bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Physics‐Based Normal Behavior Modeling of Drive Train Temperatures With High‐Resolution Wind Turbine Operating Data
Authors: Lichtenstein Timo , von Maltzahn Victor , Pelka Karoline
Published: January 2025

The installed wind energy capacity increases every year. However, operation and maintenance costs still make up a considerable portion of the levelized costs of electricity. This costs can be greatly reduced by the application of suitable early fault detection methods. The supervisory control and data acquisition system of wind turbines is one key element, as nowadays it provides high resolution operating data. Such data can be used for the implementation of normal behavior models, one precursor for concise early fault detection methods. In this work, we implement a generally applicable and interpretable partly physics‐based, partly empirical normal behavior model for drive train temperatures in wind turbines. The model achieves a coefficient of determination well above 0.9 for 12 of 16 available temperature signals. We also present the possibility of interpreting the model's underlying physical correlations for a selected temperature signal. In addition, we evaluate the influence of the input data's temporal resolution on the model quality. While models based on 10 s data perform slightly better, the results show that 10 min data are sufficient for modeling temperatures.
Prognosis of aggressive adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with central nervous system infiltration and utility of CD7 versus CADM1 flowcytometric plots of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Jimbo Koji , Ishigaki Tomohiro , Sakashita Masataka , Andoh Shohei , Ichimura Hirona , Ito Ayumu , Yokoyama Kazuaki , Sato Aki , Fukuda Takahiro , Uchimaru Kaoru , Nannya Yasuhito
Published: January 2025

The prognosis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) with primary central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been unclear since the advent of new therapies. Recently, we have shown that flow cytometric CD7/CADM1 analysis of CD4 + cells (HAS-Flow) is useful to detect ATL cells that are not morphologically diagnosed as ATL cells. We investigated the role of CNS involvement in ATL using cytology and HAS-Flow by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 73 aggressive ATL cases. Based on the findings in CSF, the study subjects were classified into CNS + (cytologically malignant, n = 18), CNS- (cytologically non-malignant and ATL cell population negative in HAS-Flow, n = 44), and CNS-Micro (cytologically non-malignant and ATL cell population positive in HAS-Flow, n = 11) groups. As expected, the CNS + group had a shorter overall survival than the CNS- groups (P < 0.001). However, the CNS-Micro group showed no adverse impact on overall survival compared to the CNS- group (P = 0.506), even without additional CNS-targeted treatments. HAS-Flow also demonstrated clinical utility in the diagnosis of CSF lesions in ATL patients with cerebral white matter lesions and in the detection of ATL cells on post-treatment CSF examination in patients with CNS involvement. Our study demonstrates that ATL with CNS involvement have a poor prognosis and that CSF HAS-Flow is useful to assist in the diagnosis of suspected CNS involvement and to detect ATL cells with high sensitivity after treatment.
On time-splitting methods for gradient flows with two dissipation mechanisms
Authors: Mielke Alexander , Rossi Riccarda , Stephan Artur
Published: January 2025

We consider generalized gradient systems in Banach spaces whose evolutions are generated by the interplay between an energy functional and a dissipation potential. We focus on the case in which the dual dissipation potential is given by a sum of two functionals and show that solutions of the associated gradient-flow evolution equation with combined dissipation can be constructed by a split-step method, i.e. by solving alternately the gradient systems featuring only one of the dissipation potentials and concatenating the corresponding trajectories. Thereby the construction of solutions is provided either by semiflows, on the time-continuous level, or by using Alternating Minimizing Movements in the time-discrete setting. In both cases the convergence analysis relies on the energy-dissipation principle for gradient systems.
3D Numerical Modeling of Rock Mass Failure in an Uplift Test of a Rock Anchor with Focus on the Role of Rock Joints
Authors: Manquehual Cristobal J. , Li Charlie C. , Shabanimashcool Mahdi , Grindheim Bjarte , Lia Leif
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to numerically study the failure mechanisms of the rock mass during the uplift test of a rock anchor installed in limestone. The rock anchor consisted of a smooth tendon, with short threaded sections at both ends. At the distal end of this tendon, a washer and a nut were screwed together to form a plate-anchor. The annulus between the rock anchor and the borehole wall was filled with cementitious grout. The rock mass had three distinctive joint sets. One of them was vertical, i.e., parallel to the anchor axis, while the other two were inclined with a dip angle ≤ 40°. The uplift test was designed so that failure would occur in the rock mass. Geotechnical monitoring data collected from the field was used to calibrate a numerical model with the 3DEC (Three-Dimensional Distinct Element Code) software. This software was chosen because it can simulate the behavior of rock joints. The calibrated numerical model was able to replicate quite accurately the pull force over anchor displacement during testing until the ultimate load and the shallow rock cone failure observed in the field. The model indicates that rock joints start to open at 60% of the ultimate pull load and the key input parameters controlling the ultimate load capacity of the anchor are the tensile strengths of the inclined joint sets.
Toward a hybrid approach for the risk analysis of maritime autonomous surface ships: a systematic review
Authors: Yuzui Tomohiro , Kaneko Fujio
Published: January 2025

As the demand for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) grows, appropriate risk analysis is essential for ensuring their safety. Several review papers have examined effective methods for MASS risk analysis, highlighting the benefits of qualitative approaches such as the systems-theoretic accident model and process/system-theoretic process analysis (STAMP/STPA). However, a comprehensive and objective analysis method for MASS has not yet been established. In addition, a systematic literature review of the available academic research studies on MASS risk analysis has not been previously conducted. Therefore, this study employed principles from the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) for conducting a systematic literature review on MASS risk analysis. Besides, to conduct the review considering various aspects of risk analysis, we developed the classification framework of risk analysis of MASS and conducted the review using the developed framework. We concluded that a hybrid approach, combining a quantitative analysis by the Bayesian network using qualitative STAMP/STPA results, may prove to be effective for MASS risk assessment. In addition, based on the analyzed literature, research directions for future studies considering the gaps between current research and the real-world implementation of MASS were identified.
Experiences with Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Service Delivery and Use Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Routine Primary Care Settings, South Africa
Authors: Martin Catherine E. , Muhwava Lorrein S. , Dada Siphokazi , Scorgie Fiona , Mullick Saiqa
Published: January 2025

In South Africa, oral PrEP was included in national guidelines as part of a combination HIV prevention package for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in 2017. Understanding their experiences of accessing and using PrEP is necessary to evaluate and improve PrEP service delivery approaches. This descriptive study explored AGYW’s knowledge and understanding of PrEP, their experiences and influences on PrEP access and use in real world settings in South Africa. We conducted 44 in-depth interviews with female PrEP users (15-24 years) enrolled in Project PrEP. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis using thematic analysis procedures. Participants reported positive experiences and overall satisfaction with accessing health services (i.e., youth-friendly clinic spaces, friendly and non-judgemental staff, privacy during consultations). Distance from the clinic, long queues, negative provider attitudes, and occasional stock-outs were key health service barriers to accessing PrEP. Individual motivating factors to continued PrEP use included creating daily pilltaking routines and the goal to remain HIV negative, while barriers included pill fatigue, frequent clinic visits, and side-effects. Positive relationships with partners and family facilitated disclosure of PrEP use, while stigma was identified as a community barrier to accessing PrEP services. Our study highlights AGYWs' experiences with PrEP access and use in a real-world setting. Facilitators and barriers identified in this study can be leveraged to strengthen efforts to support young women and ensure effective PrEP use. The findings also contribute to the development of appropriate service delivery.
Acute Needs, ACUTE Response: Development and Delivery of a Mental Health Urgent Care in the Bronx
Authors: DuPerry Kahlil C. , Siber-Sanderowitz Shaina , Hill Elisabeth , Cintron-Arroyo Melissa , Glasgow Allison , Vileisis Julia
Published: January 2025

As mental health needs rise, creative and timely solutions are essential. Leveraging the expansion and flexibility of virtual services to create telehealth and hybrid offerings is crucial for addressing systemic barriers in mental health, enhancing accessibility, and providing flexible, comprehensive care options for diverse patient populations. This article discusses the development of a mental health urgent care program within a large medical system in a densely populated, under-resourced community. The program was designed to address common community mental health barriers across multiple care entry points, including ambulatory settings, emergency care, and consultation services. Using a multipronged approach, this program aims to improve patient access, care continuity, and outcomes. The authors encourage others to consider adopting a similar programmatic infrastructure to reduce mental health care barriers in their communities.
The Dutch Early-Stage Melanoma (D-ESMEL) study: a discovery set and validation cohort to predict the absolute risk of distant metastases in stage I/II cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Zhou Catherine , Mooyaart Antien L. , Kerkour Thamila , Louwman Marieke W. J. , Wakkee Marlies , Li Yunlei , Voorham Quirinus J. M. , Bruggink Annette , Nijsten Tamar E. C. , Hollestein Loes M.
Published: January 2025

Early-stage cutaneous melanoma patients generally have a favorable prognosis, yet a significant proportion of metastatic melanoma cases arise from this group, highlighting the need for improved risk stratification using novel prognostic biomarkers. The Dutch Early-Stage Melanoma (D-ESMEL) study introduces a robust, population-based methodology to develop an absolute risk prediction model for stage I/II melanoma, incorporating clinical, imaging, and multi-omics data to identify patients at increased risk for distant metastases. Utilizing the Netherlands Cancer Registry and Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank, we collected primary tumor samples from early-stage melanoma patients, with and without distant metastases during follow-up. Our study design includes a discovery set of metastatic cases and matched controls to identify novel prognostic factors, followed by a validation cohort using a nested case–control design to validate these factors and to build a risk prediction model. Tissue sections underwent Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining, RNA sequencing (RNAseq), DNA sequencing (DNAseq), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF).The discovery set included 442 primary melanoma samples (221 case–control sets), with 46% stage I and 54% stage II melanomas. The median time to distant metastasis was 3.4 years, while controls had a median follow-up time of 9.8 years. The validation cohort included 154 cases and 154 controls from a random population-based selection of 5,815 patients. Our approach enabled the collection of a large number of early-stage melanoma samples from population-based databases with extensive follow-up and a sufficient number of metastatic events. This methodology in prognostic cancer research holds the potential to impact clinical decision-making through absolute risk prediction.
Components of Empathy in Children: Factor Structure of the Empathy Quotient for Children (EQ-C)
Authors: Smees Rebecca , Rinaldi Louisa J. , Simner Julia
Published: January 2025

Empathy is multifaceted, involving sharing and understanding the emotional and mental states of others. This study investigated the factor structure of the English-language version of the Empathy Quotient for Children (EQ-C; Auyeung et al., 2009), an empathy measure previously well-validated only as a global scale. We aimed to compare children with and without educational differences (i.e., Special Educational Needs & Disabilities, SEND), and explored associations between empathy and sensory sensitivities across the whole sample. Based on responses from 680 parents, we analysed data from English-speaking children aged 6–12 years, via a series of factor analyses using polychoric correlation matrices and bass-ackward analysis. Empathy domain profiling for children with SEND status (versus children without SEND status) was investigated as group differences (t tests). Sensory sensitivities were examined via associations (correlation) and net effects (regression). We identified an optimal four-factor solution (emotional empathy, social-cognitive empathy, negative interactions, antisocial behaviours), and robust higher order one-, two- and three-factor models. Children with SEND status displayed empathy differences across all four empathy domains (all p < .001). Children with greater sensory sensitivities displayed significant differences for social-cognitive empathy and negative interactions only (both p < .001). We demonstrated the potential utility of the English-language EQ-C as a domain-level measure of empathy. Our paper discusses how the domains align with traditional emotional and cognitive dimensions in adults and cross-culturally. Our empathy profiles can be used alongside global empathy measures for different groups of children, with and without educational differences and sensory sensitivities.
Single-shuffle card-based protocol with eight cards per gate and its extensions
Authors: Tozawa Kazunari , Morita Hiraku , Mizuki Takaaki
Published: January 2025

Card-based cryptography allows us to securely compute arbitrary functions using a deck of physical cards. Its performance is mainly measured by the number of used cards and shuffles, and there is a line of work that aims to reduce either of them. One seminal work is the card-based garbled circuit technique by Shinagawa and Nuida (Discret Appl Math 289:248–261, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dam.2020.10.013), which allows the construction of a card-based protocol for any Boolean function with a single shuffle. Their construction requires $$2n + 24g$$

2
n
+
24
g

cards for an n-input Boolean function that is represented by g logical gates. In this paper, we reduce the number of cards to $$2n + 8g$$

2
n
+
8
g

for arbitrary functions while keeping it working with only one shuffle. In addition, we propose two types of extensions to support numerical encoding and multi-input gates. In the extended scheme, the free-ADD technique, obtained by generalizing the free-XOR technique by Manabe and Shinagawa (Deng J, Kolesnikov V, Schwarzmann AA (eds) CANS 2023, LNCS, vol 14342. Springer, Singapore, pp 232–248, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-7563-1-11), is available. The free-ADD technique allows our scheme to evaluate any n-input symmetric Boolean function using $$2n^2+6n+2$$

2

n
2

+
6
n
+
2

cards.
Shift of the ecosystem nitrogen cycle from open to closed within a century along a glacial retreat chronosequence at Mount Gongga, southwest China
Authors: Basdediós Nuria , Hardegger Samuel , Mestrot Adrien , Wang Jipeng , Zhou Jun , Bing Haijian , Wu Yanhong , Wilcke Wolfgang
Published: January 2025

Aims

To improve our understanding of N cycle development during primary succession after glacial retreat, we (i) assessed the role of biological N2 fixation, (ii) determined gross ammonification rates to identify the onset of mineralization, (iii) quantified the retention of 15NH4+ and 15NO3− in various ecosystem compartments to evaluate the accumulation of deposited N and (iv) followed the 15NH4+ label into the soil NO3− pool to explore the development of nitrification along the subtropical alpine Hailuogou glacial retreat chronosequence, SW China.

Methods

We measured N stocks and δ15N values in the dominant tree species, organic layer and 0–10 cm of the mineral soil and quantified N turnover rates and accumulation via 15N tracer experiments.

Results

N accumulated in the ecosystem at a fast mean rate of 4.5 ± 1.0 g m−2 yr−1 favored by an initially near-neutral soil pH value. The δ15N values of the vegetation started near 0‰ and decreased to a range of -2.7 to -4.4‰ in 127 years. Gross ammonification rates were initially low but increased with ecosystem age from 0.025 to 50.6 mg kg−1 d−1 N, matching those of mature (sub)tropical forests. The maximum accumulation of deposited N shifted from the bryophyte via the shrub layer to the soil organic layer. The 15NH4+ label hardly appeared in the NO3− pool reflecting little nitrification.

Conclusions

Strong initial biological N2 fixation and retention of deposited N was succeeded by a tight N cycling between soil and vegetation at the older sites within approximately 120 yr.
Co-ensiling pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels and molasses with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) alters fermentation quality, nutrient composition, ruminal fermentation and methane production in buffalo bulls in-vitro
Authors: Ahmed Mariam G. , El-Zarkouny Samir Z. , Al-Sagheer Adham A. , Elwakeel Eman A.
Published: January 2025

Pomegranate peels are an industrial by-product high in sugar and phytochemical content and pose an environmental concern. Meanwhile, ensiling legume forage such as berseem is difficult due to its lower dry matter content and water-soluble carbohydrate-to-buffering capacity ratio, which leads to a poor fermentation process. To date, no studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of co-ensiling pomegranate peels with berseem. Thus, silage quality was evaluated after co-ensiling of berseem (control) with 50, 100, and 200 g/kg pomegranate peels or 50 g/kg molasses for 0, 15, 30, and 45 days (Experiment 1). Further, rumen nutrient degradation, methane production, and rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated in vitro (Experiment 2). Pomegranate peels (200 g/kg) and molasses reduced silage pH compared to control (4.41 or 3.79 vs. 5.02), ammonia-N (2.66 or 3.14 vs. 13.39 g/kg N), and butyric acid (0.05 or 0.1 vs. 0.96 g/kg DM) however, dry matter (323.5 or 283.6 vs. 212.8) and non-fiber carbohydrates (264.8 or 351.8 vs.136.9 g/kg) were increased, respectively. Pomegranate peels and molasses significantly (P < 0.05) increased rumen nutrient degradation and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased methane and ammonia-N production (Experiment 2). The chemical composition of silage, in-vitro rumen fermentation, and silage quality parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated. Pomegranate peels and molasses have potentially improved silage quality and positively influenced rumen fermentation parameters.
Synthesis of Ionic Liquid-Assisted Nanoparticles: High Activity, Fast Removal for Photodegradation of Methylene Blue in Water
Authors: Hussain Mohamedalameen H. A. , Pozan SOYLU Gulin Selda
Published: January 2025

The discharge of dye residues from the textile industry is a major contributor to water pollution, highlighting the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment solutions. This study investigates the synthesis of ZnO and Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles using ionic liquid-assisted methods for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Three ionic liquids were employed: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]-BF₄), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]-PF₆), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]-Cl). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Results showed that ionic liquid incorporation led to improved crystallinity, uniform morphology, and reduced particle sizes. ZnO-[BMIM]-BF₄ (1%) and Bi₂O₃-[BMIM]-BF₄ (1%) exhibited the lowest band gap energies of 2.50 eV and 2.20 eV respectively, indicating enhanced light absorption. These catalysts also demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity, achieving complete degradation of methylene blue within 40 and 35 min under UV-B irradiation, and 60 min under sunlight. The enhanced performance was attributed to improved light absorption, reduced electron–hole recombination, and efficient charge transfer facilitated by the ionic liquids. The catalysts showed excellent stability over multiple degradation cycles. This study highlights the potential of ionic liquid-assisted synthesis in developing highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.

Graphical Abstract
Assessing the feasibility of mapping changes of ecosystem functional groups in South African estuaries using Landsat and Sentinel images of 1990, 2014, 2018 and 2020
Authors: van Deventer Heidi , Apleni Philani , Adams Janine B. , Riddin Taryn , Whitfield Emily , Machite Anesu , van Niekerk Lara , Madasa Akhona
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the feasibility of using medium-resolution satellite sensors to monitor changes in the extent of ecosystem functional groups (EFGs) in South African estuaries, for reporting on the 2030 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Landsat and Sentinel-1 and -2 image collections in Google Earth Engine (GEE) were used to generate output layers for each of the national land cover years—1990, 2014, 2018 and 2020. Image composites of each year’s two growth seasons and one dry season, vegetation indices and topographic data were generated. Changes in the extent and accuracies of three estuarine (mangroves, salt marshes and submerged macrophytes) and three freshwater (forested wetlands, freshwater marshes and large macrophytes) EFGs were calculated and compared to a manually mapped through image interpretation, high-confidence layer. Overall, estuarine EFGs comprised between 10 and 18% of the extent of the EFGs, while freshwater EFGs made up 15% of the extent of estuaries. The overall accuracies of detection of EFGs for 1990 were < 64% compared to the > 71% attained for 2014, 2018 and 2020. In comparison to manual delineations of some of these habitats, the outputs generated from these medium-resolution sensors resulted in overestimation of extent for all EFGs; for mangroves by 115% and for salt marshes and submerged macrophytes by 150–230%. Finer spatial resolution images, and time-series mapping would be critical for improved delineation and monitoring of South Africa’s estuarine habitats.
Enhancement of aqueous solubility of icariside II through complexation and addition of Tween 80 and lecithin
Authors: Szabó Róbert , Rácz Csaba-Pál , Kacsó Irina , Dulf Francisc Vasile
Published: January 2025

Natural drug products with limited water solubility pose a challenge to the pharmaceutical industry in terms of developing an appropriate dissolution procedure. Like other flavonoids, icariside II (ICS) also faces challenges such as insufficient bioavailability caused by its poor water solubility, limiting its oral therapeutic applications as a food supplement. Consequently, new approaches are needed across the board focusing on the aqueous solubility enhancement. This work aimed to use whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a carrier, and surfactants such as Tween 80 and lecithin to improve the water solubility of icariside II. The complexation with WPC successfully increased the water solubility of ICS by approximately 258-fold. Furthermore, the incorporation of surfactants into the complex resulted in an even greater enhancement, achieving a 554-fold improvement. In addition, by repurposing of whey protein complexes, a byproduct generated during cheese production, and the application of efficient solvent recovery methods, we illustrate our dedication to sustainability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry indicated the successful complex formation procedure. Using a scanning electron microscope, the morphology of the product was analyzed. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have yet produced and investigated the aqueous solubility of mixed surfactant-based icariside II whey protein complexes (S-ICS-WPC).
Elucidation of technological, functional, sensory properties and aroma profiles of gluten-free breads enriched with lentil flour
Authors: Öncel Başak , Özer Mehmet Sertaç
Published: January 2025

This study aims at producing gluten-free bread (GFB) utilizing lentil flour (LF) that offers improved nutritional, textural, and sensory properties suitable for celiac patients. For this purpose, the control breads were modified by replacing starch with 10%, 20%, and 30% LF. The control group breads were produced by adding 4% xanthan to the mixture containing corn starch (70%) and gluten-free wheat starch (30%). The physicochemical properties, color, texture, bioactive properties, aroma composition, and sensory properties of the samples were examined. LF addition to the GFB formulation increased the specific volume and hardness of the samples, and the usage of 10% LF enhanced the chewiness of the bread (p < 0.05). The total amount of dietary fiber (TDL) in the bread samples ranged from 1.31 to 4.88 g/100 g. The total phenolic compound (TPC) content was measured as 0.33–0.75 mg GAE/100 g. The total antioxidant capacity (AA) varied from 0.05 to 2.91 µmol Trolox/100 g. Particularly, the bread samples with 30% LF demonstrated the highest values for these parameters. A total of 30 aroma compounds were identified in the samples, with the predominant component found during the aroma analysis being alcohol. The sensory evaluation conducted by the panelists indicated that the GFB with 30% LF was the most favored sample deemed suitable for consumption. In conclusion, a functional, nutritious, and preferable GFB formulation has been developed.
Factors associated with metal constituents in indoor particulate matter in different communities in South Africa
Authors: Buthelezi Minenhle S. , Naidoo Rajen N. , Bissessur Ajay , Shezi Busisiwe , Jafta Nkosana
Published: January 2025

Metal constituents in indoor particulate matter (PM) emitted by household materials and indoor activities present an environmental challenge globally. This study investigated the variation of metal constituent concentrations in indoor PM collected from different communities and the association of metals with household characteristics and indoor occupant activities. PM2.5 and PM10 samples collected on Teflon filters during the field studies in the south and north Durban and Highveld region of South Africa were analysed for metal constituents by digesting in nitric acid and hydrochloric acid solution (aqua regia). These samples were analysed for metals using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Standardised interviews and structured household walkthrough assessments that were conducted provided additional covariates. Multivariate linear regression models were developed using factors from the factor analysis, and variables identified in the bivariate analysis. The decreasing order of metal content in PM2.5 was as follows: Fe > Cr > Cu > Mn > Al > Hg > Zn > As > Cd > Pb, whereas in PM10 the metal content had the following decreasing order: Fe > Al > As > Cu > Cr > Hg > Zn > Cd > Mn > Pb. Metal concentrations (Cd, Fe, Mn, and Pb) in PM2.5 varied significantly in different geographical locations. Household characteristics including higher household age, presence of a ceiling, and cemented floor type were significantly associated with increased Cr, Fe, and Hg in indoor PM2.5, respectively (p < 0.05). The association of metallic components in indoor PM with household characteristics provides an opportunity to raise issues of deteriorated old households to local authorities and policymakers who need to implement strategies to replace old building materials releasing metal-rich particles.
Addressing Factors that Impact Sexual Well-Being and Intimacy in IBD Patients
Authors: Elias Samantha , Nandi Neilanjan , Fourie Simona , Grover Lorraine , Newman Kira L.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

This review details the pathophysiologic mechanisms from medical, surgical to psychosocial factors that illustrate how and why sexual health and intimacy are impacted in IBD.

Recent Findings

Recent clinical surveys of practicing gastroenterologists document that clinicians should routinely address sexual health when addressing patient reported outcomes but very few actually make direct inquiry or suggest management into this important aspect of human life. Example ‘patter’ are suggested to clinicians to demonstrate how to introduce the subject of sexual intimacy and well-being and engender patient trust on this sensitive topic. Once specific symptomatology are elicited, then a review follows on how referral to a cadre of available multidisciplinary specialists can help directly manage the patient’s concerns. Specific emphasis on addressing the sexual health in ostomate and sexual and gender minority populations is focused upon as well.

Overall, this in depth review highlights a practical clinical approach to understanding how to address sexual wellbeing and human intimacy in IBD patients.
Pulsed Electric Field Assisted Combined Freezing of Carrot Tissue: Preliminary Vacuum Freezing Followed by Supplementary Conventional Freezing
Authors: Huang Yuqi , Bals Olivier , Lebovka Nikolai , Vorobiev Eugène
Published: January 2025

Pulsed electric field (PEF) assisted combined mode of freezing with the preliminary vacuum freezing (VF) down to − 6 °C followed by conventional freezing (CF) in the freezer at − 20 °C has been studied. The fresh carrot tissue was electroporated to different levels of cell disintegration index Z = 0–0.9 (E = 0–400 V/cm, tPEF = 0–1 s). It was demonstrated that PEF significantly accelerated the kinetics of CF and impacted the texture, moisture losses, and microstructure of thawed carrots. For example, at a high disintegration index (Z = 0.9), the total freezing time was shortened by ≈1.21 times for the CF procedure and by ≈1.57 times for the combined VF + CF procedure. The softening of textures of carrots was observed; however, for both CF and VF + CF procedures, they were comparable. Application of both CF and VF + CF procedures resulted in the increase of the size of pores inside the carrot tissues. However, the water losses for the combined VF + CF protocol were significantly smaller than those for the CF protocol.
Multilayered Nanocarriers as a New Strategy for Delivering Drugs with Protective and Anti-inflammatory Potential: Studies in Hippocampal Organotypic Cultures Subjected to Experimental Ischemia
Authors: Kamińska Kinga , Grygier Beata , Regulska Magdalena , Procner Magdalena , Leśkiewicz Monika , Szczęch Marta , Yang Juan , Bouzga Aud , Warszyński Piotr , Lasoń Władysław , Szczepanowicz Krzysztof , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a pivotal role in pathomechanisms of brain ischemia. Our research aimed to formulate a nanotheranostic system for delivering carnosic acid as a neuroprotective agent with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties to ischemic brain tissue, mimicked by organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). In the first part of this study, the nanocarriers were formulated by encapsulating two types of nanocores (nanoemulsion (AOT) and polymeric (PCL)) containing CA into multilayer shells using the sequential adsorption of charged nanoobjects method. The newly designed nanoparticles possessed favorable physicochemical characteristics as reflected by zeta potential and other parameters. Next, we demonstrated that the newly designed gadolinium-containing nanoparticles were not toxic to OHCs and did not affect the detrimental effects of OGD on the viability of the hippocampal cells. Importantly, they readily crossed the artificial blood–brain barrier based on the human cerebral microvascular endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cell line. Furthermore, the PCL-Gd carnosic acid–loaded nanoparticles displayed anti-inflammatory potential, expressed as decreased OGD-induced HIF-1α and IL-1β levels. Results of the molecular study revealed a complex mechanism of the nanoformulation on ischemia-related neuroinflammation in OHCs, including anti-inflammatory protein A20 stimulation and moderate attenuation of the NFκB signaling pathway. Summing up, this study points to acceptable biocompatibility of the newly designed CA-containing theranostic nanoformulation and emphasizes their interaction with inflammatory processes commonly associated with the ischemic brain.

Graphical Abstract
Primary Care Considerations for Youth Martial Arts Athletes
Authors: de Borja Celina , Ocampo Raechelle , Teal Ameera
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

This review aims to analyze the impact of martial arts on youth, addressing the physical and psychosocial benefits, as well as the injury risks associated with increased participation.

Recent Findings

Data from the National Federation of State High School Associations indicates a notable increase in youth participation in martial arts, with a rise of over 13,000 participants from 2018 to 2022. In addition to physical benefits, recent studies highlight that martial arts can significantly enhance mindfulness, reduce stress, and improve self-control, thus diminishing bullying behaviors in school-aged children. Additionally, the therapeutic application of martial arts techniques has been effective in managing pain in children with chronic diseases and in alleviating emotional distress in their siblings. However, the popularity of the sport brings concerns over a spectrum of injuries, especially more severe cases in competitive settings.

Martial arts provide a dynamic platform for fostering robust physical health and psychological resilience among youth. While the benefits are substantial, they are accompanied by risks that require careful management through informed practices and supervision. This review underscores the importance of understanding the dual nature of martial arts — its capacity to empower and its potential to harm — to maximize its benefits and safeguard young athletes.
Newly Arrived Women’s Educational and Professional Choices
Authors: Asghari Hamid
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the stories of four newly arrived women and their choices of vocational education and profession. The study highlights the women’s life courses and addresses how their vocational skills from their home countries can influence their choices of vocational education and profession, and how these skills are utilised in Sweden. The study also examines the cultural, social, economic, and symbolic capital that emerges from the women’s stories. Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital is used to explain the women’s choices of vocational education and profession, suggesting a connection between the capital that women carry with them and their private and vocational experiences throughout their lives.

The result shows that the women’s choices of vocational education and profession are related to their previous life experiences and adapted to the efforts of the Swedish state to shorten the path to employment for adult immigrants through Yrkesvux, a combined education programme. Additionally, the women’s vocational skills from their home countries are mostly used through their own business activities in Sweden.

Newly arrived women’s vocational skills are changing the existing history of women’s skills and adding tasks that traditionally have not existed in Sweden, for example carpet tying, facial threading, and oriental cooking and baking. These skills must be cared for by the Swedish education system, which is constructed and reconstructed in step with technological development and social change. Caring for new professional skills can, for example, be to create conditions for young people to learn and develop these skills for the benefit of society.
Metastatic pancreatic cancer now in remission: a case report and literature review
Authors: Shi Charles W. , VanderMeer Thomas J. , Pudusseri Anita
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with the majority of patients presenting at a late stage with unresectable or metastatic disease. Even with first line treatment, median survival is approximately 11 months in patients with advanced PDAC. This report details the unique case of a patient that presented with peritoneal metastases from an adenocarcinoma of the body of the pancreas, had a remarkable response to palliative chemotherapy and is alive without evidence of disease 12 months following cessation of all active treatment. The initial diagnosis was 4 years ago and extensive resection of the primary was completed 2 years ago. The patient was started on standard FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy regimen, completed 6 cycles, but stopped Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan due to neuropathy and fatigue, on November 5, 2020, and transitioned to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. There was radiographic response and a notable decrease in tumor marker CA 19-9. On July 12, 2022 he underwent a multivisceral resection that included a radical anterograde modular pancreatico-splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, and splenic flexure colectomy with primary anastomosis due to tumor involvement of the posterior stomach and splenic flexure. Surgical pathology noted a moderately differentiated, grade 2 tumor staged ypT2 N0 M0. He continued the same adjuvant regimen of 5-FU and leucovorin for approximately 9 months with no new or recurrent disease on imaging. His CA 19-9 decreased within normal range after surgery and has remained within the normal limits. He remains on active surveillance. Overall, barring clear availability for targeted therapies, a metastatic PDAC of the tail may be considered to have a better prognosis than previously considered. FOLFIRINOX is the ideal treatment if the patient has a high-performance status, and PRODIGE 35 recommends 8 minimum cycles. However, in our case, the patient only tolerated 6 cycles and was still highly responsive. Despite a stage IV diagnosis, the primary tumor was resected in order to mitigate the risk for mutation and progression. Although rare, greater hope for patients with PDAC of the tail with favorable tumor biology responsive to FOLFIRINOX may contribute to increased surgical resection rates and improve survival rates.
Optimization and statistical modelling of electrochemical removal of oxytetracycline from aqueous solutions
Authors: Osman H. , Uğurlu M.
Published: January 2025

In this study, the removal efficiency of OTC antibiotics from pharmaceutical wastewater streams was evaluated by electrooxidation (EO) and electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) methods under different parameters. In catalytic studies, activated carbon supported TiO2/AC catalyst was successfully synthesized for OTC removal by sol–gel method. These catalysts were characterized by various analytical methods such as XRD, TEM, SEM, DSC and BET. The intermediate products formed in the electrochemical degradation of the OTC antibiotic were determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. UV/Vis spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry analyses were also performed to determine the concentration and electrochemical properties of the electroactive components present in the solution. In the experimental set design, the optimum conditions for EO studies were determined as 15 V voltage, 0.5 g/L salt amount, 7 pH value, 36 mg/L initial concentration and 45 min contact time, while for ECO experiments, these conditions were 10 V voltage, 0.25 g/L catalyst amount, 7 pH value, 30 mg/L initial concentration and 30 min contact time. According to the results of EO and ECO experiments, 79% and 86% removal efficiency was achieved on the simulated OTC effluent, respectively. The results show that TiO2/AC catalysts contribute to more efficient degradation of OTC molecules by accelerating electrochemical reactions and offer a potential solution for the removal of such pollutants. It was also found that an experimental design based on the CCD-RSM optimization model could be an important consideration for better understanding, optimizing and increasing the efficiency of the catalytic process.

Graphic abstract
Lenacapavir for HIV PrEP: Narrative Review of Clinical Trials and Implications for Patient Access
Authors: Goswami Swarnali , Veeramachaneni Sai , Masurkar Prajakta P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

By the end of 2023, approximately 39.9 million people worldwide were living with HIV, including 1.2 million in the United States. Although treatment advancements have improved health outcomes, HIV continues to pose significant challenges, particularly among key populations like men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and cisgender women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as an effective strategy to lower the risk of HIV transmission, but daily oral regimens often face adherence difficulties. This narrative review aims to summarize the effectiveness and safety of Lenacapavir, the latest long-acting injectable PrEP currently under clinical trials.

Recent Findings

Lenacapavir, a novel long-acting injectable PrEP with bi-annual dosing, offers significant advantages in terms of adherence and privacy, potentially reducing the stigma associated with daily medication. This review summarizes the effectiveness in preventing HIV, safety profile and the strategies being explored to overcome barriers to access. Compared to traditional daily oral PrEP options, lenacapavir has shown remarkable efficacy in recent clinical trials, including two different Phase 3 studies where it achieved a 100% prevention rate in cisgender women and a 96% prevention rate in cisgender men who have sex with men, transgender men, transgender women and gender non-binary individuals.

Lenacapavir holds promise as a transformative option in HIV prevention. However, continued research and development of strategies to improve access are essential to meet public health objectives and ultimately end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Identifying the Intents Behind Website Visits by Employing Unsupervised Machine Learning Models
Authors: Soobramoney Judah , Chifurira Retius , Zewotir Temesgen , Chinhamu Knowledge
Published: January 2025

With digitisation globally on the rise, corporates are compelled to better understand the usage of their websites. In doing so, corporates will be empowered to better understand consumers, and make necessary adjustments to ultimately improve the corporate’s stance in the competitive global landscape of this modern age. However, the online website visit data has proven to be highly complex, big in data volume, and highly transactional with users expressing unique behaviours. Thus, extracting insight can be a complex problem to solve. This study aimed to employ unsupervised machine learning models to identify the intentions behind the visits on the observed website. The data studied was sourced from the Google Analytics tracking tool that was deployed on a corporate informative website. The study employed a k-means, hierarchical and dbscan unsupervised machine learning models to understand the intents behind visitors on the studied website. All three models detected five major intents that were expressed within the observed data. The intents identified were labelled as “accidentals”, “drop-offs”, “engrossed”, “get-in-touch” and “seekers”. On the observed data, all three unsupervised machine learning methods have performed well. However, in the context of the study, which investigated the intents that drove online visits, the hierarchical clustering method yielded superior results by maintaining the best balance between cluster homogeneity (stronger silhouette coefficients) and cluster size.
A System Dynamics Simulating Model of Groundwater Level Changes and Its Impacts on Land Uplift
Authors: Mohammadi Mir ahmad
Published: January 2025

The global effort to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources results in the closure of surface and underground coal mines, subsequently affecting the environment, society, and the economy. Land uplift is one of the challenges since the coal mine closure in Germany. Using computational modeling and simulation helps understand the long-term land uplift behavior related to variables’ complexity and dynamic interactions of groundwater level changes. This study proposes a system dynamics (SD) model to study the complexity of variables and consider the upstream groundwater impacts on land uplift in abandoned mines in the Ruhr district in Germany. The proposed model utilized causal loop diagrams (CLD) and stock flow diagrams (SFD) to provide a conceptual and simulation framework. The individual and combined effects of increasing rainfall, groundwater level, effective stress, porosity, porewater pressure, total stress, etc., on land uplift are studied. The model was evaluated by analyzing different scenarios based on stochastic and random variables in the Eastern Ruhr region of Germany. The scenario result showed that with a 10% increase in groundwater level, the land uplift increased by about + 6%, and a rise of 200% in total stress caused an 18% increase in effective stress, which decreased the land uplift by about 20%. Additionally, decreasing porosity leads to reduced land uplift. The land uplift trend was very high in the first 15 years after mine closure. Some scenarios are considered to delay and decrease the land uplift in the long-term.
A novel DEA-Tobit-SD assessment framework and application of provincial-level carbon emission embracing regional heterogeneity
Authors: Shi Pingyuan , Zhang Yingxin , Meng Yan , Xu Xinge , Hao Junhong , Hong Feng
Published: January 2025

Formulating tailored emission reduction policies for each Chinese province is crucial due to regional differences in carbon emission evolution patterns. This paper proposes a novel and comprehensive research framework that integrates data envelopment analysis (DEA), Tobit regression, and system dynamics (SD) model to analyze the influence factors and evaluate provincial emission reduction policies while considering regional differences. The DEA method assesses each province's development resource allocation and carbon emission efficiency. Based on the DEA results, each provinces’ key emission influencing factors can be derived combining with Tobit regression and sensitivity analysis of SD. Policies are then selected based on these factors to gauge their effectiveness. SD method is used to simulate carbon emissions under different policy scenarios in the future. The analysis results present obvious differences in resource allocation and regional characteristics among provinces. Qinghai's emission reduction potential has been preliminarily explored as an example. Energy structure, industry structure, energy intensity, forest coverage, and R&D input intensity are its main influencing factors for carbon emission. The forest carbon sink plays a significant role. The emission reduction of the integrated scenario is not a linear sum of all other scenarios. To ensure the completion of the neutralization goal, further adjustments to the long-term policy and extra measures are needed.