bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding HIV-Related Mental Health Challenges and Contributing Factors Among Indonesian Adolescents Living with HIV
Authors: Ward Paul Russell , Puspitasari Reni , Rose Aasha , Gebremariyam Biniyam Sahiledengle , Fauk Nelsensius Klau
Published: January 2025

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has disproportionately affected various population groups, including adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). In many contexts, ALHIV have been reported to experience mental health issues following their HIV diagnosis. However, there is a limited understanding of the mental health issues faced by ALHIV in Indonesia and the various contributing factors globally. This study aimed to explore the mental health challenges and their contributing factors among Indonesian ALHIV. A qualitative design employing one-on-one in-depth interviews was used to collect data from ALHIV (n = 20) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique, beginning with the dissemination of study information sheets through a healthcare facility that provides HIV care services and via a WhatsApp group for adolescents living with HIV. The data were thematically analyzed, guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that ALHIV experienced a variety of mental health challenges upon learning of their HIV-positive status. Their mental health was also influenced by a range of family-related factors, stigma, and discrimination, which were also facilitated by their specific situations and settings, including living in a shared house with parents and siblings and school setting where they met and interacted with different peer groups on a daily basis. Family-related factors, including broken homes, family conflicts, lack of family support, and being orphans, negatively impacted their mental health. The awareness of perceived and anticipated stigma, and the experience of enacted stigma or discrimination, also contributed to the mental health challenges they faced. The findings indicate a pressing need for tailored and targeted HIV intervention programs and activities that support their mental health, reduce stigma, and promote HIV status disclosure in safe ways for ALHIV both within the study setting and beyond.
Pre-Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescents and Teens: Screening, Nutritional Interventions, Beta-Cell Preservation, and Psychosocial Impacts
Authors: Sundheim Brody , Hirani Krish , Blaschke Mateo , Lemos Joana R. N. , Mittal Rahul
Published: January 2025

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a progressive autoimmune disease often identified in childhood or adolescence, with early stages detectable through pre-diabetic markers such as autoantibodies and subclinical beta-cell dysfunction. The identification of the pre-T1D stage is critical for preventing complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, and for enabling timely interventions that may alter disease progression. This review examines the multifaceted approach to managing T1D risk in adolescents and teens, emphasizing early detection, nutritional interventions, beta-cell preservation strategies, and psychosocial support. Screening for T1D-associated autoantibodies offers predictive insight into disease risk, particularly when combined with education and family resources that promote lifestyle adjustments. Although nutritional interventions alone are not capable of preventing T1D, certain lifestyle interventions, such as weight management and specific nutritional choices, have shown the potential to preserve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and mitigate metabolic strain. Pharmacological strategies, including immune-modulating drugs like teplizumab, alongside emerging regenerative and cell-based therapies, offer the potential to delay disease onset by protecting beta-cell function. The social and psychological impacts of a T1D risk diagnosis are also significant, affecting adolescents’ quality of life, family dynamics, and mental health. Supportive interventions, including counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and group support, are recommended for managing the emotional burden of pre-diabetes. Future directions call for integrating universal or targeted screening programs within schools or primary care, advancing research into nutrition and psychosocial support, and promoting policies that enhance access to preventive resources. Advocacy for the insurance coverage of screening, nutritional counseling, and mental health services is also crucial to support families in managing T1D risk. By addressing these areas, healthcare systems can promote early intervention, improve beta-cell preservation, and support the overall well-being of adolescents at risk of T1D.
Lower Airway Diseases in the Paediatric Population: A Two-Year, Single-Centre, Retrospective Study
Authors: Ferrero Anna , Versace Antonia , Denina Marco , Spagna Giulia , Fera Alessandra Vincenza , Conrieri Margherita , Bondone Claudia
Published: January 2025

Background: Lower airway diseases in children are one of the major causes of hospitalisation. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of children admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital diagnosed with lower airway disease and to identify differences between age groups and the two years of the study. Methods: In this single-centre retrospective observational study, demographic and clinical information about children hospitalised in the emergency pediatric ward and diagnosed with lower respiratory disease from 1 June 2021 to 30 June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 410 episodes of hospitalisation for lower airway diseases were registered. In 83.9% of cases, the patient needed hospitalisation for respiratory failure, and children <1 year of age were at higher risk. Rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections. No death has been recorded. In 8.8% of cases, the patient was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In 2021–2022, we recorded more hospitalisations for bronchiolitis with RSV as the primary pathogen detected and more patients were admitted to the hospital for respiratory failure. In 2022–2023, we registered more admissions for bacterial pneumonia and the need for intravenous therapy. Conclusions: Lower respiratory tract diseases are frequent in the pediatric population, and the risk of respiratory failure is higher. Analysing the differences between the two years of study, we underline how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the epidemiology of acute respiratory infections in children.
Diagnostic Approach to Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Hosts
Authors: Ullah Nadir , Fusco Ludovica , Ametrano Luigi , Bartalucci Claudia , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Vena Antonio , Mikulska Malgorzata , Bassetti Matteo
Published: January 2025

In immunocompromised patients, pneumonia presents a diagnostic challenge due to diverse etiologies, nonspecific symptoms, overlapping radiological presentation, frequent co-infections, and the potential for rapid progression to severe disease. Thus, timely and accurate diagnosis of all pathogens is crucial. This narrative review explores the latest advancements in microbiological diagnostic techniques for pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. It covers major available microbiological tools for diagnosing both community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia, encompassing a wide spectrum of pathogens including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. While traditional culture methods remain pivotal in identifying many pneumonia-causing etiologies, their limitations in sensitivity and time to results have led to the rise of non-invasive antigen tests and molecular diagnostics. These are increasingly employed alongside cultures and microscopy for more efficient diagnosis, mainly in viral and fungal infections. Lastly, we report the future of pneumonia diagnostics, exploring the potential of metagenomics and CRISPR/Cas13a for more precise and rapid pathogen detection in immunocompromised populations.
Spatial Distribution Dynamics of Sensory Disturbances in the Treatment of Obesity-Related Meralgia Paresthetica Using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Al-Zamil Mustafa , Kulikova Natalia G. , Shnayder Natalia A. , Korchazhkina Natalia B. , Petrova Marina M. , Mansur Numman , Smekalkina Larisa V. , Babochkina Zarina M. , Vasilyeva Ekaterina S. , Zhhelambekov Ivan V.
Published: January 2025

Background: To date, there have been no studies on the dynamics of areas of pain, paraesthesia and hypoesthesia after the use of various transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of meralgia paresthetica. Methods: In this pilot study, we observed 68 patients with obesity-related bilateral meralgia paresthetica. Pain syndrome, paraesthesia symptoms, and hypoesthesia were evaluated using 10-point scores. In addition, pain drawing (PD) was used to determine the area of the spatial distribution of pain syndrome and paraesthesia symptoms, and body drawing was used to determine the area of hypoesthesia. Sham TENS was performed in the control group, and effective TENS was performed in the treatment group. The treatment group consisted of two subgroups. One subgroup underwent HF-LA TENS, and the second subgroup underwent LF-HA TENS. Results: Despite the greatest analgesic effect observed from HF-LA TENS, which was assessed using scoring methods, during and after treatment, the reduction in the area of pain and paraesthesia symptoms and the area of hypoesthesia was moderate, short-term, and reversible. In contrast, LF-HA TENS had a pronounced analgesic and sustained anti-paraesthesia effect, manifested by a noticeable decrease in pain and paraesthesia symptoms area in PD, gradually increasing during the first 2 months of follow-up and accompanied by an irreversible prolonged decrease in the area of hypoesthesia. Conclusion: The areas of paraesthesia and hypoesthesia correlate with affective reactions to long-term chronic pain, which noticeably regress under the influence of LF-HA TENS compared to HF-LA TENS.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Advancing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Andriollo Luca , Picchi Aurelio , Iademarco Giulio , Fidanza Andrea , Perticarini Loris , Rossi Stefano Marco Paolo , Logroscino Giandomenico , Benazzo Francesco
Published: January 2025

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely performed surgical procedure that has evolved significantly due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. As demand for THA grows, reliable tools are essential to enhance diagnosis, preoperative planning, surgical precision, and postoperative rehabilitation. AI applications in orthopedic surgery offer innovative solutions, including automated hip osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis, precise implant positioning, and personalized risk stratification, thereby improving patient outcomes. Deep learning models have transformed OA severity grading and implant identification by automating traditionally manual processes with high accuracy. Additionally, AI-powered systems optimize preoperative planning by predicting the hip joint center and identifying complications using multimodal data. Robotic-assisted THA enhances surgical precision with real-time feedback, reducing complications such as dislocations and leg length discrepancies while accelerating recovery. Despite these advancements, barriers such as cost, accessibility, and the steep learning curve for surgeons hinder widespread adoption. Postoperative rehabilitation benefits from technologies like virtual and augmented reality and telemedicine, which enhance patient engagement and adherence. However, limitations, particularly among elderly populations with lower adaptability to technology, underscore the need for user-friendly platforms. To ensure comprehensiveness, a structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included “artificial intelligence”, “machine learning”, “robotics”, and “total hip arthroplasty”. Inclusion criteria emphasized peer-reviewed studies published in English within the last decade focusing on technological advancements and clinical outcomes. This review evaluates AI and robotics’ role in THA, highlighting opportunities and challenges and emphasizing further research and real-world validation to integrate these technologies into clinical practice effectively.
Phronetic Planning’s Janus Face: Charting Elite Advantage in Tehran’s Land Use Decisions
Authors: Stephenson Max , Panahi Mohammadmehdi , Moayerian Neda
Published: January 2025

This study employed a phronetic (practical wisdom) analytic framework to explore the Tehran, Iran, City Council’s Article 5 Commission’s land use decisions from 1999 to 2024. We argue that, during that period, the Commission nominally embraced practical wisdom in lieu of episteme or techne as the arbiter of its choice making. Nonetheless, during those years, its members disproportionately granted land use change permits to the Tehran Comprehensive Plan that principally benefited members of the city’s upper class. Our central finding underscores the Commission’s role in advancing elite rather than broader public interest needs. We conclude that even a nominally phronetic planning process can fall prey to willfully undemocratic choice making. In this case, this occurred when the discretionary powers delegated to the Commission to serve the broader public interest were instead employed routinely to serve the interests of an elite. Our analysis highlights the urgent need for more ethical, popularly accountable, and equitable planning practices to serve the general population of Tehran.
Critical Analysis of Technologies Enhancing Supply Chain Collaboration in the Food Industry: A Nigerian Survey
Authors: Akinbamini Ebenezer , Vargas Alix , Traill Angela , Boza Andrés , Cuenca Llanos
Published: January 2025

Background: Supply chain collaboration technologies (SCCTs) are digital tools designed to enhance communication, coordination, and integration among supply chain stakeholders. These tools are essential for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and traceability within complex supply chain networks, particularly in the food industry. Methods: This study focuses on the statistical analysis of survey data to evaluate the adoption and impact of SCCTs, including blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and artificial intelligence (AI), in Nigeria’s food industry. Results: The results reveal critical insights into the adoption barriers, perceived benefits, and gaps in implementation. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques highlight significant variations in technology across different sectors, uncovering key factors influencing the integration of SCCTs. The findings demonstrate that while the technologies hold substantial potential to optimize supply chain performance, their acceptance is constrained by infrastructural deficiencies, regulatory challenges, under-developed trust-building mechanisms, and limited technical expertise. Conclusions: This paper underscores the importance of targeted interventions, policy support, and resource allocation to foster the effective utilization of SCCTs. The study provides data-driven recommendations for improving technology uptake, contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s food supply chain.
Leveraging Blockchain for Transparency: A Study on Organ Supply Chains and Transplant Processes
Authors: Panigrahi Rashmi Ranjan , Mukherjee Subhodeep , Shaikh Zakir Hossen , Nomran Naji Mansour
Published: January 2025

Background: Organ transplants require proper monitoring and tracking. This research examines the adoption of blockchain in the organ supply chain to bring transparency and help patients avoid the fraud that may be faced in the organ transplant process. This study aims to develop a framework and measure for creating transparency in the organ supply chain. A rigorous literature review identified eight constructs for blockchain adoption in organ supply chains and proposed hypotheses. Methods: Using a structured questionnaire, 286 valid responses were collected from the hospitals. Structural equation modelling was used to test and validate the model. Results: The study’s findings indicate that social influence, trust, facilitating conditions, government support, performance expectancy, data security and privacy, and technology affinity positively impact blockchain adoption in organ transplants. The hypothesis that was rejected was related to effort expectancy and technology readiness. Most respondents agreed that blockchain technology is necessary for a tracking and tracing system in the organ supply chain. Conclusions: This research will support transparency in the organ supply chain, eliminate intermediaries from organ transplants, and ensure organ quality, ultimately benefiting the organ donor and receiver.
Optimization of Shear-Thickening Polishing Parameters for Optical Glass Based on Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Han Yunxiao , Yang Yangsi , Lyu Binghai , Hang Wei , Wang Xu , Yuan Julong
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to enhance the efficiency and surface quality of shear-thickening polishing (STP) for optical glass through optimizing the polishing parameters. Sixteen orthogonal experiments were conducted to assess the effects of polishing speed (V), angle (θ), and slurry concentration (C) on the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra). Grey relational analysis simplified the multi-objective optimization problem, and a regression model was formulated to determine the optimal combination of polishing parameters. The results indicate that slurry concentration has the most significant impact on the optimization objective, followed by polishing angle, whereas polishing speed has the least effect. Under the optimal combination of polishing parameters—polishing speed of 70 rpm, polishing angle of 70°, and slurry concentration of 12%—the surface roughness (Ra) of optical glass was significantly reduced to 8.23 nm during a 20 min polishing process, while the material removal rate (MRR) reached 813.63 nm/min. Shear-thickening polishing under the optimized process parameters can effectively remove scratches from the workpiece surface and significantly enhance surface quality.
Results on Solution Set in Certain Interval-Valued Controlled Models
Authors: Treanţă Savin , Alsalami Omar Mutab
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a class of controlled variational control models is studied by considering the notion of (q,w)−π-invexity. Our aim is to investigate a solution set in the considered interval-valued controlled models. To achieve this, we establish some characterization results of solutions in the controlled interval-valued variational models. More precisely, necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality are highlighted as part of a feasible solution. To prove that the optimality conditions are sufficient, we impose generalized invariant convexity hypotheses for the involved multiple integral functionals. Finally, a duality result is provided in order to better describe the problem under study. The methodology used in this paper is a combination of techniques from the Lagrange–Hamilton theory, calculus of variations, and control theory. This study could be immediately improved by including an analysis of this class of optimization problems by using curvilinear integrals instead of multiple integrals. The independence of path imposed to these functionals and their physical significance would increase the applicability and importance of the paper.
ZIF-8-Embedded Cation-Exchange Membranes with Improved Monovalent Ion Selectivity for Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Han Eui-Gyu , Lee Ji-Hyeon , Kang Moon-Sung
Published: January 2025

Membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is an electrochemical ion separation process that combines ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) with porous carbon electrodes to enhance desalination efficiency and address the limitations of conventional capacitive deionization (CDI). In this study, a cation-exchange membrane (CEM) embedded with a metal–organic framework (MOF) was developed to effectively separate monovalent and multivalent cations in influent solutions via MCDI. To fabricate CEMs with high monovalent ion selectivity, ZIF-8 was incorporated into sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO) at various weight ratios. The resulting membranes were systematically characterized using diverse electrochemical methods. The ZIF-8-embedded CEMs demonstrated a sieving effect based on differences in ion size and hydration energy, achieving excellent permselectivity for monovalent ions. MCDI tests using the prepared CEMs showed a Na+ ion removal rate exceeding 99% in Na+/Mg2+ and Na+/Ca2+ mixed feed solutions, outperforming a commercial membrane (CSE, Astom Corp., Tokyo, Japan), which achieved a removal rate of 94.1%. These findings are expected to provide valuable insights for advancing not only MCDI but also other electro-membrane processes capable of selectively separating specific ions.
Leaf Essential Oil Compositions and Enantiomeric Distributions of Monoterpenoids in Pinus Species: Pinus albicaulis, Pinus flexilis, Pinus lambertiana, Pinus monticola, and Pinus sabiniana
Authors: Moore Alicia , Ankney Elizabeth , Swor Kathy , Poudel Ambika , Satyal Prabodh , Setzer William N.
Published: January 2025

Members of the Pinus genus are well known for their medicinal properties, which can be attributed to their essential oils. In this work, we have examined the leaf essential oils of five understudied Pinus species collected from various locations in western North America. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic methods, including enantioselective gas chromatography. Pinus albicaulis was dominated by (+)-δ-3-carene; Pinus flexilis was dominated by α-pinene (mostly (+)-α-pinene) and (−)-β-pinene; Pinus lambertiana was dominated by (−)-β-pinene; Pinus monticola was dominated by (−)-β-pinene, (+)-δ-3-carene, and (−)-α-pinene; and Pinus sabiniana was rich in (−)-α-pinene and limonene. While this work adds to our knowledge of Pinus essential oils, additional research is needed to more fully appreciate the geographic and altitudinal variations in the volatile compositions of these Pinus species.
Color, Structure, and Thermal Stability of Alginate Films with Raspberry and/or Black Currant Seed Oils
Authors: Kowalonek Jolanta , Łukomska Bogna , Szydłowska-Czerniak Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

In this study, biodegradable and active films based on sodium alginate incorporated with different concentrations of oils (25% and 50%) from fruit seeds were developed for potential applications in food packaging. The ultraviolet and visible (UV-VIS) spectra of raspberry seed oil (RSO) and black currant seed oil (BCSO) indicated differences in bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and oxidative status (amounts of dienes, trienes, and tetraenes) of active components added to alginate films. The study encompassed the color, structure, and thermal stability analysis of sodium alginate films incorporated with RSO and BCSO and their mixtures. The color of alginate films before and after the addition of oils from both fruit seeds was evaluated by measuring color coordinates in the CIELab color space: L* (lightness), a* (red-green), and b* (yellow-blue). The lightness values ranged between 94.21 and 95.08, and the redness values varied from −2.20 to −2.65, slightly decreasing for the films enriched with oils. In contrast, yellowness values ranged between 2.93 and 5.80 for the obtained active materials, significantly increasing compared to the control alginate film (L* = 95.48, a* = −1.92, and b* = −0.14). Changes in the structure and morphology of the alginate films after incorporating bioactive-rich oils were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Films with RSO and oil mixtures had more developed surfaces than films with BCSO. Moreover, the cross-sections of the films with RSO showed holes evenly distributed inside the films, indicating traces of volatile compounds. Thermal decomposition of the alginate films loaded with oils showed five separate stages (to 125 °C, 125–300 °C, 310–410 °C, 410–510 °C, and 750–1000 °C, respectively) related to the oil and surfactant decomposition. The shape of the thermogravimetric curves did not depend on the oil type. The added oils reduced the efficiency of alginate decomposition in the first stage. The obtained results showed that new functional and thermally stable food packaging films based on sodium alginate with a visual appearance acceptable to consumers could be produced by utilizing oils from fruit seed residues.
Muscle Endurance Training in a Person with Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: McGarrell Nicole T. , Green Max E. , McCully Kevin K.
Published: January 2025

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) results from a faulty mitochondrial protein known as Frataxin. The purpose of this case report was to test whether skeletal muscle in FRDA can adapt to an endurance-based training program using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A 36-year-old female with FRDA completed twelve training sessions, each lasting 30 min over 30 days, focused on the forearm muscles using NMES. Pre- and post-training session measurements of contractions, muscle-specific endurance, and muscle mitochondrial capacity were taken per training session. Training contractions increased from 4200 to 9420. Muscle-specific endurance increased by 14% at 2 Hz and 17% at 4 Hz. Muscle endurance at 6 Hz increased from 0% to 51%. The rate constant of mitochondrial capacity was 0.95 min−1 pre- and 0.99 min−1 post-training session. In conclusion, one month of NMES increased training volume and muscle-specific endurance but did not change mitochondrial capacity. Muscle adaptations to endurance training were seen in FRDA, but increased training might be needed to test if mitochondrial capacity can improve.
Cytomegalovirus Genetic Diversity and Evolution: Insights into Genotypes and Their Role in Viral Pathogenesis
Authors: Venturini Cristina , Breuer Judith
Published: January 2025

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous virus that infects most of the human population and causes significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Understanding CMV’s genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis and developing effective therapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive examination of CMV’s genetic diversity and evolution, focussing on the role of different genotypes in viral pathogenesis.
Fabrication and Performance Enhancement of Wood Liquefaction-Based Carbon Fibers Modified with Alumina Nanoparticles
Authors: Gan Linshuang , Liu Yijing , Yimin Zaibirinisa , Wu Jianglong , Lv Jialin , Liu Zhigao
Published: January 2025

In this paper, alumina-modified wood liquefaction (AL-WP) was prepared by blending nano-alumina (Al2O3) into wood liquefaction phenolic resin (WP) using a co-blending method. Alumina-modified wood liquefaction protofilament fiber (AL-WPF) was obtained by melt-spinning, curing, and thermo-curing processes, which were followed by carbonization to obtain alumina-modified wood liquefaction carbon fiber (AL-WCF). This paper focuses on the enhancement effect of nano-alumina doping on the mechanical properties and heat resistance of wood liquefaction carbon fiber (WCF), explores the evolution of graphite microcrystalline structure during the high-temperature carbonization process, and optimizes the curing conditions of AL-WPF. The results showed that the introduction of Al2O3 significantly improved the mechanical properties and heat resistance of carbon fibers. When 1.5% Al2O3 was doped and carbonized at 1000 °C, the tensile strength of AL-WCF was increased from 33.78 MPa to 95.74 MPa, there was an enhancement of 183%, its residual carbon rate could reach 79.2%, which was better than that of the undoped wood liquefaction (WCF), and it exhibited a more substantial heat-resistant property. In addition, the best curing process for alumina nanoparticle wood liquefiers was obtained by optimizing the curing conditions: hydrochloric acid concentration of 16%, formaldehyde concentration of 18.5%, temperature increase rate of 15 °C/min, holding time of 3 h, and holding temperature of 100 °C. These studies provide a theoretical basis and technical support for developing and applying carbon fibers from alumina-modified wood liquefiers.
Pollution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Typical Heavy Metals in the Soil of the Heavy Industrial City Baotou
Authors: Chen Xiangmei , Ren Yongqiang , Li Chi , Shang Yan , Ji Rui , Yao De , He Yingchun
Published: January 2025

Urban soil samples were collected from the major heavy industrial city of Baotou in Inner Mongolia, China, to investigate the concentration, spatial distribution, and pollution levels of heavy metals. The study employed the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index, and spatial interpolation methods to comprehensively assess urban soil pollution. The results indicated that apart from arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni), the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) were significantly higher than the corresponding background values in the study areas. According to the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the overall pollution level in the study area ranged from uncontaminated to low pollution. However, variations existed among different urban districts. Among Baotou’s four main urban areas, the soil pollution level in Kundulun District was notably higher compared to the other three urban areas. Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) exhibited relatively higher pollution levels across the four district sites. The observed pollution characteristics are closely linked to the distinct industrial attributes of the urban districts: the Kundulun District of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, is renowned for its significant presence of industrial activities such as steel manufacturing, power generation, and coal combustion. These industries play a crucial role in the local economy but also contribute substantially to heavy metal emissions, leading to notable environmental impacts. Similar to the Kundulun District, the Qingshan District of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, is significantly influenced by industrial activities, which have led to elevated concentrations of certain heavy metals and formed higher potential ecological risk index (PERI) hotspots. Implications and Recommendations. The disparity in industrial activities across the four urban districts of Baotou is a principal factor contributing to variations in pollution levels and ecological risks. In conclusion, this research highlights the necessity of aligning industrial zoning with effective environmental management strategies to combat heavy metal pollution in urban soils. By implementing these integrated approaches, Baotou can safeguard its environment and public health, paving the way for a sustainable future.
An Evaluation of the Applicability of the Steady-State Productivity Approach for Horizontal Wells in Low-Permeability Heterogeneous Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Cheng Jianpeng , Zhang Xin , Miao Yu , Jiang Huining , Yu Bo , Meng Lingdong
Published: January 2025

The heterogeneity and complexity of low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs pose significant technical challenges for their efficient development, including reservoir plugging, high flow resistance, and optimal well type design issues. These challenges result in high development costs and extended production cycles due to insufficient productivity of oil and gas wells. Therefore, accurately assessing the applicability of horizontal wells and their design parameters in the development of low-permeability reservoirs through oil and gas well productivity prediction has become a pressing key issue that needs to be addressed. In this study, based on the principle of well type optimization in the development of low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs, the adaptability of horizontal wells is evaluated using steady-state productivity methods, and their stimulation effects are predicted and analyzed. A systematic comparison of the steady-state productivity of horizontal wells and vertical wells is conducted, productivity predictions for different types of gas reservoirs are conducted, the design parameters of horizontal wells (highly deviated wells) are optimized, and a well type adaptability evaluation system suitable for different reservoir characteristics is formed. The research findings indicate that vertical wells are preferable for gas wells when the steady-state productivity ratio (HRV) is less than 1. However, when the HRV is greater than or equal to 1, the benefits of horizontal and highly deviated wells become notably superior to those of vertical wells. Taking into account the output value, cost, and net income of the gas well, the optimal outcome is achieved with a horizontal section length of 800 m. Ultra-low-permeability thick reservoirs are best suited to vertical wells, low-permeability thick reservoirs to highly deviated wells, and low-permeability thin reservoirs to horizontal wells. The assessment of steady-state productivity offers a theoretical foundation for optimizing development plans in low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs.
Subwavelength Imaging in Sub-THz Range Using Dielectric Waveguide
Authors: Komorowski Paweł , Zagrajek Przemysław , Kaluza Mateusz , Kołodziejczyk Andrzej , Ertman Sławomir , Nieradka Adrianna , Surma Mateusz , Siemion Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Terahertz radiation patterns can be registered using various detectors; however, in most cases, the scanning resolution is limited. Thus, we propose an alternative method for the detailed scanning of terahertz light field distributions after passing simple and complex structures. Our method relies on using a dielectric waveguide to achieve better sampling resolution. The optical properties of many materials were analyzed using time-domain spectroscopy. A cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) was chosen as one of the most transparent. This study contains a characterization of the losses introduced by the waveguide and a discussion of the setup’s geometry. As a structure introducing the radiation pattern, a 2D quasi-periodic amplitude grating was chosen to observe the Talbot effect (self-imaging). Moreover, some interesting physical phenomena were observed and discussed due to the possibility of detailed scanning, with subwavelength resolution, registering the terahertz wavefront changes behind the structure.
Parallelized SLAM: Enhancing Mapping and Localization Through Concurrent Processing
Authors: Romero-Ramirez Francisco J. , Cazorla Miguel , Marín-Jiménez Manuel J. , Medina-Carnicer Rafael , Muñoz-Salinas Rafael
Published: January 2025

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) systems face high computational demands, hindering their real-time implementation on low-end computers. An approach to addressing this challenge involves offline processing, i.e., a map of the environment map is created offline on a powerful computer and then passed to a low-end computer, which uses it for navigation, which involves fewer resources. However, even creating the map on a powerful computer is slow since SLAM is designed as a sequential process. This work proposes a parallel mapping method pSLAM for speeding up the offline creation of maps. In pSLAM, a video sequence is partitioned into multiple subsequences, with each processed independently, creating individual submaps. These submaps are subsequently merged to create a unified global map of the environment. Our experiments across a diverse range of scenarios demonstrate an increase in the processing speed of up to 6 times compared to that of the sequential approach while maintaining the same level of robustness. Furthermore, we conducted comparative analyses against state-of-the-art SLAM methods, namely UcoSLAM, OpenVSLAM, and ORB-SLAM3, with our method outperforming these across all of the scenarios evaluated.
The Carbon Footprint of Clothing Considering the Relationship Between Clothing Layering and Heating Usage
Authors: Semba Toshiro , Inaba Atsushi , Furukawa Ryuzo , Itsubo Norihiro
Published: January 2025

Approximately 20% of CO2 emissions from Japanese households are attributed to heating usage. Consequently, as part of its climate change policy, the Ministry of the Environment has promoted the “WARM BIZ” campaign, which encourages setting room temperatures to about 20 °C during heating, through practices such as layering clothing. However, according to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of clothing, the environmental impacts of clothing production, washing, and drying are significant. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate heating usage within the clothing lifecycle to assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction effect of practicing WARM BIZ. In this study, we calculated the household heating energy consumption in four regions of Japan, and, by incorporating these data, estimated the GHG emissions over the clothing’s lifecycle, from production and use to disposal. The results showed that those practicing WARM BIZ had approximately 9 to 26% lower GHG emissions over the entire lifecycle than those who were not. Furthermore, by using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, it was shown that by adding a light long-sleeved shirt (0.18 clo), light long pants (0.18 clo), and a cardigan (0.37 clo) to the standard clothing scenario, the room temperature could be set 3.1 °C lower than the current setting, potentially reducing GHG emissions over the entire lifecycle by approximately 18%.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Technology Methodology and Analysis of Waste Heat Recovery from High-Temperature Solid Granule: A Review
Authors: Li Zhihan , Zhou Tuo , Lu Weiqin , Yang Hairui , Li Yanfeng , Liu Yongqi , Zhang Man
Published: January 2025

High-temperature solid granules are by-products produced by various industrial processes and contain an obvious quantity of waste heat. Therefore, recovering their heat can not only reduce energy costs but also prevent polluting the environment, which has a significantly valuable sense of sustainable development. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology is widely used to solve challenges involving heat recovery, which can simulate the heat and mass transfer processes of the gas–solid two-phase flow. Herein, a review about the mass flow analysis methods, including the Euler–Euler and Euler–Lagrange methods, as well as heat transfer mechanisms, covering heat conduction, heat convection and heat radiation, is made. Meanwhile, the bases of numerical models, mass flow and heat transfer are also summarized. In addition, at the end of the paper, a prospect about this research field is proposed. This article not only reviews common research methods but also summarizes relevant new models and methods that have emerged in recent years. Based on existing work, it both fully demonstrates the widespread application of CFD technology in the field of recovering heat from high-temperature solid granule fields and summarizes the development trends and further utilization prospects of the technology.
Programas de entrenamiento cognitivo para la mejora de actividades de la vida diaria del adulto mayor
Authors: Intriago Ceme Geness Valeria , Rodas José Antonio
Published: January 2025

En la población de adultos mayores, se ha constatado una vinculación significativa entre el deterioro cognitivo y la disminución de su funcionalidad. Un método para mejorar o prevenir deterioros cognitivos que ha generado mucha atención en los últimos años son los entrenamientos cognitivos computarizados. Este es un tipo de entrenamiento o rehabilitación cognitiva que se presenta a través de computadoras y usualmente involucra actividades dirigidas a diversos procesos mentales, como la atención y la memoria. Es notable en la literatura el creciente interés en intervenciones con ordenadores y el uso de nuevas tecnologías para estudiar su impacto en la cognición. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios sobre las ganancias secundarias. El propósito de esta investigación es identificar los beneficios de los entrenamientos cognitivos en las actividades de la vida diaria del adulto mayor. A través de una revisión literaria no sistemática, se describen los antecedentes del tema y los avances más recientes en el área. Pudimos encontrar que la mayoría de los programas suelen estar dirigidos a procesos cognitivos complejos específicos como la memoria de trabajo, pero también suelen incorporar elementos comportamentales complejos como actividad física.  Se concluye que los programas de entrenamiento cognitivo pueden mejorar el funcionamiento cognitivo global y áreas específicas como la memoria, aunque la transferencia a largo plazo de estos beneficios a las actividades diarias aún no se comprende completamente y represente un área de investigación necesaria.
Análisis diacrónico del pensamiento suicida en alumnos de ingeniería en un proceso de pos pandemia
Authors: Hernández Arroyo Enrique Noé
Published: January 2025

Después de la pandemia, ha existido un aumento significativo en la tasa de mortandad en los casos de suicidio en México, particularmente se ha incrementado en 8447 casos en el 2021, en donde el segmento de jóvenes de 16 a 25 años representa el 65% recurrencia. Con esta condición demandante, el objetivo central del presente estudio consiste en evaluar la progresión sistemática de la ideación, planeación, intención y consumación suicida en alumnos de Ingeniería en Comunicación Multimedia (ICM). Se emplea una metodología cuantitativa de tipo longitudinal y un análisis estadístico de series de tiempo para un segmento muestral de 71 alumnos evaluados durante sus primeros dos años de escolarización. Así expuesto, se reconoce una progresión significativa en la etapa de la ideación suicida (F1), sin embargo, los casos son incipientes en la consumación suicida, caracterizada por cinco casos totales. Asimismo, se sugiere que la condición de estrés dentro de las demandas escolares no sea un indicador suficiente en el desarrollo de marcadores suicidas tales como la intención y la consumación.
Bienestar psicológico en hijos adolescentes de padres separados
Authors: Quiñonez Perea Juan Roberto , Sánchez Rogel Lesly Hugo , Rodríguez Álava Leonor Alexandra
Published: January 2025

La investigación proporciona una perspectiva valiosa sobre el estado del bienestar psicológico en adolescentes afectados por la separación parental. El presente estudio tuvo el objetivo de identificar el bienestar psicológico de 50 adolescentes de padres separados en el cantón Pajan, utilizando la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff. Se evaluaron seis dimensiones: autoaceptación, relaciones positivas, autonomía, dominio del entorno, crecimiento personal y propósito en la vida. Los resultados generales mostraron que las categorías menores puntuadas para fueron bajo (8%) y alto (4%), siendo la mayoría de los adolescentes agrupados en el rango moderado (88%). Respecto a las dimensiones se observaron dentro del rango moderado en autoaceptación (78%) y dominio del entorno (64%), mientras que un porcentaje significativo alcanzaba altos niveles en autonomía (88%) y crecimiento personal (92%). Estos hallazgos subrayan la necesidad de enfoques centrados en fortalecer áreas como el propósito en la vida, al tiempo que se apoyan las áreas donde los adolescentes ya muestran fortaleza, para mejorar su bienestar general ante la separación parental.
Terapia familiar con intervenciones sistemicas a familias de adolescentes consumidores de drogas
Authors: Vera Ponce Isaac Augusto , Quinde Reyes María del Carmen , Pinto García Dayana Melani
Published: January 2025

La terapia familiar sistémica tiene una gran efectividad a través de sus dispositivos terapéuticos que observan a la familia como un sistema complejo más que la mera suma de sus integrantes, un adolescente en consumo de drogas es un síntoma de dicho sistema y por tanto es importante la terapia familiar que incluya a la familia y a los adolescentes en consumo de drogas para mejorar los pronósticos en el proceso de recuperación.
El presente artículo tiene como objetivo revisar la literatura referente a la terapia familiar con intervenciones sistémicas para adolescentes en consumo de drogas. Los estudios fueron investigados en las bases de datos APA, Scielo, Taylor & Francis Online y PubMed. Los artículos identificados por palabras clave fueron escogidos por su rigor científico y aplicando los criterios de exclusión. En el proceso se encontraron dos tipos de intervenciones sistémicas. Los resultados de los estudios muestran que son eficaces para la reducción del consumo de drogas, al intervenir al adolescente y el funcionamiento familiar. Esta revisión evidencia la importancia de la terapia familiar sistémica dirigida a los adolescentes y la familia frente al consumo de drogas, contribuyendo de esta manera a la reflexión respecto al área de estudio.
What’s been tried: a curated catalogue of efforts to improve access to general practice
Authors: Sinnott Carol , Price Evleen , Ansari Akbar , Fisher Rebecca , Beech Jake , Alderwick Hugh , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: January 2025

Background

Although increasing numbers of appointments are being provided, public satisfaction with access to UK general practice is declining. Previous attempts to improve access have not been systematically collated.

Aim

We aimed to identify interventions to improve access to general practice in the UK, to organise these interventions into thematic categories, and to identify which aspects of access are targeted.

Design & setting

Narrative systematic review.

Method

A three-stage search was conducted to identify interventions used to improve access to NHS general practice. Using an iterative process, we generated thematic categories to classify interventions according to how they are intended to work. We assessed which aspects of access they addressed using the seven-feature Candidacy Framework.

Results

The search identified 449 relevant sources reporting on interventions to improve access to general practice over the period 1984-2023. We generated six overarching thematic categories into which we organised these interventions: appointment innovations; direct patient access to services; increasing the number and range of professionals available in general practice; offering contacts beyond core hours, core settings and core services; supporting patient engagement; and supporting the wider structures of general practice. We assessed which features of Candidacy were addressed, with “permeability” (the ease with which people can use) services emerging as the most frequent feature.

Conclusion

Multiple and diverse attempts have been made to improve access in general practice over a 40-year period. This curated, thematised catalogue offers an important resource for future efforts to improve access.
Urgent release of constriction band syndrome of the leg with single-stage Z-plasty procedure in neonates: A case series
Authors: Winanto Iman Dwi , Sofyan Jefryan , Muchtar Muhammad Arafat , Guci Ricovially Davya
Published: January 2025

The congenital constriction band syndrome (CCBS) is a group of fetal abnormalities with myriad of clinical presentation that is characterized by the presence of a fibrous band that encircles fetal tissues in utero. It is a rare disease with a reported incidence of 1/15,000 live births. The disease is treated with release of the constricting band with Z-plasty, where it is classically done as a two-stage procedure. Single stage z-plasty is a relatively new approach that still needs more reports regarding to its result. Our cases described successful release with a single stage Z-plasty reconstruction in the setting of an urgent surgery in neonates aged less than 48 hours.