bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Intervertebral Disc Hydration on the Photothermal Responses and Carbonization Properties in Low-Energy Laser Therapy
Authors: Shiwen Li , Zhuan Zuo , Jiayuan Xu , Yang Liu , Wenyu Wang , Qi Liu , Valentinovich Ivanenko Andrei , Changshui Yu , Quan Qi
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), but its effectiveness can be influenced by factors like laser power and treatment time, which vary with the degree of disc degeneration. Reduced water content in degenerated discs may affect treatment outcomes. This study examines how low-energy laser treatment impacts intervertebral discs with different water content, focusing on photothermal and carbonization effects.
Methods
Fresh intervertebral discs from adult pig spines (L2-L5) were used. Discs with poor and rich water content were prepared by vacuum freeze-drying and saline soaking, respectively, with untreated discs serving as controls. Three groups—poor, normal, and rich water content—were exposed to laser irradiation at 1W, 2W, and 3W. Images of the discs were captured, and the irradiated and carbonized areas were measured to evaluate photothermal effects.
Results
After 5 minutes of irradiation, the poor water content group showed the largest irradiated area at low power (112,894 ± 18,664 pixels), compared to the normal (75,644 ± 11,298 pixels) and rich (51,641 ± 7,348 pixels) groups. As power increased, the poor water content group continued to show a larger irradiated area. For carbonization, the poor water content group exhibited the largest carbonized area (64,759 ± 9,876 pixels) at low power, and this trend continued at higher powers.
Conclusion
The water content of intervertebral discs significantly affects laser irradiation and carbonization. Discs with poor water content show larger irradiated areas and earlier, more extensive carbonization. Careful control of treatment time is necessary when treating severely degenerated discs to avoid excessive carbonization and potential negative effects.
Cerebral autoregulation and optimal blood pressure from birth to surgery in neonates with critical congenital heart disease
Authors: Vasquez Angelica , Gentzler Eliza , Bateman David , Chaves Diana Vargas , Kalfa David , Bacha Emile , Krishnamurthy Ganga , Goldshtrom Nimrod
Published: February 2025

Objectives
Increased time-to-surgery has been correlated with increasing cerebral fractional oxygen extraction without compensatory increase in cerebral blood flow in neonates with critical congenital heart disease (cCHD) suggesting an overwhelmed cerebral autoregulation system. Autoregulation analysis can provide precision targets such as optimal blood pressure but it remains unclear how autoregulation evolves in days preceding surgery. Our hypothesis is that longer wait times between birth and surgery are associated with increasing periods of impaired autoregulation.
Methods
A retrospective observational study evaluating the time spent within optimal blood pressure (MAPOPT) range identified by cerebral autoregulation analysis in full term newborns with cCHD awaiting neonatal surgery.
Results
Sixty subjects had a median [IQR (interquartile range)] of 5.2 days [3.9–7.9] of recordings from birth to surgery. Subjects spent a median of 7.6%, [5.3–13%] with impaired autoregulation. Time within MAPOPT decreases slightly within the first ten days of life when controlling for confounders. Subjects spent a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 40.8% (± 15.5%) of each day within MAPOPT (51.3 ± 6.1 mmHg) and a median of 28.1% [13.6–45.5] time below MAPOPT. Mixed effects regression showed that subjects spent 1.93% less time each day within MAPOPT range (p = 0.001) over time but there was no difference in time spent below MAPOPT.
Conclusion
Full term neonates with cCHD experience variable periods of impaired autoregulation throughout the preoperative period and spend less time within MAPOPT over that time. These changes in cerebral hemodynamics may be a physiologic mechanism for previously described association between longer wait time to surgery and increased white matter injury.
Hydrocephalus: a rare complication in Guillain Barre Syndrome patients A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jaiswar Sandeep
Published: February 2025

Guillain Barre syndrome is an autoimmune post-infectious polyneuropathy, which is characterized by ascending sym- metrical limb weakness, loss of tendon reflexes, absent or mild sensory signs, and variable autonomic dysfunctions. Hydrocephalus is an extremely rare complication of GBS. Here, we report our case of a 5-year-old boy who was diag- nosed of GBS had significant recovery on IVIG therapy. However, 4 weeks post admission, he developed hydro- cephalus. Here we highlight the significance of increased concentration of CSF protein to predict hydrocephalus in the course of recovery. In addition, this report is compared and contrasted with previous case reports in terms of manage- ment of the disorder. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of neurological advancements along with fundoscopy and neuroimaging studies.
The Nothapodytes nimmoniana genome provides insights into the independent evolution of camptothecin biosynthesis in asterids
Authors: Shen Xiaofeng , Shen Xiaofeng , Guan Zhijing , Sun Sijie , Du Ke , Zhao Yue , Yan Zhaojiu , Zhang Chuyi , Qiu Li , Yun Lingling , Shen Ruichi , Guo Bao-Lin , Shen Guoan , Li Xiwen , Wei Jianhe , Shi Linchun , Hu Zhigang , Xiang Li , Xu Jiang , Guo Shuai , Wei Sun , Xu Zhichao , Chen Wei , Leng Liang , Courdavault Vincent , Li Ying , Chen Shilin , Sun Chao
Published: February 2025

Nothapodytes nimmoniana is known to produce the highest content of the anticancer compound camptothecin (CPT) in the plant kingdom. We present the chromosome-level allotetraploid genome of N. nimmoniana, marking the first genome sequence from the order Icacinales. This 5-Gb genome encodes 92,630 genes, with subgenome B exhibiting dominant gene expression. Through genome mining, we identified and characterized four key enzymes involved in CPT biosynthesis, revealing that N. nimmoniana shares a similar prestrictosidine pathway with most monoterpene indole alkaloid-producing plants. Notably, homoeologous pairs of all characterized enzymes maintained their functions across both subgenomes, suggesting that gene duplication from allotetraploidization likely enhances CPT production in this species. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses revealed that strictosidine synthase and strictosamide epoxidase were independently recruited in N. nimmoniana, Camptotheca acuminata, and Ophiorrhiza pumila, supporting the hypothesis that CPT biosynthesis evolved independently at least three times within the asterid clade.
Over-height Vehicle Impact Severity Assessment for Through-Plate Girder Railroad Bridges
Authors: Lawal Omobolaji , V.Shajihan Shaik Althaf , Golecki Thomas , Mechitov Kirill , Moreu Fernando , Spencer Billie
Published: February 2025

Low clearance railroad bridges in the United States are prone to frequent impacts from over-height vehicles, which can lead to structural damage and disruptions in railroad bridge service. Current practice mandates the closure of bridges after an impact is reported. However, this approach results in traffic delays and loss of revenue for railroad owners in cases of minor impacts, which occur far more frequently than major ones. While researchers have developed approaches to detect such impacts using acceleration responses obtained from sensors mounted on the bridge, the severity is generally difficult to ascertain. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable method to assess both the occurrence and severity of impacts. Although previous studies have used permanent displacement thresholds to rate impact severity, measuring permanent displacement is challenging and too expensive to be scalable. To address these challenges, this study proposes the use of an artificial neural network model to assess impact severity based on the impact impulse, peak acceleration, and spectral energy of detected impacts. The performance of the model is further validated using both simulated and field-collected impact data from a through-plate girder railroad bridge in northern Illinois. The results demonstrate that the developed approach reliably detects and determines the severity of impacts. This solution allows railroad owners to better prioritize the allocation of limited resources towards the inspection of bridges after major impacts.
A Novel ALTSRCFNN-STSMC Approach for Enhancing Ride-Through in Hybrid Renewable Systems
Authors: Lu Kai-Hung , Hong Chih-Ming
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes an innovative Adaptive Least Squares Recursive Chebyshev Fuzzy Neural Network (ALTSRCFNN) combined with Super-Twisting Sliding-Mode Control (STSMC) for improving the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability and stability of hybrid generation systems (HGS) under grid faults. The integration of Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM) enhances system robustness by mitigating oscillations and stabilizing bus voltage during transient conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms conventional PID controllers and other neural network-based methods in terms of accuracy, response speed, and voltage regulation. The ALTSRCFNN-STSMC effectively reduces voltage fluctuations, restores steady-state conditions within shorter timeframes, and ensures sufficient active and reactive power delivery under various environmental conditions. These findings indicate the proposed approach’s potential for practical applications in modern power systems, particularly in addressing stability challenges in renewable energy integration.
Nonlocal order parameter of pair superfluids
Authors: Cuzzuol Nitya , Barbiero Luca , Montorsi Arianna
Published: February 2025

Order parameters represent a fundamental resource to characterize quantum matter. We show that pair superfluids can be rigorously defined in terms of a nonlocal order parameter, named odd parity, which derivation is experimentally accessible by local density measurements. As a case of study, we first investigate a constrained Bose-Hubbard model at different densities, both in one and two spatial dimensions. Here, our analysis finds pair superfluidity for relatively strong attractive interactions. The odd parity operator acts as the unique order parameter for such phase irrespectively to the density of the system and its dimensionality in regimes of total particle number conservation. In order to enforce our finding, we confirm the generality of our approach also on a two-component Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian, which experimental realization represents a timely topic in ultracold atomic systems. Our results shed new light on the role of correlated density fluctuations in pair superfluids. In addition, they provide a powerful tool for the experimental detection of such exotic phases and the characterization of their transition to the atomic superfluid phase.
The effect of climate change on meteorological drought and hydrological drought assessment in Kohgilouye and Boyer Ahmad Province of Iran
Authors: Alipour Modab Gholamreza
Published: February 2025

Drought is a persistent environmental challenge with widespread and long-term impacts. Understanding the effects of climate change on drought is crucial for sustainable water resource management. This study assesses future drought conditions in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province from 2024 to 2047 using the HADGEM3-GC31-LL model under SSP1.2-6 and SSP5.8-5 scenarios. Various drought indices, including standardized precipitation index, reconnaissance drought index, effective reconnaissance drought index (meteorological), standardized streamflow index (SSI) (hydrological), and groundwater resource index (groundwater), were applied to analyze precipitation, temperature, surface water discharge, and groundwater levels. Contrary to many studies predicting a decline in rainfall, our findings indicate an increase in precipitation and a slight decrease in temperature. The drought indices suggest that future conditions in the region will remain stable, with no significant intensification or mitigation of drought. These insights contribute to regional water management strategies by providing a refined understanding of climate-induced drought variability.
Design, Synthesis, and Antibacterial Activity of Carbazole Derivatives Containing 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Thioether Moiety
Authors: Tang Chenghao , Chen Liang , Yang Xiumei , Huang Jinying , Jiang Lixiang , Feng Siyan , Long Yinghai , Luo Yao , Li Pei , Wang Xiang
Published: February 2025

A novel class of eighteen 2-((9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-5-(benzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazole
derivatives were designed, synthesized and screened for their in vitro antibacterial activities against
Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae (Psa), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas
axonopodis pv. Citri (Xac). Preliminary bioactivity test results indicated that some compounds
showed moderate to good inhibitory effects against the tested bacteria at the concentrations of 100
μg/mL and 50 μg/mL. Among them, compounds 2-((9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-5-((2,6-dichloro benzyl)
thio)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (5e) and 2-((9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-5-((4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)
thio)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (5m) exhibited the best inhibitory effects against Psa, Xoo and Xac than other
compounds, which displayed a wide range of antibacterial activities. Further bioactive applications of
these molecules are in progress in our laboratories.
The Incidence of Heart Failure in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Moeinipour Yasamin , Moeinipour Aliasghar , Alizadeh Behzad , Raesi Rasoul , Naghibi Mohammadreza
Published: February 2025

Background:

Pediatric heart failure (HF) poses diagnostic challenges, especially in
emergency settings, where misdiagnoses are common.

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate the causes of HF in children with congenital heart disease
(CHD) and provide insights into age-related disparities and clinical classifications.

Methods:

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 402 pediatric patients
with CHD during the years 2019-2020. Ultimately, 45 pediatric patients diagnosed with HF by
two pediatric cardiologists based on clinical symptoms and radiographic changes were included
in the study. Information from the patients' files, including epidemiological findings, clinical
examinations, paraclinical findings, and interventions performed, was recorded. Etiological factors
and clinical classifications were analyzed using statistical tests.

Results:

Among 402 pediatric patients with CHD, 45 (11.19%) were diagnosed with HF, with a
median age of 7.5 months. The predominant etiological factors included ventricular septal defect
(VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), and cardiomyopathy. CHD was prevalent in 86.66% of
the cases. Clinical classifications revealed age-related differences, emphasizing the heterogeneity
of pediatric HF presentations.

Conclusion:

Considering that 86.7% of the patients with HF in our study had CHD, more investigations
into the causes and mechanisms of this issue are necessary, which will be possible with
genetic studies. A significant difference was observed between Class II and Class IV, with Class
II patients being older and heavier, and having a lower heart rate compared to those in Class IV.
This aligns with the classifications, where Class II indicates mild symptoms during ordinary activity,
while Class IV signifies severe symptoms at rest.
Normative Data for Objective ADHD Smartphone Application in a General Population
Authors: Gustafsson Urban , Nolen Robert , Casals Nuria , Larsson Simon , Sanyal Ragini , Hansen Mikkel
Published: February 2025

Background

Normative data for objective measures in the clinical assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are crucial for enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and clinical utility of diagnostic tools. This observational study aimed to establish normative demographic data in a representative population for an investigational version of QbMobile (QbMobile), a software application for the administration of a performance test to provide objective measurements of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity in the clinical assessment of ADHD.

Methods

This study was conducted in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, and the United States. Participants between 6-60 years were included. The QbMobile application was pre-installed on the smart device/iPhone. Participants were instructed to sit holding the smartphone with both hands and tap the screen each time a target stimulus appeared on-screen and withhold tapping to all other stimuli. The smartphone tracked the participants' movements with the camera and movements from the smartphone to measure activity.

Results

A total of 2541 participants completed the study, n=326 aged 6-11 years and n=2215 aged 12-60 years. There were more females (55.7%) than males (44.3%). Demographic and characteristics variables had no impact on the data collected. Household income and educational levels were investigated to ensure sufficient spread across countries. The basic parameters of QbMobile were captured and evaluated during the assessment. There was a high degree of acceptance of the test, and 94% reported that the application was easy to use.

Conclusion

Representative normative data for QbMobile was established from a multinational general population and should provide a useful basis as a comparator for other datasets, such as people with ADHD.
Social Acceptance of Smart Glasses in Health Care: Model Evaluation Study of Anticipated Adoption and Social Interaction
Authors: Zuidhof Niek , Peters Oscar , Verbeek Peter-Paul , Ben Allouch Somaya
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite the growing interest in smart glasses, it is striking that they are not widespread among health care professionals. Previous research has identified issues related to social interactions involving the use of smart glasses in public settings, which may differ from those associated with their application in health care contexts.

Objective

Assuming that smart glasses mediate contact between the health care provider and patient, the objectives of this research are two-fold: (1) to develop an instrument that combines the adoption and mediation perspectives, and (2) to gain insights into how the intention to use is influenced through aspects of adoption and social interaction.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to a target audience of health care professionals (N=450), with recruitment via MTurk. The sample primarily included male participants from the United States, with the majority aged 42 years or younger. Although a large portion of respondents were medical doctors, the sample also included nurses and other health care professionals. Data were analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Results

Regarding the aim of developing an instrument combining adoption and social interaction, the internal consistency was above the aspirational level (α>.70) for the instrument. Furthermore, regarding the second objective involving gaining insights into the influential constructs of the anticipated intention to use, the following results were highlighted: in testing the conceptual model, the measurement model generated a good fit and the respecified structural model also generated a good fit. The tested hypotheses confirmed that social interaction constructs could explain a higher variance of users’ anticipated intention to use. Perceived social isolation and decreased attentional allocation did not have a significant effect on attitude. Furthermore, the intention to use smart glasses despite nonacceptance of smart glasses by the patient significantly influenced the anticipated intention to use. In summary, constructs that focus on social interaction could contribute to better explanation and prediction of the expected adoption of smart glasses in health care.

Conclusions

The empirical findings of this study provide new insights into how the mediation perspective can increase the explained variance compared to existing knowledge about adoption. Against expectations based on previous literature and despite the social issues raised earlier, these social aspects do play important roles for health care professionals but are ultimately not decisive for the intention to use. As a result, there are fewer threats to the adoption of smart glasses from the perspective of health care professionals than might be expected based on the previous literature. Therefore, the use of smart glasses can still be considered as an innovative way of working in health care.
Smart Pharmaceutical Monitoring System With Personalized Medication Schedules and Self-Management Programs for Patients With Diabetes: Development and Evaluation Study
Authors: Xiao Jian , Li Mengyao , Cai Ruwen , Huang Hangxing , Yu Huimin , Huang Ling , Li Jingyang , Yu Ting , Zhang Jiani , Cheng Shuqiao
Published: February 2025

Background

With the climbing incidence of type 2 diabetes, the health care system is under pressure to manage patients with this condition properly. Particularly, pharmacological therapy constitutes the most fundamental means of controlling blood glucose levels and preventing the progression of complications. However, its effectiveness is often hindered by factors such as treatment complexity, polypharmacy, and poor patient adherence. As new technologies, artificial intelligence and digital technologies are covering all aspects of the medical and health care field, but their application and evaluation in the domain of diabetes research remain limited.

Objective

This study aims to develop and establish a stand-alone diabetes management service system designed to enhance self-management support for patients, as well as to assess its performance with experienced health care professionals.

Methods

Diabetes Universal Medication Schedule (DUMS) system is grounded in official medicine instructions and evidence-based data to establish medication constraints and drug-drug interaction profiles. Individualized medication schedules and self-management programs were generated based on patient-specific conditions and needs, using an app framework to build patient-side contact pathways. The system’s ability to provide medication guidance and health management was assessed by senior health care professionals using a 5-point Likert scale across 3 groups: outputs generated by the system (DUMS group), outputs refined by pharmacists (intervention group), and outputs generated by ChatGPT-4 (GPT-4 group).

Results

We constructed a cloud-based drug information management system loaded with 475 diabetes treatment–related medications; 684 medication constraints; and 12,351 drug-drug interactions and theoretical supports. The generated personalized medication plan and self-management program included recommended dosing times, disease education, dietary considerations, and lifestyle recommendations to help patients with diabetes achieve correct medication use and active disease management. Reliability analysis demonstrated that the DUMS group outperformed the GPT-4 group in medication schedule accuracy and safety, as well as comprehensiveness and richness of the self-management program (P<.001). The intervention group outperformed the DUMS and GPT-4 groups on all indicator scores.

Conclusions

DUMS’s treatment monitoring service can provide reliable self-management support for patients with diabetes. ChatGPT-4, powered by artificial intelligence, can act as a collaborative assistant to health care professionals in clinical contexts, although its performance still requires further training and optimization.
The Impact of Digital Therapeutics on Mental Health Outcomes in Psychiatric Nursing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review Protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Thirusangu Senthil Thirusangu , Joyti Puri
Published: February 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

The COVID-19 emergency led to mental health decline which needs quick development of new psychiatric nursing care Research has shown that mixing mobile apps with Telepsychiatry services plus VR tools brings helpful results in helping mental health patients from afar. Our research aims to explore how digital healthcare tools assist psychiatry patients in improving their mental wellbeing while offering assistance to psychiatric nurses in COVID-19 situations. The research demonstrates good methodology by using established PRISMA-P method guidelines.
This evaluation seeks to determine digital therapeutic strategies that reduce depression symptoms and handle anxiety while treating PTSD while evaluating how these platforms improve patient participation rates and treatment commitment rates and their implementation issues for psychiatric nurses. The database search includes screening of PubMed and PsycINFO as well as CINAHL and Scopus and Cochrane Library parallel to grey literature sources in the selection process. The evaluation will consist of research involving patients aged 12 or older with psychiatric conditions in combination with psychiatric nurses who receive digital interventions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital therapeutic effects on psychiatric nursing results become clear through a systematic review approach that combines quantitative with qualitative evidence sources.
The assessment tools used for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comprise Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) respectively. Data extraction will be systematic along with meta-analytical methods whenever possible while heterogeneity assessment will use the I² statistic. This review presents insights about digital therapeutic implementation in psychiatric nursing practice to enhance mental health results and generates policy choices beneficial for public health emergencies in the future.
The research addresses three main difficulties related to digital literacy education and technical limitations alongside privacy-related problems. These obstacles in digital intervention accessibility and effectiveness require attention to develop better psychiatric care through digital solutions. This review adds positively to current discussions about digital mental wellness solutions and their future capacity to shift psychiatric nursing practice after the pandemic ends.
This review protocol obtained an international PROSPERO registration number under CRD42025635961 for securing transparency as well as following systematic review standards globally.
Ethical principles pertaining to care of people with dementia: A qualitative thematic synthesis of legal documents
Qualitative Study Protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Sperling Daniel , Schou-Juul Frederik , Lauridsen Sigurd , Asaduzzaman Muhammad , Guney Seda , Kohanová Dominika , Giannouli Vaitsa , Porteri Corinna , Serrat Rodrigo , Morais Ana Isabel
Published: February 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

With dementia's rising global prevalence, ensuring ethical legally supported care is increasingly critical. This protocol describes a study that explores and examines the ethical principles of dementia care and their address by ethical frameworks as they are integrated and discussed in legal documents across different jurisdictions on national, European and International levels. The study applies a cross-country qualitative thematic synthesis (QTS) to explore how ethical principles like autonomy, dignity, and beneficence are embedded, discussed and evaluated in such documents, covering 15 countries within a European COST Action initiative. By categorizing and analyzing these principles, the study highlights the translation of ethical norms into enforceable laws and seeks to identify gaps and variances in ethical application, thereby offering analytical themes and insights concerning the interaction between ethical and legal norms. Using the QTS method combined with a systematic legal review framework, the study captures the nuanced role of ethics in dementia-related legislation, contributing valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and healthcare providers.
Gender-Affirming Surgery in Visually Impaired Patients: Navigating Unique Challenges and Considerations (Preprint)
Authors: Robinson Samuel , McParkland Connor , Hamidian Jahromi Alireza
Published: February 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

Gender-affirming surgery for visually impaired transgender individuals presents unique challenges, including post-operative care adaptations, consent processes, and reliance on non-visual sensory cues for self-perception. Discussions include the dynamics of gender dysphoria in visually impaired individuals, the importance of external validation, and considerations for alternative procedures. Addressing both skeptical and supportive perspectives, the analysis highlights the need for tailored, multidisciplinary care plans to overcome barriers and ensure equitable access. Emphasis is placed on fostering inclusive practices to deliver safe, effective, and affirming surgical care to this underserved population.
Determinants of failure in the access test for specialized medical training (Preprint)
Authors: Diaz-Fernandez Montserrat , Llorente-Marron Mar
Published: February 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

To approximate the factors that determine failure in the access test for specialized medical training in Spain with the aim of better understanding the extent to which differences based on sex, nationality and the context of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to explaining such failure. Econometric modelling of the final results obtained on the exam and identifying the explanatory factors that determine the results and their relevance, effect and meaning. Based on the results obtained in the tests of the 2019-2021 calls, it is verified that the exam and academic records, together with demographic and calendar factors, constitute determinants of the observed behaviour of the final results. From the results obtained, it does not appear that being a man or woman either favours or diminishes the final grade obtained. In contrast, being Spanish constitutes a relevant explanatory factor in the final result. The calendar effect directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic allows us to quantify the negative impact exerted on the final results. (1) This study investigates the impact of factors such as sex, nationality and the COVID-19 pandemic on access to specialized health training in Spain. (2) Empirically, not being Spanish acts as an unfavourable differential fixed factor, but favourable when said condition interacts with the variable that approximates the academic record. (3) The impact of language is not perceived as a limiting factor. The test exclusively evaluates knowledge of medical content. (4) The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are visualized in the final scores.
Analyzing Freedom: Understanding Swiss COVID-19 Narratives Through NLP analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Spitale Giovanni , Germani Federico , Fritschi Franc , Merten Sonja , Nikola Biller-Andorno
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Beyond the public health challenges it posed, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of public discourses, particularly regarding moral key terms such as freedom. Understanding how these terms, including freedom, are used across different forms of public communication is critical for promoting an informed dialogue during crises and reducing societal polarization.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the usage of the key moral term freedom within public discourses in Switzerland. It examines the terms’ framing in official press releases, newspapers, and social media to map its usage, identifying discrepancies in the construction of its meaning. The results of this study could aid policymakers in the design of strategies for improving clarity and consistency in public reasoning, and reduce polarization in public discourses.

METHODS

We analyzed three datasets with a NLP pipeline comprising lemmatization, co-occurrence analysis, and semantic network mapping: official press releases from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), newspaper articles from major outlets retrieved via Factiva, and social media posts collected via CrowdTangle.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed notable differences in how freedom was framed across datasets. Government press releases emphasized the need to balance public health responsibilities with personal autonomy, while newspapers highlighted the tension between restrictions and civil liberties. Social media discourse was marked by polarized views, with prominent themes of activism, distrust in authorities, and debates over individual versus collective freedoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The conceptualizations of freedom emerging from the data reflect tensions between individual rights and collective responsibilities during the pandemic. Inconsistent framing across different contexts likely contributed to societal polarization and institutional distrust. The study highlights the need for clearer communication and shared understanding of key moral terms such as freedom, which could help strengthen democratic processes and institutions.
Green Eurobonds as Catalysts for Sustainable Finance in Uzbekistan Promoting Financial Innovation for Environmental and Economic Resilience
Authors: John Alphonsa S , Ahmad Hajam Dr. Aajaz
Published: February 2025

The escalating imperatives of climate change and sustainable development have accentuated the need for innovative financial instruments that harmonize environmental objectives with economic resilience. Green Eurobonds have emerged as pivotal within the sustainable finance landscape, providing an avenue for nations to fund projects with profound ecological impact while attracting investment from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-oriented stakeholders. This study examines Uzbekistan’s inaugural issuance of green Eurobonds, a strategic advancement toward financing green infrastructure, fostering renewable energy, and addressing critical environmental challenges such as water scarcity and desertification. By aligning green Eurobond initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commitments under the Paris Agreement, Uzbekistan demonstrates its dedication to a green economy transition, enhancing its appeal to global environmentally conscious investors. This research evaluates the transformative potential of green Eurobonds to bolster sustainable economic resilience, identifies the challenges intrinsic to their implementation in emerging markets, and offers strategic recommendations to optimize their impact on Uzbekistan’s sustainable development trajectory. The findings contribute to the discourse on sovereign green finance, emphasizing the essential role of green Eurobonds in shaping economic policies and supporting environmental sustainability in emerging economies.
Women's Leadership in Public Elementary Schools in Sekarbela District, Mataram City, Indonesia
Authors: Ristiana Hefi Sahlia , Asrin Asrin , Sumardi Lalu , Sudirman Sudirman , Saputra Heri Hadi
Published: February 2025

This study aims to determine the leadership style of women in public elementary schools in Sekarbela sub-district, Mataram city in improving teacher social competence. With sub-focuses including: women's leadership style and the impact of women's leadership style. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected using interview, observation, and documentation methods. Data analysis in this study is inductive, namely the analysis is carried out based on data obtained from the time the data collection took place until after the data collection at a certain time. Data analysis consists of data collection, data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Meanwhile, to check the validity of the data using data triangulation, namely credibility, transferability, and dependability. The results of the study indicate that: 1) the leadership style of women in public elementary schools in Sekarbela sub-district, Mataram city is democratic and charismatic leadership; 2) The impact of women's leadership style in schools, both democratic and charismatic, has a significant positive impact on improving school quality
The Existence of Notaries in the Drafting of Peace Deeds as A Dispute Resolution Process: Case Study in East Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Notariano Muhammad Azzura , Kurniawan Kurniawan , Wapart Diangsa
Published: February 2025

This study aims to determine the authority of a notary in making a peace deed and the legal force of the peace deed made by the notary. The research method used is normative and empirical legal research with a statutory, conceptual, and sociological approach. The types of data used are secondary data and primary data. Secondary data is library data sourced from primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials. Primary data is field data sourced from interviews regarding the existence of a peace deed. The conclusion obtained from the research conducted is that a Notary has the legal authority to make a peace deed because a peace deed is one form of authentic deed where the position of a notary is a state official who has the authority to make authentic deeds as regulated in Article 2 § 1 of Law No 2 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law No 30 of 2004 concerning the Position of Notary. However, the law does not specifically regulate the making of peace deeds by notaries; notaries can make their peace deeds because peace deeds are authentic.
IoT-Enabled Plant Growth Prediction and Health Monitoring System Using Sensor Fusion and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Dada Temitope James , Elekwa Oge , Okhueleigbe Vincent , Ishiwu Jude , Onyeyili Ikemefuna , Clarke Shokare
Published: February 2025

The major challenges farmers face are predicting plant growth and identifying health problems before it is too late. The manual observations in old methods typically result in resource waste and erroneous predictions, damaging the ecosystem and crop production. Getting a dependable and automated system to mitigate the challenges is now more important than ever.Given this pressing need, this paper proposes a creative solution using environmental and plant-specific sensors to collect real-time data. Then, it will be analysed using simplified machine learning algorithms, specifically Random Forest Classifiers, to precisely forecast plant growth stages and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to detect potential health problems. After testing this on various plant types, the accuracy of growth prediction was approximately 92.5% and 95.2% while detecting the plant's health issues.This system optimises crop yields and reduces resource consumption while minimising environmental impact. Furthermore, the system is flexible and more suitable for diverse farming needs, including smart farming and managing greenhouses. This research enables the farmers to make informed decisions and cultivate a more sustainable future.
Impact of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) on the Development of Small-Scale Enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Ugowe Samson Omoruyi , Yusuff Taofiq Olasunkanmi , Gandonu Tosin Femi , Oladejo John Babatunde , Adebayo Opeoluwa Olumakinwa , Nurein Sharafadeen Ashafe , Oke Bioluwatife Oluwaferanmi
Published: February 2025

The study investigates the impact of the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) on the development of small-scale enterprises (SSEs) in Nigeria, focusing on its role in driving economic growth and improving operational efficiency. Data were gathered from 40 payphone centre owners in Apapa through questionnaires using a cross-sectional survey design. Respondents' demographic data showed that 62.5% were female, 37.5% were male, and 45% fell within the 15–30 age group, indicating youth dominance in the sector. Results revealed that 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that GSM has improved the standard of Nigerian small-scale enterprises. In comparison, 65% disagreed that GSM impacts only the Nigerian economy, not small-scale entrepreneurs.Additionally, 72.5% strongly agreed that GSM has created job opportunities and helped reduce unemployment, further supported by findings that 57.5% strongly agreed GSM aids in crime reduction through better communication with security agencies. Despite these benefits, 70% of respondents cited high tariffs as a major barrier, negatively affecting profitability. The results underscore GSM's transformative impact on SSEs while highlighting the need for a unified tariff structure to maximise its potential for business growth and economic development.
Adoption of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in the Protection of Critical Infrastructure
Authors: Ojo Abraham Olasunkanmi
Published: February 2025

Securing critical infrastructure (CI), including energy, healthcare, transportation, and financial systems, has become a pressing concern in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. These essential systems underpin modern society, and disruptions to their operations can have severe economic, social, and safety consequences. Traditional perimeter-based cybersecurity approaches have proven insufficient against evolving attack vectors, highlighting the need for more resilient strategies such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Zero Trust Architecture represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, advocating "never trust, always verify." Unlike legacy models, ZTA emphasises continuous authentication, least privilege access, and network micro-segmentation to mitigate external and internal threats. By assuming that breaches are inevitable, ZTA enforces stringent access controls and real-time monitoring to safeguard critical systems. This review examines the adoption of ZTA in the protection of critical infrastructure.Key findings showed the benefits of ZTA, including enhanced resilience against cyberattacks and improved regulatory compliance. The paper also discusses challenges such as integration with legacy systems, resource constraints, and organisational resistance. Recommendations are provided to guide the phased implementation of ZTA and promote cross-sector collaboration to secure critical infrastructure effectively.
Phytochemical Evaluation and Pharmacological Activities of Leaf and Fruit Extracts of African Blackberry Nightshade - Solanum Nigrum Linn. (Niprd H 7357)
Authors: Aliyu Najeeb Olamilekan , Welcome Menizibela Osain , Medugu Nubwa , Asalu Adedayo , Odo Isaac , Ogundeko Timothy Olugbenga , Imran Jibril , Adegboro Boaz
Published: February 2025

Solanum nigrum is a tropical plant sometimes used as a vegetable for consumption in some communities where they grow in the wild, with anecdotal reports of its usefulness as a medicinal plant, especially in treating asthma. This present study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents of the leaf, fruit, and seed of Solanum nigrum Linn. extracts and evaluate its pharmacological activities via ATBS and DPPH assays evaluate its pharmacological activities of the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts.The researcher collected fresh leaves and fruits of privately cultivated Solanum nigrum Linn. from FCT Abuja, Nigeria, extracted them using solvents (chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol), and evaluated the pharmacological activities of the various extracts via ATBS and DPPH assays.Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, flavosterols, fixed oils, terpenoids, and saponins were present in both the leaf and fruit extracts of Solanum nigrum. The fruits, however, have higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and vitamins B1, B2, and C. Our Study further showed that the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts exhibited high ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacity. The high ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacity by the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts suggests that the plant has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties and authenticate its traditional use in the treatment of asthma. Therefore, future research on the effect of plant extracts on smooth muscles and, subsequently, clinical trials on asthma patients is recommended.
Integrating Neural Networks for Predictive Torque Control and Obstacle Avoidance in Autonomous Robot
Authors:   Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kodali Viswanath , Borra Harsha Vardhan ,   Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, P Kiran ,   Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Published: February 2025

In the field of robotics, precise motion control and accurate computation of joint forces are critical for ensuring optimal performance. Traditional methods, such as using the Jacobian matrix for joint angle determination and Euler-Lagrange equations for torque computation, are reliable but computationally intensive, making them less suitable for real-time applications. This paper presents an advanced approach to improving the productivity and efficiency of a 3-Degree of Freedom (DOF) robotic arm by utilizing Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The proposed system dynamically predicts joint angles and torque, enabling faster and more efficient motion control.

To address the challenge of obstacle avoidance in dynamic environments, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is integrated with pathfinding algorithms such as the A* algorithm. This combination facilitates real-time obstacle detection and avoidance while maintaining accurate predictions for joint angles and torque requirements. The implementation showcases the effectiveness of neural networks in optimizing motion control and improving the overall performance of robotic systems. The proposed methodology highlights a significant advancement in real-time robotic motion planning and control, providing a scalable solution for robotic systems operating in dynamic environments.
Composición de la flora vascular, delimitación y estado de conservación de lomas del cerro Ochiputur (Trujillo, Perú): alcances para la identificación y gestión de ecosistemas desérticos
Authors: Cuba-Melly Norton
Published: February 2025

El desierto costero sudamericano es un ambiente de extrema aridez que recibe agua en forma de neblina oceánica y precipitaciones discontinuas provistas por El Niño-Oscilación del Sur (ENSO por sus siglas en inglés). Sus particulares condiciones climáticas y geográficas son refugio de especies de flora, y fauna altamente especializada, que además de poseer un alto grado de endemismo se encuentran amenazadas por actividades humanas. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: proponer una delimitación del ecosistema de lomas en una localidad del norte del Perú conocida como cerro Ochiputur usando herramientas de teledetección y el análisis del Índice de Vegetación Diferencial Normalizado (o NDVI por su acrónimo en inglés), y efectuar una línea base de flora vascular e identificar impulsores de cambio en el área de estudio. El análisis NDVI permitió estimar la cobertura vegetal del ecosistema, aunque aún presenta limitaciones, asimismo, se evidencia la influencia del ENSO sobre la cobertura vegetal y el avance de actividades antrópicas perjudiciales. Se registraron 134 especies de plantas vasculares distribuidas en 3 unidades del paisaje del ecosistema de lomas. Finalmente, se discute una conexión entre el desierto y ecosistemas altoandinos, y la eficiencia de la teledetección en la delimitación de ecosistemas desérticos.
El intelectual como cholulo: el extraño caso de Paulo Francis, niño terrible brasileño
Authors: Rebello de Mendonça Carlos Eduardo
Published: February 2025

Este artículo estudia, mediante el examen de sus escritos, la carrera del periodista brasileño Paulo Francis, personaje de integridad profesional y consistencia ideológica dudosas que, sin embargo, supo hacerse reconocer como periodista idóneo y hombre de cultura durante largo tiempo en Brasil. Su historial es tomado como caso representativo de la evolución del papel de intelectual de clase media en la sociedad brasileña en proceso de modernización.