bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Refined Nomenclature System to Better Discriminate Endo- and Exo-Type Fructanases and Glucanases
Authors: Leaerts Laura , Porras-Domínguez Jaime Ricardo , Versluys Maxime , Van den Ende Wim
Published: December 2024

Distinguishing between endo- and exo-type enzymes within the glycoside hydrolase (GH) classification presents significant challenges. Traditional methods, often based on endpoint activity measurements, do not capture the full range of products generated, leading to inconsistencies in classification. Not all exo-acting fructanases and glucanases produce monosaccharides (like fructose or glucose), while endo-acting enzymes do not solely produce higher-degree polymerization oligosaccharides. In practice, both enzyme types can yield a variety of products throughout the reaction, complicating classification efforts. To address these challenges, we propose a refined nomenclature system for GH enzymes, including fructanases and glucanases, based on good practices and initial product formation. This system classifies enzymes into four categories for each type: Fr, Fn, Fn,n+1 and F1 for fructanases, and Gr, Gn, Gn,n+1 and G1 for glucanases, based on their mode of action (endo- or exo-based) and initial product profiles. Our refined nomenclature system will advance enzyme structure–function research and support the production and application of fructan and glucan oligosaccharides as prebiotics, priming agents, and potential signaling molecules in microbe–microbe and plant–microbe interactions. Ultimately, this system could benefit agronomy and the food industry, contributing to health improvements.
Potato Processing Waste as a Reservoir of Bioactive Hydroxycinnamates: A Critical Review
Authors: Makris Dimitris P.
Published: December 2024

Natural resources are currently overexploited to provide food supply for the ever-increasing world population, and because of the intensification of agricultural and food production, there is a growing rate of waste generation. This waste biomass is usually dumped into landfills, causing unprecedented damage to ecosystems. Nowadays, circular economy strategies are channeled towards waste harnessing, aiming at reducing the irrational use of resources and minimizing waste generation. Potatoes are the second largest food crop after cereals, and there is an overwhelming amount of waste derived from potato tuber processing, composed almost exclusively of peels. Potato peels (PPs) are considered a source of polyphenolic compounds, largely represented by chlorogenic acid and other structurally related hydroxycinnamates, which possess a spectrum of bioactivities; however, there is a lack of analytical data compilations that could be of assistance in pertinent studies. With this as the conceptual basis, the scope of this review focused on a particular class of polyphenols, the so-called hydroxycinnamates, to deliver compiled data associated with the occurrence, retrieval, and application of this group of compounds derived from potato waste with major emphasis being given to PPs. It is believed that the collection of data of this nature, due to their undisputed significance in studies pertaining to bioeconomy, biorefinery, and food waste valorization, would provide a highly useful contribution to the field.
Emerging Trends in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: The New Kids on the Block
Authors: Brunoni Andre R. , Croarkin Paul E. , Razza Lais B.
Published: December 2024

In the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations for 2030, mental health has been identified as a global priority, emphasizing the need to reduce the prevalence, morbidity, and premature mortality associated with mental disorders [...]
Nanoparticle-Based Therapies for Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Neurotrauma, and Stroke
Authors: Hey Grace , Mehkri Ilyas , Mehkri Yusuf , Maqbool Hasan , Tahirkheli Mubariz , Woodford Samuel , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: December 2024

Neurotrauma, stroke, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are symptomatically diverse and etiologically complex central nervous system pathologies. Despite numerous therapeutic modalities that are available to minimize neurologic damage and secondary injury, the prognosis can still be dismal and unpredictable. Nanoparticle (NP) technology allows for deliberate, modular, and minimally invasive drug delivery. This literature review encompasses pertinent information on the impact and versatility of nanoparticle therapeutics when treating neurotrauma, stroke, and SAH. Currently, notable treatments such as Perfluorooctyl-Bromide (PFOB), PLGA nanoparticles, and ischemic relief-based NPs are promising new techniques for the management of these complex pathologies.
The Structural Design, Kinematics, and Workspace Analysis of a Novel Rod–Cable Hybrid Cable-Driven Parallel Robot
Authors: Li Jinrun , Li Yangmin
Published: December 2024

This study presents a novel rod–cable hybrid planar cable-driven parallel robot inspired by the biological synergy of bones and muscles. The design integrates rigid rods and flexible cables to enhance structural stability and precision in motion control. The rods emulate bones, providing foundational support, while the cables mimic muscles, driving motion through coordinated tension. This design enables planar motions with three degrees of freedom, and a structural configuration that mitigates sagging and vibration for improved stability and accuracy by introducing rigid structure. The study develops detailed kinematic models, including Jacobian analysis for motion control, and evaluates the workspace using geometric and Monte Carlo methods.
Bionic Inner-Tapered Energy Absorption Tube Featuring Progressively Enhanced Fold Deformation Mode
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Mu Zhengzhi , Song Wenda , Zhang Zhiyan , Yu Hexuan , Zhang Binjie , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: December 2024

Slender tubes are in high demand owing to their lightweight and outstanding energy absorption. However, conventional slender tubes are prone to catastrophic failures such as Euler’s buckling under axial load. Interestingly, growing bamboos overcome this similar dilemma via a unique tapered intine in the internodes, which endows them with excellent energy absorption. Inspired by this finding, a bionic inner-tapered tube (BITT) was designed to enhance the energy absorption of slender tubes under axial load. The special energy absorption (SEA) was evaluated via a quasi-static axial compression test. Then, theoretical calculation and finite element analysis were carried out to analyze the energy absorption mechanisms. The results reveal that the tapered inner wall induces a progressively enhanced fold deformation mode for BITT, which not only prevents buckling failure and decreases initial peak crushing load but also improves the energy absorption efficiency by increasing plastic deformation. The influences of taper and length–diameter ratio on the axial energy absorption of BITT are explored. Finally, the bionic square array (BSA) and bionic hexagon array (BHA) are fabricated by taking BITT as the basic structural unit, which significantly improves the main energy absorption performance indicators under axial load.
Integrating Knowledge Graphs and Digital Twins for Heritage Building Conservation
Authors: Hosamo Haidar , Mazzetto Silvia
Published: December 2024

This study presents a framework for integrating digital twins and knowledge graphs to enhance heritage building conservation, addressing challenges in environmental stress management, material degradation, and structural integrity while preserving historical authenticity. Using validated synthetic data, the framework enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and emergency response through a digital twin connected to a knowledge graph. Four scenarios were simulated to evaluate system performance: high humidity exceeding a 75% threshold triggered alerts for limestone maintenance; temperature fluctuations caused strain levels up to 0.009 units in load-bearing components at 35 °C, necessitating structural inspection; cumulative degradation monitoring projected re-plastering needs by month eight as the plaster degradation index approached 85%; and sudden impact events simulated emergency responses, with strain spikes over 0.004 units prompting real-time alerts within 2.5 s. Response times averaged 50 ms under normal conditions, peaking at 150 ms during high-frequency updates, showing robust Application Programming Interface (API) performance and data synchronization. SPARQL (SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language) queries within the knowledge graph facilitated proactive maintenance scheduling, reducing reactive interventions and supporting sustainable heritage conservation, especially suited to humid–temperate climates. This framework offers a novel, structured approach that bridges modern technology with heritage preservation needs, addressing both urgent conservation challenges and long-term sustainability to ensure the resilience of heritage buildings.
Development of a Baseline Digital Twin Model as a Prerequisite for the Digital Twin Definition of a PSC-I Bridge with Model Updating Considering Member Stiffness
Authors: Roh Gitae , Park Jaewook , Jeon Chi-Ho , Shim Chang-Su
Published: December 2024

Structural health monitoring using various sensors has been widely employed to assess the structural conditions of bridges. In addition, the concept of a digital twin was introduced, which encompasses the life cycle information of a bridge and its real-time data acquisition and utilization. However, the obtained real-time data from sensors primarily reflect the global behavior of the system, making it challenging to identify the root causes of structural changes. For a highly reliable assessment of the global behavior of a bridge, previous history information, that is, a prerequisite model, is required. This study defines a baseline digital twin model (B-DTM) as the stage preceding real-time data utilization in digital twins. The B-DTM is structured into a pre-update phase, which involves the collection of members and system historical data, and a post-update phase, which focuses on model updating. For the case of model updating, due to the inherent complexity of bridge systems, identifying the global optimum for updating remains challenging. In the pre-update phase, a probabilistic approach to historical data such as member stiffness restricts the search domain for model updating, whereas, in the post-update phase, deflection, mode shapes, and natural frequencies derived from load test results representing the real bridge’s behavior are utilized to explore the global optimum solution. The proposed B-DTM was validated using collected data and load test results from a PSC-I girder bridge decommissioned after 45 years of service.
Research on Mechanical Properties of Cement Emulsified Asphalt Mortar Under the Influence of Water-to-Cement Ratios and Water-Reducing Agent
Authors: Zhao Ce , Jiao Huacheng , Zhou Bing , Liu Fei , Zhang Feilin , Luo Yong , Yuan Jie
Published: December 2024

To understand the mechanical behavior of CRTS (China Railway Track System) II cement emulsified asphalt mortar (CA mortar), this study tested the compressive strength and flexural strength of CA mortar at different ages under varying water-to-cement ratios and dosages of water-reducing agent. Based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results, the hydration products and microstructure of CA mortar at different ages were analyzed. The main conclusions are as follows. As the water-to-cement ratio increases, the compressive strength and flexural strength of CA mortar generally exhibit a decreasing trend. The strength increases rapidly in the early stages, with the 7-day compressive strength reaching over 80% of the 28-day compressive strength, and the 7-day flexural strength reaching over 93% of the 28-day flexural strength. As the dosage of water-reducing agent increases, both the compressive strength and flexural strength of CA mortar first increase and then decrease, with a reasonable range of water-reducing agent dosage being between 0.2% and 1.0%, and 0.5% is most appropriate. The hydration reaction of CA mortar is nearly complete at 3 days, with the increase in ages, the cement hydration slows down due to the coating action of asphalt, and the strength no longer changes greatly. Hydration products are mainly Ettringite, which is the main source of strength of CA mortar. After the emulsified asphalt breaks, it adsorbs onto the hydration products and sand surfaces, gradually forming a continuous phase, which enhances the structural toughness of the CA mortar.
Finite Element Analysis of the Flexural Behavior of Steel Plate–High-Performance Concrete (HPC) Slab and Beam Composite Structures
Authors: Li Jian-Peng , Zhang Lu-Yao , Zhu Ying-Jie , Zhao Guo , Liu Fu-Zhong , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2024

This paper studied the flexural behavior of flat steel–HPC composite beams and corrugated steel–HPC composite slabs using finite element analysis. The accuracy and reliability of the finite element model were verified by comparing it with related experimental data in the literature. The influence of different factors on the flexural bearing capacity of the composite slab/beam is discussed. Increasing the concrete thickness, friction coefficient, concrete strength, and wave height of a corrugated steel plate and employing an optimized rebar configuration significantly enhanced the flexural behavior. Remarkably, increasing the thickness of the steel plate and the number of studs also improved the flexural bearing capacity, but an over-reinforcement phenomenon could easily occur, not being conducive to optimal structural performance. An equation for calculating the flexural bearing capacity of steel–HPC composite slab/beam structures considering the effects of the number of studs and the friction coefficient is proposed. The rationality of the proposed method was verified through the finite element results, providing a more accurate method for designing steel–HPC composite structures.
The Impact of Housing Vulnerability on the Relationship Between Social Capital, Residential Satisfaction, and Attitudes Toward Disadvantaged Groups in South Korea
Authors: Kim Sungeun , Jeon Seran
Published: December 2024

This study examines the relationships among social capital, residential satisfaction, and attitudes toward disadvantaged groups in South Korea, with a focus on the moderating effects of educational and employment vulnerability. Using data from the 2022 Seoul Survey, which included a sample of 39,340 individuals, the analysis employed Hayes’ Process Macro to assess both mediation and moderated mediation effects. The findings show that social capital significantly enhances residential satisfaction (β = 0.557, p < 0.001), which, in turn, positively influences attitudes toward disadvantaged groups (β = 0.411, p < 0.001). Notably, the impact of residential satisfaction on attitudes was stronger for individuals who were educationally and employment-vulnerable, underscoring the amplified role of housing conditions in shaping social attitudes for these groups. These results highlight the importance of strengthening social capital and implementing targeted housing policies to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. Policy recommendations include integrating social capital-building initiatives with urban planning strategies and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups through tailored housing interventions to foster social cohesion and inclusivity. Future research should explore other dimensions of vulnerability and utilize longitudinal data to assess long-term impacts.
Improving Cure Rates for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Large B-Cell Lymphomas: Targeted Therapies for High-Risk Pathologic Subgroups as Defined by Clinical Laboratory Testing
Authors: Landsburg Daniel J.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and high-grade B cell lymphoma (HGBL) comprise the majority of large B-cell lymphomas (LBCL), and approximately two-thirds of patients diagnosed with these LBCLs are cured following treatment with first-line immunochemotherapy. While the International Prognostic Index (IPI) score is a validated prognostic tool used for patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP), there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that LBCL tumor features, which can be detected by clinical laboratory testing, can predict patient survival following first-line immunochemotherapy. Conclusions: Clinical laboratory testing may also allow for rational identification of targeted agents that can be added to first-line immunochemotherapy for high-risk, pathologically defined subsets of LBCL patients, and this approach may result in better survival outcomes for the entire LBCL patient population as compared with adding pathologically “agnostic” agents for those defined as high risk by IPI score.
Integrating Muscle Depletion with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging to Predict Overall Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Tzu-Rong , Wu Chao-Chuan , Hsiao Jong-Kai , Chou Yi-Chun , Liao Yuan-Ling , Chen Yen-Chih , Shao Pei-Jung , Wu Ta-Wei , Hsu Ching-Sheng
Published: December 2024

Background: Muscle depletion (MD) is a critical factor that influences clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its role in cancer prognosis is recognized, its integration into widely used prognostic systems remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of MD on overall survival (OS) in HCC patients and to improve existing noninvasive prognostic models by incorporating MD-related metrics. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1072 HCC patients treated at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients had follow-up data and computed tomography (CT) scans at vertebral level L3 for MD evaluation. Independent prognostic factors for OS were identified using Cox proportional hazards models, and the predictive performance of various prognostic models was assessed through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: The key independent predictors of OS in HCC patients included hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MD-related metrics (psoas muscle-to-spine ratio, psoas muscle-to-vertebral ratio, and myosteatosis). Among existing models, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class, and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade demonstrated robust predictive performance for OS. However, incorporating MD significantly improved the predictive accuracy of these models, with the MD–BCLC model showing the highest AUROC (0.804, 95% CI: 0.777–0.832, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MD is an independent and significant prognostic predictor for patients with HCC. Integrating MD metrics into established systems, particularly the BCLC staging system, markedly improves OS prediction, providing a more comprehensive tool for clinical decision-making in the management of HCC.
Deep Learning for Melanoma Detection: A Deep Learning Approach to Differentiating Malignant Melanoma from Benign Melanocytic Nevi
Authors: Kreouzi Magdalini , Theodorakis Nikolaos , Feretzakis Georgios , Paxinou Evgenia , Sakagianni Aikaterini , Kalles Dimitris , Anastasiou Athanasios , Verykios Vassilios S. , Nikolaou Maria
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, accounts for a significant proportion of skin-cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early and accurate differentiation between melanoma and benign melanocytic nevi is critical for improving survival rates but remains challenging because of diagnostic variability. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown promise in automating melanoma detection with accuracy comparable to expert dermatologists. This study evaluates and compares the performance of four CNN architectures—DenseNet121, ResNet50V2, NASNetMobile, and MobileNetV2—for the binary classification of dermoscopic images. Methods: A dataset of 8825 dermoscopic images from DermNet was standardized and divided into training (80%), validation (10%), and testing (10%) subsets. Image augmentation techniques were applied to enhance model generalizability. The CNN architectures were pre-trained on ImageNet and customized for binary classification. Models were trained using the Adam optimizer and evaluated based on accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), inference time, and model size. The statistical significance of the differences was assessed using McNemar’s test. Results: DenseNet121 achieved the highest accuracy (92.30%) and an AUC of 0.951, while ResNet50V2 recorded the highest AUC (0.957). MobileNetV2 combined efficiency with competitive performance, achieving a 92.19% accuracy, the smallest model size (9.89 MB), and the fastest inference time (23.46 ms). NASNetMobile, despite its compact size, had a slower inference time (108.67 ms), and slightly lower accuracy (90.94%). Performance differences among the models were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: DenseNet121 demonstrated a superior diagnostic performance, while MobileNetV2 provided the most efficient solution for deployment in resource-constrained settings. The CNNs show substantial potential for improving melanoma detection in clinical and mobile applications.
Insufficient Sleep Syndrome in Childhood
Authors: Miike Teruhisa
Published: December 2024

Sleep disorders in children have a negative impact on mental and physical development, and a lack of sleep is one of the most important problems in infancy. At the age when naps are commonly accepted, the judgment of whether the amount of sleep is adequate has been based on the total amount of sleep per day. In other words, the idea is that even if the amount of sleep at night is insuﬃcient, it is not considered insuﬃcient if it is compensated for by taking a long nap or sleeping late on weekend mornings. However, these lifestyle habits disrupt the circadian rhythm and cause social jet lag, which is not appropriate for healthy mental and physical development. Therefore, in this review, I present the average required nighCime basic sleep duration (NBSD) of 10 h for Japanese and 11 h for Caucasian children as a judgment standard. (1) If the child sleeps less than 8 h at night, and (2) if the child sleeps less than 9 h at night or 30 to 60 min less than the required NBSD, immediate treatment is recommended. I also discuss briefly how to address sleep insufficiency in childhood.
Machine-Learning-Driven Optimization of Cold Spray Process Parameters: Robust Inverse Analysis for Higher Deposition Efficiency
Authors: Hamrani Abderrachid , Medarametla Aditya , John Denny , Agarwal Arvind
Published: December 2024

Cold spray technology has become essential for industries requiring efficient material deposition, yet achieving optimal deposition efficiency (DE) presents challenges due to complex interactions among process parameters. This study developed a two-stage machine learning (ML) framework incorporating Bayesian optimization to address these challenges. In the first stage, a classification model predicted the occurrence of deposition, while the second stage used a regression model to forecast DE values given deposition presence. The approach was validated on Aluminum 6061 data, demonstrating its capability to accurately predict DE and identify optimal process parameters for target efficiencies. Model interpretability was enhanced with SHAP analysis, which identified gas temperature and gas type as primary factors affecting DE. Scenario-based inverse analysis further validated the framework by comparing model-predicted parameters to literature data, revealing high accuracy in replicating real-world conditions. Notably, substituting hydrogen as the gas carrier reduced the required gas temperature and pressure for high DE values, suggesting economic and operational benefits over helium and nitrogen. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of AI-driven solutions in optimizing cold spray processes, contributing to more efficient and practical approaches in material deposition.
Stock Price Prediction in the Financial Market Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Teixeira Diogo M. , Barbosa Ramiro S.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an analysis of stock price forecasting in the financial market, with an emphasis on approaches based on time series models and deep learning techniques. Fundamental concepts of technical analysis are explored, such as exponential and simple averages, and various global indices are analyzed to be used as inputs for machine learning models, including Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and XGBoost. The results show that while each model possesses distinct characteristics, selecting the most efficient approach heavily depends on the specific data and forecasting objectives. The complexity of advanced models such as XGBoost and GRU is reflected in their overall performance, suggesting that they can be particularly effective at capturing patterns and making accurate predictions in more complex time series, such as stock prices.
Age Determination of Gem-Quality Green Vanadium Grossular (Var. Tsavorite) from the Neoproterozoic Metamorphic Mozambique Belt, Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Zhao Siyi , Xu Bo , Zhao Yi
Published: December 2024

Gem-quality garnets, with their high closure temperature (750–800 °C), high transparency, uniform composition, and purity, offer promising prospects for U-Pb dating. Despite decades of recognition that garnets can be dated using the U-Pb method, direct dating remains extremely limited. Tsavorite is a rare gem-quality green vanadium-rich grossular hosted in the Neoproterozoic Metamorphic Mozambique Belt (NMMB). Until now, the accurate crystallization age of the tsavorite in Kenya and Lemshuku (Tanzania) has remained unknown. Here, we conducted in situ laser U-Pb geochronological analysis on gem-quality tsavorite samples from Tanzania and Kenya. U-Pb dating of tsavorite sourced from the Lemshuku mine (Tanzania) and the Tsavorite mine (Kenya) yielded ages of 643.9 ± 3.2 Ma and 617.4 ± 4.8 Ma, respectively. The high closure temperature of the U-Pb system within garnets renders it more inclined to preserve crystallization ages rather than documenting cooling events or metamorphic overprinting. Consequently, these ages are indicative of the tsavorite mineralization epochs. These findings align with the most significant metamorphic period documented in the Mozambique Belt, known as the East African Orogen, which occurred between 640 and 600 Ma. U-Pb data have revealed distinct formation times for each district. Dating specific deposits can provide more precise information about the origin of tsavorite, rather than solely relying on isotope or trace element data that have long been used for provenance studies of tsavorite.
3D Printing of Polymer-Derived Graphene/SiCp/SiC Composite by Direct Ink Writing
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Li Yajun , Tang Run , Li Yamin
Published: December 2024

The direct ink writing (DIW) process has been successfully used to prepare SiC-based composites from preceramic polymers due to the porous light weight, lower sintering temperature, and tailored design. However, it still presents challenges in improving the mechanical properties of composites and endowing them with multifunctionality. In this study, we present a 3D-printing strategy for preparing a graphene/SiCp/SiC composite using the DIW process. A polycarbosilane (PCS)-based slurry containing graphene/SiCp composite powder was developed and 3D-printed into scaffolds with a lattice structure, which were then pyrolyzed at 1500 °C to obtain a graphene/SiCp/SiC composite. The weight loss, viscosity, and printability of the graphene/SiCp/PCS slurry were evaluated, and it was determined that the slurry after 4 h of magnetic stirring was suitable for the DIW process. When heat-treated at above 800 °C in an N2 atmosphere, PCS was first reacted with SiCxOy, which was further transformed into β-SiC and pyrocarbon. The 3D-printed lattice structure achieved porosity and low density, while the SiCp reduced defects caused by large shrinkage during pyrolysis of PCS. Meanwhile, GNPs provided the composites with better conductivity and lower density. The density was as low as 1.08 g/cm3, the conductivity reached 670 S·m−1, and the compressive strength was 4.3 MPa. Thus, a lightweight and porous SiC-based composite with high conductivity and strength can be prepared.
Scaled Designs of Solar Chimneys for Different Locations
Authors: Buckland Georgia , Booker Julian
Published: December 2024

A global motivation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources propels studies of innovative technologies to harness solar energy. This paper investigates the viability of a promising renewable energy technology, solar chimney power plants (SCPPs), in a domestic context. Using a scalable mathematical model, including thermodynamic processes within the collector, chimney, and turbine generator, the power output of SCPPs is assessed across five global locations with varying annual energy requirements: Aswan, Egypt, Cornwall, UK, Melbourne, Australia, Quito Ecuador, São Paulo Brazil. This research predicts a plant’s performance under differing plant geometries and meteorological inputs such as ambient temperature and solar irradiance, revealing that Aswan, Quito, and São Paulo can reliably produce year-round power, while Cornwall and Melbourne may need a supplementary energy supply in the winter months. The model establishes a linear relationship between collector radius and chimney height for each region to minimize geometry whilst fulfilling annual energy requirements, demonstrating that reducing one component size increases the other to maintain the required output. These geometries inform discussions of technology implementation, including the integration of an air-source heat pump (ASHP) to enhance performance, though it was found that the SCPP may not meet the power demand of the ASHP in Melbourne winter. Some lifecycle factors of the Melbourne and Quito plants are considered to assess the environmental viability of the technology.
Mastectomy, HER2 Receptor Positivity, NPI, Late Stage and Luminal B-Type Tumor as Poor Prognostic Factors in Geriatric Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Nak Demet , Kivrak Mehmet
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with poor survival outcomes in geriatric female patients with breast cancer. Methods: This study utilized data from the METABRIC database to evaluate the risk factors associated with poor survival outcomes among geriatric breast cancer patients. A total of 2909 female patients, 766 of whom were geriatric, were included in the study. The effects of the type of surgery; breast cancer types; cellularity; Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status; molecular class; axillary lymph nodes; Nottingham prognostic index (NPI); status of receiving systemic chemotherapy (SCT), hormone therapy (HT), and radiotherapy (RT); tumor size and tumor on overall survival (OS); and progression-free status (PFS) of geriatric patients were investigated. Additionally, the disease-specific survival of geriatric patients was compared with other patients. Results: HER2 receptor positivity, advanced-stage tumors (T3–T4), a high NPI, and Luminal B subtypes were significant predictors of worse outcomes. Conversely, Luminal A tumors, associated with favorable hormonal responsiveness, demonstrated the best progression-free survival (PFS). HER2-positive patients exhibited a poorer PFS compared to their HER2-negative counterparts, underscoring the need for careful management of aggressive subtypes in older adults. Additionally, patients undergoing mastectomy were less likely to receive adjuvant therapies, contributing to inferior outcomes compared to breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Conclusions: Mastectomy, HER2 positivity, high NPI, advanced stages, and Luminal B tumors are significant prognostic factors in geriatric breast cancer patients.
Frailty and Sarcopenia Assessment in Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Center in Romania
Authors: Filip Petruta Violeta , Cuciureanu Denisa , Pop Corina Silvia , Marinescu Andreea Nicoleta , Furtunescu Florentina , Diaconu Laura Sorina
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia and frailty are both multidimensional and interrelated problems for patients with cirrhosis and require prompt assessment and appropriate management because of their impact on disease outcomes. Our purpose is to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty in patients with advanced liver disease. Furtherksdnvk more, our purpose is to explore the association between sarcopenia, frailty, and various complications and the impact of these conditions on short- and long-term hospital survival rates. Methods: A prospective, observational, unicentric study was conducted in an emergency university hospital in Romania between January 2021 and December 2023 that included patients with advanced liver diseases. The patients with sarcopenia and frailty were selected using measurements of handgrip strength (HGS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), liver frailty index (LFI), and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Patients were divided into four groups based on the presence of sarcopenia and/or frailty. Results: This study included 128 patients. Younger patients associated with both sarcopenia and frailty (55.76 ± 10.46 years). Most males were without sarcopenia and frailty (63.93%) compared to those with both sarcopenia and frailty (36.07%). The Child–Pugh score C was identified in the majority of those with both sarcopenia and frailty (69.70%). Higher values for MELD-Na scores were obtained in the group with sarcopenia and frailty (25.45 ± 6.924). Biomarkers like albumin, sodium, C-reactive protein, bilirubin, and platelets were statistically significant as mortality predictors in all four groups. Patients with both sarcopenia and frailty presented more often with encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Survival rates in the short and long term were lower for the patients who associated both sarcopenia and frailty compared to those without sarcopenia and frailty. Conclusions: The presence of sarcopenia and frailty significantly impacts outcomes in patients with decompensated advanced liver disease. When both conditions coexist in the same patient, they markedly increase in-hospital mortality, as well as short- and long-term survival rates.
Diagnostic Efficacy of 123Iodo-Metaiodobenzylguanidine SPECT/CT in Cardiac vs. Neurological Diseases: A Comparative Study of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy and α-Synucleinopathies
Authors: Hagen Johannes M. , Scheifele Maximilian , Zacherl Mathias J. , Katzdobler Sabrina , Bernhardt Alexander , Brendel Matthias , Levin Johannes , Höglinger Günter U. , Clauß Sebastian , Kääb Stefan , Todica Andrei , Boening Guido , Fischer Maximilian
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: 123Iodo-metaiodobenzylguanidine single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (123I-MIBG SPECT/CT) is used to evaluate the cardiac sympathetic nervous system in cardiac diseases such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and α-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s diseases. A common feature of these diseases is denervation. We aimed to compare quantitative and semi-quantitative cardiac sympathetic innervation using 123I-MIBG imaging of ARVC and α-synucleinopathies. Methods: Cardiac innervation was assessed using 123I-MIBG SPECT/CT in 20 patients diagnosed with definite ARVC and 8 patients with clinically diagnosed α-synucleinopathies. Heart-to-mediastinum-ratio (H/M-ratio), as semi-quantitative, was evaluated. Additionally, standardized uptake value (SUV), as quantitative, was measured as SUVmedian, SUVmax, and SUVpeak in the left ventricle (LV), the right ventricle (RV), and in the global heart, based on a CT scan following quantitative image reconstruction. Results: The quantification of 123I-MIBG uptake in the LV, the RV, and the global heart was feasible in patients suffering from α-synucleinopathies. SUVmedian, and SUVpeak demonstrated a significant difference between ARVC and α-synucleinopathies across all regions, with the α-synucleinopathy group showing a lower uptake. In addition, the H/M ratio showed significantly lower uptake in patients with α-synucleinopathies than in patients with ARVC. Conclusions: Patients with α-synucleinopathies demonstrate significantly lower cardiac innervation in semi-quantitative and quantitative examinations than ARVC patients. The comparison of semi-quantitative and quantitative examinations suggests that quantitative examination offers an advantage. Quantitative analysis can be performed separately for the LV, RV, and global heart. However, analyzing the LV or RV does not provide additional benefit over analyzing the global heart in distinguishing between α-synucleinopathies and ARVC. Considering the different clinical manifestations of these two diseases, the absolute SUV values should not be generalized across different pathologies, and disease-specific ranges should be used instead.
Functional and Anatomical Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Lamellar Macular Hole: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Giansanti Fabrizio , Nicolosi Cristina , Barbera Giuseppe Ruben , Vicini Giulio , Lucarelli Flavia , Traniello Gradassi Edoardo , Murro Vittoria , Virgili Gianni , Bacherini Daniela
Published: December 2024

Background: To investigate functional and anatomical outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for lamellar macular hole (LMH) with a long-term follow-up. Methods: An interventional study on 14 patients (16 eyes) with LMH was conducted. The inclusion criteria included a minimum 36-month follow-up after PPV. The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters were examined. Results: Preoperatively, the mean BCVA was 0.46 ± 0.22 LogMAR. Epiretinal proliferation (ERP) was visible in 81.25% of eyes. Outer retinal disruption was present in 31.25% of LMH cases. The average central foveal thickness (CFT) measured 183.68 ± 61.73 microns. The mean BCVA improved at each follow-up time point: it was 0.24 ± 0.16 LogMAR at 1 month, 0.18 ± 0.15 LogMAR at 6 months, and 0.09 ± 0.11 LogMAR at the last follow-up. There was a statistically significant improvement between BCVA at 1 month and BCVA at 6 months and between BCVA at 6 months and BCVA at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). BCVA improved in all eyes, with 87.5% achieving at least 0.3 LogMAR improvement. The mean CFT at the 1-month follow-up was 211.45 ± 43.55 microns, increased to 248.81 ± 48.51 microns at 6 months, and further increased to 278.37 ± 45.50 microns at the last follow-up. Foveal contour restoration was achieved in all eyes, and those with preoperative ellipsoid zone alterations demonstrated a complete repair of the external retinal layers. No intra or postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusions: In our series, PPV had a high success rate and was associated with a substantial functional improvement in LMH treatment, and this result was maintained and kept increasing until the last follow-up. Long-term follow-up is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of the healing process and to assess the benefits of the surgical intervention.
Evaluating the Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Active Irrigation Systems in Root Canal Treatment: A Narrative Review and Critical Appraisal of Theory and Methodology
Authors: Barbero-Navarro Ignacio , Sofian-Pauliuc Iuliana , Irigoyen-Camacho Maria Esther , Zepeda-Zepeda Marco Antonio , Ribas-Perez David , Castaño-Seiquer Antonio Luis
Published: December 2024

Endodontic therapy aims at preventing or curing apical periodontitis. To conduct this, the cleaning and shaping of the canals are essential. By using an irrigant, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), practitioners attempt to wash out debris, dissolve organic and inorganic tissue, lubricate the canals, prevent smear layer formation, and disrupt biofilms. Different methods have been developed to optimise the effectiveness of irrigants, including manual or passive techniques (the conventional method used worldwide) and active techniques (the irrigant is activated by certain devices to improve its flow in the root canal system). Some techniques included in the active category are ultrasonic and sonic methods, apical negative pressure irrigation, and multisonic activation. These active techniques appear to have higher effectiveness when compared to the conventional syringe method during the root canal treatment procedure. However, it is unclear whether they also have a higher influence on the treatment outcome and healing of apical periodontitis. There is a consensus on the need for endodontic studies with standardized protocols and methods to reach a standardized clinical protocol when using active irrigation.
A Lightweight Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv11
Authors: Gao Yunlong , Xin Yibing , Yang Huan , Wang Yongjuan
Published: December 2024

Research on anti-UAV (anti-unmanned aerial vehicle) detection techniques is essential, since the widespread use of UAVs, while improving convenience, poses several hidden risks to privacy, security, air control, etc. This paper focuses on the challenges of long-distance UAV identification and proposes a lightweight anti-UAV detection method based on improved YOLOv11. Firstly, HWD is imported as the backbone’s downsampling module, which lowers feature loss in the feature extraction procedure while using fewer parameters. A lighter CCFM structure is then used in place of the original neck portion, to improve the model’s capacity to detect small targets and adjust to scale changes. The detection effect on small targets is greatly enhanced by removing the original large-scale detection head and adding a new small-scale detection head in response to the small size of UAV targets. In this paper, experimental validation was carried out using the DUT ANTI-UAV dataset, and, compared to the baseline model YOLOv11, the method we propose improved the P, R, mAP50, and mAP50-05 metrics by 4%, 4.5%, 4.1%, and 4.9%, respectively, and decreased the parameters by 38.4%. However, the FPS declined by roughly 5%. The experimental results show that the improved method we propose has better performance in anti-UAV detection tasks, and the model is more lightweight.
Application of Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Innovative Technologies in Healthcare Education (Nursing and Midwifery Specialties): Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Georgieva-Tsaneva Galya , Serbezova Ivanichka , Beloeva Silvia
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on enhancing the quality of training in nursing and midwifery specialties through the application of innovative technologies in education. The widespread integration of innovations into the education process creates expanding opportunities for the implementation of modern, sustainable, and technology-supported training methods. An innovative training system for nurses and midwives was developed and implemented over one academic year. The system incorporated educational video materials, serious games, problem-solving activities, and more. Additionally, the study explored the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance training effectiveness. Participants in the educational experiment were divided into an experimental group (who received additional training through innovative methods) and a control group (who underwent traditional training). Both groups underwent pre-tests and post-tests to evaluate their practical skills in injection techniques. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the acquisition of patient care skills when modern interactive technologies were integrated into the training process. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of the obtained results. This research provides foundational methodological guidelines for researchers, educators, and curriculum developers interested in incorporating innovative interactive technologies into healthcare education.
How Speech–Language Pathologists Adapt This Is Me Digital Transition Portfolios to Support Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Communication Challenges Across Settings
Authors: Müller Eve , Kleiner Jamie R. , Evans Danielle , Kern Ann , Reikowsky Dawn , Smidl Katherine
Published: December 2024

Critical information is frequently lost when individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and co-occurring communication challenges transition from one educational/clinical setting to another. To encourage a seamless transition, speech–language pathologists (SLPs) developed This is Me (TiME), a customizable, digital transition tool designed to help students/patients share personal information and advocate for needed support in their new settings. Researchers conducted a content analysis of 92 TiME transcripts to determine how SLPs used the tool across school and inpatient contexts. Findings indicate the most common content domains included in TiME were personal information (e.g., strengths, hobbies, and preferences) and information about communication, learning styles, and behavior/emotion regulation. While school and inpatient units demonstrated similar patterns of domain use, TiME created in an inpatient context contained more information about behavior plans/supports and were almost twice as long on average. They also included more information about safety and diagnoses/medical needs and less information about self-advocacy strategies than TiME created in school contexts, reflecting the very different settings within which they were created. These findings suggest that TiME offers a solution that can readily be adapted to meet the needs of varied groups of individuals with disabilities as well as different audiences.
CubeSat Imaging Payload Design for Environmental Monitoring of Greenland
Authors: Rosero-Montalvo Paul D. , Priest Julian Charles Philip
Published: December 2024

Climate change affects the Earth’s ecosystem, and understanding human impact on sparsely populated polar regions is crucial, especially in glacial dynamics. Nanosatellites can play an essential role in monitoring remote regions due to their flexibility in adding remote sensors for Earth observation. However, they have hardware constraints such as physical space limitations, low power generation, and low bandwidth, as well as environmental challenges of vacuum, heat, cold and radiation. This paper details the preliminary system design of an imaging payload integrated into a nanosatellite for monitoring field study sites in Greenland. The payload is capable of supporting advanced image processing and Machine Learning (ML) applications. Key design elements, including the selection of imaging sensors, onboard processing units, and data transmission systems, which are optimized for the constraints of a nanosatellite platform, are presented. As a result, we presented a novel imaging payload system design, which shows a significant step towards leveraging space technology for environmental research.