bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coccidia Vaccine Challenge and Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation in Broiler Chicken 2—Effect on Apparent Ileal Nutrient and Energy Digestibility and Intestinal Morphology 7 and 14 Days Post-Challenge
Authors: Adedokun Sunday A. , Dunaway Andrew , Adefioye Richard
Published: January 2025

The effect of exogenous mixed-enzyme supplementation (xylanase, β-glucanase, and pectinase) and coccidia vaccine challenge (CVC, Coccivac B-52™) on broilers fed a corn–SBM (CS) and a wheat–CS (WCS)-based diet was examined in this study. On day 14, 448 Cobb by-product breeder male broiler chickens were assigned to treatments (factorial arrangement) in a completely randomized design, with each treatment replicated seven times. Treatment effect was evaluated within each diet type as a 2 (enzyme levels) x 2 (CVC, 0 or 20X) factorial arrangement of treatments 7 and 14 days post-CVC. The 7-day (days 14–21) post-CVC, BWG, and feed efficiency (birds on the CS-based diet) were lower (p < 0.05), while birds on enzyme-supplemented diets had higher (p < 0.05) BWG compared to birds on diets without enzyme supplementation. Between days 21 and 28, an interaction between CVC and exogenous enzyme resulted in higher (p < 0.05) BWG compared with the challenged birds fed diets without enzyme supplementation. For birds fed WCS-based diets, CVC influenced (p < 0.05) BWG and feed efficiency (decreased days 14–21 and increased days 21–28), while CVC birds had higher BWG and feed efficiency 14 days post-CVC. Apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, energy, and DE were lower (p < 0.05) in CVC broilers fed either the CS- or WCS-based diets (7 and 14 days post-CVC). Interaction between CVC and exogenous enzyme supplementation indicated that CVC, irrespective of exogenous enzyme supplementation with the WCS-based diet, decreased (p < 0.05) Ca utilization (7 days post-CVC) but increased (p < 0.05) Ca utilization compared to CVC birds without enzyme supplementation 14 days post-challenge. Seven days post-CVC, irrespective of the diet type, CVC resulted in lower (p < 0.05) duodenal VH and VH:CD and higher (p < 0.05) CD. Enzyme supplementation influenced (p < 0.05) duodenal CD (increased) and VH:CD (decreased) in birds fed the WCS-based diet. Results from this study showed that complete recovery from CVC was influenced by diet type, with CVC birds fed WCS-based diet having higher BWG and feed efficiency compared to the unchallenged birds.
Effect of 10-Week Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance and Biomechanical Properties of the Muscles in Football Players: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Matuszczyk Filip , Trybulski Robert , Gałęziok Kamil , Olaniszyn Gracjan , Terbalyan Artur , Wilk Michal
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on sprint performance, reactive power, and biomechanical muscle properties in soccer players. Twenty soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). Both groups maintained their regular weekly training, with the experimental group performing additional plyometric sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 5 m and 30 m sprint times, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and biomechanical properties (tension, stiffness, elasticity) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in 5 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.44) and 30 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.11) sprint times and RSI (p < 0.05; ES = 0.87). No significant changes were observed in muscle tension, stiffness, or elasticity at the group level. However, correlations indicated that higher baseline elasticity in the VL was linked to greater 5 m sprint improvements, while changes in RF elasticity were negatively associated with 5 m sprint gains. These findings suggest that plyometric training effectively enhances short-distance sprint performance and reactive power in soccer players. Although group-level biomechanical properties did not change significantly, individual variability in muscle elasticity may modulate training outcomes, supporting the integration of plyometric exercises into soccer training regimens.
Discrete Cartesian Coordinate Transformations: Using Algebraic Extension Methods
Authors: Kadyrzhan Aruzhan , Matrassulova Dinara , Vitulyova Yelizaveta , Suleimenov Ibragim
Published: January 2025

It is shown that it is reasonable to use Galois fields, including those obtained by algebraic extensions, to describe the position of a point in a discrete Cartesian coordinate system in many cases. This approach is applicable to any problem in which the number of elements (e.g., pixels) into which the considered fragment of the plane is dissected is finite. In particular, it is obviously applicable to the processing of the vast majority of digital images actually encountered in practice. The representation of coordinates using Galois fields of the form GF(p2) is a discrete analog of the representation of coordinates in the plane through a complex variable. It is shown that two different types of algebraic extensions can be used simultaneously to represent transformations of discrete Cartesian coordinates described through Galois fields. One corresponds to the classical scheme, which uses irreducible algebraic equations. The second type proposed in this report involves the use of a formal additional solution of some equation, which has a usual solution. The correctness of this approach is justified through the representation of the elements obtained by the algebraic expansion of the second type by matrices defined over the basic Galois field. It is shown that the proposed approach is the basis for the development of new methods of information protection, designed to control groups of UAVs in the zone of direct radio visibility. The algebraic basis of such methods is the solution of systems of equations written in terms of finite algebraic structures.
Analysis of Surrounding Rock Stability Based on Refined Geological and Mechanical Parameter Modeling—A Case Study
Authors: Chai Guangzhi , Zhao Yong , Yang Tianhong , Zhao Qianbai , Jiao Shihui , Li Jinduo
Published: January 2025

Metallic ore deposits are generally formed through magmatic intrusions, followed by metamorphism. The geological structures in such regions are often complex, with mechanical parameters exhibiting significant variability. These characteristics dictate the need for refined geological modeling and heterogeneous mechanical parameters for rock mass stability analysis to ensure reliability. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel method for rock mass stability analysis. The method fully leverages high-density drilling data from the mine and introduces an intelligent rock quality designation (RQD) identification technique, facilitating characterization of the spatial heterogeneity of rock mass RQD. Building on this, laboratory experiment data and in situ measurements are integrated, and the Hoek–Brown criterion is employed to achieve a refined characterization of heterogeneous rock mass mechanical parameters. This method allows for a realistic inversion of in situ rock mass mechanical conditions, overcoming the limitations inherent in assigning uniform parameters. Finally, the computed rock mass mechanical parameters are assigned to the refined computational model to conduct rock mass stability analysis. Taking the Jiangfeng Iron Mine, with its complex geological conditions, as an example, this method enables the accurate evaluation of the rock mass stability, determines the feasibility of joint mining, and calculates the appropriate thickness of the isolation pillars, effectively mitigating safety risks in mining operations. This method provides a valuable reference for the rock mass stability analysis of underground joint mining operations for similar mines.
Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Horse Bean Plantations Soils with Various Cultivation Technologies
Authors: Swędrzyńska Dorota , Bocianowski Jan , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Swędrzyński Arkadiusz , Płaza Anna , Górski Rafał , Wolko Łukasz , Niewiadomska Alicja
Published: January 2025

Modern agriculture should limit its degrading impact on the soils, the natural environment, and the climate. No-tillage soil cultivation technologies, which have been in use for many years and are constantly being improved, are a good example of these actions; although, in-depth studies on their impact on the soil microbial community are currently scarce. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of cultivation technology on the soil bacterial community to assess differences that can be reflected in the environmental and agricultural functionality, identifying possible bacterial species with ecological properties. In this context, the composition of bacterial communities (at the phyla, order, class, and species levels) was evaluated under different conditions, such as conventional tillage (CT) (plophing), reduced tillage (RT) (stubble cultivator), strip tillage (ST), and no-tillage (direct sowing on stubble and fallow buffer zone of the experimental field), in a horse bean plantation. Metagenomic methods (next generation sequencing technology, NGS) were used to determine the percentage of individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Our study showed that no-tillage cultivation technologies, mainly strip and no-tillage methods, had a positive effect on microbiological communities. In fact, key species related to soil fertility and crop yield, such as Gemmatimonas aurantiaca (a microorganism that reduce nitrous oxide, N2O in soil) and Aeromicrobium ponti (a beneficial species for the soil environment, essential for the proper functioning of the crop agroecosystem), increased in reduced cultivation technologies. These species can determine soil fertility and crop yields, and therefore, they are very important for sustainable and even regenerative agriculture. Further studies of soil samples collected from other crop plantations under different cropping systems may indicate beneficial microbial species that are important for soil fertility.
A Review of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Architectural Design Efficiency
Authors: Li Yangluxi , Chen Huishu , Yu Peijun , Yang Li
Published: January 2025

At present, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is developing rapidly, and the construction industry is facing three major trends: industrialization, greening, and digital intelligence. This paper explores the application of AI technology in the field of architectural design and its impact on design efficiency, with 1810 articles screened from the Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Network (CNKI) search engines, 92 of which were selected for meta-analysis and review. The results show that AI has great potential in the architectural design process, including creative development, data analysis, and problem-solving. In addition, AI has other applications throughout the building lifecycle, such as predictive analytics, construction supervision, and facility maintenance. In addition, through the discussion of traditional architectural design methods and AI-driven architectural design methods, this paper summarizes the advantages and challenges of AI technology in architectural design. Finally, through case analysis, this paper believes that the future of AI in the field of construction is full of infinite possibilities; through the correct guidance and regulation of its development, it will certainly bring more innovation and progress for the construction industry.
Challenges and Constraints in the Application of Rule-Based Hull Girder Load Adjustments: Insights with Future Directions
Authors: Jang Chang Hwan , Kim Do Kyun
Published: January 2025

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced the concept of the Equivalent Design Wave (EDW) for the calculation of dynamic loads for structural analysis in the Common Structural Rule (CSR) for the design of bulk carriers and oil tankers. An EDW is a set of loads representing a design wave whose response is equivalent to the required design value at a given probability level. Classification societies are applying the EDW concept by implementing design loading equations for LNG carriers, bulk carriers, and oil tankers. According to the EDW loads, dozens of load cases are generated using the design load formula, and the hull girder loads calculated from them are adjusted to the target values. In this short communication, the hull girder load is adjusted according to the method described in the DNV rule for a cargo hold model of an LNG carrier. The adjusted load is distributed as a nodal force by shear flow and simple beam theory. An alternative method is introduced by comparing existing methods with regard to adjustment methods and load distribution. After discussing existing methods, a method for adjusting all hull girder load components in three steps and a load distribution method using the stress field were derived. The limitation of the current technique and insights summarised in this short communication may support readers in understanding the rule-based hull girder load adjustment technique. In addition, this limitation may clearly motivate the demand for alternative technology development for hull girder load adjustment.
Environmental Information Disclosure and Firms’ Green Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from New Ambient Air Quality Standards in China
Authors: Hu Jiemei , Xiao De , Li Baoxi , Peng Lv
Published: January 2025

Green total factor productivity (GTFP) is a key factor for achieving sustainable development and enhancing economic competitiveness. Environmental information disclosure plays a significant role in improving the corporate GTFP. Using A-share-listed company data in China from 2009 to 2019, this study employs the Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) promulgated by China in 2012 as a quasi-natural experiment. This study employs difference-in-differences (DID) to examine the impact of environmental information disclosure on corporate GTFP. The findings reveal that on average, environmental information disclosure positively affects firms’ GTFP. Mechanism analyses show that environmental information disclosure promotes GTFP by increasing total corporate costs, alleviating corporate financing constraints, and promoting green technological innovation. Environmental information disclosure mainly affects non-state-owned smaller, and young enterprises. These conclusions provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for governments to leverage environmental information disclosure to promote green and sustainable development, thereby achieving high-quality economic growth.
Experimental and Computational Characterization of a Modified Sioutas Cascade Impactor for Respirable Radioactive Aerosols
Authors: Sasikumar Yadukrishnan , Kumar Vineet , Montgomery Rose , Jain Prashant
Published: January 2025

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is collecting and characterizing aerosols released when spent nuclear fuel (SNF) rods are fractured in bending. An aerosol collection system was designed and tested to collect respirable sized (<10 μm aerodynamic diameter [AED]) particulates inside a hot cell facility. The setup is a modified version of the commercially available Sioutas cascade impactor, to which additional stages were added to expand the aerosol collection range from 2.5 to ~15 μm AED. To accommodate the additional stages and specific test conditions, the operating flow rate for aerosol collection was reduced, and testing was conducted by using pressure drop measurements, surrogate dust collection, and particle size characterization. The fluid flow distribution within the cascade and its stages was simulated in STAR-CCM+, and the stage-wise pressure drops obtained using the computational fluid dynamics model were then compared to experimental data. Lagrangian particle simulations were also performed, and stage-wise collection statistics were obtained from the simulation for comparison with the experimental data obtained using SNF-surrogate dust particles. The results provide valuable insights into the stage-wise particle collection characteristics of the modified cascade impactor and can also be used to improve the prediction accuracy of the manufacturer-determined analytical correlations.
Research on the Detection Model of Kernel Anomalies in Ionospheric Space Electric Fields
Authors: Li Xingsu , Li Zhong , Huang Jianping , Han Ying , Huo Yumeng , Song Junjie , Hao Bo
Published: January 2025

Research has found kernel anomaly regions in the power spectrum images of ionospheric electric fields in space, which are widely distributed. To effectively detect these kernel abnormal regions, this paper proposes a new kernel abnormal region detection method, KANs-Unet, based on KANs and U-net networks. The model embeds the KAN-Conv convolutional module based on KANs in the encoder section, introduces the feature pyramid attention module (FPA) at the junction of the encoder and decoder, and introduces the CBAM attention mechanism module in the decoder section. The experimental results show that the improved KANs-Unet model has a mIoU improvement of about 10% compared to the PSPNet algorithm and an improvement of about 7.8% compared to the PAN algorithm. It has better detection performance than the currently popular semantic segmentation algorithms. A higher evaluation index represents that the detected abnormal area is closer to the label value (i.e., the detected abnormal area is more complete), indicating better detection performance. To further investigate the characteristics of kernel anomaly areas and the differences in features during magnetic storms, the author studied the characteristics of kernel anomaly areas during two different intensities of magnetic storms: from November 2021 to October 2022 and from 1 May 2024 to 13 May 2024 (large magnetic storm), and from 11 October 2023 to 23 October 2023 (moderate magnetic storm). During a major geomagnetic storm, the overall distribution of kernel anomaly areas shows a parallel trend with a band-like distribution. The spatial distribution of magnetic latitudes is relatively scattered, especially in the southern hemisphere, where the magnetic latitudes are wider. Additionally, the number of orbits with kernel anomaly areas during ascending increases, especially during peak periods of major geomagnetic storms. The overall spatial distribution of moderate geomagnetic storms does not change significantly, but the global magnetic latitude distribution is relatively concentrated.
VSA-GCNN: Attention Guided Graph Neural Networks for Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Pratap Joshi Kambham , Gowda Vishruth Boraiah , Bidare Divakarachari Parameshachari , Siddappa Parameshwarappa Paramesh , Patra Raj Kumar
Published: January 2025

For the past few decades, brain tumors have had a substantial influence on human life, and pose severe health risks if not treated and diagnosed in the early stages. Brain tumor problems are highly diverse and vary extensively in terms of size, type, and location. This brain tumor diversity makes it challenging to progress an accurate and reliable diagnostic tool. In order to effectively segment and classify the tumor region, still several developments are required to make an accurate diagnosis. Thus, the purpose of this research is to accurately segment and classify brain tumor Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) to enhance diagnosis. Primarily, the images are collected from BraTS 2019, 2020, and 2021 datasets, which are pre-processed using min–max normalization to eliminate noise. Then, the pre-processed images are given into the segmentation stage, where a Variational Spatial Attention with Graph Convolutional Neural Network (VSA-GCNN) is applied to handle the variations in tumor shape, size, and location. Then, the segmented outputs are processed into feature extraction, where an AlexNet model is used to reduce the dimensionality. Finally, in the classification stage, a Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (Bi-GRU) is employed to classify the brain tumor regions as gliomas and meningiomas. From the results, it is evident that the proposed VSA-GCNN-BiGRU shows superior results on the BraTS 2019 dataset in terms of accuracy (99.98%), sensitivity (99.92%), and specificity (99.91%) when compared with existing models. By considering the BraTS 2020 dataset, the proposed VSA-GCNN-BiGRU shows superior results in terms of Dice similarity coefficient (0.4), sensitivity (97.7%), accuracy (98.2%), and specificity (97.4%). While evaluating with the BraTS 2021 dataset, the proposed VSA-GCNN-BiGRU achieved specificity of 97.6%, Dice similarity of 98.6%, sensitivity of 99.4%, and accuracy of 99.8%. From the overall observation, the proposed VSA-GCNN-BiGRU supports accurate brain tumor segmentation and classification, which provides clinical significance in MRI when compared to existing models.
Nanomedicine and Its Role in Surgical Wound Infections: A Practical Approach
Authors: Bentaleb Malak , Abdulrahman Mohammed , Ribeiro Jr Marcelo A. F.
Published: January 2025

Surgical wound infections are a major cause of postoperative complications, contributing to surgical morbidity and mortality. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, it is crucial to develop new innovative wound materials to manage surgical wound infections using methods that facilitate drug delivery agents and rely on materials other than antimicrobials. Nanoparticles, in particular, have captured researchers’ interest in recent years due to their effectiveness in wound care. They can be classified into three main types: inorganic nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these new technologies in enhancing wound-healing times and reducing bacterial burden. However, further research is essential to thoroughly evaluate the safety and toxicity of these materials before they can be integrated into routine surgical practice.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Corresponding Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Meng Kai , Jia Haocheng , Hou Xiaoqing , Zhu Ziming , Lu Yuguang , Feng Yingying , Feng Jingwen , Xia Yong , Tan Rubin , Cui Fen , Yuan Jinxiang
Published: January 2025

Neurodegenerative disease (ND) refers to the progressive loss and morphological abnormalities of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS). Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have shown that mitochondria play a broad role in cell signaling, immune response, and metabolic regulation. For example, mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with the onset and progression of a variety of diseases, including ND, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The dysfunction of energy metabolism, imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, or abnormal mitophagy can lead to the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis, which can induce pathological reactions such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, damage the nervous system, and participate in the occurrence and development of degenerative nervous system diseases such as AD, PD, and ALS. In this paper, the latest research progress of this subject is detailed. The mechanisms of oxidative stress, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitophagy-mediated ND are reviewed from the perspectives of β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation, dopamine neuron damage, and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation. Based on the mechanism research, new ideas and methods for the treatment and prevention of ND are proposed.
Investigation of Interactions Between the Protein MPro and the Vanadium Complex VO(metf)2∙H2O: A Computational Approach for COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Tavares Camila A. , Benedito Eduardo F. , Santos Taináh M. R. , Santos Rodrigo M. , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: January 2025

Since 2020, the attention of the scientific community has been focused on the overwhelming COVID-19 pandemic, the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus that has affected populations worldwide. The alarming number of deaths and the severity of the symptoms have driven studies aimed at combating this disease. One of the key components in the development of this disease is the protein MPro, responsible for the replication and transcription of the virus, making it an excellent biological target in research efforts seeking an effective treatment for the disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that vanadium complexes, such as bis(N′,N′-dimethylbiguanide)oxovanadium (IV), VO(metf)2∙H2O, exhibit highly promising effects for the treatment of COVID-19. This molecule contains a ligand known as metformin, which also holds a prominent place as a potential agent in the treatment of this disease due to its antiviral properties. Therefore, an investigation into the interactions between these two systems (MPro+Vanadium Complex and MPro+Metformin) is pertinent given the significance of these two molecules. Thus, computational studies such as molecular docking and classical molecular dynamics are considered advantageous, assisting in this comparative study, as well as providing a deeper understanding of the interactions that occur within each of them.
Brain Mechanisms of Hypnosis
Authors: De Benedittis Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Hypnosis is the longest-lasting of all psychotherapies and one of the oldest practiced methods for the control of pain and other stress-related chronic disorders [...]
Head Injury and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Population-Based Study from the National ALS Registry
Authors: Raymond Jaime , Howard Ileana M. , Berry Jasmine , Larson Theodore , Horton D. Kevin , Mehta Paul
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: To examine if head injury (HI) is associated with age at ALS diagnosis in the United States. Methods: In this cross-sectional populationf-based analysis, we identified patients with ALS who were registered from 2015 to 2023 who completed the Registry’s head trauma survey module. The association between HI and age at ALS diagnosis was assessed using multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 3424 respondents, 56.6% had experienced a HI. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for an ALS diagnosis before age 60 years for patients with a HI was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07–1.45). One or two HIs had an aOR of 1.15 (95% CI, 0.97–1.36), and five or more HIs had an aOR of 1.58 (95% CI, 1.19–2.09). HI before age 18 years yielded an aOR of 2.03 (95% CI, 1.53–2.70) as well as HI between the ages of 18 and 30 years (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.06–2.06)). When narrowing the analysis to patients with HI before age 18 compared with patients with no HI, we found an association with HI that led to an emergency department or hospital visit (aOR = 1.50 (95% CI: 1.21–1.86)). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional analysis of ALS patients, HIs occurring in childhood and early adulthood and the number of HIs increased the odds of being diagnosed before age 60 years. These results suggest that HI continues to be a risk factor for ALS and could be associated with a younger age of diagnosis.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, Quercetin, and Kaempferol for Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease Through Prevention of Gut Dysbiosis and Attenuation of Multiple Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis
Authors: Kalu Alexis , Ray Swapan K.
Published: January 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition in which degeneration mostly occurs in the dopamine (DA)-producing neurons within the substantia nigra in the midbrain. As a result, individuals with this condition suffer from progressively worsening motor impairment because of the resulting DA deficiency, along with an array of other symptoms that, over time, force them into a completely debilitating state. As an age-related disease, PD has only risen in prevalence over the years; thus, an emphasis has recently been placed on discovering a new treatment for this condition that is capable of attenuating its progression. The gut microbiota has become an area of intrigue among PD studies, as research into this topic has shown that imbalances in the gut microbiota (colloquially known as gut dysbiosis) seemingly promote the primary etiologic factors that have been found to be associated with PD and its pathologic progression. With this knowledge, research into PD treatment has begun to expand beyond synthetic pharmaceutical compounds, as a growing emphasis has been placed on studying plant-derived polyphenolic compounds, namely flavonoids, as a new potential therapeutic approach. Due to their capacity to promote a state of homeostasis in the gut microbiota and their long-standing history as powerful medicinal agents, flavonoids have begun to be looked at as promising therapeutic agents capable of attenuating several of the pathologic states seen amidst PD through indirect and direct means. This review article focuses on three flavonoids, specifically epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quercetin, and kaempferol, discussing the mechanisms through which these powerful flavonoids can potentially prevent gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammation, and other molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of PD, while also exploring their real-world application and how issues of bioavailability and potential drug interactions can be circumvented or exploited.
QLCM Method for Determining the Quality Level of Circular Movement in Floor Plans of Houses and Apartments
Authors: Pogačar Kaja , Kravanja Stojan
Published: January 2025

This article deals with the specific spatial organization of residential buildings and highlights the advantages of ‘floor plans with circular paths’. When renovating the existing floor plans of houses or apartments, different floor plan variants can be designed that enable circular movement. Choosing the best variant is sometimes a difficult process. For this purpose, the so-called QLCM method (quality level of circular movement) was developed, which makes it possible to calculate the quality level of the adapted floor plan variants in terms of circular movement. The method covers the aspects of movement and visibility. Different path types, such as the path from room to room, door to door, door to window, and the path along the outer walls are analyzed. Different types of views such as single, multiple, and wide views are examined. Using the QLCM method, a special quality-level coefficient is calculated for each modified floor plan. The variant with the highest calculated coefficient can be selected for implementation. Based on case studies of converting three typologically different apartments/houses from non-circular to circular floor plans, the benefits in terms of enabling circular movement, increasing visual distance, and the perception of the size of the housing unit are demonstrated.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Selected Non-Nutritive Bioactive Compounds and Their Role in Optimal Nutrition
Authors: Napiórkowska-Baran Katarzyna , Treichel Paweł , Dardzińska Anita , Majcherczak Agata , Pilichowicz Anastazja , Szota Maciej , Szymczak Bartłomiej , Alska Ewa , Przybyszewska Justyna , Bartuzi Zbigniew
Published: January 2025

The contemporary approach to nutrition increasingly considers the role of non-nutritive bioactive compounds in modulating the immune system and maintaining health. This article provides up-to-date insight into the immunomodulatory effects of selected bioactive compounds, including micro- and macronutrients, vitamins, as well as other health-promoting substances, such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics (including butyric acid and sodium butyrate), coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, and plant-derived components such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, saponins, carotenoids, and terpenoids. Micro- and macronutrients, such as zinc, selenium, magnesium, and iron, play a pivotal role in regulating the immune response and protecting against oxidative stress. Vitamins, especially vitamins C, D, E, and B, are vital for the optimal functioning of the immune system as they facilitate the production of cytokines, the differentiation of immunological cells, and the neutralization of free radicals, among other functions. Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects and enhance immune cell function. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics modulate the intestinal microbiota, thereby promoting the integrity of the intestinal barrier and communication between the microbiota and the immune system. Coenzyme Q10, renowned for its antioxidant attributes, participates in the protection of cells from oxidative stress and promotes energy processes essential for immune function. Sodium butyrate and lipoic acid exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and facilitate the regeneration of the intestinal epithelium, which is crucial for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. This article emphasizes the necessity of an integrative approach to optimal nutrition that considers not only nutritional but also non-nutritional bioactive compounds to provide adequate support for immune function. Without them, the immune system will never function properly, because it has been adapted to this in the course of evolution. The data presented in this article may serve as a foundation for further research into the potential applications of bioactive components in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with immune dysfunction.
Evaluating the Application of Cold Spray Technology for the Deposition of Copper–Graphene Composite Coatings
Authors: Zarei Fatemeh , Ardeshiri Lordejani Amir , Ruan Siyuan , Yin Shuo , Guagliano Mario , Lupoi Rocco , Bagherifard Sara
Published: January 2025

The design and implementation of two-dimensional materials into a metal matrix have been the focus of considerable research interest for achieving enhanced properties. Nevertheless, conventional and modern manufacturing techniques often struggle to fabricate bulk 2D metal matrix composites (2DMMCs) while preserving the desired distribution and preventing thermomechanical damage to the constituent phases. Cold spray technology is a solid-state manufacturing method known for maintaining the composition of the original feedstock without causing significant detrimental changes during the deposition process. This study investigates the influence of cold spray process parameters on the microstructure, porosity, and microhardness of copper composites reinforced with 1 wt.% graphene platelets. The copper–graphene composite powder was synthesized via high-energy ball milling and subsequently deposited using two distinct sets of cold spray parameters employing medium- and high-pressure systems. Scanning electron microscopy, dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, porosity measurements, microhardness testing, and Raman spectroscopy were used to comprehensively evaluate the deposits. The findings demonstrate the preservation of the 2D phase and show how cold spray parameters influence porosity, hardness, and the incorporation of graphene within the copper matrix.
A Dramatic Clinical Response to Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan in a Patient with HER-2 Low Breast Cancer with Untreated Leptomeningeal Metastasis and Hydrocephalus
Authors: Hussain Sarah , Nordal Robert , Ng Danny , Willson Morgan , Feng Xiaolan
Published: January 2025

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a rare and challenging manifestation of advanced breast cancer (ABC) with severe morbidity and mortality. Patients with LM may be asymptomatic, or present with non-specific neurologic deficits, thereby possibly delaying diagnosis. Treatment typically requires a multimodal approach for effective management, symptom relief, and quality-of-life improvement. Trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd), a humanized monoclonal antibody drug conjugate, demonstrated efficacy across diverse breast cancer subtypes expressing variable levels of HER2 proteins. Currently, T-DXd is the standard of care for patients with advanced, pretreated, HER2 low breast cancer. There is limited evidence of the response of brain metastases (BM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM) to T-DXd in HER2-low patients, with most data extrapolated from HER2-positive breast cancer studies. This case report presents the first documented instance of a patient with debilitating, symptomatic, untreated LM and hydrocephalus demonstrating a rapid and dramatic clinical response to T-DXd. This finding holds crucial clinical relevance, highlighting the potential benefit of initiating effective systemic therapy for LM early in treatment to address both central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS disease burden, rather than delaying systemic therapy until after radiation therapy.
Minimizing Bacterial Counts in Bulk Tank Milk: A Review with a Focus on Chlorine-Free Cleaning
Authors: Twomey Lorna , Furey Ambrose , O’Brien Bernadette , Beresford Tom , Gleeson David
Published: January 2025

The production of farm bulk milk with low bacterial counts is a key quality index used by industry to help ensure the production of high-quality dairy products. The primary metrics used to determine the microbiological quality of bulk tank milk on a farm are the total bacteria count (TBC) and thermoduric bacteria count. To maintain TBCs and thermoduric counts at the lowest attainable levels, i.e., TBC ≤ 15,000 cfu/mL and thermoduric bacteria ≤ 200 cfu/mL, it is imperative that milk quality management is treated as a multi-faceted endeavor. Milking equipment cleaning, pre-milking teat preparation, milk filtration, cooling and storage, milking equipment maintenance and management of a cow’s environment and diet must each be managed with best practice in mind if farm bulk milk is to consistently attain low TBCs and thermoduric counts. This is especially important when using chlorine-free cleaning protocols, which are more complex than traditional chlorine-based cleaning methods and if not implemented correctly do not offer the confidence of achieving required hygiene standards.
Risk Reduction of Intrahepatic Abscess After Locoregional Therapy for Liver Cancer in Patients with Prior Hepatobiliary Intervention
Authors: Rudnick Peter , Feia Kaleb , Laeseke Paul , Herman Joseph , Geschwind Jeff
Published: January 2025

Intrahepatic abscess is an exceedingly rare complication of locoregional therapy for patients with liver cancer. However, in patients who underwent prior hepatobiliary intervention, the incidence of liver abscess increases significantly, causing morbidity and even mortality in such patients. Here, we will review the relative risk of developing a liver abscess after intraarterial and ablative locoregional therapies in patients with liver cancer depending on whether they underwent any kind of prior hepatobiliary procedures that resulted in violation of the Ampulla of Vater. As a result, patients deemed at high risk of developing a liver abscess were treated prophylactically, with the combination of bowel preparation and antibiotics nearly eliminating the occurrence of a liver abscess after locoregional therapy. Therefore, given the significant risk of developing a liver abscess in patients with prior hepatobiliary procedures, management consisting of prophylactic bowel preparation with antibiotic coverage followed by antibiotics post-locoregional therapy is recommended.
Cardiac Manifestations in Fabry Disease: A Case Report on Two Siblings
Authors: Kovačić Slavica , Nadarević Tin , Žauhar Petar , Vujičić Božidar , Žuža Iva
Published: January 2025

Background/objectives: Anderson-Fabry disease (FD) is a rare hereditary disorder caused by deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity, which leads to multisystemic complications, including significant cardiac involvement. In this case report, we describe two siblings with distinct cardiac manifestations of FD. Methods: The medical data of two siblings who were managed and treated at a tertiary hospital center in Croatia were obtained by detailed analysis of electronic medical records. All available data were structured in chronological order. Results: A 42-year-old male with chronic renal failure and severe left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was diagnosed with FD during testing for inclusion on the kidney transplant waiting list. The diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), which revealed non-ischemic fibrosis typical of FD. Following enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), he underwent a successful kidney transplantation. The second case describes the 36-year-old brother, who was diagnosed through family screening and, despite normal initial cardiac ultrasound findings, exhibited early cardiac involvement through reduced T1-mapping values. Immediate initiation of ERT led to normalization of T1 values and successful renal transplantation. Conclusions: This report underscores the importance of family screening and early diagnosis in FD and highlights the role of CMR in detecting preclinical cardiac involvement.
Adapting Voice Assistant Technology for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Study on Usability, Learning Patterns, and Acceptance
Authors: Jakob Dietmar , Wilhelm Sebastian , Gerl Armin , Ahrens Diane , Wahl Florian
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the integration, usability, and learning patterns associated with voice assistant technology among older adults, focusing on the “Amazon Echo Show 10, 3rd generation” as a case study. Conducted with 32 participants aged 55 and above in senior and complementary households, this research employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and quantitative voice command logging over a twelve-week period. Our findings reveal a high level of learnability and usability of the voice assistant, with 90% of participants finding the device easy to learn and use. The study further explores the patterns of voice assistant use, highlighting a preference for listening to music and seeking information, predominantly on weekends. Despite initial reservations, participants reported a high satisfaction level, with most not feeling monitored by the device. Key recommendations for manufacturers include prioritizing the design and user experience to cater to older adults’ needs, aiming to enhance their digital inclusion and participation. This study contributes to the human–computer interaction (HCI) field by providing insights into older adults’ interactions with voice assistant technology, emphasizing the importance of designing accessible and user-friendly digital solutions for the aging population.
Hybrid DNN-Based Flight Power Estimation Framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Kim Minsu , Kim Minji , Chen Yukai , Kim Jaemin , Baek Donkyu
Published: January 2025

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used in logistics and communication, though they were initially used for military purposes. However, because the motor must always be rotated, the flight range of an UAV is limited, which, in turn, restricts the scope of UAV applications. Of course, if UAV power consumption is predicted using AI, it is possible to effectively plan UAV operations by deriving optimal energy-efficient flight paths during the simulation phase. However, when using deep neural networks (DNNs) to build a UAV power consumption model, it is difficult to make accurate inferences based solely on flight velocity data. For precise predictions, random vibration acceleration data, as a result of thrust and resistance, are also required. Unfortunately, such information cannot be obtained during the simulation phase and can only be acquired through the actual flight environment. In this paper, we propose the first hybrid DNN-based power model that combines a DNN-based power consumption model and a data-driven random vibration acceleration model that derives UAV random vibration acceleration information based on flight velocity and environment. The proposed modeling framework was evaluated with flight experiments, demonstrating a 6.12% root mean squared percentage error (RMSPE), which is 39.45% more accurate when compared with a conventional DNN-only power model. In addition, we performed case studies to show that it is possible to find energy-efficient flight paths.
Network Security Management in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Zhang Tao , Tang Xiangyun , Wang Jiacheng , Liu Jiqiang
Published: January 2025

Heterogeneous networks, as a critical component of modern communication technology, have experienced rapid development in recent years [...]
A Target Permutation Test for Statistical Significance of Feature Importance in Differentiable Models
Authors: Biswas Sanad , Grundlingh Nina , Boardman Jonathan , White Joseph , Le Linh
Published: January 2025

Statistical methods are crucial for a wide range of analytical processes, from exploration and explanation to prediction and inference. Over the years, there has been a major shift towards machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques due to their powerful capability in learning the complex relationships between data. However, there is a disadvantage with these technologies in that mechanisms to explain the associations between a model’s input features and its output decision-making are far fewer than in statistics. This lack of transparency is among the major reasons that prevent machine learning from being more widely utilized in numerous application domains. Beyond inexplicability, the lack of mechanisms for effectively statistically assessing feature significance, such as parsimony or the complexity–performance tradeoff, further limits users’ control over machine learning models. With such motivation, we are proposing a target permutation process for determination of statistical feature importance in differentiable models and neural networks. Compared to methods in the current literature, the switch to target permutation allows for the assessment of all input features simultaneously and the test results are strengthened with a statistical p-value for each feature. In addition, our test does not require the assumption of independence among inputs, as is prevalent in other works. Lastly, we empirically show that our target permutation process can identify highly nonlinear associations between features and target while being resilient to multicollinearity. The features marked as insignificant can be removed with minimal impact, and can even result in improved predictive performance.
Trade-Off Studies of a Radiantly Integrated TPV-Microreactor (RITMS) Design
Authors: Kaffezakis Naiki , Kotlyar Dan
Published: January 2025

Advancements in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) technologies enable a new alternative for the electrification of nuclear power. These solid-state heat engines are more robust and likely cheaper to manufacture than the turbomachinery used in traditional microreactor concepts. The Radiantly Integrated TPV-microreactor system (RITMS) described in this work takes a novel approach to utilizing direct electric conversion of thermal power radiated from the active core. Without intermediary energy transfer, this direct coupling allows for system efficiencies well above 30%. While providing an introduction to the concept, the early RITMS work lacked an integrated computational sequence and economics-by-design approach, resulting in a failure to fully capture the physics of the system or to properly evaluate design parameter importance. The primary purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate a computational sequence that fully couples the conductive-radiative heat transfer with a neutronic solution and to provide design-specific cost estimation. This new computational framework is deployed in re-examining the multi-physics behavior of the RITMS design and to perform consistent trade-off studies. A favorable RITMS design was selected based on performance and fuel cycle costs, which was deemed feasible when considering cost uncertainty. Able to operate on 7% enriched fuel, this RITMS case was selected to balance fuel utilization with total power output.