bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of school-based obesity prevention programs for children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Hassan Mohamed A. , McDonough Daniel J. , Ryu Suryeon , Zhou Wanjiang , Oginni John , Gao Zan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

While many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the positive effects of school-based programs in reducing body fat among children and teenagers, there is no conclusive evidence to indicate that one approach is superior to another, largely due to the lack of direct and indirect comparisons. This study evaluated the relative effectiveness of various school-based obesity prevention initiatives in improving body mass index (BMI) among children and adolescents using network meta-analysis.

Methods

Searches included four databases focusing on articles published in English between the years 2002 and 2024. The primary outcomes were the BMI and BMI z-scores (BMIz) (kg/m2). The mean differences (MDs) for each outcome were calculated before and after treatment. The current systematic review synthesized 53 RCTs with a sample of 68,489 children and adolescents.

Results

The results illustrated that the physical activity (PA) only arm was the most effective intervention in improving BMI (MD: −0.42, 95% credible interval (Crl) −0.79, −0.07; p = 0.02), while the multiple-component intervention was the most effective in improving BMIz (MD: −0.08, 95% Crl: −0.16, −0.01; p = 0.03). Inversely, PA and another component arm were the least effective interventions in improving BMI (MD: 0.64, 95% Crl: −0.23, 1.53; p = 0.15). In addition, diet and nutrition only arm was the least effective intervention in improving BMIz (MD: 0.09, 95% Crl: −0.11, 0.28; p = 0.36).

Discussion

In conclusion, both PA-only and multiple-component arms are effective intervention tools/strategies for reducing BMI-related outcomes. However, further large-scale, well-designed studies are needed to investigate the elements of multiple-component arms.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ identifier CRD42021234742.
What about spiritual needs? Care robotics and spiritual care
Authors: Simmerlein Jonas , Tretter Max
Published: December 2024

Health is a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects. Therefore, it is only logical that good care should be holistic and include all these dimensions. However, when examining the current field of health and care robotics, the spiritual aspect is notably neglected. As a result, current health and care robots cannot provide holistic care. This paper argues that this neglect should be addressed, and, drawing on the emerging field of spiritual robotics, that spiritual aspects should receive greater attention when considering, developing, or deploying health and care robots. We also propose guidelines for equipping health and care robots with the necessary spiritual capabilities.
Understanding fan pressures and its impact on football club sustainability: insights from the Colombian context
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Juan Alejandro , Londoño-Pineda Abraham , Cano Jose Alejandro
Published: December 2024

The framework of stakeholder pressures in sports industries, and in the specific case of football, has been used to identify the reasons why management bodies incorporate interested parties into their business strategy. This is primarily contingent on the pressures that interested parties generate. One of the most influential stakeholders is the fan base, given the emotional attachment that this type of sport evokes in them, commonly referred to as “the fan's affective connection.” Despite the existence of studies on diverse typologies of fans, no investigation has been conducted into the impact these have on the sustainability outcomes of football clubs. Moreover, most existing studies have focused on European leagues, with a pronounced emphasis on the environmental dimension of sustainability. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of diverse fan types on the sustainability performance of Colombian football clubs, with a specific focus on the triple bottom line approach. To this end, two major fan typologies—active and non-active—were defined based on the findings of the literature review, as well as the pressures associated with solidarity-based factors. A conceptual model and an estimation based on the structural equation model related the different fan typologies and their associated pressures to sustainability outcomes. The results indicate that among the solidarity-based pressures, fans valued social commitment the most, followed by the promotion of women's football and the fight against racism. Environmental engagement was the least relevant, but still positively rated, suggesting the need for awareness-raising efforts to extend fans' sustainability practices beyond the stadium. The findings of this research can inform strategies for football clubs to engage fans and improve their sustainability performance across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
10(E)-Pentadecenoic Acid Inhibits Melanogenesis Partly Through Suppressing the Intracellular MITF/Tyrosinase Axis
Authors: Lee Min-Kyeong , Moon Kyoung Mi , Park Su-Yeon , Seo Jaeseong , Kim Ah-Reum , Lee Bonggi
Published: December 2024

Melanogenesis, the biological process responsible for melanin synthesis, plays a crucial role in determining skin and hair color, photoprotection, and serving as a biomarker in various diseases. While various factors regulate melanogenesis, the role of fatty acids in this process remains underexplored. This study investigated the anti-melanogenic properties of 10(E)-pentadecenoic acid (10E-PDA) through both in silico and in vitro analyses. SwissSimilarity was utilized to predict the functional properties of 10E-PDA by comparing it with structurally similar lipids known to exhibit anti-melanogenic effects. Subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated that 10E-PDA significantly reduced melanin production and intracellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells without exhibiting significant cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 15 μM. Further mechanistic studies revealed that 10E-PDA inhibited the nuclear translocation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), consistent with the decrease observed in p-MITF protein levels. It also decreased the mRNA levels of tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP-1, TRP-2) and tyrosinase, while reducing the protein levels of TRP-1 and tyrosinase, but not TRP-2. These findings suggest that 10E-PDA exerts its anti-melanogenic effects by modulating the MITF/tyrosinase axis, presenting potential therapeutic implications for skin pigmentation disorders.
Phenolics over Zeolites and Related Materials—Biomedical and Environmental Applications
Authors: Nedić Vasiljević Bojana , Takić Marija , Mijailović Nataša R. , Janošević Ležaić Aleksandra , Jevremović Anka , Uskoković-Marković Snežana , Milojević-Rakić Maja , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica
Published: December 2024

This work analyzes the following two aspects of zeolite applications: their application as carriers in delivery systems for phenolics applied as antioxidants or anticancer agents and the efficient removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous environments. The dual role of zeolites in increasing antioxidant bioavailability and environmental remediation is summarized, and perspectives on progress in zeolite adaptable applications are given. Special attention is given to theoretical methods that will guide future advanced delivery systems for biomedical applications, as well as serve as a focal point in designing multipurpose materials for comprehensive environmental solutions. Perspectives in both fields are discussed.
IL-6R Inhibitors and Gastrointestinal Perforations: A Pharmacovigilance Study and a Predicting Nomogram
Authors: Zou Shupeng , Ouyang Mengling , Cheng Qian , Shi Xuan , Zhao Yazheng , Sun Minghui
Published: December 2024

Objective IL-6R inhibitors are widely used in many inflammation-related diseases, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their relationship with gastrointestinal perforations (GIPs) has been reported more and more. We comprehensively analyzed IL-6R inhibitors in association with GIPs from the United States FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: A disproportionate analysis was used to quantify the signals of GIPs caused by IL-6R inhibitors using two algorithms, and we assessed the risk using logistic regression analysis. We also established a risk prediction model of GIPs. Results: We identified 994 cases with GIPs of IL-6R inhibitors (tocilizumab and sarilumab) from the FAERS database. The GIPs signals of IL-6R inhibitors were significant, including tocilizumab (reporting odds ratio [ROR] 6.86, 95%CI 6.43–7.31) and sarilumab (ROR 4.03, 95%CI 2.83–5.73). Duodenal perforation had the strongest signals of tocilizumab (n = 312; ROR 19.45, 95%CI 17.33–21.83; IC025 3.72) and sarilumab (n = 14; ROR 9.57, 95%CI 5.66–16.17; IC025 1.92). The median time to GIPs was near 60 days. In total, 71% of the cases occurred within the first six months after tocilizumab treatment. After excluding missing data, we found that independent risk factors included female (OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.16–1.98), ≥40 years (OR 5.63, 95%CI 1.78–17.78), glucocorticoids (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.10–1.72), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, OR 3.46, 95%CI 2.77–4.32). The risk prediction model showed good discrimination and clinical applicability in both the training (AUC, 0.73) and validation (AUC, 0.75) sets. Conclusions: IL-6R inhibitors may increase the risk of GIPs, especially female, middle-aged patients, IL-6R inhibitors, NSAIDs, and glucocorticoids. Therefore, we suggest that these factors associated with gastrointestinal reactions should be considered during treatment.
How Do Korean Secondary School Teachers Perceive Psychological Burnout in Their Teaching Careers?
Authors: Shim Taeeun , Jun Mikyung , Lee Song Yi
Published: December 2024

The psychological burnout experienced by teachers is not merely a personal issue; it is a significant social problem that impacts the entire educational environment. This study utilised Q methodology to identify the subjective perceptions of psychological burnout among Korean secondary school teachers and then analysed the characteristics of these perception types. An analysis of 34 statements and a P sample of 30 teachers resulted in four types of perceptions regarding teachers’ psychological burnout: ‘burnout due to damaged self-esteem’ (Type 1), ‘burnout due to organisational neglect’ (Type 2), ‘burnout due to excessive role demands’ (Type 3) and ‘burnout due to disrespectful behaviour’ (Type 4). This study’s meaningfulness is in its classification of teachers’ psychological burnout into types and its exploration of the types’ features. The results can also help in developing specific intervention programmes for each type.
Study on the Effect of Local Heating Devices on Human Thermal Comfort in Low-Temperature Built Environment
Authors: Yang Yalong , Shi Nana , Zhang Rui , Zhou Hanxiang , Ding Lei , Tao Jiamin , Zhang Nan , Cao Bin
Published: December 2024

Localized heating systems are an effective approach to improve thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption in a cold indoor environment. Furthermore, localized heating devices have found widespread application in the hot-summer and cold-winter zones of China. This study investigates the heating characteristics of the local heating device in a low-temperature environment, as well as its effects on subjective perception and physiological responses, and develops a personalized control system for the device based on the experimental findings. We conducted experimental tests and questionnaires in a test room with air temperature set at 12 °C and 14 °C and a relative humidity of 55%. A total of six experimental conditions were designed using five types of heating equipment (heating wrist straps, heating insoles, heating leg straps, warm air blower, electric radiant heater), each employing different heat transfer methods. The results demonstrate that the head, hands, legs, and feet are susceptible to feeling cold in a low-temperature environment, and the use of a warm air blower and electric radiant heater can significantly enhance the thermal sensation of these parts, improve thermal acceptability, and raise local skin temperature. The electrocardiogram data indicate that heart rate variability can be utilized to assess thermal sensation in a cold environment with localized heating. Additionally, the relationship between thermal response and skin temperature was investigated, leading to the development of a control strategy for the local heating device in a low-temperature conditions.
Evaluation of Facial Aesthetic Changes in Growing Class II Patients Treated with Herbst or Elastodontics: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ciavarella Domenico , Luciano Rossella , Lorusso Mauro , Cazzolla Angela Pia , Laurenziello Michele , Fanelli Carlotta , Caruso Silvia , Tepedino Michele
Published: December 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the facial profile changes of patients treated for class II skeletal malocclusions with an elastodontic appliance compared to those treated with the Herbst appliance and a control group. Methods: Forty class II patients were treated using an elastodontic appliance (Group EA) and were compared to 40 patients treated with the Herbst appliance (Group H) and to 40 untreated class II children (Group C). Aesthetic profile variables were analysed using Arnett’s analysis. Cephalograms were compared pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test or paired-samples t-test was used for pairwise comparison of cephalometric measurements taken at T0 and T1. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were performed to assess differences between the groups. Results: In the elastodontic group, the inclination of the upper incisors increased by 4.05°. In addition, the Pog–TVL and B–TVL distances decreased by 2.84 mm and 1.79 mm, respectively. In patients treated with an elastodontic appliance, the inclination of the upper incisors increased by 4.05°. In addition, the Pog–TVL and B–TVL distances decreased by 2.84 mm and 1.79 mm, respectively. In patients treated with the Herbst appliance, the inclination of the lower incisors increased by 6.11°. Furthermore, the treatment resulted in reductions in the Pog–TVL distance (2.58 mm), the B–TVL distance (2.26 mm), and the LL–TVL distance (2.31 mm). Conclusions: The profile changes achieved by both devices are favourable for correcting class II skeletal malocclusion.
Accuracy of the Hounsfield Unit Values Measured by Implant Planning Software
Authors: Nagata Koudai , Kouzai Yusuke , Inaba Keitaro , Fujii Manabu , Atsumi Mihoko , Kimoto Katsuhiko , Kuroda Shinji , Kawana Hiromasa
Published: December 2024

Background: The measurement of Hounsfield units (HU) during implant treatment planning is important. Currently, various manufacturers’ implant planning software programs offer HU capabilities; however, their accuracy remains unverified. In this study, we aimed to validate the accuracy of HU values measured by implant planning software programs. Methods: This study used one type of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), two types of cone–beam computed tomography (CBCT), and four implant planning software packages. Three specimens were prepared for the evaluation of HUs, and the standard values of the HUs were measured. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data obtained from MDCT and CBCT were loaded into four implant planning software packages to measure the HU values. The HU and reference values of the four implant planning software programs obtained from MDCT and CBCT were compared. Additionally, the HU values between each implant planning software program were compared. Results: The HU values of the three specimens, as measured using the four implant planning software programs utilizing MDCT, did not exhibit a significant difference from the standard values. Conversely, those obtained from CBCT were significantly different. The measured HU values after the MDCT imaging of the specimens were not significantly different between the implant planning software programs; however, they differed after CBCT imaging. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that it is not possible to measure HU values using CBCT with implant planning software programs. However, HU values can be measured by any implant planning software using MDCT.
The Asymmetric Effects of Unemployment and Output on Inflation in Greece: A Nonlinear ARDL Approach
Authors: Pegkas Panagiotis
Published: December 2024

This study examines the asymmetrical effects of unemployment and output on inflation in Greece. It applies a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model to focus on how positive and negative economic indicator fluctuations impact inflation. The empirical findings indicate an asymmetric and inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment. In the long run, positive shocks to unemployment affect inflation with greater intensity than negative shocks. The short-run trade-off between unemployment and inflation demonstrates linearity, with inflation showing greater sensitivity and a tendency to increase more during periods of economic expansion. Additionally, we find a nonlinear and positive relationship between inflation and output in both the long and short run. In the long run, negative output shocks have a more significant impact on inflation than positive shocks, while in the short run the results are reversed. These findings suggest that policymakers should carefully consider the nonlinearities of the Phillips curve to avoid policy errors in macroeconomic models.
Advancements in Manufacturing of High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules Using Printing Technologies
Authors: Soltani Shohreh , Li Dawen
Published: December 2024

Perovskite photovoltaic technology carries immense opportunity for the solar industries because of its remarkable efficiency and prospect for cost-effective production. However, the successful deployment of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in the solar market necessitates tackling stability-based obstacles, scalability, and environmental considerations. This paper unveils a comprehensive examination of the cutting-edge advancements in the manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules, with an emphasis on high-speed, large-area printing. The paper underscores the substantial progress achieved in printed PSCs and PSMs, demonstrating promising electrical performance and long-term device durability. This review paper categorizes printing techniques compatible with large-area high-speed manufacturing into three distinct families: blade coating, slot die coating, and screen printing, as these common printing practices offer precise control, scalability, cost-effectiveness, high resolution, and efficient material usage. Additionally, this paper presents an in-depth investigation and comparison of superior PSCs and PSMs fabricated by printing on power conversion efficiency (PCE), stability, and scalability.
Effectiveness of Differentiating Mold Levels in Soybeans with Electronic Nose Detection Technology
Authors: Song Xuejian , Qian Lili , Zhang Dongjie , Wang Xinhui , Fu Lixue , Chen Mingming
Published: December 2024

This study employed electronic nose technology to assess the mold levels in soybeans, conducting analyses on artificially inoculated soybeans with five strains of fungi and distinguishing them from naturally moldy soybeans. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to evaluate inoculated and naturally moldy samples. The results revealed that the most influential sensor was W2W, which is sensitive to organic sulfur compounds, followed by W1W (primarily responsive to inorganic sulfur compounds), W5S (sensitive to small molecular nitrogen oxides), W1S (responsive to short-chain alkanes such as methane), and W2S (sensitive to alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, and ketones). These findings highlight that variations in volatile substances among the moldy soybean samples were predominantly attributed to organic sulfur compounds, with significant distinctions noted in inorganic sulfur, nitrogen compounds, short-chain alkanes, and alcohols/ethers/aldehydes/ketones. The results of the PCA and LDA analyses indicated that while both methods demonstrated moderate effectiveness in distinguishing between different dominant fungal inoculations and naturally moldy soybeans, they were more successful in differentiating various levels of moldiness, achieving a discriminative accuracy rate of 82.72% in LDA. Overall, the findings suggest that electronic nose detection technology can effectively identify mold levels in soybeans.
Back Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Landslide in Cimanggung District of Sumedang Regency in West Java Using Deterministic and Probabilistic Analyses
Authors: Sarah Dwi , Zulfahmi Zulfahmi , Putra Moch Hilmi Zaenal , Madiutomo Nendaryono , Gunawan Gunawan , Sumaryadi Sumaryadi , Ahmid Deden Agus
Published: December 2024

Rainfall-induced landslides are widespread in Indonesia, particularly in West Java, where volcanic residual soils are typically stable but may become unstable during heavy rainfall. This study aims to back analyze the geotechnical factors contributing to the Cimanggung landslide in 2021. The methods applied in this study include site investigations, laboratory testing, and numerical modeling. We performed deterministic, coupled seepage-slope stability analysis and Monte Carlo probabilistic analysis to assess the slope performance prior to and after rainfall infiltration. The results reveal that the initial water level significantly affects slope stability, and heavy rainfall infiltration triggered the landslide’s initiation. The deep water table (over 20 m below ground level) maintains the slope stability, and increasing the water table to 16 m compromises its stability. Heavy rainfall infiltration reduces suction in the unsaturated zone, decreasing the shear strength and triggering landslides. The heavy rainfall infiltration did not penetrate deep enough to raise the water table; rather, poor urban drainage on the upper slope caused it. Rainfall infiltration caused wetting in the upper zone, weakening the slope and causing loss of support. It is recommended that effective drainage management and integrated slope monitoring be applied to mitigate landslide risks in this region.
Landslide Prediction Validation in Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene
Authors: Lin Sophia , Chen Shenen , Rasanen Ryan A. , Zhao Qifan , Chavan Vidya , Tang Wenwu , Shanmugam Navanit , Allan Craig , Braxtan Nicole , Diemer John
Published: December 2024

Hurricane Helene triggered 1792 landslides across western North Carolina and has caused damage to 79 bridges to date. Helene hit western North Carolina days after a low-pressure system dropped up to 254 mm of rain in some locations of western North Carolina (e.g., Asheville Regional Airport). The already waterlogged region experienced devastation as significant additional rainfall occurred during Helene, where some areas, like Asheville, North Carolina received an additional 356 mm of rain (National Weather Service, 2024). In this study, machine learning (ML)-generated multi-hazard landslide susceptibility maps are compared to the documented landslides from Helene. The landslide models use the North Carolina landslide database, soil survey, rainfall, USGS digital elevation model (DEM), and distance to rivers to create the landslide variables. From the DEM, aspect factors and slope are computed. Because recent research in western North Carolina suggests fault movement is destabilizing slopes, distance to fault was also incorporated as a predictor variable. Finally, soil types were used as a wildfire predictor variable. In total, 4794 landslides were used for model training. Random Forest and logistic regression machine learning algorithms were used to develop the landslide susceptibility map. Furthermore, landslide susceptibility was also examined with and without consideration of wildfires. Ultimately, this study indicates heavy rainfall and debris-laden floodwaters were critical in triggering both landslides and scour, posing a dual threat to bridge stability. Field investigations from Hurricane Helene revealed that bridge damage was concentrated at bridge abutments, with scour and sediment deposition exacerbating structural vulnerability. We evaluated the assumed flooding potential (AFP) of damaged bridges in the study area, finding that bridges with lower AFP values were particularly vulnerable to scour and submersion during flood events. Differentiating between landslide-induced and scour-induced damage is essential for accurately assessing risks to infrastructure. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive hazard mapping to guide infrastructure resilience planning in mountainous regions.
PM2.5 Exposure Triggers Hypothalamic Oxidative and ER Stress Leading to Depressive-like Behaviors in Rats
Authors: Kim Hi-Ju , Kim Ji-Hee , Lee Subo , Do Phuong Anh , Lee Ji Yong , Cha Seung-Kuy , Lee Jinhee
Published: December 2024

Epidemiological studies have linked fine dust pollution to depression, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are known contributors to depression, but their induction by particulate matter (PM), particularly PM2.5, in animal models has been limited. This study aimed to establish a rat model of PM2.5-induced depression-like behaviors and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received daily intranasal PM2.5 for four weeks. Behavioral assessments, including the open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and light-dark box (LDB) test, were conducted weekly. PM2.5-exposed rats displayed depressive-like behaviors, particularly in the FST, reflecting decreased motivation and learned helplessness. Molecular analyses indicated a specific increase in ER stress markers (CHOP, eIF2α, GRP78, and P16) and NOX4 in the hypothalamus, while other brain regions (striatum, cortex, and hippocampus) were not as pronounced. Additionally, PM2.5 exposure reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in the hypothalamus, suggesting impaired dopamine synthesis. These findings indicate that PM2.5 induces depressive-like behaviors via hypothalamic ER stress and oxidative stress pathways, leading to dopaminergic dysfunction. Targeting oxidative and ER stress within the hypothalamus may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating depression associated with environmental pollutants.
Local Energy Minima and Density of Energy Barriers in Dense Clusters of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Gorn Natalia L. , Semenova Elena K. , Berkov Dmitry
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we focus on the properties of local energy minima and energy barriers in immobilized dense clusters of magnetic nanoparticles. Understanding of these features is highly interesting both for the fundamental physics of disordered systems with long-range interparticle interaction and for numerous applications of modern ferrofluids consisting of such clusters. In particular, it is needed to predict the ac-susceptibility of these systems and their magnetization relaxation after a sudden change in the external field, because both processes occur via magnetization jumps over energy barriers that separate the energy minima. Due to the exponential increase in the corresponding jump time with barrier height (tsw∼exp(ΔE/kT)), direct Langevin dynamics simulations of this process are not feasible. For this reason, we have developed efficient numerical methods both for finding as many energy minima as possible and for the reliable evaluation of energy barriers between them. Our results for the distribution of overlaps between the local energy minima imply that there is no spin-glass state in such clusters even when they consist of particles with a small anisotropy. Further, we show that the distributions of energy barrier heights are qualitatively different for clusters of particles with small, intermediate, and large anisotropies, which has important consequences for the magnetization dynamics of these systems.
Towards Biocultural Conservation of Chilean Palm Landscapes: Expanding Perspectives from Historical Ecology
Authors: Urresty-Vargas Constanza , Catalán Emilia , Razeto Jorge , Sarmiento Fausto O.
Published: December 2024

The Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis) is an endangered and culturally important species from central Chile. We studied the Ocoa palm landscape (OPL), which is currently part of a protected area that harbors the largest Chilean palm population where local peasant practices have been excluded and conflict with biodiversity conservation strategies. We explored how human–landscape relationships over time have shaped present conditions and the implications for biocultural conservation. Methods included a review of archaeobotanical and historical records, and a qualitative study focused on local peasants’ perspectives. We reported the uses of J. chilensis and the OPL since pre-Hispanic times. For the last 400 years, these uses have involved important differences between landowners and local peasants in terms of power dynamics, access to the land, and intensity of use. The current palm landscape structure directly responds to past human activities, such as palm felling and agriculture. Also, we explain peasant practices linked to the OPL as ways of resisting cultural homogenization and marginalization associated with reductive conservation approaches and other presses and pulses. Chilean palm conservation can be improved by considering ecological legacies to inform future conservation strategies and adding a biocultural approach that respectfully integrates local peasant knowledge systems and worldviews.
Comparative Study on the Perception of Cultural Ecosystem Services in Taibai Mountain National Forest Park from Different Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Li Kankan , Wang Yanbo , Jiao Rui
Published: December 2024

The core of the cultural services of ecosystems (CESs) is the spiritual connection between humans and nature, and participatory mapping from the stakeholder perspective is an effective method for perceiving and protecting hotspot CES areas. This study used participatory mapping combined with 184 interviews and questionnaires, completed on 10 December 2023, to investigate the perceptions of CESs in Taibai Mountain National Forest Park by different stakeholder groups; spatial and correlation analyses were used to comparatively analyze the characteristics of the differences in the perceptions of CESs among different stakeholders, the influencing factors, and their spatial distribution patterns. The results show that (1) there is a positive correlation between the literacy level of external stakeholders and the perception of CESs, and there is no significant difference between the differences in the other demographic characteristics of stakeholders (gender, age, occupation, and literacy level) in the perception of CESs. (2) Different stakeholders have convergent perceptions of spiritual and religious values, cultural heritage values, educational values, and inspirational values, whereas there are greater differences in the perceptions of aesthetic values, ecological and recreational values, and local identity values. (3) Different stakeholders of the same CES are strongly correlated, and there is no correlation between spiritual and religious values and other values and no correlation between recreational and ecotourism values and educational and cultural heritage values; however, there is a correlation between all other subcultural services. It is important to fully identify and consider the characteristics of the differences in the perceptions of different stakeholders in CESs to enhance the regional planning and scenic area service function in the study area.
Non-Conventional Starches: Properties and Potential Applications in Food and Non-Food Products
Authors: Carvalho Hugo José Martins , Barcia Milene Teixeira , Schmiele Marcio
Published: December 2024

The increasing industrial demand and the search for novel ingredients in food and non-food sectors have driven research efforts toward alternatives to traditional commercial starches, emphasizing sustainability and the valorization of native crops, thereby promoting income generation for small-scale farmers. The extraction of these starches through aqueous methods, employing reductive and/or alkaline agents, can impact their structure and technological properties. These starches exhibit distinct physicochemical, morphological, crystalline, thermal, and nutritional characteristics, influenced by factors such as botanical origin. Although certain limitations may exist in their technological applications, physical, chemical, and/or enzymatic modification methods, or a combination thereof, are employed to enhance these properties for specific uses. These alternative starch sources present potential applications across the food, pharmaceutical, paper, medicinal, and cosmetic industries, underscoring their versatility and unique advantages. Nonetheless, ongoing research is essential to fully explore their composition and potential applications. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals interested in sustainable and innovative alternatives to conventional starches.
Optimization of Strength and Plasticity in Layered Aluminum Composites Through High-Pressure Torsion Treatment
Authors: Evstifeev Alexey , Mavlyutov Aydar , Voropaev Artem , Volosevich Darya
Published: December 2024

The development of high-strength aluminum alloys with improved ductility is a crucial challenge for modern materials science, as high strength and ductility tend to be mutually exclusive properties. In this work, the composite material was fabricated using wire arc additives manufactured from AA1050 (commercially pure aluminum) and AA5056 (an Al–Mg system alloy) aluminum alloys. It was demonstrated that the addition of a lower-strength material into a high-strength matrix enhances the potential for deformation localization and results in an increased plasticity of the composite material. A further strengthening of the composite material was achieved through its deformation by a high-pressure torsion (HPT) technique. The mechanical properties of the material were thoroughly investigated before and after the HPT treatment. Static strength and plasticity were analyzed as a function of the deformation degree. Microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The optimal deformation route, providing the best combination of mechanical properties, was experimentally identified, along with key microstructural parameters of the formed composite with a bimodal grain structure. A deformation level corresponding to 36% of shear stress provides a yield stress of up to 570 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of up to 664 MPa, and a relative elongation to failure of up to 7%. As a result of the deformation treatment, characteristic substructures with dimensions of ~250 nm and >1000 nm are formed, with a volume ratio of approximately 80/20.
A Comparison of the Electronic Properties of Selected Antioxidants Vitamin C, Uric Acid, NAC and Melatonin with Guanosine Derivatives: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Karwowski Boleslaw T.
Published: December 2024

Each cell in the human body is continually exposed to harmful external and internal factors. During evolution, cells have developed various defence systems, divided into enzymatic and non-enzymatic types, to which low-weight molecule antioxidants belong. In this article, the ionisation potential and electron affinity, as well as global reactivity descriptors of Vitamin C, Melatonin, Uric Acids, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, were theoretically investigated at the MP-2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory in the condensed (aqueous) phase. The vertical ionisation potential and electron affinity are discussed in terms of non-equilibrated and equilibrated solvent–solute interactions. Additionally, at the same theoretical level, the electronic properties of canonical and oxidised derivatives of guanine were analysed. The presented results indicate that the selected antioxidants for this study (Vitamin C, Uric Acid, NAC, and Melatonin) exhibit the highest adiabatic electron affinity, while guanine derivatives (Gua, OXOGua, Guo, dGuo, OXOGuo, OXOdGuo) are more prone to adiabatic radical cation formation. A red-ox balance (redox homeostasis) is crucial for intracellular signalling pathways that are reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RO/NS)-dependent. Should this gentle balance be disrupted, either by an overload or deficit of species, physiological consequences may result, which in turn lead to pathological outcomes. On the other hand, maintaining the stability of the above balance of antioxidants/radicals may result in the improved effectiveness and safety of anticancer radiotherapy/chemotherapy or combined therapies with a subsequent increase in a patient’s quality of life.
Experimental Study on the Mechanism of Enhanced Imbibition with Different Types of Surfactants in Low-Permeability Glutenite Reservoirs
Authors: Qu Hongyan , Shi Jilong , Wu Mengyao , Zhou Fujian , Zhang Jun , Peng Yan , Yu Tianxi , Pan Zhejun
Published: December 2024

Due to the complex physical properties of low-permeability glutenite reservoirs, the oil recovery rate with conventional development is low. Surfactants are effective additives for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) due to their good ability of wettability alteration and interfacial tension (IFT) reduction, but the reason why imbibition efficiencies vary with different types of surfactants and the mechanism of enhanced imbibition in the glutenite reservoirs is not clear. In this study, the imbibition efficiency and recovery of surfactants including the nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants as well as nanofluids were evaluated and compared with produced water (PW) using low-permeability glutenite core samples from the Lower Urho Formation in the Mahu oil field. Experiments of IFT, wettability, emulsification, and imbibition at high-temperature and high-pressure were conducted to reveal the underlying EOR mechanisms of different types of surfactants. The distribution and utilization of oil in different pores during the imbibition process were characterized by a combined method of mercury intrusion and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The main controlling factors of surfactant-enhanced imbibition in glutenite reservoirs were clarified. The results demonstrate that the micropores and mesopores contribute most to imbibition recovery in low-permeability glutenite reservoirs. The anionic surfactant KPS exhibits a good capacity of reducing IFT, wettability alteration, and oil emulsification with the highest oil recovery of 49.02%, 8.49% higher than PW. The nonionic surfactant OP-10 performs well on oil emulsification and wetting modification with imbibition recovery of 48.11%. This study sheds light on the selection of suitable surfactants for enhanced imbibition in low-permeability glutenite reservoirs and improves the understanding of oil production through enhanced imbibition.
An Accurate Book Spine Detection Network Based on Improved Oriented R-CNN
Authors: Ma Haibo , Wang Chaobo , Li Ang , Xu Aide , Han Dong
Published: December 2024

Book localization is crucial for the development of intelligent book inventory systems, where the high-precision detection of book spines is a critical requirement. However, the varying tilt angles and diverse aspect ratios of books on library shelves often reduce the effectiveness of conventional object detection algorithms. To address these challenges, this study proposes an enhanced oriented R-CNN algorithm for book spine detection. First, we replace the standard 3 × 3 convolutions in ResNet50’s residual blocks with deformable convolutions to enhance the network’s capacity for modeling the geometric deformations of book spines. Additionally, the PAFPN (Path Aggregation Feature Pyramid Network) was integrated into the neck structure to enhance multi-scale feature fusion. To further optimize the anchor box design, we introduce an adaptive initial cluster center selection method for K-median clustering. This allows for a more accurate computation of anchor box aspect ratios that are better aligned with the book spine dataset, enhancing the model’s training performance. We conducted comparison experiments between the proposed model and other state-of-the-art models on the book spine dataset, and the results demonstrate that the proposed approach reaches an mAP of 90.22%, which outperforms the baseline algorithm by 4.47 percentage points. Our method significantly improves detection accuracy, making it highly effective for identifying book spines in real-world library environments.
A Fuzzing Tool Based on Automated Grammar Detection
Authors: Song Jia , Alves-Foss Jim
Published: December 2024

Software testing is an important step in the software development life cycle to ensure the quality and security of software. Fuzzing is a security testing technique that finds vulnerabilities automatically without accessing the source code. We built a fuzzer, called JIMA-Fuzzing, which is an effective fuzzing tool that utilizes grammar detected from sample input. Based on the detected grammar, JIMA-Fuzzing selects a portion of the valid user input and fuzzes that portion. For example, the tool may greatly increase the size of the input, truncate the input, replace numeric values with new values, replace words with numbers, etc. This paper discusses how JIMA-Fuzzing works and shows the evaluation results after testing against the DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge (CGC) dataset. JIMA-Fuzzing is capable of extracting grammar from sample input files, meaning that it does not require access to the source code to generate effective fuzzing files. This feature allows it to work with proprietary or non-open-source programs and significantly reduces the effort needed from human testers. In addition, compared to fuzzing tools guided with symbolic execution or taint analysis, JIMA-Fuzzing takes much less computing power and time to analyze sample input and generate fuzzing files. However, the limitation is that JIMA-Fuzzing relies on good sample inputs and works primarily on programs that require user interaction/input.
Dental Loop Chatbot: A Prototype Large Language Model Framework for Dentistry
Authors: Arian Md Sahadul Hasan , Sifat Faisal Ahmed , Ahmed Saif , Mohammed Nabeel , Farook Taseef Hasan , Dudley James
Published: December 2024

The Dental Loop Chatbot was developed as a real-time, evidence-based guidance system for dental practitioners using a fine-tuned large language model (LLM) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). This paper outlines the development and preliminary evaluation of the chatbot as a scalable clinical decision-support tool designed for resource-limited settings. The system’s architecture incorporates Quantized Low-Rank Adaptation (QLoRA) for efficient fine-tuning, while dynamic retrieval mechanisms ensure contextually accurate and relevant responses. This prototype lays the groundwork for future triaging and diagnostic support systems tailored specifically to the field of dentistry.
Nurses’ Perspectives of Geophagic Women of Childbearing Age Accessing Healthcare in the Reproductive Healthcare Services in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Malebatja Mohora Feida , Randa Moreoagae Bertha , Mokgatle Mathildah Mpata , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi Omoniyi
Published: December 2024

Geophagy is an ancient widespread practice that is common amongst women of childbearing age globally. Geophagy is one of the leading causes of iron deficiency and pregnancy complications amongst women of childbearing age resulting in maternal, neonatal, and child morbidities and mortalities globally. The concept of geophagy has yet to be incorporated in the reproductive health services in the healthcare facilities. A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to explore the views/perspectives of nurses regarding geophagic women of childbearing age accessing healthcare in the reproductive healthcare services in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. The findings revealed that nurses perceived geophagic women of childbearing age to be iron deficient and lack proper knowledge and understanding of the potential health risks and dangers of soil eating. Mental health and substance use disorders, food and nutrition deficiencies, absence of geophagy health education, and promotion programs were highlighted as some of the aspects that play a role towards the practice of geophagy amongst women of childbearing age accessing healthcare in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. Thus, a conclusion can be made that geophagy health education and promotion programs in the antenatal care units must be prioritized by government.
Estudo comparativo da composição nutricional e análise da rotulagem de whey protein concentrado, isolado e hidrolisado
Authors:   , Oliveira Luisa Cordeiro de
Published: December 2024

O leite é um alimento de complexa matriz composicional, de forma geral, representada por proteínas, lipídios, carboidratos, vitaminas, elementos inorgânicos e água. As proteínas compreendem um dos seus principais nutrientes, fornecem aminoácidos indispensáveise grupos amino para a biossíntese dos aminoácidos não indispensáveis. O soro do leite é usado para a produção de whey protein, um produto amplamente utilizado por atletas e não atletas para a suplementação alimentar a fim de auxiliar no suprimento das demandas nutricionais sendo considerado um alimento rico em proteínas de alta qualidade por causa de sua abundante concentração aminoácidos indispensáveis (principalmente aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada). No Brasil não há legislação que regulamente especificamente o suplemento alimentarà base de proteína do soro do leite. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição nutricional, lista de ingredientes e tabela de aminograma presentes na rotulagem dos produtos à base de whey protein e sua adequação às legislações vigentes. Foi realizadaanálise comparativa da rotulagem dos suplementos a base de whey protein, concentrado, isolado e hidrolisado. Verificouse que os suplementos isolados e hidrolisados não diferem nos seus teores de proteínas e o suplemento alimentar concentrado apresenta teor de proteínas significativamente diferente (menor) do que os teores dos suplementos alimentares hidrolisados e isolados. Observou-se falta de padronização quanto à rotulagem dos produtos, como ausência de uniformidade nas unidades de medida utilizadas. Assim conclui-se que as informações nutricionais apresentadas nos rótulosavaliados atendem à legislação, todavia evidencia-se a necessidade de uma legislação que estabeleça critérios para a padronização da rotulagem desses produtos.