bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on an Edge Detection Method Applied to Fire Localization on Storage Racks in a Warehouse
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liu Changsong , Li Mingyang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Desheng , Lu Zhibao
Published: June 2024

When a fire occurs on storage racks in a warehouse, it is not advisable to find the location of the fire point accurately, because there are a large number of goods on the storage rack, and many interference factors such as light will disturb the precise location of the fire. In response to the above problems, and thanks to the high-speed growth of deep learning technology, we propose an edge detection method and apply it in fire locations successfully. We adopt VGG-16 as our backbone and introduce an attention module to suppress background information and eliminate interference. We test the proposed method on our collected dataset, and the results show that our proposed model can extract the shelf edges more completely and locate the fire point accurately. In terms of detection speed, our method can achieve 0.188 s per image, which meets the requirements of real-time detection. Our approach lays a good foundation for the precise extinguishing of fire that occurs on storage racks.
Influence of Food Environments on Dietary Habits: Insights from a Quasi-Experimental Research
Authors: Thomas Terrence W. , Cankurt Murat
Published: June 2024

Nutrition is a vital factor that exerts a profound and direct impact on health. Food environments significantly influence individuals’ dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and overall food security. Individuals in food deserts and food swamps do not have access to healthier food options. And in both cases, the emphasis is primarily on the physical configuration of the environment as it relates to food availability. This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the impact of two different food environments (defined to include a social component) on food choices. A total of 246 participants were surveyed by telephone, half of whom were primed with Scenario A (a food environment deficient in healthy options and cues that support and reinforce healthier choices) and half were primed with Scenario B (an environment with an abundance of healthy food options and cues that support and reinforce healthy eating). Ordered logit regression was used for analysis. The results show significant differences in likely food consumption between the groups. Individuals in Scenario B were found to be 4.48 times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. In addition, it was determined that being a woman increases the probability of consuming more fruits and vegetables by 0.92 times (1/0.52–1), and adherence to a healthy diet increases by 3.64 times. Age and race were not significant predictors. This study highlights the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits and underscores the importance of the social components of the food environment in promoting the adoption of healthier dietary habits. Based on these findings, policymakers should prioritize developing strategies that go beyond providing physical access and consider social aspects of the environment in promoting healthy eating habits to improve public health and bolster the food security of communities.
Effects of Various Flavors of Baijiu on the Microbial Communities, Metabolic Pathways, and Flavor Structures of Dongbei Suancai
Authors: Li Xiao , Wu Xingzhuang , Han Yanqiu , Wang Chen , Li Lifeng , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to assess the effects of Chinese Baijiu with different flavors as supplementary material on microbial communities and flavor formation during inoculated fermentation of Chinese Dongbei Suancai. The results showed that the addition of Fen flavor Baijiu significantly increased the relative abundance of Candida, Luzhou flavor Baijiu increased the relative abundance of Pedobacter and Hannaella, while Maotai flavor Baijiu increased the Chryseobacterium and Kazachstania. A total of 226 volatile metabolites were detected in Suancai fermented when adding different flavors of Baijiu. Furthermore, the significantly upregulated metabolites (p < 0.01) of Suancai after adding Baijiu increased by 328.57%, whereas the significantly downregulated metabolites decreased by 74.60%. Simultaneously, the addition of Baijiu promoted the synthesis and decomposition of amino acids and short-chain fatty acids in the early and middle stages of fermentation. Further, Maotai flavor Baijiu improved the diversification of metabolic pathways in the late stage of Suancai fermentation. The E-nose response showed that sulfur-organic, broad-alcohol, sulfur-chlor was the principal differential flavor in Suancai caused by adding Baijiu with different flavors. Simultaneously, Fen flavor Baijiu and Luzhou flavor Baijiu accelerated the formation of the Suancai flavor. These results indicated that Baijiu with different flavors had significant effects on the flavor formation of inoculated fermented Suancai.
Sulfated Polysaccharides from Sea Cucumber Cooking Liquid Prevents Obesity by Modulating Gut Microbiome, Transcriptome, and Metabolite Profiles in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Sang Xue , Guan Xin , Tong Yao , Wang Fuyi , Zhou Boqian , Li Ying , Zhao Qiancheng
Published: June 2024

We aimed to explore the anti-obesity mechanism from the microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome viewpoints, focusing on the sulfated polysaccharides found in the cooking liquid of Apostichopus japonicus (CLSPAJ) to explore the potential mediators of the anti-obesity effects in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The mice treated with CLSPAJ showed a decrease in obesity and blood lipid levels. Gut microbiome dysbiosis caused by the HFD was reversed after CLSPAJ supplementation, along with increased levels of indole-3-ethanol, N-2-succinyl-L-glutamic acid 5-semialdehyde, and urocanic acid. These increases were positively related to the increased Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Phascolarctobacterium. Transcriptome analysis showed that B cell receptor signaling and cytochrome P450 xenobiotic metabolism were the main contributors to the improvement in obesity. Metabolome–transcriptome analysis revealed that CLSPAJ reversal of obesity was mainly due to amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that CLSPAJ could be a valuable prebiotic preparation for preventing obesity-related diseases.
The Blue Treasure: Comprehensive Biorefinery of Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Authors: Tamburini Elena
Published: June 2024

The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896), has become an invading species in the Mediterranean region, almost completely replacing native species within a few years and causing significant loss to local production. In some areas, there is an urgent need to propose new supply chains based on blue crab exploitation, where the potential valorisation routes for unsaleable blue crab and waste play an important role. The final purpose is to transform a threat into a treasure, towards a more sustainable world. In addition to applications in food industries, the considerable quantity of bioactive compounds in by-products, such as polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, carotenoids, and chitin, needs to be capitalised by means of efficacious strategies and appropriate management. Crab exoskeleton can also be exploited as a carbonaceous material with applications in several fields, including medicine. Blue crab bioactive molecules have been widely recognised for having antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Due to these functional and distinctive activities, such high-value components could be employed in various industries such as food–feed–pharma and cosmetics. Recycling and reusing these underutilised but economically valuable waste or by-products could help to reduce the environmental impacts of the whole supply chain from the perspective of the circular economy.
Influence of Natural Risks and Non-Agricultural Income on Agricultural Trusteeship Decisions in Northeast China
Authors: Xue Ying , Liu Hongbin
Published: June 2024

As the main service mode and management mode of socialized service, agricultural production trusteeship services (APTS) are an important way to realize the tight link between farmers and modern agricultural development, which is highly important for ensuring national food security. By constructing a utility model of farmers, this paper deduces the decision-making mechanism of farmers’ APTS from the dual mechanism of natural risk and non-agricultural employment income (NAEI) and uses the survey data of 956 farmers in the three northeastern provinces to verify the empirical results by using multivariate logit (Mlogit) and propensity score matching (PSM) methods. The research shows that natural risk hinders farmers’ choice of the APTS; NAEI has a positive impact on APST, and an increase in NAEI weakens the negative effect of natural risk on the choice of the APTS, and has an enhanced moderating effect. In addition, the scale heterogeneity analysis revealed that the impacts of natural risk and NAEI on farmers of different scales are significantly different. The NAEI adjustment effect has the greatest impact on small-scale farmers, followed by medium-scale farmers. In view of this, the government should stabilize the nonagricultural employment market and improve the nonagricultural employment opportunities of farmers. APTS organizations should transfer natural risks and improve the agricultural insurance system. According to the differences of different scales of farmers, different promotion policies are formulated, and the expansion of management and deepening services is proposed to further promote the development of APTS and consolidate the foundation of food security in China.
Analysis of the Effects of Microwave Combined Induction Heating on Steamed Pork with Rice Powder
Authors: Chen Su-Der , Kuo Chuang-Hsing , Lin Rong-Shinn
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the application of microwave combined induction heating (MCIH) to steam ready-to-eat pork with rice powder, emphasizing the advantages of rapid and uniform heating. The experimental setup included a mixture of 180 g pork strips, 30 g rice powder, and 10 g water in a CPET tray using MCIH with 1080 W microwave (MW) and 130 °C induction heating (IH) for 150 s. The results showed a quick temperature increase rate of 0.56 °C/s that achieved pasteurization against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, but not Clostridium botulinum, by lethality calculation. Compared to typical electric cooker steaming, MCIH significantly shortened cooking time (8.6 times faster). To address rice starch gelatinization, two-stage heating techniques to steam pork with rice powder were MCIH: 150 s, and then IH: 60 s (MW1), and MCIH: 180 s, and then IH: 30 s (MW2), with no significant differences seen in color or the nine-point taste scale between treatment groups. MCIH groups had smaller shear forces than control. After MCIH cooking, no microbial counts were detected in the MW1 and MW2 groups initially, and the pork with rice powder had a shelf life of 14 days at 4 °C based on aerobic plate count assay.
Fresh Meat Classification Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Assisted by LightGBM and Optuna
Authors: Mo Kaifeng , Tang Yun , Zhu Yining , Li Xiangyou , Li Jingfeng , Peng Xuxiang , Liao Ping , Zou Penghui
Published: June 2024

To enhance the accuracy of identifying fresh meat varieties using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), we utilized the LightGBM model in combination with the Optuna algorithm. The procedure involved flattening fresh meat slices with glass slides and collecting spectral data of the plasma from the surfaces of the fresh meat tissues (pork, beef, and chicken) using LIBS technology. A total of 900 spectra were collected. Initially, we established LightGBM and SVM (support vector machine) models for the collected spectra. Subsequently, we applied information gain and peak extraction algorithms to select the features for each model. We then employed Optuna to optimize the hyperparameters of the LightGBM model, while a 10-fold cross-validation was conducted to determine the optimal parameters for SVM. Ultimately, the LightGBM model achieved higher accuracy, macro-F1, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (kappa coefficient) values of 0.9370, 0.9364, and 0.9244, respectively, compared to the SVM model’s values of 0.8888, 0.8881, and 0.8666. This study provides a novel method for the rapid classification of fresh meat varieties using LIBS.
Novel Admissibility Criteria and Multiple Simulations for Descriptor Fractional Order Systems with Minimal LMI Variables
Authors: Wang Xinhai , Zhang Jin-Xi
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we first present multiple numerical simulations of the anti-symmetric matrix in the stability criteria for fractional order systems (FOSs). Subsequently, this paper is devoted to the study of the admissibility criteria for descriptor fractional order systems (DFOSs) whose order belongs to (0, 2). The admissibility criteria are provided for DFOSs without eigenvalues on the boundary axes. In addition, a unified admissibility criterion for DFOSs involving the minimal linear matrix inequality (LMI) variable is provided. The results of this paper are all based on LMIs. Finally, numerical examples were provided to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the conclusions.
Antiperiodic Solutions for Impulsive ω-Weighted ϱ–Hilfer Fractional Differential Inclusions in Banach Spaces
Authors: Alsheekhhussain Zainab , Ibrahim Ahmed Gamal , Al-Sawalha M. Mossa , Ababneh Osama Yusuf
Published: June 2024

In this article, we construct sufficient conditions that secure the non-emptiness and compactness of the set of antiperiodic solutions of an impulsive fractional differential inclusion involving an ω-weighted ϱ–Hilfer fractional derivative, D0,tσ,v,ϱ,ω, of order σ∈(1,2), in infinite-dimensional Banach spaces. First, we deduce the formula of antiperiodic solutions for the observed problem. Then, we give two theorems regarding the existence of these solutions. In the first, by using a fixed-point theorem for condensing multivalued functions, we show the non-emptiness and compactness of the set of antiperiodic solutions; and in the second, by applying a fixed-point theorem for contraction multivalued functions, we prove the non-emptiness of this set. Because many types of famous fractional differential operators are particular cases from the operator D0,tσ,v,ϱ,ω, our results generalize several recent results. Moreover, there are no previous studies on antiperiodic solutions for this type of fractional differential inclusion, so this work is novel and interesting. We provide two examples to illustrate and support our conclusions.
Protein-Based Packaging Films in Food: Developments, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Rongxu , Han Jianchun , Ren Lili , Jiang Longwei
Published: June 2024

With the emphasis placed by society on environmental resources, current petroleum-based packaging in the food industry can no longer meet people’s needs. However, new active packaging technologies have emerged, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, in which proteins are widely used for their outstanding gel film-forming properties. Most of the current literature focuses on research applications of single protein-based films. In this paper, we review the novel protein-based packaging technologies that have been used in recent years to categorize different proteins, including plant proteins (soybean protein isolate, zein, gluten protein) and animal proteins (whey protein isolate, casein, collagen, gelatin). The advances that have recently been made in protein-based active packaging technology can be understood by describing protein sources, gel properties, molding principles, and applied research. This paper presents the current problems and prospects of active packaging technology, provides new ideas for the development of new types of packaging and the expansion of gel applications in the future, and promotes the development and innovation of environmentally friendly food packaging.
Health in a Virtual Environment (HIVE): A Novel Continuous Remote Monitoring Service for Inpatient Management
Authors: Bowles Tim , Trentino Kevin M. , Lloyd Adam , Trentino Laura , Murray Kevin , Thompson Aleesha , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Waterer Grant
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of a novel 50-bed continuous remote monitoring service for high-risk acute inpatients treated in non-critical wards, known as Health in a Virtual Environment (HIVE). We report the initial results, presenting the number and type of patients connected to the service, and assess key outcomes from this cohort. This was a prospective, observational study of characteristics and outcomes of patients connected to the HIVE continuous monitoring service at a major tertiary hospital and a smaller public hospital in Western Australia between January 2021 and June 2023. In the first two and a half years following implementation, 7541 patients were connected to HIVE for a total of 331,118 h. Overall, these patients had a median length of stay of 5 days (IQR 2, 10), 11.0% (n = 833) had an intensive care unit admission, 22.4% (n = 1691) had an all-cause emergency readmission within 28 days from hospital discharge, and 2.2% (n = 167) died in hospital. Conclusions: Our initial results show promise, demonstrating that this innovative approach to inpatient care can be successfully implemented to monitor high-risk patients in medical and surgical wards. Future studies will investigate the effectiveness of the program by comparing patients receiving HIVE supported care to comparable patients receiving routine care.
Optimisation of Remote Monitoring Programmes in Heart Failure: Evaluation of Patient Drop-Out Behaviour and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
Authors: Pagano Maria , Corallo Francesco , Anselmo Anna , Giambò Fabio Mauro , Micali Giuseppe , Duca Antonio , D’Aleo Piercataldo , Bramanti Alessia , Garofano Marina , Bramanti Placido , Cappadona Irene
Published: June 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a growing epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide, and is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and impaired quality of life. Traditional cardiac rehabilitation is a valuable approach to the physical and quality-of-life recovery of patients with cardiovascular disease. The innovative approach of remote monitoring through telemedicine offers a solution based on modern technologies, enabling continuous collection of health data outside the hospital environment. Remote monitoring devices present challenges that could adversely affect patient adherence, resulting in the risk of dropout. By applying a cognitive-behavioral model, we aim to identify the antecedents of dropout behavior among patients adhering to traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs and remote monitoring in order to improve the latter. Our study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024. In the first stage, we used data from literature consultation. Subsequently, data were collected from the direct experience of 49 health workers related to both remote monitoring and traditional treatment, recruited from the authors’ workplace. Results indicate that patients with cardiovascular disease tend to abandon remote monitoring programs more frequently than traditional cardiac rehabilitation therapies. It is critical to design approaches that take these barriers into account to improve adherence and patient satisfaction. This analysis identified specific antecedents to address, helping to improve current monitoring models. This is crucial to promote care continuity and to achieve self-management by patients in the future.
Dynamic Price Application to Prevent Financial Losses to Hospitals Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Atalan Abdulkadir , Dönmez Cem Çağrı
Published: June 2024

Hospitals that are considered non-profit take into consideration not to make any losses other than seeking profit. A model that ensures that hospital price policies are variable due to hospital revenues depending on patients with appointments is presented in this study. A dynamic pricing approach is presented to prevent patients who have an appointment but do not show up to the hospital from causing financial loss to the hospital. The research leverages three distinct machine learning (ML) algorithms, namely Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), and AdaBoost (AB), to analyze the appointment status of 1073 patients across nine different departments in a hospital. A mathematical formula has been developed to apply the penalty fee to evaluate the reappointment situations of the same patients in the first 100 days and the gaps in the appointment system, considering the estimated patient appointment statuses. Average penalty cost rates were calculated based on the ML algorithms used to determine the penalty costs patients will face if they do not show up, such as 22.87% for RF, 19.47% for GB, and 14.28% for AB. As a result, this study provides essential criteria that can help hospital management better understand the potential financial impact of patients missing appointments and can be considered when choosing between these algorithms.
The Potential Benefits of Acute Aronia Juice Supplementation on Physical Activity Induced Alterations of the Serum Protein Profiles in Recreational Runners: A Pilot Study
Authors: Uzelac Tamara , Takić Marija , Stevanović Vuk , Vidović Nevena , Pantović Ana , Jovanović Petar , Jovanović Vesna
Published: June 2024

Intensive physical activity (PA) can lead to proteinuria and, consequently, serum protein profiles in athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute aronia juice consumption before a simulated half-marathon race on serum protein profiles in recreational runners. The pilot study was designed as a single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, with 10 male participants who consumed aronia juice (containing 1.3 g polyphenols) or placebo before the race. The blood levels of total proteins, albumin, the non-albumin fractions gamma, beta, alpha2 and alpha1, as well as renal function parameters, were determined before and 15 min, 1 h and 24 h after the race. The significant changes in urea, creatinine and uric acid levels were noticed at selected time points in both groups. In the placebo group, a significant decrease in total proteins (p < 0.05) was observed 24 h after the race, along with an increase in gamma fraction abundance (p < 0.05). In addition, urea and uric acid levels returned to baseline only in the aronia group 24 h after the race. Thus, according to the results obtained, acute aronia juice supplementation before intensive PA could influence the transient change in renal function and PA-induced protein loss in recreational runners.
Exploring the Relationship between Co-Sleeping, Maternal Mental Health and Expression of Complaints during Infancy, and Breastfeeding
Authors: Vogiatzoglou Marilena , Iliadou Maria , Antoniou Evangelia , Andersson Ewa , Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou Irina , Dagla Calliope , Sotiropoulou Dimitra , Tsolaridou Eleni , Orovou Eirini , Tomara Eirini , Dagla Maria
Published: June 2024

Background: This study explores whether the implementation of co-sleeping in infants aged 6–12 months (a) is associated with maternal complaints and mothers’ difficulties regarding their infant’s sleep, (b) is associated with maternal mental health, (c) affects infant sleep characteristics and maternal sleep quality, and (d) is associated with breastfeeding. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted from July to November 2021. A total of 151 new mothers of infants aged 6–12 months participated. All participants were divided into two different groups, the group of mothers who adopted the co-sleeping method from birth up to the time of the survey and the group of those who did not adopt co-sleeping at that time. The Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire—Revised Short Form (BISQ-R SF), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and a questionnaire on mothers’ demographics were administered. Results: Regarding the mothers’ complaints, mothers who co-sleep with their children have lower sleep quality than those who do not co-sleep. In respect of the mothers’ mental health, there did not seem to be a statistically significant difference in the two groups. Regarding the difficulties during the sleep process, children who sleep with their parents seem to have more difficulties compared to the others (p = 0.008). It was also shown that co-sleeping children seem to have more disturbed sleep compared to those who sleep alone (p = 0.018), and a general trend obtained of a significantly higher number of awakenings for co-sleeping children (p < 0.001). Finally, breastfeeding appeared to be more related to the children of the present sample sleeping with their parents (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that co-sleeping is associated with more difficulties in infant and maternal sleep, but no direct correlation with maternal mental health was found. In addition, it showed a positive correlation of co-sleeping with breastfeeding.
UPGAN: An Unsupervised Generative Adversarial Network Based on U-Shaped Structure for Pansharpening
Authors: Jin Xin , Feng Yuting , Jiang Qian , Miao Shengfa , Chu Xing , Zheng Huangqimei , Wang Qianqian
Published: June 2024

Pansharpening is the fusion of panchromatic images and multispectral images to obtain images with high spatial resolution and high spectral resolution, which have a wide range of applications. At present, methods based on deep learning can fit the nonlinear features of images and achieve excellent image quality; however, the images generated with supervised learning approaches lack real-world applicability. Therefore, in this study, we propose an unsupervised pansharpening method based on a generative adversarial network. Considering the fine tubular structures in remote sensing images, a dense connection attention module is designed based on dynamic snake convolution to recover the details of spatial information. In the stage of image fusion, the fusion of features in groups is applied through the cross-scale attention fusion module. Moreover, skip layers are implemented at different scales to integrate significant information, thus improving the objective index values and visual appearance. The loss function contains four constraints, allowing the model to be effectively trained without reference images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other widely accepted state-of-the-art methods on the QuickBird and WorldView2 data sets.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Active Ingredients Used in Roach Baits against Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) and Their Safety to Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: St. Amant Julia , Bisiau Amber , Jack Cameron
Published: June 2024

Beekeepers need new treatment options for controlling small hive beetles (Aethina tumida), a devastating honey bee (Apis mellifera) pest. For many years, commercial beekeepers in the U.S. have used gel roach baits off-label as a method for treating SHBs. Herein, we evaluated the acute toxicity of active ingredients commonly found in gel roach baits, including abamectin, clothianidin, hydramethylnon, fipronil, and indoxacarb through topical and oral routes of exposure against SHBs and honey bees. Additionally, coumaphos, the active ingredient of the only registered in-hive control treatment for SHBs, was evaluated to provide a comparison to the gel roach bait active ingredients. Fipronil was the most toxic compound to SHBs topically (LD50 = 0.23 ng/SHB) and through pollen (LC50 = 0.06 µg/g pollen). Fipronil (LD50 = 0.31 ng/honey bee) had a selectivity ratio of 1.3, suggesting that it is more toxic to SHBs than it is to honey bees, but only to a small degree. Abamectin, clothianidin, hydramethylnon, and indoxacarb had a higher toxicity to honey bees than to SHBs through topical exposure. Our results suggest that gel roach baits and their active ingredients are toxic to honey bees and pose a serious risk to colony safety if used as in-hive treatments.
Insecticidal Activity of Allium sativum Essential Oil-Based Nanoemulsion against Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Giuliano Gaetano , Campolo Orlando , Forte Giuseppe , Urbaneja Alberto , Pérez-Hedo Meritxell , Latella Ilaria , Palmeri Vincenzo , Giunti Giulia
Published: June 2024

Spodoptera littoralis, commonly known as the Egyptian or African cotton leafworm, is a significant agricultural threat. It is widely distributed in Africa, Mediterranean Europe, and Middle Eastern countries. This polyphagous pest infests numerous crop plants across 44 families, including cotton, soybeans, alfalfa, sweet potato, pepper, eggplant, tomato, maize, lettuce, strawberry, wheat, and hibiscus. The damage caused by S. littoralis on different plant organs, such as young leaves, shoots, stalks, bolls, buds, and fruits, often determines substantial product losses. Current control strategies predominantly rely on synthetic insecticides, which, despite their efficacy, have notable drawbacks, including insecticide resistance, environmental contamination, consumer concerns, and adverse effects on non-target organisms and beneficial insects. In response to these challenges, in this study, we developed and evaluated a garlic EO-based nanoemulsion with a high EO concentration (15%) and low surfactant content to mitigate the possible negative impact on plants and to enhance efficacy against S. littoralis larvae. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated promising larvicidal activity and reduced larval feeding, although some phytotoxicity symptoms were observed. This study underscores the potential of botanical insecticides as sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals, emphasizing the importance of balancing efficacy with environmental and ecological considerations in pest management strategies.
Chemotherapy Related Cardiotoxicity Evaluation—A Contemporary Review with a Focus on Cardiac Imaging
Authors: Scalia Isabel G. , Gheyath Bashaer , Tamarappoo Balaji K. , Moudgil Rohit , Otton James , Pereyra Milagros , Narayanasamy Hema , Larsen Carolyn , Herrmann Joerg , Arsanjani Reza , Ayoub Chadi
Published: June 2024

The long-term survivorship of patients diagnosed with cancer has improved due to accelerated detection and rapidly evolving cancer treatment strategies. As such, the evaluation and management of cancer therapy related complications has become increasingly important, including cardiovascular complications. These have been captured under the umbrella term “cardiotoxicity” and include left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, valvular abnormalities, pericardial disease, arrhythmia, myocarditis, and vascular complications. These complications add to the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or are risk factors patients with cancer treatment are presenting with. Of note, both pre- and newly developing CVD is of prognostic significance, not only from a cardiovascular perspective but also overall, potentially impacting the level of cancer therapy that is possible. Currently, there are varying recommendations and practices regarding CVD risk assessment and mitigating strategies throughout the cancer continuum. This article provides an overview on this topic, in particular, the role of cardiac imaging in the care of the patient with cancer. Furthermore, it summarizes the current evidence on the spectrum, prevention, and management of chemotherapy-related adverse cardiac effects.
Safety and Feasibility of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Patients with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Kourek Christos , Raidou Vasiliki , Antonopoulos Michael , Dimopoulou Maria , Koliopoulou Antigone , Karatzanos Eleftherios , Pitsolis Theodoros , Ieromonachos Konstantinos , Nanas Serafim , Adamopoulos Stamatis , Chamogeorgakis Themistocles , Dimopoulos Stavros
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and thoroughly assess any potential adverse events. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study assessing safety and feasibility, including 16 ICU patients on ECMO support who were admitted to the cardiac surgery ICU from January 2022 to December 2023. The majority of patients were females (63%) on veno-arterial (VA)-ECMO (81%), while the main cause was cardiogenic shock (81%) compared to respiratory failure. Patients underwent a 45 min NMES session while on ECMO support that included a warm-up phase of 5 min, a main phase of 35 min, and a recovery phase of 5 min. NMES was implemented on vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius, and peroneus longus muscles of both lower extremities. Two stimulators delivered biphasic, symmetric impulses of 75 Hz, with a 400 μsec pulse duration, 5 sec on (1.6 sec ramp up and 0.8 sec ramp down) and 21 sec off. The intensity levels aimed to cause visible contractions and be well tolerated. Primary outcomes of this study were feasibility and safety, evaluated by whether NMES sessions were successfully achieved, and by any adverse events and complications. Secondary outcomes included indices of rhabdomyolysis from biochemical blood tests 24 h after the application of NMES. Results: All patients successfully completed their NMES session, with no adverse events or complications. The majority of patients achieved type 4 and 5 qualities of muscle contraction. Conclusions: NMES is a safe and feasible exercise methodology for patients supported with ECMO.
All GLP-1 Agonists Should, Theoretically, Cure Alzheimer’s Dementia but Dulaglutide Might Be More Effective Than the Others
Authors: Fessel Jeffrey
Published: June 2024

Addressing the dysfunctions of all brain cell types in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) should cure the dementia, an objective that might be achieved by GLP-1 agonist drugs, because receptors for GLP-1 are present in all of the main brain cell types, i.e., neurons, oligodendroglia, astroglia, microglia, endothelial cells and pericytes. This article describes the benefits provided to all of those brain cell types by GLP-1 agonist drugs. The article uses studies in humans, not rodents, to describe the effect of GLP-1 agonists upon cognition, because rodents’ brains differ from those of humans in so many ways that results from rodent studies may not be totally transferable to humans. Commercially available GLP-1 agonists have mostly shown either positive effects upon cognition or no effects. One important reason for no effects is a reduced rate of entering brain parenchyma. Dulaglutide has the greatest entry to brain, at 61.8%, among the available GLP-1 agonists, and seems to offer the best likelihood for cure of AD. Although there is only one study of cognition that used dulaglutide, it was randomized, placebo controlled, and very large; it involved 8828 participants and showed significant benefit to cognition. A clinical trial to test the hypothesis that dulaglutide may cure AD should have, as its primary outcome, a 30% greater cure rate of AD by dulaglutide than that achieved by an equipoise arm of, e.g., lithium plus memantine.
Experiences of Patients with Breast Cancer Participating in a Prehabilitation Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Casanovas-Álvarez Anabel , Sebio-Garcia Raquel , Masià Jaume , Mateo-Aguilar Ester
Published: June 2024

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis among women worldwide. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment to manage side effects related to cancer and its therapies. However, these are poorly implemented across the disease-span, specifically, during the preoperative setting. Methods: Patients diagnosed with BC and participating in a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a prehabilitation program based on Nordic walking, muscle strengthening, and therapeutic education were invited to participate in this qualitative substudy. Two groups of eight patients each were recorded, transcript and analyzed using a specialized software (Atlas-Ti®, version 24). Results: During the axial codification phase, 22 unique codes and 6 main themes were identified related to their experience with the program, namely, (1) information received prior to participating; (2) motivation to participate; (3) barriers; (4) facilitators; (5) perceived degree of support from healthcare workers as well as peers; and (6) satisfaction with the characteristics of the prehabilitation program. Conclusions: Patients interviewed showed great interest in prehabilitation as a way to prepare both physically and mentally for surgery. In order to implement these interventions, healthcare systems need to acknowledge barriers and facilitators as well as the need for these programs to be supervised and monitored to avoid adverse events.
The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Male Patients at a Dermato-Venereology Outpatient Clinic in Gdańsk, Poland: Findings from a Single-Center Study
Authors: Kadylak Damian , Czarny Justyna , Nowicki Roman Janusz , Sokołowska-Wojdyło Małgorzata
Published: June 2024

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern worldwide, yet data on their prevalence and epidemiology, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, anatomical localization, symptomatic/asymptomatic course, and co-infection patterns of STIs among men. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data collected between May 2021 and July 2023, including sociodemographic, sexual behavior, and clinical data from 139 male participants. Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were conducted for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis. Results: Of the participants, 36% tested positive for at least one STI, with the urethra being the most common site of infection. NG and CT were the most prevalent infections. The majority of infections were asymptomatic, highlighting the importance of comprehensive screening, especially in high-risk populations like men who have sex with men (MSM). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for targeted screening strategies, particularly for extragenital STIs, and underscores the role of MSM in STI epidemiology. The findings highlight the importance of routine screening, even for asymptomatic individuals, to effectively control STI spread. Future research should validate and expand upon these findings to enhance STI prevention and management efforts.
Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Physical Performance in Older Adults with Statin-Associated Asthenia: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Fogacci Federica , Giovannini Marina , Tocci Giuliano , Imbalzano Egidio , Borghi Claudio , Cicero Arrigo F. G.
Published: June 2024

Background: Available evidence from randomized clinical trials is contrasting and definitely inconclusive in determining whether or not CoQ10 dietary supplementation is advisable in patients with statin intolerance or poor statin tolerability. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study aimed at investigating the effect of chronic dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) phytosome on physical performance in older adults with a ≥3-month history of statin-associated asthenia. The study’s participants were randomized to either a placebo or 300 mg daily CoQ10 phytosome (equivalent to 60 mg CoQ10; Ubiqsome®, Indena SpA, Milan, Italy). Asthenia, handgrip strength (HGs), 2-min step test (2MST), and 1-min sit-to-stand (STS) repetitions were assessed at baseline and at 8-week follow-up. Results: After the first 4 weeks of dietary supplementation, individuals taking CoQ10 phytosome showed a greater improvement in asthenia compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Even more significantly, at 8-week follow-up, participants receiving CoQ10 showed substantial improvements in asthenia (−30.0 ± 20.0%), HGS (+29.8 ± 3.6%), 2MST (+11.1 ± 1.8%), and 1-min STS repetitions (+36.4 ± 3.9%) compared to both baseline and placebo (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to our findings, chronic dietary supplementation with CoQ10 phytosome significantly enhances physical performance in older adults with statin-associated asthenia. This could have relevant implications for improving the compliance of older adults with statin treatment.
What to Expect (and What Not) from Dual-Energy CT Imaging Now and in the Future?
Authors: García-Figueiras Roberto , Oleaga Laura , Broncano Jordi , Tardáguila Gonzalo , Fernández-Pérez Gabriel , Vañó Eliseo , Santos-Armentia Eloísa , Méndez Ramiro , Luna Antonio , Baleato-González Sandra
Published: June 2024

Dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging has broadened the potential of CT imaging by offering multiple postprocessing datasets with a single acquisition at more than one energy level. DECT shows profound capabilities to improve diagnosis based on its superior material differentiation and its quantitative value. However, the potential of dual-energy imaging remains relatively untapped, possibly due to its intricate workflow and the intrinsic technical limitations of DECT. Knowing the clinical advantages of dual-energy imaging and recognizing its limitations and pitfalls is necessary for an appropriate clinical use. The aims of this paper are to review the physical and technical bases of DECT acquisition and analysis, to discuss the advantages and limitations of DECT in different clinical scenarios, to review the technical constraints in material labeling and quantification, and to evaluate the cutting-edge applications of DECT imaging, including artificial intelligence, qualitative and quantitative imaging biomarkers, and DECT-derived radiomics and radiogenomics.
Effect of Lattice Structure on Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V-Ta Alloy for Improved Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Zhumabekova Anel , Toleubekova Malika , Pham Tri Thanh , Talamona Didier , Perveen Asma
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the effect of a tantalum addition and lattice structure design on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloys. TPMS lattice structures, such as Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive, were generated by MSLattice 1.0 software and manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The results indicate that Gyroid and Primitive structures at a 40% density exhibit superior ultimate compressive strength, which closely emulates bone’s biomechanical properties. To be precise, adding 8% tantalum (Ta) significantly increases the material’s elastic modulus and energy absorption, enhancing the material’s suitability for dynamic load-bearing implants. Nevertheless, the Ta treatment reduces bacterial biofilm formation, especially on Gyroid surfaces, suggesting its potential for infection management. Overall, all findings provide critical insights into the development of advanced implant materials, contributing to the fields of additive manufacturing, materials science, and biomedical engineering and paving the way for improved patient outcomes in orthopedic applications.
Investigation into the Potential Use of Damping Plates in a Spar-Type Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Sharath , Ishida Shigesuke , Yoshida Shigeo
Published: June 2024

Spar is one of the promising floating platforms to support offshore wind turbines. Wind heeling moment is large in the case of floating offshore wind turbines and, therefore, it is important to reduce the pitch motion of the floating platform. To address this issue, a spar platform with damping plates is proposed and investigated in this study. (i) Type-A, (ii) Type-B, and (iii) Type-C models of 1/120 scale were fabricated with similar stability parameters. Type-A is a classic spar, Type-B and Type-C are spar with damping plates by replacing the ballast water part with horizontal plates and vertical plates, respectively. The rotor model consists of (i) no disk and (ii) with disk conditions. A series of model scale experiments were carried out in the water tank in regular waves, and motion response was measured. A calculation method based on classic frequency-domain was developed to incorporate damping plates and validated with the experiment results in no disk and with disk conditions. When pitch response of Type-B and Type-C were compared with respect to Type-A, it was found that the spar platform with damping plates reduced the pitch response in most wave frequencies.
Numerical Simulations of a Ship’s Maneuverability in Shallow Water
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Qing , Dong Kai , Wang Xianzhou
Published: June 2024

It is necessary to maintain maneuverability for ship navigation in shallow water, such as channels, ports and other confined waters. In this study, a turning circle maneuver with 35° rudder deflection and a 20/5 zigzag maneuver for KVLCC2 in shallow waters are tested numerically to directly predict the maneuverability of the ship in shallow water. A viscous in-house CFD solver is applied with the dynamic overset grid approach. The impacts of the water depth on the ship’s maneuverability in terms of turning and zigzag competence are evaluated, and the underlying mechanism is analyzed. The numerical method is validated by comparing it with experimental data on the turning indices, which shows good agreement. It is demonstrated that the turning capability become worse with a smaller depth–draft ratio, thus resulting in a lower yaw rate and a greater steady turning diameter. However, the drift angle and lateral speed are reduced with a smaller depth–draft ratio for zigzag maneuvers, but the overshoot angle and turn lag vary with the water depth non-monotonically.
A Systematic Review of Oceanic-Atmospheric Variations and Coastal Erosion in Continental Latin America: Historical Trends, Future Projections, and Management Challenges
Authors: Vallarino-Castillo Ruby , Negro-Valdecantos Vicente , del Campo José María
Published: June 2024

The intricate interplay of oceanic-atmospheric variations has intensified erosive processes on sandy beaches in recent decades, with climate change expected to exacerbate these impacts in the future. Projections for the southern Atlantic and Pacific regions of continental Latin America predict increased extreme events and heightened impacts on sandy beaches, highlighting disparities in studies addressing coastal erosion and its causes. To address these risks, a systematic review is proposed to analyze historical trends and projections, aiming to inform local-level studies and management strategies for at-risk coastal communities. Reviewing 130 research papers, insights reveal the influence of climatic events like El Niño and La Niña on coastal dynamics, as well as the effects of storm intensification and extreme events such as high-intensity waves and storm surges on Latin American coasts, resulting in ecosystem, economic, and infrastructure losses. Projections indicate a rise in the population inhabiting Low Elevation Coastal Zones (LECZ) by the century’s end, emphasizing the urgent need for effective management and planning. Community engagement in erosion monitoring and adaptation programs is crucial for addressing these challenges and developing robust, sustainable, long-term adaptation strategies. This study aims to enhance the understanding of coastal erosion in Latin American communities addressing future coastal risks.