Abstract

Abstract
Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapeutic option for heart failure, but despite careful selection around 30% of the patients still do not respond to this therapy. The standard electrocardiogram (ECG) is a practical and inexpensive tool to assess potential responders to CRT but with conflicting evidence regarding the value of different ECG parameters. As such, we conducted a systematic review of real-world studies to assess the value of pre-implantation standard ECG parameters in predicting response to CRT. Methods: We searched on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge online databases to identify analytic studies and synthesized results through evidence tables. Results: Sixty-two eligible articles were included in this review. Traditional predictors of response were QRS duration =150 ms and the presence of left bundle branch block morphology. Contemporary ECG parameters, such as the presence of QRS notching or fragmentation, the S wave assessment, the time to intrinsicoid deflection (ID) in lateral leads, and a lead one ratio =12 also showed great potential in assessing response to CRT. Conclusions: This review highlights the promising capability of the standard ECG in predicting response to CRT, particularly when using more contemporary predictors, while emphasizing the necessity for further research to validate the prognostic value of these predictors. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
This study explores the context of blood donation in Portugal, specifically aiming to understand how communication strategies can effectively recruit young blood donors aged 18 to 24. The research addresses the following question: What is the impact of communication efforts on the recruitment of young blood donors in Portugal? To answer this question, four specific objectives were set: (1) To evaluate the level of awareness among young individuals in this age group regarding blood donation; (2) to analyze and assess the communication strategies employed by the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST) to promote blood donation; (3) to investigate the motivations and barriers related to blood donation; and (4) to identify effective communication strategies for encouraging blood donation. To achieve the first objective, which is the primary focus of this article, a content analysis of 14 blood donation campaigns was conducted. For the second objective, an exploratory interview was held with a specialist from the IPST. The third objective is being addressed through a survey involving 390 young individuals, which has already been administered and revealed that over half of the respondents are not blood donors. The findings suggest that future campaigns should adopt more targeted segmentation strategies based on behavioral criteria and make greater use of integrated marketing communication to enhance effectiveness.

Abstract
Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines are essential for modern software delivery, yet configuring them remains a challenge due to the complexity of textbased formats like YAML. These configurations are error-prone and require substantial expertise, posing a barrier especially to novices. In this paper, we introduce PipeBlocks, a block-based CI/CD tool featuring a graphical interface for visually constructing pipelines through modular, drag-and-drop blocks. PipeBlocks seamlessly integrates with GitHub Actions, allowing users to design, validate, and execute pipelines entirely within the tool while maintaining full compatibility with existing YAML workflows. A key innovation is the ability to trigger and monitor pipeline runs directly in PipeBlocks, eliminating context-switching.

Abstract
The rapid evolution of the automotive industry has driven the emergence of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, raising significant concerns about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in their complex networks. This systematic review investigates cybersecurity in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, focusing on internal and external networks and addressing four key research questions: (RQ1) What security controls exist in CAV networks? (RQ2) What methodologies are employed in cybersecurity studies? (RQ3) How effective are these methods, and what limitations do they present? (RQ4) What are the key themes, common approaches, and future research directions? Peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included, using IEEE Xplore, Elsevier, MDPI, ACM Digital Library, and Springer as data sources. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 111 relevant articles were analysed and grouped into seven themes: Authentication, Blockchain, Intrusion Detection Systems, Vehicle-to-Everything communication, Network Operation Centers, Security Operations Centers, and Systematic Reviews. The thematic synthesis highlighted study objectives, methodologies, and implemented security controls. This review identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly in integrating Security Information and Event Management systems and the real-world validation of proposed security measures. It underscores the need for adaptive cybersecurity frameworks to address evolving threats and highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. Furthermore, future research should prioritize the development of advanced security protocols, address scalability challenges, and explore the impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and 5G. Providing awareness and training is also essential to mitigate human error. These findings are a foundation for designing more resilient and secure Connected and Autonomous Vehicles systems.

Abstract
This paper deals with cost-effective strategies for controlling indoor temperature using different technologies, including inverter-based and thermostatic control systems. In this regard, the indoor temperature control model incorporates instant heat loss coefficient, heat transfer capability, and heat energy conversion coefficient. The decision variable is the power setpoint of the energy conversion system, which can be operated in both cooling and heating modes. The thermal system coefficients have been estimated based on historical data for energy consumption, indoor, and outdoor temperatures of the case study presented, which are the minimal datasets required for the coefficient estimation. The inverter-based model benefits from the quasi-continuous power consumption model, while the thermostatic model has a hysteresis functionality resulting in discrete power consumption with several turn-on and turn-off modes, which can be controlled by changing the thresholds. The flexible thermal range resulted in 4.715% and 6.235% cost reductions for thermostat-based and inverter-driven heat pumps, respectively. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.