bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Mental Health Challenges in the Elderly: Insights from the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) at Sempaja Healthcare Center
Authors: Rahayu Hanis Kusumawati , Cicilia Yolanda Sihombing , Mursen Husnul Khatimah , Kurniansyah Jayadi Aditya , Fitriany Evi , Pramulia Yudia Riries Choiru , Ariani Emma
Published: January 2025

Background: Indonesia's aging population is expanding rapidly, leading to a rise in elderly individuals confronting serious health challenges. The primary mental health issue in this group is excessive stress, which is often associated with emotional disorders, social isolation, and a reduced quality of life. To address this, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia has established mental health screening policies to improve healthcare quality for the elderly. Nonetheless, further exploration of the prevalence and characteristics of mental health issues in this population is essential to inform effective interventions. Objectives: This study aims to offer an overview of mental health among the elderly within the Sempaja Healthcare Center's service area. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) for data collection. Consecutive sampling was applied, resulting in a sample size of 99 elderly participants. The SRQ identified symptoms of mental health disorders, and the data were analyzed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of these mental health concerns. Results: Among the 99 participants, 40 elderly participants were identified as having mental health issues. Most elderly individuals with mental health disorders experienced emotional disorders (42.5%), with the majority in the 60–74 age group (90%), female (55%), having completed primary education (45%), unemployed (72.5%), and married (70%). These findings indicate that certain demographic groups are more vulnerable to mental health challenges. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of the need for targeted mental health screenings and interventions for the elderly, especially among high-risk groups. Strengthening mental health services and promoting educational programs that address stress management and social support may significantly improve the well-being and quality of life of elderly individuals through mental health screening and addressing mental health issues among the elderly population.
The Effect of Family Clean and Healthy Living Behavior Education (PHBS) on the Prevention of Diarrhea in Toddlers
Authors: Yasin Zakiyah , Nawawi Ahmad , Rukmini Devy Shrimarti , Rahayu Nadhiroh Siti
Published: January 2025

Background: Diarrhea is a public health problem that is experienced by many developing countries such as Indonesia, because there are still many people who do not implement PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior) properly so that the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers is still a potential Extraordinary Event (KLB) which is very often accompanied by death. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of family PHBS education on the prevention of diarrhea in toddlers in Ambunten District, Sumenep Regency. Methods: This study is a quantitative study with a quasi experimental design. The population in this study is mothers who have toddlers under 5 years old. The sample of 66 respondents uses a random sampling technique is obtained. Data was collected using a diarrhea prevention questionnaire. Results: The results of the study before being given education to the treatment group and control group were mostly sufficient. Results: The results of the study after being educated in the treatment group and control group were good with the number of p value = 0.000 which means that there is an effect of family PHBS education on the prevention of diarrhea in toddlers under 5 years old in Ambunten District, Sumenep Regency. Conclusion: Health workers can provide counseling about household PHBS to mothers who have toddlers under 5 years old, so that they can apply PHBS properly and correctly in order to reduce the mortality rate in toddlers caused by diarrhea.
Assessment of the extent of lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer surgery in the observational tiger study: [TIGER-SQA] study protocol
Authors: Henckens Sofie P.G. , Schuring Nannet , van der Aa Dillen C. , Harris Alexander , Mavroveli Stella , Grüter Alexander A.J. , Wagner Martin , Daum Marie , Išgum Ivana , Bodenstedt Sebastian , Speidel Stefanie , MüllerStich Beat P. , Markar Sheraz R. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Hanna George B. , Gisbertz Suzanne S.
Published: January 2025

The distribution pattern of esophageal cancer lymph node metastases and consequently the lymph node stations that should be resected are currently being investigated in the international distribution of lymph node metastases in esophageal carcinoma (TIGER) study. This observational study has no specific entry criteria, resulting in significant variation among participating centers regarding the extent of lymphatic tissue clearance during surgery. To ensure reliable interpretation of the TIGER study results, this study aims to develop an intraoperative metric (surgical quality assessment tool) to examine the extent of lymphadenectomy. This multicenter prospective study assesses the extent of lymphadenectomy during esophagectomies performed within the TIGER study. After consensus on the applicability of surgical quality assessment in observational studies (phase 1), a short photo/video of the thoracic, abdominal, and [if applicable] cervical area will be captured after lymphadenectomy (phase 2). Those images will be rated by expert surgeons using a structured assessment tool (phase 3), and an automatic artificial intelligence (AI)-based quality assessment will be developed (phase 4). The variability in lymphadenectomy will be adjusted when analyzing TIGER study outcomes. Technique standardization by surgical quality assurance (SQA) reduces variation in trial outcomes. This cannot be applied to the TIGER study because of its observational nature, although surgical heterogeneity might influence TIGER study outcomes. To monitor surgical performance within observational studies, surgical quality assessment can be applied, although this has not been done yet. This study will ensure a reliable interpretation of TIGER study results and could be used as a benchmark for quality assessment in future surgical studies.
Decorating pore environment via cationic units of covalent organic frameworks for enhancing CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Liu Minghao , Liu Guojuan , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: January 2025

The conversion performance for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) relies on the affinity of CO2 molecules. Ionic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising platforms for CO2RR due to the accessible catalytic sites in the skeleton, high CO2 combination ability and the electronic conductivity. However, most ionic COFs are constructed via pre-functionalization of the monomers or post-modification of the skeleton, encountering incomplete loading or uneven distribution of the active sites. In this work, a cationic porphyrin-based COF using the (3-carboxypropyl)trimethylammonium and Co-porphyrin units is developed through the sub-stoichiometric bottom-up synthesis method to fine-tune the pore environment for modulating the binding ability of CO2. Compared to base COFs, the cationic COFs exhibit improved electronic conductivity, high CO2 adsorption uptakes and enhanced reducibility, further improving the electrocatalytic CO2RR performance. Notably, the cationic COF achieves a high CO selectivity of 93% and a partial current density of 24.6 mA·cm-2. This work not only offers considerable insights for improving the catalytic performance of COFs through the cationic groups but also provides a stoichiometry method to modulate the pore environment.
Multifunctional zinc silicate coating layer for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Keliang , Baule Nina , Jin Hong , Qiao Hui , Hardy Aaron , Schuelke Thomas , Fan Qi Hua
Published: January 2025

Dendrite growth during the continuous charge/discharge process is a serious problem that leads to internal short circuits in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Herein, a multifunctional zinc silicate polymer lithium polysilicate (LSO) was proposed to address the issues. LSO can prevent direct contact between electrolytes and zinc anodes, thereby suppressing severe dendrite growth. Its mechanically stable structure can restrain the stress release to further stabilize the electrode. In addition, LSO is chemically bonded to zinc anodes to ensure superior overall stability compared to other surface coatings. Moreover, LSO anodes exhibit outstanding electrolyte wettability and corrosion resistance, with strong adhesion properties. In-situ optical microscopy observation demonstrates its stability during charge/discharge process. Symmetrical cells using the Zn-LSO anode exhibited long cycling life of 833, 455, 344, and 260 h with low overpotentials of 66, 80, 118, and 141 mV at current densities of 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 mA cm-2, respectively. Full cells coupled with a MnO2 cathode showed a high-capacity reversibility of up to 234 mAh g-1 and outstanding rate performance at different current densities. This study demonstrates that LSO coating is a promising method for enhancing the electrochemical performance of zinc-ion batteries.
Predicting stacking fault energy in austenitic stainless steels via physical metallurgy-based machine learning approaches
Authors: Song Longyu , Wang Chenchong , Li Yizhuang , Wei Xiaolu
Published: January 2025

Stacking fault energy (SFE) significantly influences plastic deformation, strength, and processing performance, making accurate assessment and prediction of SFE essential for material design and optimization. Traditional SFE calculations mainly rely on experimental measurements and thermodynamic theories, with the former usually being time-consuming and the latter limited in applicability at different compositions. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a machine learning (ML) strategy introducing physical metallurgy (PM) parameters relevant to SFE, aiming to achieve robust predictions. Specifically, this study evaluates three methods for introducing PM information into ML (as an input, an intermediate parameter, and a transfer source), with transfer learning as the best strategy. Initially, various PM parameters were calculated based on alloy composition and temperature, and subsequently used as inputs to train a convolutional neural network (CNN). This source model was then transferred to the SFE prediction model. The results from the model transfer using different PM information show that incorporating phase-transformation driving force (DF) as a source model for SFE prediction provided the most accurate and reliable results. This approach of introducing PM parameters into ML significantly improves the predictive capability of SFE models, offering a new perspective and solution for the prediction of SFE. Furthermore, this method may also be applicable to the prediction of other material properties during material design and optimization.
Preparation of Fe, Co, Ni-based single atom catalysts and the progress of their application in electrocatalysis
Authors: Yang Yuquan , Huang Meifang , Gao Binbin , Wang Chenjing , Wu Hongjing , Yuan Yanru , Zheng Jinlong
Published: January 2025

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have garnered considerable attention owing to their profound potential in promoting the efficient utilization of metal resources and attaining atomic-level economy. Fe, Co, Ni SACs have demonstrated broad application prospects in electrocatalysis due to their tunable composition and structure, as well as their unique electronic properties. Firstly, the various preparation methods for Fe, Co, Ni SACs are outlined in this review, including high-temperature pyrolysis, impregnation, chemical vapor deposition, and atomic layer deposition. These methods not only enhance the utilization efficiency of metal atoms but also ensure the stability of the catalysts. Subsequently, this review summarizes the recent progress in the applications of Fe, Co, Ni SACs for electrocatalysis, with a particular focus on their efficacy in hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction. Despite remarkable advancements, Fe, Co, Ni SACs still face challenges related to large-scale production, stability enhancement, comprehensive characterization, and mechanistic exploration. Finally, this review discusses these challenges and proposes strategies to address them in order to fully realize the potential of Fe, Co, Ni SACs as high-performance catalysts.
EFFECTIVE ASPECTS OF THE ABRYSVO VACCINE: A BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW
Authors: Marques de Souza Ana Julia , Rocha Cardoso Talita , Pereira Cirqueira Tainá
Published: January 2025

Introduction: ABRYSVO (RSVpreF) was developed as a vaccine aimed at combating respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years old. It is recommended for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to prevent lower respiratory tract diseases (LRTD) and severe LRTD caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants from birth to 6 months of age, as well as for individuals aged 60 years and older. In this regard, this study aims to present the main findings about the Abrysvo vaccine through the analysis of available studies on the subject. Methodology: The research was conducted on the platforms "EBSCO" and "LILACS," using the term "Abrysvo." Studies that did not address the ABRYSVO vaccine or that did not provide access to the full text were excluded from the analysis. Relevant information was extracted from each selected article, covering data on the vaccine's efficacy, age groups, adverse effects, and the statistical criteria used. Results and Discussion: The studies show that the efficacy of RSVpreF in infants from birth to 6 months of age met the statistical success criteria for reducing severe lower respiratory tract disease due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at all time points up to 180 days. However, the efficacy verification results did not meet the statistical success criteria for reducing lower respiratory tract disease due to RSV. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that in individuals aged 60 years and older, immunization met the success criteria for the primary objectives of preventing RSV-LRTD with more than two respiratory symptoms and with more than three symptoms. Additionally, it was observed that the most common adverse effect of immunization was pain at the injection site, occurring in 40.6% of vaccinated patients compared to 10.1% of those who received a placebo. Fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and nausea were also noted as possible side effects. Conclusion: The analysis of articles on the efficacy of Abrysvo demonstrates promising results regarding the prevention of severe RSV cases, contributing to the protection of public health expenditures. In summary, although RSVpreF shows significant efficacy, it is crucial that future research continues to monitor and evaluate its performance, ensuring that vaccination strategies are optimized to maximize health benefits for the population.
Kinetika Kimia Dalam Produksi Pulp Pada Industri Kertas: Tinjauan
Authors: Pardi Hilfi , Meilinda Reza , Ningsih Putri Amelia , Anggraini Dian
Published: January 2025

Permintaan kertas di Indonesia terus mengalami peningkatan, sementara bahan baku pembuatan kertas mulai menipis. Banyaknya permintaan kertas mendorong industri kertas untuk dapat mempercepat proses pembuatan kertas dan mencari alternatif bahan baku lainnya yang dapat digunakan. Tulisan ini dibuat dengan tujuan untuk meringkas penelitian terdahulu yang telah dilakukan agar mempermudah pembaca dan untuk menambah wawasan terkait apakah ada penerapan kinetika kimia yaitu laju reaksi dalam mempercepat proses produksi pulp (bubur kertas) pada industri kertas menggunakan bahan baku kayu maupun non-kayu. Tinjauan penelitian ini menggunakan metode komperatif dengan mengumpulkan berbagai sumber menggunakan database dari google scholar dan pubmed baik jurnal nasional maupun internasional. Hasil penelitian menujukkan bahwa dalam produksi pulp pada industri kertas menerapkan prinsip dari kinetika kimia yaitu laju reaksi. Faktor laju reaksi yang mempengaruhi kecepatan produksi pulp adalah luas permukaan, konsentrasi, dan temperatur.
Analysis of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and TSS (Total Suspended Solid) Levels in River Water at UPTD Environmental Laboratory
Authors: Muhammad Athar Naufal  , Salmahaminati Salmahaminati
Published: January 2025

Research has been carried out, namely analysis of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and TSS (Total Suspended Solid) levels of water river in the Water Government Environment Service. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of COD and TSS in the form of water quality control as a function of the Water Laboratory of the sample from Semarang. Analysis of COD determination was carried out using a UV-VIS spectrophotometrr under closed reflux, while the analysis of TSS determination was carried out gravimetrically. The results of the analysis obtained COD levels in the sample CA 01.31.9 of 36.14 mg/L and the sample CA 01.31.10 of 36.14 mg/L. Meanwhile, the TSS level in the CA 01.31.9 sample was 15 mg/L and the CA 01.31.10 sample was 20 mg/L. In the results, the COD level is not in accordance with the water quality standard threshold, while the TSS level is still in accordance with the water quality standard threshold so that it can be used according to its designation which has been stipulated in Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Environmental Protection and Management.
Pembuatan Pektin dari Limbah Kulit Jeruk Manis (Citrus sinensis) dengan Variasi Volume Pelarut HCl
Authors: Amborowati Cindi , Miana Sari Tinambunan
Published: January 2025

Limbah kulit jeruk manis mengandung berbagai kandungan senyawa kimia yang bermanfaat, salah satunya adalah pektin. Pektin adalah bahan pengental yang biasanya digunakan pada industri makanan. Pektin diperoleh dengan cara diekstrak menggunakan pelarut asam. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh volume pelarut HCl terhadap pektin yang dihasilkan. Kulit jeruk manis diekstraksi sebanyak 10 gr menggunakan pelarut HCl 0,5 dengan volume pelarut 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 ml pada suhu 90 selama 2 jam. Pengujian karakteristik pektin yang dihasilkan dibandingkan dengan standar mutu pektin IPPA (International Pectin Producers Association). Rendemen paling tinggi diperoleh pada volume pelarut 400 ml sebesar 11,1062. Untuk kadar air tidak memenuhi standar karena besarnya diatas 12. Karakterisasi kadar metoksil tergolong metoksil tinggi karena memiliki nilai metoksil >7,12 dan Derajat esterifikasi >50. Kadar Galakturonat tergolong tinggi yaitu 54,4609 dan Berat ekivalen tergolong rendah yaitu 388,85 mg. Hasil bilangan gelombang tertentu pada uji FTIR menunjukkan kesesuaian dengan struktur pektin.
Isolasi dan Karakterisasi Senyawa Metabolit Sekunder Dari Kulit Batang Tumbuhan Niko (Grewia koordersiana Burret)
Authors: Klotilde Manek Marliana , Landi Pote Lodowik , Nadut Anggelinus
Published: January 2025

Isolasi dan karakterisasi senyawa metabolit sekunder dari kulit batang tumbuhan Niko (G. koordersiana Burret) bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis senyawa metabolit sekunder dan karakteristik senyawa metabolit sekunder. Metode yang digunakan yakni ekstraksi, kromatografi dan spektrofotometri. Sebanyak 500 g serbuk kulit batang Niko, dimaserasi dengan pelarut metanol diperoleh ekstrak kental dengan rendemen 52,09%. Hasil uji fitokimia menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak metanol mengandung senyawa alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid dan saponin. Hasil fraksinasi dengan kromatografi kolom menggunakan eluen metanol : etil asetat (1:3) dipeoleh 20 fraksi. Hasil KLT masing-masing fraksi diperoleh 4 fraksi dengan spot tunggal yakni fraksi 11, 12, 15 dan 16, dimana fraksi 11 dan 16 memiliki Rf 0,3 dan fraksi 12 dan 15 memiliki Rf 0,7. Fraksi A adalah fraksi 11 dan 16 dengan spot tunggal dipekat dan diperoleh ekstrak sebasar 2,09 gram (8,93%) dan fraksi B adalah fraksi 12 dan 15 diperoleh ekstrak sebesar 2,74 gram (11,53%). Hasil karakterisasi dengan spektrofotometri UV-Vis untuk fraksi A diperoleh dua pita serapan pada panjang gelombang 280 dan 235 nm. Fraksi B diperoleh dua pita serapan pada panjang gelombang 280 dan 245 nm. Hasil karakterisasi dengan spektroskopi Inframerah ekstrak metanol kulit batang Niko (G. koordersiana Burret) menunjukan adanya gugus -OH pada bilangan gelombang 3383,14 cm-1 dan gugus C-H alifatik (streching) pada bilangan gelombang 2983,88 cm-1, gugus C=O karbonil pada bilangan gelombang 1741,72 cm-1, gugus C-H alifatik (bending) dan gugus C-O alkohol pada panjang gelombang 1244,09, 1045,42 dan  1033,85 cm-1. Berdasarkan hasil spektrum UV-Vis dan IR menunjukkan kedua isolat mengandung senyawa sama.
A Blueprint for Curing Aging
Authors: Renteln Michael
Published: January 2025

Aging kills ~100,000 people a day - more than any other cause of death combined. The exact causes of aging have been much discussed, but the most pressing issue with regard to aging appears to be lipofuscin accumulation. That is, the accumulation of indigestible cellular garbage that needs to be removed from our cells, then the body. In this piece, I will explain why I think “getting rid of the garbage” should be at least one of our main goals with regard to longevity research for now. Of course, if cancer strikes before then, it will need to be addressed. Curative cancer therapy approaches are discussed herein. I also list the other causes of aging aside from lipofuscin accumulation - and how we can treat them. The same foundation on which the systemic lipofuscin removal approach is built can be used for treating genetic disorders and acquired illnesses as well.
Optimizing Waste Management in Costa Rica: Leveraging Agent-Based and Reinforcement Learning Models for Equitable Recycling Access
Authors: Navarro Jimenez Andrea
Published: January 2025

This study tackles waste management challenges in Costa Rica, where urban-rural disparities limit access to recycling facilities, posing barriers to national sustainability goals. By analyzing optimal facility placements, this research aims to improve accessibility and streamline waste management using Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) and Reinforcement Learning (RL). Integrating geospatial and demographic data, it forecasts recycling behaviors across Costa Rican provinces, with RL identifying cost-effective facility locations to boost recycling rates. Findings reveal notable accessibility gaps—urban centers like San José achieve a 56% accessibility rate, whereas rural areas, such as Puntarenas, fall below 30%. Strategic placements could elevate Cartago’s recycling rate to 27.38%, and RL optimization indicates a 53.4% potential rise in recycling and a 12% decrease in landfill reliance in accessible areas. These outcomes underscore the need for region-specific investments in waste infrastructure, suggesting that AI-enhanced waste categorization and community engagement could further progress Costa Rica’s sustainable waste management.
Assembly Theory - Formalizing Assembly Spaces and Discovering Patterns and Bounds
Authors: Bieniawski Wawrzyniec , Masierak Piotr , Tomski Andrzej , Łukaszyk Szymon
Published: January 2025

We formalize the assembly space as an acyclic digraph of strings with 2-in-regular assembly steps vertices and provide a novel definition of the assembly index. In particular, we show that the upper bound of the assembly index depends quantitatively on the number $b$ of unit-length strings, and the longest length $N$ of a string that has the assembly index of $N-k$ is given by $N_{(N-1)}=b^2+b+1$ and by $N_{(N-k)}=b^2+b+2k$ for $2 \le k \le 9$. We also provide particular forms of such maximum assembly index strings. For $k=1$, such odd-length strings are nearly balanced, and there are four such different strings if $b=2$ and seventy-two if $b=3$. We also show that each $k$ copies of an $n$-plet contained in a string decrease its assembly index at least by $k(n-1) - a$, where $a$ is the assembly index of this $n$-plet. We show that the minimum assembly depth satisfies $d_{\text{min}}^{(N)} = \left\lceil \log_2(N) \right\rceil$, for all $b$, and is the assembly depth of a maximum assembly index string. We also provide the general formula for the lengths of the minimum assembly index strings having only one independent assembly step in their assembly spaces. Since these results are also valid for $b=1$, assembly theory subsumes information theory.
The Effects of Cushioning Properties on Parameters of Gait in Habituated Females While Walking and Running
Authors: Macdermid Paul William , Walker Stephanie Julie , Cochrane Darryl
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of a non-cushioned minimalistic shoe and cushioned shoe during walking at 6 and running at 10 and 14 km∙h-1 in habituated female runners. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the spatio-temporal and kinetic variables of gait in these two shoe conditions. Methods: Twelve habituated female runners completed two trials (cushioned shoe vs. minimalist shoe) with three within-trial speeds (6, 10 and 14 km∙h-1) in a counter-balanced design. Flexible pressure insole sensors were used to determine kinetic variables (peak vertical impact force, average loading rate, active vertical peak force, time to active peak vertical force, and impulse) and spatio-temporal variables (stride duration, cadence, ground contact time, swing time and time to mid stance). Results: Cushioned running shoes exhibited greater energy absorption (690%), recovered energy (920%), and heat dissipation (350%). These differences resulted in the cushioned shoes significantly reducing peak vertical impact (~12%) and average loading rate (~11%) at running speeds 10-14 km∙h-1 while not affecting peak active force, impulse, stride duration, ground contact or swing time. Conclusion: Cushioned running shoes provide significant benefits in energy absorption, energy recovery and heat dissipation, which decreases impact-related forces and loading rates in female runners without changing spatio-temporal variables of gait.
Albuminuria in People Chronically Exposed to Low-Dose Cadmium Is Due to Rising Blood Pressure Levels
Authors: Satarug Soisungwan , Yimthiang Supabhorn , Khamphaya Tanaporn , Pouyfung Phisit , Vesey David A. , Buha Djordjevic Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Exposure to low-dose environmental pollutant cadmium (Cd) increases the risks of both albuminuria and hypertension by mechanisms which are poorly understood. Here, multiple-regression and mediation analyses were applied to data from 641 Thai subjects of whom 39.8%, 16.5%, 10.8%, and 4.8% had hypertension, albuminuria, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. To correct for interindividual differences in urine dilution and surviving nephrons, the excretion rates of Cd (ECd), albumin (Ealb) and β2-microglobulin (Eβ2M) were normalized to creatinine clearance (Ccr) as ECd/Ccr, Ealb/Ccr and Eβ2M/Ccr. Respective risks of having CKD and hypertension rose to 3.52 (95%CI: 1.75, 7.05) and 1.22 (95% CI:1.12, 1.3) per doubling Cd body burden. Respective risk of having albuminuria increased 2.95-fold (p = 0.042), and 4.17-fold (p = 0.020) in subjects who had hypertension plus severe and extremely severe tubular dysfunction, defined according to elevated β2M excretion rates. In multiple regression analysis, Ealb/Ccr increased linearly with both systolic blood pressure (SBP, β = 0.263) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, β = 0.150), while showing an inverse association with eGFR (β = −0.180). The mediation model analyses inferred that a declining eGFR induced by Cd contributed to 80.6% of SBP increment (p = 0.005), which then fully mediated an elevation of albumin excretion (p < 0.001). The present study provides, for the first time, evidence that causally links Cd-induced eGFR reductions to blood pressure elevations which enhance albumin excretion.
Applying Deep Learning on Small Data: Developing Economical and Accessible Approaches to Diagnose Wildfire Episodes
Authors: Shrivastava Aarav M. , Shrivastava Manish
Published: January 2025

Wildfires impact human health, air quality, visibility, weather, climate change and cause huge economic losses. Although air quality monitors operated by state and counties can provide insights about unhealthy air quality during wildfires, these monitors are not available everywhere. It is important to design affordable tools that anyone from the general public could use to diagnose air quality impacts. We apply machine learning with deep neural networks to rapidly diagnose air quality from images of the sky taken at a ground site at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA, USA. We train a deep neural network model using convolutional neural network frameworks to diagnose air quality indices from sky images. Our work demonstrates the application of a complex deep learning framework on a small dataset of new sky images through the use of transfer learning, which leverages previously determined weights and biases of the model and fine tunes it to a new dataset, greatly reducing the time for training the model. Rapid diagnosis of air quality during wildfire episodes could provide early warning to the public and aid in applying timely mitigation strategies against acute smoke exposure, especially for vulnerable populations. We also show that the risk of lower respiratory infection is the greatest for human health at acute smoke exposures, and reactive oxygen species exposure associated with wildfire particles could cause various inflammation and health risks.
Verification of SPI Protocol Using Universal Verification Methodology for Modern IoT and Wearable Devices
Authors: Liao Chin-Wen , Yu Hsiu-Chou , Liao Yu-Cheng
Published: January 2025

The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol plays a crucial role in wearable and IoT devices, enabling high-speed communication between microcontrollers and peripherals such as sensors, displays, and connectivity modules. With the increasing complexity of modern devices and System-on-Chip (SoC) designs, robust verification methods are essential to ensure functionality and reliability. This paper utilizes Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) to develop a scalable and reusable testbench for SPI verification. The process encompasses test planning, simulation, emulation, and top-level verification to validate scenarios like multi-slave coordination and error handling. The results demonstrate the critical importance of UVM in ensuring the performance and dependability of SPI in advanced electronics, contributing to the reliable integration of the protocol in future devices.
Long-Term Immune Consequences of Initial SARS-CoV-2 A.23.1 Exposure: A Longitudinal Study of Antibody Responses and Cross-Neutralisation in a Ugandan Cohort
Authors: Oluka Gerald Kevin , Sembera Jackson , Katende Joseph Ssebwana , Ankunda Violet , Kato Laban , Kurshan Ashwini , Graham Carl , Seow Jeffrey , Doores Katie J. , Malim Michael H. , Fox Julie A. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Serwanga Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Background: This study assessed the long-term dynamics of neutralising antibodies in a Ugandan cohort primarily exposed to the A.23.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant, examining how this shaped immune breadth and potency against diverse strains following infection and prototype-based vaccination. Methods: We conducted a 427-day retrospective analysis of 41 participants across multiple SARS-CoV-2 waves, assessing binding and neutralising antibody responses using in-house ELISA and pseudotyped virus neutralisation assays. We quantified immune responses to key SARS-CoV-2 variants, A.23.1, D614G, Delta, and BA.4, capturing evolving immunity across the pandemic. Results: Neutralising antibody titres against A.23.1 remained significantly higher than those against D614G, Delta, and BA.4, highlighting the solid immune memory following A.23.1 infection. Consistently lower titres were observed for BA.4 across all time points, aligning with its strong immune-evasion capability. Correlations between neutralising titres and spike-directed IgG (S-IgG) concentrations were significantly stronger for A.23.1 than for D614G, with no correlation for BA.4. ChAdOx1-S vaccination substantially elevated the neutralising titres across all variants, most notably BA.4, highlighting the essential role of vaccination in boosting immunity, even in individuals with initially low titres. Conclusions: Initial exposure to the A.23.1 variant triggered potent immune responses, shaping neutralising antibody dynamics during subsequent exposures. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for early viral exposures in vaccine development and public health planning. The distinctly lower immune response to BA.4 highlights the need for continuous antigenic monitoring and timely vaccine updates for protection against emerging variants. Vaccination remains essential, reinforcing and sustaining im-munity against evolving variants.
Experimental Guide for Compact Bow-Tie Femtosecond Solid-State Laser Development
Authors: Pinto Vinícius Pereira , Nogueira Giovana Trevisan , Yasuoka Fátima Maria Mitsue , Neto Jarbas Caiado de Castro
Published: January 2025

Bow-tie cavity configurations have gained significant attention due to their efficacy in facilitating stable resonator operation for applications requiring short pulse operation and high repetition rate pulses, offering versatility and reliability. While there is an extensive body of literature addressing the theoretical aspects and applications of this laser configuration, there exists a gap in practical insights and systematic approaches guidance pertaining to development and precision alignment of this laser type. The paper achieves this by compiling a range of analytical and optimization techniques of the bow-tie cavity configuration, delineating the necessary steps for optimization required for continuous wave operation, ultimately leading to the attainment of the pulsed regime through the Kerr Lens Mode-locking technique, offering a detailed account of a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser cavity development, optimization, and performance evaluation using dispersion-compensating mirrors producing of a low-energy pulse of 1nJ, high repetition rate of 1GHz and an short pulse duration of 61fs. This work can be useful for researchers and engineers seeking to embark on the development of compact and high-performance femtosecond lasers for a spectrum of applications, encompassing biomedical imaging, laser-assisted surgery, spectroscopy, and optical frequency combs.
Noncommutative Maccone-Pati Uncertainty Principles
Authors: Krishna K. Mahesh
Published: January 2025

Let $\mathcal{E}$ be a Hilbert C*-module over a unital C*-algebra $\mathcal{A}$. Let $A: \mathcal{D}(A) \subseteq \mathcal{E} \to \mathcal{E}$ and $B: \mathcal{D}(B)\subseteq \mathcal{E}\to \mathcal{E}$ be possibly unbounded self-adjoint morphisms. Then for all $x \in \mathcal{D}(AB)\cap \mathcal{D}(BA)$ with $\langle x, x \rangle =1$, we show that \begin{align*} (1) \quad\quad\quad d_x(A)^2+d_x(B)^2&\geq \mp \langle \{A,B\}x, x \rangle +\langle (A\pm B)x, y \rangle\langle y, (A\pm B)x \rangle\pm \{\langle Ax, x \rangle, \langle Bx, x \rangle\}, \\ &\quad \forall y \in \mathcal{E} \text{ satisfying } \|y\|\leq 1 \text{ and } \langle x,y \rangle =0 \end{align*} \begin{align*} (2) \quad \quad \quad d_x(A)^2+d_x(B)^2&\geq \mp i\langle [A,B]x, x \rangle +\langle (A\pm iB)x, y \rangle\langle y, (A\pm iB)x \rangle \mp i[\langle Ax, x \rangle, \langle Bx, x \rangle], \\ &\quad \forall y \in \mathcal{E} \text{ satisfying } \|y\|\leq 1 \text{ and } \langle x,y \rangle =0. \end{align*} where \begin{align*} & d_x(A)\coloneqq \sqrt{\langle Ax, Ax \rangle -\langle Ax, x \rangle^2},\quad [A,B] \coloneqq AB-BA, \\ & [\langle Ax, x \rangle,\langle Bx, x \rangle]\coloneqq \langle Ax, x \rangle\langle Bx, x \rangle -\langle Bx, x \rangle\langle Ax, x \rangle. \end{align*} We call Inequalities (1) and (2) as noncommutative Maccone-Pati uncertainty principles. They reduce to uncertainty principles derived by Maccone and Pati [\textit{Phys. Rev. Lett., 2014}] whenever $\mathcal{A}=\mathbb{C}$.
Three Improvements of Confidence Intervals
Authors: Harremoës Peter
Published: January 2025

The distinction between descriptive statistics and statistical modelling via probability theory is not always as useful as presented in textbooks. In this paper we take confidence intervals as an example. These intervals are defined for statistical models and are used for hypothesis testing. We propose to define slightly different intervals based on ideas based on cross-validation and on the bootstrap method. These intervals will be defined in a purely descriptive manner and that has an interpretation directly related to the sample at hand. Although these new resampling intervals have descriptive definitions they can be used for testing in just the same manner as confidence intervals. The new intervals are of particular relevance in cases where the sample cannot be modeled by an infinite sequence of iid variables. In order to compare cover probabilities we suggest to randomize the sample size. We demonstrate that both the new resampling intervals as well as z-intervals, Wilson intervals, and likelihood ratio intervals get better coverage probabilities if we use additive smoothing.
Real-Time and Post-Mission Heading Alignment for Drone Navigation Based on Single Antenna GNSS and MEMs-IMU Sensors
Authors: Contreras João F. , Vassaram Jitesh A. M. , Fernandes Marcos R. , do Val João B. R.
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to develop a heading alignment procedure for drone navigation employing a single hover GNSS antenna combined with low-grade MEMs-IMU sensors. The design was motivated by the need for a drone-mounted differential interferometric SAR (DinSAR) application; however, the methodology proposed in this work can be applied to any Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) application that requires high-precision navigation data for short-flight missions utilizing cost-effective MEMS sensors. The method proposed here involves a Bayesian parameter estimation based on a simultaneous cumulative Mahalonobis metric applied to the innovation process of Kalman-like filters, which are identical except for the initial heading guess. The procedure is then generalized and called parametric alignment. The motivation for the multidimensional extension in the scenario is also presented. The method is highly applicable for cases where gyro-compassing is not available, usually for low-cost UAV applications. It employs the most straightforward optimization techniques that can be implemented using a real-time parallelism scheme. Numeric simulations and experimental evaluations using a real UAV demonstrate that the proposed method can provide initial heading alignment when the heading is not directly observable during takeoff.
The Effect of Combination Antioxidant Therapy on Reflexion Index (RI), a Measure of Resistance Vessel and Small to Medium Artery Compliance
Authors: Howes Laurence Guy , Unni Tanya , Hamza Ameer , Howes Jan , Jayasinghe Rohan
Published: January 2025

Antioxidants reduce arterial stiffness but the effects previously reported are weak. The effect of 2 weeks of therapy with a combination of antioxidants (l-cysteine, thiamine, pyridoxine and ascorbic acid) on reflexion index, a measure of resistance vessel and small to medium artery compliance, were studied using a Pulse Trace digital photoplethysmography recorder in 40 subjects compared to 38 subjects on placebo. Reflection index fell by -8% (placebo corrected) (95% confidence intervals -1% to -15%, P = 0.0422) on antioxidant therapy. The reduction in resistance index was positively correlated with increasing age in subjects on antioxidant therapy (r = 0.354, P= 0.0220) but not in subjects on placebo (r = 0.125, P = 0.4520). Resistance index was reduced to a smaller extent than the previously reported -19% (95% confidence intervals -9% to -30%, P=0.0020) reduction in stiffness index (a measure of pulse wave velocity, or central artery stiffness) recorded at the same time (effect size: reflection index = 1.0, stiffness index = 1.5). Combination antioxidant therapy significantly reduced reflection index, but the effect on stiffness index was greater.
High Protein Intake Increases Sirtuin 1 mRNA Expression in Rat Liver
Authors: Takeda Mitsushi , Kamei Midori , Ohta Akiko , Miyazaki Takashi
Published: January 2025

Background: The relationship between aging or disease and diets, as in the relationship between the intake of calories and disease, has been studied. Appropriate protein intake is im-portant for disease, frailty, and the life span. However, little is knew regarding to protein diet on any disease and lifespan. So we analyze the effects of high protein diets on rat liver oxidative stress and tumor marker. Methodology: Rats were separated into three groups: LPD with 5% protein, SPD with 20% protein, and HPD with 40% protein, administered over 4 weeks. The qRT-PCR method was used for measuring mRNA expression levels. as the expression of the an-ti-aging-related enzyme Sirtuin 1, superoxide dismutase (SOD), CuZn-SOD, EC-SOD, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), tumor suppressor protein p53, and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1). Results: A significant difference (p = 0.03853) was observed between the LPD and SPD groups for Sirtuin 1 and also between the LPD and HPD groups (p = 0.004914). There were signif-icant differences in CuZn-SOD and EC-SOD between the LPD and SPD groups (CuZn-SOD: p = 0.02062, EC-SOD: p = 0.01906). A significant difference (p = 0.01359) between the LPD and SPD groups was also observed for eNOS. Conclusions: A significant difference in Sirtuin 1 expression was observed between the LPD and SPD, and between the LPD and HPD groups, indicates that high protein intake promotes Sirtuin 1 and prevents aging. As for CuZn-SOD, EC-SOD, and eNOS, the significant difference between the SPD and LPD groups indicates that low protein intake lowers the production of SOD and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS). An appropriate amount of protein is necessary for the prevention of aging, lifestyle-related diseases, and arteriosclerotic diseases caused by oxidative stress and to extend the life span.
Advances in Monitoring Protocol and Continuous Quality Control for the Optimization of Dendritic -Cell-Derived Exosome (DEX) Immunotherapy
Authors: Gutierrez-Sandoval Ramon , Gutiérrez- Castro Francisco , Muñoz Godoy Natalia , Rivadeneira Ider , Sobarzo Adolay , Alarcón Luis , Dorado Wilson , Lagos Opazo Andy , Contreras Diego Montenegro , Muñoz Pincheira Ignacio , Aguilera Rodrigo , Iturra Jordan , Krakowiak Francisco , Meza Andres Toledo
Published: January 2025

Immunotherapy using dendritic cell-derived exosomes (DEXs) represents an innovative strategy for cancer treatment. While cur-rent clinical monitoring methods, such as RECIST and iRECIST, provide tools for evaluating outcomes through imaging and clin-ical parameters, there remains a gap in comprehensive molecular evaluation of immunotherapy quality. This work reviews exist-ing tools and develops an integrated design that structures these tools into a systematic monitoring protocol to optimize the de-velopment of DEX-based therapies. Methods: The protocol includes flow cytometry for immune characterization, ELISA for cy-tokine profiling (e.g., IFN-γ and IL-12), and Western blotting for exosomal markers (CD63, CD9, and CD81). These molecular tools complement current clinical evaluations, providing comprehensive insights into the quality of DEXs and patient immune responses. Results: Molecular analyses validated the consistency and reproducibility of DEXs through stable expression of exo-somal markers. Furthermore, cytokine profiling revealed significant increases in Th1 responses, including elevated levels of IFN-γ and IL-12, correlated with enhanced T cell activation and tumor cell apoptosis. Conclusions: This work not only reviews existing tools and methodologies but also proposes an original design that organizes and structures these tools into an integral monitor-ing protocol. This system connects clinical and molecular data, optimizing precision, reproducibility, and personalization in DEX-based treatments, establishing a robust foundation to enhance the impact of immunotherapy in oncopathology.
Integrated Online Fantasy Football Platform Promotes Meditation Activity in a Male Undergraduate Students: A Self-Determination Theory-Informed Intervention
Authors: Degenhard Samuel Myron , Hatter-Fisher Denise
Published: January 2025

Given the growing burden of mental health disorders, the use of smartphone-based mindfulness meditation applications has drastically increased. However, such applications have failed to attract a substantial base of male users and suffer from poor adherence across genders, which might be due to a lack of basic psychological need satisfaction (BPNS), a measure of intrinsic motivation. It was theorized that online fantasy sports could compensate for possible shortcomings of conventional meditation apps by inspiring consistent usage among men. Using a randomized control trial design, this study tested an eight-week, gamified meditation intervention linking the mechanics of fantasy sports to weekly meditation goals (termed “mindful fantasy sports”) in an all-male sample (n = 24) against using a mindfulness meditation app alone. A secondary aim of the study was to determine whether mindful fantasy sports were more intrinsically motivating than conventional meditation apps by measuring BPNS. The current findings showed participants in the mindful fantasy sports group meditated significantly more often (p = .01) and for a significantly longer cumulative duration (p = .03) than peers in the control condition. In addition, those playing mindful fantasy sports reported higher degrees of BPNS, specifically higher competence satisfaction (p = .03). These findings support the contention that mindful fantasy sports can effectively promote male engagement with meditation apps.
Digital Watermarking Technology for AI-Generated Images: A Survey
Authors: Luo Huixin , Li Li , Li Juncheng
Published: January 2025

AI-Generated Content (AIGC) has made significant advancements in both popularity and realism. While the development of generative large models offers immense potential to enhance creativity and operational efficiency, it also introduces a range of risks and challenges, particularly concerning issues such as copyright infringement due to model misuse and the authenticity of generated content. In response to the need for standardized management and application of AIGC models, researchers are increasingly focusing on exploring effective strategies for managing and protecting the authentication of AIGC models, as well as ensuring the traceability of generated images through digital watermarking technologies. This survey provides a comprehensive review of three core areas: the evolution of image generation technologies, traditional and state-of-the-art digital image watermarking algorithms, and watermarking methods specific to AIGC. Additionally, we examine common performance evaluation metrics used in this field. Finally, we discuss the unresolved issues and propose several potential directions for future research.