bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Conceptual Model for the Information and Control System of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Solving Problems in the Mineral and Raw Materials Complex
Authors: Pervukhin Dmitry , Kotov Dmitry , Trushnikov Vyacheslav
Published: November 2024

This study presents the development of a conceptual model for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) information and control system (ICS) tailored for the mineral and raw materials complex (MRMC). To address the challenges of underwater mineral exploration, such as harsh conditions, high costs, and personnel risks, a comprehensive model was designed. This model was built using correlation analysis and expert evaluations to identify critical parameters affecting AUV efficiency and reliability. Key elements, including pressure resistance, communication stability, energy efficiency, and maneuverability, were prioritized. The results indicate that enhancing these elements can significantly improve AUV performance in deep-sea environments. The proposed model optimizes the ICS, providing a foundation for designing advanced AUVs capable of efficiently executing complex underwater tasks. By integrating these innovations, the model aims to boost operational productivity, ensure safety, and open new avenues for mineral resource exploration. This study’s findings highlight the importance of focusing on critical AUV parameters for developing effective and reliable solutions, thus addressing the pressing needs of the MRMC while promoting sustainable resource management.
How Physician—Insurance Contracting Contributes to the Medical Exodus and Access to Ophthalmic Care in Puerto Rico
Authors: Al-Attar Luma , Ocasio Diaz Rafael A. , Ponce Andrea N. , Zare Hossein
Published: November 2024

Background: Puerto Rico (PR) has experienced significant demographic changes, characterized primarily by an aging population and an unprecedented exodus of medical doctors. Ophthalmologists are of particular concern as they commonly serve older populations, and the island has high rates of some age-related eye diseases in the United States (US). Our research aims to investigate the factors driving ophthalmologists in PR to emigrate to the mainland US. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among ophthalmologists in PR, using survey data collected from May to June 2023. This study recruited a convenient sample of all ophthalmologists practicing in PR via outreach in person and online communities. The survey covered various types of challenges faced by ophthalmologists, their demographics, and practice details. STATA/BE 18 statistical software was used for data analysis. Statistical tests, such as chi-square and proportion tests, were performed, stratifying results by age, gender, subspecialty, geographic health districts, experience, and practice type. Results: Among 130 of the estimated 218 ophthalmologists in PR, insurance/billing issues were identified as the primary challenge to practicing in PR and the primary reason to leave PR. The challenges that were identified included required authorizations for patient care, unjustified claim rejections, and threats of contract cancellation. We found that new ophthalmologists (≤15 years of practice) faced more specific challenges than experienced ophthalmologists (>15 years of practice), such as difficulty in obtaining insurance contracts. Conclusions: Insurance/billing issues are a pervasive concern for ophthalmologists in PR. New ophthalmologists are disproportionately affected by these challenges, potentially leading some to find employment outside of PR. There is a need for targeted policies—regulation of insurance contracting and increased reimbursement from private insurance plans—to reduce insurance contracting barriers for keeping a sustainable physician workforce in PR.
The Impact of Digitalization on the Italian Forestry Sector: An Analysis Based on Socio-Economic Indicators
Authors: Barbarese Francesco , Oreti Loredana , Bascietto Marco , Alivernini Alessandro , Romano Raoul , Andreopoulou Zacharoula S. , Carbone Francesco
Published: November 2024

Digitalization has transformed various sectors, including forestry, by introducing specialized digital tools and ICTs. This study explores the impact of digitalization on the Italian forestry sector, focusing on socio-economic indicators. Data on these indicators were gathered from the “National Forest Information System” (SINFor), while the digitalization level in Italian regions came from previous studies. The methods used included correlation analysis between digitalization and socio-economic indicators, along with linear regression models. The study also presents three digital progress scenarios, predicting significant socio-economic improvements with increased digitalization. The results show a strong correlation between digitalization and forestry indicators such as employment, value creation, and certification. These findings highlight the transformative potential of digitalization for sustainable forest management, emphasizing the need for further investment in digital infrastructure to boost productivity, inclusivity, and environmental conservation. The study also discusses challenges in fully understanding the effects of digitalization and suggests future research directions to examine specific technological features and broader industry impacts.
Study on Emergency Decision-Making of Mine External Fires Based on Deduction of Precursory Scenarios
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Wenrui , Huo Yingnan , Xiao Zeyuan
Published: November 2024

External mine fires are known for their unpredictability, rapid spread, and difficulty in terms of extinguishment, often resulting in severe casualties and property damage when not managed swiftly. This study examines the progression of coal mine fire incidents through scenario deduction and presents an emergency decision-making model based on precursor scenario analysis. We classify precursor elements according to the causes of coal mine fires, organizing scenario elements into states, precursors, and emergency activities using knowledge meta-theory. A dynamic Bayesian network forms the core of the decision-making model, enabling calculation of scenario node probabilities and the development of expert-driven response strategies for critical scenarios. Additionally, we design a comprehensive evaluation index system, utilizing multi-attribute decision-making to establish decision matrices and attribute weights. An improved entropy-weighting TOPSIS method is used to select the optimal emergency decision scheme. The model’s effectiveness is demonstrated through a case study of the “9–27” fire incident at the Chongqing Songzao Coal Mine, where findings affirm the model’s practicality and accuracy in supporting timely, effective emergency responses to external coal mine fires.
Advanced Object Detection for Maritime Fire Safety
Authors: Makhmudov Fazliddin , Umirzakova Sabina , Kutlimuratov Alpamis , Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Cho Young-Im
Published: November 2024

In this study, we propose an advanced object detection model for fire and smoke detection in maritime environments, leveraging the DETR (Detection with Transformers) framework. To address the specific challenges of shipboard fire and smoke detection, such as varying lighting conditions, occlusions, and the complex structure of ships, we enhance the baseline DETR model by integrating EfficientNet-B0 as the backbone. This modification aims to improve detection accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency. We utilize a custom dataset of fire and smoke images captured from diverse shipboard environments, incorporating a range of data augmentation techniques to increase model robustness. The proposed model is evaluated against the baseline DETR and YOLOv5 variants, showing significant improvements in Average Precision (AP), especially in detecting small and medium-sized objects. Our model achieves a superior AP score of 38.7 and outperforms alternative models across multiple IoU thresholds (AP50, AP75), particularly in scenarios requiring high precision for small and occluded objects. The experimental results highlight the model’s efficacy in early fire and smoke detection, demonstrating its potential for deployment in real-time maritime safety monitoring systems. These findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at enhancing object detection in challenging maritime environments.
Comparative Study of Longitudinal Temperature Decay of Weak and Strong Plumes with Different Tunnel Aspect Ratios
Authors: Li Zhisheng , Liu Xin , Cheng Yanying , Li Gang , Xu Dong , Hou Wei , Zheng Rui , Li Baiyi
Published: November 2024

Numerical investigations were performed to compare and analyze the effect of the tunnel aspect ratio on the temperature distribution caused by weak and strong plumes. Four tunnel aspect ratios were chosen, which were one, two, four, and eight, respectively. The heat release rates were manipulated within the range of 3 MW to 50 MW in order to replicate fire situations involving small cars, trucks, and big freight vehicles. The study revealed that the aspect ratio of the tunnel has minimal impact on the temperature distribution in the vicinity of the fire area, but it significantly affects the temperature distribution in the distant area from the fire source. The temperature gradient of the fire source at a distance exhibits a non-monotonic tendency in the far-field. The temperature distribution gradient decreases more significantly when driven by a strong plume compared to a weak plume. A quantified investigation of the maximum excess temperature was conducted by including a specific diameter for the fire source. Subsequent correlations of the longitudinal temperature distribution were established for both weak and strong plumes.
Fire Resilience of Load-Bearing Wall Made of Hollow Timber Elements
Authors: Perković Nikola , Rajčić Vlatka , Barbalić Jure
Published: November 2024

During a fire load, a charred layer forms on the timber elements, which is a natural protection against fire, so that a certain level of fire resistance could be achieved by using elements with a larger cross-section. However, this modus of fire protection is not always suitable. One of the most commonly used fire protection systems are fire protection boards. In this work, a large-scale fire test was carried out on a protected load-bearing wall made of hollow elements under the effect of sustained mechanical loads and fire exposure. Different stages of charring were observed. The test was aborted at the 91st minute due to a decrease in the load-bearing capacity and integrity criteria. The allowable average temperature rise on the non-exposed side of the specimen (140 K) was not exceeded until the 91st minute of the test, and the allowable maximum temperature rise on the non-exposed side of the specimen (180 K) was not exceeded until the 90th minute of the test. The loss of specimen integrity occurred at the 90th minute of the test. For surfaces protected by fire-resistant panels, it should be considered that the onset of charring is delayed until a certain time. According to EN 1995-1-2, charring can start before the fire protection is removed, but at a lower charring rate than the rates up to the time of failure of the fire protection. The expression proposed in EN 1995-1-2 shows relatively accurate results for certain systems and thicknesses of fire protection linings. However, it does not consider the presence of more than one lining layer or the full range of lining thicknesses themselves. For the wall described in this paper, the predicted failure time of the fire boards would therefore be 41.5 min, which is not consistent with the results of the experiment (51 min). The results of the calculation model according to EN 1995-1-2 did not fully agree with the results of the fire test on the protected load-bearing wall.
Impact of a Near-Surface Plasma Region on the Bow Shock Wave and Aerodynamic Characteristics of a High-Speed Model in Xenon
Authors: Azarova Olga A. , Lapushkina Tatiana A. , Kravchenko Oleg V.
Published: November 2024

The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the active influence on the location of the bow shock wave, as well as on the parameters of an aerodynamic body, of a gas discharge organized near the frontal surface, between the body and the bow shock wave. The research is carried out using both experimental and numerical methods at the freestream Mach number M = 6.8. The working gas is xenon. It is shown that the location of the steady bow shock wave, along with the current and power of the discharge, is associated with the change in the adiabatic index of the plasma created by the discharge, which, in turn, is determined by plasma parameters such as the degrees of nonequilibrium and the degree of ionization. It is shown that the adiabatic index with the power supplied to the impact zone in the range of 30–120 kW can both increase and decrease in the range of 1.25–1.288. A study of the discharge-created plasma zone is conducted, and the correspondence between the gas discharge current and power and the average parameters in the plasma zone created by the discharge are presented. A good agreement between the numerical and experimental data is shown. The results obtained can be useful in the development of control systems for high-speed flows based not only on the effects of heating but also on the impact of plasma parameters.
Optimising Physics-Informed Neural Network Solvers for Turbulence Modelling: A Study on Solver Constraints Against a Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Fox William , Sharma Bharath , Chen Jianhua , Castellani Marco , Espino Daniel M.
Published: November 2024

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have emerged as a promising approach for simulating nonlinear physical systems, particularly in the field of fluid dynamics and turbulence modelling. Traditional turbulence models often rely on simplifying assumptions or closed numerical models, which simplify the flow, leading to inaccurate flow predictions or long solve times. This study examines solver constraints in a PINNs solver, aiming to generate an understanding of an optimal PINNs solver with reduced constraints compared with the numerically closed models used in traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD). PINNs were implemented in a periodic hill flow case and compared with a simple data-driven approach to neural network modelling to show the limitations of a data-driven model on a small dataset (as is common in engineering design). A standard full equation PINNs model with predicted first-order stress terms was compared against reduced-boundary models and reduced-order models, with different levels of assumptions made about the flow to monitor the effect on the flow field predictions. The results in all cases showed good agreement against direct numerical simulation (DNS) data, with only boundary conditions provided for training as in numerical modelling. The efficacy of reduced-order models was shown using a continuity only model to accurately predict the flow fields within 0.147 and 2.6 percentage errors for streamwise and transverse velocities, respectively, and a modified mixing length model was used to show the effect of poor assumptions on the model, including poor convergence at the flow boundaries, despite a reduced solve time compared with a numerically closed equation set. The results agree with contemporary literature, indicating that physics-informed neural networks are a significant improvement in solve time compared with a data-driven approach, with a novel proposition of numerically derived unclosed equation sets being a good representation of a turbulent system. In conclusion, it is shown that numerically unclosed systems can be efficiently solved using reduced-order equation sets, potentially leading to a reduced compute requirement compared with traditional solver methods.
The Who’s, What’s, and “Y”s: Y Sex Chromosome Loss and Methylation for Analysis in Male Aging and Mortality and Forensic Science Applications
Authors: Sapozhnikov Mira , Medina-Paz Francisco , Castagnola María Josefina , Zapico Sara C.
Published: November 2024

The Y chromosome plays a crucial role in understanding the overall landscape of male health. Incorporating the Y chromosome into genomic and epigenomic research may elucidate the male-specific mechanisms behind aging and the pathogenesis of certain conditions, both acute and chronic. Present epigenetic research focuses on the effects of modifications like methylation on autosomal chromosomes. However, little research has been conducted to further these investigations in sex chromosomes, especially the Y chromosome. Epigenetic analyses can identify age-associated CpG sites that may offer potential biomarkers for age estimation and disease risk assessment, among others. This review emphasizes interdisciplinary efforts that have been made in the construction of an assembly and the application of “epigenetic clocks” to the Y chromosome. The studies reviewed here examined the effects of aging on genes such as NLGN4Y, DDX3Y, and TBL1Y, and on male-specific health disparities and disease etiologies, as well as the potential for the use of these genes to assess the diagnostic and age algorithmic potential of Y-specific genes.
Solution for Time-Fractional Coupled Burgers Equations by Generalized-Laplace Transform Methods
Authors: Eltayeb Hassan , Mesloub Said
Published: November 2024

In this work, nonlinear time-fractional coupled Burgers equations are solved utilizing a computational method, which is called the double and triple generalized-Laplace transform and decomposition method. We discuss the proof of triple generalized-Laplace transform for a Caputo fractional derivative. We have given four examples to show the precision and adequacy of the suggested approach. The results show that this method is easy and accurate when compared to the A domain decomposition method (ADM), homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and generalized differential transform method (GDTM). Finally, we have sketched the graphics for all these examples.
“Settler Maintenance” and Migrant Domestic Worker Ecologies of Care
Authors: Lee Rachel C. , Encinas Abraham , Thulin Lesley
Published: November 2024

Oral histories of Latina domestic workers in the United States feature hybrid narratives combining accounts of illness and “toxic discourse”. We approach domestic workers’ illnesses and disabilities in a capacious, extra-medical context that registers multiple axes of precarity (economic, racial, and migratory). We are naming this context “settler maintenance”. Riffing on the specific and general valences of “maintenance” (i.e., as a synonym for cleaning work, and as a term for the practices and ideologies involved in a structure’s upkeep), this term has multiple meanings. First, it describes U.S. domestic workers’ often-compulsory use of hazardous chemical agents that promise to remove dirt speedily, yet that imperil domestic workers’ health. The use of these chemicals perpetuates two other, more abstract kinds of settler maintenance: (1) the continuation of socioeconomic hierarchies between immigrant domestic workers and settler employers, and (2) the continuation of (white) settlers’ extractive relationship to the land qua private property. To challenge this logic of settler maintenance, which is predicated on a lack of care for care workers, Latina domestic workers have developed alternative forms of care via lateral networks and political activism.
Coronary CT Angiography Radiomics for Identifying Coronary Artery Plaque Vulnerability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Murray Cian P. , Temperley Hugo C. , O’Sullivan Niall J. , Kenny Andrew P. , Murphy Ross
Published: November 2024

Background/objectives: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major global health issue primarily caused by the rupture or erosion of vulnerable coronary plaques. Non-invasive identification of these plaques through coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can be improved with radiomics, which extracts and analyses quantitative features from medical images. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the literature surrounding the role of radiomics in assessing coronary plaques via CCTA. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted up to July 2024. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and their methodological quality was assessed using the radiomic quality score (RQS) and the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: All studies that evaluated radiomic models for plaque vulnerability reported area under the curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.7, indicating at least modest diagnostic performance. In the four studies that made direct comparisons, radiomic models consistently outperformed conventional CCTA markers. However, RQS scores ranged from 2.7% to 41.7%, reflecting variability in study quality and underscoring the need for more robust validation. Conclusions: Radiomics has the potential to enhance CCTA-based identification of vulnerable coronary plaques, offering a promising non-invasive approach to predicting major adverse cardiovascular events. However, the current body of research is limited by the lack of external validation, reliance on small, single-centre retrospective studies, and methodological inconsistencies, which impact the generalisability and reproducibility of findings. Future research should prioritise prospective, multi-centre studies with standardised protocols and rigorous validation frameworks to effectively incorporate radiomics into clinical practice.
Coal and Mines in the Era of Fascist Ventennio in Italy
Authors: Varriale Roberta , Bartoletto Silvana , Sabiu Sabrina
Published: November 2024

Access to raw materials has always been one of the main drivers of economic growth. In Italy, where the relationship between exports and imports has always been negative, during the fascist period, several new opportunities and limits were introduced and many efforts were made to promote the exploitation of Italian resources to support the energy transition, focusing on energy autonomy. But were these efforts sufficient to ensure the achievement of the objectives, or did the internal demand for coal always make trade and technological exchanges with foreign countries necessary, despite what fascist propaganda showed through its communication strategy during the so-called Ventennio? This research, which is part of a significant debate regarding the role of mines in the economic, social, and cultural development in Italy during fascism, was based on the analysis of several series of unpublished data regarding energy consumption, imports, and production in Italy and the international technological debate about Sardinia Island, where the most productive Italian coal mines were opened. Based on a comparison of results, this research aimed at refuting the hypothesis that during the energy transition from wood to coal, Italy was closed both to the international technical, scientific, and methodological debates regarding the mining sector and energy imports.
Effects of Different Detraining Periods on the Physical Fitness of Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Diesel Mabel , de Mattos Martini Vanessa , Schmiegelow Ian Takimoto , de Sousa Carlos Augusto , de la Rocha Freitas Cíntia , Gerage Aline Mendes , Delevatti Rodrigo Sudatti
Published: November 2024

Objective: To verify the effects of two different detraining periods on the physical fitness of older adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This observational study encompassed older individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, who were assessed after two different detraining periods: 1 month (1DT) and 3 months (3DT). Physical fitness was assessed using the 30-s sit to stand test (STS), 30-s arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, timed up and go, and 6-min walk test (6MWT). The comparison between the different periods was carried out using absolute differences (Δ = posttest-pretest) and relative differences (Δ% = (Δ/pretest) × 100), with α = 0.05. Results: Eight older adults were assessed (70.3 ± 7.48 years, 4 female/4 male). Improvements in the STS (+1.88 repetitions; p = 0.007) and 6MWT (+17.38 m; p = 0.007) were found after 1DT. After 3DT, a worsening was observed in the 6MWT (−26.38 m; p = 0.018). The arm curl test worsened in both detraining periods (1DT: −1.38 repetitions; 3DT: −3.5 repetitions; p = 0.001). When comparing Δ% of 1DT and 3DT, STS and 6MWT showed differences, with p = 0.024 and p = 0.005, respectively. Conclusions: The 1-month detraining period had a positive effect on some physical fitness components, while 3 months induced a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. Upper limb strength appears to be the component most susceptible to detraining.
Housing Environmental Enrichment, Lifestyles, and Public Health Indicators of Neurogenesis in Humans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Khalil Mohamed Hesham , Steemers Koen
Published: November 2024

Background: In response to the rising mental health concerns and cognitive decline associated with the human brain’s neurogenesis, which continues until the tenth decade of life but declines with age and is suppressed by poor environments, this pilot study investigates how physical environments may influence public health proxy measures of neurogenesis in humans. This pilot study focuses on the residential environment where people spend most of their time and age in place, exploring the dependency of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment variations on spatial and lifestyle variables. Methods: A total of 142 healthy adults in England completed a survey consisting of PHQ-8, GAD-7, and CFI questionnaires and other questions developed to capture the variance in spatial and lifestyle factors such as time spent at home, house type layout complexity, spaciousness, physical activity, routine and spatial novelty, and perceived loneliness. Results: Extensive time spent at home has adverse effects on all measures, while multi-storey houses perform better than single-story houses with positive correlations with physical activity and spatial novelty. Separate regression models on the variance in depression, as the most salient dependent variable and reliably associated with neurogenesis, reveal that getting out of the house explains 20.5% of the variance in depression symptoms. At the scale of the house, multi-storey houses explain 16.5% of the variance. Both percentages are closer to the effect of loneliness, which we found to explain 26.6% of the variance in depression. Conclusions: The built environment appears to be significantly associated with changes in cognitive function and mental health symptoms associated with neurogenesis. This pilot study shows the equally important effect of physical and social enrichment, offering critically needed insights for neuroarchitecture and brain health research that is interested in public health.
Effects of a 12-Week Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Symptoms in Adolescents
Authors: Francisquini Maria Carolina Juvêncio , dos Santos Géssika Castilho , de Souza Silva Thais Maria , Dias Pedro Henrique Garcia , dos Santos Claudinei Ferreira , Pinzon Gabriel , Machado-Rodrigues Aristides M. , Stabelini Neto Antonio
Published: November 2024

Participation in regular physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits, including improvement in adolescents’ mental health. The current study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week physical activity intervention on psychological symptoms of adolescents. The sample of this controlled randomized study was composed by 150 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years old. PA intervention is an adaptation of the ActTeens Program, which includes structured PA sessions delivered during Physical Education classes. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure psychological symptoms. To analyze the effects of the intervention on psychological symptoms, generalized estimating equations (GEEs) models were constructed. After 12 weeks, there were no significant intervention effects for emotional problems (mean difference: −0.14; 95% IC: −1.1–0.82), conduct problems (mean difference: 0.14; 95% IC: −0.6–0.8), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (mean difference: −0.66; 95% IC: −1.4–0.1), peer problems (mean difference: 0.2; 95% IC: −0.6–1.0), prosocial behavior (mean difference: 0.00; 95% IC: −0.8; 0.8) and overall mental health score (mean difference: 0.15; 95% IC: −2.0; 2.3). No improvement in psychological symptoms was observed after 12 weeks of PA intervention. Future studies should explore how PA in different dimensions and contexts may impact positively on adolescents’ mental health.
Prevalence of Elevated Blood Triglycerides and Associated Risk Factors: Findings from a Nationwide Health Screening in Mongolia
Authors: Enkhtugs Khangai , Tsedev-Ochir Tumur-Ochir , Yadamsuren Enkhtur , Bayartsogt Batzorig , Dangaa Bayarbold , Altangerel Otgonbat , Byambasukh Oyuntugs , Enebish Oyunsuren
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aims to assess the demographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics associated with varying levels of triglycerides (TGs) in a large population sample. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from a nationwide health screening program in Mongolia. A total of 125,330 participants (mean age: 43.8 ± 15.3 years) were included. TG levels were categorized into normal, borderline high, high, and very high. Due to the small number of participants in the very high TG group, they were combined with the high TG category for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of elevated TG levels. Results: The majority of participants (80.3%) had normal TG levels, while 10.3% had borderline high, 8.7% had high, and 0.7% had very high TG levels. Significant predictors of elevated TG levels included age (OR 1.013, 95% CI 1.012–1.014), male (OR 2.328, 95% CI 2.251–2.408), obesity (OR 1.920, 95% CI 1.855–1.987), central obesity (OR 1.866, 95% CI 1.801–1.933), smoking (OR 1.399, 95% CI 1.347–1.453), alcohol use (OR 1.233, 95% CI 1.176–1.292), and non-regular exercise (OR 1.144, 95% CI 1.118–1.171). Sex-specific analysis revealed that elevated TG levels were more prevalent among males, regardless of other risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Conclusions: Male sex, obesity, and smoking were the strongest predictors of elevated TG levels.
Investigating the Performance of Open-Vocabulary Classification Algorithms for Pathway and Surface Material Detection in Urban Environments
Authors: de Moraes Vestena Kauê , Phillipi Camboim Silvana , Brovelli Maria Antonia , Rodrigues dos Santos Daniel
Published: November 2024

Mapping pavement types, especially in sidewalks, is essential for urban planning and mobility studies. Identifying pavement materials is a key factor in assessing mobility, such as walkability and wheelchair usability. However, satellite imagery in this scenario is limited, and in situ mapping can be costly. A promising solution is to extract such geospatial features from street-level imagery. This study explores using open-vocabulary classification algorithms to segment and identify pavement types and surface materials in this scenario. Our approach uses large language models (LLMs) to improve the accuracy of classifying different pavement types. The methodology involves two experiments: the first uses free prompting with random street-view images, employing Grounding Dino and SAM algorithms to assess performance across categories. The second experiment evaluates standardized pavement classification using the Deep Pavements dataset and a fine-tuned CLIP algorithm optimized for detecting OSM-compliant pavement categories. The study presents open resources, such as the Deep Pavements dataset and a fine-tuned CLIP-based model, demonstrating a significant improvement in the true positive rate (TPR) from 56.04% to 93.5%. Our findings highlight both the potential and limitations of current open-vocabulary algorithms and emphasize the importance of diverse training datasets. This study advances urban feature mapping by offering a more intuitive and accurate approach to geospatial data extraction, enhancing urban accessibility and mobility mapping.
Eleutherin and Isoeleutherin Activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Strain’s: Molecular Docking and Antibacterial Evaluation
Authors: Bastos Mírian Letícia Carmo , Adido Houéfa Egidia Fallon , Martins de Brito Ananda Karolyne , Chagas Cristian Kallahan Silva , Castro Ana Laura Gadelha , Ferreira Gleison Gonçalves , Nascimento Pedro Henrique Costa , Padilha Walice Rans da Silva , Sarmento Rosana Moura , Garcia Viviane Vasconcelos , Marinho Andrey Moacir do Rosario , Marinho Patrícia Santana Barbosa , Rocha de Oliveira Johnatt Allan , Vale Valdicley Vieira , Percário Sandro , Dolabela Maria Fâni
Published: November 2024

Naphthoquinones eleutherin and isoeleutherin have demonstrated promising antibacterial activity, probably due to their quinone structure, which can generate reactive oxygen species. The study examines the activities of pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, associated with antimicrobial resistance and explores their potential mechanisms of action. The MIC, IC50, and MBC were determined. PharmMapper 2017 server and GOLD 2020.1 software were utilized for molecular docking to identify protein targets and interaction mechanisms. The docking predictions were verified by redocking, focusing on structures with RMSD below 2 Å. The molecular docking revealed a significant affinity of eleutherin for the peptide, transcriptional regulator QacR, and regulatory protein BlaR1 with better interactions with BlaR1 than the crystallographic ligand (benzylpenicillin). Isoeleutherin demonstrated specific interactions with methionine aminopeptidase, indicating specificity and affinity. In summary, the difference in naphthoquinones activities may be related to structural differences. Eleutherin exhibits potential as a therapeutic adjuvant to reverse bacterial resistance in S. aureus, suggesting this molecule interferes with the antibiotic resistance mechanism. The absence of homologous proteins or variations in the structure of the target proteins could be the cause of the inactivity against E. coli.
Paraburkholderia tropica Primes a Multilayered Transcriptional Defense Response to the Nematode Meloidogyne spp. in Tomato
Authors: González-Cardona Carolina , López Walter Ricardo , Jovel Juan , Soto-Suárez Mauricio , Ceballos-Aguirre Nelson
Published: November 2024

Meloidogyne causes a devastating disease known as root-knot that affects tomatoes and other cash crops worldwide. Conversely, Paraburkholderia tropica has proven beneficial in mitigating the effects of various pathogens in plants. We aimed to unravel the molecular events that underlie the beneficial effects of the bacterium and the detrimental impacts of the nematode when inoculated separately or together in tomato plants. The transcriptional responses induced by P. tropica (TB group (tomato-bacteria group)), Meloidogyne spp. (TN group (tomato-nematode group)) or by the two agents (TBN group (tomato-bacteria-nematode group)) in tomato were assessed by RNA-seq. We implemented a transcript discovery pipeline which allowed the identification of 2283 putative novel transcripts. Differential expression analysis revealed that upregulated transcripts were much more numerous than downregulated ones. At the gene ontology level, the most activated term was ‘hydrolase activity acting on ester bonds’ in all groups. In addition, when both microbes were inoculated together, ‘hydrolase activity acting on O-glycosyl compounds’ was activated. This finding suggests defense responses related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, membrane remodeling and signal transduction. Notably, defense genes, transcription factors and protein kinases stood out. Differentially expressed transcripts suggest the activation of a multifaceted plant defense response against the nematode occurred, which was exacerbated by pre-inoculation of P. tropica.
Exploring Aerobic Energy Metabolism in Breast Cancer: A Mutational Profile of Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Cunha de , Cavalcante Giovanna C. , Soares-Souza Giordano B.
Published: November 2024

Energy metabolism is a fundamental aspect of the aggressiveness and invasiveness of breast cancer (BC), the neoplasm that most affects women worldwide. Nonetheless, the impact of genetic somatic mutations on glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes in BC remains unclear. To fill these gaps, the mutational profiles of 205 screened genes related to glycolysis and OXPHOS in 968 individuals with BC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project were performed. We carried out analyses to characterize the mutational profile of BC, assess the clonality of tumors, identify somatic mutation co-occurrence, and predict the pathogenicity of these alterations. In total, 408 mutations in 132 genes related to the glycolysis and OXPHOS pathways were detected. The PGK1, PC, PCK1, HK1, DONSON, GPD1, NDUFS1, and FOXRED1 genes are also associated with the tumorigenesis process in other types of cancer, as are the genes BRCA1, BRCA2, and HMCN1, which had been previously described as oncogenes in BC, with whom the target genes of this work were associated. Seven mutations were identified and highlighted due to the high pathogenicity, which are present in more than one of our results and are documented in the literature as being correlated with other diseases. These mutations are rs267606829 (FOXRED1), COSV53860306 (HK1), rs201634181 (NDUFS1), rs774052186 (DONSON), rs119103242 (PC), rs1436643226 (PC), and rs104894677 (ETFB). They could be further investigated as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of BC patients.
CT Characterization of Lipid Metabolism in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Relationship Between Liver Hounsfield Unit Values and Adipose Differentiation-Related Protein Gene Expression
Authors: Greco Federico , Panunzio Andrea , Cerroni Laura , Cea Laura , Bernetti Caterina , Tafuri Alessandro , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Mallio Carlo Augusto
Published: November 2024

Radiogenomics is an emerging field that links imaging features with molecular characteristics of diseases. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), metabolic reprogramming leads to lipid accumulation, influenced by the adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP). This study aimed to investigate whether hepatic and tumoral Hounsfield Unit (HU) values could serve as noninvasive radiogenomic biomarkers for ADFP expression in ccRCC. We analyzed CT images of 185 ccRCC patients, comparing lipid-associated HU values in the liver and tumor across ADFP expression statuses. Patients with low-grade ccRCC expressing ADFP showed significantly lower minimum HU values in both liver and tumor tissue, indicating greater lipid accumulation. Additionally, ADFP expression correlated negatively with abdominal adipose tissue compartments and positively with minimum tumoral HU values, linking systemic lipid metabolism to tumor biology. These findings suggest that hepatic and tumoral HU measurements may serve as noninvasive markers of lipid accumulation related to ADFP, providing insight into metabolic alterations in ccRCC. While promising, these results require validation in larger, controlled studies due to sample size and variability limitations. This approach could enhance the radiogenomic assessment of ccRCC, supporting noninvasive insights into tumor metabolism and progression.
Heparin Differentially Regulates the Expression of Specific miRNAs in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Oeller Michaela , Schally Tanja , Zimmermann Georg , Lauth Wanda , Schallmoser Katharina , Rohde Eva , Laner-Plamberger Sandra
Published: November 2024

In regenerative medicine, stromal cells are supposed to play an important role by modulating immune responses and differentiating into various tissue types. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of heparin, frequently used as an anticoagulant in human platelet lysate (HPL)-supplemented cell cultures, on the expression of non-coding RNA species, particularly microRNAs (miRNA), which are pivotal regulators of gene expression. Through genomic analysis and quantitative RT-PCR, we assessed the differential impact of heparin on miRNA expression in various stromal cell types, derived from human bone marrow, umbilical cord and white adipose tissue. Our results demonstrate that heparin significantly alters miRNA expression, with distinct up- and downregulation patterns depending on the original tissue source of human stromal cells. Furthermore, our analyses indicate that these heparin-induced alterations in miRNA expression profiles influence critical cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. In conclusion, our study highlights that heparin not only fulfills its primary role as an efficient anticoagulant but can also modulate important regulatory pathways in stromal cells by influencing miRNA expression. This may alter cellular properties and thus influence stromal cell-based therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation in a Triglyceride Form Prevents from Polyglutamine-Induced Dysfunctions in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mora Ignasi , Teixidó Alex , Vázquez-Manrique Rafael P. , Puiggròs Francesc , Arola Lluís
Published: November 2024

A common hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of polypeptide aggregates in neurons. Despite the primary cause of these diseases being inherently genetic, their development can be delayed with proper preventive treatments. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) are promising bioactive nutrients that are beneficial for brain health. In this study, the impact of an oil rich in a structured form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) triglyceride (TG) was assessed in a Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing long poly-glutamine (polyQ) chains, which mimics the symptomatology of polyQ-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease (HD), among others. The lifespan, the motility, the number of polyQ aggregates, the oxidative stress resistance, and the cognitive performance associated with sensitive stimuli was measured in mutant nematodes with polyQ aggregates. Overall, DHA-TG at 0.5 µM improved the lifespan, the motility, the oxidative stress resistance, and the cognitive performance of the nematodes, emphasizing the protection against serotonergic synapse dysfunction. Furthermore, the treatment reduced the polyQ aggregates in the nematodes. The data described herein shed light on the connection between DHA and the cognitive performance in neurodegenerative diseases and demonstrated the potential of DHA-TG as nutritional co-adjuvant to prevent the development of polyQ-associated dysfunctions.
Moving Beyond Oxford Nanopore Standard Procedures: New Insights from Water and Multiple Fish Microbiomes
Authors: Domingo-Bretón Ricardo , Moroni Federico , Toxqui-Rodríguez Socorro , Belenguer Álvaro , Piazzon M. Carla , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume , Naya-Català Fernando
Published: November 2024

Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) allows for the rapid profiling of aquaculture microbiomes. However, not all the experimental and downstream methodological possibilities have been benchmarked. Here, we aimed to offer novel insights into the use of different library preparation methods (standard-RAP and native barcoding-LIG), primers (V3–V4, V1–V3, and V1–V9), and basecalling models (fast-FAST, high-HAC, and super-accuracy-SUP) implemented in ONT to elucidate the microbiota associated with the aquatic environment and farmed fish, including faeces, skin, and intestinal mucus. Microbial DNA from water and faeces samples could be amplified regardless of the library–primer strategy, but only with LIG and V1–V3/V1–V9 primers in the case of skin and intestine mucus. Low taxonomic assignment levels were favoured by the use of full-length V1–V9 primers, though in silico hybridisation revealed a lower number of potential matching sequences in the SILVA database, especially evident with the increase in Actinobacteriota in real datasets. SUP execution allowed for a higher median Phred quality (24) than FAST (11) and HAC (17), but its execution time (6–8 h) was higher in comparison to the other models (0.6–7 h). Altogether, we optimised the use of ONT for water- and fish-related microbial analyses, validating, for the first time, the use of the LIG strategy. We consider that LIG–V1–V9-HAC is the optimal time/cost-effective option to amplify the microbial DNA from environmental samples. However, the use of V1–V3 could help to maximise the dataset microbiome diversity, representing an alternative when long amplicon sequences become compromised by microbial DNA quality and/or high host DNA loads interfere with the PCR amplification/sequencing procedures, especially in the case of gut mucus.
c-Myc and FOXO3a—The Everlasting Decision Between Neural Regeneration and Degeneration
Authors: Khaitin Andrey M. , Guzenko Valeria V. , Bachurin Stanislav S. , Demyanenko Svetlana V.
Published: November 2024

The transcription factors c-Myc and FoxO3a play significant roles in neurodegenerative processes, yet their interaction in neurological disorders remains largely unexplored. In contrast, much of the available information about their relationship comes from cancer research. While it is well-established that FoxO3a inhibits c-Myc activity, this interaction represents only a basic understanding of a far more complex dynamic, which includes exceptions under specific conditions and the involvement of additional regulatory factors. Given the critical need to address this gap for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders, this review consolidates current knowledge on the joint roles of these two factors in neuropathology. It also highlights their conformational flexibility, post-translational modifications, and outlines potential directions for future research.