime. Despite emerging research on eco-evo-devo, the evolution of organisms involving complex physical structures remains underexplored. We aim to explore interactions between these components in the evolution of the adaptive morphology and behavior of artificial creatures. We constructed an evolutionary model where a population of rigid-bodied creatures must cross two valleys to reach a goal, using morphological development and object construction in a 3D physical environment. We found that the evolution of both lifetime development (LD) and niche construction (NC) showed complementary roles, with LD contributing to crossing one valley and NC the other. Regarding ecological inheritance (EI), we observed how NC adapts to the presence of inherited objects by placing fewer objects to construct structures. On the other hand, a large percentage of EI can cause obstacles to form, which hinders the population from moving towards the target and facilitates non-adaptive morphology, making the evolution unsuccessful.
Strengthening Road Safety and Mobility at the Urban Level with the Aim of Digitizing and Shaping Smart Cities Through Emerging Vehicular Communications C-V2X, DSRC, and VLC
Authors: Zadobrischi Eduard , Beguni Cătălin-Marius , Căilean Alin-Mihai
Published: January 2025

The simulation results presented based on the proposed system demonstrated significant improvements in communication reliability, packet loss reduction and signal stability, highlighting its superiority in real urban traffic conditions. Using the IEEE 802.11p standard and a modular dual-antenna architecture, the system maintained a latency below 10 ms over distances of over 3 km, without noticeable signal loss. GNSS synchronization ensured precise vehicle positioning and dynamic signal optimization. There are results and approaches that highlight the limitations of IEEE 802.11p in dense traffic scenarios; the current approach has reduced packet loss to below 5%. Its integration also allows compatibility with future technologies such as 5G and C-V2X, guaranteeing scalability and long-term relevance. The proposed prototype sets a new standard in vehicular communications, combining high performance with a flexible and extensible architecture, making it a viable solution for large-scale deployments in smart cities, supporting the transition to safer and more sustainable transportation infrastructures.
Key Elements in Integrity Management of Underground Gas Storage: A Framework for Energy Safety
Authors: Xie Shuyi , He Bin , Chen Ligang , Xu Kangkai , Luo Jinheng , Li Lifeng , Wang Bohong
Published: January 2025

Gas reservoir-type underground gas storage (UGS) plays a critical role in China’s natural gas reserves and peak shaving, serving as an essential component of the energy security system. Its unique cyclic injection and production operations not only stabilize the natural gas supply but also impose stringent requirements on the safety and integrity of geological structures, wellbores, and surface facilities. Weaknesses in current practices can cause accidents, directly threatening energy security. Therefore, continuously improving integrity management is the key to mitigating energy risks. Currently, the integrity management of gas storage faces challenges such as an abundance of standards and the complexity of management elements, which affect both operational safety and management efficiency. To address these issues, this study systematically analyzes domestic and international standards related to gas storage and establishes a technical system based on “three-in-one” integrity management (geological structure, wellbore, and surface facilities). Key elements of integrity management are identified and optimized, and recommended execution standards for critical factors are proposed to provide a theoretical basis and decision-making support for the safe operation of gas storage. This study not only offers a reference for optimizing and implementing integrity management standards but also has significant practical implications for enhancing energy security and reducing energy risks, ensuring the smooth execution of China’s natural gas reserve and peak shaving initiatives.
Offshore Network Development to Foster the Energy Transition
Authors: Carlini Enrico Maria , Gadaleta Corrado , Migliori Michela , Longobardi Francesca , Luongo Gianfranco , Lauria Stefano , Maccioni Marco , Dell’Olmo Jacopo
Published: January 2025

A growing interest in offshore wind energy in the Mediterranean Sea has been recently observed thanks to the potential for scale-up and recent advances in floating technologies and dynamic cables: in the Italian panorama, the offshore wind connection requests to the National Transmission Grid (NTG) reached almost 84 GW at the end of September 2024. Starting from a realistic estimate of the offshore wind power plants (OWPPs) to be realized off the southern coasts in a very long-term scenario, this paper presents a novel optimization procedure for meshed AC offshore network configuration, aiming at minimizing the offshore wind generation curtailment based on the DC optimal power flow approximation, assessing the security condition of the whole onshore and offshore networks. The reactive power compensation aspects are also considered in the optimization procedure: the optimal compensation sizing for export cables and collecting stations is evaluated via the AC optimal power flow (OPF) approach, considering a combined voltage profile and minimum short circuit power constraint for the onshore extra-high voltage (EHV) nodes. The simulation results demonstrate that the obtained meshed network configuration and attendant re-active compensation allow most of the offshore wind generation to be evacuated even in the worst-case scenario, i.e., the N1 network, full offshore wind generation output, and summer line rating, testifying to the relevance of the proposed methodology for real applications.
Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Heat Pump Systems: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Building Operations
Authors: Zafaranchi Mahdiyeh , Riddell William T. , Chan Nicholas B. , Saliba Elizabeth , Leung Luke
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the energy consumption and embodied carbon emissions of various heat pump systems for an office building in Chicago, IL, U.S., over a 50-year lifespan, including the operation, manufacturing, and construction phases. The analyzed systems include air source heat pumps (ASHP) in Air to Air and Air to Water configurations, and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) in Soil to Air and Soil to Water configurations. A traditional HVAC system serves as the baseline for comparison. Advanced simulation tools, including Rhino, Grasshopper, TRACE 700, and One Click LCA, were used to identify the optimal HVAC system for sustainable building operations. Unlike prior studies focusing on GSHP versus traditional HVAC systems, this research directly compares GSHP and ASHP configurations, addressing a significant gap in the sustainable HVAC system design literature. The GSHP (Soil to Water) system demonstrated the lowest energy intensity at 100.8 kWh/m2·yr, a 41.8% improvement over the baseline, and the lowest total embodied carbon emissions at 3,882,164 kg CO2e. In contrast, the ASHP (Air to Air) system, while reducing energy consumption relative to the baseline, exhibited the highest embodied carbon emissions among the heat pump configurations due to its higher operational energy demands. The study highlights the significance of the operating phase in embodied carbon contributions. These findings emphasize the importance of a holistic design approach that considers both operational and embodied impacts to achieve sustainable building designs.
A Framework for Resilient Community Microgrids: Review of Operational Strategies and Performance Metrics
Authors: Billanes Joy Dalmacio , Jørgensen Bo Nørregaard , Ma Zheng
Published: January 2025

The growing frequency of extreme weather events and grid disruptions highlights the urgent need for resilient energy systems. Decentralized and autonomous, community microgrids offer reliable and adaptable solutions. However, existing research often isolates components or control methods, lacking a comprehensive synthesis of their interdependencies and resilience strategies. To address this gap, this study conducts a comprehensive scoping review to synthesize the current state of knowledge on community microgrids, focusing on their types, components, operational strategies, control methods, and performance indicators. The research identifies key microgrid subtypes, such as islanded, hybrid, multi-energy, and autonomous systems, and evaluates the role of critical components like energy storage systems and distributed energy resources in enhancing resilience. It also highlights performance indicators, including reliability, stability, and flexibility, that serve as benchmarks for resilience. A novel framework is proposed, integrating microgrid design and operational aspects into a cohesive model for resilience enhancement. This framework provides actionable insights for practitioners to optimize microgrid design, for policymakers to create adaptive regulations, and for researchers to address knowledge gaps in the field. The findings underscore the critical role of advanced control methodologies in improving adaptability and efficiency under diverse operational conditions. By addressing the lack of an integrated approach in the existing literature, this study contributes to advancing resilient energy systems, supporting the energy transition, and promoting energy security. Future research should validate the proposed framework through empirical studies and explore scalable, cost-effective solutions to enable widespread adoption.
The Effect of Cumin on the Formation of β-Carboline Heterocyclic Amines in Smoked Meat and Simulated Systems
Authors: Liu Xiuxiu , Chen Wenyu , Sun Minghao , Lv Xufang , Shen Xing , Chai Zhongping , Zeng Maomao
Published: January 2025

In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of cumin and cumin extracts from different origins (Hami, Turpan, and Hetian) on the formation of β-carboline heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in smoked meat and simulated systems, and to assess their potential as natural inhibitors in the food industry. The novelty of our research lies in the comprehensive comparative analysis of cumin extracts from different origins, which has not been fully explored in previous studies. We first conducted a quantitative analysis of the total phenol and flavonoid content in cumin extracts from the three origins and evaluated their antioxidant capacities. Subsequently, through simulation experiments, we assessed the inhibitory effects of these extracts on the formation of β-carboline heterocyclic amines and determined their free radical scavenging abilities. To further validate the practical application potential of these extracts, we prepared meat patty samples containing different concentrations of cumin powder, simulating actual processing conditions. The experimental results showed that while the total phenol content in cumin extracts from all origins was similar, averaging around 1.56 mg/g, there was a significant difference in the total flavonoid content, with the highest level observed in the Hetian cumin extract at 6.7 mg/g. Additionally, the Hetian cumin extract demonstrated superior antioxidant capacity, with an FRAP antioxidant activity reaching 21.04 μM TE/g dw, the highest among all samples. Our study also found that the inhibitory effect of cumin extracts on HCA formation was closely related to their free radical scavenging ability, with the Hetian cumin extract showing the strongest scavenging capacity. The addition of cumin powder to meat patties significantly reduced the content of β-carboline heterocyclic amines, particularly at lower cumin concentrations. In summary, our research results highlight the potential of cumin, especially from Hetian, as a natural inhibitor of β-carboline heterocyclic amine formation in processed meats. This study not only provides the food industry with a potential natural additive to improve food safety and quality, but also offers new directions for future research, namely by comparing natural plant extracts from different origins to explore their potential applications in food processing.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Flavor Quality Analysis of Fermented Jerky from Yanbian Beef Cattle
Authors: Yang Xiao , Liu Changlei , Wang Qi , Cui Enying , Piao Hongjie , Wen Yuping , Li Guanhao , Jin Qing
Published: January 2025

Beef jerky is a traditional meat product. It is uses beef as the main raw material, and is processed through multiple procedures such as curing, maturing, drying, sterilization, and packaging. However, changes in raw materials, curing solution, the choice of fermenter, and fermentation conditions affect the quality and flavor of beef jerky. Therefore, we investigated the effects of inoculation with Pentosaccharomyces schizococcus and Staphylococcus veal, both pre- and post-fermentation, on the physicochemical characteristics and flavor quality of Yanbian beef jerky. Key parameters, including pH, water activity, fundamental nutrients, and color, were measured, while qualitative and flavor characteristics were assessed using a texture meter, an electronic nose, and an electronic tongue. The results indicated that samples inoculated with the composite fermenter exhibited significant increases in ash content, hardness, total free amino acid concentration, and levels of specific flavor-enhancing amino acids compared to unfermented jerky (p < 0.05). In contrast, moisture content, pH, and water activity were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Three fatty acids—heptadecenoic acid, trans-oleic acid, and arachidonic acid—were identified for the first time in the fermented beef jerky. Furthermore, during the fermentation process, saturated fatty acid content was reduced by 21.88%, while polyunsaturated fatty acid content increased by 29.58% (p < 0.05).
Thermal Characteristics and Kinetics of the Thermal Degradation of Sugar Beet Waste Leaves and Pulp in Relation to Chemical Composition
Authors: Ostojić Sanja , Micić Darko , Dukić Josipa , Sabljak Iva , Akyüz Ayça , Ersus Seda , Režek Jambrak Anet
Published: January 2025

Thermal characteristics of dried sugar beet pulp, leaves and leaf fractions obtained after extraction: fibrous leaf pulp and fibre rich leaf fraction, were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The sugar beet samples showed a similar thermal behaviour associated with a similar composition. Two endotherms are found on the differential scanning calorimetry curves. First one in the temperature range 31–153 °C and the second from 150–160 °C. Thermal degradation kinetics was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Four degradation stages were observed within the temperature range 25–700 °C. The kinetic parameters of the degradation, obtained by Ortega and Friedman non-isothermal isoconversional methods did not significantly differ between models: Ea-activation energy at a conversion degree 0.1–0.9 ranged 50–200 kJ/mol; lnA- the natural logarithm of the pre-exponential factor 8–48; kp1-thermal degradation rate constant at a conversion extent of 0.5 ranged of 0.19–2.55 min−1. Constant rate of degradation is highest for the sugar beet leaves kp1 (2.58–2.55 min−1), and kp2 (70.1–70.4 min−1). The results obtained are valuable for sugar beet leaf industrial processing. A positive environmental impact is achieved by transforming the waste into high-value food additives.
CO2 Capture Using Amine-Based Solvents: Identification of Additives to Improve the Kinetics and Thermodynamics of CO2 Sorption at High-Pressure Conditions
Authors: Calva Verónica , Játiva Nelson , Ricaurte Marvin
Published: January 2025

The increase in atmospheric CO2 caused by human activities has driven the development of technologies to capture this gas before it reaches the atmosphere. This study analyzed CO2 sorption using amine-based solvents, such as methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA) in 40 wt.% aqueous solutions, under high-pressure conditions (initial pressure: 500 psia) and room temperature (30 °C), in both non-stirred and stirred systems. Piperazine (PZ), a heterocyclic compound, was tested as an additive to improve the kinetics of the CO2 sorption process. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of each amine-based solution in terms of reaction rate and CO2 loading capacity. MEA and TEA exhibited higher reaction rates, while DETA and MDEA were the most thermodynamically efficient due to the highest CO2 loading capacity. The PZ kinetic behavior depended on the equipment used; in the non-stirred system, no kinetic effect was observed, while in the stirred system, this effect was appreciable. Additionally, a corrosivity study revealed that MEA, a primary amine, was the most corrosive, whereas TEA, a tertiary amine, was the least corrosive.
The Wandering Jew as Monster: John Blackburn’s Devil Daddy
Authors: Lampert-Weissig Lisa
Published: January 2025

Can we think of the legendary Wandering Jew as a monster? The figure does not easily fit the common definition of a monster and yet, the Wandering Jew is extraordinary. In the medieval and early modern sources of the legend, the Wandering Jew, who once sinned against Christ and is therefore doomed to be an immortal eyewitness to the Passion, serves as a model for the faithful. In his 1796 gothic novel, The Monk, Matthew Lewis creates a new strand of the Wandering Jew tradition, a gothic Wandering Jew, a being transformed from wonder to horror through association with centuries of antisemitic accusations against Jews as agents of conspiracy, ritual murder, nefarious magic, and disease. This essay argues that a variation on the representation of the gothic Wandering Jew, which began with Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner, further adapts the legend to make the Wanderer not a sign of redemption, but the monstrous cause of catastrophe not only for himself, but for those he encounters. This article, the first scholarly examination of John Blackburn’s 1972 Wandering Jew novel, Devil Daddy, situates it within the strand of the legend that represents the Wandering Jew as a monstrous source of destruction. Blackburn’s novel, written during a time of global concern over the development of biological weapons of mass destruction, portrays the Wandering Jew’s curse as a source of manmade global environmental catastrophe. In this way, the sin of the monstrous Wandering Jew becomes one not against Christ, but against humankind. Even as Devil Daddy explicitly references the horrors of the Holocaust, this representation of a monstrous Wandering Jew haunts the text, undermining its sympathetic representation of Jewish suffering.
Self-Compassion Intervention Programs for Nurses: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bian Jing , Chen Fazhan , Fang Shihan , Wang Yanbo
Published: January 2025

Background: Nurses frequently face various sources of stress in the workplace, making self-compassion interventions crucial for promoting their mental well-being. This scoping review aims to: (a) identify self-compassion intervention programs implemented within the nursing population; and (b) analyze the content and outcome measures of these interventions. Methods: The study follows Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and adheres to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Relevant literature on self-compassion interventions for nurses published between January 2010 and May 2024 was systematically reviewed. Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library, using MeSH terms and free-text keywords such as “self-compassion”, “self-kindness”, “self-appreciation”, “self-worth”, “self-forgiveness”, “self-awareness”, “nurses”, and “nursing”. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Self-compassion interventions were categorized into two types: (1) mindfulness-focused programs, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self-Care and Resiliency (MSCR), which treat self-compassion as a potential outcome; and (2) self-compassion-focused programs, including Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM). Conclusions: The mental health challenges faced by nurses have drawn growing attention, underscoring the importance of self-compassion interventions. This review examines empirical studies within the nursing population, contributing to the development of more targeted and effective strategies to enhance the mental health and well-being of nursing professionals.
From Heritage Building Information Modelling Towards an ‘Echo-Based’ Heritage Digital Twin
Authors: Arsalan Hord , Heesom David , Moore Nigel
Published: January 2025

Since the late 2000s, numerous studies have focused on the application of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) processes and technologies for the documentation of the historic built environment. Many of these studies have focused on the use of BIM software tools to generate intelligent 3D models using information gathered from a range of data capture techniques including laser scanning and photogrammetry. While this approach effectively preserves existing or partially extant heritage, it faces limitations in reconstructing lost or poorly documented structures. The aim of this study is to develop a novel approach to complement the existing tangible-based HBIM methods, towards an ‘Echo-based’ Heritage Digital Twin (EH-DT) an early-stage digital representation that leverages intangible, memory-based oral descriptions (or echoes) and AI text-to-image generation techniques. The overall methodology for the research presented in this paper proposes a three-phase framework. Phase 1: engineering a standardised heritage prompt template, Phase 2: creation of the Architectural Heritage Transformer, and Phase 3: implementing an AI text-to-image generation toolkit. Within these phases, intangible data, including collective memories (or oral histories) of people who had first-hand experience with the building, provide ‘echoes’ of past form. These can then be converted using a novel ‘Architectural Heritage Transformer’ (AHT), which converts plain language descriptions into architectural terminology through a generated taxonomy. The output of the AHT forms input for a pre-created standardised heritage prompt template for use in AI diffusion models. While the current EH-DT framework focuses on producing 2D visual representations, it lays the foundation for potential future integration with HBIM models or digital twin systems. However, the reliance on generative AI introduces potential risks of inaccuracies due to speculative outputs, necessitating rigorous validation and iterative refinement to ensure historical and architectural credibility. The findings indicate the potential of AI to extend the current HBIM paradigm by generating images of ‘lost’ heritage buildings, which can then be used to enhance and augment the more ‘traditional’ HBIM process.
The Effect of Offspring Gender Composition on Modern Contraceptive Uptake Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ishaque Muhammad , Hazerjian Jack , Brooks Mohamad Ibrahim , Sarosh Tabinda , Latif Madiha , Ali Maisam
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Pakistan is confronted with the formidable challenge of high population growth, which is compounded by cultural norms that prioritize male offspring, leading to adverse implications for family planning efforts and demographic trends. Despite efforts to promote contraception, including a national family planning program, Pakistan continues to struggle with low and stagnant contraceptive prevalence rates among married women. The influence of gender composition on modern contraceptive uptake remains underexplored, necessitating research to elucidate its impact on reproductive behavior. Materials and methods: This study used the dataset of a facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted in six districts of the Sindh and Punjab provinces in Pakistan. A subset of 495 married women of reproductive age seeking health services from March to June 2019 was used for this study. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between the gender composition of children and modern contraceptive uptake, adjusting for covariates such as province, the age of the women, and the type of health facility. Results: The analysis revealed a significant association between the gender composition of children and modern contraceptive uptake among married women. As the number of daughters increased without sons, the likelihood of contraceptive uptake remained low (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04–0.34; p < 0.000), while having at least one son substantially increased the odds of contraceptive use (AOR: 19.91; 95% CI: 8.00–49.50; p < 0.000). Notably, the gender composition of having one daughter with two sons had the highest level of contraceptive uptake, potentially because of family composition preferences. Discussion: The findings highlight the pervasive influence of gender composition on reproductive decision-making in Pakistan, with a clear preference for sons driving modern contraceptive behavior. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to address gender norms and biases while promoting equitable access to family planning services. Engaging men in family planning initiatives is crucial for challenging traditional gender norms and fostering informed decision-making regarding contraception. Conclusions: Gender preference influences modern contraceptive uptake among women in Pakistan, with the strong preference for sons driving reproductive behavior. Addressing gender norms and biases while promoting informed, self-determined choice is essential for enhancing modern contraceptive uptake and achieving sustainable population growth. Targeted interventions, including male engagement strategies, are needed to challenge societal gender norms and empower individuals to make autonomous decisions regarding family planning.
Molecular Docking Studies and In Vitro Activity of Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitors from Yak Milk Cheese
Authors: Wang Peng , Song Xuemei , Liang Qi
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic lipase serves as a primary trigger for hyperlipidemia and is also a crucial target in the inhibition of hypercholesterolemia. By synthesizing anti-hypercholesterolemic drugs such as atorvastatin, which are used to treat hypercholesterolemia, there were some side effects associated with the long-term use of statins. Based on this idea, in the present study, we identified peptides that inhibited PL by virtual screening and in vitro activity assays. In addition, to delve into the underlying mechanisms, we undertook a dual investigative approach involving both molecular docking analyses and molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that peptides RK7, KQ7, and TL9, all with molecular weights of <1000 Da and a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids, inhibited PL well. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics showed that peptides RK7, KQ7, and TL9 bound to important amino acid residues of PL, such as Pro and Leu, through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, salt bridges, and π-π stacking to occupy the substrate-binding site, which inhibited PL and identified them as potential PL inhibitors. In vitro tests showed that the IC50 of RK7 and KQ7 on PL were 0.690 mg/mL and 0.593 mg/mL, respectively, and the inhibitory effects of RK7 and KQ7 on PL were significantly enhanced after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Our results suggested that peptides RK7 and KQ7 from yak milk cheese can be identified as a novel class of potential PL inhibitors.
Functional and Structural Changes in the Inner Ear and Cochlear Hair Cell Loss Induced by Hypergravity
Authors: Choi Jin Sil , Kim Kyu-Sung , Kim Hyun Ji
Published: January 2025

Gravitational changes have been shown to cause significant abnormalities in various body systems, including the cardiovascular, immune, vestibular, and musculoskeletal systems. While numerous studies have examined the response of the vestibular system to gravitational stimulation, research on functional changes in the peripheral inner ear remains limited. The inner ear comprises two closely related structures: the vestibule and cochlea. These components share similar structures and neural functions, highlighting the importance of investigating changes in auditory nerve cells in response to gravitational alterations. To address this gap, we studied the functional and structural changes in the inner ear following exposure to hypergravity stimuli. Our findings demonstrate changes in auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in the cochlea. ABR recordings were used to analyze click thresholds, as well as the amplitude and latency of tone bursts. The click thresholds at all frequencies increased in the group exposed to hypergravity in the long term. Additionally, tone burst results revealed significantly reduced amplitudes at high frequencies and delayed latencies in the hypergravity models. Notably, greater hair cell loss was observed in the middle and basal turns of the cochlea, indicating that mid and high-frequency regions are more vulnerable to hypergravity stimulation. Furthermore, nerve damage on the cochlear surface was evident in subjects exposed to 4G stimulation for 4 weeks. These findings suggest that the inner ear and its neural activity can be functionally and structurally affected by prolonged exposure to hypergravity.
Object Detection Post Processing Accelerator Based on Co-Design of Hardware and Software
Authors: Yang Dengtian , Chen Lan , Hao Xiaoran , Zhang Yiheng
Published: January 2025

Deep learning significantly advances object detection. Post processes, a critical component of this process, select valid bounding boxes to represent the true targets during inference and assign boxes and labels to these objects during training to optimize the loss function. However, post processes constitute a substantial portion of the total processing time for a single image. This inefficiency primarily arises from the extensive Intersection over Union (IoU) calculations required between numerous redundant bounding boxes in post processing algorithms. To reduce these redundant IoU calculations, we introduce a classification prioritization strategy during both training and inference post processes. Additionally, post processes involve sorting operations that contribute to their inefficiency. To minimize unnecessary comparisons in Top-K sorting, we have improved the bitonic sorter by developing a hybrid bitonic algorithm. These improvements have effectively accelerated the post processing. Given the similarities between the training and inference post processes, we unify four typical post processing algorithms and design a hardware accelerator based on this framework. Our accelerator achieves at least 7.55 times the speed in inference post processing compared to that of recent accelerators. When compared to the RTX 2080 Ti system, our proposed accelerator offers at least 21.93 times the speed for the training post process and 19.89 times for the inference post process, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of loss function minimization.
Artificial Intelligence for Adenoma and Polyp Detection During Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Alali Ali A. , Alhashmi Ahmad , Alotaibi Nawal , Ali Nargess , Alali Maryam , Alfadhli Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Kuwait. The effectiveness of colonoscopy in preventing CRC is dependent on a high adenoma detection rate (ADR). Computer-aided detection can identify (CADe) and characterize polyps in real time and differentiate benign from neoplastic polyps, but its role remains unclear in screening colonoscopy. Methods: This was a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) enrolling patients 45 years of age or older presenting for outpatient screening or surveillance colonoscopy (Kuwait clinical trial registration number 2047/2022). Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease, alarm symptoms, familial polyposis syndrome, colon resection, or poor bowel preparation were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to either high-definition white-light (HD-WL) colonoscopy (standard of care) or HD-WL colonoscopy with the CADe system. The primary outcome was ADR. The secondary outcomes included polyp detection rate (PDR), adenoma per colonoscopy (APC), polyp per colonoscopy (PPC), and accuracy of polyp characterization. Results: From 1 September 2022 to 1 March 2023, 102 patients were included and allocated to either the HD-WL colonoscopy group (n = 51) or CADe group (n = 51). The mean age was 52.8 years (SD 8.2), and males represented 50% of the cohort. Screening for CRC accounted for 94.1% of all examinations, while the remaining patients underwent surveillance colonoscopy. A total of 121 polyps were detected with an average size of 4.18 mm (SD 5.1), the majority being tubular adenomas with low-grade dysplasia (47.1%) and hyperplastic polyps (46.3%). There was no difference in the overall bowel preparation, insertion and withdrawal times, and adverse events between the two arms. ADR (primary outcome) was non-significantly higher in the CADe group compared to the HD colonoscopy group (47.1% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.3). Among the secondary outcomes, PDR (78.4% vs. 56.8%, p = 0.02) and PPC (1.35 vs. 0.96, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in the CADe group, but APC was not (0.75 vs. 0.51, p = 0.09). Accuracy in characterizing polyp histology was similar in both groups. Conclusions: In this RCT, the artificial intelligence system showed a non-significant trend towards improving ADR among Kuwaiti patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy compared to HD-WL colonoscopy alone, while it significantly improved the detection of diminutive polyps. A larger multicenter study is required to detect the true effect of CADe on the detection of adenomas.
Latent Structure and Profiles of Emotion Regulation: Reappraisal and Suppression Patterns with the Polish Version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire
Authors: Larionow Paweł , Mudło-Głagolska Karolina , Preece David A.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) is a 10-item self-report measure of two emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES). This study aimed to (1) examine the latent structure of the Polish version of the ERQ, and (2) use it to explore different profiles of emotion regulation strategy use and their links with mental health outcomes. Methods: Our sample was 1197 Polish-speaking adults from the general community in Poland. Results: A factor analysis showed that the ERQ had strong factorial validity, with an intended two-factor structure (CR and ES factors) that was invariant across gender, age, and education categories, as well as across different levels of psychopathology symptoms and alexithymia. Our latent profile analysis extracted four emotion regulation profiles (subtypes): a Mainly Reappraisal profile (high CR, low ES), a Mainly Suppression profile (low CR with high ES), a Generally Low Regulation profile (low CR, low ES), and a Generally High Regulation profile (high CR, high ES). People with the Mainly Reappraisal profile had the best mental health outcomes, whereas people with the Mainly Suppression profile had the poorest mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Conceptually, these findings support the process model of emotion regulation, illustrating the differential affective outcomes of various emotion regulation strategies. Our results highlight the importance of considering individual differences in strategy use patterns, including combinations of strategies within an emotion regulation profile. The Polish version of the ERQ appears to be a robust measure of these key emotion regulation processes across a variety of demographic groups. To facilitate its use, including score interpretations in clinical practice, we present Polish percentile rank norms for the ERQ.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Previous Full-Thickness Graft Donor Site: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Shen Amanda Y. , Seth Ishith , Marcaccini Gianluca , Rozen Warren M. , Ross Richard J.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin malignancy, typically occurs in sun-exposed areas but can develop in atypical locations, such as scars, burns, and skin graft donor sites. BCC arising specifically in full-thickness skin graft donor sites is exceptionally rare. This study presents a unique case of BCC occurring 16 years post-graft harvesting and provides a comprehensive literature review to analyze clinical patterns, possible etiopathogenesis, and treatment strategies. Methods: A case report was described and a comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (up to November 2024). Studies were screened for cases of BCC involving skin graft donor and recipient sites. Extracted data included demographics, graft type, latency period, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes. Results: A 68-year-old woman presented with biopsy-confirmed mixed nodular and micronodular BCC at the donor site of a full-thickness skin graft 16 years after its use for nasal reconstruction. Surgical excision with clear margins resulted in complete resolution without recurrence. A literature analysis revealed seven cases of graft-associated BCC, predominantly affecting older females. Partial-thickness grafts were frequently involved, with latency periods ranging from 1 to 61 years. Nodular BCC was the most common histological subtype, and surgical excision remained the primary and most effective treatment. Conclusions: Although rare, BCC can develop in skin graft donor sites after prolonged latency. Chronic trauma, impaired vascularization, and genetic alterations likely contribute to tumorigenesis. Lifelong surveillance, early detection, and timely intervention are critical to improving outcomes.