bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Review of Transitional Care for Families of Pre-Term Infants
Authors: Kim Jeong Soon , Kim Hae Ran
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to identify the key elements of transitional care for families with pre-term infants in South Korea. We used an integrative review methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafle in 2005. During the problem identification step, the review question was constructed via the population, intervention, outcome, and timeframe (PIOT) format. During the literature search step, integrative reviews of published literature from nine electronic databases were undertaken and a total of 14 studies were reviewed that met our inclusion criteria. During the data evaluation step, the quality of the literature was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) developed by Hong et al. in 2019. We identified three domains and 10 key attributes of transitional care for families of pre-term infants. The parenting empowerment domain included growth and development, developmental promotion, nutrition, safe environment, general parenting, and parent-infant interaction. The emotional support domain included counseling, advocacy, and community network. The social support domain included professional collaboration. Efforts should continue to further develop programs and policies to enhance transitional care for families of pre-term infants that reflect South Korean nursing practices.
Hyperspectral Image Segmentation for Optimal Satellite Operations: In-orbit Deployment of 1D-CNN
Authors: Justo Jon Alvarez , Langer Dennis D. , Berg Simen , Nieke Jens , Ionescu Radu Tudor , Kjeldsberg Per Gunnar , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: November 2024

AI on spaceborne platforms optimizes operations and increases automation, crucial for satellites with limited downlink capacity. It can ensure that only valuable information is transmitted, minimizing resources spent on unnecessary data, which is especially important in hyperspectral Earth Observation missions, producing large data volumes. Our previous work showed that the 1D-CNN, 1D-Justo-LiuNet, outperformed 2D-CNNs and Vision Transformers for hyperspectral segmentation, making our model the best choice for in-orbit deployment. In this work, we mark the first deployment and testing of a 1D-CNN in a satellite. We implement a C version of the 1D-Justo-LiuNet and, after ground validation, we deploy it on the on board the HYPSO-1 satellite. We demonstrate in-flight segmentation of hyperspectral images via the 1D-CNN to classify pixels into sea, land, and cloud categories. We show how in-orbit segmentation improves satellite operations, increases automation, and optimizes downlink. We give examples of how in-orbit segmentation addresses mission challenges in HYPSO-1, such as incomplete data reception, incorrect satellite pointing, and cloud cover, helping decide whether to transmit or discard data on board. An additional CNN autonomously interprets segmented images, enabling on-board decisions on data downlink.
4D Generalized AMS Optimization Considering Critical Engine Inoperative for an eVTOL
Authors: Zhang Jiannan , Söpper Max , Holzapfel Florian , Zhang Shuguang
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present a method to optimize the attainable moment set (AMS) to increase control authority for electrical vertical-take-off-landing vehicles (eVTOLs). As opposed to 3D AMS for conventional airplanes, hover control of eVTOLs requires vertical thrust produced by the powered lift system in addition to three moments. The limits of the moments and vertical thrust are coupled due to input saturation, and as a result, the concept of traditional AMS is extended to 4D Generalized Moment Set to account for this coupling effect. Given a required moment set (RMS) derived from system requirements, the optimization is formulated as a 4D convex polytope coverage problem, i.e., the AMS coverage over the RMS, such that the system's available control authority is maximized to fulfill the prescribed requirements. The optimization accounts for not only nominal flight, but also for one critical engine inoperative situation. To test the method, it is applied to an eVTOL with 8 rotors to optimize for the rotors’ orientation w.r.t the body axis. Results indicate highly improved coverage of the RMS for both failure-free and one engine inoperative situations. Closed-loop simulation tests are performed for both optimal and non-optimal configurations to further validate the results.
Targeting EP2 receptor improves muscle and bone health in dystrophin-/-/utrophin-/- double knockout mice
Authors: Gao Xueqin , Cui Yan , Zhang Greg , Ruzbarsky Joseph J , Wang Bing , Layne Jonathan E , Xiao Xiang , Huard Johnny
Published: November 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic muscle disease due to mutations of dystrophin gene. There is no cure for DMD. Using a dystrophin-/-utrophin-/- (DKO-Hom) mouse model, we investigated the PGE2/EP2 pathway in the pathogenesis of dystrophic muscle and its potential as a therapeutic target. We found that Ep2, Ep4, Cox-2, 15-Pgdh mRNA, and PGE2 are significantly increased in DKO-Hom mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The EP2 and EP4 receptors are mainly expressed in CD68+ macrophages and are significantly increased in the muscle tissues of both dystrophin-/- (mdx) and DKO-Hom mice compared to WT mice. Osteogenic and osteoclastogenic gene expression in skeletal muscle also increased in DKO-Hom mice, which correlates with severe muscle heterotopic ossification (HO). Treatment of DKO-Hom mice with the EP2 antagonist PF04418948 for 2 weeks, increased body weight, reduced HO and muscle pathology by decreasing both total macrophages (CD68+) and senescent macrophages (CD68+P21+), while increasing endothelial cells (CD31+). PF04418948 also increased bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) of the tibia trabecular bone and the cortical bone thickness of both the femur and tibia without affecting spine trabecular bone microarchitecture. In summary, our results indicate that targeting EP2 improves muscle pathology and maintains bone mass.
The Instagrammable Hotel
Authors: Dragin-Jensen Christian , Post-Lundgaard Mia , Schnittka Oliver
Published: November 2024

This paper examines Instagram's increasing influence on the hotel industry, an area that remains under-researched from both consumer and hotel perspectives. Through an explanatory sequential design, combining a quantitative analysis of 1,031 posts with qualitative interviews from hotel professionals, the research uncovers the types of content that resonate most with users and how hoteliers strategically leverage Instagram. The findings reveal which content formats, hotel attributes, and post characteristics capture audience attention. Additionally, the study offers unique insights into Instagram’s distinct role compared to other social media platforms in the hotel industry. As the first study to define what makes a hotel "instagrammable" from both consumer and industry viewpoints, it provides valuable insights into how hotels can strategically harness Instagram to attract and engage their audience.
The Impact of BMI on Ventricular Function Recovery in Children After Pims-Ts
Authors: Kamińska Halszka , Rożnowska-Wójtowicz Anna , Werner Bożena
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The goal of the study was to assess if body mass index (BMI) affects the pace of cardiac muscle recovery in children after PIMS-TS.
Methods: A prospective single-center study enrolled consecutive children hospitalized with PIMS-TS between October 2020 and February 2022 and followed-up after 6 weeks and 6 months. In all children three-dimensional echocardiography and global longitudinal strain were used to assess ventricular function and the results were analyzed according to patients’ BMI status.
Results: The study enrolled 170 patients aged 1-17 years, median 8.5+4.43 years. Children with normal BMI (>5th and 85th percentile; n=40) made 23.53% and underweight (85th percentile LVEF 61.15+3.21%, BMI 85th per-centile may indicate poorer left ventricular performance. Children with normal BMI may present more advantageous cardiac recovery pace after PIMS-TS.
Manipulating Time Series Irreversibility Through Continuous Ordinal Patterns
Authors: Zanin Massimiliano
Published: November 2024

Time irreversibility, i.e. the lack of invariance of a system under the operation of time reversal, has long attracted the attention of the statistical physics community; and has been shown to be a relevant marker of altered dynamics in many real-world problems. We here introduce and analyse the complementary problem of its manipulation. In other words, we ask whether, given a time series, this can be manipulated to achieve a desired irreversibility while maintaining the original dynamics. We show how this problem can be tackled using Continuous Ordinal Patterns, a non-linear transformation of a time series based on the local structure created by neighbouring values. We further illustrate the relevance of this problem in the context of brain dynamics, obtaining that schizophrenic patients and control subjects are characterised by different "distances to irreversibility". We finally discuss some open questions, including the meaning of such manipulation from both theoretical and applied viewpoints.
Improving the Structural Efficiency of Punched Metal Material (PMM)-Based Composites
Authors: Lisicins Mihails , Serdjuks Dmitrijs , Akishin Pavel , Mironovs Viktors , Goremikins Vadims , Lapkovskis Vjaceslavs
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the potential of reusing punched steel waste, a significant component of solid inorganic waste, in composite materials for construction applications. Driven by the growing global demand for raw materials (projected to quadruple by 2050) and the need for sustainable waste management practices, this research explores the creation of a composite material (PPLK) incorporating punched steel tape (LPM-4 grade) embedded in a polypropylene matrix. Experimental testing of PPLK specimens (310 x 90 x 6.30 mm) and finite element analysis (FEA) were employed to evaluate the mechanical properties and stress concentration coefficient. Results show that the PPLK composite exhibits a load-carrying capacity of 21.64 kN, exceeding the sum of its individual components by 11.37%, demonstrating a synergistic effect between the steel (average tensile strength 220.65 MPa) and polypropylene. FEA further revealed that increasing the matrix's modulus of elasticity to 42 MPa significantly reduces the stress concentration coefficient in the steel component, resulting in a 24% enhancement of the elastic force. The findings suggest a viable path toward sustainable waste management and improved material utilisation in the construction industry.
Streptococcus agalactiae Infection in Wild Trahira (Hoplias malabaricus) and Farmed Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) in Brazil: An Interspecies Transmission in Aquatic Environments Shared with Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Leal Carlos Augusto Gomes , Xavier Rafael Gariglio Clark , Queiroz Guilherme Alves de , Silva Tarcísio Martins França , Teixeira Júnia Pacheco , Aburjaile Flávia Figueira , Tavares Guilherme Campos
Published: November 2024

Streptococcus agalactiae is an important pathogen responsible for cases of high mortality in farmed and wild fish worldwide. In Brazil, this bacterium has been commonly associated with outbreaks in Nile tilapia farms, but other native fish species are also susceptible. Since floating cages are one of the most common culture systems used in the country, the close contact between farmed tilapia and native fish species presents a risk concerning the transmission of this pathogen. In this study, we characterized a mortality outbreak in free-living trahira and in farmed arapaima, as well as the genetic and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates obtained. During the outbreaks, moribund fish were sampled and subjected to bacterial examination, after which the isolates were identified via MALDI-ToF analysis. Genotyping was evaluated using repetitive sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using disc diffusion assays. In addition, whole genome analysis also was performed. S. agalactiae was identified in all diseased fish, all of which belonged to serotype Ib, however, trahira strains were classified as non-typeable lineages in the MLST assay, while arapaima strains were classified as ST260. These isolates were shown to be similar to the main genotype found in Nile tilapia in Brazil, using REP-PCR, MLST and phylogenomic analysis. The pathogenicity of bacterium was confirmed by Kock’s postulates for both fish species. The antimicrobial susceptibility assay showed variable results to the same antibiotics among the isolates, prompting four of the isolates to be classified as multidrug-resistant. This study represents the first report of a natural outbreak of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in wild trahira and farmed arapaima inhabiting the same aquatic environment with Nile tilapia.
Telemetry Design of In Situ Water Depth Monitoring: Study Case in University of Sriwijaya Lake, Indonesia
Authors: Saleh Khairul , Wahid Rendy M , Hadi Hadi , Adnan Yulinar , Satya Octavianus Cakra , Iskandar Iskhaq , Assaidah Assaidah
Published: November 2024

A telemetry system of water depth monitoring is required to have bidirectional communication to obtain an effective and efficient measurement system. It should be run at any meaningful time requested by user so that the collected data become more crucial and eventually generate an energy and memory saving modem. This work proposed the scheme to be applied in a campus lake with flooding and drainage warning systems to avoid the common natural disaster in raining and dry seasons, respectively. The system based on Arduino board and Ultrasonic sensor equipped by Wi-Fi modem to communicate with user’s phone who able to start a measurement and monitored the water depth through a website. The result showed that in the laboratory test, the alert was successfully sent to user’s phone whenever the depth rose past the threshold value. In the field test, the measurement of the lake’s water depth had been effectively monitored via website throughout 12 hours using 6000 mAh battery lasted for 72 times of data transmission.
Evaluation of Almond Shell Activated Carbon for Dyes (Methylene Blue and Green Malachite) Removal by Experimental and Simulation Studies
Authors: Rial Adrián , Pimentel Catarina Helena , Gómez-Díaz Diego , Freire María Sonia , González-Álvarez Julia
Published: November 2024

The present work analyses the behaviour of an activated carbon fabricated from almond shell for the removal of cationic dyes (methylene blue and malachite green) by adsorption from aqueous solutions. The carbonized precursor was activated with KOH at a 1:1 (w/w) ratio with the objective of increasing both surface area and pore volume. Both non-activated and activated carbon were characterized in different aspects of interest in dye adsorption studies (surface structure, point of zero charge, surface area, pore size distribution). The effect of dye initial concentration and adsorbent dosage upon dye removal efficiency and carbon adsorption capacity has been studied. Adsorption kinetics was analysed under different experimental conditions and different models were essayed to determine the adsorption mechanism. Dye adsorption in the adsorbent surface could be considered the rate-limiting step. Adsorption equilibrium isotherms have also been obtained, and Langmuir and Freundlich equations showed the best fitting to the experimental data. Moreover, Adsorption kinetic and equilibrium data have been used to simulate breakthrough curves in a packed-bed column using different conditions (bed length, liquid flowrate, dye initial concentration). Simulation results showed that almond shell activated carbon is a suitable adsorbent for methylene blue and malachite green removal from wastewater.
Impact of Saharan Dust Intrusions on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height over Madrid
Authors: Molero Francisco , Salvador Martinez Pedro , Pujadas Cordero Manuel
Published: November 2024

Atmospheric pollution caused by aerosols deteriorate air quality, increasing public health risk. Anthropogenic aerosols are mostly concentrated within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), that presents a daytime evolution that determine the vertical mixing of the air pollutants generated near the surface and therefore, their ground-level concentration from local sources. Proper characterization of this layer is of crucial importance in numerical weather forecasting and climate models; however, their estimation nowadays presents some spatial and temporal limitations. Lidars have demonstrated their capabilities to study the aerosol vertical distribution. A particular type of lidars, ceilometers, are capable of providing continuous aerosol vertical profiles with good spatial resolution and a large vertical range. Advanced methods, such as the recently developed STRATfinder algorithm, are required to estimate the ABL height due to difficulties with residual layers. The algorithm tracks ABL heights to provide values every hour during a 24-hour period. More complex situations occur due to advection of aerosols (e.g. due to long-range transport of desert dust, volcanic eruptions, or pyrocloud convection), producing lofted layer in the free troposphere that may remain decoupled from the local ABL but can also be mixed. Aerosol-based methods for determination of the ABL height are challenging in those situations. The main objective of this research is the assessment of the impact of Saharan dust intrusions on the ABL using ceilometer signals, along four years period 2020-2023. The database of ABL heights of continuous measurements have been classified regarding the most frequent patterns of synoptic circulation. Six synoptic meteorological patterns were identified through cluster analysis of sea level pressure fields as the main responsible of the weather conditions in the Iberian Peninsula. Counter-intuitive behavior is obtained in particular synoptic situations due to the presence of dust-rich aloft layers. These results are relevant for health advice during Saharan dust intrusion days.
Analyzing Climate and Permafrost Shifts in Yakutia’s Arctic and Subarctic over the Past 50-60 Years
Authors: Fedorov Alexander N. , Konstantinov Pavel Y. , Vasiliev Nikolay F. , Varlamov Stepan P. , Skachkov Yuri B. , Gorokhov Alexey N. , Kalinicheva Svetlana V. , Ivanova Rosalia N. , Petrova Alexandra N. , Andreeva Varvara V. , Novopriezzhaya Varvara A. , Sivtsev Maxim A. , Zheleznyak Mikhail N.
Published: November 2024

Global climate has undergone significant changes in the past 50-60 years. The transition from stable climate conditions to current warming has significantly influenced permafrost landscapes and infrastructure in cold regions. Arctic and Subarctic landscapes had distinct reactions to these changes. The objective of this study is to analyze the regional aspects of climate and permafrost changes in Yakutia's Arctic and subarctic regions from the past 50-60 years. Our analysis focused on climate change patterns during different periods, including cold period, pre-warming, and modern warming. We analyzed data on mean annual air temperature, thawing and freezing indices, and precipitation. During these periods, we determined the reaction's characteristics in various landscape regions. The most significant impact on permafrost began in the mid-2000s, as our observations confirmed. Global warming directly causes permafrost temperature to rise, the active layer to thicken, and cryogenic processes to develop. The conducted research provides the information needed to study the effects of global warming on permafrost and adapt socio-economic conditions in northern Yakutia.
Optical Turbulence Characteristics at the Special Astrophysical Observatory Site
Authors: Shikhovtsev Artem Y. , Potanin Sergey A. , Kopylov Evgeniy A. , Qian Xuan , Bolbasova Lidia A , Panchuk Asya V. , Kovadlo Pavel G.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we used meteorological data to simulate vertical profiles of optical turbulence at the Special Astrophysical Observatory (Russia, 43°40′19 ′′ N 41°26′23′′E, 2100 m a.s.l.), site of the 6-m Big Telescope Alt-azimuthal. The vertical profiles of optical turbulence are calculated using ERA-5 reanalysis data. These profiles are corrected using DIMM measurements as well as estimations of atmospheric boundary layer heights. We may note that the method basically reconstructs the most important features of the shape of the measured profile under clear sky. Atmospheric turbulent layers were identified, and the strength of optical turbulence in these layers was estimated. The model hourly values of seeing corresponding to the obtained vertical profiles range from 0.85 to 2.10 arcsec, values of the isoplanatic angle vary in the range from 1 to 3.0 arcsec (at λ = 500 nm). These estimations are close to the measured median of seeing (1.21 arcsec).
Molecular Targeting of Ischemic Stroke: The Promise of Naïve and Engineered Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Lee Jihun , Geum Dongho , Park Dong-Hyuk , Kim Jong-Hoon
Published: November 2024

Ischemic stroke (IS) remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with limited therapeutic options available. Despite the success of early interventions such as tissue-type plasminogen activator administration and mechanical thrombectomy, many patients continue to experience persistent neurological deficits. The pathophysiology of IS is multifaceted, encompassing excitotoxicity, oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier disruption, all of which contribute to neural cell death, further complicating the treatment of IS. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted naturally by various cell types have emerged as promising therapeutic agents because of their ability to facilitate selective cell-to-cell communication, neuroprotection, and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, engineered EVs, designed to enhance targeted delivery and therapeutic cargo, hold potential to improve their therapeutic benefits by mitigating neuronal damage and promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the characteristics of EVs, the molecular mechanisms underlying IS pathophysiology, and the emerging role of EVs in IS treatment at the molecular level. This review also explores the recent advancements in EV engineering, including the incorporation of specific proteins, RNAs, or pharmacological agents into EVs to enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
Temporal Characteristics of Rainfall Events at Very High Timescale
Authors: Nayak Sridhara
Published: November 2024

Characteristics of rainfall events and its spell durations are the most important information for natural disasters such as floods, coastal erosion, landslides, water hazards etc. In the present study, we investigated the probability distributions of spell durations for rain exceeding various thresholds (0.5, 1, 2mm/10min) and discussed the peak intensity events (2, 5, 10, 20mm/10min) associated with the rain spell durations from very high timescale (10min) observations at 1296 AMeDAS stations across Japan. Our results infer that the heavy rainfall events (>2mm/10min) over Japan last for shorter duration (up to 1.5hr) and the light rainfall events (<1mm/10min) last for longer duration (up to 2hr). The low intensity events with 2mm/10min peak are found to be short-lived and last up to 3 hours, while the high peak intensity events of more than 5mm/10min are long-lived and last up to 10 hours. The analysis of longer spell wet events (last for at least 12 hours) indicates that the ~15hrs spell duration with 2-10mm/10min peak intensity events occurs more frequently than longer duration event. The very high peak intensity events (up to 10-20mm/10min) are noticed to last up to 24-33hours. These results suggest that the intensity and duration of rainfall events in Japan may play an important role in natural hazards.
The Farahzad Neighbourhood of Tehran: Land Use Transition in the City Periphery
Authors: Hosseini Seyedeh Zahra , Wynn Martin , Parpanchi Seyed Mostafa
Published: November 2024

Since the 1960s, Iran’s major cities have experienced significant migration from the country’s rural areas and from overseas. Although many urban planning and design concepts can be traced back to Iran, the coun-try’s planning machinery has failed to effectively regulate urban growth, notably in the city peripheries, where land use has changed radically as semi-rural areas have been developed in a haphazard fashion with scant adherence to existing plans and planning regulations. Farahzad is one such area in the urban periph-ery of Tehran, where a range of sub-standard dwellings have been built and urban services are deficient in many regards. This article uses secondary documentation, images developed from GIS data, and interview material with NGOs and other local authorities to explore the growth of the neighbourhood in recent dec-ades, and assess the current problems confronting both residents and local authorities. The article examines how the urban landscape has evolved, how the resident population has grown, and the nature of the social and economic issues that persist today. Findings suggest that the planning machinery, and land use zoning in particular, have played little part in guiding or controlling urban development in this peripheral neigh-bourhood, and that identifying urban fabrics may prove a useful way of assessing socio-economic and physical development needs in such circumstances. The article makes a small contribution to our under-standing of the change dynamics in a peripheral neighbourhood of a major city in the developing world.
Anthropogenic Drivers of Small Island Effects in Urban Remnant Woody Plants
Authors: Kong Di , Wang Kai , Dong Lin , Yang Jinming , Gao Zhiwen , Liang Hong
Published: November 2024

The positive relationship between species richness and area is a fundamental principle in ecology. However, this pattern deviates on small islands, where species richness either changes independently of area or increases at a slower rate—a phenomenon known as the Small-Island Effect (SIE). While the SIE has been well-documented in natural ecosystem, its presence in highly fragmented and disturbed urban ecosystem remains unexplored, posing challenges for urban vegetation conservation. Urban remnant vegetation, isolated by surrounding infrastructures, preserves intact zonal vegetation characteristics, serves as a benchmark for restoring near-natural habitats and offers ideal conditions to test the existence of SIE in human-altered landscapes. In this study, we surveyed 17 remnant vegetation patches in Qingdao City, China. In total of 331 plants attributed to 255 genus in 81 families been recorded. Firstly, by using six species-area relationship regression models tested SIE for remnant vegetation with different life form (i.e. annual herb, perennial herb, shrub and tree), we found SIE detected in only woody plants, with area threshold ranging from 6.38 ha (tree) to 11.91 ha (shrub). According to stepwise and generalized linear regression mode analysis we found SIE detected in only woody plants, with area threshold 6.38 ha for tree and 11.91 ha for shrub. Further analysis revealed that the SIE in shrub was driven by landscape shape index, perimeter-area ratio, and the proportion of sealed surface within patch. For trees, the SIE was influenced by the distance to the source of species, GDP, night light intensity and perimeter-area ratio. This finding justifies that conservation in urban planning, construction and development should focus not only on protecting large areas, but also on maintaining and promoting diverse habitats within these areas. At the same time, reducing anthropogenic disturbance and enhancing the connectivity of green spaces are important for the persistence of metacommunities and can contribute to the local species pool, thus potentially improving the ecological resilience of urban environments.
EARLY OBESITY COUNSELLING IN PRIMARY CARE SETTING COULD DECREASE METABOLIC DISEASES Are Diabetes and Hypertension Avoidable, If Stopping Early Weight Gain?
Authors: RURIK Imre , JANCSÓ Zoltán , KOVÁCS Eszter , MÓCZÁR Csaba , KOLOZSVÁRI László Róbert , TORZSA Péter
Published: November 2024

Obesity management is a big challenge for health care providers. Obesity-related metabolic diseases are the most common chronic conditions and risk for shorter lifespan. Primary care is the appropriate level, not only for the management but for the prevention and early recognition as well. Obesity develops gradually and needs attention in the early phase of weight gain.
The main results of four Hungarian and international studies in primary care settings were summarized, seeking relationship between weight gain in younger life and development of metabolic diseases.
Data of primary care patients were collected about the changes of their weight gain from 20y to the present. Source: medical files and self-reports.
Early weight-gain between 20y and 30y means a serious risk for developing diabetes, between 30y and 40y for hypertension and even faster weight-gain could be a risk factor for both metabolic diseases. In females, significant weight gain around pregnancies and the menopause could increase the risk of these morbidities as well.
Primary care service providers/family physicians/general practitioners ought to be not only an inactive observers, they have to give more focus on those of their patients who show conspicuous weigh gain in their younger decades, to explore the individual reasons and to initiate the appropriate intervention as early as possible.
Orthokeratology Lens Decentration With Two Designs of Corneal Refractive Therapy™ Lenses: A One-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Batres Laura , Arroyo-del Arroyo Cristina , Bodas-Romero Julia , Carracedo Gonzalo
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: To examine the trend of treatment zone (TZ) decentration over 12 months of Orthokeratology (OK) wear using two corneal refractive therapy (CRT) lens designs: standard (STD) and dual axis (DA). Methods: A prospective, randomized, longitudinal study was conducted at the Optometry Clinic of the Complutense University of Madrid. Subjects were fitted with STD or DA designs in one of the eyes, randomly. Refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (VA) and corneal topography were performed at baseline, 1-night, 1-week, 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month of lens wear. Subjects requiring lens parameter adjustments or replacements after 3 months were excluded. Decentration was measured by subtracting pre-OK from post-OK tangential curvature maps at each visit, with decentration distance and corneal optical TZ measured using MATLAB. Correlations between decentration and visual acuity (VA) were also analyzed. Results: Thirty healthy children completed all the visits (17 female and 13 male) with a mean age of 12.83±2.42 years (range: 8–17 years). No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found either in the horizontal, vertical nor total decentration through the visits between lens designs. However, for STD design horizontal and total decentration increased significantly at the last visit (p<0.05). For DA design, no significant differences were found along time (p>0.05). No correlation was found between decentration and VA. Conclusions: Total decentration in both lens designs was similar throughout one year of follow-up. The standard design tended to decenter horizontally during the last 6 months, while the dual-axis design maintained consistent decentration throughout the year.
Discovery of a Trace Fossil Containing the Remains of Minuscule Squamates: Evidence in Support of the Lizard‐to‐Snake Hypothesis
Authors: Smith John Kelly
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Micropaleontology is the study of microscopic fossils such as coccolithophores, foraminifera, diatoms, and radiolaria. These diminutive fossils range in size from 0.001 to 1 mm and are the most abundant and ancient of Earth’s unicellular organisms. I now report the finding of a ~0.5 – 0.6 mm long limbed squamate with a spade-like tail and features that otherwise resemble those of extant Geckos on the dorsal surface of a trace fossil from Hamblen County, Tennessee. Also found are three 0.4 - 0.6 mm long saurian-like juveniles undergoing body elongation and limb reduction, findings in keeping with a lizard-to-snake transformation. The dorsal surface also contains the remains of a tiny snake-like squamate measuring 1.0 mm snout-to-vent and 7.0 mm snout-to-tail. The miniaturization of these fossils may represent an ecomorphological response to the Permian-Triassic and/or the mid-Cretaceous extinctions as well as the metabolic and reproductive advantages of smallness. The findings open a new area of investigation for paleontologists and micropaleontologists and underscore the resilience and variety of life forms on Earth.
A Critical Analysis of the Dynamics of Stakeholders for Bioeconomy Innovation: The Case of Caldas, Colombia
Authors: González Escobar Carlos Humberto , Granobles Torres Juan Carlos , Villa Rodríguez Abel Osvaldo
Published: November 2024

Stakeholders and their dynamics are often neglected in innovation systems literature. The importance of bioeconomy is growing for its implications on addressing environmental challenges, shaping economic decisions, markets and sustainable development. This paper analyses stakeholders’ dynamics for knowledge creation and innovation to transit from unsustainable practices to the sustainable use of biological resources - bioeconomy. The originality of this paper is the creation of an analytical framework to characterise the interactions of stakeholders and how these interactions reshape the innovation systems to create a new narrative and a new knowledge base platform for innovation. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through surveys between 2022 and 2024. We explored the dynamics of 29 stakeholders involved and collaborating in R&D activities from the biotechnology sector in Caldas, Colombia. Our findings show that dynamics towards bioeconomy are only at the discursive level. Stakeholders carry out research activities as a means to generate income rather than for innovative purposes, overlooking informal interactions which generate novel ideas that could translate into solutions, services, and products. We conclude that bioeconomy transition needs a systemic disequilibrium by a new institutional infrastructure that enables stakeholders, including civil society, to create a structural change for embracing innovation dynamics.
Image-Based Monitoring and Predictions of Terrain Feature Variations Under Accelerated Warming Conditions in Kaffiøyra Area, Svalbard
Authors: Vo Hong-Son , Ni Chuen-Fa , Chang Yu-Huan , Giletycz Slawomir Jack , Chang Ping-Yu , Hiep Nguyen Hoang , Nguyen Thai-Vinh-Truong
Published: November 2024

The study offers an in-depth investigation of the impact of climate conditions on various terrain features in the Kaffiøyra area, southwest Svalbard, focusing on the changes of shorelines, glacier termini, and outwash areas. We utilized cost-effective, consistent remote sensing data and GIS techniques to analyze historical long-term changes in these terrain features, evaluated the effects of temperature variations on glacier retreat, and developed a predictive model for future glacier area changes based on temperature data from climate change scenarios and the ground observation station near the site. The results demonstrated a range of responses in shoreline stability and changes across different zones in the study site. Based on the predefined baseline, the glacier-shorelines (tidewater glacier) exhibit significant erosion, with the averaged rates varying from -64.7 to + 9.2 m/yr. However, the land-shorelines show relatively stable, with changes ranging from -2.2 to +3.7 m/yr, and the outwash areas exhibited minor increases of less than 10% as compared to the data obtained in 1985. The analysis of seven glacier termini indicated a general reduction in the glacier area; notably, Aavatsmarkbreen, a tidewater glacier, retained only 32% of its original size by 2023. The land glaciers such as Waldemarbreen, Irenebreen, Elisebreen, Eivindbreen, Andreasbreen, and Oliverbreen, preserve 54.8%, 61.3%, 65.0%, 74.0%, 55.5%, and 43.7% of their areas, respectively. A marked negative linear correlation between temperature and remaining glacier areas was observed, enabling the prediction of future glacier variations under various climate conditions. The study outlines the evolution of terrain features in Kaffiøyra in nearly 40 years. Results show the relative stability of land-shorelines, significant glacier retreats in response to warming temperatures, and slight growth in outwash areas. The study highlights the critical need for robust land monitoring systems that enhance our understanding and enable effective decision-making through predictive modeling of climate impacts.
Low-Coverage Genome Sequencing Reveals Noncoding Genetic Variants Associated with Cold Stress in Nile Tilapia
Authors: Ali Ali , Elshafei Ahmed M. D. , Abdel Wahab Ahmed M. , Al-Zahaby Mohamed A. , Abd El-Ghaffar Haytham A. , Salem Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Temperature tolerance is crucial in aquaculture, as it greatly affects growth, survival, and overall performance. Traditional methods of improving temperature tolerance are often limited by low heritability estimates and the challenge of precisely assessing the trait. This study used low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (lcWGS) with genotype imputation to identify genetic markers linked to cold stress in Nile tilapia. Fish exposed to cold conditions at two sites in Egypt produced a dataset of 7,300,252 filtered SNPs. Out of these, 10 SNPs located in an intronic region of a noncoding RNA (lncRNA) on LG16 were strongly linked to cold stress. Further investigation suggested that these SNPs alter micro-RNA (miRNA) binding sites, potentially affecting interactions with miRNAs miR-133b and miR-139, both of which are associated with stress response and cold adaptation. Validating these markers across various fish populations could support efforts to improve cold tolerance in tilapia through selective breeding.
Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide in Migraine and Tension-Type Headache in Children During Interictal Period
Authors: Sekelj Fures Jadranka , Duranovic Vlasta , Lenicek Krleza Jasna , Katusic Bojanac Ana , Loncar Lana , Pejic-Rosko Sanja , Dakovic Ivana , Pilon Far Andrijana , Vulin Katarina , Simic Klaric Andrea
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Research on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in adult migraine is extensive, but its role in childhood migraine remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate serum CGRP levels in children experiencing migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) during interictal periods, comparing these levels to age-matched healthy controls.
Methods: A total of 66 migraine patients, 59 with TTH, and 53 controls were recruited and strat-ified by headache onset age: under 7, 7-12, and over 12 years. CGRP levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Migraine patients showed significantly higher serum CGRP levels than both TTH pa-tients and controls (p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the latter two groups. Among migraine patients, those without aura (MO) exhibited higher CGRP levels than those with aura (MA). CGRP levels were lower in MA patients whose headaches began between ages 7-12 compared to subjects with MO, while no significant differences were found in patients whose headaches began after age 12.
Conclusions: These findings suggest elevated serum CGRP is indicative of pediatric migraine, with variations based on migraine type and age of onset. The difference in CGRP in preadolescent migraineurs with and without aura suggest that CGRP levels may vary depending on the age and on migraine type.
Prospective Study and Innovation Management Model for Product Development in the Plantain Agro-Industrial Chain
Authors: Zartha Sossa Jhon Wilder , Gutiérrez Posada Nolberto , Zuluaga Monsalve Adriana María , Botero Montoya Luis Horacio , Gutiérrez Cano Luis Fernando , González Candia Julio , Gómez José Orlando , Orozco Gina Lía , Escobar Mora Nelson Javier
Published: November 2024

The prospective studies applied to the plantain sector are extensive, but they are not directly related to innovation models. Therefore, this article proposes an Innovation Management Model for this chain and, specifically, for the one located in the department of Quindío-Colombia. The methodology employed combines stakeholder engagement, prioritization of variables, a comprehensive literature review, and model validation. The study identifies critical variables essential for fostering agricultural and technological innovation across platforms and projects, enhancing capacity development, and promoting research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) activities. Furthermore, it examines supply chain dynamics, innovation management processes, knowledge and technology integration, and the adaptation of business models for sustainable development, alongside environmental impact assessments. Initially, 53 variables were identified in the input stage, 36 in the transformation component, and 31 in the output stage. The analysis of priority variables revealed significant gaps in leadership and strategic capacity, resource availability, agricultural innovation, market competitiveness, information and communication technologies, regulatory compliance, and network resilience. These gaps profoundly affect creativity, innovation, and sustainability within Colombia's plantain sector.
The Oral Microbiota, Microbial Metabolites, and Immuno-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Wang Zheng , Kaplan Robert C , Burk Robert D , Qi Qibin
Published: November 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Recent advancements in high-throughput omics techniques have enhanced our understanding of the human microbiome's role in the development of CVD. Although the relationship between the gut microbiome and CVD has attracted considerable research attention and has been rapidly evolving in recent years, the role of the oral microbiome remains less understood, with most prior studies focusing on periodontitis-related pathogens. In this review, we summarized previously reported associations between the oral microbiome and CVD, highlighting known CVD-associated taxa such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. We also discussed the interactions between the oral and gut microbes. The potential mechanisms by which the oral microbiota can influence CVD development include oral and systemic inflammation, immune responses, cytokine release, translocation of oral bacteria into the bloodstream, and the impact of microbial-related products such as microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], trimethylamine oxide [TMAO], hydrogen sulfide [H2S], nitric oxide [NO]) and specific toxins (e.g., lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). The processes driven by these mechanisms may contribute to atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and other cardiovascular pathologies. Integrated multi-omics methodologies, along with large-scale longitudinal population studies and intervention studies, will facilitate a deeper understanding of the metabolic and functional roles of the oral microbiome in cardiovascular health. This fundamental knowledge will support the development of targeted interventions and effective therapies to prevent or reduce the progression from cardiovascular risk to clinical CVD events.
Physics-Based Self-Supervised Grasp Pose Detection
Authors: Ruiz Jon Ander , Iriondo Ander , Lazkano Elena , Ansuategi Ander , Maurtua Iñaki
Published: November 2024

Current industrial robotic manipulators have made evident their lack of flexibility. The systems must know beforehand the piece and it’s position. To address this issue, contemporary approaches typically employ learning-based techniques, which rely on extensive amounts of data. To obtain vast data, an often sought tool is an extensive grasp dataset. This work introduces our Physics-Based Self-Supervised Grasp Pose Detection (PBSS-GPD) pipeline for model-based grasping point detection, useful to generate grasp pose datasets. Given a gripper-object pair, it samples grasping pose candidates using a modified version of GPD (implementing inner-grasps, CAD support...) and quantifies their quality using the MuJoCo physics engine and a grasp quality metric that takes into account the pose of the object over time. The system is optimised to run on CPU in headless-parallelised mode, with the option of running in a graphical interface or headless and storing videos of the process. The system has been validated obtaining grasping poses for a subset of Egad! objects using the Franka Panda two-finger gripper, compared with state of the art grasp generation pipelines and tested in a real scenario. While our system achieves similar accuracy compared to a contemporary approach, 84% on the real world validation, it has proven to be effective at generating grasps with good centering 18 times faster than the compared system.
A Review of Ocular and Systemic Complications in Glaucoma Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Li Xiaole , Balas Michael , Mathew David J
Published: November 2024

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, encompasses a heterogeneous group of ocular disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Pharmacotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, primarily aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) by decreasing aqueous humor production or enhancing its outflow. The therapeutic classes employed include carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, β-blockers, α-adrenergic agonists, prostaglandin analogs, parasympathomimetics, Rho kinase inhibitors, and hyperosmotic agents. Despite their efficacy, these medications are associated with a range of ocular and systemic side effects, influenced by their mechanisms of action, formulation, and dosage. Ocular adverse effects, such as irritation, dry eye, allergic reactions, and infections, are common, while systemic absorption may lead to more severe outcomes, including organ dysfunction, exacerbation of comorbid conditions, or life-threatening cardiovascular events. Given these potential risks, it is critical for clinicians to understand and monitor these adverse effects, as they significantly affect patient adherence, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. Ongoing research is essential to develop novel therapeutic regimens, agents, or delivery methods that minimize side effects and improve compliance. Incorporating patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice may further enhance the assessment of treatment impact, facilitating more tailored and effective management of glaucoma.