bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Power Quality in Standalone Microgrids Powered by Wind and Battery Systems Using HO Algorithm Based Super Twisting Sliding Mode Controllers
Authors: Sahbani Sana , Licer Oumnia , Mahmoudi Hassane , Hasnaoui Abdennebi , Kchikach Mustapha
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the challenge of enhancing power quality in a standalone microgrid powered by wind and battery systems. Fluctuations in wind power generation and unpredictable electricity demand significantly impact power quality. To mitigate these issues, a control strategy utilizing Super Twisting Sliding Mode (STSM) controllers tuned by the Hippopotamus Optimization Algorithm (HOA) is proposed. The HOA algorithm efficiently determines optimal STSM controller parameters, leading to improved system performance and stability. A comparative study was conducted against PI, Fuzzy Logic controllers, and other metaheuristic optimization algorithms (PSO, GWO, WOA). Simulation results, obtained using MATLAB/Simulink, demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed methodology. Specifically, during a simulated abrupt load change, the system exhibited rapid recovery with frequency reaching equilibrium, significantly faster than PI and Fuzzy Logic controllers. Moreover, the DC link voltage remained stable with fluctuations of only 2%, while the three-phase RMS voltages at the Point of Load Bus (PLB) maintained balanced and stable values. These results confirm the enhanced power quality and robust operation achieved with the proposed HOA-tuned STSM control strategy, outperforming other tested methods. The methodology effectively manages both the energy management system and improves power quality in standalone wind and battery-powered microgrids.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Flame Inhibition Mechanism of Methane–Coal Dust Hybrid Explosion by Ultrafine Water Mist with Novel Chemical Additives
Authors: Liu Li , Jing Yongheng , Sun Le , Tang Yao
Published: December 2024

Coal mining frequently sees explosions caused by methane/coal dust mixtures, resulting in significant harm to people and property damage. This study utilized the Hartmann pipe experiment to investigate the inhibition mechanisms of ultrafine water mist (UWM) containing phosphorus-based sodium inhibitors (sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) and sodium phytate (C6H6Na12O24P6)) on methane/coal dust hybrid explosions. The results indicate that UWM containing NaH2PO4 and C6H6Na12O24P6 significantly reduces flame propagation velocity, flame height, and flame temperature, thereby effectively inhibiting the development of methane/coal dust hybrid explosion flames. UWM containing C6H6Na12O24P6 exhibited superior inhibition performance, reducing the flame temperature to 157.6 °C, the peak flame propagation velocity by 2.26 m/s, and the flame height by 5.66 mm. The inhibition mechanism of UWM containing phosphorus-based sodium inhibitors primarily involves physical heat absorption and chemical inhibition. The evaporation of UWM absorbs heat, thereby reducing the temperature in the reaction zone. Simultaneously, it generates a large amount of water vapor, which dilutes the fuel concentration per unit volume and reduces the collision frequency between fuel molecules and oxygen. The active free radicals (such as sodium oxygen radical (NaO), metaphosphoric acid (HPO2), HOPO (peroxyphosphate radical), etc.) produced by the decomposition of NaH2PO4 and C6H6Na12O24P6 react with free radicals (O, H, and OH), effectively reducing the concentration of free radicals, interrupting the chain reaction, and weakening the explosive severity. The decomposition products of the phosphorus-sodium components increase the heat capacity of the combustion products, dilute and isolate the combustion zone, and further reduce the explosive severity. These findings provide significant scientific and engineering support for the safe management of coal mines.
Characterization of Fuel Types for the Canadian Region Using MODIS MCD12Q1 Data
Authors: Nestola Enrica , Gavrichkova Olga , Vitale Vito , Brugnoli Enrico , Sarti Maurizio
Published: December 2024

The characterization and mapping of fuel types is one of the most important factors to consider in the development of accurate fire behavior models. This study introduces a new methodology for generating a fuel map that can be easily updated on an annual basis. The method involves identifying associations between the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land cover MCD12Q1 classes and the fuel-type classes categorized by the Canadian Fire Behavior Prediction System (FBP). For this purpose, MCD12Q1 Land Cover Type 1 data (MODIS LCM) were collected for the Canadian region. Concurrently, the Canadian fuel-type map implemented in the Fire Behavior Prediction System (FBP FTM) served as the reference dataset. Both MODIS LCM and FBP FTM were reclassified into a new Canadian FTM (NC-FTM) based on seven fuel-type classes. The method involves three key steps: (1) adapting MODIS LCM and FBP FTM for the classification of the Canadian region, (2) removing ambiguity, and (3) characterizing and assessing the accuracy of the new fuel-type classification using a confusion matrix classification algorithm. The achieved accuracy for the new classification exceeds 85%, highlighting the effectiveness of the approach. The use of MODIS LCM offers a cost-effective method for the annual characterization and mapping of fuel types, providing a practical improvement to the FBP model for Canada. Furthermore, with the proposed methodology, a fuel-type map can be generated for other specific areas of interest in the boreal region.
Smoke Detection Transformer: An Improved Real-Time Detection Transformer Smoke Detection Model for Early Fire Warning
Authors: Sun Baoshan , Cheng Xin
Published: December 2024

As one of the important features in the early stage of fires, the detection of smoke can provide a faster early warning of a fire, thus suppressing the spread of the fire in time. However, the features of smoke are not apparent; the shape of smoke is not fixed, and it is easy to be confused with the background outdoors, which leads to difficulties in detecting smoke. Therefore, this study proposes a model called Smoke Detection Transformer (Smoke-DETR) for smoke detection, which is based on a Real-Time Detection Transformer (RT-DETR). Considering the limited computational resources of smoke detection devices, Enhanced Channel-wise Partial Convolution (ECPConv) is introduced to reduce the number of parameters and the amount of computation. This approach improves Partial Convolution (PConv) by using a selection strategy that selects channels containing more information for each convolution, thereby increasing the network’s ability to learn smoke features. To cope with smoke images with inconspicuous features and irregular shapes, the Efficient Multi-Scale Attention (EMA) module is used to strengthen the feature extraction capability of the backbone network. Additionally, in order to overcome the problem of smoke being easily confused with the background, the Multi-Scale Foreground-Focus Fusion Pyramid Network (MFFPN) is designed to strengthen the model’s attention to the foreground of images, which improves the accuracy of detection in situations where smoke is not well differentiated from the background. Experimental results demonstrate that Smoke-DETR has achieved significant improvements in smoke detection. In the self-building dataset, compared to RT-DETR, Smoke-DETR achieves a Precision that has reached 86.2%, marking an increase of 3.6 percentage points. Similarly, Recall has achieved 80%, showing an improvement of 3.6 percentage points. In terms of mAP50, it has reached 86.2%, with a 3.8 percentage point increase. Furthermore, mAP50 has reached 53.9%, representing a 3.6 percentage point increase.
T6SS-Mediated Molecular Interaction Mechanism of Host Immune Response to Rahnella aquatilis Infection in Fish
Authors: Jin Ge , Hu Xiucai , Cao Yanyan , Lv Aijun
Published: December 2024

Rahnella aquatilis is an emerging pathogen in fish that poses a potential risk to human and public health. However, its pathogenicity and molecular interaction mechanism with the fish host are still poorly understood. For this study, we conducted analyses into the artificial infection, bacterial load, histopathological observation, and molecular characterization of T6SS, as well as its mediated host immune response to R. aquatilis infection. The results showed that the R. aquatilis KCL-5 strain had high pathogenicity in teleosts, such as the cyprinid fish crucian carp Carassius auratus and the zebrafish Danio rerio, as well as a macrophage infection model that was successfully established, both in vivo and in vitro. A significant time-dependent increase in bacterial distribution in the infected tissues of crucian carp was examined using real-time qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis. The recombinant plasmid pET32a-hcp of T6SS was constructed and the fusion protein was of the expected size of 35.9 kD, as shown by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Moreover, the single-cell identification of kidney-derived Mφ/Mo cells was achieved, defined with the potential cellular marker gene expression in each cell and the genes’ expression of bacterial chemotaxis and flagellar assembly, inflammation, and PRRs, as well as the T6SS-mediated interaction between fish host cells and KCL-5, which was verified by multi-omics analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T6SS/PAMPs-PRRs pathways related to the emerging R. aquatilis pathogen–host interaction mechanism in fish.
Novel GPID: Grünwald–Letnikov Fractional PID for Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control
Authors: Elgezouli Diaa Eldin , Eltayeb Hassan , Abdoon Mohamed A.
Published: December 2024

This study demonstrates that the Grünwald–Letnikov fractional proportional–integral–derivative (GPID) controller outperforms traditional PID controllers in adaptive cruise control systems, while conventional PID controllers struggle with nonlinearities, dynamic uncertainties, and stability, the GPID enhances robustness and provides more precise control across various driving conditions. Simulation results show that the GPID improves the accuracy, reducing errors better than the PID controller. Additionally, the GPID maintains a more consistent speed and reaches the target speed faster, demonstrating superior speed control. The GPID’s performance across different fractional orders highlights its adaptability to changing road conditions, which is crucial for ensuring safety and comfort. By leveraging fractional calculus, the GPID also improves acceleration and deceleration profiles. These findings emphasize the GPID’s potential to revolutionize adaptive cruise control, significantly enhancing driving performance and comfort. Numerical results obtained in α=0.99 from the GPID controller have shown better accuracy and speed consistency, adapting to road conditions for improved safety and comfort. The GPID also demonstrated faster stabilization of speed at 60 km/h with smaller errors and reduced the error to 0.59 km/h at 50 s compared to 0.78 km/h for the PID.
Lyapunov Inequalities for Systems of Tempered Fractional Differential Equations with Multi-Point Coupled Boundary Conditions via a Fix Point Approach
Authors: Ma Hailong , Li Hongyu
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we study a system of nonlinear tempered fractional differential equations with multi-point coupled boundary conditions. By applying the properties of Green’s function and the operator and combining the method of matrix analysis, we obtain the corresponding Lyapunov inequalities under two Banach spaces. And, we have compared two Lyapunov inequalities under certain conditions. An example is given to verify our results.
Race, Labour, Law, and Capitalism: The Case of US Naturalization and Immigration Law from 1790 to 1965
Authors: Butera Anita C.
Published: December 2024

The relationship between race and labour has been analyzed from different theoretical perspectives. Some have focused on the connection between race and the extraction of surplus from people of colour, Black people in particular Others have integrated race within the context of capitalism as a world system or have focused on race as a category of exploitation that defines both feudalism and capitalism that is essential for the survival of capitalism. This paper argues that, to understand the relation between race and labour, race must be understood as legal status. Race is a set of legal rights given to or withheld from workers because of loosely defined and arbitrarily selected physical characteristics. By assigning different rights to workers based on race, their labour is racialized, and race becomes an important element to the functioning of capitalism because it defines the value of labour. As legal status, race is defined and enforced by the state. In addition, this paper analyses the development of US naturalization and immigration law from 1790 to 1964, selected as an example of the process of racialization of labour. Specifically, it discusses the process of racialization of labour by connecting it to the concept of Westphalian sovereignty and the differentiation between natural and political rights. It concludes that, between 1790 and 1965, race supported the development and stability of US capitalism through the development of three distinct highly racialized labour markets: the Northeast, mostly defined by the racialization of European workers along a scale of whiteness; the West, determined by the racialization of Asian and, later, Latino workers; and the South, characterized by the racialization of African Americans and selected southern European workers, Italians in particular, and, later, Latino workers. These three markets operated in symbiosis with each other and featured different forms of racialization of labour, as defined by different forms of enforcement of race as legal status, ranging from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 on the West Coast to the Jim Crow System that emerged in the southern states after the Compromise of 1877 and the Immigration Act of 1924 that dramatically limited immigration from southern and Eastern Europe.
Phenotypic and Genetic Heterogeneity of a Pakistani Cohort of 15 Consanguineous Families Segregating Variants in Leber Congenital Amaurosis-Associated Genes
Authors: Akhtar Zainab , Altaf Sumaira , Li Yumei , Bibi Sana , Shah Jamal , Afshan Kiran , Wang Meng , Hussain Hafiz Muhammad Jafar , Qureshi Nadeem , Chen Rui , Firasat Sabika
Published: December 2024

Background: Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a congenital onset severe form of inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) and a common cause of pediatric blindness. Disease-causing variants in at least 14 genes are reported to predispose LCA phenotype. LCA is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. It can be an isolated eye disorder or as part of a syndrome, such as Senior Loken or Joubert syndrome. Sequencing studies from consanguineous populations have proven useful for novel variants identification; thus, the present study aimed to explore the genetic heterogeneity of 15 consanguineous Pakistani families, each segregating a severe IRD phenotype using targeted next generation sequencing. Methods: This study enrolled 15 consanguineous families, each with multiple affected cases of retinal dystrophy phenotype. DNA was extracted from blood samples. Targeted panel sequencing of 344 known genes for IRDs was performed, followed by Sanger sequencing for segregation analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed a total of eight reported (c.316C>T and c.506G>A in RDH12; c.864dup and c.1012C>T in SPATA7, as well as c.1459T>C, c.1062_1068del, c.1495+1G>A, c.998G>A in the CRB1, LCA5, TULP1, and IFT140 genes, respectively) and four novel homozygous (c.720+1G>T in LCA5, c.196G>C in LRAT, c.620_625del in PRPH2, and c.3411_3414del in CRB1) variants segregating with disease phenotype in each respective family. Furthermore, a novel heterozygous variant of CRB1 gene, i.e., c.1935delC in compound heterozygous condition was found segregating with disease phenotype in one large family with multiple consanguinity loops. Conclusion: Comprehensive molecular diagnosis of 15 consanguineous Pakistani families led to the identification of a total of 5 novel variants contributing to genetic heterogeneity of LCA-associated genes and helped to provide genetic counseling to the affected families.
The Arabidopsis thaliana Double-Stranded RNA Binding Proteins DRB1 and DRB2 Are Required for miR160-Mediated Responses to Exogenous Auxin
Authors: Zimmerman Kim , Pegler Joseph L. , Oultram Jackson M. J. , Collings David A. , Wang Ming-Bo , Grof Christopher P. L. , Eamens Andrew L.
Published: December 2024

DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA BINDING (DRB) proteins DRB1, DRB2, and DRB4 are essential for microRNA (miRNA) production in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) with miR160, and its target genes, AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR10 (ARF10), ARF16, and ARF17, forming an auxin responsive miRNA expression module crucial for root development. Methods: Wild-type Arabidopsis plants (Columbia-0 (Col-0)) and the drb1, drb2, and drb12 mutants were treated with the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and the miR160-mediated response of these four Arabidopsis lines was phenotypically and molecularly characterized. Results: In 2,4-D-treated Col-0, drb1 and drb2 plants, altered miR160 abundance and ARF10, ARF16, and ARF17 gene expression were associated with altered root system development. However, miR160-directed molecular responses to treatment with 2,4-D was largely defective in the drb12 double mutant. In addition, via profiling of molecular components of the miR160 expression module in the roots of the drb4, drb14, and drb24 mutants, we uncovered a previously unknown role for DRB4 in regulating miR160 production. Conclusions: The miR160 expression module forms a central component of the molecular and phenotypic response of Arabidopsis plants to exogenous auxin treatment. Furthermore, DRB1, DRB2, and DRB4 are all required in Arabidopsis roots to control miR160 production, and subsequently, to appropriately regulate ARF10, ARF16, and ARF17 target gene expression.
Genetic Mapping by 55K Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Array Reveals Candidate Genes for Tillering Trait in Wheat Mutant dmc
Authors: Jiao Kemeng , Xia Guojun , Zhou Yuan , Zhao Chenyu , Yan Huiyuan , Qi Menglei , Xie Pingfan , Ni Yongjing , Zhao Jingxue , Niu Jishan , Chao Zhaofei , Ren Jiangping , Li Lei
Published: December 2024

Background: The tiller number is a key agronomic trait for increasing the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and key genes controlling tillering have been identified, but the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: In this study, we utilized the dwarf-monoculm mutant (dmc) obtained from the ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)-treated wheat cultivar Guomai 301. The F2 populations were constructed using the dmc mutant crossed to multiple tiller parents. The F2 populations were surveyed for tillering traits at the critical fertility stage for genetic analyses. The extreme-tillering-phenotype plants from the F2 population were used to construct mixing pools that were analyzed by a wheat 55K SNP array. The tillering genes of dmc were mapped using the wheat 55K SNP array combined with transcriptomic data. Results: The results showed that the genetic phenotype of dmc is controlled by two dominant genes. The tillering genes of dmc were mapped on the 60–100 Mb region of chromosome 5B and the 135–160 Mb region of chromosome 7A. A total of sixteen candidate genes associated with the tillering trait of dmc were identified. Two candidate genes, TraesCS5B02G058800 and TraesCS7A02G184200, were predicted to be involved in indole acetic acid (IAA) response and transport, which were considered as potential regulatory genes. Conclusions: This study elucidated the genetic basis of the dmc mutant and provided two valuable reference genes for studying the development and regulatory mechanisms of wheat tillering.
Chemical and Biological Investigations of Antiviral Agents Against Plant Viruses Conducted in China in the 21st Century
Authors: Yang Yuanyou , Hu Lei , Chen Tongtong , Zhang Libo , Wang Delu , Chen Zhuo
Published: December 2024

Research into the biology of plant viruses, their mechanisms of pathogenicity, and the induction of host resistance has laid a solid foundation for the discovery of antiviral agents and their targets and the development of effective control technologies. Additionally, recent advancements in fields such as chemical biology, cheminformatics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology have provided valuable methods and tools for the design of antiviral drugs, the synthesis of drug molecules, assessment of their activity, and investigation of their modes of action. Compared with drug development for human viral diseases, the control of plant viral diseases presents greater challenges, including the cost-benefit of agents, simplification of control technologies, and the effectiveness of treatments. Therefore, in the current context of complex outbreaks and severe damage caused by plant viral diseases, it is crucial to delve deeper into the research and development of antiviral agents. This review provides a detailed overview of the biological characteristics of current targets for antiviral agents, the mode of interaction between plant virus targets and antivirals, and insights for future drug development. We believe this review will not only facilitate the in-depth analysis of the development of antivirals for crops but also offer valuable perspectives for the development of antiviral agents for use in human and veterinary medicine.
From Wristbands to Implants: The Transformative Role of Wearables in Heart Failure Care
Authors: Gregório Catarina , Agostinho João R. , Rigueira Joana , Santos Rafael , Pinto Fausto J. , Brito Dulce
Published: December 2024

Background: Heart failure (HF) management increasingly relies on innovative solutions to enhance monitoring and care. Wearable devices, originally popularized for fitness tracking, show promise in clinical decision-making for HF. This study explores the application and potential for the broader integration of wearable technology in HF management, emphasizing remote monitoring and personalized care. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to assess the role of wearables in HF management, focusing on functionalities like vital sign tracking, patient engagement, and clinical decision support. Clinical outcomes and barriers to adopting wearable technology in HF care were critically analyzed. Results: Wearable devices increasingly track physiological parameters relevant to HF, such as heart rate, physical activity, and sleep. They can identify at-risk patients, promote lifestyle changes, facilitate early diagnosis, and accurately detect arrhythmias that lead to decompensation. Additionally, wearables may assess fluid status, identifying early signs of decompensation to prevent hospitalization and supporting therapeutic adjustments. They also enhance physical activity and optimize cardiac rehabilitation programs, improving patient outcomes. Both wearable and implanted cardiac devices enable continuous, non-invasive monitoring through small devices. However, challenges like data integration, regulatory approval, and reimbursement impede their widespread adoption. Conclusions: Wearable technology can transform HF management through continuous monitoring and early interventions. Collaboration among involved parties is essential to overcome integration challenges and validate most of these devices in clinical practice.
Universal Safety Planning for Suicide Prevention: CODE RED Initial Feasibility and Acceptability
Authors: Cerel Julie , Fruhbauerova Martina , Edwards Alice , Murphy Leah , Salt Elizabeth , Whipple Beck , Clark Patti M. , Ackerman John
Published: December 2024

Suicide rates have increased in the US over the last decades. Schools often deliver suicide prevention trainings and there is growing evidence that these trainings in schools are effective. The current study examined a new upstream approach, CODE RED in which trainees complete their own safety plan prior to a mental health emergency. Participants were adult school personnel (n = 201) who completed CODE RED trainings and were surveyed using three validated 4-item measures: acceptability of intervention measure (AIM), intervention appropriateness measure (IAM), and feasibility of intervention measure (FIM). Open-ended questions were analyzed using a thematic approach. Of 201 participants who completed the survey, acceptability (18.0), appropriateness (17.9) and feasibility (18.0) were high as assessed by standardized implementation measures (each out of 20). Open-ended responses further indicated a great deal of satisfaction with the training. As a first step in determining acceptability and feasibility, CODE RED was found to be highly acceptable to adult school employees who found it applicable, appealing as an intervention, and easy to use. Most staff are hopeful that it will be useful with youth as well. It will be important to determine how this activity is used by youth and if it can be used in mental health crises to decrease symptoms.
Cognitive Health Costs of Poor Housing for Women: Exploring Executive Function and Housing Stress in Urban Slums in India
Authors: Vaid Uchita
Published: December 2024

An increasing body of literature has investigated the implications of housing quality on health, confirming the negative consequences of poor housing quality on physical and mental health. Despite this increased focus on the salutogenic impacts of housing, the relationship between housing quality and cognitive health remains understudied. This study examined how the housing quality in urban informal settlements, where living conditions are often substandard, affects women’s cognitive functioning, with a specific focus on executive function (EF) skills. EF is a decision-making system that enables us to make decisions using working memory and attentional control. This study addressed two key questions: (1) Is housing quality associated with EF skills? (2) Does perceived housing stress experienced by women mediate the housing–EF relationship? A standardized observer-based tool assessed housing quality, psychometric instruments measured EF skills, and a 12-item questionnaire evaluated perceived housing stress. Results indicated that better housing quality is positively associated with higher EF skills, with housing stress acting as a mediating factor in this relationship. These findings have important implications for both health and housing policies. Investments in improving housing conditions can yield cognitive health benefits for women, and addressing stress-inducing housing factors could further enhance cognitive outcomes.
Ambient Air Pollution Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk Worldwide: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Tippila Jeeraporn , Wah Naw Lah Say , Akbar Kurnia Ardiansyah , Bhummaphan Narumol , Wongsasuluk Pokkate , Kallawicha Kraiwuth
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women. Certain air pollutants have carcinogenic and estrogenic properties that can contribute to breast cancer development. This systematic review aimed to investigate the association between air pollution and breast cancer based on epidemiological evidence. This systematic review included articles published between 2013 and 2022 from Scopus and PubMed databases, focusing on cohort and nested case-control studies examining the association between outdoor air pollution and breast cancer. A total of 25 articles were included. A total of eight outdoor pollutants were analyzed, with seven showing a significant association with breast cancer risk. Specifically, the strong association between benzo[a]pyrene and breast cancer risk was reported. Furthermore, all four studies on nitrogen oxides (NOx), fifteen out of eighteen (83.33%) on particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nine out of thirteen studies (69.23%) on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and three out of seven studies (42.86%) on particulate matter less than 10 µm PM10 showed an association with breast cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05–1.56; odds ratio [OR]: 1.03–1.86). In contrast, only one out of three studies (33.33%) on O3 (HR: 0.76–1.03) and all studies on cadmium (OR: 0.88–0.97) suggested a negative association with breast cancer risk. None of the studies on black carbon found an association with breast cancer risk. It is important to note the methodological limitations of this review, including potential publication bias due to the inclusion of only English-language articles and a regional focus on developed countries, which may limit the generalizability of findings. This study suggests that exposure to outdoor air pollutants is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship and the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants may trigger carcinogenic effects and contribute to breast cancer development through epigenetic pathways.
Correction: Issaoui et al. Geometric Characterization of the Mateur Plain in Northern Tunisia Using Vertical Electrical Sounding and Remote Sensing Techniques. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13, 333
Authors: Issaoui Wissal , Nasr Imen Hamdi , Alexakis Dimitrios D. , Bejaoui Wafa , Ibraheem Ismael M. , Ezzine Ahmed , Othman Dhouha Ben , Inoubli Mohamed Hédi
Published: December 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Suppression of Pathological Allergen-Specific B Cells by Protein-Engineered Molecules in a Mouse Model of Chronic House Dust Mite Allergy
Authors: Ralchev Nikola , Bradyanova Silviya , Kerekov Nikola , Tchorbanov Andrey , Mihaylova Nikolina
Published: December 2024

Der p1 is one of the major allergens causing house dust mite (HDM) allergy. Pathological Der p1-specific B cells play a key role in allergic inflammation as producers of allergen-specific antibodies. Crosslinking the inhibitory FcγRIIb with the B cell receptor triggers a high-affinity suppressive signal in B cells. Selective elimination of allergen-specific cells could potentially be achieved by administering chimeric molecules that combine, through protein engineering, the FcγRIIb-targeting monoclonal 2.4G2 antibody with the epitope-carrying Dp52–71 peptides from Der p1. We tested this hypothesis, in a chronic mouse model of HDM allergy induced in BalB/c mice, using FACS and ELISA assays, along with histopathological and correlational analyses. Dp52–71chimera treatment of HDM-challenged mice led to a decrease in serum anti-HDM IgG1 antibodies, a reduction in BALF β-hexosaminidase levels, a lowered number of SiglecFhigh CD11clow eosinophils, and an improved lung PAS score. Furthermore, we observed overexpression of FcγRIIb on the surface of CD19 cells in the lungs of HDM-challenged animals, which negatively correlated with the levels of lung alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and BALF IL-13. Taken together, these results suggest that the use of FcγRIIb overexpression, combined with the expansion of chimeric protein technology to include more epitopes, could improve the outcome of inflammation.
Enhancing Rats’ Diet with Ethyl Esters Derived from Linseed Oil and Examining the Resulting Changes in Their Blood Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Sokoła-Wysoczańska Ewa , Czyż Katarzyna , Wyrostek Anna
Published: December 2024

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important factor contributing to the prevention and cure of numerous diseases, and therefore their supplementation with diet is a significant issue. There are numerous supplements on the market containing omega-3 acids, of both plant and animal origin. In our study, we compared an effect of linseed oil, ethyl esters of linseed oil and fish oil supplementation to rats’ diet on their blood serum and erythrocyte fatty acid profile. The animals were divided into nine groups, three groups did not receive supplements and differed in dietary fat content, three were fed a high-fat diet for the whole experiment and supplemented, three were fed a high-fat diet and then the control one together with supplements. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. Significant changes in the profile of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the ration of omega-6 to omega-3, were found in supplemented groups compared to the controls, the changes were more beneficial in groups supplemented with ethyl esters of linseed oil. The results were also more beneficial in groups where in addition to supplementation, there was also a dietary change from high fat to control during the supplementation period. In the case of the erythrocytes, the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content in ethyl ester-supplemented groups increased (p < 0.05) by about 60–120%, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by 80%, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 41–60% compared to the control. In turn, in the blood serum, this increase (p < 0.05) was about 70–125%, 26–40%, and 38–54%, respectively. In the case of ethyl esters, except for an increase in EPA and DHA acids, higher values of ALA were found, which can be further used in the process of conversion to longer-chain omega-3.
Comparative Analysis of Symmetry Parameters in the E2 Inner Core of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
Authors: Kim Han-ul , Jeong Myeong Seon , An Mi Young , Park Yoon Ho , Park Sun Hee , Chung Sang J. , Yi Yoon-sun , Jun Sangmi , Kim Young Kwan , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: December 2024

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have facilitated the high-resolution structural determination of macromolecular complexes in their native states, providing valuable insights into their dynamic behaviors. However, insufficient understanding or experience with the cryo-EM image processing parameters can result in the loss of biological meaning. In this paper, we investigate the dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase (E2) inner core complex of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and reconstruct the 3D maps using five different symmetry parameters. The results demonstrate that the reconstructions yield structurally identical 3D models even at a near-atomic structure. This finding underscores a crucial message for researchers engaging in single-particle analysis (SPA) with relatively user-friendly and convenient image processing software. This approach helps reduce the risk of missing critical biological details, such as the dynamic properties of macromolecules.
A Novel Approach to Boosting Programming Self-Efficacy: Issue-Based Teaching for Non-CS Undergraduates in Interdisciplinary Education
Authors: Tseng Chih-Yi , Cheng Tsang-Hsiang , Chang Chih-Hung
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of issue-based teaching (IBT) on programming self-efficacy among non-Computer Science students. Grounded in social cognitive theory, the research investigates how IBT influences learning satisfaction and project success compared to traditional metrics. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining the quantitative analysis of student performance and self-efficacy measures with qualitative feedback from learning portfolios and project reports. The findings indicate that programming self-efficacy is a stronger predictor of learning satisfaction and project success than traditional performance metrics like grades. For novice programmers, IBT effectively enhances self-efficacy, positively influencing goal identification and performance. This cascade effect highlights the importance of fostering self-efficacy in programming education for non-technical students. Qualitative analysis reveals that IBT contributes to students’ sense of achievement, motivation, and learning satisfaction, encouraging them to view programming as a practical problem-solving tool. This study concludes that IBT offers an effective approach to enhancing interdisciplinary and STEAM education, recommending that educators focus on building self-efficacy through issue-based, learner-centered approaches.
BagStacking: An Integrated Ensemble Learning Approach for Freezing of Gait Detection in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cohen Seffi , Cohen-Inger Nurit , Rokach Lior
Published: December 2024

This study introduces BagStacking, an innovative ensemble learning framework designed to enhance the detection of freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) using accelerometer data. By synergistically combining bagging’s variance reduction with stacking’s sophisticated blending mechanisms, BagStacking achieves superior predictive performance. Evaluated on a comprehensive PD dataset provided by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, BagStacking attained a mean average precision (MAP) of 0.306, surpassing standalone LightGBM and traditional stacking methods. Furthermore, BagStacking demonstrated superior area under the curve (AUC) metrics across key FOG event classes. Specifically, it achieved AUCs of 0.88 for start hesitation, 0.90 for turning, and 0.84 for walking events, outperforming multistrategy ensemble, regular stacking, and LightGBM baselines. Additionally, BagStacking exhibited reduced runtime compared to other ensemble approaches, making it suitable for real-time clinical monitoring. These results underscore BagStacking’s effectiveness in addressing the variability inherent in FOG detection, thereby contributing to improved patient care in PD.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Cheirotonus jansoni (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Under Climate Change
Authors: Yu Yali , Li Zhiqiang
Published: December 2024

Cheirotonus jansoni (Jordan, 1898), a beetle species of ecological and ornamental significance, is predominantly found in southern China. With limited dispersal ability, it is classified as a Class 2 protected species in China. In this study, the widely employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and the ensemble Biomod2 model were applied to simulate C. jansoni habitat suitability in China under current environmental conditions based on available distribution data and multiple environmental variables. The optimized MaxEnt model demonstrated improved accuracy and robust predictive capabilities, making it the preferred choice for simulating dynamic changes in potentially suitable habitats for C. jansoni under future climate scenarios. Protection gaps were further identified through analyses of the overlap between nature reserves and highly suitable areas for C. jansoni. The established models indicated that this species primarily resides in southeastern mountainous regions of China below 2000 m, with a preferred altitude of 1000–2000 m. Future climate scenarios suggest a reduction in the overall suitable habitat for C. jansoni with an increase in temperature, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts for this beetle species.
Entomopathogenic Fungi as Alternatives to Chemical Acaricides: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects for Sustainable Tick Control
Authors: Rajput Mahvish , Sajid Muhammad Sohail , Rajput Nasir Ahmed , George David Robert , Usman Muhammad , Zeeshan Muhammad , Iqbal Owais , Bhutto Bachal , Atiq Muhammad , Rizwan Hafiz Muhammad , Daniel Ian Kirimi , Sparagano Olivier Andre
Published: December 2024

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) can infect and kill a diverse range of arthropods, including ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) that can transmit various diseases to animals and humans. Consequently, the use of EPFs as a biocontrol method for managing tick populations has been explored as an alternative to chemical acaricides, which may have harmful effects on the environment and non-target species. This review summarizes studies conducted on EPFs for tick control between 1998 and 2024, identifying 9 different EPF species that have been used against 15 different species of ticks. One of the most well-known and widely researched EPFs used against ticks is Metarhizium anisopliae, a fungus known for its ability to infect and kill various arthropods. When applied to tick-infested areas, M. anisopliae spores attach to the tick’s cuticle, germinate, and penetrate through the cuticle, leading to the eventual death of the tick due to the fungal infection. Whilst a number of studies support the potential of this and other EPF species against ticks, this review suggests that limitations to their effective use may include factors such as heat, humidity, and ultraviolet light (UV-A and UV-B). This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the literature on the potential of EPFs in tick control, focusing on their mode of action, previous field successes/failures, advantages, potential applications, and prospects for future practical developments.
Insect Decline—Evaluation of Potential Drivers of a Complex Phenomenon
Authors: Grevé Michael E. , Marx Michael Thomas , Eilmus Sascha , Ernst Matthias , Herrmann John D. , Baden Christian Ulrich , Maus Christian
Published: December 2024

The decline of insects is a global concern, yet identifying the factors behind it remains challenging due to the complexity of potential drivers and underlying processes, and the lack of quantitative historical data on insect populations. This study assesses 92 potential drivers of insect decline in West Germany, where significant declines have been observed. Using data from federal statistical offices and market surveys, the study traces changes in landscape structure and agricultural practices over 33 years. Over the years, the region underwent major landscape changes, including reduced cropland and grassland and increased urbanization and forest areas. Potential detected drivers of insect decline include: (1) urban expansion, reducing insect habitats as urban areas increased by 25%; (2) intensified grassland management; (3) shifts in arable land use towards bioenergy and feed crop cultivation, particularly corn, driven by dairy farming intensification and renewable energy policies. While the toxic load of pesticide application has decreased, land-use changes, most likely driven by market demands and shifts in national and EU policies, have reduced habitat availability and suitability for insects. This study highlights how these landscape and land management changes over the past 33 years align with the observed decline in insect biomass in the region.
Impact of Postoperative Norepinephrine Administration on Free Flap Flow
Authors: Ehrl Denis , Pistek Svenja , Rieder Clemens , Irlbeck Michael , Hofmann-Kiefer Klaus , Braig David , Klein Frederic , Groene Philipp , Giunta Riccardo E. , Moellhoff Nicholas
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The perioperative interplay between blood pressure, vasopressors, and macrocirculation is well established. However, in the context of free flap surgery, the potential impact of these factors on microvascular flow remains elusive. The aim was to evaluate the impact of norepinephrine administration on the microcirculation of free flaps. Methods: Postoperative systolic blood pressure (sBP), norepinephrine infusion rates (NIRs), and free flap microcirculation were monitored prospectively and analyzed retrospectively in patients receiving free flap surgery who required postoperative intermediate (IMC) or intensive care (ICU). Blood flow, hemoglobin oxygenation (SO2), and relative hemoglobin levels (rHbs) were measured over a period of 24 hours post-anastomosis by laser-doppler flowmetry and white light spectroscopy using the “Oxygen to See” device (O2C, LEA Medizintechnik, Gießen, Germany). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the impact of NIR on microvascular flow, adjusting for several confounding factors. Subgroup analysis was conducted by categorizing into three groups based on patients’ postoperative sBP. Results: Flaps were performed in 105 patients with a mean age of 61.46 ± 16.29 years. Postoperatively, an increase in microvascular flow over time was observed across all free flaps, while NIR decreased and sBP maintained stable values. Multivariate analysis revealed that the time post-anastomosis (B = 3.76, p < 0.001), SO2 (B = 0.55, p < 0.001), rHb (B= −0.79, p < 0.001), female gender (B = 29.25, p = 0.02), and no previous radiation therapy (B = 41.21, p = 0.04) had a significant impact on postoperative microvascular flow in free flaps. NIR, sBP, smoking status, old age, and ASA score showed no significant impact on free flap flow. Further, NIR showed no significant impact on microvascular flow in any of the subgroups investigated. Conclusions: These findings support the safety of using norepinephrine for maintaining stable blood pressure without compromising microvascular flow, offering valuable guidance for postoperative management.
Systematic Review of Acute Isolated Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation: Treatment Options
Authors: Zampetakis Konstantinos , Stavrakakis Ioannis M. , Alpantaki Kalliopi , Kastanis Grigorios , Ktistakis Ioannis , Tsioupros Alexandros , Ritzakis Nikolaos , Chaniotakis Constantinos
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Acute isolated distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocations are rare and often misdiagnosed during initial evaluation due to subtle clinical presentation, low index of suspicion, and imaging barriers. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid chronic instability, limited wrist mobility, and osteoarthritis. This systematic review evaluates the functional outcomes of conservative and surgical treatment protocols for acute isolated DRUJ dislocations. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Mendeley databases (2000–2024) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria involved adult patients with isolated DRUJ dislocations diagnosed and managed within one week of injury. Studies reporting on underage patients, associated fractures, delayed management, and open injuries were excluded. Data on demographics, injury mechanism, diagnostic methods, treatment protocols, and functional outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: In total, 22 cases across 20 studies were included. The majority (90.9%) were males, with a mean age of 37.9 years (range: 20–70 years). Falls and sports injuries were the major causes, with volar dislocations predominating (18/22). The misdiagnosis rate was equal to 18%. Most cases were treated conservatively with closed reduction and immobilization for an average of 4.9 weeks. Operative treatment was performed in 6 cases, mainly following failed closed reductions. Functional outcomes were generally favorable, although the same parameters were not consistently studied in all patients. Overall, 82% (14 of 17 patients) achieved a full range of motion; 88% (14 of 16 patients) reported no pain, and all assessed cases had stable DRUJs at follow-up. Conclusions: This review highlights the rarity and diagnostic challenges of this injury. The functional outcomes of both conservative and operative treatment are generally satisfactory. Conservative treatment should be the first-line approach, with surgery reserved for irreducible or unstable cases. Future research using standardized outcome measures is needed to provide guidance for clinicians.