bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of a Dengue Case Co-Infected with Type I and Type II Imported into Jiaxing in 2023
Authors: Zhou Yamei , Lv Shencong , Yan Hao , Ren Ganglin , Song Yin , Ji Jimei , Li Lina , Yan Yong , Zhu Guoying
Published: November 2024

In 2023, one case of coinfection with type I and type II dengue virus of imported origin was first reported in Jiaxing city. Therefore, we analysed the results of the molecular tracing analysis of this case. We collected serum samples for whole-genome amplification and sequencing and fur-ther analysed the whole-genome sequence for homology analysis, evolutionary tree analysis, and protein amino acid mutation site analysis. The results revealed that the JX202301 DENV-1 se-quence had the highest homology with the epidemic strains in Guangdong (PP563909, PP563875, PP563840 and PP563879) in 2023, with nucleotide homology ranging from 99.5 –99.8% and amino acid homology of 100%. The JX202301 DENV-2 sequence had the highest homology with the epidemic strains of 2019 Thailand (MZ636805, MZ636802, MZ636803 and MW512454, and MW512419), with nucleotide homology ranging from 98.4–99.2%and amino acid homology of 99.7%. By analysing the amino acid mutation sites, we found that, compared with the corre-sponding reference strains and the epidemic strains in the same branch, there were 52 amino acid difference sites in the viral coding region of the DENV-1 sequence and 51 amino acid difference sites in the viral coding region of the DENV-2 sequence, which were mainly concentrated in the NS1 and NS5 region of the nonstructural proteins. In this study, we described for the first time the genome-wide sequence, genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis of imported DENV-1 and DENV-2 mixed cases in Jiaxing city. These results provide a scientific basis for dengue fever out-break surveillance, viral evolution studies, and prevention and control strategy development in Jiaxing city.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Lethocerus patruelis, Stal, 1854 (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) Specimen Collected in Close Proximity to Humans in Southern Italy
Authors: Raele Donato Antonio , Cariglia Maria Grazia , Grimaldi Stefania Patrizia , Dinoi Antonella Carla , Franco Ettore , Cafiero Maria Assunta
Published: November 2024

The Belostomatidae is a family of aquatic Heteropteran insects that normally inhabit swamps of tropical, subtropical and temperate regions where they naturally feed on a large range of prey, mainly fish, amphibians and reptiles. However, these arthropods can occasionally bite humans when provoked, causing pain. The only species of giant water bug known to be found in Europe is Lethocerus (L.) patruelis. We have reported the occasional finding of a specimen of L. patruelis female in Southern Italy. The arthropod was collected by a tourist on his body while he lying down on a beach close to a nature reserve. To finalize the giant water bug identification, both morphological and molecular tools were used for the first time in our country. Herein, information on cases of patients bitten by giant water bugs belonging to Belostomatidae family are reported and circumstances involving their contact with humans are also discussed.
Molecular Sentinels: Unveiling the Role of Sirtuins in Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: chouhan surbhi , Kumar Anil
Published: November 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a critical global health challenge, with high mortality rates and significant heterogeneity, particularly in advanced stages. While early-stage PCa is often manageable with conventional treatments, metastatic PCa is notoriously resistant, highlighting an urgent need for precise biomarkers and innovative therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the dualistic roles of sirtuins, a family of NAD+ dependent histone deacetylases, in PCa pathogenesis, dissecting how each sirtuin contributes uniquely to either tumor suppression or progression depending on the cellular context. By exploring each sirtuin’s influence on pathways such as metabolic regulation, chromosomal stability, inflammation and cellular survival, we reveal their multifaceted impact on cancer processes like oxidative stress responses, gene expression and apoptosis. For instance, SIRT1 and SIRT7 often demonstrate oncogenic behavior in PCa, promoting tumor growth and survival, while SIRT3 and SIRT4 are more frequently associated with tumor-suppressive functions, countering cellular proliferation and maintaining metabolic stability. By examining the specific mechanisms through which sirtuins impact PCa, this review emphasizes the potential of sirtuin modulation to bridge existing gaps in managing advanced disease. Ultimately, insights into sirtuins’ regulatory effects could redefine therapeutic paradigms in PCa, fostering precision-based strategies that enhance treatment efficacy and improve clinical outcomes for patients with aggressive PCa.
Broad Immunity of AB-phages treated Acinetobacter baumannii Implications for Phage Therapy Strategies
Authors: Pasharawipas Tirasak , Woradulayapinij Warunya , Pochairach Runtikan , Yordpratum Umaporn
Published: November 2024

Phage therapy is increasingly considered a viable alternative to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii (AB), a significant nosocomial pathogen. In this study, an AB isolate, designated ABU-3, was found susceptible to three distinct AB-phages, termed AB-phage 22, 27, and 32. The ABU-3 isolate was treated with these phages at various multiplicities of infection (MOI) to identify the MOI necessary to completely eliminate ABU-3, referred to as the "MOI clearance value." Results showed that the MOI clearance values for AB-phage 22, 27, and 32 were 10, 100, and 10, respectively. Additionally, colonies of ABU-3 that survived treatment with each AB-phage at lower MOIs were isolated and assessed for susceptibility or resistance to all three phages. The results indicated that ABU-3 became resistant to AB-phage 27 but remained susceptible to AB-phages 22 and 32 at titers similar to the original ABU-3 control. ABU-3 also developed complete resistance to AB-phage 22 but remained susceptible to AB-phages 27 and 32, though at a 2-log lower MOI compared to the original ABU-3. In contrast, AB-phage 32-resistant ABU-3 exhibited complete resistance to all three AB-phages. These findings highlight a potential complication in phage therapy, underscoring the importance of carefully managing MOI to prevent resistance. The varying immunity profiles of AB-phage-treated AB isolates under inappropriate MOI conditions could complicate phage therapy by promoting phage resistance. We propose prioritizing the MOI clearance value as a critical metric for effective phage therapy, particularly for multi-drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Latin America: Southern Cone, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay
Authors: Bonvehí Pablo , Trejo Varon Ruby , Espinal Tejada Carlos , Brenes Chacon Helena , Becerra-Posada Francisco
Published: November 2024

Annual influenza vaccination has been carried out for several years in the countries of the Southern Cone following the recommendations of the Pan American Health Organization and the Technical Advisory Group on Immunizations of said Institution. Although flu vaccination is always a challenge, a fact that provides predictability in its development for the countries of the Southern Cone is the seasonality of the influenza virus in that region. The target groups for vaccination have been changing and are currently they present some differences such as the age of vaccination in children and the inclusion of other groups of adults. We used on administrative coverage of influenza vaccination reported to PAHO/WHO by countries. In this study we seek to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccination coverage in Latin America, specifically in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The study period was from 2018 to 2023. Although countries have been observing a decline in pre and post COVID-19 influenza vaccination coverage, countries are working to achieve optimal coverage, not only in established influenza risk groups, but in the entire population. Data on influenza vaccination coverage are limited in some cases. The availability of new vaccines that can provide greater immunogenicity, efficacy and effectiveness also represents a challenge for Expanded Program on Immunization EPIs in terms of the need to evaluate their incorporation, which requires cost-effectiveness studies in a context of availability of new vaccines for other vaccine-preventable diseases and restricted budgets.
Vimentin Intermediate Filaments Maintain Membrane Potential of Mitochondria in Growing Neurites
Authors: Dayal Alexander , Parfenteva Olga , Wang Huiying , Gebreselase Blen , Gyoeva Fatima , Alieva Irina , Minin Alexander
Published: November 2024

Neural precursor cells contain two types of intermediate filaments (IFs): neurofilaments consisting of three IV type proteins, and vimentin belonging to the III type of IF proteins that disappears on the later stages of differentiation. The involvement of vimentin in neurogenesis was demonstrated earlier, however the role of its temporary expression in neurons is not clear. We have shown that vimentin IFs interacting with mitochondria maintain their membrane potential on the appropriate level and thus ensure their proper function. We examined the dependence of mitochondrial membrane potential on the expression of vimentin in CAD catecholaminergic neuronal cell line that is actively dividing in the full culture media but stop growing and start developing neurites when serum is removed. Using CRIPR Cas9 system to knockout the vimentin gene in these cells we investigated the impact of this on the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our data show that deletion of vimentin IFs leads to decrease of the level of mitochondrial potential. When the vimentin network in these cells was reconstituted by transfection with plasmid encoding human protein the level of potential restored. Interestingly, mutated vimentin with disrupted mitochondria-binding site had no such an effect. Our data point to vimentin as a possible target in some neurological pathologies.
Lycorine Hydrochloride Suppress the Proliferation, Metastasis and Invasion of Esophageal Cancer by Targeting TRIM22 and Inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK Pathways
Authors: Liu Jingyan , Qiu Liangxian , Chen Jialing , Zeng Tao
Published: November 2024

Background: Tumor metastasis and poor drug efficacy are two of the prominent causes of therapeutic failure in tumor patients. The underlying molecular mechanism requires further exploration and novel effective curative strategies are urgently needed. Nature is a rich source for novel drug discovery and Lycorine hydrochloride (Lyc.HCL) is a natural alkaloid with tremendous therapeutic potential. However, the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor are still elusive. In the current study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Lyc.HCL against esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) that seriously endangers human life. Methods: We detected the expression of tripartite motif containing 22(TRIM22) through immunohistochemistry and western blot. The MTS assay and clone formation assay were used to assess the viability of ESCC cell lines after Lyc.HCL treatment in vitro. Apoptosis and cell cycle regulation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to analyze cell migration. Invasion was analyzed by the Matrigel transwell assay. The expressions of janus kinase-2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways were detected through Western blotting. Rescue experiment was performed to underscore the potential target role of TRIM22. In addition, we also explored the vivo anti-ESCC role and mechanism of Lyc.HCL by treating tumor-bearing mice. Results: We found that the TRIM22 protein was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and ESCC cell lines but not in normal esophageal tissue. Lyc.HCL treatment was found to inhibit esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by blocking the cell cycle to G2 phase, inhibiting cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, Lyc.HCL decreased the expression of TRIM22 and JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. Rescue assays showed that overexpressed TRIM22 would promote proliferation, metastasis and invasion, while knocking out TRIM22 significantly reverses these effects. Lyc.HCL suppresses proliferation, metastasis and invasion induced by TRIM22. Observing in animal experiments, depletion TRIM22 delays tumor growth and the effect is significantly reversed by TRIM22 overexpression. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Lyc.HCL effectively suppresses ESCC both in vitro and in vivo by targeting TRIM22, which is regulated by the JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways, indicating that Lyc.HCL may be the potential novel drug for ESCC and TRIM22 is a considerable target for therapy.
A Testable Hypothesis on the Nature of Dark Matter Based upon Hawking’s Cosmology, A Natural Explanation for Flat Rotation Curves as Well as an Improved Prediction Algorithm for Rotation Velocities
Authors: Uffelen G.M. van
Published: November 2024

Hawking’s cosmology logically leads to an observed multiverse. This article argues it a superposition of at least three 3-dimensional universes in a 4-dimensional space, which each have two overlapping dimensions with the observed universe. For there is nothing outside it that could disturb the superposition, it could last forever. This explains why dark matter yields a linear decrease of gravity with distance to visible mass at large radii in galaxies. To prove this, all contributions of visible matter in the disks and bulbs, calculated by the SPARC team, have been recalculated to verify the brightness and gas density are correctly interpreted. Lelli and Mistele showed the common way to project dark matter halos around galaxies cannot be valid. Since application of General Relativity would need these halos too, it must be modified with additional terms. Bekenstein’s TeVeS does this. Using TeVeS, a decay of the contribution of dark matter to gravity with the expansion of space is confirmed. This explains the rapid development of large galaxies in the early universe that is reported by Labbé. A new prediction method for rotation velocities that works at all radii in galaxies is offered. It is 25% more accurate than MOND and TeVeS.
Exploring The Nexus: Gender Equitable Attitudes & Financial Perceptions of Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Kartha Rhea , Vyas Amita , Nagaraj Nitasha
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between gender equitable attitudes and norms, and gender based financial perceptions among adolescent boys and girls in Mexico. This evaluation is part of a larger Girl Rising Financial Education Initiative (GR FEI) conducted amongst adolescents in Mexico; (2) Methods: A quantitative study was conducted including 979 adolescents (boys n=385, girls n=589) at baseline. Gender equitable attitudes and norms were measured using a scale consisting of 3 subdomains (roles/privileges/restrictions, gender attributes and gender violence) and gender based financial perceptions were measured using a vignette; (3) Results: Multivariate Linear regression analyses revealed that positive gender based financial perceptions were associated with significantly higher gender equitable attitudes after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Girls reported significantly higher gender equitable attitudes when compared to boys (Model 1: β = 0.240, 95% CI [0.218, 0.347], p < 0.001); (4) Conclusion: Introducing financial education initiatives at an early age can shape the way young people interact with money. It not only improves overall literacy but also reinforces the idea that financial literacy and decision-making are not limited by gender.
Application of Active Heating Tests with the Distributed Temperature Sensing to Characterize Flow Dynamics in a Tidal-Influenced Coastal Aquifer
Authors: Chang Yu-Huan , Ni Chuen-Fa , Lin Chi-Ping , Hsu Chia-Yu , Hsu An-Yi , Hiep Nguyen Hoang , Thuy Doan Thi Thanh
Published: November 2024

Aquifer storage and recovery have gained attention as a solution that utilizes submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) as a surrogate water resource to alleviate water scarcity and fill the demand gap. Characterizing SGD is crucial for using coastal groundwater and improving understanding of the interaction between continental water and seawater. This study employs fiber-optical distributed temperature sensing (FODTS) and the heat tracer to quantify the groundwater flux in a coastal aquifer in northern Taiwan. The fluxes in different sections along the borehole were estimated from the temperature response caused by the active heating tests and campier groundwater flux under different tidal conditions, providing information on potential water resources for water resource planning and management. According to the active heating tests, the material of the sections with high-temperature response mainly consists of a gravel-sand mixture. Based on the estimations of groundwater fluxes along the well, the sections with low sensitivity of temperature response have low hydraulic conductivity and low groundwater flux. The estimated thermal parameters at the site are consistent with those obtained from the borehole samples in the laboratory tests. The groundwater fluxes in different sections are calculated based on the temperature response observed from the FODTS. The groundwater fluxes along the well vary between 0.02~1.77 m/day. There are considerable differences between the estimated fluxes during the tidal cycle in a heterogeneous coastal aquifer, indicating the high uncertainty of estimated SGD along coastal lines.
Redfish API And vSphere Hypervisor API: A Unified Framework For Policy-Based Server Monitoring
Authors: Dakić Vedran , Bertina Karlo , Redžepagić Jasmin , Regvart Damir
Published: November 2024

Integrating remote monitoring systems is crucial in the ever-changing field of data center management to enhance performance and guarantee reliability. This paper outlines a comprehensive strategy for monitoring remote servers by utilizing agents that establish connections to the Redfish API (Application Programming Interface) and vSphere hypervisor API. Our solution uses the Redfish standard to provide secure and standardized management of hardware components in diverse server environments. This improves interoperability and scalability. Simultaneously, the vSphere agent enables monitoring and hardware administration in vSphere-based virtualized environments, offering crucial insights into the state of the underlying hardware. This system, which employs two agents, simplifies the management of servers and seamlessly integrates with current data center infrastructures, enhancing efficiency. The policy-based alerting system built on top of these agents offers a lot of capabilities based on both agents leveraging their alerting systems. This, in turn, can improve the capabilities of next-generation data centers.
SDR-based IoT Communication Systems: An Application for the DASH7 Alliance Protocol
Authors: Joosens Dennis , BniLam Noori , Berkvens Rafael , Weyn Maarten
Published: November 2024

The Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology has been a very popular and powerful prototyping device for decades. It has been applied in either fundamental research or application-oriented tasks. Additionally, the continuing rise of the Internet of Things is needed to validate, process and decode a large number of received signals. This is where SDRs can be a valuable instrument. In this work, we present an open-source software system using GNU Radio and SDRs, which improves the comprehension of the physical layer aspects of Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. Our implementation is generic and application-agnostic. Therefore, it can serve as a learning and investigation instrument for any IoT communication system. Within this work, we have implemented the open-source DASH7 Alliance Protocol (D7AP). The developed software tool can simulate synthetic DASH7 signals, process recorded data sets, and decode the received DASH7 packets in real time using an SDR front-end. The software is accompanied by three data sets collected in a controlled, indoor and suburban environment. The experimental results reveal that the total packet loss of the data sets is 0%, 2.33% and 16.67%, respectively. Simultaneously, the three data sets have been received by a dedicated DASH7 gateway with a total packet loss of 0%, 3.83% and 7.92%, respectively.
Effect of Variety, Pretreatment and Dryer Operational Parameters on the Drying Characteristics of Potato Slice Using Solar Cabinet Dryer with Heat Storage System
Authors: Hailemariam Firezer Desta , Delele Mulugeta Admasu , Fanta Solomon Workineh , Werkie Melkamu Alemayehu , Tsegaye Eniyew Adgo , Masrie Fentaw Berihun , Kasahun Ermias Abelneh
Published: November 2024

In the present work, effect of potato variety, pretreatments (5% brine, 0.5% potassium Meta bi-sulphite (KMS) and blanching at 70°C for 3 minutes) and airflow mode on drying kinetics and effective moisture diffusivity of potato slices was investigated in a cabinet solar dryer with a heat storage system. The experiment was conducted in a full factorial design arranged in a completely randomized block design and the drying kinetics was modelled using commonly used well known equations. From the result; potato variety, air flow mode (natural vs. forced convection) and pre-treatments significantly affected the drying kinetics of the slice in which the brine-treated sample took a shorter drying time followed by blanched and KMS-treated slices. However, the blanched sample exhibited a higher effective moisture diffusivity and drying rate than untreated and KMS-treated samples. Brine treated sample has the lowest effective moisture diffusivity and drying rate. Tolcha variety dried faster than the Jalo variety followed by the Gera variety. The goodness of fit to the tested models were also evaluated based on R2, chi-square and RMSE values in which a model with the highest R2 ,lowest X2 and RMSE values were selected as a best fitted model. As result, Boltzmann model with R2 (0.9985) was the best fitted model in Blanched sample, whereas Midihilli and Kucuk model was best fitted with brine-treated and control samples, with R2 values ranging from 0.9995 in the control sample to 0.9999 in the brine-treated sample.
Recipe Based Anomaly Detection with Adaptable Learning: Implications on Sustainable Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Lee Junhee , Jang Jaseok , Tang Qing , Jung Hail
Published: November 2024

Manufacturing industry have seen benefits due to the advent of Industry 4.0 which main aspects are the efficiency of quality management, better customization, reduction of cost and environmental impact, sustainability of production development etc. This has led to exploring new directions of various researches and real world applications mainly based on artificial intelligence. It has been known that combining traditional methods and artificial intelligence based approaches enhance the overall performance of manufacturing process. However, application of AI solutions are still left for further development in many sectors. Especially in the field of injection molding, there are circumstances where quality inspection in product development is done in lots rather than individual units. In this case, only the overall defect ratios and the count of good or bad cavities can be known. This implicates that prediction can only be done in lots at best. Also, due to frequent changes of setting values, the whole process consists of various unique settings each leading to different data characteristics. Based on this background, we use lot based production data consisting of multiple settings in our work . First, we apply K-Means to separate data into multiple setting based recipes. Second, autoencoders are trained with one integrated and multiple recipe data consisting of only good cavities(normal quality) for anomaly detection. Third, for adaptable learning, we apply KL-Divergence to find the closest trained recipe and its model of new data with unseen settings. This leads to a direct prediction without further training. The results show that recipe based models predict acceptable quantity of anomalies in the test data, while the integrated model barely predicts any. In a real world perspective, such improvement of quality inspection in injection molding process efficiently saves resource leading to eco-friendly products. Also, the adaptable learning process enables continuous inference and better quality control throughout the entire product life cycle by saving computational cost. As AI becomes vastly integrated throughout manufacturing sectors, it is essential to explore new directions among various real world applications. The proposed approach of this work provides a realistic perspective of applying AI solution for sustainable manufacturing process.
Angiopoietin-2: A Therapeutic Target for Vascular Protection in HGPS
Authors: Vakili Sahar , Cao Kan
Published: November 2024

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a pediatric condition characterized by clinical features that resemble accelerated aging. The abnormal accumulation of a toxic form of the lamin A protein known as progerin disrupts cellular functions, leading to various complications, including growth retardation, loss of subcutaneous fat, abnormal skin, alopecia, osteoporosis, and progressive joint contractures. Death primarily occurs as the result of complications from progressive atherosclerosis, especially from cardiac disease such as myocardial infarction or heart failure, or cerebrovascular disease like stroke. Despite the availability of lonafarnib, the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for HGPS, cardiovascular complications remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Defective angiogenesis- the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones- plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular disease. A recent study suggests that Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), a pro-angiogenic growth factor that regulates angiogenesis and vascular stability, may offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of HGPS. In this review, we describe the clinical features and key cellular processes impacted by progerin and discuss the therapeutic potential of Ang2 in addressing these challenges.
Assessment of the Impact of Informal Seed System on Production of the Malt Barley in Potential Areas of Amhara Region in Ethiopia
Authors: Getie Behran , Tadesse Tilahun , Tesfaye Kindie , Adgo Enyew , Alem Teferi
Published: November 2024

To asses Impact of the informal seed system on the production of the malt barley in Ethiopia. The study purposefully selected seed samples from each of the two zones, Awi and South Gondar, using 60 sample homes and farmers. From every sample, 1000 g of malted barley seeds were taken for investigation of seed quality. The results indicate that Farmers mostly choose their seeds based on seed size (15. 23%), marketability (21.42%), and color (48.47%). The study revealed that the most common source of seeds was their saved stock. In the south Gondar zone, 2.7% of smallholder farmers sourced seeds from the integrated seed system, 9.3% from the formal seed system, and 88% through the informal seed system. For Traveller, Ibon, Holker, and Fatima, the seed moisture content was within and below the Ethiopian seed standard of 11.35, 17.35, 14.0, and 12.1, respectively. These imply that standard germination varied significantly between the seed samples. Moreover, the national seed specifications were met by the average germination percentage. There were notable differences in each sample's germination rate, shoot and root lengths, seedling dry weight, and vigor index 1. formal seed systems should be crucial for improving the malted barley seed system.
Temporal Evolution of Dynamics of a Swimming Robot Using Sparse Identification
Authors: Sayahkarajy Mostafa , Witte Hartmut
Published: November 2024

Anguilliform swimming is one of the most complex locomotion modes, involving various interacting phenomena, which requires multidisciplinary studies. Eel robots are intended to employ biology principles and exhibit efficient locomotion replicating the natural anguilliform swimming. Such robots are easier to engineer and study than their natural counterparts. Nevertheless, characterizing the robot–environment interaction is complex, demanding computationally expensive fluid dynamics modeling. In this study, we employ machine learning (ML) strategies to discover the temporal evolution of the system, as the data-driven model. Three models were investigated using dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), sparse system identification (SINDy using PySINDy package), and autoencoder neural network (AE NN) as a general function approximator. The models were simulated using MATLAB R2022® to obtain the prediction errors. The results show that the SINDy model presents less error within the regression range, and in particular, performs better within extrapolation. Additionally, the SINDy model has a compact form and can explicitly formulate the coupling phenomena amongst the modes. The identified model, then, was employed to recover the system state data matrix. It is concluded that the proposed model with quadratic terms provides a parsimonious representation of the system dynamics.
Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Glycerol-Plasticized Edible Films Made from Pea Protein-Based Emulsions Containing Increasing Concentrations of Candelilla Wax or Oleic Acid
Authors: Kowalczyk Dariusz , Kazimierczak Waldemar , Zięba Emil , Lis Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Hydrophobization could improve the moisture resistance of biopolymer materials, depending on the methods and materials used, providing benefits for packaging applications. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of increasing concentrations (0-2%) of candelilla wax (CW) and oleic acid (OA) on the microstructural and physicochemical properties, including water affinity, of glycerol-plasticized pea protein isolate (PPI) films. OA acidified the film-forming solution and increased its viscosity more effectively than CW. At the highest concentration, OA prevented cohesive film formation. OA caused less yellowing, matting, and a smaller reduction in UV/VIS light transmittance compared to CW. Both lipids in most cases slightly reduced the films' water content. Phase separation (creaming) of CW enhanced surface hydrophobicity, resulting in a greater reduction in water vapor permeability than OA (~37-63% vs. 2-18%). The addition of lipids did not reduce film solubility or water absorption, and OA even increased these parameters. Increasing lipid content decreased the mechanical strength and stretchability of the films by 28–37% and 18–43%, respectively. At higher lipid levels, these properties were similar. The control film exhibited low heat-sealing strength (0.069 N/mm), which improved by 42% and 52% with the addition of CW and OA at optimal levels.
Development of a 3D Printed Chest Phantom with Simulation of Lung Nodules for Studying Low-Dose CT Protocols
Authors: Silberstein Jenna , Tran Steven , Wong Yin How , Yeong Chai Hong , Sun Zhonghua
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to 3D print a patient-specific chest phantom simulating multiple lung nodules to optimise low-dose CT protocols for lung cancer screening. The chest phantom, which was developed from a selected patient’s chest CT images was fabricated using a variety of materials, including PLA, Glow-PLA, ABS, and polyurethane resin. The phantom was scanned under different low-dose (LDCT) and ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT) protocols by varying the kVp and mAs. Subjective image quality was evaluated by three radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale, while objective image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The phantom's lung tissue, lung nodules, and diaphragm demonstrated radiation attenuation comparable to patient tissue, as measured in Hounsfield Units (HU). However, significant variations in HU were observed for the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, bone, heart, lung vessels, and blood vessels compared to patient tissues, with values ranging from 93.9 HU to -196 HU (p < 0.05). Both SNR and CNR decreased as the effective dose was reduced, with a strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.92 and r = 0.93, respectively, p < 0.001). The median subjective image quality score from radiologists was 4, indicating good diagnostic confidence across all CT protocols (κ=-0.398, 95% CI [-0.644 to -0152], p < .002.). An optimal protocol of 80 kVp and 30 mAs was identified for lung nodule detection, delivering a dose of only 0.23 mSv, which represents a 96% reduction compared to standard CT protocols. These findings highlight the potential for significant dose reductions in lung cancer screening programs. Further studies are recommended to improve the phantom by selecting more tissue-equivalent materials.
Vaccination Coverage Among Nursing Students in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Assessment
Authors: Tseroni Maria , Tsavdaroglou Triantafyllia , Galanis Petros , Mangoulia Polyxeni , Velonaki Venetia- Sofia , Sourtzi Panayota
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Vaccination coverage status of nursing students has a pivotal role as they are in direct contact with patients. Suboptimal vaccination status poses patients at high risk of transmission as healthcare providers may serve as reservoirs of pathogens. The present study aimed to assess the immunity status of nursing students of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Methods: It was a cross-sectional study which was conducted between June to July 2024. Univariate and Bivariate analyses were applied, and the x2 statistical test (chi-square test) was used to correlate the data. p-value≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 152 students participated in the study. The full vaccination rate was as follows: 38.8% against Hepatitis B, 33.6% against Hepatitis A, 55.3% against MMR, 35.5% against varicella, 45.4% against HPV, 75% against COVID-19, 19.1% against influenza. In the past decade, only 25.7% of the students had received booster shot for diphtheria-tetanus. Hepatitis B antibodies test has been statistically correlated with the year of study (p<0.05). Also, HPV vaccination has been correlated with gender, which seems normal because most nursing students are women (p<0.001). Conclusions: There is a need for a comprehensive program for healthcare students which will include not only training and awareness for VPDs but also interventions such as individual consultation for VPDs, free-of-charge vaccination on-site, collection of anonymous data from vaccination booklets of students to ensure accurate data about vaccination coverage, free of charge titer testing and immunity confirmation.
X1-Jacobi Differential Polynomial Systems and Related Double-Step Shape-Invariant Liouville Potentials Solvable by Exceptional Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Natanson Gregory
Published: November 2024

The paper develops the new formalism to treat both infinite and finite exceptional orthogonal polynomial (EOP) sequences as X-orthogonal subsets of X-Jacobi differential polynomial systems (DPSs). The new rational canonical Sturm-Liouville equations (RCSLEs) with quasi-rational solutions (q-RSs) were obtained by applying rational Rudjak-Zakhariev transformations (RRZTs) to the Jacobi equation re-written in the canonical form. The presented analysis was focused on the RRZTs leading to the canonical form of the Heun equation. It was demonstrated that the latter equation preserves its form under the second-order Darboux-Crum transformation. The associated Sturm-Liouville problems (SLPs) were formulated for the so-called ‘prime’ SLEs solved under the Dirichlet boundary conditions (DBCs). It was proven that one of the two X1-Jacobi DPSs composed of Heun polynomials contains both X1-Jacobi orthogonal polynomial system (OPS) and finite EOP sequence composed of the pseudo-Wronskian transforms of Romanovski-Jacobi (R-Jacobi) polynomials, while the second analytically-solvable Heun equation does not have the discrete energy spectrum. The quantum-mechanical realizations of the developed formalism were obtained by applying the Liouville transformation to each of the SLPs formulated in such a way.
Is Hip Muscles Flexibility Associated with Low Back Pain Among First-Class Undergraduate Students?
Authors: Abbas Janan , Reif Noa , Hamoud Kamal
Published: November 2024

Background and objective. Hip muscles lengthening is commonly associated with the normal function of the lumbar spine and lower extremities. Some evidence correlates hamstrings and iliopsoas tightness with low back pain (LBP). Undergraduates are more prone to LBP as they are involved in prolonged sitting and mal-posture. This study aims to assess the impact of hip muscles lengthening on LBP. Methods: A descriptive study of 70 students who were recruited from Zefat Academic College. Measurement of hamstrings and iliopsoas muscles lengthening as well as a constructive questionnaire were used. Results: The majority of participants (80% for the Hamstrings and 96% for the Iliopsoas) manifested normal muscle lengthening. Muscle flexibility was significantly higher among females. The logistic regression analyses revealed that hamstrings lengthening (right), and stress-related study, are significantly associated with LBP. Conclusions: The current study indicates that muscle length is female-dependent and right-left muscle length is symmetrical. Increased hamstrings length could be related to LBP.
Effect of High Pressurizing Pretreatment on the Textural Properties of Cooked Nuovo Maratelli Rice
Authors: Arroqui Cristina , Horvitz Sandra , Noriega María José , Fernández-Pan Idoya , Ibañez Francisco C. , Vírseda Paloma
Published: November 2024

Nuovo Maratelli, a japonica rice with an intermediate amylose-content, is suitable for paella (a traditional Spanish-dish) due to its ability to withstand cooking and absorb flavors. In this study, high-pressure processing (HPP) at 400 and 600 MPa (10 min) was used as a pretreatment to improve the properties of rice cooked by either boiling or microwaving. The microstructure and pasting properties of unpressurized and pressurized rice were examined. Also, the cooking time and cooking kinetics were determined for each cooking method. Overall, the pasting properties of the rice were not impacted by the HPP treatments, but the typical polyhedral form of the rice starch granules was lost, especially at 600 MPa. Cooking times were reduced from 14 and 10 min for unpressurised samples to 12 and 8 min (400 MPa) and 8 and 6 min (600 MPa) for boiling and microwave cooked rice respectively. The rice pretreated at 400 MPa (10 min) and microwaved (8 min) had lower hardness and adhesiveness, which was linked to the release of amylose during cooking. In summary, HPP could be an effective pretreatment for the improvement of the cooking and textural properties of Nuovo Maratelli rice, particularly when cooked by microwaving.
Stochastic Extension of NMMD Model for Fracture Behaviors of Concrete Materials
Authors: Lu Guangda , Xie Jiankang
Published: November 2024

The non-linearity and randomness existing composite materials like concrete make it a challenging topic in safety analysis and reliability design of structures. In view of the unique capability of nonlocal macro-meso-scale consistent damage (NMMD) model in dealing with non-linearity of crack evolutions, the stochastic extension of NMMD model is proposed to analyze stochastic fracture behaviors of concrete materials. In this extended model, the stochastic harmonic function method of second kind is employed to characterize the spatial variability of concrete property. Numerical examples of three point bending beams without defect and with various sizes of initial crack demonstrate that the stochastic NMMD model is capable of not only capturing the uncertain fluctuations of peak load but also simulating the random walk of crack path with instantaneous transition of fracture modes as observed in experiments. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of stochastic NMMD model only assigned with a single random field (i.e., Young’s modulus) also implies the conventional assertion that stochastic simulations of quasi-brittle fracture should contain at least two mechanical properties with spatial randomness might be overly arbitrary. Last but not least, the investigation of fracture energy with stochastic fluctuations reveals that randomness as a result of heterogeneity would more-or-less improve the fracture toughness of concrete materials in the statistical sense.
The Geometry Theory of Intelligence Meets General Relativity
Authors: Saichandran Ketan Suhaas
Published: November 2024

Prior research has explored cognitive space-time primarily through the lens of how the brain represents and processes spatial and temporal information. This manuscript extends the geometry theory of intelligence from Riemannian to Lorentzian manifolds, introducing the concept of a different cognitive-spacetime. We unify Meng Lu's framework with ideas from general relativity, proposing a model where thought flows along geodesics in a cognitive-spacetime with time as an intrinsic dimension, influenced by cognitive masses and connected by cognitive wormholes. This approach provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of intelligence, memory, and cognitive processes.
It’s Normal: The Probability Distribution of Temperature Extremes
Authors: Krakauer Nir Y.
Published: November 2024

The probability of heat extremes is often estimated using the nonstationary generalized extreme value GEV distribution (GEVD) applied to time series of annual maximum temperature. Here, this practice is assessed using a global sample of temperature time series, from reanalysis (both at the grid point and at the region scale) as well as station observations. It is found that the computationally simpler normal distribution outperforms the GEVD for providing probabilistic year-ahead forecasts of temperature extremes using as a measure forecast negative log likelihood, which is particularly sensitive to the most extreme heatwaves. It is therefore suggested to consider alternatives to the GEVD for assessing the risk of extreme heat.
Gravitational Sensors and the Structure of the Gravitational Field in Six Dimensions of Space and Time
Authors: mousavi seyed kazem
Published: November 2024

In this article, based on the structure of the gravitational field, the Mobius sensor is introduced to detect the fluctuations of the gravitational field. Knowing the structure of the gravitational field determines the relationship between electromagnetism and gravity. So far, no interaction between electromagnetic force and gravity has been observed. Many experiments have been done to connect electromagnetism and gravity, and all have failed. The gravitational field is a hypercone in six-dimensional space, which contains different density layers. Over time, these layers are rotating and diverging like a Möbius space. Möbius coils record the movement of distortions caused by density changes in the gravitational field in the form of electromagnetic pulses. Based on the findings of this research, the production of anti-gravity and gravity radars is possible.
Development of Analytical Models for Estimating Ore Quantities Using Geological and Geophysical Data
Authors: Alshehab Eyab
Published: November 2024

Accurate estimation of ore quantities is pivotal for the efficiency and economic viability of mining operations. Recent advancements in data analytics have facilitated the development of sophisticated analytical models that leverage geological and geophysical data to predict ore deposits. This research critically evaluates the effectiveness of these models by comparing their predictions with actual extraction data and through a comprehensive survey of industry experts. The study employs several well-established statistical and machine learning models documented in the literature, such as those explored by Smith et al. (2020) who demonstrated the use of regression analysis in mineral prediction, and Johnson & Lee (2019) who applied machine learning techniques in geological datasets. These models were selected for their proven capabilities in handling complex data structures and their previous successful applications in similar contexts. We conducted a detailed comparison of model outputs with data from actual mining sites where the quantities of extracted ore were measured. This empirical validation approach follows the methodology suggested by Davis (2018), who emphasized the importance of real-world data validation in predictive model assessments. Concurrently, a survey was distributed among geology and mining professionals, designed to capture qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the models' performance, reliability, and practical utility in operational settings. The results indicate a significant correlation between the models' predictions and the actual data, with some discrepancies that highlight areas for model improvement. The survey responses, analyzed through statistical methods recommended by Lee (2021), further supported the models' utility while suggesting enhancements for increased accuracy. This paper contributes to the mining sciences by confirming the potential of data-driven models in ore estimation and by providing a methodological framework for their empirical validation. It also outlines critical areas for future research, particularly in model optimization and the integration of emerging geophysical data types, paving the way for more precise and economically feasible mining operations.
Sustainable Management of Landslides in Ecuador: Leveraging Geophysical Surveys for Effective Risk Reduction
Authors: Alonso-Pandavenes Olegario , Torrijo Echarri Francisco Javier , Garzón-Roca Julio
Published: November 2024

The present work explores the use of geophysical surveys as valuable tools applied for the sustainable management of landslides and their studies. The work particularly focuses on Ecuador, an Andean country whose geomorphology and geology are dominated by volcano-sedimentary recent materials, which confers a high susceptibility to landslides. In the last few years, some landslide events have given rise to disasters with many material and life losses. Climatic events, affected by climate change, earthquakes, and human activity, are the main landslide triggers. Geophysical surveys, like seismic refraction, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), are easy and low-cost techniques that provide valuable and critical sub-surface data. They can help define the failure surface, the delimitation of mobilized materials, the description of the internal structure, and the identification of hydrological and geotechnical parameters that complement any direct survey (like boreholes and laboratory tests). As a result, they can be used in assessing landslide susceptibility and integrated into early warning systems, mapping, and zoning. Some case examples of large landslide events in Ecuador (historical and news) are analyzed, showing how geophysical surveys can be a valuable tool to monitor landslides, mitigate their effects, and/or provide a solution. Combined or isolated geophysical techniques foster sustainable management, improve hazard characterization, help protect the most vulnerable regions, and promote the communities’ information to be safer and more resilient against landslides.