Search Results (4,608)

With the development of genome sequencing technologies, the amount of data produced has greatly increased in the last two decades. The abundance of digital sequence information (DSI) has provided research opportunities, improved our understanding of the genome, and led to the discovery of new solutions in industry and medicine. It has also posed certain challenges, i.e., how to store and handle such amounts of data. This, coupled with the need for convenience, international cooperation, and the possibility of independent validation, has led to the establishment of numerous databases. Spearheaded with the idea that data obtained with public funds should be available to the public, open access has become the predominant mode of accession. However, the increasing popularity of commercial genetic tests brings back the topic of data misuse, and patient’s privacy. At the previous United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15, 2022), an issue of the least-developed countries exploiting their natural resources while providing DSI and the most-developed countries benefitting from this was raised. It has been proposed that financial renumeration for the data could help protect biodiversity. With the goal of introducing the topic to those interested in utilizing biological databases, in this publication, we present the history behind the biological databases, their necessity in today’s scientific world, and the issues that concern them and their content, while providing scientific and policy context in relation to United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16, 21.10—1.11.24). Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a significant global health issue, affecting over 55 million individuals worldwide, with a progressive impact on cognitive and functional abilities. Early detection, particularly of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as an indicator of potential AD onset, is crucial yet challenging, given the limitations of current diagnostic biomarkers and the need for non-invasive, accessible tools. This study aims to address these gaps by exploring driving performance as a novel, non-invasive biomarker for MCI detection. Using the LiveDrive AI system, equipped with multimodal sensing (MMS) technology and a driving performance assessment strategy, the proposed work analyzes the predictive capacity of driving patterns in indicating cognitive decline. Machine learning models, trained on an expert-annotated in-house dataset, were employed to detect MCI status from driving performance. Key findings demonstrate the feasibility of using nuanced driving features, such as velocity and acceleration during turning, as indicators of cognitive decline. This approach holds promise for integration into smartphone or car applications, enabling real-time, continuous cognitive health monitoring. The implications of this work suggest a transformative step towards scalable, real-world solutions for early AD diagnosis, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and disease management. Full article

Electric vehicles can substantially lower the overall carbon footprint of the transportation sector, and their batteries become key enablers of widespread electrification. Although high capacity and efficiency are essential for providing sufficient range and performance in electric vehicles, they can be compromised by the need to lower costs and environmental impacts and retain valuable materials. In the present work, multi-criteria decision analysis was adopted to assess the sustainability of different lithium-ion batteries. Life cycle carbon emissions and toxicity, material criticality, life cycle costs, specific energy, safety, and durability were considered in the analysis as key parameters of the transition to electric mobility. A subjective approach was chosen for the weight attribution of the criteria. Although certain alternatives, like lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), outweigh others in specific energy, they lack in terms of safety, material preservation, and environmental impact. Addressing cost-related challenges is also important for making certain solutions competitive and largely accessible. Overall, while technical parameters are crucial for the development of lithium-ion batteries, it is equally important to consider the environmental burden, resource availability, and economic factors in the design process, alongside social aspects such as the ethical sourcing of materials to ensure their sustainability. Full article

Addressing malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in Ethiopia necessitates innovative, food-based solutions such as biofortified crops. This study assesses the adoption rates of Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) and examines the factors influencing adoption among project participants, non-participants, and counterfactual households in the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNPs) region. Primary data were collected in 2023 through a survey of 990 households across six districts, and logistic regression was employed to identify key determinants of adoption. The findings reveal OFSP adoption rates of 53% among participants, 56% among non-participants, and 42% among counterfactual households, with significant variation across regions. Factors positively influencing adoption include household education, proximity to health centers and OFSP multiplication sites, frequent extension contact, and access to agricultural services. This study underscores the potential of newly released OFSP varieties to enhance food security and resilience in malnutrition-prone areas. The comparable adoption rates between participants and non-participants highlight significant spillover effects from long-term interventions, suggesting widespread community benefits. However, the limited adoption of complementary OFSP package components points to the need for enhanced training programs and streamlined technology dissemination strategies. These findings contribute to understanding how biofortified crops can be scaled effectively to improve food security and nutrition, offering valuable insights for policy and program design. Full article

Background: The integration of digital health technologies has transformed mental healthcare, particularly for young adults with First-Episode Psychosis (FEP). Digital interventions, such as telepsychiatry and mobile applications, address barriers like social stigma, restricted access to services, and the urgency of timely care. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and APA PsycINFO. Included studies focused on randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and open studies of digital interventions for FEP rehabilitation. Exclusion criteria included meta-analyses, reviews, and irrelevant studies. Results: Smartphone applications like Horyzons-Canada facilitated peer support and symptom management, while tools such as My Journey 3 emphasized the need for better user engagement. Digital innovations, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and telepsychiatry, demonstrated improvements in recovery and treatment adherence. Discussion: Digital interventions significantly enhance the accessibility and quality of FEP care, supporting functional recovery and patient engagement. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, user engagement strategies, and advanced analytics to develop personalized, scalable solutions. Full article

The food packaging industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy, with a large contribution to environmental concerns due to the extensive use of fossil-derived materials. Combining wood-based materials, such as particleboards, with bio-adhesives may offer a great opportunity to develop sustainable packaging solutions with active antioxidant properties. In the present work, a phenolic extract of poplar bark was produced and bio-adhesives were formulated using citric acid as a cross-linker. The impact of citric acid content on the chemical and bonding properties of bio-adhesives was evaluated. Additionally, the impact of the temperature of curing on their antioxidant capacity was also accessed. The bio-adhesives were applied in the production of particleboards, using poplar veneer particles as raw material. The composite materials exhibit high mechanical resistance, fulfilling the requirement of PB type P1, with remarkable antioxidant activity, opening a possibility to be employed in an active packaging solution. Full article

In this paper, we propose a Linux-based operating system, namely, DicomOS, tailored for medical imaging and enhanced interoperability, addressing user-friendly functionality and the main critical needs in radiology workflows. Traditional operating systems in clinical settings face limitations, such as fragmented software ecosystems and platform-specific restrictions, which disrupt collaborative workflows and hinder diagnostic efficiency. Built on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, DicomOS integrates essential DICOM functionalities directly into the OS, providing a unified, cohesive platform for image visualization, annotation, and sharing. Methods include custom configurations and the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line tools, making them accessible to medical professionals and developers. Key applications such as ITK-SNAP and 3D Slicer are seamlessly integrated alongside specialized GUIs that enhance usability without requiring extensive technical expertise. As preliminary work, DicomOS demonstrates the potential to simplify medical imaging workflows, reduce cognitive load, and promote efficient data sharing across diverse clinical settings. However, further evaluations, including structured clinical tests and broader deployment with a distributable ISO image, must validate its effectiveness and scalability in real-world scenarios. The results indicate that DicomOS provides a versatile and adaptable solution, supporting radiologists in routine tasks while facilitating customization for advanced users. As an open-source platform, DicomOS has the potential to evolve alongside medical imaging needs, positioning it as a valuable resource for enhancing workflow integration and clinical collaboration. Full article

This paper describes the Weather On-Demand (WOD) forecasting framework which is a software stack used to run operational and on-demand weather forecasts. The WOD framework is a distributed system for the following: (1) running the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model for data assimilation and forecasts by triggering either scheduled or on-demand jobs; (2) gathering upstream weather forecasts and observations from a wide variety of sources; (3) reducing output data file sizes for permanent storage; (4) making results available through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs); (5) making data files available to custom post-processors. Much effort is put into starting processing as soon as the required data become available, and in parallel where possible. In addition to being able to create short- to medium-range weather forecasts for any location on the globe, users are granted access to a plethora of both global and regional weather forecasts and observations, as well as seasonal outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA through WOD integrated-APIs. All this information can be integrated with third-party software solutions via WOD APIs. The software is maintained in the Git distributed version control system and can be installed on suitable hardware, bringing the full flexibility and power of the WRF modelling system to the user in a matter of hours. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life (QoL), often requiring effective rehabilitation strategies to promote recovery. However, traditional rehabilitation methods can be expensive and may lack engagement, leading to poor adherence to therapy exercise routines. An exergame system can be a solution to this problem. In this paper, we investigate appropriate hand gestures for controlling video games in a rehabilitation exergame system. The Mediapipe Python library is adopted for the real-time recognition of gestures. We choose 10 easy gestures among 32 possible simple gestures. Then, we specify and compare the best and the second-best groups used to control the game. Comprehensive experiments are conducted with 16 students at Andalas University, Indonesia, to find appropriate gestures and evaluate user experiences of the system using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). The results show that the hand gestures in the best group are more accessible than in the second-best group. The results suggest appropriate hand gestures for game controls and confirm the proposal’s validity. In future work, we plan to enhance the exergame system by integrating a diverse set of video games, while expanding its application to a broader and more diverse sample. We will also study other practical applications of the hand gesture control function. Full article

Ultrasound imaging is widely valued for its safety, non-invasiveness, and real-time capabilities but is often limited by operator variability, affecting image quality and reproducibility. Robot-assisted ultrasound may provide a solution by delivering more consistent, precise, and faster scans, potentially reducing human error and healthcare costs. Effective force control is crucial in robotic ultrasound scanning to ensure consistent image quality and patient safety. However, existing robotic ultrasound systems rely heavily on expensive commercial force sensors or the integrated sensors of commercial robotic arms, limiting their accessibility. To address these challenges, we developed a cost-effective, lightweight, 3D-printed force sensor and a hybrid position–force control strategy tailored for robotic ultrasound scanning. The system integrates patient-to-robot registration, automated scanning path planning, and multi-sensor data fusion, allowing the robot to autonomously locate the patient, target the region of interest, and maintain optimal contact force during scanning. Validation was conducted using an ultrasound-compatible abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) phantom created from patient CT data and healthy volunteer testing. For the volunteer testing, during a 1-min scan, 65% of the forces were within the good image range. Both volunteers reported no discomfort or pain during the whole procedure. These results demonstrate the potential of the system to provide safe, precise, and autonomous robotic ultrasound imaging in real-world conditions. Full article

In recent years, cyberattacks have increased in sophistication, using a variety of tools to exploit vulnerabilities across the global digital landscapes. Among the most commonly used tools at an attacker’s disposal are Google dorks, Shodan, and Censys, which offer unprecedented access to exposed systems, devices, and sensitive data on the World Wide Web. While these tools can be leveraged by professional hackers, they have also empowered “Script Kiddies”, who are low-skill, inexperienced attackers who use readily available exploits and scanning tools without deep technical knowledge. Consequently, cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure are growing at a rapid rate, driven by the ease with which these solutions can be operated with minimal expertise. This paper explores the potential for cyberattacks enabled by these tools, presenting use cases where these platforms have been used for both offensive and defensive purposes. By examining notable incidents and analyzing potential threats, we outline proactive measures to protect against these emerging risks. In this study, we delve into how these tools have been used offensively by attackers and how they serve defensive functions within cybersecurity. Additionally, we also introduce an automated all-in-one tool designed to consolidate the functionalities of Google dorks, Shodan, and Censys, offering a streamlined solution for vulnerability detection and analysis. Lastly, we propose proactive defense strategies to mitigate exploitation risks associated with such tools, aiming to enhance the resilience of critical digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. Full article

The food and agriculture sector is a cornerstone of critical infrastructure (CI), underpinning global food security, public health, and economic stability. However, the increasing digitalization and connectivity of operational technologies (OTs) in this sector expose it to significant cybersecurity risks. Blockchain technology (BT) has emerged as a transformative solution for addressing these challenges by enhancing network security, traceability, and system resilience. This study presents a comprehensive review of BT applications in OT security for food and agriculture CI, employing bibliometric and content analysis methods. A total of 124 relevant articles were identified from six databases, including the Web of Science Core Collection and MEDLINE^®. Bibliometric analysis was conducted across five dimensions: publication year, literature type, journal distribution, country contributions, and keyword trends. The findings are meticulously organized through tables, charts, and graphs. The year 2018 marked a surge in research within this domain, with the IEEE Internet of Things Journal and IEEE ACESS emerging as the most prolific journals, each boasting nine publications. The United States, China, and India are at the forefront in terms of journal citation counts. Our analysis determined that a reference count of 37 serves as an appropriate threshold. Otoum Safa stands out as the author with the highest number of published articles, totaling four. Keywords such as “blockchain”, “internet of things”, “smart contract”, “security”, and “critical infrastructure” appear with significant frequency. The statistics, trends, and insights gleaned from this bibliometric analysis can guide researchers in the OTCI field to forge a coherent and logical research trajectory. Content analysis further identified six key research areas within this domain: identity authentication and data verification, secure access control, attack detection and perception, data security and protection, data backup and recovery, and attack assessment and attribution. Based on these insights, a general framework is proposed to guide future research and practical applications of BT in securing OT within food and agriculture CI. This study systematically analyzes the current research landscape, challenges, and opportunities for BT in securing the OT critical to food and agriculture CI. By bridging the gap between blockchain innovations and the operational needs of the food and agriculture sector, this work contributes to advancing strategic implementation and improving the security of CI systems. Full article

The SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary (BWS) has been in operation for over five years and serves as a unique case study to evaluate the effectiveness of marine sanctuaries for cetaceans. While cetacean sanctuaries are often regarded as a middle-ground solution between captivity and release, evidence from the BWS highlights complexities in adapting cetaceans to these environments. Despite initial assumptions that natural conditions would inherently improve welfare, the belugas at the BWS spent the majority of the operational period (92.6%) in a conventional indoor pool, due to health and welfare concerns. Repeated delays, challenges in acclimatization, and distress-related conditions observed during periods in the bay suggest that natural environments alone may not guarantee improved welfare. Additionally, the lack of publicly accessible data on health and welfare outcomes hinders comprehensive evaluation of the sanctuary’s success and raises questions about transparency and evidence-based practices. This review underscores the need for refined sanctuary models, improved infrastructure, and structured adaptation programs tailored to species and individual cetaceans. It highlights the importance of robust planning, ongoing research, and transparency to meet the ambitious goals of marine sanctuaries in the best interests of the well-being of cetaceans under human care. These considerations also raise concerns about the decision to relocate captive cetaceans to marine sanctuaries, as the available evidence suggests that such environments may not inherently guarantee better welfare outcomes. Full article

With the development of the Internet of Things, cloud networking, and 4K/8K high-definition video, global internet traffic has seen a dramatic increase. This surge in traffic has placed higher demands on the performance of optical networks, featuring higher data rates, lower latency, and lower cost. The passive optical network (PON) is a representative scenario of optical access networks. Issues such as burst-mode detection in upstream PON scenarios, flexible rate allocation in downstream scenarios, and the simplification of hardware complexity at the optical network unit (ONU) side have attracted considerable attention. Compared to intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD), a recently proposed coherent PON incorporates a local oscillator laser at the receiver, enabling superior receiver sensitivity, spectrally efficient modulation, linear optical field recovery, and flexible channel selection. These features significantly enhance the flexibility and data rates of PON systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the development of coherent PONs, particularly in aspects of preamble design for burst-mode detection in upstream scenarios, the design of flexible rate PONs in downstream scenarios, and solutions for reducing hardware complexity at the ONU side. Full article

Transportation 5.0 is an advanced and sophisticated system combining technologies with a focus on human-centered design and inclusivity. Its various components integrate intelligent infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, shared mobility services, green energy solutions, and data-driven systems to create an efficient and sustainable transportation network to tackle modern urban challenges. However, this evolution of transportation is also intended to improve accessibility by creating environmentally benign substitutes for traditional fuel-based mobility solutions, even when addressing traffic management and control issues. Consequently, to promote synergy for sustainability, the diversified nature of the Transportation 5.0 components ought to be efficiently and effectively managed. Thus, this study aims to reveal the involvement of Transportation 5.0 core component prediction in the sustainable transportation system through a systematic literature review. This study also contemplates the causal model under system dynamics modeling in order to address sustainable solutions and the movement toward sustainability in the context of Transportation 5.0. From this review, in addition to the developed causal model, it is identified that every core component management method in the sustainable Transportation 5.0 system reduces environmental impact while increasing passenger convenience and the overall efficiency and accessibility of the transport network, with greater improvements for developing nations. As the variety of transportation options, including electric vehicles, is successfully integrated, this evolution will eventually enable shared mobility, green infrastructure, and multimodal transit options. Full article