bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On different approaches to IRF lattice models. Part II
Authors: Belavin Vladimir , Gepner Doron , Cabezas J. Ramos , Runov Boris
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This paper represents a continuation of our previous work, where the Boltzmann weights (BWs) for several Interaction-Round-the Face (IRF) lattice models were computed using their relation to rational conformal field theories. Here, we focus on deriving solutions for the Boltzmann weights of the Interaction-Round the Face lattice model, specifically, the unrestricted face model, based on the

$$ \mathfrak{su}{(3)}_k $$

su

3

k

affine Lie algebra. The admissibility conditions are defined by the adjoint representation. We find the BWs by determining the quantum R matrix of the

$$ {U}_q\left(\mathfrak{sl}(3)\right) $$

U
q

sl

3

quantum algebra in the adjoint representation and then applying the so-called Vertex-IRF correspondence. The Vertex-IRF correspondence defines the BWs of IRF models in terms of R matrix elements.
Massless representation of massive superfields and tree amplitudes with the pure spinor formalism
Authors: Kashyap Sitender Pratap , Mafra Carlos R. , Verma Mritunjay , Ypanaqué Luis
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We construct the unintegrated vertex operator at the first mass level of the open superstring from the OPE of massless vertices. Using BRST cohomology manipulations, the tree amplitude of two massless and one massive state is rewritten in terms of the pure spinor superspace kinematic expression of the massless four-point amplitude at the α

′ 2 level. A generalization relating the partial n-point tree amplitudes with one massive state and linear combinations of the α

′ 2 corrections to n+1 massless amplitudes is found and shown to be consistent with unitarity.
Special Hermitian structures on suspensions
Authors: Fino Anna , Grantcharov Gueo , Verbitsky Misha
Published: February 2025

Motivated by the construction based on topological suspension of a family of compact non-Kähler complex manifolds with trivial canonical bundle given by Qin and Wang (Geom Topol 22:2115–2144, 2018), we study toric suspensions of balanced manifolds by holomorphic automorphisms. In particular, we show that toric suspensions of Calabi–Yau manifolds are balanced. We also prove that suspensions associated with hyperbolic automorphisms of hyperkähler manifolds do not admit any pluriclosed, astheno-Kähler or p-pluriclosed Hermitian metric. Moreover, we consider natural extensions for hypercomplex manifolds, providing some explicit examples of compact holomorphic symplectic and hypercomplex non-Kähler manifolds. We also show that a modified suspension construction provides examples with pluriclosed metrics.
Flavonoid-converting capabilities of Clostridium butyricum
Authors: Braune Annett
Published: February 2025

Clostridium butyricum inhabits various anoxic environments, including soil and the human gut. Here, this common bacterium comes into contact with abundant plant-derived flavonoids. Metabolization of these bioactive polyphenols has been studied in recent years, particularly focusing on gut bacteria due to the proposed health-promoting properties of these dietary constituents. Based on an initial report in 1997 on eriodictyol degradation (Miyake et al. 1997, J Agric Food Chem, 45:3738–3742), the present study systematically investigated C. butyricum for its ability to convert a set of structurally diverse flavonoids. Incubation experiments revealed that C. butyricum deglycosylated flavonoid O-glucosides but only when glucose was absent. Moreover, aglycone members of flavone, flavanone, dihydrochalcone, and flavanonol subclasses were degraded. The C-ring cleavage of the flavanones, naringenin and eriodictyol, was stereospecific and finally resulted in formation of the corresponding hydroxyphenylpropionic acids. Stereospecific C-ring cleavage of the flavanonol taxifolin led to taxifolin dihydrochalcone. C. butyricum did neither cleave flavonols and isoflavones nor catalyze de-rhamnosylation, demethylation, or dehydroxylation of flavonoids. Genes encoding potential flavonoid-metabolizing enzymes were detected in the C. butyricum genome. Overall, these findings indicate that C. butyricum utilizes flavonoids as alternative substrates and, as observed for the dihydrochalcone phloretin, can eliminate growth-inhibiting flavonoids through degradation.

Key points

• Clostridium butyricum deglycosylated flavonoid O-glucosides.

• Clostridium butyricum converted members of several flavonoid subclasses.

• Potential flavonoid-metabolizing enzymes are encoded in the C. butyricum genome.
Engineering human/simian rotavirus VP7 reassortants in the absence of UTR sequence information
Authors: Valusenko-Mehrkens Roman , Johne Reimar , Falkenhagen Alexander
Published: February 2025

Recently developed plasmid-based reverse genetics systems for rotavirus A (RVA) enable rapid engineering of reassortants carrying human RVA antigens. However, complete genome segment sequences are required for successful generation of such reassortants, and sequencing of the untranslated regions (UTRs) of field strains is often not accomplished. To address this problem, we established a system that permits the generation of reassortants using only the open reading frame (ORF) nucleotide sequence information. Plasmids containing the VP7-ORF nucleotide sequence of six human RVA field strains (genotypes G2, G5, G8, G9, G12 and G29) derived from GenBank and flanked by the UTR sequences of simian RVA strain SA11 were constructed. Using these plasmids, four VP7 (G2, G5, G9 and G12) reassortants in an SA11 backbone were successfully generated. In contrast, the G8 and G29 reassortants were not viable. BLASTp search of the G8 and G29 sequences revealed an unusual amino acid substitution in each sequence, which was not present in related field strains. Site-directed reversion of the corresponding C656T mutation in G8 led to effective rescue of reassortant virus. However, reverting the G84C mutation in G29 did not result in replicating virus. The results suggest that most human RVA VP7 UTRs can be substituted with simian RVA UTRs. However, generation of reassortants might be impeded by potential sequencing errors or intrinsic reassortment limitations. The established system could help to broaden the antigenic repertoire for rapid engineering of potential novel RVA vaccine strains.

Key Points

• Generation of diverse rotavirus vaccine strains is impeded by missing UTR sequences.

• UTRs from SA11 can be used instead of missing UTR sequences from field strains.

• Human RVA reassortants of genotypes G2, G5, G8, G9, G12 were successfully rescued.
Correlation of early-phase β-amyloid positron-emission-tomography and neuropsychological testing in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Völter Friederike , Eckenweber Sebastian , Scheifele Maximilian , Eckenweber Florian , Hirsch Fabian , Franzmeier Nicolai , Kreuzer Annika , Griessl Maria , Steward Anna , Janowitz Daniel , Palleis Carla , Bernhardt Alexander , Vöglein Jonathan , Stockbauer Anna , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Schöberl Florian , Wlasich Elisabeth , Buerger Katharina , Wagemann Olivia , Perneczky Robert , Weidinger Endy , Höglinger Günter , Levin Johannes , Brendel Matthias , Schönecker Sonja
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Clinical staging in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) typically relies on neuropsychological testing. Recognizing the imperative for an objective measure of clinical AD staging, regional perfusion in early-phase β-amyloid-PET may aid as a cost-efficient index for the assessment of neurodegeneration severity in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

Regional perfusion deficits in early-phase β-amyloid-PET as well as neuropsychological testing (max. 90 days delay) were evaluated in 82 patients with biologically defined AD according to the ATN classification. In reference to the Braak staging system patients were classified into the groups stage0, stageI−II+, stageI−IV+, stageI−VI+, and stageatypical+ according to regional perfusion deficits in regions of interest (ROIs) published by the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Multiple regression analysis controlling for age, gender, and education was used to evaluate the association of regional z-scores on perfusion-phase PET with clinical scores for all patients and with annual decline of cognitive performance in 23 patients with follow-up data.

Results

Patients classified as stage0 and stageI−II+ demonstrated significantly superior neuropsychological performance compared to those classified as stageI−IV+ and stageI−VI+. Lower cognitive performance was associated with decreased perfusion in early-phase β-amyloid-PET globally and regionally, with the most pronounced association identified in the left temporal lobe. Mean z-scores on early-phase PET in temporal and parietal regions offered a robust prediction of future annual decline in MMSE and sum scores of the CERAD-Plus (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease) test battery.

Conclusion

Regional and global perfusion deficits in early-phase β-amyloid-PET can serve as an objective index of neurodegeneration severity and may act as prognostic markers of future cognitive decline in AD.
The transoccipital parasigmoid canal of the vertebral artery through a vestige of the occipital vertebra
Authors: Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Toader Corneliu , Tudose Răzvan Costin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The vertebral artery (VA) typically courses through the foramen magnum to enter the posterior cranial fossa. A transosseous course of the VA through the lateral part of the occipital bone is an unexpected finding. Such an anomaly of the VA is reported here.

Methods

The archived angioCT file of an 81 y.o. female was studied on planar sections and by three-dimensional volume renderings.

Results

The right VA looped above the transverse process of the atlas, and then it descended to enter a canal through the lateral part of the occipital bone. That canal was medial to the posterior condylar canal and the sigmoid sinus. It was termed the parasigmoid canal. The right VA entered the posterior fossa higher than the left VA, immediately posterior to the hypoglossal canal. A distinctive osseous plate was added on the inner side of the right occipital condyle and fused to the posterior arch of the atlas, narrowing the vertebral canal. A left osseous plate was fused medially to the occipital condyle. Both these plates may be remnants of an occipital vertebra. Thus, the right VA’s anomalous course may have resulted from an aberrant course of a hypoglossal artery near but not within the hypoglossal canal.

Conclusion

The anomalous transoccipital course of the VA is a scarce but possible anatomical variation that may alter the neurosurgical landmarks, and it should be equally known by surgeons and interventionists.
Implementation of immersed boundaries via volume penalization in the industrial aeronautical computational fluid dynamics solver CODA
Authors: Núñez Jonatan , Huergo David , Lodares Diego , Shrestha Suyash , Guerra Juan , Florenciano Juan , Ferrer Esteban , Valero Eusebio
Published: February 2025

We present the implementation and validation of an immersed boundary volume penalization method in the computational fluid dynamics solver CODA (from ONERA, DLR, and Airbus). Our goal is to model and simulate turbulent fluid flows in complex 3D aerodynamic configurations through the numerical solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations using the Spalart–Allmaras turbulent model. To do that, an immersed boundary method has been implemented in CODA and an efficient preprocessing tool for the construction of unstructured hexahedral meshes with adaptive mesh refinement around immersed geometries has been developed. We report several numerical examples, including subsonic flow past the NACA0012 airfoil, transonic flow past the RAE2822 airfoil, subsonic flow past the MDA30P30N multi-element airfoil, and subsonic flow around the NASA high-lift CRM aircraft. These simulations have been performed in the CODA solver with a second-order finite volume scheme as spatial discretization and an implicit backward Euler scheme based on the matrix-free GMRES block-Jacobi iterative method. The reported numerical simulations are in good agreement with their corresponding experimental data. These encouraging results allow us to conclude that the implemented immersed boundary method is efficient, flexible, and accurate and can therefore be used for aeronautical applications in industry.
Enhanced grid stability and prolonging life span in renewable energy power converters using an advanced Sugeno-type AI-based neuro-fuzzy control
Authors: Özden Mustafa , Ertekin Davut , Baltacı Kübra
Published: February 2025

A significant challenge lies in renewable energy sources incapacity to generate high voltages and their limited life spans when subjected to high-ripple conditions. This study introduces an innovative Sugeno-type neuro-fuzzy controller for an interleaved power converter configuration aimed at mitigating the input current ripples associated with these renewable energy sources, directly addressing the longevity concern controlled by an advanced neuro-fuzzy controller. The proposed converter employs a switched capacitor (SC) cell to amplify the generated voltage within the boost converter framework. Key attributes of the proposed converter include high voltage gain, enhanced efficiency and the utilization of short-duty ratio time intervals to minimize conduction power losses at elevated voltages. Furthermore, through interleaved configuration, the current ripple from the source is diminished while the SC cell concurrently amplifies the voltage gain. A Sugeno-type neuro-fuzzy control method, based on artificial intelligence, is employed for the proposed converter to drive the switches and produce an accurate output voltage. Since the converter is primarily built on a fuzzy controller, the proposed method is mathematically simple and easy to implement. The main contribution of the proposed control approach lies in the sampling of both the input and reference, as well as the output voltages, and the generation of precise duty cycles based on the sampled reference output voltage. Due to its capability of generating high voltages, the proposed converter and control system are suitable for use in DC grids and vehicle-to-grid applications.
DeepLeaf: an optimized deep learning approach for automated recognition of grapevine leaf diseases
Authors: Talaat Fatma M. , Shams Mahmoud Y. , Gamel Samah A. , ZainEldin Hanaa
Published: February 2025

Plant diseases can cause severe losses in agricultural production, impacting food security and safety. Early detection of plant diseases is crucial to minimize crop damage and ensure agricultural sustainability. Manual monitoring is often impractical due to the complexity and time involved, making automated disease recognition essential. This study presents a new Plant Disease Detection Algorithm (PDDA) called DeepLeaf focused on identifying four common grapevine diseases: leaf blight, black rot, stable, and black measles. The PDDA integrates three key modules: an Image Preprocessing Module, a Feature Extraction Module, and an Optimized Convolutional Neural Network (OCNN)-based Classification Module. The OCNN forms the core of the classification system, with its hyperparameters fine-tuned using fuzzy optimization to enhance performance. Preprocessing techniques are applied to analyze diseased leaves, and a logistic regression algorithm is used to downsample the features for better analysis. The CNN is trained on images from the Plant Village dataset, allowing it to detect and classify grapevine leaf diseases accurately. The proposed model's efficiency in the automated diagnosis of grapevine diseases is demonstrated by its remarkable 99.7% accuracy rate. This high accuracy indicates that the PDDA may help with more effective and scalable plant disease monitoring, which will ultimately allow better agricultural practices.
The Architecture of Relational Materialism: A Categorial Formation of Onto-Epistemological Premises
Authors: Derin Ozan Ekin , Baytaş Bekir
Published: February 2025

This study formulates the basic premises of materialism, which has largely lost its visibility despite being one of the fundamental philosophical approaches that have been effective in the development of modern scientific practice and the construction of philosophy of science, in an alternative way, and aims to develop a new materialist interpretation of it that is non-reductive, pluralistic and open to the use of more than one scientific discipline. This interpretation, expressed with the term relational materialism, first addresses matter with the concept of signifier and foregrounds the concept of beable as the general philosophical category of matter. Secondly, it formulates the category of beable within the irreducible integrity of the categories of relationality, nonstaticity, and finitude; and positions knownability in terms of its correspondence to these general onto-epistemological categories. Thirdly, it clarifies the conditions of existence and knownability of particular entities under general categories based on specially corresponding onto-epistemological categories (interactability, structurability, contextuality, transformability, scale-dependency, actuality, contingency). In this respect, this study offers a pluralistic philosophical framework within which different methodological positions and scientific disciplines can be formulated and criticized based on combinations of different particular categories under general categories. In the conclusion of this article, the meaning and potential of relational materialism for the development of scientific research programs are evaluated.
“We are neither here nor there”: considerations of internal migration within forced displacement among evacuees in Israel’s northern periphery
Authors: Grinshtain Yael , Haruv Mina
Published: February 2025

Following a forced internal displacement process among evacuated parents during the ongoing crisis in Israel, the current study aimed to explore the feelings of the evacuees as well as the considerations surrounding internal migration as a more voluntary process. The Push–Pull Motivation theory was used as a framework for describing the factors that parents deliberate or debate during their search for a place to relocate during challenging periods. The primary locations of both origin and destination are in the Israeli Northern periphery characterized by geographical features such as distance from the center and proximity to Israel’s borders. Additionally, the temporarily evacuated locations were also considered as both origin and destination, representing areas outside the periphery. The phenomenological approach was employed based on 50 semi-structured interviews conducted with parents of K-12 students. The thematic analysis revealed three themes related to feelings regarding the evacuation: a sense of detachment, lack of free will, and deep concern for the well-being of the children. Furthermore, internal migration considerations are described through four situations that reflect the intersection of push and pull factors, both within and outside the periphery. The pull factors toward the periphery included economic, emotional-sentimental, ideological, and parental-familial considerations. The push factors away from the periphery included security crises, community burdens, and marginalized living conditions. The findings demonstrate an ongoing struggle between the old life and the new life, leading to an imbalance between the different needs and demands of the evacuees.
Building higher education: the tension between espoused educational values and physical infrastructure
Authors: Loughlin Colin
Published: February 2025

Through interviews with senior academic management representing 16 UK higher education institutions (HEIs), this study explores the relationship between the espoused pedagogical values focusing on student-centred learning, and the construction of large-class, fixed-seat lecture theatres. Despite the widespread promotion of student-centred, collaborative, and active learning approaches in university policy, educational strategies, and corporate literature, the physical infrastructure reflects a different set of priorities, often driven by logistical and financial considerations rather than pedagogical intent. The conceptual basis for the article is Argyris and Schön’s theory of action: a theoretical framework that distinguishes between organisational espoused theory (what organisations say they do) and theory-in-use (what they actually do). The framework was designed to better understand how organisations produce behaviour sometimes at odds with their own values. The results of the study reveal a remarkable lack of pedagogical intentionality behind the investment in large-class auditoria. This study contributes to the discourse on the alignment between HEIs’ physical infrastructure and their educational policies, highlighting a significant gap between pedagogical ideals and the realities of the physical teaching spaces created.
Scope for growth is optimized across a limited temperature range in an imperiled freshwater mussel
Authors: Pieper Evelyn B. , Radich Jessica A. , Randklev Charles R. , Berg David J. , Ramey Matthew , Wright Russell A. , Abdelrahman Hisham A. , Stoeckel James A.
Published: February 2025

Predicting effects of rising temperatures on the health and physiology of aquatic organisms is receiving increasing attention, particularly in arid regions with limited freshwater habitat. One approach to estimating energetic health of aquatic ectotherms is scope for growth (SFG)—the net energy available for reproduction and growth after meeting basic maintenance costs. We examined the relationships between temperature, clearance rates, respiration rates, and other physiological parameters to estimate SFG of Popenaias popeii—a federally endangered mussel native to the semi-arid Rio Grande basin of the southwestern USA and Mexico. Scope for growth followed a three-phase pattern with values remaining stable but negative from 16 to 24°C, increasing and becoming positive from 24 to 28°C, and decreasing back down to negative values from 28 to 32°C. In New Mexico’s Black River, a last stronghold for P. popeii, seasonal thermal regimes show that maximum investment in growth and reproduction likely occurs from May to October, when positive SFG values are most common. Within this critical period, mid-summer increases from 28 to 32°C may temporarily dampen or eliminate growth and reproduction in P. popeii as SFG decreases from peak to negative values. Management of flow to minimize thermal stress during mid-summer appears critical to maximizing growth and reproduction of remaining populations.
Against Cooperation: Or Why Telic/Functional Explanations Do Not Account for the Evolution of Rule-Following
Authors: An Christopher Joseph
Published: February 2025

Many accounts of the evolutionary origins of rule-following (or normative guidance) argue that rules and norms emerged out of the demands of cooperation in early human societies. This paper argues that this cooperation story is misguided because of the underlying telic or functional framework it relies on in explaining the emergence of normative agency. The fundamental philosophical claim here is that teleology does not entail normativity. So normative guidance does not follow from any telic/functional explanation. I consider a range of possible responses from advocates of the cooperation story, including a defence of the shared intentionality approach, and argue that they fall short. I suggest that a deontic rational structure (instead of a telic or functional one) better accounts for normative guidance. In place of cooperation, I put forward the notion of participation as a more viable alternative that captures this deontic structure. Participation is said to foreground joint commitment (in lieu of joint goals) and co-regulation (instead of cooperation or coordination) as two distinctive features structuring normative agency. I end by gesturing towards interdisciplinary work that operationally unpacks this participation view from a behavioural and comparative perspective suggesting the central role of social play as a key focal point in the evolutionary emergence of normative agency.
Determining the Cost of Organic Photovoltaic Material and Its Impact on the Levelized Cost of Electricity
Authors: Mattiasson Bjuggren Jonas , Marsh Tomas , Al-Ahmad Alaa , Sivunova Kamilla , Bonham Mitchell , Clifton Sam , Nicolaidis Nicolas , Belcher Warwick , Dastoor Paul
Published: February 2025

The field of organic photovoltaics (OPV) has delivered significant performance increases through the development of donor polymers and non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). However, these improvements have come at the expense of increased synthetic complexity, reduced scalability, and consequently higher cost. By contrast, the development of commercial OPV technology requires scalable donor–acceptor materials, which can achieve a competitive levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). As such, if OPV technology is to become commercially viable, synthetic accessibility, quantification of cost, and active layer contribution to LCOE need to be considered. This paper presents three case studies examining the cost of materials (COM) for two polymer donors (poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene))-alt-(5,5-(1′,3′-di-2-thienyl-5′,7′-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′-c:4′,5′-c′]dithiophene-4,8-dione))] (PBDB-T) and poly[2,2⁗-bis[[(2-butyloctyl)oxy]carbonyl][2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴-quaterthiophene]-5,5‴-diyl] (PDCBT)), and one non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) (3,9-bis(2-methylene-(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-indanone))-5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3-d:2′,3′-d′]-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b′]dithiophene (ITIC)). Published synthesis procedures for these materials were investigated to determine laboratory-scale COM. This analysis revealed that the NFA was significantly more expensive (~five-fold) than the cheapest donor material. Consequently, the ITIC synthesis was experimentally optimized (ITIC-Exp), delivering a significant (~six-fold) reduction in COM. Finally, bulk-scale COM was calculated based on established cost scaling laws for speciality chemicals. The effect of laboratory- and bulk-scale COM upon the LCOE for OPV modules printed at commercial scale was determined. This work highlights the finding that, at laboratory scale, a COM of $60 g−1 represents a reasonable active layer cost benchmark for competitive LCOE. This study further reveals that at bulk scale, a highly competitive LCOE ($0.13–$0.08) is achievable for the optimal donor–acceptor pair (PDCBT-DArP:ITIC-Exp) at modest efficiency (3–5%) and lifetime (3–5 years).
Global Prevalence of Anxiety in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Outpatients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Storer Ben , Holden Monique , Kershaw Kelly Ann , Braund Taylor A. , Chakouch Cassandra , Coleshill Matthew James , Haffar Sam , Harvey Samuel , Sicouri Gemma , Newby Jill , Murphy Michael
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Many patients with chronic health conditions experience anxiety, which can have significant implications on physical health outcomes and quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety in gastroenterology and hepatology outpatients, across factors such as physical health condition, type of anxiety, and patient demographics, with the intention to support clinicians in providing effective patient care.

Recent Findings

Several recent systematic reviews have been published investigating rates of anxiety in different outpatient settings, and have found consistently high rates across the dermatology, endocrinology, cardiology and respiratory/sleep medicine fields, ranging between 25.1% and 30.3%. Whilst there are established links between gastroenterology and hepatology conditions with anxiety, there has yet to be a study estimating the overall global prevalence of anxiety in this outpatient setting.

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO databases were searched from database inception to January 2023 for studies reporting anxiety in gastroenterology and hepatology outpatients ≥ 16 years of age. Prevalence was extracted from self-report questionnaires, diagnostic interviews, and records. The final meta-analysis included 81 studies, with 28,334 participants. Pooled prevalence of anxiety was 31.2% (95% CI 28.2%—34.4%). Subgroup analyses identified significant differences in prevalence across anxiety type, with health anxiety showing the highest prevalence at 23.7%, followed by generalised anxiety 14.5%, specific phobia 12.5%, panic disorder/agoraphobia 12.2%, social anxiety 11.3%, post-traumatic stress disorder 4.9%, and obsessive-compulsive disorder 4.2%. No other significant differences were found. Anxiety is thus common amongst gastroenterology and hepatology outpatients, and so it is important that careful consideration be given to the identification and management of anxiety in these settings.
Integrating the Perspectives of Relevant Stakeholders into the Development of a Service Robot for Nursing Homes: Needs Analysis and Scenario Development Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
Authors: Horstmannshoff Caren , Jahn Eva Theresa , Müller Martin
Published: February 2025

The demand for nursing home care is expected to increase. Robotic systems are discussed to address the nursing workforce shortage and maintain the quality of care by taking over service tasks. The KoBo34 project aimed to develop a service robot for nursing home care. A key aspect of successful robot development is to involve all potential future users. This paper presents an example of integrating identified nursing home residents’ needs from the perspective of relevant stakeholders into developing the service robot. A needs analysis was conducted through semi-structured interviews and field observations involving residents, their relatives, nursing home staff, and community-dwelling seniors. Data was analysed by structured qualitative content analysis using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The identified needs were discussed regarding technical feasibility and safety and consented in a panel. User stories were derived and combined into three scenarios, forming the framework for the robot’s technical development. Through ten group and 13 individual interviews with 71 participants and 16 field observations, we identified Needs for support and Wishes and Doubts regarding technology. Inductive categories were doubts about Individuality, Substitution of caregivers through technology, and Data protection and privacy. The needs analysis revealed that residents often need help transporting trays, crave additional snacks between meals or after dinner, frequently forget to drink and cannot reach the in-house store. Based on structured discussions among the researchers and validation from nursing home staff, three scenarios were developed: Serving and clearing plates, offering beverages and snacks and supporting with shopping.
Survival expectations in melanoma patients: a molecular prognostic model associated with aging
Authors: Zhang Nenghua , Qiu Xinyi , Chen Xingying , Du Cheng , Dong Jingyi , Li Xiaohong , Chen Bing , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yuyan
Published: February 2025

Background

Aging and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are research hotspots in melanoma. However, no study has so far explored the relationship between melanoma prognosis and aging-related lncRNAs (ARLs).

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the GTEx database, and the HAGR database were used in this study in a combined manner. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to screen out lncRNA signatures associated with overall survival (OS) in the primary dataset. The risk scoring model was analyzed by risk stratification and tested internally. The protein expression levels of possible target genes of ARLs were verified by immunohistochemistry analysis in HPA database. Finally, gene enrichment analysis was performed.

Results

In the primary dataset, five OS-related lncRNA signatures (AC011481.1, USP30-AS1, EBLN3P, LINC01527, HLA-DQB1-AS1) were screened out. The survival curve showed that the high-risk group had a worse prognosis than the low-risk group. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that reduced expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), along with increased expression of Activating Transcription Factor 2 (ATF2) and DNA Polymerase Delta 1 (POLD1), was linked to a worse prognosis. Finally, enrichment analysis revealed that OS-related DELs were significantly enriched in the regulation of reactive oxygen metabolism, etc. The ARGs were significantly activated in the SKCM tissues. The regulation of aging in melanoma cells may be realized through ferroptosis, immunity, and autophagy and so on.

Conclusion

The ARL signature obtained in this study had better prognostic ability than individual clinical features.
The Role of Patient Education in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tang P. , Tovel R. , Ong H. , Proud David , Burgess Adele , Watson Eleanor , Chen Wui Yeat , Lam David , Mohan Helen
Published: February 2025

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a significant complication after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery and negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life. Treatment of LARS is multimodal, and many treatments require engagement from the patient. Understanding the complex array of treatment options and the potential additive effects of different therapies can be difficult. This systematic review aims to assess the role of patient education in treatment of LARS in colorectal cancer patients. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid Medline according to the PRISMA guidelines for articles published from 1946 to October 2023 and registered with PROSPERO: 42,023,434,601. Studies that reported on clinical outcomes of patients with LARS that underwent any educational intervention were included for this review. Results from five publications including 368 patients with LARS were reviewed for analysis. Three interventions were delivered to symptomatic patients postoperatively and two to all patients who underwent low anterior resection preoperatively. Five trial protocols were also included for analysis, including three preoperative and two postoperative interventions Education interventions were often delivered alongside co-interventions such as medications and pelvic floor physiotherapy. Four studies reported improvement of mean LARS scores and quality of life measures related to the education intervention and associated co-interventions. Patient education has a positive impact towards improving functional outcomes in patients with LARS following resection for rectal cancer. In practice, it is often used in conjunction with other interventions. Determining optimal content and delivery methods is a target for future research.
Seasonal resistance status of two main malaria vectors Anopheles superpictus and Anopheles sacharovi (Diptera: Culicidae) populations from Turkey
Authors: Manap Rumeysa Yesim , Pinar Nazli , Gunenc Evin , Dogaroglu Taylan , Taskin Vatan , Kandemir İrfan , Dogac Ersin
Published: February 2025

Anopheles species are vectors for malaria. To date, insecticide application has been the primary method for controlling mosquito disease vectors. Chemical interventions to control vectors may occasionally prove ineffective, due to the development of insecticide resistance. Target-site insensitivity is one of the primary mechanisms that contribute to resistance. This study aims to determine the G119S (mutation of glycine to serine) and L1014S (mutation of leucine to phenylalanine) mutation rates of Anopheles superpictus Grassi, 1899 (Culicidae: Anophelinae) and Anopheles sacharovi Favre, 1903 (Culicidae: Anophelinae) populations and their seasonal variations in the Aegean Region. For both A. superpictus and A. sacharovi, the G119S mutation was observed at a low frequency during all three periods. The mean L1014S frequency for A. sacharovi populations in the spring 2018, fall 2018, and spring 2019 periods was 0.063, 0.156, and 0.196, respectively. For A. superpictus populations, the frequencies were 0.025, 0.013, and 0.024, respectively. Pyrethroids, the most widely utilized insecticide in recent years, which are presumed to be effective, will ultimately exhibit reduced efficacy in some of these populations.
Stable electrode material for use in supercapacitor with iodine doping after sulfonation of mesoporous activated carbon particles based on microalgae biomass
Authors: Levent Abdulkadir , Saka Cafer
Published: February 2025

Developing appropriate electrode materials is crucial for achieving supercapacitors with high power output and extended cycle life. Among these, biomass-derived carbon electrodes hold a prominent position in supercapacitor applications. However, these electrodes need to be modified by appropriate methods to increase their performance. In this study, sulphur and iodine heteroatom functionalization was performed using a hydrothermal method on activated carbon (SPAC) derived from a microalgae precursor through potassium hydroxide activation, resulting in iodine- and sulphur-doped SPAC (iodine@S-doped SPAC). Characterization was carried out with Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analyses. The electrochemical properties of the resulting composite material as a supercapacitor were examined. A specific capacitance of 208.95 F/g was achieved with the iodine@S-doped SPAC supercapacitor. The maximum energy density and power density of the supercapacitor, derived from the iodine@S-doped SPAC sample, were calculated as 5.11 Wh/kg and 2000 W/kg, respectively. Additionally, the coulombic efficiency of this supercapacitor was calculated to be 87.57% at a current density of 0.06 A/g. It also exhibited a capacity retention of up to 89.72% over 1000 cycles.
Feasibility of Fenton-based oxidation for reducing organic content, toxicity, and carbon footprint of automotive industry wastewater
Authors: Yavuz G. , Okumus M. B. , Bostanci S. , Karadirek I. E. , Ciggin A. S.
Published: February 2025

Automotive industry wastewater, particularly from the cataphoresis process, presents a challenge due to its high chemical oxygen demand and heavy metal content. Biological treatment alone is often insufficient, requiring pretreatment to enhance biodegradability. Fenton oxidation effectively targets toxic compounds, reducing inhibition of biological process. This study evaluates the feasibility of Fenton, Fenton-based, and photo-Fenton oxidation for pretreating automotive industry wastewater, aiming to optimize chemical oxygen demand removal and minimize sludge formation. Experimental studies using Response Surface Methodology revealed that Fenton and Fenton-based oxidations achieved similar chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies, although the Fenton-based process with ferric iron produced more sludge. Photo-Fenton oxidation did not provide any significant benefit. Inhibition tests showed Fenton pretreatment reduced sludge inhibition from 44 to as low as 9% under optimal conditions. The optimal operating conditions for classical Fenton oxidation were determined as a ferrous iron concentration of 0.58 g L−1, a hydrogen peroxide to chemical oxygen demand molar ratio of 0.58 mol mol−1, and a reaction time of 30 min, resulting in a 49.58% chemical oxygen demand removal with minimal sludge formation and activated sludge inhibition. Compared to the coagulation-flocculation process, Fenton oxidation demonstrated the potential to reduce the carbon footprint by 6.6–16.6%, based on carbon dioxide emissions from chemical consumption. Therefore, classical Fenton oxidation as a pretreatment process can enhance biological treatment efficiency and lower the carbon footprint of automotive industry wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstract
Temporal Changes in Racial Disparities of HIV Linkage to Care from 2013 to 2020: A Statewide Cohort Analysis
Authors: Shi Fanghui , Weaver Katherine E. , Zhang Chen , Olatosi Bankole , Zhang Jiajia , Weissman Sharon , Li Xiaoming , Yang Xueying
Published: February 2025

Background

Racial disparities have historically existed regarding HIV care outcomes, including linkage to care. This study aims to explore the contribution of contextual features (e.g., socioeconomic and structural environmental factors) to the temporal change of county-level racial disparities in linkage to care.

Methods

This is a statewide population-based retrospective cohort study. The patient-level variables in the South Carolina HIV registry system were used to calculate the aggregated county-level linkage to care percentage. Then, we used four indices to measure racial disparities in the county-level percentage of timely linkage to care, i.e., the Black-White ratio, index of disparity (ID), weighted ID, and Gini coefficient. Linear mixed-effect models were used to estimate the relationship between a variety of contextual features and disparity indexes. The analysis included data from 2013 to 2020, with 2013 as the start year due to the availability of key contextual features and 2020 as the end year based on the most recent HIV registry data available at the time of this study.

Results

Across 46 counties in South Carolina, racial disparity in linkage to care persisted between 2013 and 2020, as indicated by all four indices. When using ID, weighted ID, and Gini as outcomes, counties with lower degrees of racial residential segregation and stronger family structure were at higher risk of racial disparities in linkage to care. For weighted ID only, counties with fewer primary care providers (β =  − 4.22; 95% CI, − 7.23 ~ 1.23) had larger racial disparities in linkage to care. Furthermore, for Gini only, counties with higher income inequalities (β = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00 ~ 0.02) had larger racial disparities in linkage to care.

Conclusion

Efforts to address racial disparities should continue, and innovative approaches, specifically those that focus on social and structural factors, should be developed and implemented for populations that have poor HIV outcomes in the USA.
ChatGPT as a Virtual Patient: Written Empathic Expressions During Medical History Taking
Authors: Aster Alexandra , Ragaller Sophia Viktoria , Raupach Tobias , Marx Ambra
Published: February 2025

Objective

Virtual patients are already utilized in the teaching of medical history taking. Since its emergence, ChatGPT has been integrated into several areas of medical education. This study aimed to examine whether ChatGPT can be used to train empathic history taking while fostering students’ subjective autonomy.

Methods

Third-year medical students took histories with ChatGPT 3.5 after entering a predefined prompt covering cardiological diseases. Afterwards, students answered a questionnaire regarding their experienced autonomy. All chats were analyzed using the Empathic Communication Coding System measuring ChatGPT’s given empathic opportunities as well as students’ responses.

Results

Out of 659 interactions, 93 were identified as empathic. ChatGPT provided opportunities mostly through reporting emotional statements or challenges. Students sometimes missed reacting adequately to ChatGPT’s opportunities but more often responded by implicit recognition of patient perspective and reported a high level of experienced autonomy.

Conclusions

The study yielded preliminary results that ChatGPT might be suitable as a tool mimicking a virtual patient while enabling an empathic history taking. To date, ChatGPT seems valid as a supplement to training with simulated patients. Medical faculty could consider integrating ChatGPT into teaching, such as through a flipped classroom approach, to guide students in its use as ChatGPT continues to gain attention.
A novel robust multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithm based on surviving rate
Authors: Jiang Wenxiang , Gao Kai , Zhu Shuwei , Xu Lihong
Published: February 2025

Multi-objective evolutionary optimization is widely utilized in industrial design. Despite the success of multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithms in addressing complex optimization problems, research focusing on input disturbances remains limited. In many manufacturing processes, design parameters are vulnerable to random input disturbances, resulting in products that often perform less effectively than anticipated. To address this issue, we propose a novel robust multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithm based on the concept of survival rate. The algorithm comprises two stages: the evolutionary optimization stage and the construction stage of the robust optimal front. In the former stage, we introduce the survival rate as a new optimization objective. Subsequently, we seek a robust optimal front that concurrently addresses convergence and robustness by employing a non-dominated sorting approach. Furthermore, we propose a precise sampling method and a random grouping mechanism to accurately recover solutions resilient to real noise while ensuring population’s diversity. In the latter stage, we introduce a performance measure that integrates both robustness and convergence to guide the construction of the robust optimal front. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of both convergence and robustness compared to existing approaches under noisy conditions.
Dimensional and mechanical characterization of nylon lattice, spring, and non-assembly designs fabricated with selective laser sintering
Authors: Khatri Nava Raj , Smith Johnathan A. , Egan Paul F.
Published: February 2025

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a promising additive manufacturing process for design innovation, particularly for integrated systems with non-assembly parts. In this paper, minimum size features and mechanics for SLS parts are analyzed to inform the design and characterization of nylon lattices, springs, and joints using prosthetics as an exemplary framework. These characterizations inform the printing of complete nylon consolidated parts using SLS, which was demonstrated with fully functional parts printed without the need for any further assembly. Material testing demonstrated that the prints have low anisotropy with elastic moduli from 770 to 920 MPa for varied print orientations and tension/compression cases. Lattices with body-centered cubic unit cells with 30% and 50% relative densities had effective elastic moduli ranging from 18 to 45 MPa. Helical springs with 3–7 mm wire diameters showed a tunable stiffness from 0.3 to 16.8 N/mm. Springs demonstrated a minimal loss in strength after 20 cycles. A finger prosthetic designed with 0.2-mm gap sizes between components was printed that demonstrated a non-assembly print of functioning joints. Overall, the work demonstrates SLS’s manufacturing constraints and mechanics for consolidated designs with non-assembly mechanisms that enable innovation across wide-ranging engineering.