bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Peletakan Biopond Larva Black Soldier Fly Terhadap Penurunan Berat Sampah Organik
Authors: Remalia Tondo Yolan , Mustafa Mustafa , Subagyo Indro
Published: January 2025

Latar Belakang: Masalah sampah semakin komplek, dengan komposisi terbesar adalah sampah organik sebesar 60%. Salah satu alternatif pengolahan sampah organik adalah dengan memanfaatkan larva Black Soldier Fly sebagai organisme yang dapat mendegradasi sampah organik menjadi pupuk kompos dan pakan. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh peletakan biopond larva Black Soldier Fly di indoor dan outdoor terhadap penurunan berat sampah organik. Metode:  Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Pre-eksperiment dengan menggunakan pola Pree test and Post test group Design dengan 5 kali pengulangan pada masing- masing biopond indoor dan outdoor yang berisi sampah sebayak 1000 gram dan larva 200 gram. Larva yang digunakan berumur 14 hari dan Sampah organik yang digunakan yaitu sisa makanan, sayuran dan buah-buahan. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peletakan biopond larva Black Soldier Fly di lingkungan outdor dapat menurunkan berat sampah organik secara lebih efektif dibandingkan dengan peletakan di lingkungan indoor. Persentase penurunan berat sampah pada pelatakkan di outdoor sebesar 74% sedangkan pada indoor sebesar 40,7%. Hasil uji t sampel bebas dengan nilai p-value 0.000 ≤ 0,05 menunjukkan perbedaan yang  signifikan antara penurunan berat  sampah Organik pada peletakan biopond indoor dan outdoor.  Kesimpulan: Peletakan biopond memberikan pengaruh yang signifikan pada larva Black Soldier Fly dalam mendegradasi sampah organik.
Applications of hydrogels and nanoparticles in the treatment of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Shi Jiaying , Tang Jiajia , Xu Jin , Jiang Ning , Yang Yuanwei , Chen Honglin , Han Yuhan , Fu Xianhua
Published: January 2025

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant global public health issue, with effective management posing numerous challenges. The pathophysiology of TBI is typically categorized into two phases: primary and secondary injuries. Secondary injury involves pathophysiological mechanisms such as blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Current pharmacological strategies often encounter obstacles in treating TBI effectively, primarily due to challenges in BBB penetration, inadequate target site accumulation, and off-target toxicity. Versatile hydrogels and nanoparticles offer potential solutions to these limitations. This review discusses recent progress in utilizing hydrogels and nanoparticles for TBI treatment over the past 5 years, highlighting their relevance to the underlying injury pathophysiology. Hydrogels and nanoparticles demonstrate substantial promise in addressing secondary brain injury, providing a broad spectrum of future therapeutic opportunities.
Histone deacetylase inhibition with givinostat: a multi-targeted mode of action with the potential to halt the pathological cascade of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Aartsma-Rus A.
Published: January 2025

Muscle repair and regeneration are complex processes. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), these processes are disrupted by the loss of functional dystrophin, a key part of the transmembrane dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex that stabilizes myofibers, indirectly leading to progressive muscle wasting, subsequent loss of ambulation, respiratory and cardiac insufficiency, and premature death. As part of the DMD pathology, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity is constitutively increased, leading to epigenetic changes and inhibition of muscle regeneration factors, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and adipogenesis. HDAC inhibition has consequently been investigated as a therapeutic approach for muscular dystrophies that, significantly, works independently from specific genetic mutations, making it potentially suitable for all patients with DMD. This review discusses how HDAC inhibition addresses DMD pathophysiology in a multi-targeted mode of action and summarizes the recent evidence on the rationale for HDAC inhibition with givinostat, which is now approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of DMD in patients aged 6 years and older.
Meibomian gland alterations in allergic conjunctivitis: insights from a novel quantitative analysis algorithm
Authors: Wei Jingting , Xiao Kunhong , Cai Qingyuan , Lin Shenghua , Lin Xiangjie , Wang Yujie , Lin Jiawen , Lai Kunfeng , Ye Yunxi , Liu Yuhan , Li Li
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To investigate the changes in meibomian gland (MG) structure in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) patients using an intelligent quantitative analysis algorithm and to explore the relationship between these changes and clinical parameters.

Methods

A total of 252 eyes from patients with AC and 200 eyes from normal controls were examined. Infrared meibography was performed using the non-contact mode of the Keratograph 5M. MG images were analyzed using a deep learning-based a quantitative analysis algorithm to evaluate gland length, area, dropout ratio, and deformation. Clinical parameters, including tear meniscus height, tear break up time (TBUT), conjunctival hyperemia, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, were assessed and correlated with changes in the structure of MG.

Results

The average MG length in AC patients was 4.48 ± 1.04 mm, shorter compared to the control group (4.72 ± 0.94 mm). The average length of the central 5 glands in AC patients was 4.94 ± 1.67 mm, which was also shorter than the control group’s central 5 glands (5.38 ± 1.42 mm). Furthermore, the central 5 glands’ area in AC patients (1.61 ± 0.64 mm2) was reduced compared to the control group (1.79 ± 0.62 mm2). Tear meniscus height was lower in the allergy group (0.26 ± 0.10 mm) compared to the control group (0.44 ± 0.08 mm) (P < 0.05). The non-invasive first tear film break-up time was shorter in the allergy group (8.65 ± 6.31 s) than in the control group (10.48 ± 2.58 s) (P < 0.05). Conjunctival congestion was higher in the allergy group (1.1 ± 0.52) compared to the control group (0.97 ± 0.30) (P < 0.05). The OSDI score in the allergy group (8.33 ± 7.6) was higher than that in the control group (4.00 ± 0.50) (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the gland dropout ratio was positively associated with male gender and negatively associated with age and OSDI scores. Additionally, despite an increased number of MG, tear film stability was not improved.

Conclusion

Through the intelligent quantitative algorithm, we found that AC leads to significant changes in MG structure, particularly affecting gland length and central area.
Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide for high efficient adsorption of methylene blue
Authors: Kang Maoping , Pei Yongli , Zhang Ying , Su Lihong , Li Yuxiang , Wang Hongyu
Published: January 2025

A highly efficient and widely applicable adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) was created using nitrogen-doped and reduced graphene oxide (NRGO). The effects of NRGO mass, pH, contact time, and the initial MB concentration on the adsorption properties of MB onto NRGO were investigated. The results showed that the adsorption behavior remained stable within the pH range of 2.0–10.0, and the adsorption process gradually reached equilibrium after 24 h. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms were discussed to propose a theoretical adsorption mechanism. Meanwhile, some characterizations including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Disperse X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, etc. were used to explore potential adsorption mechanism, which indicated the physisorption caused by π-π bonds was the main adsorption mechanism. NRGO exhibits efficient MB absorption and holds significant potential application for the wastewater treatment.
Pectin obtention from agroindustrial wastes of Malus domestica using green solvents (citric acid and natural deep eutectic solvents). Chemical, thermal, and rheological characterization
Authors: Gómez Vargas Carolina , Ponce Nora Marta Andrea , Stortz Carlos A. , Fissore Eliana Noemi , Bonelli Pablo , Otálora González Carlos Mauricio , Gerschenson Lía Noemí
Published: January 2025

The use of green solvents, citric acid (CA), and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for the obtention of pectin from wastes (pulp and peel) of Malus domestica was studied. The NADES used comprised citric acid–glucose–water (N1) or lactic acid–glucose–water (N2). The fractions rich in pectin obtained after exposure to NADES showed lower yield (≈4 g/100 g CA vs. ≈ 11 g/100 g CA), equal to or lower degree of methoxylation (53–71 mol/100 mol CA vs. 73 mol/100 mol CA), equal to or greater content of uronic acid (50–63 g/100 g CA vs. 51 g/100 g CA) than those isolated with CA, and the ones obtained from peel were the most thermally stable. These pectins showed greater linearity, shorter branch lengths, and lower arabinose content than those obtained with CA. The neutral sugars present in the highest concentration in all the isolated fractions were arabinose, xylose, galactose, and rhamnose. Glucose was also detected, probably due to contamination with starch. Their aqueous solutions showed pseudoplastic behavior. The effect of ultrasound assistance was preliminarily evaluated in the production of pectic fractions using N2, observing higher yields (13–18 g/100 g), in general, a higher concentration of uronic acid and a higher degree of methoxylation when compared with the extraction without US. They also showed greater arabinose content (less degradative treatment), lower glucose content (increased purity), and higher rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) content. It is known that RG-I is linked to pectin bioactivity and rheological behavior. The green solvent techniques assayed allowed obtaining fractions rich in uronic acid with different chemical, thermochemical, and rheological characteristics. In the case of isolation with NADES, the yield was low, but preliminary tests with ultrasound assistance showed that it is possible to overcome this limitation.
Enhancing efficiency and stability in perovskite solar cells: innovations in self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Tian Jingshu , Zhang Haichang
Published: January 2025

Perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) show remarkable potential due to their high-power conversion efficiencies and scalability. However, challenges related to stability and long-term performance remain significant. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have emerged as a crucial solution, enhancing interfacial properties, facilitating hole extraction, and minimizing non-radiative recombination. This review examines recent advancements in SAMs for PVSCs, focusing on three key areas: anchoring groups and interface engineering, electronic structure modulation as well as band alignment, and stability optimization. We emphasize the role of anchoring groups in reducing defects and improving crystallinity, alongside the ability of SAMs to fine-tune energy levels for more effective hole extraction. Additionally, co-adsorbed SAM strategies was discussed which can enhance the durability of PVSCs against thermal and moisture degradation. Overall, SAMs present a promising avenue for addressing both efficiency and stability challenges in PVSCs, paving the way toward commercial viability. Future research should prioritize long-term environmental durability and the scaling up of SAM applications for industrial implementation.
Competing frames over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in the Egyptian and Ethiopian media
Authors: Aynalem Desalegn , Zerai Abdissa
Published: January 2025

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a 6,000-megawatt project on the Blue Nile, is an epicenter of exacerbated disputes and confrontations between riparian states, garnering the attention of both local and international media. This article examines the salient frames of Ahram Online and the Ethiopian Herald, state run national newspapers in Egypt and Ethiopia, respectively. Guided by Framing Theory, the study employed an inductive qualitative frame analysis method. A total of 289 news stories, collected from the online archives of the newspapers, spanning from January 2017 to December 2022, were analyzed. Findings reveal that six dominant frames and six counter-frames emerge from Ahram Online and the Ethiopian Herald, respectively. The frames and counter-frames emerged are, ‘Historic right’ Vs. ‘Tributary right,’ ‘National threat’ Vs. ‘National pride,’ ‘Power domination’ Vs. ‘Regional integration,’ ‘Necessity of binding agreement’ Vs. ‘Obsession with colonial treaties,’ ‘Unyieldingness’ (for both) and ‘Unilateral act’ Vs. ‘Right to development’ frames. This study argues that such polarized and bifurcated depiction of the dam on the media has contributed to conflicting rather than cooperative relationship between the two riparian countries.
Body exhibition or idyllic imagination? Female microcelebrities in mobile short videos depicting the Chinese countryside
Authors: Chen Maichi Match , Dong Yan , Zhang Jun , Qu Guichun , Sun Zonglin , Jiang Yanmei , Hu Guili
Published: January 2025

Mass communication in the We Media era has redefined China's rural virtual community and transformed the representation of the female body in the countryside. Using research methods such as literature review, case studies, and content analysis, this study adopts perspectives from the sociology of the body and feminist media studies to explore how female microcelebrities and social media influencers (SMIs) use their bodies to present authentic rural life. The research highlights their significant roles in marketing the countryside, fostering idyllic imaginations for mass audiences, and supporting rural revitalization. Focusing on prominent examples such as Li Ziqi, we argue that female microcelebrities endorsed by both the state and netizens contribute to rural marketing by promoting web traffic, agricultural products, and stronger idyllic imagery, thereby advancing China's rural revitalization efforts.
ML-NIC: accelerating machine learning inference using smart network interface cards
Authors: Kapoor Raghav , Anastasiu David C. , Choi Sean
Published: January 2025

Low-latency inference for machine learning models is increasingly becoming a necessary requirement, as these models are used in mission-critical applications such as autonomous driving, military defense (e.g., target recognition), and network traffic analysis. A widely studied and used technique to overcome this challenge is to offload some or all parts of the inference tasks onto specialized hardware such as graphic processing units. More recently, offloading machine learning inference onto programmable network devices, such as programmable network interface cards or a programmable switch, is gaining interest from both industry and academia, especially due to the latency reduction and computational benefits of performing inference directly on the data plane where the network packets are processed. Yet, current approaches are relatively limited in scope, and there is a need to develop more general approaches for mapping offloading machine learning models onto programmable network devices. To fulfill such a need, this work introduces a novel framework, called ML-NIC, for deploying trained machine learning models onto programmable network devices' data planes. ML-NIC deploys models directly into the computational cores of the devices to efficiently leverage the inherent parallelism capabilities of network devices, thus providing huge latency and throughput gains. Our experiments show that ML-NIC reduced inference latency by at least 6 × on average and in the 99th percentile and increased throughput by at least 16x with little to no degradation in model effectiveness compared to the existing CPU solutions. In addition, ML-NIC can provide tighter guaranteed latency bounds in the presence of other network traffic with shorter tail latencies. Furthermore, ML-NIC reduces CPU and host server RAM utilization by 6.65% and 320.80 MB. Finally, ML-NIC can handle machine learning models that are 2.25 × larger than the current state-of-the-art network device offloading approaches.
A priori physical information to aid generalization capabilities of neural networks for hydraulic modeling
Authors: Guglielmo Gianmarco , Montessori Andrea , Tucny Jean-Michel , La Rocca Michele , Prestininzi Pietro
Published: January 2025

The application of Neural Networks to river hydraulics and flood mapping is fledgling, despite the field suffering from data scarcity, a challenge for machine learning techniques. Consequently, many purely data-driven Neural Networks have shown limited capabilities when tasked with predicting new scenarios. In this work, we propose introducing physical information into the training phase in the form of a regularization term. Whereas this idea is formally borrowed from Physics-Informed Neural Networks, the proposed methodology does not necessarily resort to PDEs, making it suitable for scenarios with significant epistemic uncertainties, such as river hydraulics. The method enriches the information content of the dataset and appears highly versatile. It shows improved predictive capabilities for a highly controllable, synthetic hydraulic problem, even when extrapolating beyond the boundaries of the training dataset and in data-scarce scenarios. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future employment on real datasets from complex applications.
Case Report: Fusarium falciforme pericardial and sternal wound infection following orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Rodgers Jeffrey , Hill Morgan , Zeigler Sanford
Published: January 2025

Fusarium, a genus of soil and vegetation-based fungi, is a rare cause of infections in immunocompromised individuals, including transplant recipients. In this case, we describe successful treatment of Fusarium falciforme mediastinitis in the recipient of an orthotopic heart transplant. Treatment included multiple courses of combination antibiotic and antifungal therapy several surgical debridements, continuous mediastinal irrigation with antifungal agents, and staged closure with an omental flap. This is the first report describing successful eradication of fusarium sp. mediastinitis and provides a template for treating complex cases of mediastinitis and osteomyelitis.
Relationship between fundus of the eye examination and arterial stiffness
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Costa Duarte , Klein Ana Carolina Storch , Klein Julia Gabriela Storch , Möller Camila Samrsla , Manfio Eliane Fátima , Eibel Bruna , Mengue Carolina da Silva
Published: January 2025

This review addresses the correlation between arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), and retinal microvascular changes, highlighting the retina as an important accessible window for inferences about cardiovascular health. Arterial stiffness, intrinsically linked to vascular aging and several comorbidities, results in damage to the microcirculation, including ocular vasculature, which can act as a predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes. The review highlights the relationship between PWV assessment and funduscopic examination, with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing the clinical application of these tools in the management of cardiovascular and ophthalmological diseases, thus promoting more effective and early intervention.
Augmented Reality for extremity hemorrhage training: a usability study
Authors: Tharun Krishant , Drogo Alberto , Recchiuto Carmine Tommaso , Ricci Serena
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Limb massive hemorrhage is the first cause of potentially preventable death in trauma. Its prompt and proper management is crucial to increase the survival rate. To handle a massive hemorrhage, it is important to train people without medical background, who might be the first responders in an emergency. Among the possible ways to train lay rescuers, healthcare simulation allows to practice in a safe and controlled environment. In particular, immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) give the possibility to provide real time feedback and present a realistic and engaging scenario, even though they often lack personalization.

Methods

This work aims to overcome the above-mentioned limitation, by presenting the design, development and usability test of an AR application to train non-experienced users on the use of antihemorrhagic devices. The application combines a Microsoft Hololens2 headset, with an AR application developed in Unity Game Engine. It includes a training scenario with a multimodal interactive system made of visual and audio cues, that would adapt to user's learning pace and feedback preference.

Results

Usability tests on 20 subjects demonstrated that the system is well tolerated in terms of discomfort and workload. Also, the system has been high rated for usability, user experience, immersion and sense of presence.

Discussion

These preliminary results suggest that the combination of AR with multimodal cues can be a promising tool to improve hemorrhage management training, particularly for unexperienced users. In the future, the proposed application might increase the number of people who know how to use an anti-hemorrhagic device.
Nanosystems for modulation of immune responses in periodontal therapy: a mini-review
Authors: Acharya Anirudh B. , Hegde Usha , Acharya Swetha
Published: January 2025

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases. It is generally treated by non-surgical and/or surgical therapy with adjunctive approaches for prevention and control. The current understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontitis has unraveled the importance of the inflammatory and immune reactions to combat periodontitis whose etiology is an overlap of microbial, genetic, and environmental factors in a susceptible host. Based on this premise, many therapeutic modalities have been investigated or attempted to resolve this inflammatory disease. Amongst these, nanomedicine has been shown to have therapeutic applications in periodontitis, especially focused on immunomodulation because periodontitis is characterized by over-reactive immune response. This mini-review explores the potential of nanosystems in treating periodontitis by providing an overview of the research efforts in this field of therapeutics. The unique physicochemical and targeting properties of nanosystems seem to be potentially effective platforms for treating periodontitis.
Study on the mechanism of gas migration and breakthrough in saturated bentonite considering the interface effect
Authors: Liu Daoping , Guo Jingna , Li Qiang , Chen Zhanqing
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Gas migration in low-permeability buffer materials is a crucial aspect of nuclear waste disposal. This study focuses on Gaomiaozi bentonite to investigate its behavior under various conditions.

Methods

We developed a coupled hydro-mechanical model that incorporates damage mechanisms in bentonite under flexible boundary conditions. Utilizing the elastic theory of porous media, gas pressure was integrated into the soil's constitutive equation. The model accounted for damage effects on the elastic modulus and permeability, with damage variables defined by the Galileo and Coulomb-Mohr criteria. We conducted numerical simulations of the seepage and stress fields using COMSOL and MATLAB. Gas breakthrough tests were also performed on bentonite samples under controlled conditions.

Results

The permeability obtained from gas breakthrough tests and numerical simulations was within a 10% error margin. The experimentally measured gas breakthrough pressure aligned closely with the predicted values, validating the model's applicability.

Discussion

Analysis revealed that increased dry density under flexible boundaries reduced the damage area and influenced gas breakthrough pressure. Specifically, at dry densities of 1.4 g/cm3, 1.6 g/cm3, and 1.7 g/cm3, the corresponding gas breakthrough pressures were 5.0 MPa, 6.0 MPa, and 6.5 MPa, respectively. At a dry density of 1.8 g/cm3 and an injection pressure of 10.0 MPa, no continuous seepage channels formed, indicating no gas breakthrough. This phenomenon is attributed to the greater tensile and compressive strengths associated with higher dry densities, which render the material less susceptible to damage from external forces.
Exploring transversal competencies in engineering students through international experiences
Authors: Chans Guillermo M. , Valle-Arce Ana Paula , Salas-Maxemín Salvador , Caratozzolo Patricia , Camacho-Zuñiga Claudia
Published: January 2025

Well-rounded professionals must have competencies that adapt their expertise to contribute to future advancements. Beyond technical prowess, skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, communication, leadership, management, and entrepreneurship are essential for the modern workforce and solving twenty-first-century problems. Lifelong learning is a fundamental educational principle that prepares individuals to acquire knowledge and skills at any stage. With this interest in mind, higher education institutions pursue abroad study programs to involve students in different learning opportunities. Stepping outside familiar environments immerses individuals in new challenges, fostering a rich learning experience that promotes the development of critical competencies shaped by a global perspective. This research analyzes the competencies students developed according to their educational model and during their experience abroad. Data were collected through a 43-question semi-structured interview with 13 undergraduate engineering students experiencing an abroad study program. Participants conducted a personal assessment to reflect on their enhancement of competencies through personal and academic performance. The analyzed competencies correlate to those defined in the Tec21 Educational Model, a model designed by Tecnologico de Monterrey in 2019, in which the participants of this research are enrolled. The model defines seven competencies that every degree must develop: self-knowledge and management, innovative entrepreneurship, social intelligence, ethical and civic engagement, reasoning for complexity, communication, and digital transformation. Results indicate that the participants mainly developed competencies in reasoning for complexity, social intelligence, and communication. Such skills are essential for tackling global challenges, as they demonstrate the ability to generate creative solutions, communicate ideas effectively, and foster meaningful collaboration. Conversely, the competencies of digital transformation and ethical and civic engagement were less developed. These findings suggest areas for improvement within the Tec21 model, emphasizing the need to cultivate individuals aware of their societal impact and proficient in applying technological tools effectively.
Science and mathematics instruction for emergent bilinguals through children’s literature
Authors: Mcewin Alison , Bruun Faye , Jimenez David Daniel , Tejeda-Delgado Carmen
Published: January 2025

Language acquisition, reading comprehension, and teacher PD will be presented in this article to discuss how the three components can be helpful in supporting emergent bilinguals (EBs). Using children’s literature in mathematics classes could improve the performance of (EB) students. The most current research suggests students who engage more with language through meaningful experiences like stories have greater retention for the material they are learning while they also see the English language in action. The more interaction and exposure to the language may increase EBs performance in the class subjects of English Language Arts and Reading. One of the best ways to engage emergent bilingual students with science and mathematics while supporting language acquisition is the use of children’s literature to teach science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) concepts. The elements of a story help students learn the structure of English usage in everyday speech while giving them solid STEAM concepts they can more easily understand through the story. This strategy also allows the teacher to scaffold for EB students using the story as a building block. By selecting and pairing effective EB strategies with children’s STEAM literature, there may be an increase in student performance overall.
Associations of neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with frailty and its mortality
Authors: Zhang Jianqiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Frailty is an increasingly important determinant in the field of health, and its identification has important clinical significance in the field of critical care medicine. However, there are still a large number of challenges in quick and accurate identification of frailty. This study aims to evaluate the value of the neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) in frailty and its long-term survival.

Methods

Adult participants from seven study cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were included. Frailty was assessed with a 49-item Frailty Index (FI). Weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and Cox regression were used to analyze the association of NHR with frailty and its long-term survival. In addition, subgroup and interaction analyses were also performed.

Results

A total of 34,382 adult participants aged 47.6 on average were included, and 16,950 (48.8%) of them were males. After the adjustment of potential confounding variables, an increase of one standard deviation (SD) in NHR resulted in the increase of the incidence of frailty by 11% (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, P = 0.002). RCS showed a J-shaped association between NHR and frailty, which was robust in all subgroups according to the subgroup analysis. In addition, the survival analysis revealed that NHR was significantly positively associated with all-cause (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.17, P < 0.0001), cardiocerebrovascular disease (CCD)-specific (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11-1.33, P < 0.0001), and cancer-specific mortality risks (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.19, P < 0.0001) in frail individuals.

Conclusion

In the American adult population, NHR maintains a J-shaped relationship with frailty. In addition, NHR can help predict long-term mortality in frail individuals. This study demonstrates that NHR may become an effective predictor of frailty and its mortality.
A menu of standards for green infrastructure in England: effective and equitable or a race to the bottom?
Authors: Grace Mike , Smith Alison , Mell Ian , Houghton Jane , Neal Peter
Published: January 2025

Multi-functional urban green infrastructure (GI) can deliver nature-based solutions that help address climate change, while providing wider benefits for human health and biodiversity. However, this will only be achieved effectively, sustainably and equitably if GI is carefully planned, implemented and maintained to a high standard, in partnership with stakeholders. This paper draws on original research into the design of a menu of GI standards for England, commissioned by Natural England—a United Kingdom Government agency. It describes the evolution of the standards within the context of United Kingdom government policy initiatives for nature and climate. We show how existing standards and guidelines were curated into a comprehensive framework consisting of a Core Menu and five Headline Standards. This moved beyond simplistic metrics such as total green space, to deliver GI that meets five key ‘descriptive principles’: accessible, connected, locally distinctive, multi-functional and varied, and thus delivers 5 ‘benefits principles’: places that are nature rich and beautiful, active and healthy, thriving and prosperous, resilient and climate positive, and with improved water management. It also builds in process guidance, bringing together stakeholders to co-ordinate GI development strategically across different sectors. Drawing on stakeholder feedback, we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the standards and discuss how they provide clarity and consistency while balancing tensions between top-down targets and the need for flexibility to meet local needs. A crucial factor is the delivery of the standards within a framework of supporting tools, advice and guidance, to help planners with limited resources deliver more effective and robust green infrastructure with multiple benefits.
Carbon emission reduction in China’s iron and steel industry through technological innovation: a quadrilateral evolutionary game analysis under government subsidies
Authors: Xinfa Tang , Shuai Liu , Yonghua Wang , Youwei Wan , Dirane Nubea Musa
Published: January 2025

The steel industry is notable for its significant environmental impact, highlighting the pressing need to promote technological innovation within the sector in order to reduce carbon emissions. This paper utilizes a quadrilateral evolutionary game model to analyze the strategic behaviors of steel producers, construction companies, scrap steel recyclers, and the government throughout the entire steel production, consumption, and recycling processes and their impact on carbon emission reduction. The analysis and simulation of the model provide policy insights for these four key players. The study’s findings are as follows: (i) Government subsidies can effectively stimulate low-carbon production methods and encourage green consumer behavior. (ii) The strategic choices for technological innovation by steel manufacturers and scrap steel recyclers are primarily influenced by cost factors. Government subsidies for technological innovation play a crucial role in incentivizing a smooth transition to low-carbon production methods. (iii) For steel manufacturers, the carbon benefits derived from technological innovation are a critical factor influencing their engagement in such initiatives. If these manufacturers can benefit from environmental regulations, they are more likely to engage in technological innovation. (iv) The strategies of construction companies are influenced by production costs and carbon benefits associated with steel manufacturers, exhibiting threshold effects.
Is the groundwater of Dhaka city, Bangladesh contaminated with naturally occurring potential toxic elements?
Authors: Tajwar Mahir , Rahman Mahfuzur , Shreya Shamiha Shafinaz , Sakib Nazmus , Gazi Md. Yousuf , Hasan Mahmudul , Samm-A Anika , Zahid Anwar
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the contamination of groundwater in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, focusing on six potentially toxic elements, including As, Cu, Mn, Cr, Al, and B, due to their implications for public health as groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water in the region. 15 samples were taken into consideration and was analyzed for six elements (As, Cu, Mn, Cr, Al, and B) using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) were undetectable in all samples. The average concentrations of Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al), Boron (B), and Manganese (Mn) were measured at 0.075 mg/L, 0.087 mg/L, 1.14 mg/L, and 0.48 mg/L, respectively. Among these, only one sample (S-05) exceeded the WHO (2022) drinking water limits for Boron, and 10 samples surpassed the limits for Manganese. Pollution indices like MEI, NI, and Cd were used to evaluate contamination levels, revealing significant pollution in multiple samples. Metal evaluation index (MEI) values were found between 0.39 and 17.97 with the average of 6.71. The average values of the Nemerow pollution index (NI) and degree of contamination (Cd) were found sequentially to be 4.35 and 5.71. In both cases, eight samples were found to be highly contaminated. The observed hazard index (HI) values for adults varied from 0.20 to 2.47, whereas for children it ranged from 0.32 to 3.93. All samples indicate values of children exceed the HI values of adults which indicates that children are more susceptible than adults through oral exposure to drinking water. The elevated concentrations of manganese were the primary cause of the higher NI, Cd, and HI values in eight samples. This study highlights groundwater contamination as a critical public health concern and advocates the need for mitigation efforts to ensure safe drinking water access. The study underscores the urgent need for implementing stricter groundwater management policies and public health interventions to mitigate contamination risks.
Generalized linear modeling of HCV infection among medical waste handlers in Sidama region, Ethiopia
Authors: Warssamo Birhanu Betela
Published: January 2025

Background

There is limited evidence on prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among waste handlers in Sidama region, Ethiopia; however, this knowledge is necessary for effective prevention of HCV infection in the region.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected waste collectors from October 2021 to 30 July 2022 in different public hospitals of Sidama region of Ethiopia. Serum samples were collected from participants and screened for anti-HCV using rapid immunochromatography assay. Socio-demographic and risk factor information of waste handlers was gathered by pretested and well-structured questionnaires The generalized linear model (GLM) was conducted using R software, and P-value <0.05 was declared statistically significant.

Results

From a total of 282 participating waste handlers, 16 (5.7%) (95% CI = 4.2–8.7) were infected with hepatitis C virus. Educational status of waste handlers was the significant demographic variable that was associated with hepatitis C virus (AOR = 0.055; 95% CI = 0.012–0.248; P = 0.000). More married waste handlers, 12 (75%), were HCV positive than unmarried, 4 (25%) and married waste handlers were 2.051 times (OR = 2.051, 95% CI = 0.644–6.527, P = 0.295) more prone to HCV infection, compared to unmarried, which was statistically insignificant. The GLM showed that exposure to blood (OR = 8.26; 95% CI = 1.878–10.925; P = 0.037), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI = 2.751–5.808; P = 0.001), sharp injury (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI = 2.327–3.173; P = 0.036), not using personal protective equipment (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.032–0.937; P = 0.001), contact with jaundiced patient (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI = 1.093–4.368; P = 0.0048) and unprotected sex (AOR = 11.91; 95% CI = 5.847–16.854; P = 0.001) remained statistically significantly associated with HCV positivity.

Conclusions

The study revealed that there was a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among waste handlers in Sidama region, Ethiopia. This demonstrated that there is an urgent need to increase preventative efforts and strategic policy orientations to control the spread of the hepatitis C virus.
BIMSSA: enhancing cancer prediction with salp swarm optimization and ensemble machine learning approaches
Authors: Panda Pinakshi , Bisoy Sukant Kishoro , Panigrahi Amrutanshu , Pati Abhilash , Sahu Bibhuprasad , Guo Zheshan , Liu Haipeng , Jain Prince
Published: January 2025

Background

Cancer rates are rising rapidly, causing global mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9.9 million people died from cancer in 2020. Machine learning (ML) helps identify cancer early, reducing deaths. An ML-based cancer diagnostic model can use the patient’s genetic information, such as microarray data. Microarray data are high dimensional, which can degrade the performance of the ML-based models. For this, feature selection becomes essential.

Methods

Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SSA), Improved Maximum Relevance and Minimum Redundancy (IMRMR), and Boruta form the basis of this work’s ML-based model BIMSSA. The BIMSSA model implements a pipelined feature selection method to effectively handle high-dimensional microarray data. Initially, Boruta and IMRMR were applied to extract relevant gene expression aspects. Then, SSA was implemented to optimize feature size. To optimize feature space, five separate machine learning classifiers, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), AdaBoost, and XGBoost, were applied as the base learners. Then, majority voting was used to build an ensemble of the top three algorithms. The ensemble ML-based model BIMSSA was evaluated using microarray data from four different cancer types: Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Acute myelogenous leukemia (ALL-AML), Lymphoma, Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL), and Small round blue cell tumors (SRBCT).

Results

In terms of accuracy, the proposed BIMSSA (Boruta + IMRMR + SSA) achieved 96.7% for ALL-AML, 96.2% for Lymphoma, 95.1% for MLL, and 97.1% for the SRBCT cancer datasets, according to the empirical evaluations.

Conclusion

The results show that the proposed approach can accurately predict different forms of cancer, which is useful for both physicians and researchers.
Urinary incontinence (UI) in older women in low- and middle-income countries: a rapid review and case study from Burkina Faso
Authors: Kozhumam Arthi , Bountogo Mamadou , Palmer Dina Goodman , Grieg Carolyn , Inghels Maxime , Agyapong-Badu Sandra , Osborne Cristina , Harling Guy , Bärnighausen Till , Rapp David , Beestrum Molly , Davies Justine , Hirschhorn Lisa R.
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in older women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not well understood. We conducted a rapid literature review to assess the burden of UI in this population and contextualize findings from a household survey of women aged 40 and older in Nouna, in northwestern Burkina Faso. The rapid review included 21 survey articles. UI prevalence for LMIC women 40 or older varied greatly (6%–80%), with differences by socio-demographics, gynecological factors (menopausal status, birth outcomes), comorbidities (age, education, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis), behaviors (smoking status) and survey location. The studies used validated tools—the International Consultation on Incontinence Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ UI-SF) was most common (n = 4, 19%)—and bespoke tools that have not yet been validated. In Nouna, 983 (64.5%) of 1,524 women, completed the ICIQ UI-SF. Overall UI prevalence, defined as reporting leakage at least 2–3 times a week, was 2.6% (95% CI 1.73%–3.85%), descriptively increased with age from 0.5% in 40–49 year-olds to 6.6% in those 70 and over. Of those with UI, 88.5% experienced leakage daily, and 50% reported moderate or greater interference with daily life, yet most (88.5%) had not spoken to a healthcare provider. Multivariable analysis revealed that UI was more common among women who were not currently married and decreased with higher education levels. Both the rapid review and survey highlight the burden of UI among older women in LMICs, particularly as they age beyond 60. Given UI's association with physical and mental health, it is crucial to raise awareness of its burden, improve healthcare access, and integrate routine screening into basic healthcare services. Additionally, training healthcare providers and developing culturally appropriate interventions will help address stigma and ensure effective management of UI in this vulnerable population.
Autoantibodies in COVID-19: implications for disease severity and clinical outcomes
Authors: Galipeau Yannick , Cooper Curtis , Langlois Marc-André
Published: January 2025

Few pathogens have historically been subjected to as intense scientific and clinical scrutiny as SARS-CoV-2. The genetic, immunological, and environmental factors influencing disease severity and post-infection clinical outcomes, known as correlates of immunity, remain largely undefined. Clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to those with life-threatening COVID-19 symptoms. While most infected individuals return to their former health and fitness within a few weeks, some develop debilitating chronic symptoms, referred to as long-COVID. Autoimmune responses have been proposed as one of the factors influencing long-COVID and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The association between viral infections and autoimmune pathologies is not new. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, among others, have been shown to induce the production of autoantibodies and the onset of autoimmune conditions. Given the extensive literature on SARS-CoV-2, here we review current evidence on SARS-CoV-2-induced autoimmune pathologies, with a focus on autoantibodies. We closely examine mechanisms driving autoantibody production, particularly their connection with disease severity and long-COVID.
Integrating bioinformatics and machine learning to identify AhR-related gene signatures for prognosis and tumor microenvironment modulation in melanoma
Authors: Li Qianru , Li Heli
Published: January 2025

Background

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) pathway significantly influences immune cell regulation, impacting the effectiveness of immunotherapy and patient outcomes in melanoma. However, the specific downstream targets and mechanisms by which AhR influences melanoma remain insufficiently understood.

Methods

Melanoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and normal skin tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes, which were intersected with a curated list of AhR-related pathway genes. Prognostic models were subsequently developed, and feature genes were identified. Advanced methodologies, including Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and immune cell infiltration analysis, were employed to explore the biological significance of these genes. The stability of the machine learning models and the relationship between gene expression and immune infiltrating cells were validated using three independent melanoma datasets. A mouse melanoma model was used to validate the dynamic changes of the feature genes during tumor progression. The relationship between the selected genes and drug sensitivity, as well as non-coding RNA interactions, was thoroughly investigated.

Results

Our analysis identified a robust prognostic model, with four AhR-related genes (MAP2K1, PRKACB, KLF5, and PIK3R2) emerging as key contributors to melanoma progression. GSEA revealed that these genes are involved in primary immunodeficiency. Immune cell infiltration analysis demonstrated enrichment of CD4+ naïve and memory T cells, macrophages (M0 and M2), and CD8+ T cells in melanoma, all of which were associated with the expression of the four feature genes. Importantly, the diagnostic power of the prognostic model and the relevance of the feature genes were validated in three additional independent melanoma datasets. In the mouse melanoma model, Map2k1 and Prkacb mRNA levels exhibited a progressive increase with tumor progression, supporting their role in melanoma advancement.

Conclusions

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of AhR-related genes in melanoma, highlighting MAP2K1, PRKACB, KLF5, and PIK3R2 as key prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. The integration of bioinformatics and machine learning provides a robust framework for enhancing prognostic evaluation in melanoma patients and offers new avenues for the development of treatments, particularly for those resistant to current immunotherapies.