bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Objective Injury Threshold for the Maximum Principal Strain Criterion for Brain Tissue in the Finite Element Head Model and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Tang Liqun , Liu Yiping , Yang Bao , Jiang Zhenyu , Liu Zejia , Zhou Licheng
Published: September 2024

Although the finite element head model (FEHM) has been widely utilized to analyze injury locations and patterns in traumatic brain injury, significant controversy persists regarding the selection of a mechanical injury variable and its corresponding threshold. This paper aims to determine an objective injury threshold for maximum principal strain (MPS) through a novel data-driven method, and to validate and apply it. We extract the peak responses from all elements across 100 head impact simulations to form a dataset, and then determine the objective injury threshold by analyzing the relationship between the combined injury degree and the threshold according to the stationary value principle. Using an occipital impact case from a clinical report as an example, we evaluate the accuracy of the injury prediction based on the new threshold. The results show that the injury area predicted by finite element analysis closely matches the main injury area observed in CT images, without the issue of over- or underestimating the injury due to an unreasonable threshold. Furthermore, by applying this threshold to the finite element analysis of designed occipital impacts, we observe, for the first time, supra-tentorium cerebelli injury, which is related to visual memory impairment. This discovery may indicate the biomechanical mechanism of visual memory impairment after occipital impacts reported in clinical cases.
Diabetic Kidney Disease: Contribution of Phenyl Sulfate Derived from Dietary Tyrosine upon Gut Microbiota Catabolism
Authors: Liu Haoxin , Diep Tram N. , Wang Ying , Wang Yucheng , Yan Liang-Jun
Published: September 2024

Deranged gut microbiota can release increased levels of uremic toxins leading to exacerbated kidney injury. In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), phenyl sulfate (PS) derived from tyrosine catabolism by gut microbiota has been demonstrated to be both an early diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target. In this perspective article, we summarize PS generation pathways and recent findings on PS and kidney injury in DKD. Increasing evidence has shown that the underlying mechanisms of PS-induced kidney injury mainly involve oxidative stress, redox imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which all may be targeted to attenuate PS-induced kidney injury. For future research directions, we think that a deeper understanding of the pathogenic role of PS in kidney injury using a variety of diabetic animal models should be investigated. Moreover, we also suggest beneficial approaches that could be used to mitigate the deleterious effect of PS on the kidney. These approaches include caloric restriction, tyrosine restriction, and administration of ketogenic drugs, ketogenic diets or natural products; all of which should be conducted under obese and diabetic conditions.
Transcriptional Regulation and Function of Malic Enzyme 1 in Human Macrophage Activation
Authors: Santarsiero Anna , Todisco Simona , Convertini Paolo , De Leonibus Chiara , Infantino Vittoria
Published: September 2024

Macrophages represent primary players of the innate immune system. Macrophage activation triggers several signaling pathways and is tightly associated with metabolic changes, which drive different immune subsets. Recent studies unveil the role of various metabolic enzymes in macrophage activation. Here, we show that malic enzyme 1 (ME1) is overexpressed in LPS-induced macrophages. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that ME1 transcriptional regulation is under control of NF-κB. Furthermore, ME1 activity is also increased in activated human PBMC-derived macrophages. Notably, ME1 gene silencing decreases nitric oxide as well as reactive oxygen species and prostaglandin E2 inflammatory mediators. Therefore, modulating ME1 provides a potential approach for immunometabolic regulation and in turn macrophage function.
Mortality Risk and Urinary Proteome Changes in Acute COVID-19 Survivors in the Multinational CRIT-COV-U Study
Authors: Siwy Justyna , Keller Felix , Banasik Mirosław , Peters Björn , Dudoignon Emmanuel , Mebazaa Alexandre , Gülmez Dilara , Spasovski Goce , Lazo Mercedes Salgueira , Rajzer Marek W. , Fuławka Łukasz , Dzitkowska-Zabielska Magdalena , Mischak Harald , Hecking Manfred , Beige Joachim , Wendt Ralph ,   UriCoV Working Group
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Survival prospects following SARS-CoV-2 infection may extend beyond the acute phase, influenced by various factors including age, health conditions, and infection severity; however, this topic has not been studied in detail. Therefore, within this study, the mortality risk post-acute COVID-19 in the CRIT-COV-U cohort was investigated. Methods: Survival data from 651 patients that survived an acute phase of COVID-19 were retrieved and the association between urinary peptides and future death was assessed. Data spanning until December 2023 were collected from six countries, comparing mortality trends with age- and sex-matched COVID-19-negative controls. A death prediction classifier was developed and validated using pre-existing urinary peptidomic datasets. Results: Notably, 13.98% of post-COVID-19 patients succumbed during the follow-up, with mortality rates significantly higher than COVID-19-negative controls, particularly evident in younger individuals (<65 years). These data for the first time demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection highly significantly increases the risk of mortality not only during the acute phase of the disease but also beyond for a period of about one year. In our study, we were further able to identify 201 urinary peptides linked to mortality. These peptides are fragments of albumin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, apolipoprotein A-I, beta-2-microglobulin, CD99 antigen, various collagens, fibrinogen alpha, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase, and uromodulin and were integrated these into a predictive classifier (DP201). Higher DP201 scores, alongside age and BMI, significantly predicted death. Conclusions: The peptide-based classifier demonstrated significant predictive value for mortality in post-acute COVID-19 patients, highlighting the utility of urinary peptides in prognosticating post-acute COVID-19 mortality, offering insights for targeted interventions. By utilizing these defined biomarkers in the clinic, risk stratification, monitoring, and personalized interventions can be significantly improved. Our data also suggest that mortality should be considered as one possible symptom or a consequence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a fact that is currently overlooked.
Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Correyero-León Marta , Calvo-Rodrigo Javier , Alvarado-Omenat Jorge Juan , Llamas-Ramos Rocío , Martínez-Terol Mª Consuelo , Llamas-Ramos Inés
Published: September 2024

Primary dysmenorrhea is considered one of the main causes of pelvic pain during a woman’s childbearing years, resulting in poor quality of life. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in painful symptomatology improvement and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake reduction in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) compared with a control group in the short, medium, and long terms. A single-blind, controlled clinical trial was developed. Participants were randomized to the experimental (TTNS) and control group (sham TTNS). Both groups received 12-weekly 30-min sessions with a NeuroTracTM PelviTone electrostimulation device. The intensity and severity of pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake were evaluated in the short-term (after treatment), medium-term (1–3 months), and long-term (6 months). A total of 61 participants were randomized, with a split of 31 (experimental group) and 30 (control group), but 55 participants completed the study and were analyzed. Statistically significant differences between both groups in the maximum pain intensity decrease (F = 4.88, p = 0.0043) measured with the visual analogue scale, as well as NSAID intake decrease (F = 4.68, p = 0.011) and days of their ingestion (F = 4.57, p = 0.012) occurred in the short term. Furthermore, significant decreases in the total number of NSAIDs ingested during the cycle (F = 3.82, p = 0.011) and the number of days on which patients ingested NSAIDs (F = 3.59, p = 0.015) in the medium–long term occurred. TTNS could be an effective and safe strategy to reduce pain caused by PD, which could reduce or complement the use of pharmacological techniques and other more invasive methods.
Postoperative Intravenous Iron Infusion in Anemic Colorectal Cancer Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Chardalias Leonidas , Skreka Androniki-Maria , Memos Nikolaos , Nieri Alexandra-Stavroula , Politis Dimitrios , Politou Marianna , Theodosopoulos Theodosios , Papaconstantinou Ioannis
Published: September 2024

Anemia is the most common extraintestinal symptom of colorectal cancer, with a prevalence of 30–75%. While the preoperative anemia in this patient population has been well studied and its correction 4–6 weeks prior to surgery is recommended when feasible, there is a paucity of data regarding the management of postoperative anemia, which has a prevalence of up to 87% in these patients. To address this issue, we conducted an observational cohort study of surgically treated postoperative anemic patients with colorectal cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on the correction of postoperative anemia by postoperative day 30 (POD30). The primary outcome was the change in hemoglobin on POD30, while the secondary outcomes were the change in iron and other laboratory parameters, postoperative complications and transfusions. The results demonstrated that patients treated with intravenous iron exhibited a significant increase in hemoglobin levels by POD30, along with a concomitant increase in hematocrit, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels, compared to the control group. The findings imply that patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery with anemia that was not corrected in the preoperative setting may benefit from early postoperative intravenous iron infusion.
The Link between Endogenous Pain Modulation Changes and Clinical Improvement in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Meta-Regression Analysis
Authors: Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Filardi Rafaela Machado , González-González Luis Fernando , Park Nayeon , Petrus Fernanda Queiroz , Navarro-Flores Alba , Di-Bonaventura Silvia , Alves Luana Gola , Queiroz Fernanda , Fregni Felipe
Published: September 2024

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation (TS) tests can measure the ability to inhibit pain in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients and its level of pain sensitization, respectively. However, their clinical validity is still unclear. We studied the association between changes in the CPM and TS tests and the clinical improvement of FMS patients who received therapeutic intervention. We systematically searched for FMS randomized clinical trials with data on therapeutic interventions comparing clinical improvement (pain intensity and symptom severity reduction), CPM, and TS changes relative to control interventions. To study the relationship between TS/CPM and clinical measures, we performed a meta-regression analysis to calculate odds ratios. We included nine studies (484 participants). We found no significant changes in TS or CPM by studying all the interventions together. Our findings show that this lack of difference is likely because pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions resulted in contrary effects. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as non-invasive neuromodulation, showed the largest effects normalizing CPM/TS. Meta-regression was significantly associated with pain reduction and symptom severity improvement with normalization of TS and CPM. We demonstrate an association between clinical improvement and TS/CPM normalization in FMS patients. Thus, the TS and CPM tests could be surrogate biomarkers in FMS management. Recovering defective endogenous pain modulation mechanisms by targeted non-pharmacological interventions may help establish long-term clinical recovery in FMS patients.
Analysis of Random Lasing in Human Blood
Authors: de Armas-Rillo Sergio , Abdul-Jalbar Beatriz , Salas-Hernández Josmar , Raya-Sánchez Jose María , González-Hernández Tomás , Lahoz Fernando
Published: September 2024

Random lasing (RL) is an optical phenomenon that arises from the combination of light amplification with optical feedback through multiple scattering events. In this paper, we present our investigations of RL generation from human blood samples. We tested mixtures of rhodamine B dye solutions with different blood components, including platelets, lymphocytes, erythrocytes, and whole blood. Intense coherent RL was obtained in all cases at relatively low pump thresholds, except for erythrocytes. We also studied the potential of RL signal analysis for biosensing applications using blood samples from healthy individuals and patients suffering from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). CLL is a blood disease characterized by a high count of lymphocytes with significant morphological changes. A statistical analysis of the RL spectra based on principal component and linear discriminant analyses was conducted for classification purposes. RL-based sample discrimination was conducted for whole blood, platelet, and lymphocyte samples, being especially successful (86.7%) for the latter. Our results highlight the potential of RL analysis as a sensing tool in blood.
The Adenosinergic Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Van Kerkhove Olivier , Verfaillie Saartje , Maes Brigitte , Cuppens Kristof
Published: September 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-(L)1 and CTLA-4 have revolutionized the systemic treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), achieving impressive results. However, long-term clinical benefits are only seen in a minority of patients. Extensive research is being conducted on novel potential immune checkpoints and the mechanisms underlying ICI resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in modulating the immune response and influencing the efficacy of ICIs. The adenosinergic pathway and extracellular adenosine (eADO) are potential targets to improve the response to ICIs in NSCLC patients. First, this review delves into the adenosinergic pathway and the impact of adenosine within the TME. Second, we provide an overview of relevant preclinical and clinical data on molecules targeting this pathway, particularly focusing on NSCLC.
Prognostic and Predictive Roles of HER2 Status in Non-Breast and Non-Gastroesophageal Carcinomas
Authors: Quaquarini Erica , Grillo Federica , Gervaso Lorenzo , Arpa Giovanni , Fazio Nicola , Vanoli Alessandro , Parente Paola
Published: September 2024

The oncogene ERBB2, also known as HER2 or c-ERB2, is located on chromosome 17 (q12). It encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor, the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), involved in neoplastic proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, and invasiveness. Over the past years, the introduction of various anti-HER2 therapies has significantly improved outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast and gastroesophageal carcinomas. More recently, the introduction of a new antibody–drug conjugate, that is trastuzumab deruxtecan, expanded the therapeutic options to low-HER2 breast and gastroesophageal tumors. HER2 protein overexpression is investigated using immunohistochemistry, gene amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization, and gene mutation using next-generation sequencing. This review evaluated the predictive and prognostic role of HER2 status in various types of epithelial malignant cancers beyond breast and gastroesophageal cancers. We critically analyzed the key published studies, focusing on utilized scoring systems and assays used, and analyzed clinical parameters and therapeutic approaches. Although the evidence about prognostic and predictive roles of HER2 in carcinomas other than breast and gastroesophageal has been widely increasing over the last decade, it still remains investigational, revealing a tumor site-related prognostic and predictive value of the different types of HER2 alterations. However, standardized and validated scoring system assays have not been well-established for many organs.
Mild Heat Stress Alters the Physical State and Structure of Membranes in Triacylglycerol-Deficient Fission Yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Gudmann Péter , Gombos Imre , Péter Mária , Balogh Gábor , Török Zsolt , Vígh László , Glatz Attila
Published: September 2024

We investigated whether the elimination of two major enzymes responsible for triacylglycerol synthesis altered the structure and physical state of organelle membranes under mild heat shock conditions in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our study revealed that key intracellular membrane structures, lipid droplets, vacuoles, the mitochondrial network, and the cortical endoplasmic reticulum were all affected in mutant fission yeast cells under mild heat shock but not under normal growth conditions. We also obtained direct evidence that triacylglycerol-deficient cells were less capable than wild-type cells of adjusting their membrane physical properties during thermal stress. The production of thermoprotective molecules, such as HSP16 and trehalose, was reduced in the mutant strain. These findings suggest that an intact system of triacylglycerol metabolism significantly contributes to membrane protection during heat stress.
The Efficient and Sensitive Detection of Serum Dopamine Based on a MOF-199/Ag@Au Composite SERS Sensing Structure
Authors: Peng Yuyu , Wang Chunyan , Li Gen , Cui Jianguo , Jiang Yina , Li Xiwang , Wang Zhengjie , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

In this study, a MOF-199/Ag@Au SERS sensing structure was successfully synthesized by combining metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology for the efficient detection of dopamine (DA), a biomarker for neurological diseases, in serum. Using electrochemical methods, a copper-based MOF (MOF-199) was synthesized in situ on copper substrates and further deposited with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Subsequently, gold nanoshells were encapsulated around these silver cores by in situ chemical deposition. This preparation process is simple, controllable, and inexpensive. Furthermore, a novel Azo reaction-based DA SERS method was proposed to detect 1 pM DA, which represents an improvement in sensitivity by two orders of magnitude compared to previous unlabeled SERS detection methods and by four orders of magnitude compared to another SERS approach proposed in this work. There was an excellent linear relationship (R2 = 0.976) between the SERS signal at 1140 cm−1 and the DA concentration (0.001 M~1 pM). The results indicate that the MOF-199/Ag@Au sensor structure can successfully achieve both the qualitative and quantitative detection of DA in serum, thus providing a robust technical basis for the application of SERS technology in the field of clinical neurological disease screening.
Supporting Young Children’s Physical Development through Tailored Motor Competency Interventions within a School Setting
Authors: Huggett Ellie , Howells Kristy
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: This study investigated how tailored motor competency (MC) interventions within a bespoke Scheme of Work (SOW) can support young children’s physical development (PD) by enhancing fine motor skills (FMS) and gross motor skills (GMS). The objective was to enable children to meet curriculum developmental physical milestones. Methods: The longitudinal case study design was conducted over 19 weeks across three academic terms and focused on 25 children (12 boys and 13 girls aged between 5 and 6 years old). Interventions within the SOW were evaluated at six points to assess effectiveness and to make adjustments. Data collection included observations on FMS and GMS development. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in FMS and GMS after implementing the MC interventions. Notable improvements included hopping, running, climbing, kicking, catching, and using scissors (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of holistic approaches to PD, highlighting the need for early intervention and the crucial role of educators. The findings advocate for strategically planned MC interventions and practitioner observations to achieve longitudinal improvements in PD. The study recommends nationwide implementation to enhance PD outcomes, preparing children for lifelong and life-wide MC.
Wind Vorticity and Upwelling along the Coast of South Africa
Authors: Jury Mark R.
Published: September 2024

Coastal upwelling that cools sea temperatures and nutrifies the euphotic layer is the focus of this research, motivated by how these processes benefit the marine ecosystem. Here, atmosphere–ocean reanalysis fields and satellite radiance data are employed to link South African coastal upwelling with nearshore winds and currents in the 2000–2021 period. Temporal behavior is quantified in three regimes—Benguela, transition, and Agulhas—to distinguish the influence of offshore transport, vertical pumping, and dynamic uplift. These three mechanisms of coastal upwelling are compared to reveal a leading role for cyclonic wind vorticity. Daily time series at west, south, and east coast sites exhibit pulsing of upwelling-favorable winds during summer. Over the western shelf, horizontal transport and vertical motion are in phase. The south and east shelf experience greater cyclonic wind vorticity in late winter, due to land breezes under the Mascarene high. Ekman transport and pumping are out of phase there, but dynamic uplift is sustained by cyclonic shear from the shelf-edge Agulhas current. Temporal analysis of longshore wind stress and cyclonic vorticity determined that vertical motion of ~5 m/day is pulsed at 4- to 11-day intervals due to passing marine high/coastal low-pressure cells. Height sections reveal that 15 m/s low-level wind jets diminish rapidly inshore due to topographic shearing by South Africa’s convex mountainous coastline. Mean maps of potential wind vorticity show a concentration around capes and at nighttime, due to land breezes. Air–land–sea coupling and frequent coastal lows leave a cyclonic footprint on the coast of South Africa that benefits marine productivity, especially during dry spells with a strengthened subtropical atmospheric ridge. This work has, for the first time, revealed that South Africa is uniquely endowed with three overlapping mechanisms that sustain upwelling along the entire coastline. Amongst those, cyclonic potential vorticity prevails due to the frequent passage of coastal lows that initiate downslope airflows. No other coastal upwelling zone exhibits such a persistent feature.
Trifluorometyl Phenethyl Mesalazine (TFM) Acts as an Antioxidant and Improves Facial Skin Wrinkles and Whitening
Authors: Won Sojung , Lim Jane Melissa , Lee Jin Hwan , Oh Young J. , Shin Jin-Hee , Gwag Byoung Joo , Choi Eui-Ju
Published: September 2024

Oxidative stress is a primary contributor to human skin aging, while antioxidants are known to mitigate skin damage related to aging processes. In this study, we investigated the possible action of trifluoromethyl phenethyl mesalazine (TFM), an antioxidizing agent, on skin aging processes, including skin wrinkles and pigmentation. Our data revealed that TFM exerted a strong free radical scavenging capability and notably inhibited melanin production. Moreover, TFM downregulated the UV-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and interleukin-6 in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, in a clinical study with 24 women, TFM significantly reduced skin wrinkles and improved skin brightness compared to a placebo. These findings highlight the previously unrecognized effects of TFM on skin health by mitigating skin aging processes associated with oxidative damage.
Self-Screening for Cervical Cancer Offered through a Digital Platform in a Region of British Columbia with Lower Screening Rates
Authors: Smith Laurie W. , Booth Amy , Racey C. Sarai , Smith Brenda , Prabhakaran Ashwini , Dabee Smritee , Hong Quan , Niazi Nazia , Ogilvie Gina S.
Published: September 2024

Cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination, early detection, and treatment, yet is the fourth most common cancer globally. HPV testing is superior to cytology for the detection of cervical pre-cancer, and jurisdictions around the world are implementing HPV primary screening, which offers the opportunity for self-screening, an important self-care intervention. Digital health solutions are also increasingly important components of self-care. In this study, we assessed the acceptability and completion of self-screening for cervical cancer offered through a digital platform within a low screening uptake region of British Columbia. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of self-screening for cervical cancer offered through a digital platform as measured by return rates of self-screening kits. Patients due or overdue for cervix screening were invited to participate. Eligible participants registered online to receive a self-screening kit, which included a device for vaginal self-screening, instructions, and a return envelope, sent to their home. After self-screening using the vaginal device, HPV testing was conducted. HPV-negative participants were returned to routine screening, and HPV-positive participants were recommended for cytology or colposcopy. Attendance rates at follow-up were evaluated. Participants were invited to complete an acceptability survey. From April 2019 to December 2023, 283 participants were sent kits, with 207 kits returned for a completion rate of 73%. Of valid samples (n = 202), 15 were HPV positive, and 93% attended follow-up care. Most respondents found the CervixCheck website easy to use, informative, and secure and were satisfied with receiving their results online. CervixCheck had a high completion rate among participants who were sent a self-screening kit. High compliance with recommended follow-up and high acceptability of self-screening for cervical cancer was observed. Most participants indicated they would self-screen again in the future. Innovative approaches to cervical screening, including self-screening and the use of digital health interventions, are ways to enhance equity and improve uptake of cervical screening.
Detection and Assessment of White Flowering Nectar Source Trees and Location of Bee Colonies in Rural and Suburban Environments Using Deep Learning
Authors: Atanasov Atanas Z. , Evstatiev Boris I. , Atanasov Asparuh I. , Hristakov Ivaylo S.
Published: September 2024

Environmental pollution with pesticides as a result of intensive agriculture harms the development of bee colonies. Bees are one of the most important pollinating insects on our planet. One of the ways to protect them is to relocate and build apiaries in populated areas. An important condition for the development of bee colonies is the rich species diversity of flowering plants and the size of the areas occupied by them. In this study, a methodology for detecting and distinguishing white flowering nectar source trees and counting bee colonies is developed and demonstrated, applicable in populated environments. It is based on UAV-obtained RGB imagery and two convolutional neural networks—a pixel-based one for identification of flowering areas and an object-based one for beehive identification, which achieved accuracies of 93.4% and 95.2%, respectively. Based on an experimental study near the village of Yuper (Bulgaria), the productive potential of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) areas in rural and suburban environments was determined. The obtained results showed that the identified blooming area corresponds to 3.654 m2, out of 89.725 m2 that were scanned with the drone, and the number of identified beehives was 149. The proposed methodology will facilitate beekeepers in choosing places for the placement of new apiaries and planning activities of an organizational nature.
A Contribution to the Study of the Flora and Vegetation of Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Authors: Barrett Alan , Bronkhorst Lorraine Raby , Brown Leslie
Published: September 2024

Swahili coastal forests, spanning the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines and the Zanzibar Archipelago, are integral to the biodiverse Eastern Arc and Coastal Forest region. These forest ecosystems face considerable anthropogenic threats. This study contributes to the available knowledge on the floral composition and plant community assemblages of Mnemba Island, a small sandy cay in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which helps to establish baseline data for conservation purposes. Two main coastal forest plant communities were identified: (1) the Casuarina cunninghamiana–Suriana maritima open to closed sandy dry coastal forest, and (2) the Eugenia capensis–Mimusops obtusifolia coastal forest. A total of 91 different plant species belonging to 54 plant families were identified for the island. Community 2, an indigenous forest, supports diverse bird breeding colonies and is a crucial habitat for the threatened Aders’ duiker. Understory development is limited due to the historical Suni antelope overpopulation. Environmental factors like salt spray, allelochemicals, herbivore browsing, and climate fluctuations influence the vegetation abundance and composition. The study underscores differences in species diversity and composition between the planted Casuarina community and the natural atoll vegetation. The natural vegetation shows affinities with the Zanzibar–Inhambane edaphic coral-rag scrub forest and the transitional rainforest. Several species characteristic of Indian Ocean atolls were identified, providing insights into invasion ecology and conservation strategies. The study contributes conceptually to our understanding of vegetation dynamics in island ecosystems by highlighting the interplay between plant communities, environmental processes, and human activities. The fragile yet resilient nature of Mnemba’s unique ecosystem is emphasised, offering insights for conservation management, long-term monitoring, and adaptive approaches tailored to island environments.
Dispersal Ecology of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Northern Greece: Onset, Ranging, Temporary and Territorial Settlement
Authors: Sidiropoulos Lavrentis , Whitfield D. Philip , Poirazidis Konstantinos , Navarrete Elisabeth , Vasilakis Dimitris P. , Bounas Anastasios , Kret Elzbieta , Kati Vassiliki
Published: September 2024

Natal dispersal is a crucial period for raptors with serious implications for individuals’ survival and population demography. In this study we analyzed data from 18 GPS-tracked golden eagles in order to describe their dispersal ecology in northern Greece, where the species feeds mostly on tortoises. Young eagles in our population dispersed at 176 days post fledging, spent their first year of independence relatively close (40–60 kms) to their natal ranges and exhibited a variable temporary settlement behavior. Overall dispersal range sizes did not differ seasonally, but temporary settlement area range sizes were significantly larger in winter. Three eagles survived to territorial settlement and occupied ranges 20–60 kms from their natal areas. The application and refinement of the Scottish GET dispersal ranging model suggested that eagles used areas that had higher topographical relief and lower canopy cover during their natal dispersal. Habitat heterogeneity seems to also be influential during temporary settlement. Our study is the first to provide both such insights for golden eagles in southern eastern Europe and a method for delineating temporary settlement areas for the species. Our findings can be explained in terms of food and habitat availability. We highlight the importance of conserving heterogeneous open areas of complex topography and applying proactive management measures within temporary settlement areas for our population’s conservation.
Analysis of Split-System Air Conditioner Faults through Electrical Measurement Data
Authors: de Oliveira Anderson Carlos , Lima Filho Abel Cavalcante , Belo Francisco Antonio , Cadena André Victor Oliveira
Published: September 2024

This work presents an electrical measurement dataset from a split-system air conditioner in normal operating conditions and with specific faults, such as incrustation in the condenser and evaporator air inlet with different levels of blocking, which often occurs in this type of equipment. We also added compressor capacitor degradation, which is a very common fault in this type of equipment, although it is scarcely addressed in research. The data were obtained through a non-invasive current sensor and a grain-oriented voltage sensor containing the values of the current and voltage of equipment that was installed in the field and tested at different levels for these fault conditions. This work not only explains how the entire data collection process was carried out but also presents two examples of fast Fourier transform (FFT) applications for the detection and diagnosis of faults through the electrical measurements analyzed in our studies, which had good effectiveness.
Seismic Design of Steel Frames with Protected Connections
Authors: Palizzolo Luigi , Vazzano Santo , Benfratello Salvatore
Published: September 2024

The present paper is devoted to the seismic design of steel frames constituted by multistep I-shaped cross-section beam elements. The proposed design problem formulation is aimed at protecting the connections among beams and columns. In particular, reference is made to beams welded at their ends to appropriate steel plates connected by bolts to the columns. Therefore, the protection against brittle failure of the beam end sections is ensured by appropriate constraints of the optimal design problem. A useful comparison is made between the adoption of the so-called Reduced Beam Sections (RBS) and the use of multistep beam elements. In particular, the RBS approach here considered is the well-known dogbone technique consisting of reducing the width of the beam cross-sections in correspondence with suitably located beam portions, while the typical multistep beam element is constituted by a factory-made I-shaped uniform piecewise profile. To perform the necessary comparison, reference is made to a three-story, two-span plane steel frame constituted by elastic, perfectly plastic material and subjected to static and seismic loads. The load conditions and the relevant combinations have been imposed in compliance with the Italian structural code. The frame is first studied as constituted by European standard steel profiles on sale, and the related design is obtained using the optimization tool contained in SAP2000 software. A linear dynamic analysis is performed to determine the response of the frame. Later, the same frame, either equipped with dogbone and constituted by multistep beam elements, subjected to serviceability load conditions, is studied in terms of inter-story drifts and beam deflections. The geometry of the multistep beam elements is obtained by the solution to the proposed optimization problem. Furthermore, a nonlinear static analysis is performed to evaluate the capacity curves of the same frames. The results obtained for the frames equipped with the described different devices, compared with those related to the original frame, provide very interesting information on the sensitivity of the seismic response of the structure, showing the full reliability of the multistep beam element approach.
Long-Term Follow Up of Patients Treated for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cytomegalovirus Colitis
Authors: Singh Gurtej , Rentsch Clarissa , Beattie William , Christensen Britt , Macrae Finlay , Segal Jonathan P.
Published: September 2024

Background: Pathological reactivation of latent Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is triggered by inflammation and immunosuppression; both present in the pathogenesis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Whether CMV reactivation is associated with escalating medical therapy, further hospital admissions, or worse clinical outcomes remains controversial. This study aimed to follow up IBD patients with an index episode of CMV colitis and analyse the clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with IBD treated for CMV colitis was completed. The outcome results were collected at 6-month and 12-month time points after the first episode of CMV colitis. A total of 13 patients with Ulcerative Colitis and 1 with Crohn’s Disease were included. Results: CMV colitis recurrence occurred in 29% of patients at 12 months. A total of 43% of patients had changed their biologic dose at 6 months and 29% had escalated their biologic dose at 12 months. At 12 months, 36% of patients had been re-hospitalised, including three colectomies. Disease remission was only achieved by 29% of patients at 12 months. Conclusions: IBD patients with CMV colitis have substantial rates of re-hospitalisation, failed medical therapy, and colectomy. These risks may be greater at <6 months from an index episode of CMV colitis.
Quantitative Assessment of Drone Pilot Performance
Authors: Doroftei Daniela , De Cubber Geert , Lo Bue Salvatore , De Smet Hans
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces a quantitative methodology for assessing drone pilot performance, aiming to reduce drone-related incidents by understanding the human factors influencing performance. The challenge lies in balancing evaluations in operationally relevant environments with those in a standardized test environment for statistical relevance. The proposed methodology employs a novel virtual test environment that records not only basic flight metrics but also complex mission performance metrics, such as the video quality from a target. A group of Belgian Defence drone pilots were trained using this simulator system, yielding several practical results. These include a human-performance model linking human factors to pilot performance, an AI co-pilot providing real-time flight performance guidance, a tool for generating optimal flight trajectories, a mission planning tool for ideal pilot assignment, and a method for iterative training improvement based on quantitative input. The training results with real pilots demonstrate the methodology’s effectiveness in evaluating pilot performance for complex military missions, suggesting its potential as a valuable addition to new pilot training programs.
Real-Time Fire Detection: Integrating Lightweight Deep Learning Models on Drones with Edge Computing
Authors: Titu Md Fahim Shahoriar , Pavel Mahir Afser , Michael Goh Kah Ong , Babar Hisham , Aman Umama , Khan Riasat
Published: September 2024

Fire accidents are life-threatening catastrophes leading to losses of life, financial damage, climate change, and ecological destruction. Promptly and efficiently detecting and extinguishing fires is essential to reduce the loss of lives and damage. This study uses drone, edge computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, presenting novel methods for real-time fire detection. This proposed work utilizes a comprehensive dataset of 7187 fire images and advanced deep learning models, e.g., Detection Transformer (DETR), Detectron2, You Only Look Once YOLOv8, and Autodistill-based knowledge distillation techniques to improve the model performance. The knowledge distillation approach has been implemented with the YOLOv8m (medium) as the teacher (base) model. The distilled (student) frameworks are developed employing the YOLOv8n (Nano) and DETR techniques. The YOLOv8n attains the best performance with 95.21% detection accuracy and 0.985 F1 score. A powerful hardware setup, including a Raspberry Pi 5 microcontroller, Pi camera module 3, and a DJI F450 custom-built drone, has been constructed. The distilled YOLOv8n model has been deployed in the proposed hardware setup for real-time fire identification. The YOLOv8n model achieves 89.23% accuracy and an approximate frame rate of 8 for the conducted live experiments. Integrating deep learning techniques with drone and edge devices demonstrates the proposed system’s effectiveness and potential for practical applications in fire hazard mitigation.
Systematic Review: Revisiting Challenge-Based Learning Teaching Practices in Higher Education
Authors: Galdames-Calderón Marisol , Stavnskær Pedersen Anni , Rodriguez-Gomez David
Published: September 2024

In recent years, Higher Education institutions have reviewed learning and teaching methodologies to align competencies with evolving socioeconomic scenarios. Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) has emerged as a key method for developing competencies and self-regulating capacities in university students. This study aimed to identify the teaching practices associated with CBL in Higher Education. Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review analyzed open-access and peer-reviewed publications from 2013 to 2023. The selection process reviewed 64 articles from Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. To assess the risk of bias, the Delphi method with expert panels from the University College of Northern Denmark (UCN) was used. The review identified 20 studies emphasizing a shift in teaching practices in CBL toward student-centered learning, categorized into four key dimensions: pedagogical approaches, technological integration, industry engagement, and support for development. These findings illustrate the transition from traditional teaching to facilitative roles that foster innovative problem-solving. Limitations included the scarcity of research on specific CBL teaching practices and detailed implementation strategies, highlighting the need for further research. This study underscores the importance of specialized educator training in addressing CBL adoption challenges and preparing students for complex future challenges, enhancing student learning and growth across disciplines.
Cognitive Impairment Classification Prediction Model Using Voice Signal Analysis
Authors: Sung Sang-Ha , Hong Soongoo , Kim Jong-Min , Kang Do-Young , Park Hyuntae , Kim Sangjin
Published: September 2024

As the population ages, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are increasingly common neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly. Human voice signals contain various characteristics, and the voice recording signals with time-series properties include key information such as pitch, tremor, and breathing cycle. Therefore, this study aims to propose an algorithm to classify normal individuals, Alzheimer’s patients, and Parkinson’s patients using these voice signal characteristics. The study subjects consist of a total of 700 individuals, who provided data by uttering 40 predetermined sentences. To extract the main characteristics of the recorded voices, a Mel–spectrogram was used, and these features were analyzed using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The analysis results showed that the classification based on DenseNet exhibited the best performance. This study suggests the potential for classification of cognitive impairment through voice signal analysis.
Blockchain-Assisted Secure Energy Trading in Electricity Markets: A Tiny Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Stackelberg Game Approach
Authors: Xiao Yong , Lin Xiaoming , Lei Yiyong , Gu Yanzhang , Tang Jianlin , Zhang Fan , Qian Bin
Published: September 2024

Electricity markets are intricate systems that facilitate efficient energy exchange within interconnected grids. With the rise of low-carbon transportation driven by environmental policies and tech advancements, energy trading has become crucial. This trend towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) is bolstered by the pivotal role played by EV charging operators in providing essential charging infrastructure and services for widespread EV adoption. This paper introduces a blockchain-assisted secure electricity trading framework between EV charging operators and the electricity market with renewable energy sources. We propose a single-leader, multi-follower Stackelberg game between the electricity market and EV charging operators. In the two-stage Stackelberg game, the electricity market acts as the leader, deciding the price of electric energy. The EV charging aggregator leverages blockchain technology to record and verify energy trading transactions securely. The EV charging operators, acting as followers, then decide their demand for electric energy based on the set price. To find the Stackelberg equilibrium, we employ a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm that tackles non-stationary challenges through policy, action space, and reward function formulation. To optimize efficiency, we propose the integration of pruning techniques into DRL, referred to as Tiny DRL. Numerical results demonstrate that our proposed schemes outperform traditional approaches.
On the Development of Embroidered Reconfigurable Dipole Antennas: A Textile Approach to Mechanical Reconfiguration
Authors: Bakogianni Sofia , Tsolis Aris , Angelaki Chrysanthi , Alexandridis Antonis A.
Published: September 2024

A design framework for developing full-textile reconfigurable dipole antennas is proposed for wearable applications. To this end, a precise embroidery process using conductive threads is applied to properly manage the antenna structure. Further, mechanical reconfiguration to enhance antenna operation by using solely clothing components is outlined. As a proof-of-concept, we present a full-textile embroidered dipole antenna with mechanical frequency reconfiguration. Specifically, reconfiguration is achieved by folding the dipole arms through a triangular formation. Conductive Velcro strips are employed to guide the necessary dipole arrangement. As shown, the proposed design methodology enables frequency tunability that ranges from 780 to 1330 MHz for UHF and L bands, with satisfactory radiation performance. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement, in terms of achieving similar frequency reconfiguration concept, as predicted by the electromagnetic simulation models.