Transylvania University of Brașov

Strenuous exercise in elite sports impacts the immune system, leading to high rates of upper respiratory tract infections and airway dysfunction, such as asthma and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Cross‐country (XC) skiers and ice hockey (IH) players are particularly affected due to their training environments and sports disciplines. This systematic review (SR) evaluates immune and inflammatory responses and the risk of developing airway dysfunction in these athletes. Original articles focusing on immune response, systemic inflammation, and airway dysfunction in competitive XC skiers and IH players were retrieved from MEDLINE/Ovid, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Of 3582 studies screened, 50 met the inclusion criteria. Both elite XC skiers and IH players exhibit increased cortisol levels and altered systemic immune cell compositions in response to training and competition. Both groups show neutrophilic or mixed neutrophilic/eosinophilic airway inflammation, in contrast to the primarily eosinophilic inflammation associated with allergic asthma. Both XC skiers (27%) and IH players (14%) had a high prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma. This SR highlights the notable burden of airway dysfunction in elite winter athletes, with elevated rates of asthma and EIB. The observed inflammatory patterns support the concept of a “sport asthma” endotype, which may be a result of chronic exposure to cold, dry air. Effective management may benefit from refined diagnostic criteria, the identification of specific biomarkers, and tailored prevention and treatment strategies for asthma and EIB.

The main goal of the present study is to approach the stability analysis of the pressure and temperature regulation systems using the Nyquist criterion. The frequency methods have the advantage that allow to obtain the response of a system at a step input signal without requiring the solving of the characteristic equation of the differential equation that describes the mathematical functionality of the system. The main goal of the present study is to approach the stability analysis of the pressure and temperature regulation systems using the Nyquist criterion.

This chapter is concerned with the theory of isotropic micropolar media, and its purpose is defined by obtaining both the variational principle and the continuous dependence in the case of the mentioned theory. An new presentation of our mixed problem is defined by the corresponding basic equations of the present theory and the initial and boundary conditions. With respect to this alternative characterization, the convolutional variational principle is obtained, followed by the obtaining of the continuous dependence of the solutions over the initial data and the terms of external supply in the present context.

Early screening for cancer has proven to improve the survival rate and spare patients from intensive and costly treatments due to late diagnosis. Cancer screening in the healthy population involves an initial risk stratification step to determine the screening method and frequency, primarily to optimize resource allocation by targeting screening towards individuals who draw most benefit. For most screening programs, age and clinical risk factors such as family history are part of the initial risk stratification algorithm. In this paper, we focus on developing a blood marker-based risk stratification approach, which could be used to identify patients with elevated cancer risk to be encouraged for taking a diagnostic test or participate in a screening program. We demonstrate that the combination of simple, widely available blood tests, such as complete blood count and complete metabolic panel, could potentially be used to identify patients at risk for colorectal, liver, and lung cancers with areas under the ROC curve of 0.76, 0.85, 0.78, respectively. Furthermore, we hypothesize that such an approach could not only be used as pre-screening risk assessment for individuals but also as population health management tool, for example to better interrogate the cancer risk in certain sub-populations.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Extended Reality technologies, including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, there is a demand for security and privacy to co-exist harmoniously with usability and user experience. The delicate balance of usability, user experience, security, and privacy takes on a keen importance. This research paper delves into unique conflicting factors and explores the strategies in achieving this delicate balance, shedding lights on the overlapping elements between usability, user experience, security and privacy in XR environments. The research takes a multifaceted approach, integrating theoretical analysis with practical insights derived from real-world case studies and an empirical user study. The user study, conducted to uncover user preferences toward achieving a balance between these conflicting factors, provides data-driven insights into the interaction of usability, user experience, privacy, and security. The data analysis performed using Python reveals how security, privacy, usability and user experience can be seamlessly integrated into XR ensuring that technology not only meets user expectations but also protects sensitive information. Through a multidimensional approach, this study reveals insights into how privacy and security considerations can be woven into the fabric of XR, enriching user experiences while cultivating a culture of trust and empowerment. This study is an extension of our previous work ”embracing XR systems, not compromising on privacy and security” and aims to guide the design of XR environment that are both user-friendly and safe and secure, ultimately establishing a culture of trust and empowerment.

Although global research on the 5Cs model of Positive Youth Development (PYD; competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring) has expanded in recent years, there is a lack of understanding about distinct and consistent PYD profiles across youth from diverse socio-cultural contexts. To address this gap, this study utilized a person-oriented analytic approach to examine the PYD profiles of 11,481 emerging adults (Mage = 21.77; SDage = 2.74; 68.66% females) from 21 countries in four continents. Results of the multi-group latent profile analysis revealed four consistent profiles of PYD across countries: high/balanced (41%), self-efficacious (28%), socio-emotional (20%), and low/self-centered (11%). Participants’ age, gender, educational attainment, and country-level collectivism were also found to be associated with specific profiles. Older and more-educated females from less collectivistic countries were more likely to be in a high/balanced profile, while younger males from more collectivistic countries tend to be in a low/self-centered profile. Older and more-educated males from less collectivistic countries were more likely to be in a self-efficacious profile, while younger and less-educated females from more collectivistic countries tend to be in a socio-emotional profile. Controlling these socio-contextual covariates, the four profiles exhibited distinct relations with adaptive (resilience and contribution) and maladaptive outcomes (anxiety and adverse life experiences) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the importance of fostering a balanced set of Cs, which include both self-efficacious and socio-emotional qualities, to promote positive adaptation in challenging times across diverse developmental settings.

Background/Objectives: Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) is a recently discovered autosomal dominant transmission disease. Patients with this condition have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. There are numerous questions regarding the natural history of this condition, as well as concerning the diagnostic and therapeutic management of these patients. In this systematic review, we aimed to examine the current literature to determine the role of prophylactic gastrectomy in patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach. Additional outcomes are Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI), and colonoscopic examination and abdominal imaging examination, as they are important factors in the therapeutic decision. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the articles published in PubMed and Google Scholar, according to the PRISMA 2020 criteria. Results: We obtained 24 studies that included 83 patients diagnosed with GAPPS, of which 42 underwent prophylactic gastrectomy, 24 benefited from endoscopic follow-up, and 17 were diagnosed with gastric cancer at the first gastroscopic examination. In the prophylactic gastrectomy specimens, malignant gastric disease was confirmed in 10% of cases. GAPPS has been diagnosed more frequently in women. Conclusions: So far, the specialized literature includes a limited number of patients diagnosed with GAPPS. There are also no guidelines yet for the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Prophylactic gastrectomy or endoscopic surveillance are the only options for patients diagnosed with GAPPS without gastric cancer at the initial examination. For prophylactic gastrectomy, the robotic and laparoscopic approach was preferred. For establishing appropriate lymphadenectomy in prophylactic gastrectomy, future research on gastrectomy specimens is necessary. Most of the included studies were deficient in terms of postoperative follow-up of patients. Thus, we consider it useful to include these patients in a single database. For a comprehensive examination of these and making an appropriate therapeutic decision, we consider it necessary to perform a colonoscopic evaluation, take abdominal imaging, and determine the Helicobacter pylori infection status.

Climate, forest successional stage, and soil substrate age can alter herbivore communities and their effects on biogeochemical cycling, but the size and spatial variability of these effects are poorly quantified. To address this knowledge gap, we established a globally distributed network of 50 broadleaved old‐growth forests across six continents, encompassing well‐constrained local‐scale gradients in mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), succession, and soil substrate age. We used this network to investigate how these variables impact insect foliar herbivory and the associated carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica fluxes in forest ecosystems. Over 1 to 2 years, we measured stand‐level foliar biomass production, leaf‐level herbivory, and foliar element concentrations. At the global scale, insect herbivores liberated higher amounts of elements from the canopies of warmer and drier sites than those of cooler and wetter sites with patterns for phosphorus being most pronounced. MAT exerted a stronger influence over insect‐mediated element fluxes than MAP. Foliar biomass production and leaf‐level herbivory responses to MAT and MAP were mainly responsible for the observed changes in insect‐mediated element fluxes; we also observed minor effects of foliar phosphorus concentration on phosphorus fluxes. Local‐scale trends were mixed and successional stage or soil substrate age did not appear to influence insect herbivore‐mediated element fluxes. These results demonstrate that climate effects on plant‐herbivore interactions are stronger at large than small scales, at which herbivory rates and nutrient fluxes appear to be more strongly affected by a diversity of non‐climate factors.

Background Limited information exists on the active role of females during mate searching. Theory primarily focuses on male reproductive behaviours, suggesting male distribution follows that of females, while female distribution is influenced by food resources and habitat. This approach might underestimate the females’ role in shaping mating strategies. Incorporating a female perspective into mating studies can enhance our understanding of evolutionary factors. Methods Using GPS data from brown bears Ursus arctos across Finland, Romania and Slovakia, we explored female movement behaviour during the mating period. First, we estimated movement speed, total distance and net distance at a daily scale. Then, we quantitatively described when the movement peaks occur by estimating two critical points of the functions described by each of the aforementioned movement parameters: (1) the point in time when the rate of change in brown bear movement behaviour is the highest; and (2) the point in time when each aspect of brown bear movement is most pronounced. We quantified temporal variations in male and female movements throughout the year using generalized additive mixed models, while we used linear mixed models to assess the relationship between peak movement parameters, bear sex and population. Results Our findings identified two overlooked behaviours: (1) male and female movement parameters showed the highest rate of change during the mating season, challenging the notion of male roaming as the primary mating strategy; and (2) females travelled the longest distances during the mating season, potentially seeking high-quality mates. This behaviour aligns with the strategy of engaging in copulations with multiple males to avoid infanticide. Conclusions Our study reveals novel insights into the active role of female brown bears in mating strategies, challenging traditional male-centric views. These results support the need for detailed investigations into female behaviours across mammalian taxa, which offer potential to advance our understanding of mammalian social and mating systems. Local differences also underscore the importance of social and ecological conditions to explain variation in the female role in mating strategies.

As urban expansion faces increasing constraints, adaptive reuse has become a critical strategy for sustainable development. This study examines how multifunctionality and adaptability, facilitated by movable interior systems, can enhance the efficiency and longevity of building conversions while reducing material consumption and construction waste. Through a dual-questionnaire methodology, responses were gathered from over 200 end-users and 100 industry professionals across multiple countries to assess perceptions of adaptability in building reuse. The findings indicate that 89% of end-users prioritize spatial flexibility, while professionals cite financial constraints (67%) and regulatory barriers (54%) as key obstacles to implementation. This study highlights the potential of ADD-rest and similar reconfigurable interior systems to optimize underutilized spaces, aligning sustainability, urban resilience, and design innovation. By bridging theoretical concepts with empirical data, this research offers practical insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers, reinforcing the role of adaptable interior solutions in the future of sustainable urban transformation.

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus presents significant management challenges, requiring comprehensive glycemic control, patient education, self-management, and routine monitoring. The study aims to evaluate existing tools and develop a customized questionnaire to investigate the multifaceted impact of diabetes mellitus on patients’ lives through a novel questionnaire. Methods: Utilizing Survey Monkey, we efficiently collected data from 150 diabetic patients during annual evaluations over five months (March 2024–July 2024). The sample included 88 men (58.67%) and 62 women (41.33%), with a notable representation of participants having a family history of diabetes (63.42%) and varying levels of education (20% with higher education). Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS (Version 20.0), and structural equation modeling (SEM) through Amos, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the instrument and assess its psychometric properties. Results: The questionnaire targets four critical domains: the role of physical activity in diabetes management, the effects of diabetes on social relationships, the emotional status of diabetic patients, and the influence of diet on metabolic control. Conclusions: The findings provide valuable insights into patient attitudes toward diabetes management, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, social dynamics, emotional well-being, and dietary practices in improving health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

The constant drive to increase productivity leads to the search for multiple solutions to improve the economic efficiency of industrial products. At the same time, industries in developed societies are under constant pressure to reduce carbon emissions. In some countries, the target is a 40% reduction by 2030. The European Union placed the ambitious goal of a 50% reduction by 2030 and a carbon–neutral economy by 2050. All these targets pose significant challenges to industrial producers, and they have to improve the economic scale and the boundary of the production capabilities. Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies can significantly improve the properties of wood-based panels and binders for that production. Incorporating nanomaterials in wood-based composites improves their waterproofness and thermal and electrical conductivity. It also can lead to reduced free formaldehyde content in the boards, acceleration of the hot pressing cycle (reduction of press factor), etc. However, the question of the economic efficiency of using different nanomaterials in the production of wood-based panels remains controversial. Nanotechnologies and materials produced by the nano-industries are considered a contemporary way to shift the production possibilities curves of industrial sectors and national economies far ahead. These productions stay between the sustainable use of natural resources and the requirement for economic efficiency, and nanomaterials can provide additional opportunities for improvement. Despite the great number of publications on wood-based composites (WBC) and adhesives for their production, there are few in the field of economic aspects. The problem deserves particular attention due to the boundaries of applying nanomaterials and bioadhesives to large-scale manufacturing. The current study focuses on some market-derived features of WBCs produced with bioadhesives and nanomaterials. It tries to reveal the product and the market basement of industrial application of these materials. For this purpose in the study, SWOT analysis is used to summarize some of the main features of the bioadhesives, the nanomaterials embedded in them and the final products–WBCs. The analysis enhances these products’ economic understanding from their pure mechanical and chemical properties. The results revealed that WBs produced with bioadhesives and, like an option, nanomaterials are very promising in their strengths. Despite the market pressure for efficiency, these products have a great possibility to improve the product mix of the producers.

Background: Alcohol use and hypertriglyceridemia are the second and third common causes of acute pancreatitis after choledocholithiasis. Still, few studies directly compare the severity and outcomes of these two groups, which share pathophysiology pathways. Methods: In our study, we compared the biologic profile, severity according to the Atlanta classification and Balthazar index, intensive care unit admissions, and mortality between patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP) and alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis (AAP). A total of 78 patients were included in this study, 37.17% of which had HTGP, and 62.82% had AAP. Results: HTGP was more severe in terms of the Atlanta revised classification severity assessment (82.76% vs. 46%, p = 0.014), led to more extended hospitalizations (p = 0.024), and resulted in similar serum CRP levels among patients, with a significant difference regarding median serum fibrinogen values (739 vs. 563 mg/dL, p = 0.030) and necrotizing forms (24.13% vs. 10.20%). Hyponatremia was more significant in HTGP patients compared with AAP patients (130 vs. 137 mmol/L, p < 0.000). No differences were found in other inflammation indexes such as NLR (neutrophil count/lymphocyte count), PLR (platelet count/lymphocyte count), MLR (monocyte/lymphocyte count), SII (systemic immune-inflammation index), or SIRI (systemic inflammation response index). Conclusions: The pattern of acute pancreatitis is related to its etiology and may have different grades of severity. In our study, we found that hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis required twice as many admissions to the intensive care unit and was associated with lower serum sodium levels, and almost twice as many patients with HTGP had moderate or severe forms of acute pancreatitis compared to alcohol-induced pancreatitis cases.

Floods are extreme weather events that cause severe damages to human lives and properties. The present study aims to analyze and predict the effect of rainfall variability on the occurrence of floods in the Colombo District. The rainfall data of thirteen Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) from 1991 to 2020 was analyzed using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI). According to the SPI 1 analysis, extreme wet periods (SPI > 2) were observed in 1997, 2005, 2008, 2014, and 2016 in all the DSDs, with an increase in flood events with the rise in extreme wet conditions after 2005. The SPI 3 and SPI 6 values also indicated historical flood events in June 2008, May 2016, and September 2019, followed by extreme wet periods due to Southwest-monsoon. The RAI analysis revealed the influence of extremely humid conditions (RAI > 4) on flood events in May 2016. The flood prediction analysis suggests an exceeding probability of ≥ 27% for extreme wet conditions leading to flood events in the Colombo District in 100 years. The results of this study are beneficial for decision-makers on future flood risk management in a disaster-resilient community.

The enhanced use of wood residues from the timber industry contributes to mitigating the global climate crisis. Currently, bark, a by-product of the timber industry, is primarily burned for thermal energy generation. However, with the growing demand for lignocellulosic products and the emphasis on extending life cycles, it would be more beneficial to prioritize substantial uses of bark over thermal utilization. Although numerous methods for substantial bark utilization have been explored, a significant untapped potential remains. The extractives obtained through water extraction, for instance, can be applied to various further uses like biopolymers or medical applications. This study investigates the impact of hot water extraction on the mechanical and physical properties of bark-based panels, with the aim of extending the life cycle of tree bark and its valorization in bio-based composites. The findings demonstrate that hot water extraction can enhance the bending properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity) of bark-based panels. Additionally, the extractives obtained from the process have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and adhesive industries. The study also includes an LCIA that highlights the differences between the three scenarios addressed in this research, namely energy generation from bark-based biomass, extraction of bark, and use of extracted bark residues in the production of bark-based particleboard.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a significant cause of cardiovascular mortality, with untreated cases showing mortality rates of up to 30%. The evolution of computer-assisted detection (CAD) for PE has transformed dramatically over the past decades, progressing from simple pattern recognition to sophisticated deep learning approaches. Early CAD systems demonstrated modest performance, with sensitivity around 75% at 2–4 false positives per scan, whereas modern deep learning architectures achieve sensitivities of up to 92.9% at 0.15 false positives per scan. Significantly, the technological progression has evolved from basic patient-level classification to sophisticated voxel-level analysis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of PE CAD systems, their clinical value, and future directions.

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing solutions has led to the development of innovative approaches to enhance the durability and reliability of cutting tools. This study presents a novel method for manufacturing shearing tools utilizing interchangeable modular elements loaded by deposition welding with covered electrodes. Using Weibull distribution modeling, a comparative reliability analysis between conventionally manufactured shear tools and the proposed modular design demonstrates a significant increase in the mean time to failure (MTTF). The least squares method (LSM) estimation was used in order to determine the shearing tools’ lifetime, expressed by reliability indices. Experimental results confirm that the modular tools achieve more than double the lifetime of traditional counterparts, with improved resistance to wear and mechanical stress. These findings highlight the potential for widespread industrial application, optimizing tool performance and sustainability in manufacturing processes.

The CMR provides a predictable system of liability for carriers and insurance to both carriers and their clients about the risks involved in the shipment of goods. CMR Convention establishes a strict liability regime for the carrier, meaning that the carrier is generally liable for any loss, damage or delay of the goods from the time they take the goods into custody until delivery. According to CMR provisions, this liability is limited to a fixed amount per kilogram of gross weight lost or damaged. Even if there is a limited amount, the loss, damage or the delay of the goods can lead to substantial claims. CMR insurance mitigate the financial risks associated with this liability, playing thus a crucial role in international road transport.