bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exogenous Tryptophan in Alleviating Transport Stress in Pearl Gentian Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂)
Authors: Cao Jie , Fang Dan , Qiu Weiqiang , Xie Jing
Published: December 2024

Live fish transportation plays a crucial role in the commercial fish trade. Consequently, mitigating stress during transportation is essential for enhancing the survival rate of fish and reducing potential financial losses. In this study, the effectiveness was evaluated of exogenous tryptophan in reducing transport stress in hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂. Firstly, the groupers were divided into the following five experimental groups: 40 mg/L MS-222 group, 30 mg/L tryptophan, 50 mg/L tryptophan, 70 mg/L tryptophan, and the control group without additives. Followed by transportation simulation, the fish samples were collected before and after transportation for the determination of antioxidant enzyme activities, apoptosis gene, and inflammatory gene expressions. The results indicated that the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in all groups were significantly increased, while they were lower in the 50 mg/L Trp treated group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group in the 50 mg/L Trp, 70 mg/L Trp, and 40 mg/L MS-222-treated groups, serum cortisol and blood glucose levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) gene expression was upregulated and pro-inflammatory factor (IL-1β) gene expression was decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, it was found that the 30 mg/L Trp, 50 mg/L Trp, and 40 mg/L MS-222 treatment groups had less green fluorescence than the control group by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential, and 50 mg/L Trp and MS-222 showed more red fluorescence in fluorescence images than the other samples at the same sampling time. Therefore, in this study, it was demonstrated that the tryptophan could be used as a new anti-stress agent for hybrid groupers during transport, and additional research is required to identify the specific conditions that yield the best outcomes.
Preliminary Findings on the Morphometric Characteristics of the Olfactory Bulb in the Cat
Authors: Alvites Rui , Caine Abby , Cherubini Giunio Bruto , Varejão Artur Severo P. , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: December 2024

The aim of this preliminary study was to morphologically and dimensionally characterize the cat’s olfactory bulb in the sagittal plane and to establish potential relationships with the cranial conformation, based on the study of in vivo MRI images. Midsagittal and transverse T2-weighted images of the head of 40 cats subjected to MRI were selected. For each animal, the skull index was calculated to classify the cranial conformation. Then, for the olfactory bulb, the angle was calculated, the orientation was determined, and the sagittal section area was measured. It was established that animals classified as brachycephalic have more compact olfactory bulbs, with smaller cross-sectional areas, ventral orientation and smaller angles established with the line that goes from the hard palate and the intercondylar notch of the foramen magnum. Animals classified as dolichocephalic have more globose and wider olfactory bulbs, dorsal orientation, and larger angles. Mesocephalic animals present an intermediate position. Males and younger adult animals have olfactory bulbs with larger cross-sectional areas than females and older animals. This work allows for the preliminarily characterization of the olfactory bulb in cats in the sagittal plane, and the correlations identified with other head structures open doors for the use of the bulb as an early indicator for the establishment of alterations of varied etiology.
Can Different Dietary Protein Sources Influence the Survival, Growth, and Physiology of 0+Marron (Cherax cainii) Exposed to Feed Deprivation?
Authors: Dao Thi Thanh Thuy , Fotedar Ravi
Published: December 2024

We investigated the effect of feed deprivation for 45 days on the growth, immunity, and health of 0+marron (Cherax cainii) initially fed for 110 days on various protein sources including fishmeal (FM), poultry by-product meal (PBM), black soldier fly meal (BSFM), soybean meal (SBM), lupin meal (LM), and tuna hydrolysate. The marron were weighed and sacrificed immediately after feeding stopped (day 0) and at days 15, 30, and 45 after the feed deprivation trial commenced. Total haemolymph count, differential haemocyte count, lysozyme activity, protease activity, total bacterial count in the digestive tract, and organosomatic indices were analysed. Initially feeding marron any protein sources did not influence the percentage of weight gain and specific growth rates of marron. All marron showed more than 83% survival; however, marron fed soybean meal showed significantly lower survival than others. Dietary sources of protein altered organosomatic indices of starved marron during various starvation periods and resulted in a significant decrease in total haemocyte counts, lysozyme activity, protease activity, and bacterial count in the digestive tract of marron. Starved marron initially fed PBM and BSFM showed higher tolerance to starvation, followed by marron initially fed FM and SBM, while marron initially fed TH and LM showed the highest susceptibility to starvation.
Effects of Varying Light Durations on Sperm Quality in Rams
Authors: Zhu Zhendong , Li Wenjia , Zhao Haolong , Adetunji Adedeji Olufemi , Kamel Ahmed Mohamed , Min Lingjiang
Published: December 2024

This investigation aimed to study the effects of varying light exposure durations on ram sperm. A total of 25 rams were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was exposed to light durations of 12 h, while the experimental groups were exposed to light durations of 14, 16, 18, and 20 h. After three months of rearing, semen was collected from each ram four times using the artificial vagina method. The sperm motility parameters, sperm abnormality, sperm concentration, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, semen volume, and total sperm number were measured. Thereafter, the metabolome, amino acid level, testosterone content, plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and sperm antioxidant capacity were measured. The results showed that the sperm motility, sperm concentration, ejaculation volume, total sperm number, acrosome integrity, and membrane integrity in the 16 h light group were significantly improved compared to the control (p < 0.05), meanwhile the sperm abnormality was decreased. Moreover, we found 345 different metabolites between the control and 16 h light group. Among these, 273 were upregulated and 72 were downregulated. Furthermore, the amino acid content of the seminal plasma in the 16 h light group was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Interestingly, the seminal plasma testosterone content and the levels of FSH and LH in the serum in the 16 h light group were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control. In terms of the sperm antioxidant capacity, it was observed that the CAT activity was the highest in the group exposed to 16 h of light and decreased at 18 h of light exposure when compared to the control group; however, the CAT activity at 20 h was not different from the control. Additionally, within the 14 to 18 h light exposure range, prolonged light exposure increased the GSH content (p < 0.05), whereas 20 h of light exposure reduced the GSH content. The MDA levels decreased with prolonged light exposure, reaching the lowest point at 16 h (p < 0.05), but increased again at 20 h of light exposure. KEGG analysis indicated that the differential metabolites were mainly involved in metabolic and synthetic activities. Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that the artificial extension of the light duration for 16 h has a positive effect on ram sperm quality.
Muscle-Specific Effects of Genotype, Animal Age, and Wet Aging Duration on Beef Color, Tenderness, and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Yar Muhammad Kashif , Jaspal Muhammad Hayat , Ali Sher , Badar Iftikhar Hussain , Ijaz Muawuz , Hussain Jibran
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the effects of genotype, animal age, muscle type, and aging duration on meat quality characteristics of Psoas major (PM), Longissimus thoracis (LT), Longissimus lumborum (LL), and Gluteus Medius (GM) muscles. The PM, LT, LL, and GM muscles were sourced from a total of 32 bulls, consisting of 16 humped (Bos indicus) and 16 humpless (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) bulls aged 21 ± 2 and 30 ± 3 months. The muscles underwent aging durations of 0, 7, and 14 days. Meat pH, color, drip loss, cooking loss, instrumental shear force, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances/TBARS), and sensory analysis were performed. Our results indicated that humped bulls had superior color, while humpless bulls exhibited better sensory characteristics. The 30 ± 3 months of age bulls showed improved color and sensory characteristics with higher TBARs values than the 21 ± 2 months of age bulls. The color, tenderness, and sensory characteristics improved in PM and LT at 7 days, whereas in LL and GM they improved at 14 days. PM showed better tenderness and overall acceptability among different muscles, while LL showed better color and oxidative stability. This study suggested the necessity of muscle-specific aging strategies to enhance the meat quality characteristics of humped and humpless bulls. Further research could explore additional aging durations and other muscle types to better understand their impact on meat quality characteristics.
Effects of High-Concentrate Diets on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Rumen Microbiota in House-Fed Yaks
Authors: Zhang Ben , Wang Xingdong , Ding Ziqiang , Kang Yandong , Guo Shaoke , Cao Mengli , Hu Liyan , Xiong Lin , Pei Jie , Guo Xian
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of a high-concentrate diet on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen microbiota in house-fed yaks. Sixteen male yaks (body weight, 151.73 ± 14.11 kg; 18 months) were randomly allocated into two dietary treatments: a group with a low level of concentrate (n = 8, LC, concentrate–forage = 40:60) and a group with a high level of concentrate (n = 8, HC, concentrate–forage = 60:40). We found that compared with the LC group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI), the average daily gain (ADG), and the serum albumin (ALB) concentration in the HC group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The rumen bacterial compositions also differed significantly between the groups, as indicated by principal coordinate analysis (p < 0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were the main dominant phyla of rumen bacteria in yaks. Compared with the LC group, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the HC group was significantly increased (p < 0.05) and the relative abundance of Bacteroidota was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Succiniclasticum, Prevotella, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and NK4A214_group had the highest relative abundance. The relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in the HC group was significantly higher than that in the LC group (p < 0.05). The PICRUSt 2 results showed a significant enrichment in glycosaminoglycan degradation, apoptosis, and ECM–receptor interaction in HC relative to LC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high-concentrate diets can enhance growth performance and alter the compositions and functions of ruminal bacterial communities in yaks.
Oxidative Stress Induced by Antivirals: Implications for Adverse Outcomes During Pregnancy and in Newborns
Authors: Costa Bárbara , Gouveia Maria João , Vale Nuno
Published: December 2024

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly during pregnancy, where it can significantly affect maternal and fetal health. In the context of viral infections, such as those caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), oxidative stress may exacerbate complications by disrupting cellular function and immune responses. Antiviral drugs, while essential in managing these infections, can also contribute to oxidative stress, potentially impacting both the mother and the developing fetus. Understanding the mechanisms by which antivirals can contribute to oxidative stress and examination of pharmacokinetic changes during pregnancy that influence drug metabolism is essential. Some research indicates that antiretroviral drugs can induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction during pregnancy, while other studies suggest that their use is generally safe. Therefore, concerns about long-term health effects persist. This review delves into the complex interplay between oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, and antiviral therapies, focusing on strategies to mitigate potential oxidative damage. By addressing gaps in our understanding, we highlight the importance of balancing antiviral efficacy with the risks of oxidative stress. Moreover, we advocate for further research to develop safer, more effective therapeutic approaches during pregnancy. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing health outcomes for both mother and fetus in the context of viral infections during pregnancy.
Stationary 3D Scanning System for IoT Applications
Authors: Kowalski Miłosz , Rybarczyk Dominik , Milecki Andrzej
Published: December 2024

In various types of industrial applications, such as reverse engineering, machine operation, technical metrology, or modern factory maintenance, it is important to have systems that enable the quick and easy scanning of selected mechanical parts. This study presents the design process and analysis of a low-cost, 3D scanning system which can be used in industrial applications. The system collects point cloud data using an infrared distance sensor based on optical triangulation, controlled by a 32-bit microcontroller. Communication with the system is enabled through a serial interface and a dedicated window application, allowing users to monitor and adjust scanning parameters. The output data in the form of a point cloud are saved in a text file in the scanner’s controller memory and then sent wirelessly to an external device, e.g., cloud and/or a diagnostic controller. The electronic system is equipped with a radio module that can be used to communicate with other devices in line with the idea of the Internet of Things and the concept of Industry 4.0. The results of the study are based on the accuracy of the three-dimensional digitization of the tested object and on the determination of the average measurement uncertainty.
Scale-Sensitive Attention for Multi-Scale Maritime Vessel Detection Using EO/IR Cameras
Authors: Wang Soohyun , Kim Byoungkug
Published: December 2024

In this study, we proposed a YOLOv8-based Multi-Level Multi-Head Attention mechanism utilizing EO and IR cameras to enable rapid and accurate detection of vessels of various sizes in maritime environments. The proposed method integrates the Scale-Sensitive Cross Attention module and the Self-Attention module, with a particular focus on enhancing small object detection performance in low-resolution IR imagery. By leveraging a multi-level attention mechanism, the model effectively improves detection performance for both small and large objects, outperforming the baseline YOLOv8 model. To further optimize the performance of IR cameras, we introduced a color palette preprocessing technique and identified the optimal palette through a comparative analysis. Experimental results demonstrated that the Average Precision increased from 85.3 to 88.2 in EO camera images and from 68.2 to 73 in IR camera images when the Black Hot palette was applied. The Black Hot palette, in particular, provided high luminance contrast, effectively addressing the single-channel and low-resolution limitations of IR imagery, and significantly improved small object detection performance. The proposed technique shows strong potential for enhancing vessel detection performance under diverse environmental conditions and is anticipated to make a practical contribution to real-time maritime monitoring systems. Furthermore, by delivering high reliability and efficiency in data-constrained environments, this method demonstrates promising scalability for applications in various object detection domains.
Three-Dimensional Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) Tumor Classification Using a 2D-Input Network: Soft Voting or Hard Voting?
Authors: Yu Shaode , Liang Xiaoyu , Zhao Songnan , Xie Yaoqin , Sun Qiurui
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer is a global threat to women’s health. Three-dimensional (3D) automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) offers reproducible high-resolution imaging for breast cancer diagnosis. However, 3D-input deep networks are challenged by high time costs, a lack of sufficient training samples, and the complexity of hyper-parameter optimization. For efficient ABUS tumor classification, this study explores 2D-input networks, and soft voting (SV) is proposed as a post-processing step to enhance diagnosis effectiveness. Specifically, based on the preliminary predictions made by a 2D-input network, SV employs voxel-based weighting, and hard voting (HV) utilizes slice-based weighting. Experimental results on 100 ABUS cases show a substantial improvement in classification performance. The diagnosis metric values are increased from ResNet34 (accuracy, 0.865; sensitivity, 0.942; specificity, 0.757; area under the curve (AUC), 0.936) to ResNet34 + HV (accuracy, 0.907; sensitivity, 0.990; specificity, 0.864; AUC, 0.907) and to ResNet34 + SV (accuracy, 0.986; sensitivity, 0.990; specificity, 0.963; AUC, 0.986). Notably, ResNet34 + SV achieves the state-of-the-art result on the database. The proposed SV strategy enhances ABUS tumor classification with minimal computational overhead, while its integration with 2D-input networks to improve prediction performance of other 3D object recognition tasks requires further investigation.
Real-Time Computing Strategies for Automatic Detection of EEG Seizures in ICU
Authors: López-Viñas Laura , Ayala Jose L. , Pardo Moreno Francisco Javier
Published: December 2024

Developing interfaces for seizure diagnosis, often challenging to detect visually, is rising. However, their effectiveness is constrained by the need for diverse and extensive databases. This study aimed to create a seizure detection methodology incorporating detailed information from each EEG channel and accounts for frequency band variations linked to the primary brain pathology leading to ICU admission, enhancing our ability to identify epilepsy onset. This study involved 460 video-electroencephalography recordings from 71 patients under monitoring. We applied signal preprocessing and conducted a numerical quantitative analysis in the frequency domain. Various machine learning algorithms were assessed for their efficacy. The k-nearest neighbours (KNN) model was the most effective in our overall sample, achieving an average F1 score of 0.76. For specific subgroups, different models showed superior performance: Decision Tree for ‘Epilepsy’ (average F1 score of 0.80) and ‘Craniencephalic Trauma’ (average F1 score of 0.84), Random Forest for ‘Cardiorespiratory Arrest’ (average F1 score of 0.89) and ‘Brain Haemorrhage’ (average F1 score of 0.84). In the categorisation of seizure types, Linear Discriminant Analysis was most effective for focal seizures (average F1 score of 0.87), KNN for generalised (average F1 score of 0.84) and convulsive seizures (average F1 score of 0.88), and logistic regression for non-convulsive seizures (average F1 score of 0.83). Our study demonstrates the potential of using classifier models based on quantified EEG data for diagnosing seizures in ICU patients. The performance of these models varies significantly depending on the underlying cause of the seizure, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches. The automation of these diagnostic tools could facilitate early seizure detection.
Volatile Component Composition, Retronasal Aroma Release Profile, and Sensory Characteristics of Non-Centrifugal Cane Sugar Obtained at Different Evaporation Temperatures
Authors: Asikin Yonathan , Nakaza Yuki , Oe Moena , Kaneda Hirotaka , Maeda Goki , Takara Kensaku , Wada Koji
Published: December 2024

Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) is prepared by evaporating sugarcane syrup to form a solidified, dehydrated brown sugar with a distinct flavor. This study investigated the effect of final evaporation temperatures (120–140 °C) on the volatile components, retronasal aroma profile, and sensory characteristics of NCS. Solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that the concentration of most volatiles, including pyrazines, furans, and furanones, in the NCS significantly increased as the evaporation temperature increased (p < 0.05). The evaporation temperature affected the aroma release from NCS, as shown in proton transfer reaction time-of-flight-mass spectrometry, with the intensity of volatile compounds detected from panelists’ noses or mouths significantly increasing after consuming NCS obtained at higher temperatures. Moreover, the intensity of aroma release in the mouth was greater than that in the nose; the most prevalent released substance, m/z 87.10, which could be derived from dihydro-2(3H)-furanone and 2,3-butanedione, rapidly decreased over seven breath cycles compared to other ions, suggesting its importance as a top-note aroma substance in NCS. In addition, the perceived roasted aroma and bitterness of the NCS obtained at higher temperatures were intensified. These findings underscore the importance of modifying the evaporation temperature on the volatile component composition, aroma release, and sensory characteristics of NCS.
Autonomous Navigation for Personal Mobility Vehicles Considering Passenger Tolerance to Approaching Pedestrians
Authors: Omori Motonobu , Yoshitake Hiroshi , Shino Motoki
Published: December 2024

There are high expectations for autonomous personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) to support the mobility of older people. Autonomous navigation systems are being developed to assist mobility in public areas with mixed pedestrian traffic, such as airports and shopping malls. For autonomous navigation of PMVs, achieving both comfort and efficiency, even in crowded environments, is important. In this study, we focused on the characteristic of passenger tolerance, in which a passenger’s discomfort is relatively small concerning an approaching pedestrian. The objective was to propose an efficient autonomous navigation method without increasing passenger discomfort, considering the characteristics of passenger tolerance. First, the passenger tolerance characteristics were clarified through data analysis of a previous study’s dataset and a newly collected dataset. Next, a path-planning method considering the characteristics was proposed, and the proposed method was evaluated by numerical simulations. The evaluation results showed that the proposed method has a potential to achieve efficient autonomous navigation in crowded environments.
Rock-Breaking Mechanism and Application of Combined Long and Short Holes in Parallel Holes Cut in Small-Section Tunnels
Authors: Fu Hongxian , Gao Yufan
Published: December 2024

In order to address the issue of limited excavation footage in the drilling and blasting of a water diversion tunnel with a cross-section of approximately 10 m2, which is unable to meet the demands of rapid construction, a blasting method combining long and short straight-hole cutting was proposed based on the theories of elastic mechanics, blasting craters, explosive gas and stress waves. A mechanical model was established to elucidate the parameter design method and cavity formation principle of the combined cutting. Numerical simulation and field tests were employed to analyze the rock-breaking process of combined cutting, with a view to comparing the blasting effect differences between the traditional inclined cutting method and the combined cutting method. The research results indicate that during the blasting process with combined long and short straight-hole cutting, the uncharged portion of the deep hole can serve as an empty hole during the subsequent blasting of the shallow hole. The concentration of stress at the wall of the empty hole and the superposition of reflected and incident waves serve to enhance the rock-breaking effect of the shallow hole, with the enhancement being influenced by the diameter of the hole and the distance between it and the empty hole. The preferential detonation of the shallow hole can provide a smaller resistance line and free surface distance for deep hole detonation, creating favorable conditions for rock fragmentation in deep hole blasting, making it easier for the rock in the cutting area to be thrown out and increasing the utilization rate of the blast holes. The shape of the formed cavity is a long strip-shaped cube, with its volume being influenced by the spacing between each group of deep and shallow holes. The rock mass damage is most severe in the vertical direction, while the rock mass damage at the center of the upper and lower edges is relatively weaker. In order to optimize the utilization of blasting energy, it is essential to select an appropriate spacing between each group of blast holes. In comparison to the utilization of traditional inclined cuts, the implementation of combined long and short holes has been observed to result in a greater extent of blasting footage and relatively lower explosive consumption. These research findings provide a reference point for the rapid and efficient construction of small-section tunnel engineering, as well as the design of straight-hole cut blasting with reduced consumption.
Impact of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Addition on the Rheological Properties of Wheat Flour Dough and Bread Quality
Authors: Marinopoulou Anna , Sevastopoulou Nikoleta , Farmouzi Kyriaki , Konstantinidou Evdokia , Alexandri Afroditi , Papageorgiou Maria
Published: December 2024

Hemp protein (Cannabis sativa L.) was incorporated into wheat flour at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% and its effects on the rheological properties of the dough and the quality characteristics of the resulted breads were investigated. Rheological analysis revealed that hemp protein-enriched doughs exhibited significantly higher Young’s modulus of elasticity and elongational viscosity values compared to the wheat flour dough, indicating that the incorporation of hemp protein affected the firmness of the doughs. Farinograph analysis showed that replacing wheat flour with hemp protein increased water absorption, dough development time, and stability, while extensiograph analysis showed increased dough resistance and decreased extensibility and energy with hemp protein addition. Statistical analysis revealed that hemp protein significantly affected the moisture content, specific volume and crumb color of breads. Bread fortified with hemp protein had a darker color compared to the control bread. The addition of hemp protein affected the texture of the breads. It is recommended that hemp protein could be utilized as an alternative protein source, potentially enhancing dough characteristics, texture, quality, and the nutritional value of protein-rich breads, biscuits, snacks, and other bakery products.
Methods and Applications of Data Management and Analytics
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Yang Zhengyi
Published: December 2024

In recent years, data management and analytics have attracted significant attention from both academia and industry, driven by the rapid growth in the volume, velocity, and variety of data generation [...]
Analysis of PM2.5 Pollution Transport Characteristics and Potential Sources in Four Chinese Megacities During 2022: Seasonal Variations
Authors: Mao Kun , Yao Yuan , Wang Kun , Liu Chen , Tang Guangmin , Feng Shumin , Shen Yue , Ju Anhua , Zhou Hao , Li Zhiyu
Published: December 2024

Atmospheric particulate pollution in China’s megacities has heightened public concern over air quality, highlighting the need for precise identification of urban pollution characteristics and pollutant transport mechanisms to enable effective control and mitigation. In this study, a new method combing the High Accuracy Surface Modeling (HASM) and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) was proposed to derive seasonal high spatial resolution PM2.5 concentrations. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) was applied to analyze the seasonal spatial variations, transport pathways, and potential sources of PM2.5 concentrations across China’s four megacities: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu. The result indicates that: (1) the proposed method outperformed Kriging, inverse distance weighting (IDW), and HASM, with coefficient of determination values ranging from 0.91 to 0.94, and root mean square error values ranging from 1.98 to 2.43 µg/m3, respectively; (2) all cities show a similar seasonal pattern, with PM2.5 concentrations highest in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer; Beijing has higher concentrations in the south, Shanghai and Xi’an in the west, and Chengdu in central urban areas, decreasing toward the rural area; (3) potential source contribution function and concentration weighted trajectory analysis indicate that Beijing’s main potential PM2.5 sources are in Hebei Province (during winter, spring, and autumn), Shanghai’s are in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, Xi’an’s are in Southern Shaanxi Province, and Chengdu’s are in Northeastern and Southern Sichuan Province, with all cities experiencing higher impacts in winter; (4) there is a negative correlation between precipitation, air temperature, and seasonal PM2.5 levels, with anthropogenic emissions sources such as industry combustion, power plants, residential combustion, and transportation significantly impact on seasonal PM2.5 pollution.
An Idealized Cloud-Resolving Modeling Study on Rainfall in Taiwan Under Uniform Northeasterly Flow in Winter, Part I: Effects of Wind Direction, Speed, and Moisture Amount
Authors: Wang Chung-Chieh , Li Chun-Hsien , Huang Shin-Yi , Chang Chih-Sheng
Published: December 2024

This study performs idealized simulations of rainfall in Taiwan in a winter monsoon regime under different wind direction (Wd; every 15° from 0° to 90°), speed (Ws; 12, 8, and 4 m s−1), and relative humidity (RH; 80, 70, and 60%) combinations at low levels, based on a simplified mean sounding profile from observations during the event over 20–24 November 2020. Thus, at a horizontal grid size of 2 km, a total of 7 × 3 × 3 = 63 runs are performed and the aim is to investigate the response in daily rainfall in northern Taiwan to these three parameters. The model results from the closest combination are verified against the observed rainfall both during the reference event and in several historical cases with reasonable agreement, indicating the usefulness of the approach, albeit with some limitations. From the experiments, our main findings can be summarized as below. First and foremost, with Ws = 12 m s−1 and RH = 80%, when the prescribed Wd changes from 0° (northerly) to 90° (easterly) gradually, the main rainfall areas shift from northern to northeastern Taiwan, with local maxima at the northern tip, northeastern tip of Taiwan, and near Suao (at the end of the Central Mountain Range) in response, indicating topographic uplifting for rainfall production. At a larger impinging angle, the Suao area tends to receive the most daily rainfall and can exceed 300 mm at Wd of about 75°–80°. Second, when Ws decreases to 8 m s−1, the general rainfall regions often remain similar but the amounts become lower, especially at local maxima. The peak amount near Suao is only about 100 mm. At weak wind of Ws = 4 m s−1, only moderate rainfall of 20 mm or below can be produced in Taiwan, and the local centers become not discernable. Third, when RH is lowered, the rainfall in northern Taiwan decreases significantly, especially along and near the coast under weaker winds coming from smaller angles. At RH = 70%, a higher accumulation (≥100 mm or so) near Suao is only possible with Wd ≥ about 55° at Ws = 12 m s−1 or when Wd ≥ 70° at Ws = 8 m s−1. At RH = 60%, the rainfall in northern Taiwan (and on the entire island) further decreases, again more evidently in cases with smaller Wd and Ws values.
Beyond Temperature Peaks: The Growing Persistence and Intensity of Tmin and Tmax Heatwaves in Portugal’s Changing Climate (1980/1981–2022/2023)
Authors: Espinosa Luis Angel , Portela Maria Manuela , Ocampo-Guerrero Nikte
Published: December 2024

This study examines the trends in heatwave characteristics across mainland Portugal from 1980/1981 to 2022/2023, utilising ERA5-Land reanalysis data. To achieve this, the study applies the Heatwave Magnitude Index (HWMI) to identify heatwave days for minimum (Tmin) and maximum (Tmax) temperatures across 15 grid-points representing Portugal’s diverse geography and climate. Three key annual parameters are analysed: the number of heatwave days (ANDH), the average temperature during heatwaves (AATW), and the intensity of heatwave events (AIHD). Results reveal a consistent increase in heatwave persistence throughout mainland Portugal, with more pronounced trends observed for Tmax compared to Tmin. ANDH Tmin shows upward trends across all grid-points, with increases ranging from 0.8 to 4.2 days per decade. ANDH Tmax exhibits even more significant increases, with 11 out of 15 grid-points showing statistically significant rises, ranging from 2.2 to 4.4 days per decade. Coastal areas, particularly in the south, demonstrate the most substantial increases in heatwave persistence. The intensity of heatwaves, as measured by AIHD, also shows positive trends across all grid-points for both Tmin and Tmax, with southern locations experiencing the most significant increases. The study also discusses decadal trends in annual averages of Tmin and Tmax, as well as extreme measures such as annual minimum (AMIN) and annual maximum (AMAX), daily temperatures spatially represented across mainland Portugal. These analyses reveal widespread warming trends, with more pronounced increases in Tmax compared to Tmin. The AMIN and AMAX trends further corroborate the overall warming pattern from the heatwave analyses, with notable spatial variations observed. The findings indicate a substantial worsening in the occurrence, duration, and intensity of heatwave events. This increased persistence of heatwaves, especially evident from the early 2000s onwards, suggests a potential climate regime shift in mainland Portugal. The results underscore the need for adaptive strategies to address the growing challenges posed by more frequent and intense heatwaves in the region.
Reconstructed Phase Space of Tropical Cyclone Activity in the North Atlantic Basin for Determining the Predictability of the System
Authors: Weaver Sarah M. , Steward Christopher A. , Senter Jason J. , Balkissoon Sarah S. , Lupo Anthony R.
Published: December 2024

Tropical cyclone prediction is often described as chaotic and unpredictable on time scales that cross into stochastic regimes. Predictions are bounded by the depth of understanding and the limitations of the physical dynamics that govern them. Slight changes in global atmospheric and oceanic conditions may significantly alter tropical cyclone genesis regions and intensity. The purpose of this paper is to characterize the predictability of seasonal storm characteristics in the North Atlantic basin by utilizing the Largest Lyapunov Exponent and Takens’ Theorem, which is rarely used in weather or climatological analysis. This is conducted for a post-weather satellite era (1960–2022). Based on the accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) time series in the North Atlantic basin, cyclone activity can be described as predictable at certain timescales. Insight and understanding into this coupled non-linear system through an analysis of time delay, embedded dimension, and Lyapunov exponent-reconstructed phase space have provided critical information for the system’s predictability.
Recent Advancements in Artificial Intelligence in Battery Recycling
Authors: Antony Jose Subin , Cook Connor Andrew Dennis , Palacios Joseph , Seo Hyundeok , Torres Ramirez Christian Eduardo , Wu Jinhong , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: December 2024

Battery recycling has become increasingly crucial in mitigating environmental pollution and conserving valuable resources. As demand for battery-powered devices rises across industries like automotive, electronics, and renewable energy, efficient recycling is essential. Traditional recycling methods, often reliant on manual labor, suffer from inefficiencies and environmental harm. However, recent artificial intelligence (AI) advancements offer promising solutions to these challenges. This paper reviews the latest developments in AI applications for battery recycling, focusing on methodologies, challenges, and future directions. AI technologies, particularly machine learning and deep learning models, are revolutionizing battery sorting, classification, and disassembly processes. AI-powered systems enhance efficiency by automating tasks such as battery identification, material characterization, and robotic disassembly, reducing human error and occupational hazards. Additionally, integrating AI with advanced sensing technologies like computer vision, spectroscopy, and X-ray imaging allows for precise material characterization and real-time monitoring, optimizing recycling strategies and material recovery rates. Despite these advancements, data quality, scalability, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to realize AI’s full potential in battery recycling. Collaborative efforts across interdisciplinary domains are essential to develop robust, scalable AI-driven recycling solutions, paving the way for a sustainable, circular economy in battery materials.
Molecular Diagnostics in the Postgenomic Era
Authors: Korać Petra , Matulić Maja
Published: December 2024

Since the end of the 20th century, when the first eukaryotic organism was sequenced, genome sequencing as a technique has made incredible progress, and today new methods allow sequencing different genomes and genes at relatively low prices and in a short time [...]
Predicting the Impact of Polysulfone Dialyzers and Binder Dialysate Flow Rate on Bilirubin Removal
Authors: Novokhodko Alexander , Du Nanye , Hao Shaohang , Wang Ziyuan , Shu Zhiquan , Ahmad Suhail , Gao Dayong
Published: December 2024

Liver failure is the 12th leading cause of death worldwide. Protein-bound toxins such as bilirubin are responsible for many complications of the disease. Binder dialysis systems use albumin or another binding molecule in dialysate and detoxifying sorbent columns to remove these toxins. Systems like the molecular adsorbent recirculating system and BioLogic-DT have existed since the 1990s, but survival benefits in randomized controlled trials have not been consistent. New binder dialysis systems, including open albumin dialysis and the Advanced Multi-Organ Replacement system, are being developed. Optimal conditions for binder dialysis have not been established. We developed and validated a computational model of bound solute dialysis. It predicted the impact of changing between two test setups using different polysulfone dialyzers (F3 and F6HPS). We then predicted the impact of varying the dialysate flow rate on toxin removal. We found that bilirubin removal declines with dialysate flow rate. This can be explained through a linear decline in free bilirubin membrane permeability. Our model quantifies this decline through a single parameter (polysulfone dialyzers). Validation for additional dialyzers and flow rates will be needed. This model will benefit clinical trials by predicting optimal dialyzer and flow rate conditions. Accounting for toxin adsorption onto the dialyzer membrane may improve results further.
An MSRE-Assisted Glycerol-Enhanced RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a Method for Methylation Detection
Authors: Lu Zhiquan , Ye Zilu , Li Ping , Jiang Yike , Han Sanyang , Ma Lan
Published: December 2024

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with high prevalence in southern China. Aberrant DNA methylation, as a hallmark of cancer, is extensively present in NPC, the detection of which facilitates early diagnosis and prognostic improvement of NPC. Conventional methylation detection methods relying on bisulfite conversion have limitations such as time-consuming, complex processes and sample degradation; thus, a more rapid and efficient method is needed. Methods: We propose a novel DNA methylation assay based on methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease (MSRE) HhaI digestion and Glycerol-enhanced recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-CRISPR/Cas12a detection (HGRC). MSRE has a fast digestion rate, and HhaI specifically cleaves unmethylated DNA at a specific locus, leaving the methylated target intact to trigger the downstream RPA-Cas12a detection step, generating a fluorescence signal. Moreover, the detection step was supplemented with glycerol for the separation of Cas12a-containing components and RPA- and template-containing components, which avoids over-consumption of the template and, thus, enhances the amplification efficiency and detection sensitivity. Results: The HGRC method exhibits excellent performance in the detection of a CNE2-specific methylation locus with a (limit of detection) LOD of 100 aM and a linear range of 100 aM to 100 fM. It also responds well to different methylation levels and is capable of distinguishing methylation levels as low as 0.1%. Moreover, this method can distinguish NPC cells from normal cells by detecting methylation in cellular genomes. This method provides a rapid and sensitive approach for NPC detection and also holds good application prospects for other cancers and diseases featuring DNA methylation as a biomarker.
Use of the MNCD Classification to Monitor Clinical Stage and Response to Levodopa-Entacapone-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Santos-García Diego , López-Manzanares Lydia , Muro Inés , Lorenzo-Barreto Pablo , Casas Peña Elena , García-Ramos Rocío , Fernández Valle Tamara , Morata-Martínez Carlos , Baviera-Muñoz Raquel , Martínez-Torres Irene , Álvarez-Sauco María , Alonso-Modino Déborah , Legarda Inés , Valero-García María Fuensanta , Suárez-Muñoz José Andrés , Martínez-Castrillo Juan Carlos , Perona Ana Belén , Salom Jose María , Cubo Esther , Valero-Merino Caridad , López-Ariztegui Nuria , Alonso Pilar Sánchez , Novo Ponte Sabela , Gamo Gónzález Elisa , Martín García Raquel , Espinosa Raúl , Carmona Mar , Feliz Cici Esmerali , García Ruíz Pedro , Muñoz Ruíz Teresa , Fernández Rodríguez Beatriz , Alvarez-Santullano Marina Mata
Published: December 2024

Background and objective: Staging Parkinson’s disease (PD) with a novel simple classification called MNCD, based on four axes (Motor; Non-motor; Cognition; Dependency) and five stages, correlated with disease severity, patients’ quality of life and caregivers’ strain and burden. Our aim was to apply the MNCD classification in advanced PD patients treated with device-aided therapy (DAT). Patients and Methods: A multicenter observational retrospective study of the first patients to start the levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) in Spain was performed (LECIPARK study). The MNCD total score (from 0 to 12) and MNCD stages (from 1 to 5) were collected by the neurologist at V0 (before starting LECIG) and V2 (follow-up visit). Wilcoxon’s signed rank and Marginal Homogeneity tests were applied to compare changes from V0 to V2. Results: Sixty-seven PD patients (58.2% males; 69.9 ± 9.3 years old) with a mean disease duration of 14.4 ± 6.5 years were included. The mean treatment duration (V2) was 172.9 ± 105.2 days. At V0, patients were classified as in stage 2 (35.8%), 3 (46.3%) or 4 (17.9%). The frequency of patients in stage 4 decreased to 9% at V2 (p = 0.001). The MNCD total score decreased from 6.27 ± 1.94 at V0 to 5.21 ± 2.23 (p < 0.0001). From V0 to V2, the motor (M; p < 0.0001) and non-motor symptom (N; p < 0.0001) burden decreased, and autonomy for the activities of daily living (D; p = 0.005) improved. Conclusions: The MNCD classification could be useful to classify advanced PD patients and to monitor the response to a DAT.
Moving Forward to Disentangle the Role of the Brain in Human Obesity
Authors: Hesse Swen
Published: December 2024

Obesity and the associated medical sequelae pose a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide [...]
Aneurysm Formation at the Internal Carotid Artery Bifurcation Is Related to the Vascular Geometry of the Bifurcation
Authors: Akdağ Rifat , Soylu Ugur , Uçkun Özhan Merzuk , Polat Ömer , Gürpınar İdris , Dağlıoğlu Ergün
Published: December 2024

Background: In this study, we aimed to comparatively evaluate the morphology of internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcations with and without aneurysms and identify risk factors for aneurysm development that are associated with the bifurcation geometry. Method: In this two-center study, the computerized tomography angiography data of 1512 patients were evaluated. The study included 64 (4.2%) patients with ICA bifurcation aneurysms (ICAbifAn) and patients with anterior circulation aneurysms (non-ICAbifAn). ICA (P1) was defined as the parent artery, and the middle (M1) and anterior (A1) cerebral artery segments were defined as daughter arteries. We measured the diameters of the P1, M1, and A1 and their ratios (BifSR) to identify the risk factors. In addition, we calculated the bifurcation angle in two ways by measuring all angles between the P1 and daughter arteries and compared these two methods. The first method was the angle between the M1 and A1 (α), and the second was the sum of the angles between the P1 and daughter arteries (BifA). Result: A total of 163 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study: 58 patients in the ICAbifAn group and 105 patients in the non-ICAbifAn group. A univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the P1, BifSR, α, and BifA measurements were significant predictors of aneurysm formation. However, after a multivariate analysis, only the BifA angle retained its significance (OR, 0.911 (0.877–0.946), p < 0.001). In the ROC curve, the optimal BifA threshold for accurately differentiating between an ICAbifAn and non-aneurysmal bifurcation was 210° (area under the curve (AUC), 0.81; sensitivity, 69%; and specificity, 87%). The α angle had an AUC of 0.68. Conclusions: These results suggest that bifurcation geometry plays a significant role in the likelihood of aneurysm formation. We also showed that the BifA was more predictive of aneurysm formation than the α angle.