bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Infections
Authors: Meirelles Gustavo
Published: February 2025

Pulmonary infections remain a global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality rates. These conditions are characterized by acute inflammation of lung tissues, with symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Imaging techniques play a pivotal role in diagnosing these infections, helping to identify pulmonary infiltrates and assess the severity of the disease.

Chest radiography, the most widely accessible imaging modality, is often the first step in detecting major lung abnormalities like consolidations and pleural effusions. However, its sensitivity can be limited in early infection stages, potentially missing subtle findings. Computed tomography (CT), with its superior sensitivity, is frequently employed in cases where radiographic results are inconclusive. It can detect early-stage abnormalities, including ground-glass opacities and nodules, making it a valuable tool in complex or uncertain cases.

This chapter explores the imaging modalities used in diagnosing bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pulmonary infections. It also addresses the limitations and challenges of these techniques and discusses how imaging findings can guide clinical decision-making, including identifying complications associated with pulmonary infections.
Chest Manifestation of Cardiac Disease
Authors: Eberhard Matthias
Published: February 2025

Non-electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated chest CT is primarily used for lung evaluation but can also reveal critical cardiovascular findings. Significant incidental cardiac findings may include chamber enlargement, cardiac shunts (both intracardiac and extracardiac), valvular disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial and pericardial abnormalities, and cardiac masses. Cardiac conditions can also cause secondary effects such as vascular changes, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and alterations in the lung parenchyma. This chapter discusses common cardiac manifestations seen on non-ECG-gated chest CT.
Diseases of the Pleura and Chest Wall
Authors: Naeger David M.
Published: February 2025

The pleura is comprised of a visceral and parietal layer. The potential space between the two is normally filled with a small amount of physiologic fluid. The visceral pleura invaginates to form fissures, and collectively the pleura allows the lobes of the lungs to move relative to each other and the chest wall during respiration. In diseased states, this potential space can fill with abnormal amounts, or atypical types, of fluid.

The pleura can become thickened, often in response to infection, inflammation, or exposures. Tumors can also arise from the pleura. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive primary tumor of the pleura, which is associated with asbestos exposure. Owing to lymphatics and vascularity, the pleura can also be the site of tumors deposits from malignancies originating outside the pleura. Ectopic tissues may also be found within the pleural space.

The chest wall is external to the pleura, and it is comprised of skin, various fat layers, fascia, muscles, nerves, lymphatics, and bone. Primary tumors, both benign and malignant, and metastases can involve the various layers of the chest wall. There are a few specific pathologies that are unique to the chest wall, which will be reviewed. As a final category, there are a few disease entities, mostly infection and cancer, which can affect both the pleura and the chest wall simultaneously.
Imaging in Patients with Non-fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Prosch Helmut , Roos Justus E. , Ebner Lukas
Published: February 2025

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) include over 200 conditions affecting the lung parenchyma. ILDs are classified as non-fibrosing or fibrosing, with many fibrosing forms initially presenting as inflammatory and only progressing to fibrosis over time. Diagnosing ILDs is challenging due to their variety and rarity, with CT scans playing a key role in the process, though final diagnoses are made through multidisciplinary team discussions. Biopsies are generally avoided unless CT results are inconclusive or conflict with clinical findings, emphasizing the importance of a thorough CT protocol and approach.

The systematic evaluation of CT scans for suspected ILD involves a three-step approach: first, describing parenchymal abnormalities; second, assessing extraparenchymal findings such as pleural and mediastinal structures; and finally, determining the differential diagnosis based on the distribution of these findings. Parenchymal abnormalities are divided into decreased lung densities (e.g., emphysema, cysts) and increased lung densities (e.g., ground-glass opacities, consolidations). These findings should follow the Fleischner Society’s terminology for consistency. Extraparenchymal features include abnormalities in the airways, pleura, and mediastinum, as well as possible extra-thoracic manifestations in organs such as liver or spleen. The distribution of findings, whether in different lung zones or within the secondary pulmonary lobule, plays a key role in diagnosing specific diseases, such as differentiating Langerhans cell histiocytosis from lymphangioleiomyomatosis based on cyst location.
Primary School Teachers and the Digital Turn—an Evaluation Study with Lateral Entrants from the Teacher Training Programme of TU Dresden
Authors: Germer Peggy , Oertel Dagmar , Krone Malte
Published: February 2025

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, face-to-face teacher education at TU Dresden had to be converted almost overnight into digital education. This digital turn had a particularly strong impact on the Lateral Entry Teacher Education Programme (LETE). The present study focuses on the subjective perceptions of successful learning and helpful support of elementary teacher-students from TU Dresden. It was the main purpose to consider the effect of online-education and adult-education on the pragmatism as a theoretical basis for learning by experience and developing. The results should help with realigned the TU Dresden LETE course concept and practices for future terms. Through a digital qualitative-quantitative questionnaire the data were collected. The lateral entrants’ responses were analyzed using a computer-assisted qualitative content analysis package. This identified learning points within four main themes: (web-based) learning resources, collaboration resources and support structures required by teacher-students and lecturers. Based on the present study, the initial conditions, perceptions and reported experiences of the lateral entrants involved, as well as the adaptations they faced, are outlined and considered.
Final Remarks—Navigating a Global Challenge: Understanding Teacher Shortages from a Multifaceted Perspective
Authors: Gehrmann Axel
Published: February 2025

Teacher shortages in an international perspective present a multi-faceted challenge that demands nuanced solutions. By dissecting the complexities of the revolving door phenomenon and considering region-specific factors, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of teacher shortages. Lessons drawn from the experiences of eleven countries (Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Ireland, Japan Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States) offer valuable insights for global policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking sustainable solutions to ensure a robust future for education worldwide.
Unimodular totally disconnected locally compact groups of rational discrete cohomological dimension one
Authors: Castellano Ilaria , Marchionna Bianca , Weigel Thomas
Published: February 2025

It is shown that a Stallings–Swan theorem holds in a totally disconnected locally compact (= t.d.l.c.) context (cf. Theorem B). More precisely, a compactly generated

$${\mathcal{C}\mathcal{O}}$$

C
O

-bounded t.d.l.c. group G of rational discrete cohomological dimension less than or equal to 1 must be isomorphic to the fundamental group of a finite graph of profinite groups. This result generalises Dunwoody’s rational version of the classical Stallings–Swan theorem to t.d.l.c. groups. The proof of Theorem B is based on the fact that a compactly generated unimodular t.d.l.c. group with rational discrete cohomological dimension 1 has necessarily non-positive Euler–Poincaré characteristic (cf. Theorem H).
Deformation theory for finite cluster complexes
Authors: Ilten Nathan , Nájera Chávez Alfredo , Treffinger Hipolito
Published: February 2025

We study the deformation theory of the Stanley–Reisner rings associated to cluster complexes for skew-symmetrizable cluster algebras of geometric and finite cluster type. In particular, we show that in the skew-symmetric case, these cluster complexes are unobstructed, generalizing a result of Ilten and Christophersen in the

$$A_n$$

A
n

case. We also study the connection between cluster algebras with universal coefficients and cluster complexes. We show that for a full rank positively graded cluster algebra

$$\mathcal {A}$$

A

of geometric and finite cluster type, the cluster algebra

$$\mathcal {A}^\textrm{univ}$$

A

univ

with universal coefficients may be recovered as the universal family over a partial closure of a torus orbit in a multigraded Hilbert scheme. Likewise, we show that under suitable hypotheses, the cluster algebra

$$\mathcal {A}^\textrm{univ}$$

A

univ

may be recovered as the coordinate ring for a certain torus-invariant semiuniversal deformation of the Stanley–Reisner ring of the cluster complex. We apply these results to show that for any cluster algebra

$$\mathcal {A}$$

A

of geometric and finite cluster type,

$$\mathcal {A}$$

A

is Gorenstein, and

$$\mathcal {A}$$

A

is unobstructed if it is skew-symmetric. Moreover, if

$$\mathcal {A}$$

A

has enough frozen variables then it has no non-trivial torus-invariant deformations. We also study the Gröbner theory of the ideal of relations among cluster and frozen variables of

$$\mathcal {A}$$

A

. As a byproduct we generalize previous results in this setting obtained by Bossinger, Mohammadi and Nájera Chávez for Grassmannians of planes and

$${{\,\textrm{Gr}\,}}(3,6)$$

Gr

(
3
,
6
)

.
Existence of solutions for 1-laplacian problems with singular first order terms
Authors: Balducci Francesco
Published: February 2025

We prove existence of solutions to the following problem

$$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{array}{ll} -\Delta _1 u +g(u)|Du|=h(u)f & \text {in } \Omega ,\\ u=0 & \text {on } \partial \Omega , \end{array}\right. \end{aligned}$$

-

Δ
1

u
+
g

(
u
)

|
D
u
|

=
h

(
u
)

f

in

Ω
,

u
=
0

on

∂
Ω
,

where

$$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^N$$

Ω
⊂

R

N

, with

$$N\ge 2$$

N
≥
2

, is an open and bounded set with Lipschitz boundary, g is a continuous and positive function which possibly blows up at the origin and bounded at infinity and h is a continuous and nonnegative function bounded at infinity (possibly blowing up at the origin) and finally

$$0 \le f \in L^N(\Omega )$$

0
≤
f
∈

L
N

(
Ω
)

. As a by-product, this paper extends the results found where g is a continuous and bounded function. We investigate the interplay between g and h in order to have existence of solutions.
Assessment of sacroiliitis using zero echo time magnetic resonance imaging: a comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Bayrak Yunus Emre , Özer Törehan , Anik Yonca , Balci Sibel , Aydin Duygu , Şahin Nihal , Sönmez Hafize Emine
Published: February 2025

Background

Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA), a subset of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is characterized by frequent involvement of the sacroiliac (SI) joints.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of zero echo time (ZTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying structural lesions in patients with ERA. Conventional MRI pulse sequences often struggle to adequately visualize osseous and calcified tissues.

Materials and methods

All MRI examinations were conducted using a 1.5-T (T) scanner. The MRI protocol included standard sequences such as fat-suppressed axial T2-weighted, axial T1-weighted, coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and axial T2-weighted sequences. In addition to conventional MRI, a ZTE sequence was employed. Low-dose computed tomography (CT) served as the reference standard and was performed using a 640-multislice CT device. Structural lesions, including erosions, sclerosis, and changes in joint space, were compared between imaging modalities.

Results

A total of 20 patients were included in the study (12 boys, 8 girls), with a median age at diagnosis of 14 years. ZTE-MRI demonstrated similar sensitivity to low-dose CT in detecting erosion (7 vs 8, P = 0.707). The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between low-dose CT and ZTE-MRI was 0.993 (P < 0.001), indicating excellent agreement. Moreover, ZTE-MRI showed strong agreement with low-dose CT in detecting sclerosis (ICC = 0.954, P < 0.001) and changes in joint space (ICC = 0.998, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Zero echo time imaging shows promise in providing sacroiliac joint visualization comparable to low-dose CT scans, thereby improving the detection of subtle erosion and sclerosis in these joints.

Graphical Abstract
Interactions among wildtype and heat-evolved photosymbionts shape performance of coral recruits
Authors: Ivory Elizabeth A. , Mieog Jos C. , Nitschke Matthew R. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Abrego David
Published: February 2025

Anthropogenic climate change has driven many coral reef ecosystems to the brink of collapse as extreme temperature events cause widespread bleaching and mortality. Interventions that boost coral resilience are being developed to help restore reefs, and one such intervention is the manipulation of a coral’s symbiotic algae (which greatly affects their host’s physiology). New experimentally evolved symbiont strains have shown promise in increasing their host’s thermal tolerance, but how they will perform in juvenile corals when other strains are present is unclear. This study investigates the uptake and establishment of experimentally evolved Cladocopium proliferum and Durusdinium trenchii in mixed inocula and describes the effects hosting multiple symbiont strains has on the growth and survival of juvenile corals. Our results reveal that while both strains in the mixed culture inocula were taken up, most recruits were dominated by D. trenchii. Corals hosting D. trenchii over C. proliferum also displayed faster growth despite previous studies showing the opposite. We show that the costs and benefits of hosting mixed communities are highly dependent on the identities of the individual strains therein and suggest the compatibility of symbiont–symbiont–host assemblages should be assessed before being used for restoration.
Flexion–extension cervical MRI imaging in pediatric patients with achondroplasia unsupervised by neurosurgery or radiology, is it safe?
Authors: Masarwy Aseel , Watterson Christopher , Tuchman Alexander , Danielpour Moise
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose

Achondroplasia, a common form of skeletal dysplasia, can be associated with cervical spine compression and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow compromise, potentially leading to neurological complications. Accurate assessment of the cervical spine is essential for identifying children at increased risk of neurological injury. However, concerns regarding the safety of dynamic MRI under anesthesia in young children have limited its use. This study evaluates the safety of dynamic MRI under anesthesia in pediatric patients with achondroplasia, utilizing the largest dataset reported to date.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 81 patients with achondroplasia who underwent a total of 124 flexion–extension MRIs under anesthesia. All imaging procedures were performed by MR technologists and anesthesiologists without direct supervision by a neurosurgeon or radiologist. Data reviewed included anesthesia type, neurological examinations by a senior pediatric neurosurgeon before and after imaging, surgical intervention, follow-up MRIs, and the presence of CSF obstruction at the craniocervical junction.

Results

A total of 81 patient charts were reviewed (mean age, 2.03 ± 2 years; age range, 1 month to 6 years). Of the 124 flexion–extension MRIs, 113 were performed under general anesthesia, and 11 under sedation alone. Foramen magnum stenosis with CSF flow compromise was documented in 38 cases (46%). No adverse events, neurological deficits, or anesthesia-related complications were documented. Neurological examinations conducted by the senior author, a pediatric neurosurgeon, before and after imaging remained stable across all cases.

Conclusion

Flexion–extension MRI did not result in adverse outcomes in this cohort of pediatric patients with achondroplasia. While these findings support the dynamic MRI’s safety in appropriate settings, further studies are needed to validate these results and explore its broader application.
Prognostic value of folate-associated gene expression in stage II colon cancer
Authors: Kaidi Donia , Odin Elisabeth , Wettergren Yvonne , Bexe Lindskog Elinor
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Prognostic variability in stage II colon cancer underscores the need for better risk stratification. Analyzing folate-associated gene expression in stage II colon cancer could provide researchers and clinicians with deeper insights into tumor biology and potentially aid in identifying early prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers.

Methods

Patients with stage II colon cancer and recurrence (n = 48) were matched to patients with a 5 year recurrence-free follow-up (n = 133). Gene expression of ABCC3, AMT, FPGS, GGH, MFT, PCFT, RFC-1, and TYMS was analyzed in tumor tissue and matching colon mucosa using qPCR and evaluated in relation to time to recurrence (TTR), as well as to demographic and clinicopathological variables.

Results

Independent of other covariates, TYMS expression in tumors, pT4 stage, and emergency surgery were associated with TTR. There were significant differences in expression levels of all examined genes between tumor and mucosa. ABCC3, GGH, and RFC-1 expression levels differed in mucosa between microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) compared to microsatellite stable/microsatellite instability-low (MSS/MSI-L) tumors, whereas tumoral expression of AMT, GGH, and TYMS differed between MSI-H and MSS/MSI-L tumors. Depending on tumor location, the expression of ABCC3, AMT, GGH, and RFC-1 in mucosa, as well as the tumoral expression of AMT, GGH, PCFT and RFC-1 differed.

Conclusion

Low tumoral expression of TYMS was associated with worse TTR, independent of MSI status, pT stage, and emergency surgery. The indication of a better outcome for patients with MSI-H status and high tumoral TYMS expression might be of particular interest in the stratification of patients for immunotherapy.
Notfallmedizinische Betreuung am Spielfeldrand. Best-Practice-Beispiel zur UEFA-Fußballeuropameisterschaft der Herren 2024
Authors: Becht Andreas , Heitkötter Kalle , Hussmann Thomas , Blecker Ulf , Palmer Romy , Tesche Clara , Potempa Tim , Skorning Max , Otto Sandra , Brüls Michael , Michael Mark
Published: February 2025

Einführung

Für den internationalen Spielbetrieb im Fußball existieren Vorgaben der Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) für die medizinische Betreuung. Für die spezielle notfallmedizinische Versorgung zum Beispiel bei einem plötzlichen Herztod („sudden cardiac arrest“ [SCA]) existieren ebenfalls Empfehlungen zur Notfallversorgung. Besondere organisatorische Herausforderungen bestanden im Rahmen der Fußballeuropameisterschaft der Herren (UEFA EURO 2024) zur Notfallversorgung im Stadion und auf dem Spielfeld.

Methoden

In der Vorbereitung der UEFA EURO 2024 in Deutschland wurde für den Standort Düsseldorf ein umfangreiches Sicherheitskonzept entwickelt, welches auch eine spezielle notfallmedizinische Versorgung am Spielfeldrand vorsah. Spezielle Versorgungsalgorithmen wurden hierbei erstellt und trainiert.

Ergebnisse

Während der fünf Spieltage in der Arena Düsseldorf wurde eine einzelne Hilfeleistung am Spielfeldrand dokumentiert. Die Erfahrung mit dem ausgearbeiteten Versorgungskonzept wurde jedoch äußerst positiv bewertet.

Diskussion

Die entwickelten und trainierten Konzepte zur notfallmedizinischen Versorgung am Spielfeldrand können als Best-Practice-Beispiel für weitere Sportveranstaltungen dienen, sowohl für die Einsatzorganisation als auch medizinisch.
Contact formalism for dissipative mechanical systems on Lie algebroids
Authors: Anahory Simoes Alexandre , Colombo Leonardo , de León Manuel , Salgado Modesto , Souto Silvia
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we introduce a geometric description of contact Lagrangian and Hamiltonian systems on Lie algebroids in the framework of contact geometry, using the theory of prolongations. We discuss the relation between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian settings through a convenient notion of Legendre transformation. We also discuss the Hamilton-Jacobi problem in this framework and introduce the notion of a Legendrian Lie subalgebroid of a contact Lie algebroid.
Innovating Challenges and Experiences in Emory Health AI Bias Datathon: Experience Report
Authors: Paddo Atika Rahman , Purkayastha Saptarshi , Newsome Janice , Trivedi Hari , Gichoya Judy Wawira
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the Emory Health AI (Artificial Intelligence) Bias Datathon held in August 2023, providing insights into the experiences gained during the event. The datathon, focusing on health-related issues, attracted diverse participants, including professionals, researchers, and students from various backgrounds. The paper discusses the preparation, organization, and execution of the datathon, detailing the registration process, team formulation, dataset creation, and logistical aspects. We also explore the achievements and personal experiences of participants, highlighting their resilience, dedication, and innovative contributions. The findings include a breakdown of participant demographics, responses to post-event surveys, and participant backgrounds. Observing the trends, we believe the lessons learned, and the overall impact of the Emory Health AI Bias Datathon on the participants and the field of health data science will contribute significantly in organizing future datathons.
Action detection of objects devices using deep learning in IoT applications
Authors: Rustemli Sabir , Alani Ahmed Yaseen Bishree , Şahin Gökhan , van Sark Wilfried
Published: February 2025

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is the communication and communication of smart technological devices with each other. However, with the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of smart applications and interconnected devices is increasing day by day. Deep Learning (DL) method has become necessary to process the large amount of raw data collected and to further improve intelligence and application capabilities. It is seen that the majority of researchers focus on action detection. Standard Deep Learning techniques are difficult to use in IoT devices as Deep Learning applications require high CPU, RAM and storage. In this study, an action detection technique has been developed directly on the edge device by enabling the use of deep learning techniques in IoT devices. This technique, as a representation of neural networks, divides it into on-board computers. Visual action detection is one of the critical components of a smart city. High processing capacity and storage requirements severely limit comprehensive and precise monitoring within the IoT and edge computing framework. The structure proposed in this paper suggests the deployment of micro deep learning algorithms to the latest IoT and embedded devices, including the utilisation of minimal computing resources such as processor, power and memory, with a contribution to IoT and embedded device activities in action detection. The systematic analysis shows that many IoT devices can be applied to the proposed optimisation design. The proposed model is much smaller in size than existing models.
Detailed controls on biomineralization in an adult echinoderm: skeletal carbonate mineralogy of the New Zealand sand dollar (Fellaster zelandiae)
Authors: Dixon-Anderson Ian S. , Smith Abigail M.
Published: February 2025

Fellaster zelandiae, a sand dollar endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand, follows other echinoderms in producing Mg-calcite. Their skeletons, however, show mineralogical variation at different levels of scale: nanostructure, body part, individual, and population. Atomic-level imaging highlighted differences in skeletal ultrastructure with varying levels of consistency in elemental composition. Teeth, the deepest internal skeletal structures in the individual and vital for feeding, showed the greatest compositional variation at the nanoscale, whereas tests and spines were both more consistent in Mg concentrations. Mg incorporation is, approximately, a function of proximity to seawater, with levels highest in layers further away from the marine environment. Body part variation within individuals of a populations was relatively low (Maximum SD
x̄
 = ± 0.19 wt% MgCO3, n = 9) while average variation was ± 0.14 wt% MgCO3 (n = 670), reflecting genetic variability. Population variation across a range of latitudes indicated both well-known and novel environmental influences. Skeletal mineralogy in a population in Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand at 38°S (mean = 8.5, SD = 0.07, n = 50) is significantly different (p < 0.0001) from a population in Timaru, South Island, New Zealand at 44°S (mean = 8.2, SD = 0.07, n = 62). Populations across the country showed that external parts (spines) were most affected by temperature and classical environmental factors, while internal parts (Aristotle’s lanterns) were not swayed by abiotic factors. Intermediate structures (tests) were unexpectedly influenced by wave energy, where increases in Mg content among populations was correlated to higher wave-energy beaches. While intrinsic, phylogenetic, and extrinsic factors can individually influence skeletal carbonate mineralogy, these data show that accounting for the cumulative individual- and population-level factors affecting mineralogy provides an extremely nuanced understanding of biomineralization within a single species.
Strengthening local siting authority for utility-scale solar: effects on regulatory decisions and public opposition
Authors: Hess David J. , Seo Hayoung , Belletto Kaelee
Published: February 2025

As governments have implemented climate mitigation policy, the construction of utility-scale renewable energy has led to increased opposition. Some governments have responded by preempting local authority over siting decisions, whereas others have opted to strengthen it. In the US, the state of Ohio is the leading example of the latter. Its enabling law for increased local authority is also part of a broader policy push by the conservative-controlled government to support continued use of fossil fuels. Based on the analysis of regulatory and media documents for 55 cases of proposed utility-scale solar farms in the state, the study examines the motivations and outcomes of the state’s local authority law. First, the study analyzes concerns expressed in local government resolutions since the state government implemented the law. Concerns with preserving the county’s rural character and with potential negative economic effects are the most salient, followed by specific site-related issues. Second, the study analyzes how the regulatory agency responded to the law by shifting its decision-making criteria to strengthen its consideration of local opposition. Third, the study quantifies the volume of opposition with two measures that show how the law increased opposition from local governments and the public. In summary, the law has been an effective instrument not only to undermine new utility-scale, renewable energy development but also to increase local opposition. Recommendations are developed for improving community acceptance of controversial siting proposals, no matter what decision a government makes on the preemption versus local siting authority issue.
Optimizing medical data classification: integrating hybrid fuzzy joint mutual information with binary Cheetah optimizer algorithm
Authors: Hegazy Ah. E. , Hafiz B. , Makhlouf M. A. , Salem Omar A. M.
Published: February 2025

Traditional classification algorithms struggle with the high dimensionality of medical data, resulting in reduced performance in tasks like disease diagnosis. Feature selection (FS) has emerged as a crucial preprocessing step to mitigate these challenges by extracting relevant features and improving classification accuracy. This paper proposes a hybrid FS method, FJMIBCOA, which integrates Fuzzy Joint Mutual Information (FJMI) as a filter measure and Binary Cheetah Optimizer Algorithm (BCOA) as a wrapper method. Unlike existing hybrid FS methods, the proposed method employs FJMI to address uncertainty in feature relationships, providing several advantages such as handling both discrete and continuous features, accommodating linear and non-linear relationships, noise robustness and effectively utilizing intra- and inter-class information. It also employs BCOA as a wrapper method, requiring a few parameters, minimizing computational overhead and enhancing classification robustness, making it an efficient and adaptable solution for FS in complex medical datasets. The proposed method is validated on 23 medical datasets and 14 high-dimensional microarray datasets, demonstrating excellent performance in terms of fitness value, accuracy and feature size. FJMIBCOA surpasses existing methods in medical datasets by achieving higher accuracy in 78.26% of datasets while reducing the feature size by 84.79%. Similarly, in microarray datasets, it improves accuracy in 78.58% of datasets with an impressive 95.08% reduction in feature size. Furthermore, FJMIBCOA achieves superior accuracy in 60% of datasets while selecting fewer features in 78.57% of datasets as compared to previous studies. Statistical testing indicates that FJMIBCOA outperforms other methods significantly. The proposed method enhances diagnosis accuracy and minimizes medical testing requirements, making it suitable for real-world, high-dimensional datasets and decision-making in medical data analysis. The findings from gene expression analysis emphasize the biological significance of the top selected genes, providing new insights into their potential roles in disease progression.
Smart factory concepts and their fitness to the plastics processing industry: a critical review
Authors: Bibow Pascal , Sapel Patrick , Hopmann Christian
Published: February 2025

A key feature for implementing Industry 4.0 in practice is the Smart Factory. Although there has been much research on this buzzword, it can be observed that there is a need for a distinct definition. Furthermore, differentiation to other terms and paradigms, e.g., Cyber-Physical-Production-Systems (CPPS), Industrial-Internet-Of-Things (IIoT), or Industry 4.0, can hardly be found. To overcome these issues, the term "Smart Factory" was defined in the context of comparable terms and paradigms. Therefore, a literature research on 175 scientific contributions was performed and clustered into three categories regarding their scope, i.e., general literature review, conceptual work, and application-oriented case studies. Subsequently, a categorization of these contributions to their content either into terms and definitions, general discussion on challenges and chances, application-oriented engineering trends and technologies, resulting requirements and restrictions, and security and safety issues follows. As a result, three main pillars of Smart Factory objectives were determined, namely data analytics, automation, and modular structures. Finally, the readiness of the plastics processing industry in these pillars is discussed to transfer Smart Factory concepts into practical use and state high fitness, e.g., in terms of data acquisition and communication standards. This contribution supports researchers and practitioners in achieving a common understanding of the term "Smart Factory" and its specifications, providing them with a framework of technological objectives to offer industrial companies the right solutions for a comprehensive Smart Factory implementation. Furthermore, the categorization of the reviewed literature serves as a foundation for subsequent research within specific areas of interest by differentiating well-elaborated topics from scientific white spots.
An Actual Discussion of Einstein’s Early Fusion Picture for Photons and Classical Maxwell Fields
Authors: Rieckers Alfred
Published: February 2025

This is the first part of a pair of companion papers devoted to an analysis of Einstein’s fusion picture for light-quanta (subsequently also referred to as “photons”) with classical electromagnetic fields that he formulated in 1909 via a purely verbal description. There, the overlap of many of the hypothetical local force fields, surrounding the photonic energy points, should produce the well–known classical Maxwell fields. We claim that, alone from such a logical connection, that apparently did not receive sufficient attention in the literature, one may draw essential conclusions on the photon states. In the present paper, we give a historical overview of Einstein’s photon conceptions until 1927. We extract hints from his formulations, that lead from his local force fields to Schrödinger wave functions, which reproduce the conserved integrals for energy, momentum, and angular momentum of Maxwell theory in form of Hilbert space expectations. Also a preliminary multi–photon theory, including Glauber states, is shown to be motivated by Einstein’s composite photons with possibly (incoherently!) overlapping force fields. In the resulting Fock space theory, gained by symmetrizing the many–photon states the goal of a fusion theory is, however, not realizable. In the subsequent companion paper “On sectorial photon theories reconstructing Einstein’s early fusion picture for light” (referred to as Rieckers 2025) our conclusions are extended to photon states that surpass Fock space theory by describing actual infinitely many photons. These are shown to cover also classical light states in terms of collective structures. Appealing to the more recent mathematical tools of convex state space approach and algebraic quantum field theory, we suggest there mathematical realizations of Einstein’s fusion program.
A generalized disjunctive programming model for the static bike sharing rebalancing problem with demand intervals
Authors: Ikonen Teemu J. , Heljanko Keijo , Harjunkoski Iiro
Published: February 2025

Solving a static bike sharing rebalancing problem requires finding the minimum-cost route for rebalancing vehicles, subject to meeting the demand at the bike sharing stations of the system. In this work, we study the variant of the problem where the demand is specified by intervals, which adds flexibility to the routing of the rebalancing vehicles. We propose a generalized disjunctive programming (GDP) model to represent the problem and its reformulation into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. We use demand splitting to duplicate stations that require multiple visits. The model is designed for single-vehicle routing but can be used jointly with a clustering approach proposed in the literature for multi-vehicle routing. The model can solve to optimality 86.8% of benchmark instances with 70 stations within two hours of computing time. On test cases derived from real process data, the model is more than two orders of magnitude faster than the reference model in the literature.
Effects of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil Supplementation on Hyperglycaemia, Hypertension and Hyperlipidaemia (3Hs) Patients: A Preliminary Human Trial
Authors: Mhd Rodzi Nur Anis Raihana , Mohd Sopian Mastura , Lee Lai Kuan
Published: February 2025

Sacha Inchi oil (SIO), derived from seeds of Plukenetia volubilis L., is a novel plant source of unsaturated fatty acids, highly regarded for its health benefits. The rich fractions of polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown potential in improving or reducing the impact of hyperglycaemia, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (3Hs) for both in vivo and preliminary human studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SIO supplementation on glycaemic, lipid and blood pressures outcomes of patients with 3Hs. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effects of SIO supplementation in fifty-four (n = 54) 3Hs patients. Assessments of glycaemic control, blood pressure and lipid profiles were conducted and compared at baseline and week-12 after 3Hs patients were randomised into SIO group (n = 27) (received 1000 mg of SIO soft gel per day) or the placebo group (n = 27) (received 1000 mg of corn oil), with prescribed medications. The compliancy and tolerability of supplementation were assessed concurrently. The SIO group demonstrated lower systolic (-8.6 mmHg, p = 0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (-7.0 mmHg, p = 0.004), total cholesterol (TC) (-0.6 mmol/L, p = 0.024), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (-0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.036) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.048) but no effect on glycaemic markers. No clinical adverse events were reported, and the side effects of SIO supplementation were self-limiting and minimal. SIO supplementation showed the potential to alleviate BPs, reduced both TC and LDL-C, and improved HDL-C levels. SIO may offer a simple, novel complementary medicine for the management of 3Hs.
Exploring Teachers’ Professional Development on Socioscientific Issues and Model-Based Learning: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Durak Benzegül , Topçu Mustafa Sami
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a three-phase professional development (PD) program for middle school science teachers and aims to investigate their engagement with the Socioscientific Issue and Model-Based Learning (SIMBL) framework. It follows a multiple-case study design, and the main data sources of the study are semi-structured interviews, while the secondary data sources include developed SIMBL units, field notes of the PD program, classroom observations of the lessons, and unstructured phone calls/messages. The semi-structured interviews comprise pre- and post-PD program interviews as well as post-implementation interviews. Employing the Interconnected Model of Professional Growth framework for data analysis, teachers are categorized into three distinct groups: proactive, collaborative, and teacher-led. Findings highlight how teacher beliefs and prior experiences shape their ability to integrate SIMBL into classroom practices. The study emphasizes the critical role of sustained PD, reflective practices, and alignment with teacher beliefs in facilitating the effective implementation of innovative teaching frameworks. Ultimately, the SIMBL framework was found to enhance student engagement with socioscientific issues by fostering critical thinking, systems-based reasoning, and media literacy, contributing to science education.
‘Burned out’ millennials! Can job crafting promote employee well-being in the SMEs?
Authors: Badri Siti Khadijah Zainal , Ngo Michelle She Min , Yusof Junaidah
Published: February 2025

Although job crafting is a proactive initiative to help organisations withstand dynamic business landscapes, little is known about its impact on employees’ burnout experience. Using structural equation modelling on a survey sample of 352 millennials working full-time in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this study examines millennials’ burnout experience through job crafting. It also examines the mediating role of job satisfaction in the job crafting–burnout linkage. Findings suggest that millennials in SMEs perceived two job crafting aspects, increasing structural resources and increasing social resources, help to boost their overall satisfaction at work. With none of the job crafting aspects found to have a direct link with millennial burnout, this study signifies the practicality of job crafting as a strategy to improve employee work experience instead of triggering burnout. Further results also reveal that millennials’ overall experience in terms of job satisfaction is the underlying reason that explains the link between job crafting and burnout. One practical implication drawn from this study includes the potential use of job crafting to improve millennials’ work experience in SMEs. Besides, this study highlights the importance of smaller companies in establishing more structural clarity and social resources to support millennials’ overall satisfaction and well-being at work.
Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease in Adults with Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Penders Yolanda , Brusselle Guy , Falsey Ann R. , Rohde Gernot , Betancur Estefania , Guardado Maria Elena , Agudelo Juan Luis Ramirez , Saeedi Pouya , Harrington Lauriane , Michaud Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Accumulating data indicate that asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. This systematic literature review assessed the burden of RSV disease among adults ≥ 18 years with asthma or COPD.

Recent Findings

Data on the prevalence of asthma or COPD among RSV-infected adults, RSV-related hospitalizations, complications, and mortality were collected from studies published between January 1, 2000 and November 28, 2023 in PubMed, Embase, and grey literature. All extracted data were analyzed descriptively. Pooled estimates of asthma or COPD prevalence among RSV-infected adults were calculated from generalized linear mixed effects model meta-analyses. Forty studies were included. The prevalence of asthma and COPD among RSV-infected adults was high, especially in inpatient settings with pooled estimates (95% confidence interval) of 19.3% (15.0–24.6) for asthma and 30.8% (26.1–36.0) for COPD. Adults with asthma or COPD were more likely to be hospitalized following RSV infection than those without these conditions. The incidence rate ratios of hospitalization were 2.0–3.6 (crude) and 6.7–8.2 (adjusted) for asthma and 3.2–13.4 (crude) and 9.6–9.7 (adjusted) for COPD. The most frequently reported RSV-related complications were exacerbation of asthma (up to 64.9%) and COPD (up to ≥ 83.0%). In-hospital case fatality rates were 2.6–4.3% (asthma) and 2.8–17.8% (COPD).

These comprehensive data showing a high RSV disease burden in adults with asthma or COPD can be used to inform policy decisions around RSV vaccines and improve preventive care in this high-risk population.

Graphical Abstract
Dermatologic Lesions with Eosinophilia in the Head and Neck
Authors: Danielson David T. , Lagerstrom Ian , Wary Zachary , Auerbach Aaron , Cassarino David S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Dermatologic lesions with notable eosinophilic infiltration of the head and neck region represent a diverse group of conditions, ranging from benign to malignant proliferations.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature review focusing on head and neck dermatologic conditions that commonly present with a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate.

Results

This review provides an overview of common entities showing prominent associated eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates in this region, including epithelioid hemangioma, eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome), eosinophilic folliculitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome), granuloma faciale, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).

Conclusion

Eosinophils play a key role in the pathogenesis of these disorders, although the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for differentiating these conditions, as they can share similar histologic features. This review aims to enhance understanding of these eosinophilic dermatologic conditions, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.
The correlation between body cathexis and emotional eating behaviors of adolescents
Authors: Gül Ebru , Aktürk Ümmühan
Published: February 2025

Body cathexis is the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with body or body parts and may be important during adolescence. This may affect the healthy eating behaviors of adolescents. The aim of current study is to determine the correlation between adolescents’ body cathexis and emotional eating behaviors and the affecting factors. This study was conducted based on descriptive design 944 students in two high schools in Türkiye. In the collection of the data, “Socio-Demographic Information Form”, “Body-Cathexis Scale(BCS)”, “Emotional Eating Scale for Children and Adolescents (EES-C)” were used. Body Mass Index ​​were evaluated in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) z-score classification. In the study, a statistically significant correlation was found between the BCS and the EES-C scores of the adolescents. (r = −.086, p = .008). When the BCS and the EES-C were examined to see how they correlated, it was found that they were correlated in a moderate negative way. In conclusion, adolescents’ dissatisfaction with their body cathexis increased, their emotional eating behaviors also increased. Adolescent can be given training on healthy nutrition education in schools. This training can be done by determining the nutrition education content and its distribution throughout the curriculum, the number of hours devoted to nutrition, and using different teaching methods such as lecture, question-answer, and discussion. It is suggested to give counseling to adolescents in order to support them both to have psychological well-being and acquire healthy lifestyle behaviors. Results of the study may help to better investigate the problem of body cathexis and emotional eating behaviors in adolescents.
The Useful Plants of Uganda: Conserving Socio-economically Valuable Plant Species Using Important Plant Areas (IPAs)
Authors: O’Sullivan Florence , Richards Sophie L. , Kalema James , Ojelel Samuel , Darbyshire Iain
Published: February 2025

Accelerating anthropogenic pressures threaten over two in five plant species globally with extinction, with an estimated 21% of threatened species on the IUCN Red List holding socio-economic value, imperiling species vital for global health. Important Plant Areas (IPAs) is an area-based conservation tool that recognizes the importance of useful species for human well-being and livelihoods. This study aims to identify hotspots of useful plants in Uganda using criterion B(iii) of the IPA framework. A comprehensive checklist of useful plants is presented, identifying 1,037 species with known human uses, equating to over one-fifth of vascular plant diversity in Uganda. A species richness analysis reveals a potential IPA network with 54 cells triggered using criterion B(iii). While Uganda’s current protected area network contains a significant percentage (55%) of species on the useful plant checklist, the top 15 cells capture a higher number of species (59%) in a quarter of the total land area of the protected area network. Concerningly, 56% of Uganda’s crop wild relatives are not recorded from the existing protected areas. Threatened and endemic species distribution correlates significantly with useful plant distribution, suggesting that countries with IPAs based upon threatened and endemic species could also capture useful plants.