bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable Transmission of DNA Methylation Epimutations from Germlines to the Liver and Their Association with Fatty Liver Disease in Medaka
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Anand Santosh , Wang Xuegeng , Bhandari Ramji Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background
Environmental stressors can induce heritable traits in organisms across phyla, with distinct epigenetic alterations in gametes and phenotypic outcomes across several generations. However, the mechanisms underlying such intergenerational inheritance, mainly from the germline to the germline and from the germline to the soma, are enigmatic, given that postfertilization embryos and germline cells reprogram the epigenome in each generation to gain their cellular identity. Here, we report stable germline transmission of differential DNA methylation alterations (epimutations) and their associations with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in medaka exposed to a model estrogenic chemical but a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, bisphenol A (BPA).
Results
Ancestral BPA exposure in the F0 generation led to advanced NAFLD in the unexposed grandchildren generation (F2) of medaka. The F2 liver transcriptome and histopathology revealed a severe NAFLD phenotype in females. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of the sperm and liver revealed a gradual shift in promoter methylation from F0 sperm (hypomethylated) to F1 sperm (mix of hypo- and hypermethylated) and F2 liver (predominantly hypermethylated). Many differentially methylated promoters (DMPs) overlapped in F0 sperm, F1 sperm, and F2 liver, regardless of sex. In females, stable transmission of 1511 DMPs was found across three generations, which are associated with protein-coding genes, miRNAs, and others and linked to NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Among them, 27 canonical genes maintained consistently hypermethylated promoters across three generations, with significant downregulation of their expression and enrichment in NAFLD-related pathways, mainly fat digestion, glycerolipid metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis.
Conclusions
The present results demonstrate stable inter- and transgenerational germline-to-germline and germline-to-soma transmission of environmentally induced DNA epimutations with F0 and F1 gametic epimutations, predicting the F2 liver phenotype—a clear transgenerational passage of the disease phenotype in medaka.
Migrant Political Activism in Vienna and Brussels: How Voting Rights Shape Protest Behaviour
Authors: Tardivo Zeynep Mentesoglu
Published: February 2025

While much research has focused on the electoral participation of voters with migration backgrounds, the political engagement of migrants beyond the ballot box remains significantly underexplored in Western Europe. This article examines migrants’ involvement in public protests in two distinct contexts—at the national and city levels—in Vienna and Brussels. Using an original empirical approach, the analysis draws on data from the European Social Survey (ESS) regional statistics (NUTS) Round 1-11, exploring protest participation patterns among migrant respondents in these cities. A key question addressed is how different opportunity structures, such as the right to vote at the local level, influence the likelihood of participating in protests. The findings indicate that the presence (or absence) of local voting rights for non-nationals is a strong predictor of minority protest participation. While the right to vote at the local level is shown to impact protest involvement, the comparative analysis reveals divergent patterns in the two cases. In Brussels, where local voting rights are present, and more inclusive, migrants exhibit lower protest participation rates, whereas in Vienna, where such rights are restricted, migrants participate in protests at higher rates. This suggests that formal political avenues, such as voting rights, may reduce the need for protests as a form of political expression.
اثر الخطاب السياسي على الاندماج الوطني في العراق بعد عام 2014
Authors: Ahmed Najeeba Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

يتناول هذا البحث جوانب عديدة تتبلور بتوضيح مخرجات الخطاب السياسي العراقي بعد عام 2014، وأثره على صهر مكونات المجتمع العراقي والوصول إلى الاندماج الوطني. والتحولات التي ضربت طبيعة النظام السياسي عام 2003 والتغييرات التي حصلت عام 2014 وما بعدها تطلبت تغير تام في الخطاب السياسي وفقاً للتطورات التي شهدتها الساحة العراقية بشكل خاص والاقليمية بشكل عام، إذ يختلف الخطاب السياسي من نظام سياسي إلى آخر ومن ثقافة إلى أخرى، ومن جانب آخر هنالك العديد من التحديات التي يواجهها صناع القرار السياسي والطبقة الحاكمة(من تحديات الداخلية والتي كانت متمثلة بالارهاب وعدم الاستقرار المجتمعي ، وتحديات خارجية أخرى)، كل هذا له مردود على مخرجات الخطاب السياسي وطبيعة الملتقي لهذا الخطاب مما انعكس سلباً في اتجاه تحقيق الاندماج الوطني الذي يشمل كافة ابناء المجتمع.
بۆنە و یادەکان لە ڕۆژهەڵاتى کوردستان (١٩٢٦- ١٩٤١)
Authors: Abdullah Nashmil Sabr
Published: February 2025

ئەم توێژینەوەیە کە تایبەتە بە بۆنە و یادەکان لە ڕۆژهەڵاتى کوردستان لە ساڵانى ١٩٢٦- ١٩٤١، جەخت لە ماوەى دەسەڵاتدارى ڕەزا شا دەکاتەوە دەربارەى هەوڵەکانى ناوبراو بۆ چەسپاندنى بیرۆکەکانى و سەلماندنى ئەو باوەرەى کە لە لایەن ڕەزا شاه هەیە بۆ نەهێشتنى تاریکییەکان و دووبارە گەڕانەوەى شکۆى دەوڵەتى ئێران و دروستبوونى دەسەڵاتیکى ناوەندى. بۆ جێبەجێکردنى ئەم سیاسەتەشى جگە لە ڕێکارە سەربازییەکان چەند هەنگاوى ڕۆشنبیرى دەگرێتەبەر بە تایبەت لە ناوچە کوردییەکان، جێگاى ئاماژەیە سەرەڕاى کاریگەربوونى ئەم سیاسەتە، لە رووى ئابوورى تێچووى کەمى پێویست بوو .      
 لەم توێژینەوەیە تیشک خراوەتە سەر بۆنە و یادەکان کە بۆ یەکەمجار لەلایەن ڕەزا شا لە ناوچە کوردییەکان یادکراونەتەوە، لەنموونەى ئەمانە  بۆنەى  ڕۆژى لە دایکبوون و تاج لەسەردانانى ڕەزا شا، ئاهەنگگێران بە بۆنەى لە دایک بوونى هەزار ساڵەى فردەوسى (ئەبوقاسم فردەوسى توسى ٩٣٥ـ ١٠٢٠ زایینى) شاعیرى گەورەى ئێران بۆ یادکردنەوە و زیندوو کردنەوەى شوێنەوارە کۆنەکان، هاوکات دواى بە فەرمى راگەیاندنى یەکپۆشى لابردنى سەرپۆشى ئافرەتان ساڵانە  ئاهەنگ و کۆمەڵێک چاڵاکى لەم ڕۆژە بۆ ئەم بۆنەیە بەڕێوەدەچوو، هاوکات ئاماژەدان بە فشارى دەوڵەت لە جێبەجێکردنى بۆنەو یادەکان و بەشدارى بەرپرسانى ناوچەکە لەگەڵ هاوسەرەکانیان و دامەزراندنى چەندین ئەنجومەنى ئافرەتان و بەشدارى قوتابخانەکانى کور و کچان لە ئاهەنگەکان و زیاتر تێکەڵ بوونیان لە کۆمەڵگا و گۆڕینى داب و نەریتیان، بۆ کەمڕەنگکردن و وونبوونى کەلتور و یادگارییەکان لە یادەوەرى کوردەکان و نەهێشتنى جیاوازى نەتەوەیی دەگەرێتەوە.
ڕۆڵی ڕۆژنامەنووسانی ئەمریکی لە ناساندنی دۆزی کورد لە عێراقدا ١٩٦١-١٩٧٩
Authors: Qaraman Haidar Rahman  , Najmaddin Abdullah Ismail
Published: February 2025

دۆزی کورد لە عێراق، لەدوای دروستبوونی ئەم دەوڵەتە، یەکێک بووە لەم بابەتانەی تاڕادەیەکی گونجاو، لەلایەن ڕۆژنامەگەری جیهانی گرنگی پێدراوە. بەڵام لەگەڵ هەڵگیرسانی شۆڕشی کورد لە ساڵی ١٩٦١ تا کۆچی دوایی ڕێبەری شۆڕش مەلا مستەفا بارزانی لە ساڵی ١٩٧٩، ڕۆژنامەگەری جیهانی بەشێوەیەکی چڕ کاری لەسەر هەموو ئەم بابەتانە کردوە، کە پەیوەندییان بەدۆزی کورد هەبووە لەم ناوچەیە. دیارە ڕۆژنامەنووسانی ئەمریکا، بەهۆی ڕۆڵی دیاریان لەم بوارەدا و هاوکات پەیوەندی ئەم پرسە بە هاوکێشە نێودەوڵەتیەکان، زیاتر ڕووچوونە ناو ئەم باسە. بەم شێوەیە ڕۆڵی پر بایەخیان بینی لە ناساندی دۆزی کورد بەجیهان، لەسەر ئەم بنەمایە ئەم توێژینەوەمان بەناوونیشانی (ڕۆڵی ڕۆژنامەنووسانی ئەمریکی لە ناساندنی دۆزی کورد لە عێراقدا ١٩٦١-١٩٧٩) تەرخانکرد، بۆ باسکردنی سێ تەوەری سەرەکی، جگە لەم پێشەکییەی بۆ ناساندنی توێژینەوەکە ئامادەمان کرد. لەتەوەری یەکەمی بابەتەکەدا کە بەناوونیشانی(پوختەیەکی مێژوویی لەسەر بواری ڕۆژنامەگەری لە ئەمریکا) هاتوە.. تەوەری دووەم کە بەناوونیشانی(ڕۆڵی ڕۆژنامەنووسانی ئەمریکا لەگواستنەوەی وێنای شۆڕشی کورد لە باشووری کوردستان(١٩٦١-١٩٧٥) هاتووە. تەوەری سێیەم کە بەناوونیشانی (ڕۆڵی ڕۆژنامەنووسانی ئەمریکا لە بەرگریکردن لە دۆزی کورد) هاتووە، باسمان لە هەڵوێستی مرۆڤ دۆستانە و هاوسۆزی ڕۆژنامەنووسانی ئەمریکا لەگەڵ دۆز و دۆخی کورد لە عێراق کردوە. دواجار بە چەند خاڵێک کۆی ئەو ئەنجامانەمان خستەڕوو، کە لە کۆتایی بابەتەکە پێی گەیشتین.
Reviewing Place Meaning via Users’ Emotional-Perceptual Experience
Authors: KHALEGHIMOGHADDAM Navid , ALKAN BALA Havva
Published: February 2025

By recognizing different meanings of place as well as influential parameters on the perception of place, it is possible to create a pleasant environment. This study aims to measure the factors contributing to the conception of place meaning and emotional experience of place. Also, it seeks to understand the mechanism of perceiving the different meanings and qualities of place from users’ point of view. The qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. In this regard, the emotional evaluation model of Pleasure-Arousal, interview, and questionnaire have been used. The study has been conducted on 3 buildings of Selcuk University in Turkey. The statistical population in the different groups consisted of architecture students. Results show that along with the emotional assessment of place, the factors such as morphological, sensory, and individualones affect the user’s assessment, and there is a meaningful relationship between the emotional evaluation of place and factors forming the meaning of place. Furthermore, place quality and its aesthetic components play important role in individuals’ preferences and judgments and led to psychological pleasure and positive emotional assessment.
A Giant Avant-Garde Stadium Project in Ukraine: The Enigma of the 1930s
Authors: SMOLENSKA Svitlana
Published: February 2025

The paper is dedicated to the study of rare undeciphered documents: colorful architectural perspectives of a giant stadium of the 1930s with a caption in French, found by the author of this text in one of the Ukrainian archives. The authorship of the graphic images and the project itself, the name of the stadium, its localization on the master plan of the city of those years were established in the process of this research. The results of the study allow us to trace the fate of the project of a giant sports complex from its concept and design stages to the beginning of its erection; to reveal the reasons for the interruption of its construction and oblivion for many decades, as well as to restore the biographies of the architects involved in the found images. Features of the difficult historical period in the architecture of Ukraine: the violent transition from modernism to “socialist realism” in the 1930s are seen through the “lens” of the fate of this unique avant-garde unrealized project.
Design and Performance Parameters of Shear Walls: A Review
Authors: Cüneyt AYDIN Abdulkadir , BAYRAK Barış
Published: February 2025

Reinforced concrete (RC) walls are used in buildings to provide lateral stiffness and strength against lateral forces like earthquake, wind etc. Shear walls are one of the most important lateral load-resisting systems in high-rise buildings. This paper provides an overview of not only reinforced concrete (RC), but also composite shear walls. The paper focuses on four inter-related review areas, namely i) conventional shear walls with rectangular cross section, ii) coupled shear walls, iii) composite shear walls, and iv) shear walls with opening(s). Behavior of shear walls which are the most damaged structural elements during earthquake and the parameters affecting this behavior are evaluated in this paper. However, this paper presents the available information about the design and performance parameters of shear walls.
The Effect of Plastic Waste Fibers on Mortar Performance
Authors: MOUATS Wassila , ABDELOUAHED Assia , HEBHOUB Houria , BOUGHAMSA Wassila
Published: February 2025

This paper studies the possibility of using plastic waste fiber in the mortar, and aims to find the optimum percentage of fiber to improve the properties of mortar. The plastic fiber is used as a volume substitution in dune sand and it used with rates of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. Specifically, the mechanical properties as compressive and tensile strength and durability performance as capillary and immersion absorption, the depth of chloride penetration and the loss of weight were measured. The results show that the incorporation of waste plastic fiber reduces the compressive strength and enhances the flexural tensile strength. The use of waste plastic fibers indicates the good behavior to mortars in aggressive environment.
Vibrations of a Low-Frequency Floor Under Various Pedestrian Loading Scenarios
Authors: NGUYEN Huu Anh Tuan
Published: February 2025

Contemporary floor vibration guidelines limit the discussion of walking-induced vibrations to single-pedestrian loading scenario. Nevertheless, the inclusion of more than one pedestrian in the vibration evaluation would result in a more realistic range of floor responses. In this paper, an attempt was made to experimentally and numerically investigate the combined effect of two persons walking simultaneously on an actual building floor. The floor fundamental frequency and damping ratio were obtained from physical heel drop tests and the footfall response was measured in a series of walking tests. A finite element model was created for prediction of floor responses under different walking scenarios. A probabilistic prediction was also performed where random variations in pacing rates, body weights and arrival times of the pedestrians were considered in a large number of Monte Carlo simulations. It was showed that the response due to a single person with resonant step frequency can be greater than that due to two persons walking at off-resonant pacing rates. However, the resonant response induced by two pedestrians can be 1.29–1.38 times greater than that caused by a pedestrian.
Urban Planning Features of Naukogrady (Science Cities) – Centers of Innovative Activity: The Case of Pyatihatky
Authors: KACHEMTSEVA Lubov , KHOROIAN Natalia , DIDENKO Kateryna , ANTONENKO Nadiia
Published: February 2025

The authors of the paper examine the specifics of the design and construction of Soviet centers of innovation in the former Soviet Union “naukogrady” (science cities). Science cities are considered as an industrial and urban phenomenon, characterized by significant internal diversity in the nature and profile of scientific complexes. The geographical, town-planning, and planning features, the specifics of the functional structure of the Ukrainian science cities, which developed in the Soviet times, are studied on the example of the science city of Kharkiv – Pyatihatky. The history of the origin of the Ukrainian Institute of Physics and Technology and the main stages of the creation of the science city at it is covered. It is concluded that science cities are special urban formations, the population of which consisted mainly of people with higher education. They were distinguished by the high quality of infrastructure, social facilities, culture and services, housing, urban planning, and urban development, as well as advanced environmental thinking. The science cities which had two waves of development in the 20th century intended to rise to the crest of the third wave now.
Revitalization of Degraded Areas and Facilities in the Cities of Core of the Metropolis GZM
Authors: PANCEWICZ Alina , JANIKOWSKA Wiktoria , TADLA Natalia , WAWRZONOWSKA Karolina
Published: February 2025

The subject of the paper is the revitalization of urbanized areas, considered in terms of the importance of degraded areas and objects that require adaptation, protection, and creation measures in this process. The research focuses on cities belonging to the core of the Metropolis GZM – Poland’s first metropolis whose industrial origin, history and dynamics of development make it necessary to carry out revitalization activities. To conduct the research, the available source materials were collected and analyzed, including planning documents, information portals, scientific articles and items, cartographic and photographic materials. The collected information was compiled according to the adopted functional criteria. The research aims are to identify the implemented and planned revitalization activities, analyze their distribution in the context of individual cities and the entire core of the Metropolis GZM, and as a result assess their impact on the direction of city development and the quality of life of the inhabitants of the post-industrial metropolis.
SEVERE ACUTE PANCREATITIS REVEALING SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)
Authors:   Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan 2 University, Casablanca, Morocco., Tougar S. , Zirhirhi K. ,   Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan 2 University, Casablanca, Morocco., Alaoui S. ,   Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan 2 University, Casablanca, Morocco., Quesbaoui C. ,   Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan 2 University, Casablanca, Morocco., Charra B. ,   Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan 2 University, Casablanca, Morocco.
Published: February 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs. Pancreatic involvement, although rare, has an estimated frequency ranging from 0.7% to 4.2%. It typically occurs in advanced stages of the disease but can exceptionally be an inaugural manifestation, as in the case reported here.The patient was a 24-year-old woman with no prior medical history, admitted for acute respiratory distress associated with abdominal pain. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was confirmed by a marked increase in serum lipase levels and an abdominal CT scan showing a swollen pancreas with peripancreatic collections (stage E according to Balthazar).After ruling out common causes of pancreatitis, immunological testing revealed positive antinuclear and anti-DNA antibodies, as well as decreased C3 and C4 complement fractions. The presence of pleural and pericardial effusions, combined with biological signs of active lupus, led to the diagnosis of SLE based on the 2019 ACR/EULAR criteria.
Use of fragility curves to assess the seismic vulnerability of soft rock tunnels: a review
Authors: Sam Joel
Published: February 2025

Due to their distinct geotechnical and structural features, soft rock tunnels pose serious issues because of their seismic sensitivity. These tunnels, often constructed in formations with lower shear strength and higher deformability, are particularly susceptible to damage during earthquakes. Fragility curves, which graphically represent the probability that a structure may sustain damage up to or beyond a particular threshold as a function of seismic intensity, are essential tools for evaluating the seismic resilience of these infrastructures. This research looks closely at the use of fragility curves to assess the seismic vulnerability of soft rock tunnels. Exploring the fundamental concepts and methodologies involved in constructing fragility curves, including seismic hazard analysis, structural modeling, damage state definition, data collection and statistical analysis is looked at first. The review highlighted the integration of soft rock characteristics such as strength and deformation properties into the fragility assessment process. Key developments in the topic are covered such as how machine learning and Bayesian inference might improve the precision and usefulness of fragility curves. The paper identified key findings such as the high sensitivity of fragility curves to geotechnical properties and seismic intensity levels and emphasized the importance of accurate data collection and model calibration. Important gaps in seismic risk evaluations are filled by integrating cutting-edge methodologies, such as Bayesian inference and real-time machine learning models that clarify the seismic behaviour of soft rock tunnels in the real world. For the purpose of strengthening earthquake-resistant infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas, engineers, scholars and policymakers are given practical insights.
A new paradigm in trade policy making of the European Union
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Mochalova Alexandra
Published: February 2025

The article examines practical changes in the approaches of the EU to the formation of its’ trade policy between 2004 and 2024. The author formulates a hypothesis about a paradigm shift in the formation of the EU’s foreign economic policy. Testing of this hypothesis is carried out on the basis of four criteria established by J. Orbie and F. De Ville: 1) emergence of a catalyst for such a change; 2) delegitimization of the existing paradigm by government officials; 3) availability of an alternative concept; 4) its support from influential circles. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that a paradigm shift has occurred — from the neoliberal economic, which prevailed in the EU in the early 2000s, towards “strategic autonomy”, which was formalized in 2019 by the new head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. A long-term absence of positive dynamics in the development of the bloc’s international competitiveness relative to its’ key trading partners — the US and China — was determined as the main prerequisite
for such a transformation. A general trend towards increased promotion of the new concept by the EU officials after 2019 and, especially, after the start of a special military operation in Ukraine in 2022, has been identified. In conclusion, the author identifies areas for future research, including the study of the impact of the EU’s strategic autonomy paradigm on international trade processes and the development of multilateral trade regulation, in order to ensure a more effective Russia’s response to the ongoing changes.
Agglomeration effects in the industrial development of the Republic of Korea
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Akimova Varvara , Chernetskii Fedor ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: February 2025

The article is dedicated to assessing the impact of agglomeration effects on various sectors of the South Korean economy and manufacturing at modern times. To do this, based on the analysis of theoretical approaches and empirical studies of agglomeration effects in other countries, the most appropriate assessment method was selected that uses the Cobb-Douglas function. The concentration of economic activity is expected to have a significant impact on productivity in most sectors of the Korean economy. At the same time, more high-tech industries should benefit more from agglomeration of urbanization, while others benefit from concentration in specialized areas. It was determined that agglomeration effects have a significant impact on Korean economy and manufacturing, comparable to the results of previous empirical studies in Europe and North America. The negative impact of agglomeration is observed in agriculture, and various services are practically not at all affected by agglomeration. Contrary to expectations, agglomeration in Korea does not have such a strong impact on the finance and insurance, as in other countries. The positive impact of Marshall (MAR) agglomeration economies, that is, due to the concentration of enterprises in one industry, is maximum for wholesale and retail trade, real estate, information and communication technologies (ICT) and the mining industry. Real estate and ICT also benefit the most from agglomeration of urbanization (Jacobs effects) — the concentration of firms from different industries. For the Korean manufacturing industry, agglomeration of localization is more important, especially for the chemical industry and metallurgy, while agglomeration of urbanization is significant only for more high-tech industries (electronics, transport engineering). The results are significant for the development of regional and sectoral development strategies for countries already using the Korean experience or wishing to adopt certain successful mechanisms for optimizing regional industrial development policy.
Russia as a guarantor of global energy security in the context of geopolitical shift
Authors:   Oil company “Rosneft”, Sechin Igor
Published: February 2025

The article examines the stages of geopolitical transformation of the world system from the end of the 19th century to the present and analyzes the factors that determined the development and crisis of American-centric globalization. The work shows that in the context of weakening US hegemony, a geopolitical shift and the formation of a multipolar world are taking place and, as a consequence, the fragmentation of the global economy and energy, and also substantiates the thesis that the United States, using illegal sanctions as the main instrument of the struggle for the energy market, is currently the main beneficiary of increasing global instability. The successful redirection of Russian energy exports to fast-growing Asian markets played a crucial role in ensuring the stability of both the domestic economy, which was subjected to unprecedented sanctions pressure from the West, and the global energy market. The article presents a forecast of global demand and production of liquid hydrocarbons, as well as a forecast of oil exports from Russia by geographic directions. The author concludes that Russia, which has a resource base, the necessary technologies for production, transportation and processing, as well as a developed transport infrastructure, is capable of expanding its presence in the oil markets of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa and Latin America in the future, confirming its status as a guarantor of global energy security.
Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
Authors: Wright Wayne E. , Baker Colin
Published: February 2025

The eighth edition of this bestselling textbook has been revised and updated to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to bilingualism and bilingual education in an everchanging world. Written in a compact and clear style, the book covers all the crucial issues in bilingualism at individual, group and societal levels.
Developing a Smart Sensing Sock to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Qualitative Focus Group and Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Corser Jenny , Yoldi Irantzu , Reeves Neil D , Culmer Pete , Venkatraman Prabhuraj D , Orlando Giorgio , Turnbull Rory Peter , Boakes Paul , Woodin Eric , Lightup Roger , Ponton Graham , Bradbury Katherine
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers are common and costly. Most cases are preventable, although few interventions exist to reliably support patients in performing self-care. Emerging technologies are showing promise in this domain, although patient and health care provider perspectives are rarely incorporated into digital intervention designs.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored patient and health care provider feedback on a smart sensing sock to detect shear strain and alert the wearer to change their behavior (ie, pause activity and check their feet) and considered how patient experience and attitudes toward self-care are likely to impact uptake and long-term effective engagement with the device to curate guiding principles for successful future intervention development.

METHODS

This qualitative study combined semistructured interviews and a focus group alongside a participant advisory group that was consulted throughout the study. In total, 20 people with diabetic neuropathy (n=16, 80% with history of diabetic foot ulcers) and 2 carers were recruited directly from podiatry clinics as well as via a recruitment network and national health mobile app for one-to-one interviews either in person or via landline or video call. A total of 6 podiatrists were recruited via professional networks for 1 virtual focus group. Participants were asked about their experience of diabetic foot health and for feedback on the proposed device, including how it might work for them in daily life or clinical practice. The data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Three main themes were generated, each raising a barrier to the use of the sock complemented by potential solutions: (1) patient buy-in—challenged by lack of awareness of risk and potentially addressed through using the device to collect and record evidence to enhance clinical messaging; (2) effective engagement—challenged by difficulties accepting and actioning information and requiring simple, specific, and supportive instructions in line with podiatrist advice; and (3) sustained use—challenged by difficulties coping, with the possibility to gain control through an early warning system.

CONCLUSIONS

While both patients and podiatrists were interested in the concept, it would need to be packaged as part of a wider health intervention to overcome barriers to uptake and longer-term effective engagement. This study recommends specific considerations for the framing of feedback messages and instructions as well as provision of support for health care providers to integrate the use of such smart devices into practice. The guiding principles generated by this study can orient future research and development of smart sensing devices for diabetic foot care to help optimize patient engagement and improve health outcomes.
A Gamified Simulation for the Initial Training of Healthcare Teams in a High-Turnover Environment (Preprint)
Authors: Gobron Stephane , Lestrade Antoine , Sadiku Artan , Bentvelzen Alexandre , Ait Kaci Leila , Carrier Jean-Michel , Guyot Emmanuelle , Carron Pierre-Nicolas
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Staff turnover remains a significant challenge for hospital departments, especially in environments as demanding as emergency departments (EDs). High staff turnover (up to 22% annually) imposes significant strains on existing teams, delaying operational readiness and jeopardizing care quality.

OBJECTIVE

To address these challenges, we developed a gamified simulation designed to immerse future employees in a virtual reconstruction of the hospital’s facilities.

METHODS

This solution, deployed as an online platform, empowers new staff to efficiently familiarize themselves with key operational aspects such as premises, equipment, and personnel through engaging interactive quests. Additionally, a complementary web application allows medical teams to adapt the simulation to reflect evolving departmental needs (e.g., new quests, rewards, avatars, quizzes, and equipment) without IT intervention.

RESULTS

Initial user tests yielded positive feedback, suggesting the potential to reduce on-boarding time by 30 to 40%. For a department with 100 staff members and a turnover rate of 22\%.

CONCLUSIONS

This could save approximately 2,500 staff-hours annually, equivalent to reallocating nearly 1.3 full-time positions to patient care. This paper thoroughly examines the conceptual design, initial outcomes, and strategic considerations for scaling this solution, substantiated by detailed figures and technical analyses.
Obstacles Detection in Underwater Environment Using ROV Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Asri Purwidi , Widiarti Yuning , Purwanti Endang Pudji , Wismawati Endah , Arifin M. Firman Tsany
Published: February 2025

Pada saat RoV berada dibawah air tidak sedikit obstacle yang dijumpai dan berpengaruh terhadap  kinerja dan keselamatan body ROV itu sendiri. Obyek yang tertangkap kamera ROV seringkali sulit untuk diidentifikasi dan dideteksi karena besarnya noise bawah air. Selain itu, sifat air yang membiaskan cahaya dan tingkat kejernihan air turut berpengaruh terhadap kualitas gambar yang dihasilkan. Untuk membantu dalam mengidentifikasi obyek yang ada di bawah air, maka pada penelitian ini proses identifikasi dilakukan dengan menggunakan Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). CNN mengekstraksi fitur penting dari gambar melalui beberapa lapisan konvolusi. Setiap lapisan konvolusi menggunakan filter untuk mendeteksi pola seperti tepi, sudut, atau tekstur dari gambar input. Pada tahap akhir, fitur-fitur yang sudah diproses ini dihubungkan ke lapisan fully-connected yang bertindak sebagai pengklasifikasi. CNN kemudian memetakan fitur-fitur tersebut ke dalam kelas-kelas tertentu , misalnya objek seperti botol, tiang kayu, rantai, dan propeller. Dari pengujian secara real-time sistem berhasil menunjukkan performansi yang baik dengan akurasi validasi sebesar 99.25% dan akurasi klasifikasi real-time sebesar 85%. Hasil klasifikasi selanjutnya menentukan pergerakan thruster ROV.
Predicting Price and Risk ICBP Stocks Using GRU and VaR
Authors: Ryan Dana Alvin , Trimono Trimono , Idhom Mohammad
Published: February 2025

The economy plays a vital role in maintaining a country’s stability and progress, where stock investments serve as a primary financial instrument to enhance societal welfare. In Indonesia, interest in stock investments, especially in the essential food sector, continues to grow due to its long-term profit potential. This study combines stock price prediction with risk analysis using a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model and Value at Risk (VaR) calculation based on historical simulation. The GRU model is selected for stock price prediction due to its ability to capture complex, fluctuating patterns and adapt to market changes, while VaR is used to measure potential maximum loss at a 95% confidence level. The findings indicate a potential loss of IDR 65.785, demonstrating that this approach can provide a risk estimate by combining future predicted prices with historical data. Thus, this approach offers guidance for investors in understanding potential profits and risks in stock assets. The integration of GRU-based predictions and historical simulation VaR is expected to support more informative and prudent investment decision-making, particularly in facing the dynamic and risky stock market conditions.
Construction of Smart Construction Course Groups Driven by Interdisciplinary Integration
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Li Shuo , Song Chuanlei , Meng Qingbo , Meng Lingdong , Zhang Qingchi , Yang Chuanli , Kong Zhe
Published: February 2025

This study explores the innovation in smart construction course groups driven by interdisciplinary integration, aiming to construct a smart construction course group centered on interdisciplinary fusion. Addressing the challenges in developing a smart construction curriculum system under the context of higher education and industry-academia collaboration, this study proposes breaking disciplinary boundaries and integrating civil engineering, automation technology, computer science, and other fields to establish a curriculum system tailored to the cultivation of new engineering talents. The findings indicate that the proposed course group significantly enhances students’ ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, apply innovative practices, and collaborate effectively in teams within the field of smart construction. This research provides a systematic approach to curriculum design for smart construction education and offers theoretical support and practical insights for the promotion and application of interdisciplinary education models within the new engineering education framework.
on Infant Mortality in Southern Russian Regions
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS, Badmaeva Nogan V.
Published: February 2025

The article examines some indicators of the population’s availability of health resources and their impact on infant mortality rates in the Republic of Kalmykia and its neighboring regions. Materials and methods. The information base of the study was made up of general infant mortality rates in Russia and in the federal districts, in the Republic of Kalmykia and in the group of analyzed regions — in the Astrakhan, Volgograd, Rostov regions, the Republic of Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory. The following statistical indicators were also analyzed: the total number of doctors in organizations providing medical services, the number of obstetricians and gynecologists, internists, pediatricians, neonatologists, and in general doctors serving the children’s population. Conclusions. The availability of beds of different profiles and the availability of specialized medical personnel differ significantly by federal districts and regions of the country. In this regard, structural changes should be carried out taking into account the need to reduce the infant mortality rate in the regions. The implementation of healthcare projects has shown that the necessary provision of the material resources and personnel to the industry as a whole has been accompanied by lower recorded rates of infant and early neonatal mortality in the regions. Infant mortality rates in the regions are also influenced by the nature of settlement: the territorial accessibility of maternity services in rural areas is lower, and infant mortality rates are higher.
Influence of Oil Density on Self-Propelled Motion of Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction Droplet
Authors:   National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Meshram Vivek Bharat , Sebastian Anupama ,   National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Sibeesh Puthiyapurayil ,   National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Shajahan T K ,   National Institute of Technology Karnataka
Published: February 2025

Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction serves as an example of the nonlinear chemical oscillator in which the reacting substance undergoes sequential oxidation and reduction. A droplet containing the BZ reaction, when placed within the oily environment, can self-propel. In this experimental work, we explore the effect of oil medium density on the BZ reaction droplet dynamics. In an oil medium with lower density, the BZ droplet exhibits higher speed and effective diffusivity but a shorter lifetime. Both the distance and speed of the droplet initially increase with droplet volume. However, beyond a critical volume, the distance decreases while the speed stays constant. Interestingly, the critical volumes for distance and speed are not the same. This experimental work might help researchers understand the self-propelled motion of active matter in different media.
Leveraging Network Science for Customer Segmentation and Product Recommendation
Authors:   Binghamton University, Nasirzonouzi Ali
Published: February 2025

The rapid growth in e-commerce has forced the development and implementation of enhanced customer segmentation and recommendation systems, improving business results and improving customer experience. Traditional approaches, such as RFM analysis and clustering algorithms like K-means, are very helpful in many situations but usually fail to catch complex interdependencies among customers and products. This paper proposes a new approach using network science methodologies, a bipartite graph model, toward the advancement of customer segmentation and product recommendation. It implements a bipartite graph of customers and products using the "Online Retail II" dataset and proceeds with community detection, segmenting customers into unique groups. This current study converts the bipartite graph into a customer-to-customer network, where complex interrelations are revealed that may allow the development of highly targeted and precise marketing strategies. Centrality measures like degree, closeness, and betweenness centrality are applied to quantify the power of customers and their interconnectedness in the network. These metrics provide very important information to focused marketing, on customer roles such as the key influencer and bridging nodes. Indeed, network analysis approaches help explore customers' behaviors much deeper than traditional methodologies, such as in community detection, centrality analysis, and collaborative filtering for much more personalized recommendations. This research by the authors has been done to emphasize the need for network science methodologies within customer segmentation and product recommendations for insights on targeted marketing strategies, customer loyalty initiatives, and cross-selling possibilities in competitive e-commerce contexts.
Las cuestiones socialmente vivas: una reflexión sobre este modelo didáctico para abordar problemas sociocientíficos con estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Bastida Izaguirre Dafne , Niño-Gutiérrez Naú Silverio
Published: February 2025

El propósito de este artículo fue hacer una reflexión del uso de las cuestiones socialmente vivas (CSV) como una herramienta pedagógica para abordar problemas sociocientíficos en el aula que contribuyan a favorecer diferentes aspectos, entre ellos la alfabetización científica, la argumentación basada en evidencia y el pensamiento crítico. Para ello, se generó un espacio en el aula con estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Pedagogía, donde se aplicaron diversas actividades a modo de secuencia, entre ellas las CSV, para conocer las opiniones, creencias, percepciones que tienen sobre una problemática socioambiental, en este caso el cambio climático, que tiene un fuerte impacto actualmente. El aula fungió como espacio reflexivo donde las CSV fueron consideradas como una estrategia eficaz para abordar problemas interdisciplinarios, tanto estudiantes como el docente reflexionaron sobre aquellos procesos que se deben trabajar, como el desarrollo de la capacidad argumentativa, el uso de fuentes confiables en la argumentación y la toma de decisiones basada en evidencias. En consecuencia, se recomienda y resulta imprescindible comenzar a integrar esta herramienta desde niveles educativos básicos.
Mapping the housing stock structure of single-industry towns for the purpose of urban shrinkage analysis
Authors: Baryshkin P.A. , Alekseenko N.A. , Medvedev A.A. , Batunova E.Yu. , Khropov A.G.
Published: February 2025

The article discusses the methodological aspects of producing maps showing changes in the structure of the residential housing as a result of urban shrinkage. By integrating remote sensing data, statistical information, and field survey data, a comprehensive insight into the dynamics of the residential housing was achieved. The algorithmic framework was tested in three successive stages in three single-industry cities such as Anzhero-Sudzhensk, Novoshakhtinsk, and Kimovsk – former coal mining centers. By examining many data sources, patterns of urban shrinkage were revealed. The resulting cartographic representations serve as a basis for analyzing the patterns of urban shrinkage and the spatial distribution of abandoned buildings, providing an insight into the dynamics of demolished and remaining residential areas. The studied dynamics of urban regions confirm the presence of urban shrinkage features in post-Soviet Russia, where former mining towns have lost their industrial specialization
Methodology of the sectoral organizations' geological-and-geophysical works design web service
Authors: Loginov D.S.
Published: February 2025

Web-mapping technologies, including free and open source software, enable accessing industry data accumulated within sectoral enterprises during geological exploration by means of new kinds of digital cartographic products, i. e. web-mapping services. The author offers a methodology for creating a branch organization's geological and geophysical works web-service archive. The technique includes the following stages
Bate-bola Clóvis: uma expressão cultural de herança e identidade
Authors:   , Araújo Natalie Caroline de
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho de conclusão de curso apresenta uma coleção cápsula inspirada na cultura dos “Clóvis”, figuras emblemáticas dos carnavais das periferias do Rio de Janeiro. Dividida em cores e texturas, a coleção explora a dualidade entre a alegria vibrante e o aspecto sombrio desses personagens. Composta por 20 criações, sendo 5 looks confeccionados, as peças destacam tanto a celebração festiva quanto o lado misterioso e assustador associado à tradição dos “Bate-Bolas”. O projeto valoriza essa cultura marginalizada, utilizando a moda como ferramenta de expressão e reconhecimento cultural.
Mulheres norte americanas no rock: Tina Turner, Janis Joplin e Stevie Nicks
Authors:   , Silva Giovanna Izac
Published: February 2025

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a importância da Tina Turner, Janis Joplin e Stevie Nicks na moda rocker feminina. Partindo do entendimento do surgimento do rock, suas controvérsias com o machismo nesse cenário musical e sua origem podendo ser feminina, vindo de uma mulher negra em 1944. Seguindo para uma breve explicação da vida de Tina Turner, Janis Joplin e Stevie Nicks e suas músicas, para então o entendimento completo de suas imagens hoje e como chegaram a isso. Com isso então analisar o estilo pessoal delas, e entender como cada uma influenciou a moda rocker em si e como podemos ver isso até hoje, desenvolvendo então uma coleção de 20 looks inspirados nessas cantoras, trazendo suas essências para a atualidade, de forma moderna e única.
Income inequality and the local banking system: A case study based on Italian data
Authors: Algeri Carmelo , Brighi Paola , Cenni Stefano , Venturelli Valeria
Published: February 2025

Income inequality is one of the key indicators used to measure social and economic disparities (among households and businesses) in a given area. This study analyzes the impact of the local banking system on income inequality in the municipalities of an Italian region situated in the center-north of the country, a dynamic and economically prosperous area. To this end, it employs a dynamic panel data model, estimated using the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator, to address the issue of endogeneity and ensure unbiased inferences. The investigated region represents a significant case study, as its banking system has undergone profound changes. The results of this analysis, based on municipal-level data, suggest that an increase in credit provision tends to reduce income inequality, while the accumulation of wealth in the form of deposits exacerbates it. Furthermore, the physical presence of credit cooperative banks (CCBs) and their relationship lending approach emerge as key factors in mitigating inequality. The closure of bank branches, in fact, could heighten social disparities. In terms of economic policies, the study concludes that access to credit, along with a banking system based on a relationship-based model such as that of the CCBs, is effective in promoting inclusive territorial development.
Brauchen wir eine neue Ethik für das Anthropozän?
Authors: Bartmann Marius
Published: February 2025

Es besteht Konsens darüber, dass der Klimawandel ein genuin ethisches Problem darstellt und insbesondere Fragen der intra- und intergenerationellen Gerechtigkeit aufwirft. Unstrittig ist auch, dass Staaten zu den zentralen kollektiven Akteuren gehören, die intergenerationelle Verantwortung für effektiven Klimaschutz tragen. Zu den nach wie vor kontroversen Aspekten in der Klimaethik gehört die Frage, ob und inwiefern Einzelpersonen Verantwortung für ihre mit Emissionen verbundenen Handlungen zugeschrieben werden kann. Das Problem besteht darin, solche Handlungen von Einzelpersonen aufgrund ihrer kausalen Geringfügigkeit überhaupt als moralisch relevante Handlungen zu identifizieren. Die spezifischen Merkmale des Klimawandels könnten zudem den Eindruck erwecken, dass der Verantwortungsbegriff modifiziert oder durch einen Begriff kollektiver Verantwortung ersetzt werden muss, wenn Handlungen von Einzelpersonen im Kontext des Klimawandels moralische Relevanz zukommen soll. In diesem Beitrag möchte ich dagegen einen Vorschlag entwickeln, demzufolge Einzelpersonen Verantwortung zugeschrieben werden kann, ohne jedoch unseren gängigen Verantwortungsbegriffs zu revidieren. Die leitende These ist dabei, dass der kollektive und intergenerationelle Kontext des Klimawandels die Form von mit Emissionen verbundenen Handlungen verändert. Dies beeinflusst auch die moralische Bewertung dieser Handlungen, indem mit Emissionen verbundene Handlungen durch ihre Verknüpfung mit dem globalen CO2-Budget rechtfertigungspflichtig werden.