bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Axillary Metastasis of Breast Cancer Patients with MRI Relaxometry
Authors: Pintican Roxana , Fechete Radu , Radutiu Delia Ioana , Lenghel Manuela , Bene Ioana , Solomon Carolina , Ciortea Cristiana , Ciurea Anca
Published: January 2025

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Accurate staging, including the detection of axillary metastases, is vital for treatment planning. This study evaluates the efficacy of MRI relaxometry as a diagnostic tool for axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 67 consecutive breast cancer patients. Relaxometry parameters, including T2Max, T2Min, and 1HAv, were assessed using 1.5 Tesla MRI. All axillary metastases were histologically confirmed using core-needle biopsy or surgical specimens. Statistical analyses included ROC curves, chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis to determine correlations between imaging findings and pathological results. Results: Significant associations were found between T2Min-ipsilateral (p = 0.018), 1HAv-ipsilateral (p = 0.003), and axillary metastases. ROC analysis demonstrated that T2Min-ipsilateral and 1HAv-ipsilateral have modest to acceptable discriminatory abilities (AUC = 0.681 and AUC = 0.740, respectively). Combined clinical and imaging models enhanced diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.749). Conclusions: MRI relaxometry improves the detection of axillary metastases in breast cancer, particularly when integrated with clinical and pathological evaluations.
Milk Composition Is Predictive of Low Milk Supply Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Jin Xuehua , Lai Ching Tat , Perrella Sharon L. , Zhou Xiaojie , Hassan Ghulam Mubashar , McEachran Jacki L. , Gridneva Zoya , Taylor Nicolas L. , Wlodek Mary E. , Geddes Donna T.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The causes of low milk supply are multifactorial, including factors such as gene mutations, endocrine disorders, and infrequent milk removal. These factors affect the functional capacity of the mammary gland and, potentially, the concentrations of milk components. This study aimed to investigate the differences in milk composition between mothers with low and normal milk supply and develop predictive machine learning models for identifying low milk supply. Methods: Twenty-four-hour milk production measurements were conducted using the test-weigh method. An array of milk components was measured in 58 women with low milk supply (<600 mL/24 h) and 106 with normal milk supply (≥600 mL/24 h). Machine learning algorithms were employed to develop prediction models integrating milk composition and maternal and infant characteristics. Results: Among the six machine learning algorithms tested, deep learning and gradient boosting machines methods had the best performance metrics. The best-performing model, incorporating 14 milk components and maternal and infant characteristics, achieved an accuracy of 87.9%, an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.893, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.917. Additionally, a simplified model, optimised for clinical applicability, maintained a reasonable accuracy of 78.8%, an AUPRC of 0.776, and an AUC of 0.794. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of machine learning models to predict low milk supply with high accuracy. Integrating milk composition and maternal and infant characteristics offers a practical approach to identify women at risk of low milk supply, facilitating timely interventions to support breastfeeding and ensure adequate infant nutrition.
The Role of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy in Determining the Treatment Strategy for Duodenal Follicular Lymphoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Kang Donghoon , Min Gi-June , Kim Tong Yoon , Jeon Young-Woo , Cho Yukyung , Park Jae Myung , O Joo Hyun , Choi Byung-Ock , Park Gyeongsin , Cho Seok-Goo
Published: January 2025

Objectives: In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to verify the extent of duodenal follicular lymphoma (DFL) and investigate the role and clinical significance of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in the treatment process. Methods: We analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 40 patients diagnosed with DFL. Results: Imaging workup and bone marrow biopsies revealed DFL only in the gastrointestinal tract (stage I) in 22 patients and in local lymph nodes (stage II1), distant lymph nodes (stage II2), pancreas (stage II2Epancreas), and extranodal regions (stage IV) in 1, 3, 1, and 13 patients, respectively. Fifteen of the 23 patients with localized (stages I and II1) DFL underwent VCE for comprehensive small bowel evaluation, which revealed lesion extension beyond the duodenum in 10 patients (66.7%). A watch-and-wait strategy was implemented for one patient and systemic chemotherapy was administered to the remaining nine. Of the eight patients without VCE, seven and one received radiotherapy and observation, respectively. Nine of the 23 patients (39.1%) received systemic treatment based on positive VCE results. Only one of the 17 patients with advanced-stage DFL (stages II2 and IV) accepted radiotherapy; 16 underwent systemic chemotherapy. During follow-up (median, 48.4 months), two relapse events occurred in the advanced stage, with no lymphoma-associated deaths. DFL tends to be indolent and has favorable outcomes. Conclusions: Proactive VCE for diagnosing DFL is recommended to determine small bowel involvement, which may influence subsequent treatment decisions.
When Language Is Not Enough: How to Explain ToM Abilities of Individuals with Williams Syndrome and Down Syndrome
Authors: Touchet Claire , Pochon Régis , Ibernon Laure
Published: January 2025

This study examines the link between language abilities and Theory of Mind (ToM) development in individuals with Williams Syndrome (WS) and Down Syndrome (DS). We compared the results of 16 participants with WS, aged 6.3 to 27.2 years (Mean = 15.9 years, SD = 6.8 years), to those of 16 participants with DS, aged 10.7 to 23.9 years (Mean = 16.8 years, SD = 3.6 years). Using the French version of the ToM test-Revised (ToM test-R), we assessed three levels of ToM development: prerequisites, first-order beliefs, and second-order beliefs. Language abilities were evaluated using the Isadyle French language assessment battery, focusing on word comprehension, word production, syntax comprehension and production, and emotional lexicon. The results showed that the WS group performed significantly better in overall ToM skills in the ToM test-R compared to the DS group. Moreover, language skills were significantly associated with ToM development in the WS group, but not in the DS group. These findings underscore the importance of language development, particularly syntax and emotional understanding, in ToM acquisition. Through the application of a cross-syndrome approach, this study provides insights into how each syndrome impacts ToM development and the role of language in this process.
A Cloud Detection System for UAV Sense and Avoid: Analysis of a Monocular Approach in Simulation and Flight Tests
Authors: Dudek Adrian , Stütz Peter
Published: January 2025

In order to contribute to the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to visual flight rules (VFR), this article proposes a monocular approach for cloud detection using an electro-optical sensor. Cloud avoidance is motivated by several factors, including improving visibility for collision prevention and reducing the risks of icing and turbulence. The described workflow is based on parallelized detection, tracking and triangulation of features with prior segmentation of clouds in the image. As output, the system generates a cloud occupancy grid of the aircraft’s vicinity, which can be used for cloud avoidance calculations afterwards. The proposed methodology was tested in simulation and flight experiments. With the aim of developing cloud segmentation methods, datasets were created, one of which was made publicly available and features 5488 labeled, augmented cloud images from a real flight experiment. The trained segmentation models based on the YOLOv8 framework are able to separate clouds from the background even under challenging environmental conditions. For a performance analysis of the subsequent cloud position estimation stage, calculated and actual cloud positions are compared and feature evaluation metrics are applied. The investigations demonstrate the functionality of the approach, even if challenges become apparent under real flight conditions.
Recent Research Progress on Ground-to-Air Vision-Based Anti-UAV Detection and Tracking Methodologies: A Review
Authors: Yasmeen Arowa , Daescu Ovidiu
Published: January 2025

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly gaining popularity, and their consistent prevalence in various applications such as surveillance, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring requires the development of specialized policies for UAV traffic management. Integrating this novel aerial traffic into existing airspace frameworks presents unique challenges, particularly regarding safety and security. Consequently, there is an urgent need for robust contingency management systems, such as Anti-UAV technologies, to ensure safe air traffic. This survey paper critically examines the recent advancements in ground-to-air vision-based Anti-UAV detection and tracking methodologies, addressing the many challenges inherent in UAV detection and tracking. Our study examines recent UAV detection and tracking algorithms, outlining their operational principles, advantages, and disadvantages. Publicly available datasets specifically designed for Anti-UAV research are also thoroughly reviewed, providing insights into their characteristics and suitability. Furthermore, this survey explores the various Anti-UAV systems being developed and deployed globally, evaluating their effectiveness in facilitating the integration of small UAVs into low-altitude airspace. The study aims to provide researchers with a well-rounded understanding of the field by synthesizing current research trends, identifying key technological gaps, and highlighting promising directions for future research and development in Anti-UAV technologies.
Entropies in Electric Circuits
Authors: Cuadras Angel , Ovejas Victoria J. , Martínez-García Herminio
Published: January 2025

The present study examines the relationship between thermal and configurational entropy in two resistors in parallel and in series. The objective is to introduce entropy in electric circuit analysis by considering the impact of system geometry on energy conversion in the circuit. Thermal entropy is derived from thermodynamics, whereas configurational entropy is derived from network modelling. It is observed that the relationship between thermal entropy and configurational entropy varies depending on the configuration of the resistors. In parallel resistors, thermal entropy decreases with configurational entropy, while in series resistors, the opposite is true. The implications of the maximum power transfer theorem and constructal law are discussed. The entropy generation for resistors at different temperatures was evaluated, and it was found that the consideration of resistor configurational entropy change was necessary for consistency. Furthermore, for the sake of generalization, a similar behaviour was observed in time-dependent circuits, either for resistor–capacitor circuits or circuits involving degradation.
An Autoethnography of an Islamic Teacher Education Programme
Authors: Angin Ozan
Published: January 2025

This article explores Islamic Teacher Education through an autoethnographic account of the author’s experience with the Graduate Certificate of Education (Islamic Pedagogy) at the University of South Australia. It addresses the lack of research on how Islamic Pedagogy is taught, contributing to the growing scholarship on faith-based teacher education. Autoethnography is a qualitative research method that combines autobiography and ethnography, emphasising personal experiences to explore cultural communities. It is especially useful in studying emerging concepts like Islamic Pedagogy and faithful praxis. This approach challenges Western positivism, promoting epistemic reflexivity, and offering critical insights into marginalised perspectives and educational practices. This paper employs autoethnography to present the author’s faithful praxis journey as a transformative pedagogical shift, shaped by their experiences with Western and Islamic epistemologies, aiming to empower Muslim voices in education and challenge marginalisation, with the Graduate Certificate fostering epistemic reflexivity and providing a platform to reconcile Islamic and Western knowledge in the classroom. This paper also clarifies the distinction between Islamic Pedagogy and Islamic integration through autoethnography by highlighting their complementary nature as opposed to the author’s initial assumptions around their interchangeability. Whilst this article contributes to the growing Islamic Teacher Education scholarship through an autoethnographic perspective, further research to assess broader program efficacy is still needed.
Traffic and Vehicle Management in Roundabouts Through Systems Based on Dedicated Short-Range Communications and Visible Light Communications
Authors: Zadobrischi Eduard
Published: January 2025

This study introduces an innovative system integrating visible light communication (VLC) and Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technologies to enhance traffic flow and safety in urban roundabouts. The approach optimizes vehicle coordination and minimizes collision risks through advanced traffic management algorithms and infrastructure-to-vehicle communication. Simulations conducted on nine roundabouts in Suceava municipality demonstrate that the hybrid VLC–DSRC system improves traffic efficiency by over 80% and significantly reduces vehicle delays and congestion. Results emphasize the potential of this integrated solution in modernizing urban traffic systems while ensuring a high level of road safety.
A Randomized Response Framework to Achieve Differential Privacy in Medical Data
Authors: Ioannidis Andreas , Litke Antonios , Papadakis Nikolaos K.
Published: January 2025

In recent years, differential privacy has gained substantial traction in the medical domain, where the need to balance privacy preservation with data utility is paramount. As medical data increasingly relies on cloud platforms and distributed sharing among multiple stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers, the importance of privacy-preserving techniques has become more pronounced. Trends in the field focus on designing efficient algorithms tailored to high-dimensional medical datasets, incorporating privacy guarantees into federated learning for distributed medical devices, and addressing challenges posed by adversarial attacks. Our work lays a foundation for these emerging applications by emphasizing the role of randomized response within the broader differential privacy framework, paving the way for advancements in secure medical data sharing and analysis. In this paper, we analyze the classical concept of a randomized response and investigate how it relates to the fundamental concept of differential privacy. Our approach is both mathematical and algorithmic in nature, and our purpose is twofold. On the one hand, we provide a formal and precise definition of differential privacy within a natural and convenient probabilistic—statistical framework. On the other hand, we position a randomized response as a special yet significant instance of differential privacy, demonstrating its utility in preserving individual privacy in sensitive data scenarios. To substantiate our findings, we include key theoretical proofs and provide indicative simulations, accompanied by open-access code to facilitate reproducibility and further exploration.
DicomOS: A Preliminary Study on a Linux-Based Operating System Tailored for Medical Imaging and Enhanced Interoperability in Radiology Workflows
Authors: Currieri Tiziana , Gambino Orazio , Pirrone Roberto , Vitabile Salvatore
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we propose a Linux-based operating system, namely, DicomOS, tailored for medical imaging and enhanced interoperability, addressing user-friendly functionality and the main critical needs in radiology workflows. Traditional operating systems in clinical settings face limitations, such as fragmented software ecosystems and platform-specific restrictions, which disrupt collaborative workflows and hinder diagnostic efficiency. Built on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, DicomOS integrates essential DICOM functionalities directly into the OS, providing a unified, cohesive platform for image visualization, annotation, and sharing. Methods include custom configurations and the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line tools, making them accessible to medical professionals and developers. Key applications such as ITK-SNAP and 3D Slicer are seamlessly integrated alongside specialized GUIs that enhance usability without requiring extensive technical expertise. As preliminary work, DicomOS demonstrates the potential to simplify medical imaging workflows, reduce cognitive load, and promote efficient data sharing across diverse clinical settings. However, further evaluations, including structured clinical tests and broader deployment with a distributable ISO image, must validate its effectiveness and scalability in real-world scenarios. The results indicate that DicomOS provides a versatile and adaptable solution, supporting radiologists in routine tasks while facilitating customization for advanced users. As an open-source platform, DicomOS has the potential to evolve alongside medical imaging needs, positioning it as a valuable resource for enhancing workflow integration and clinical collaboration.
A Hybrid Improved Dual-Channel and Dual-Attention Mechanism Model for Water Quality Prediction in Nearshore Aquaculture
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Wang Ji , Li Zhenhua , Lu Qingjie
Published: January 2025

The aquatic environment in aquaculture serves as the foundation for the survival and growth of aquatic animals, while a high-quality water environment is a necessary condition for promoting efficient and healthy aquaculture development. To effectively guide early warnings and the regulation of water quality in aquaculture, this study proposes a predictive model based on a dual-channel and dual-attention mechanism, namely, the DAM-ResNet-LSTM model. This model encompasses two parallel feature extraction channels: a residual network (ResNet) and long short-term memory (LSTM), with dual-attention mechanisms integrated into each channel to enhance the model’s feature representation capabilities. Then, the proposed model is trained, validated, and tested using water quality and meteorological parameter data collected by an offshore farm environmental monitoring system. The results demonstrate that the proposed dual-channel structure and dual-attention mechanism can significantly improve the predictive performance of the model. The prediction accuracy for pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and salinity (SAL) (with Nash coefficients of 0.9361, 0.9396, and 0.9342, respectively) is higher than that for chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrite (NO2−), and active phosphate (AP) (with Nash coefficients of 0.8578, 0.8542, 0.8372, and 0.8294, respectively). Compared to the single-channel model DA-ResNet (ResNet integrated with the proposed dual-attention mechanism), the Nash coefficients for predicting pH, DO, SAL, COD, NH3-N, NO2−, and AP increase by 12.76%, 12.58%, 11.68%, 18.350%, 19.32%, 16%, and 14.99%, respectively. Compared to the single-channel DA-LSTM model (LSTM integrated with the proposed dual-attention mechanism), the corresponding increases in Nash coefficients are 9.15%, 9.93%, 9.11%, 10.91%, 10.11%, 10.39%, and 10.2%, respectively. Compared to the ResNet-LSTM (ResNet and LSTM in parallel) model without the attention mechanism, the improvements in Nash coefficients are 1.91%, 2.4%, 0.74%, 3.41%, 2.71%, 3.55%, and 4.13%, respectively. The predictive performance of the model fulfills the practical requirements for accurate forecasting of water quality in nearshore aquaculture.
The Effects of Pilot Structure on the Lean Ignition Characteristics of the Internally Staged Combustor
Authors: Guo Zhengyan , Lu Yan , Yuan Jingtao , Chen Pimin , Zhang Qibin , Fan Wei
Published: January 2025

In order to explore the influence of pilot structure on the lean ignition characteristics in a certain type of internally staged combustor, the current study was conducted on the effects of the auxiliary fuel nozzle diameter, the rotating direction of the pilot swirler, and the swirl number on the lean ignition fuel–gas ratio limit, combining numerical simulation and experimental validation. The optimization potential of the mixing structure of this type of internally staged combustor was further explored. It indicated that the lean ignition fuel–gas ratio limit was significantly influenced by the diameter of the auxiliary fuel nozzles the swirl number of the pilot swirler and the combination of the same rotating direction for both pilot swirlers, while the mass flow rate of air was constant. Increasing the diameter of the auxiliary fuel path nozzles (0.4~0.6 mm) and having excessively higher or lower swirl numbers of the pilot module primary swirlers are not conducive to broadening the lean ignition boundary. Compared with the two-stage pilot swirler with the same rotation combination, the fuel–gas ignition performance of the two-stage pilot swirler with the opposite rotation combination is better. Under the typical working conditions (the air mass flow rate is 46.7 g/s and the ignition energy is 4 J), for a pilot swirler with a rotating direction opposite to the main swirler, the diameter of the auxiliary fuel nozzles is 0.2 mm, the swirl number of first-stage of pilot swirler is 1.4, and the lean ignition fuel–air ratio was reduced to 0.0121, which is 32.78% lower than the baseline scheme, which further broadens the lean ignition boundary of the centrally staged combustion chamber.
Numerical Modeling and Analysis of Shadow Flicker Using Solar Path Functions for Enhanced Predictive Accuracy
Authors: Radke Nicolai , De Smet Patrick E. M. , Ábrahám Erika
Published: January 2025

Shadow flicker caused by wind turbine blades passing through sunlight can significantly affect nearby residential buildings, raising environmental and regulatory concerns in wind farm development. The accurate assessment of shadow flicker exposure is critical for compliance and minimizing community impacts. We present a novel method for accurately determining the exposure of shadow flicker from wind turbines on residential buildings, addressing a key regulatory concern in wind farm planning. Current simulation techniques rely on discrete sampling of solar positions, resulting in potential inaccuracies tied to sampling resolution. Our proposed approach models shadow flicker as a continuous function and applies numerical minimization and numerical root finding to compute the duration of exposure. Our evaluation proves that this method achieves a superior balance between precision and computational efficiency, significantly improving existing techniques.
Experimental and Simulation Study on Reducing the Liquid Film and Improving the Performance of a Carbon-Neutral Methanol Engine
Authors: Li Yongzhi , Zhang Zhi , Liu Haifeng , Chang Weide , Shu Zanqiao , Wang Hu , Zheng Zunqing , Zhao Hua , Wang Xinyan , Yao Mingfa
Published: January 2025

Methanol is a potential carbon-neutral fuel. It has a high latent heat of vaporization, making it difficult to achieve evaporation and mixing, and it is prone to forming a liquid film, which in turn affects engine performance. To reduce the liquid film and improve engine performance, this work investigates the influence mechanism of injection strategies on the generation of liquid films in the intake port and cylinder of an inline 6-cylinder port fuel injection (PFI) spark-ignition (SI) methanol engine and further explores the optimization scheme for improving engine performance. The results show that the end of injection (EOI) influences the methanol evaporation rate and the methanol–air mixing process, thereby determining the liquid film deposition, mixture distribution, and temperature distribution in the cylinder. As the EOI advances, the higher methanol evaporation rate during the intake process reduces the amount of methanol droplets and the deposition of a liquid film in the cylinder. The in-cylinder temperature is relatively high, while the mixture inhomogeneity slightly increases. As the EOI increases from 170 °CA to 360 °CA, the higher in-cylinder temperature and properly stratified mixture accelerate the early and middle stages of combustion, shorten the ignition delay, advance the center of combustion, and improve the brake thermal efficiency (BTE). However, further advancing the EOI results in the BTE remaining basically unchanged. Optimized injection timing can enhance the BTE by 1.4% to 2.4% under various load conditions. The increase in the EOI contributes to the reduction of HC emissions due to the weakening of the crevice effect with lower masses of methanol droplets and liquid film in the cylinder, while the increase in mixture inhomogeneity leads to an increase in CO emissions. In general, controlling the EOI at around 360 °CA can maintain relatively low CO emissions under various load conditions, while significantly reducing HC emissions by 71.2–76.4% and improving the BTE.
Performance Analysis of a Parabolic Trough Collector with Photovoltaic—Thermal Generation: Case Study and Parametric Study
Authors: Chavarría-Domínguez Benjamín , De León-Aldaco Susana Estefany , Ponce-Silva Mario , Velázquez-Limón Nicolás , Aguilar-Jiménez Jesús Armando , Chavarría-Domínguez Fernando , Rodríguez-García Ernesto Raúl , Adamas-Pérez Heriberto , Lozoya-Ponce Ricardo Eliu , Flores-Rodriguez Eligio
Published: January 2025

This study presents a mathematical model of a parabolic trough solar collector with photovoltaic cells integrated into its solar receiver. A case study is presented, utilizing meteorological data obtained from the localities of Cuernavaca and Mexicali in Mexico. The results demonstrate moderately variable electrical and thermal energy production for Cuernavaca (387.93 kWh to 239.38 kWh and 1036.11 kWh to 641.26 kWh, respectively). In contrast, the production of electrical and thermal energy in Mexicali exhibited considerably greater fluctuations (515.16 kWh to 177.69 kWh and 1424.39 kWh to 448.88 kWh, respectively). Furthermore, a parametric study is presented, which analyzes the impact of solar receiver geometry and mass flow on the model’s behavior. The results demonstrate that the pipe length exerts the most significant influence on the electrical and thermal power output (1.21 kW to 2.22 kW and 3.7 kW to 6.9 kW, respectively). Additionally, the diameter has an impact on the thermal power output (5.23 kW to 7.1 kW) and the electrical and thermal efficiency (0.18 to 0.15 and 0.54 to 0.74, respectively). Modifying the mass flow facilitates the enhancement of electrical power and efficiency (1.54 kW to 1.72 kW and 0.16 to 0.18, respectively) while concurrently preventing a significant reduction in thermal power and efficiency (5.4 kW to 5.3 kW and 0.56 to 0.55, respectively). A script with the developed model is provided.
Non-Stationary Wind Loading Identification for Large Transmission Tower Based on Dynamic Finite-Element Model Updating
Authors: Zhang Nai-Long , Gao Chao , Qiu Gang , Yang Jing-Gang , Wu Bai-Jian , Cheng Xiao-Xiang
Published: January 2025

An effective approach to deal with the structural failures of transmission towers in tornadic events is to develop good structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for them. However, the strategy for SHM of transmission towers against tornados should be different from the conventional atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) winds oriented ones, as the non-stationary nature of the tornados significantly differentiates them from the ABL winds. To satisfy the need of obtaining the highly time-varying whole-field stress on the structure in the course of the tornadic event for effective SHM, an innovative transient tornadic load distribution identification method is proposed for use, which is based on the field structural mode shape measurement and dynamic finite-element (FE) model updating. Via a numerical case study, it is noted that good effectiveness is achieved for the new load distribution identification method. Employing the Modal Assurance Criteria based FE model updating technique, the new method has the advantage of being easily embraced in practical SHM systems. It is found that when the transient tornadic velocity profile to be identified is noticeably different from the mode shape of the structure without undertaking external loads, the identified load pattern is very accurate for the new approach.
Detection of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in Leaf Rachises from European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in Germany
Authors: Eisold Anne-Mareen E. , Bubner Ben , Blunk Viktoria , Schneck Volker
Published: January 2025

The ash dieback disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is widespread in Germany and is the subject of intensive research efforts. The fungus identification is based on the genomic internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, which can also be the site of intragenomic variability. In Germany, despite intense research efforts, only a few numbers of H. fraxineus sequence data are recorded. Therefore, this study aims to characterize H. fraxineus isolates obtained from diseased ash leaves in Brandenburg (Germany). Fungal isolates from infected ash leaf tissue were analyzed molecularly using species-specific primers and based on sequencing the ITS region of rDNA. The analysis of the two identified sequences revealed two base substitutionscompared to the reference sequences. Thus, they show an identity of 98.8%–100% to the reference sequences and support the assumption that H. fraxineus has multiple copies of the ITS region. The phylogenetic grouping with reference sequences did not show a distinct cluster for the European, particularly the German, sequences. This indicates that the evolvement of the genetic variability of the ITS region is still an ongoing process.
Differences in the Sensitivity of Gross Primary Productivity and Ecosystem Respiration to Precipitation
Authors: Zhang Weirong , Chen Wenjing , Xu Mingze , Di Kai , Feng Ming , Wu Liucui , Wang Mengdie , Yang Wanxin , Xie Heng , Chen Jinkai , Fan Zehao , Hu Zhongmin , Jin Chuan
Published: January 2025

The spatiotemporal variability of precipitation profoundly influences terrestrial carbon fluxes, driving shifts between carbon source and sink dynamics through gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). As a result, the sensitivities of GPP and ER to precipitation (SGPP and SER), along with their differential responses, are pivotal for understanding ecosystem reactions to precipitation changes and predicting future ecosystem functions. However, comprehensive evaluations of the spatiotemporal variability and differences in SGPP and SER remain notably scarce. In this study, we utilized eddy covariance flux data to investigate the spatial patterns, temporal dynamics, and differences in SGPP and SER. Spatially, SGPP and SER were generally strongly correlated. Among different ecosystems, the correlation between SGPP and SER was lowest in mixed forest and highest in broadleaf and needleleaf forest. Within the same ecosystem, SGPP and SER exhibited considerable variation but showed no significant differences. In contrast, they differed significantly across ecosystems, with pronounced variability in their magnitudes. For example, shrubland exhibited the highest values for SGPP, whereas needleleaf forest showed the highest values for SER. Temporally, SER demonstrated more pronounced changes than SGPP. Different ecosystems displayed distinct trends: shrubland exhibited an upward trend for both metrics, while grassland showed a downward trend in both SGPP and SER. Forest, on the other hand, maintained stable SGPP but displayed a downward trend in SER. Additionally, SGPP and SER exhibited a notable non-linear response to changes in the aridity index (AI), with both showing a rapid decline followed by stabilization. However, SER demonstrated a wider adaptive range to precipitation changes. Generally, this research enhances our understanding of the spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem carbon fluxes under changing precipitation patterns.
Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates and High-Strength Concrete Integrating Recycled Tire Steel Fiber
Authors: Alasmari Hasan A. , Sharaky Ibrahim A. , Elamary Ahmed S. , El-Zohairy Ayman
Published: January 2025

Currently, millions of tires are consumed annually, which necessitates the efficient disposal of these quantities of spent tires and the development of means to convert them into useful materials. This research deals with the effect of adding the steel fibers extracted from used car tires (RSFs) to incorporate them as concrete components to obtain high-strength concrete (HSC). The HSC was used in this paper to strengthen the pre-damaged beams by jacking. In the first phase, twelve beams were subjected to an overload equal to 80% of their total expected bearing capacity to obtain damaged RC beams, while one beam was loaded to failure (reference beam, RB0). In the second phase, the damaged beams were strengthened with HSC jacketing integrating RSFs with three contents (0, 0.25, and 0.5%) or by HSC jacking and bonded CFRP laminates to the bottom surface of the jacket. Moreover, the Abaqus finite element (FE) program was implemented to simulate the upgraded damaged beams. The result ensured enhanced HSC compressive and tensile strengths by 11.6–14.4% and 11.6–20.9% as the RSF % increased from 0 to 0.25 and 0.5%, respectively. Using the HSC jacket with 0, 0.25, and 0.5% RSF to strengthen the RC-damaged beams increased the load capacity by 8.8, 14.5, and 20.1%, respectively compared to RB0. Furthermore, strengthening the damaged RC beams with both HSC jacket and CFRP laminates enhanced their load capacity by 41.9, 45.5, and 50.3% as the HSC integrated 0, 0.25, and 0.5% RSF, respectively, compared to RB0. Finally, the FE model could reveal several aspects related to the behavior of the damaged beams strengthened with jackets and CFRP laminates and the interaction between the different beam components.
Ensuring Africa’s Food Security by 2050: The Role of Population Growth, Climate-Resilient Strategies, and Putative Pathways to Resilience
Authors: Simane Belay , Kapwata Thandi , Naidoo Natasha , Cissé Guéladio , Wright Caradee Y. , Berhane Kiros
Published: January 2025

Africa is grappling with severe food security challenges driven by population growth, climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and inequality. Climate variability and extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, are intensifying food insecurity by reducing agricultural productivity, water availability, and livelihoods. This study examines the projected threats to food security in Africa, focusing on changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Using an Exponential Growth Model, we estimated the population from 2020 to 2050 across Africa’s five sub-regions. The analysis assumes a 5% reduction in crop yields for every degree of warming above historical levels, with a minimum requirement of 225 kg of cereals per person per year. Climate change is a critical factor in Africa’s food systems, with an average temperature increase of approximately +0.3 °C per decade. By 2050, the total food required to meet the 2100-kilocalorie per adult equivalent per day will rise to 558.7 million tons annually, up from 438.3 million tons in 2020. We conclude that Africa’s current food systems are unsustainable, lacking resilience to climate shocks and relying heavily on rain-fed agriculture with inadequate infrastructure and technology. We call for a transformation in food systems through policy reform, technological and structural changes, solutions to land degradation, and proven methods of increasing crop yields that take the needs of communities into account.
Analysis of Morphologic and Rheological Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Fillers to Body Contouring and Its Clinical Correlation
Authors: Issa Maria Cláudia Almeida , Viana Renata M. M. , de Souza Mendes Paulo R. , Naccache Mônica F. , Varges Priscila R. , Castaño Eliana P. Marín , Palermo Eliandre
Published: January 2025

The demand for minimally invasive body contouring procedures, particularly for gluteal augmentation, has grown significantly. This study evaluates the morphologic and rheological properties of four commercially available hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers used for body contouring and explores their clinical implications. Critical parameters such as storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), complex modulus (G*), and damping factor (tan δ) were measured using oscillatory rheological tests to assess each filler’s elasticity, viscosity, and viscoelastic profile. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to analyze the microstructure of the fillers, providing insights into their microscopic architecture. The results showed differences in mechanical properties and viscoelastic behavior among the fillers. These variations suggest that the choice of filler may need to be tailored to specific body contouring requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for achieving the best clinical results and patient satisfaction, helping professionals select the most suitable filler for each case.
Polydiacetylene (PDA) Embedded Polymer-Based Network Structure for Biosensor Applications
Authors: Jang Huisoo , Jeon Junhyeon , Shin Mingyeong , Kang Geonha , Ryu Hyunil , Kim Sun Min , Jeon Tae-Joon
Published: January 2025

Biosensors, which combine physical transducers with biorecognition elements, have seen significant advancement due to the heightened interest in rapid diagnostic technologies across a number of fields, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. In particular, polydiacetylene (PDA) is gaining attention as an ideal material for label-free colorimetric biosensor development due to its unique color-changing properties in response to external stimuli. PDA forms through the self-assembly of diacetylene monomers, with color change occurring as its conjugated backbone twists in response to stimuli such as temperature, pH, and chemical interactions. This color change enables the detection of biomarkers, metal ions, and toxic compounds. Moreover, the combination of PDA with polymeric structures including hydrogels further enhances the sensitivity and structural stability of PDA-based biosensors, making them reliable and effective in complex biological and environmental conditions. This review comprehensively examines recent research trends and applications of PDA–polymeric structure hybrid biosensors, while discussing future directions and potential advancements in this field.
Heterogeneity in Seed Samples from Vineyards and Natural Habitats Along the Eurasian Vitis vinifera Range: Implications for Domestication and Hybridization
Authors: Rivera Diego , Valera Javier , Maghradze David , Kikvadze Maia , Nebish Anna , Ocete Rafael , Ocete Carlos Álvar , Arnold Claire , Laguna Emilio , Alcaraz Francisco , Rivera-Obón Diego José , Lovicu Gianni , Farci Massimino , Obón Concepción
Published: January 2025

By exploring seed samples from vineyards and natural habitats across the Eurasian range of Vitis vinifera, our analysis revealed substantial morphological variation within populations. Through the analysis of domestication index values, probabilities, and entropy, we assessed seed diversity. Samples with high domestication probability values—predominantly from vineyards—exhibited low heterogeneity and entropy, with similar patterns observed in natural habitats, suggesting the presence of feral vines. In parallel, seeds with low domestication index values, found mainly in natural habitats, also displayed low entropy and are likely associated with Vitis sylvestris or other wild Vitaceae species. Intermediate domestication values pointed to hybrid swarms, highlighting the crucial role of hybridization in the development of modern grapevine cultivars. The study identified mixed populations across the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and the South Caucasus, which act as significant gene reservoirs. A domestication gradient is evident, with higher domestication rates in the South Caucasus compared to Western Europe and East Asia. The results demonstrate the significance of these mixed populations as repositories of genetic diversity, underscoring their conservation value, particularly considering the negative impact of habitat alterations, especially in riparian forests due to major public works.
Occurrence of Pestalotiopsis sp. on Ornamental Plants Camellia japonica L. in Romanian Public Gardens
Authors: Florea Andreea-Mihaela , Gafencu Andrei-Mihai , Lipșa Florin-Daniel , Gabur Iulian , Ulea Eugen
Published: January 2025

Camellias are evergreen shrubs native to the eastern and southern regions of Asia. In Romania, camellias are popular ornamental plants grown in pots. Pestalotiopsis species have a worldwide distribution and are pathogenic to a wide range of hosts. They also represent an important group of endophytes capable of producing a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites. This paper reports the occurrence of grey blight and twig or branch dieback caused by Pestalotiopsis sp. on Camellia japonica L. grown in pots and used in the landscaping of a public garden located in Iasi city, Romania (GPS coordinates: 47°09′24.0″ N 27°35′15.6″ E). Pestalotiopsis species were identified based on morphological characteristics and Sanger sequencing. Genomic analysis of the fungal isolate coded P_CJ_24, obtained from living plants, was based on ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region amplification using the LSU primers. This first report of Pestalotiopsis species infection of ornamental plants in Romania suggests that new plant pathogens can be introduced in new environmental conditions through plant pods and their incidence increases with the widespread of plant material among gardens.
Flood Risk Assessment and Zoning for Niamey and Lokoja Metropolises in Niger and Nigeria
Authors: Nouhou Youssoufa Doulla , Otache Martins Yusuf , Illiassou Salamatou Abdourahamane , Okunola Olasunkanmi Habeeb , Okhimamhe Appollonia Aimiosino , Nguyen Thanh Thi
Published: January 2025

With the increasing frequency of floods in recent decades, particularly in West Africa, many regions have faced unusual and recurrent flooding events. Communities in flood-prone areas experience heightened insecurity, loss of property, and, in some cases, serious injuries or fatalities. Consequently, flood risk assessment and mitigation have become essential. This comparative study between Niamey and Lokoja employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to delineate flood susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk zones. The study utilized a comprehensive range of thematic layers, with weight percentages assigned to each parameter as follows: 29% for elevation, 24% for slope, 15% for the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), 9% for drainage density, 9% for distance from rivers, 4% for both precipitation and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and 2% each for the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and soil type. To validate these weightings, a consistency ratio was calculated, ensuring it remained below 10%. The findings reveal that 32% of the Niamey study area is at risk of flooding, compared to approximately 15% in Lokoja. The results highlight a very high flood potential, particularly in areas near the Niger River, with this potential decreasing as elevation increases. Given the current prevalence of extreme weather events in West Africa, it is crucial to employ effective tools to mitigate their adverse impacts. This research will assist decision-makers in quantifying the spatial vulnerability of flood-prone areas and developing effective flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies in the region.
Characterising Carbon Monoxide Household Exposure and Health Impacts in High- and Middle-Income Countries—A Rapid Literature Review, 2010–2024
Authors: Williams Sarah V. , Close Rebecca , Piel Frédéric B. , Barratt Benjamin , Crabbe Helen
Published: January 2025

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas, and faulty gas appliances or solid fuel burning with incomplete combustion are possible CO sources in households. Evaluating household CO exposure models and measurement studies is key to understanding where CO exposures may result in adverse health outcomes. This assists the assessment of the burden of disease in high- and middle-income countries and informs public health interventions in higher-risk environments. We conducted a literature review to identify themes that characterise CO exposure in household dwellings. A keyword-structured search using literature databases was conducted to find studies published in the period of 1 January 2010–5 June 2024. We focused on studies from high- and middle-income countries, excluding animal and biomass studies, and narratively synthesised themes. We identified 5294 papers in the literature search and included 22 papers from thirteen countries in the review. Most measured CO levels were below the WHO or country guidance levels, with sporadic peaks of measured CO linked to fuel-burning activities. To understand CO exposure in households, we identified sixteen themes grouped into five main categories: dwelling characteristics, source characteristics, temporal variation, environmental characteristics, and socioeconomic status of occupants. Seasonal variation (temporal variation), size of room and ventilation (dwelling characteristics), and cooking and outdoor CO levels (source characteristics) had the most evidence. These themes characterising CO exposure in household dwellings are important to aid the development of indoor exposure models and for understanding where CO exposures result in adverse health outcomes. These themes should be validated by household CO monitoring studies, which will enable the identification of higher-risk household dwellings and inform public health actions.