bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind, PV, and Hybrid Power Plant Operation in Competitive Nordic Electricity Market With High Profit Cannibalization
Authors: Seppälä Simeon , Syri Sanna
Published: February 2025

This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of a hybrid wind‐PV (photovoltaic) power plant (HPP) compared to onshore wind power plants (WPPs) and photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs) in the Nordic electricity market, focusing on locations in Finland and Sweden. Wind power capacity has recently increased significantly in the Nordics, increasing the profit cannibalization of wind power. Renewable energy subsidies have been phased out in Finland and Sweden, thus new wind and PV power value creation is formed from the power market. The PV power capacity has also encountered significant growth in the Nordics. However, the capacity is still relatively low, allowing more revenue for produced PV power compared to wind power. The lower PV power profit cannibalization has increased interest in HPPs instead of WPPs. This contribution studies the economic feasibility of wind and PV power in changing market conditions in the Nordic electricity market. The market operation is modeled with three different configurations including selling all the power into the day ahead spot market and baseload or pay‐as‐produced power purchase agreement (PPA). In addition, a battery energy storage system (BESS) investment is analyzed using the operating strategy of shifting production to more profitable spot price hours. This study shows that due to the profit cannibalization and high cost of capital, the power plants are currently not profitable in the Nordic electricity market except when the bidding area has high average spot prices. The worst profitability was with WPPs when exposed to the market shape risk and with PVPPs when pay‐as‐produced PPA was agreed upon due to the higher levelized cost of electricity. However, the PV power profit cannibalization is expected to increase in the future as more PVPPs operate in the Nordic power market. Thus, the PVPP shape risk may increase in the future as well.
High Occurrence of a Missense Variant (c.471C>A) in the FGF23 Gene Related to Hyperostosis–Hyperphosphatemia Syndrome With a Possible Founder Effect
Authors: Sedghi Maryam , Gharehdaghi Elika Esmaeilzadeh , Ziaee Vahid , Abbasi Farzaneh , Meybodi Hamid Reza Aghaei , Smailey Elina , Mehdizadeh Mehrzad , Raeeskarami Seyyed Reza , Aslani Nahid , Shiran Sahar Naderi , Vafadar Mehdi , Amoli Mahsa M.
Published: February 2025

Background: The autosomal recessive metabolic disorder hyperostosis–hyperphosphatemia syndrome (HHS) is characterized by hyperphosphatemia, hyperostosis, and recurrent bone lesions. Patients may develop ectopic and vascular calcification and may present diaphyseal pain of the long bones that is misdiagnosed as osteomyelitis. Mutations in GALNT3 and FGF23 genes were detected in patients with HHS. The main manifestations of these patients are increased levels of phosphate reabsorption from kidneys and painful swelling of long bones alongside with normal levels of vitamin D and parathormone.

Method: We performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in seven Iranian patients. These patients were referred from several specialist clinics. Seven irrelevant families were examined for genetic mutations.

Results: WES revealed the deleterious missense mutation c.471C>A, p. F157L in all affected members of six families. The variant c.1524+1G>A in the GALNT3 gene was found in the remaining patient which is reported previously. These variants were confirmed utilizing segregation studies in the pedigrees.

Conclusion: Our data together with previous studies related to mutations in FGF23 in Iran strongly support that p. F157L mutation is abundantly prevalent in patients with Iranian origin and is likely to be a founder mutation; however, it requires further confirmative study. The result of this study suggests that p. F157L mutation should be investigated at the first step in genetic analysis of patients with HHS. This enables fast and accurate focused molecular diagnosis and would be effective for use in carrier screening as well as in prenatal diagnosis (PND) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Multifunctional Metasurface Design via Physics‐Simplified Machine Learning
Authors: Zhu Ruichao , Han Yajuan , Jia Yuxiang , Sui Sai , Liu Tonghao , Chu Zuntian , Sun Huiting , Jiang Juanna , Qu Shaobo , Wang Jiafu
Published: February 2025

Metasurface can manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves flexibly, which provides the basis for functional integration. Recently, the efficient machine‐learning‐assisted methods have attracted intensive attentions in multifunctional metasurfaces design. However, the conventional machine‐learning‐assisted metasurfaces design is to fit the internal relationship in the form of black box, which ignores the underlying physical logic, resulting in the increased complexity of machine learning architecture with the parameters increasing. In order to adapt to the multiparameter optimization in multifunctional metasurfaces design, we propose a multiplexing neural network (MNN) based on decoupling at the physical layer to simplify both the structural parameters and the network architecture. The four interacting parameters are simplified into four independently regulated parameters so that the facile design of four functions can be realized only by multiplexing a simple neural network. For verification, four functions of scattering, anomalous reflection, focusing, and hologram are integrated in the same metasurface aperture by MNN. Performances of the metasurface are fully demonstrated by simulation and measurement. Importantly, this work paves the way for the bidirectional simplification of machine learning and metasurface design via physical inspiration, which provides an integrated design method of multifunctional metasurfaces and can be potentially applied to satellite communications and other fields.
The Caucasian Dwarf Goby (Knipowitschia caucasica)—Population Dynamics and Feeding Ecology in the Lower Rhine With a Special Focus on Winter
Authors: Josifek Tillmann , Borcherding Jost , Hübner Sarah , Kühnel Thomas , Heermann Lisa
Published: February 2025

Artificial expansion of shipping routes in the course of international trade opens up fish migration routes for numerous species. Since 2006 migration of four different goby species took place from the Ponto–Caspian region to the Lower Rhine. Neogobius fluviatilis, Neogobius melanostomus, Proterorhinus semilunaris and Ponticola kessleri were able to establish in the local fish community of the Lower Rhine. Besides the four other goby species, Knipowitschia caucasica migrated from the Ponto–Caspian region to the Lower Rhine as well in 2019. Due to increasing abundance in the last years and lack of information regarding population dynamics, feeding activity and prey preferences of the dwarf goby, the length of 1218 Caucasian dwarf gobies was analysed as well as the diet of 519 individuals in the course of May 2021 to February 2022. The populations of three different locations along the Lower Rhine were examined in winter on differences in population dynamics and feeding ecology. Analysis of the population over time suggests that K. caucasica in the Lower Rhine is an annual species with spawning during summer. The juvenile individuals of the Caucasian dwarf goby increased in total length until winter, while the adults vanished after spawning. Both juveniles and adults mainly fed on zooplankton and insect larvae. The feeding activity of the dwarf goby was higher in summer than in winter and started to increase as early as February. No difference in winter prey was recorded between populations at different sites, as all populations fed mostly on copepods and chironomids.
Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma Treatment on the Radical Scavenging and Antioxidant Activities, Phenolic Content, and Some Nutritional Characteristics of Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)
Authors: Jamali Narjes , Nematollahi Amene , Rahmdar Zahra , Kiani Mohammad , Torkashvand Mohammad , Mollakhalili-meybodi Neda
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the potential effects of atmospheric pressure cold plasma (ACP) treatment as a novel nonthermal processing method for plant‐derived products, specifically focusing on chia seeds, a rich source of nutrients. The impacts of ACP treatment (at intensities of 6.5 kV for 3 min, 6.5 kV for 8 min, 8.5 kV for 3 min, and 8.5 kV for 8 min, which are called S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively) on radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, phenolic content, and some nutritional characteristics of chia seeds were examined and compared with the control sample (untreated sample). Results indicated that the quantities of fat, ash, crude fiber, and carbohydrate changed on the basis of ACP treatment intensity (i.e., exposure time and the voltage applied during the treatment), suggesting that the intensity and effects of plasma‐activated species play a key role in this process. In terms of in vitro starch digestibility, a significant increase was observed, from 40.14% in the control to 64.99% in the sample treated for 8 min at 8.5 kV (designated as S4). A similar trend was noted for in vitro protein digestibility, which increased from 68.39% in the control to 85.54% in S4. These improvements are attributed to the depolymerization and side‐chain cleavage induced by plasma‐activated species during ACP treatment. Moreover, ACP treatment led to an increase in both polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Polyphenol content rose from 41.59 mg GAE/g in the control to 64.98 mg GAE/g in S4, while antioxidant activity increased from 68.39% to 85.45%. The enhancement in antioxidant activity may also be partly due to UV radiation generated during plasma production, which can stimulate the formation of secondary metabolites. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the effects of ACP treatment on the various parameters examined—such as proximate composition, digestibility, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity—are influenced by exposure time and voltage. These variations appear to be primarily driven by the action of plasma‐activated species.
Transcriptomic gradients of the human cerebellum
Authors: King Leana , King Maedbh , Zhen Zonglei , Ivry Richard B. , Weiner Kevin S.
Published: February 2025

In the past decade, there has been major interest in understanding the role of transcriptomics in the functional and anatomical layout of the human brain. To date, almost all of the work linking transcriptomics to human brain function and structure has been restricted to the cerebral cortex. The culmination of this work has identified transcriptomics as an important shared principle that can tie together function, structure, and gene expression. However, largely missing from this work is the subcortex—namely the cerebellum. Here, we investigate whether transcriptomics offer a link between function and structure in the human cerebellum, using gene expression data from post-mortem cerebella and multi-modal brain atlases. We find that transcriptomic gradients from a sparse subset of genes align with a macroanatomical, rather than a functional - parcellation of the cerebellum, and the transition of the main gradient occurs at the horizontal fissure for the group, as well as individual cerebella. Conversely, when filtering for cortex-specific genes, there is an alignment with continuous functional gradients of the cerebellum, but not discrete parcellated areas.
An Age-stratified Mathematical Model for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis Co-infection with Optimal Control
Authors: Maina Robert , Kinyanjui Mathew , Mwalili Samuel , Kioi Duncan
Published: February 2025

One significant risk factor that is considered to contribute to Kenya’s TB burden is HIV. TB is one of the most common opportunistic infections associated with HIV, and HIV infection increases the risk of developing active TB disease in individuals with latent TB infection. Due to their compromised immune systems, increased susceptibility to TB infection and latent TB reactivation, people with HIV have a higher probability of attaining TB. This study develops an age-stratified mathematical model with optimal control for co-infection of HIV and TB. The model’s reproduction number, as well as the equilibrium of endemic and disease-free states have been computed. Least Squares technique of minimization has be used to determine the model parameters. HIV antiretroviral therapy treatment adherence and tuberculosis treatment have been considered for optimization. Runge-Kutta 𝒪(h4) has been used to solve the system differential equations for its high accuracy and flexibility. Results from the numerical simulations show that ART adherence is the best intervention to control the co-infection in its earlier stages (HIV and latent TB). TB treatment is the best intervention for those affected with the coinfection on the later stage (HIV and active TB). Considering viral load suppression and TB prevention, viral load suppression is most effective for children and TB prevention is most effective for adults. The results of this research can be used by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for emphasis on most effective interventions as well as a basis study tool that can be recreated for other co-infections.
Hierarchy, Stigma and Construction of Marginal Citizenship in Everyday Schooling
Authors: Varghese Charles
Published: February 2025

Schools are considered a liberation and social mobility tool in our public imagination. However, many critical studies point out that schools are reproducing the existing inequalities in many ways. In a multicultural society like India, the sensitivity of the school to the differences and its strategies to address the multiplicity of the social and economic backgrounds of the students will have a lasting impact on the academic and personal development of the children. In a historically stratified society, it is significant to see what role schools play irrespective of the policies or curriculum frameworks. This study is the product of 1 year of ethnographic fieldwork in a government higher secondary school in Kerala during 2013–2014 and a revisit in 2018–2019. It employs a critical ethnographic method to understand how hierarchy and stigma are constructed in the everyday classroom in the context of Adivasi students. The idea of citizenship is employed to understand this context. It is a modern imagination of being a nation-state member with some bestowed rights. If we follow the idea that schooling is a preparation for life, it prepares students to be citizens of our society. This paper explores how the citizenship experience of the Adivasi children is being shaped in our schools. A government school in Kerala where all sections of the society are studying is taken for the study. How is the learning context organised in the school? How are Adivasis’s social identity, knowledge and experiences placed in the school? How these things shape the citizenship experience of Adivasi children are some of the questions this paper attempts to explore.
Child Soldiers of Boko Haram: Why (and How) Children Join Armed Groups in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Onapajo Hakeem
Published: February 2025

Child recruitment by armed groups has become a phenomenon in Nigeria’s experience with terrorism and insurgency. Based on qualitative interviews with former child soldiers and key actors involved in the conflict in Northeast Nigeria, the study examines the process of recruitment of the underaged by Boko Haram and the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) with focus on the drivers, methods of recruitment, and the reintegration programs. The study is premised on the theories of radicalization and argued that the three P’s (Push, Pull, and Personal) thesis is relevant to understand child recruitment in the conflict. The study observed the strategic importance of children to the armed groups and demonstrates the existence of the three P factors in the recruitment of child soldiers by the armed groups. The study further observed challenges in the disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration processes and recommends strategies to address those challenges.
Statistical Heterogeneity in Oral Health Meta-Analyses
Authors: Tatas Z. , Kyriakou E. , Seehra J. , Pandis N. , Spineli L.M.
Published: February 2025

Providing the summary effect size and its uncertainty, a prediction interval, and a measure of statistical heterogeneity constitute good reporting practices in meta-analyses. Popular statistical heterogeneity measures comprise the τ2 and I2 statistics. However, researchers often rely unduly on the I2 statistic, using naive categorizations to gauge the extent of heterogeneity, leading to misuses of the meta-analysis models, deficiencies in reporting, and misleading conclusions. The present study aimed to provide empirical evidence on the reporting and interpretation of statistical heterogeneity in systematic reviews of oral health published between 2021 and 2023 in 21 leading specialty and general dental journals. Systematic reviews with at least 1 meta-analysis on binary or continuous outcomes with the most studies were identified. Characteristics were extracted at the systematic review and meta-analysis levels. In total, 313 systematic reviews with meta-analyses were analyzed. Within this cohort of meta-analyses, the random-effects model (89%, n = 278) was frequently applied. Almost all meta-analyses (98%, n = 308) reported the I2 value, and 51% ( n = 160) reported the τ2 value. For this sample, the median I2 was 76% (range: 0%–100%), and the median τ2 was 0.29 (range: 0–2,632), with 13% ( n = 20/160) of these meta-analyses reporting zero τ2. Most of the meta-analyses (96%, n = 299) based the heterogeneity interpretation on I2 and only 21 (7%) on τ2. Although 49% ( n = 152) of the meta-analyses chose the meta-analysis model a priori, only 41% ( n = 63/152) justified this choice. Furthermore, 42% ( n = 131) of the 313 meta-analyses chose the meta-analysis model based on the I2. Within oral health meta-analyses, there is evidence of overreliance on I2 when reporting and interpreting statistical heterogeneity and selecting the meta-analysis model. The inappropriate use of I2 in meta-analysis model selection and interpretation of statistical heterogeneity may have implications for the quality of conclusions delivered to the end users of systematic reviews.
A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of Children’s Test Anxiety Scale
Authors: Tümtürk Emre , Sen Sedat
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to estimate pooled reliability values for the total and sub-scales of the Children’s Test Anxiety Scale (CTAS) and to investigate the sources for the heterogeneity between the reliability estimates of the studies using the scale. In line with this purpose, a reliability generalization meta-analysis was applied, with 34 studies reporting 38 alpha coefficients. We also examined the induction rates of the CTAS. The pooled reliability values were estimated as .915, .867, .795, and .740 for the total scale, thoughts, autonomic reactions, and off-task behaviors sub-scales, respectively. Results of the meta-analysis showed that heterogeneity was detected in the total and subscales, and moderator analyses were conducted to determine the source of heterogeneity. The analyses revealed the statistical significance of some categorical (school level, continent, country, scale type, language, publication type) and continuous (mean age and mean scale score) variables. Reliability induction rate was determined to be 11.21%. This study represents the first reliability generalization analysis of the CTAS. The generalized reliability of both the CTAS and its subscales was established. Our findings endorse the CTAS as reliable instruments for assessing test anxiety in children. The limitations of the scale were mentioned, and suggestions were made to the researchers. Recommendations are offered for future research.
Evaluation of iSTART: A Novel Substance Use Prevention Web-App Designed for Diverse College Students
Authors: Rainisch Bethany K. W. , Dahlman Linn , Shahverdi Abnous , Alhassan Sarah , Forster Myriam
Published: February 2025

There is little research assessing substance use prevention programs designed for first generation, working, and ethnic minority college students. This study assessed the effectiveness of a multi-substance web-app prevention program implemented at a Hispanic Serving Institution in southern California. Participants ( N = 1066) were randomly assigned to either a control, comparison, or 5 module web-app condition. Surveys assessing substance specific knowledge, perceived health risks, normative peer use, and past 30-day alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and illicit drug use were administered at baseline, exit, and 90-day follow-up. At exit and 90-day follow up, students assigned to the web-app had significantly greater gains in substance specific knowledge, more accurate perceptions of campus peers’ substance use, and the health risks associated with substance use than comparison or control group students. Moreover, web-app students had lower incidence rates of alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and illicit drug use at exit with effects evident at 90-day follow up for alcohol, cannabis, and illicit drug use but not nicotine use. Given young adults preference for web-based technology, our findings underscore the benefits of developing, adopting, and implementing culturally sensitive substance use prevention programming using mHealth technology among diverse college populations.
The story of us: How online daters narrate their courtship
Authors: Sharabi Liesel L. , Hall Elizabeth D. , Horstman Haley K.
Published: February 2025

Online dating is common in the United States. We draw on communicated narrative sense-making (CNSM) theory to explore how online daters reflect on the development of their relationships. Using an oral history interview protocol, we collected courtship stories from 50 U.S. adults who were engaged or married to a partner that they met in online dating. We coded their stories for common narrative arcs and counter narratives that they used to describe their courtship. Our findings uncovered ten narrative arcs capturing different trajectories of relationship development. Embedded within these stories were counter narratives that participants used to challenge traditional courtship ideologies. Implications for CNSM theory, theories of relationship development, and online dating research are discussed.
Evaluating the relevance of health-related topics using three similarity measures
Authors: Zhu Yifan , Zhang Jin
Published: February 2025

This study evaluated the effectiveness of three similarity measures—Cosine similarity, Pearson correlation, and Euclidean distance—in assessing health-related topics on MedlinePlus. The focus was on four health topic subcategories: mental health, children, teenagers, and older adults. Using adjacency matrices of graph theory and the three similarity measures, the study found that both Cosine and Pearson correlation measures were more empirically robust than the Euclidean distance measure. Notably, the alignment in findings from Cosine and Pearson correlation suggests their potential combined use in future research as complementary strategies. To validate the findings, hypothesis testing showed that Cosine and Pearson correlation were significantly effective in identifying similar health topics and distinguishing between different semantic subgroups, whereas Euclidean distance showed limitations. These insights guide the application of adjacency matrices and the selection of suitable similarity measures to evaluate semantic linkages in health topics, enhancing relevance recognition and supporting classification in medical domains.
Effects of Emotional Valence, Training Experience, and Audiovisual Dual Modality on Emotion in Dance
Authors: Wang Yi , Zheng Maoping
Published: February 2025

The dance art form involves audiovisual dual modality perception, and research is unclear regarding the original accompanying music, the audience's emotional response to the dance/music, and the impact of dance training on the audiovisual dual modality recognition and experience of emotion in dance. This study is a mixed experimental design that was adopted: 2 (presentation modality: audiovisual bimodal vs. visual modality only) × 2 (dance training experience: dance major vs. non-dance major) × 2 (emotional valence: happiness vs. sadness). The results show that audiovisual dual modality significantly impacts emotional experience but not emotional recognition. Additionally, individuals’ professional experience is critical for dance's emotional recognition and experience. Dancers can recognize and appreciate dance works through a single visual mode, which non-dancers are unable to do. The results provide insights into the relationships between dance training experience, audiovisual dual modality, and dance emotion.
Comparison of the transradial and transfemoral approaches for uterine artery embolization: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bessar Ahmed A , Libda Yasmin Ibrahim , Talaat Maichael , Tantawy Enjy Fathy , Heraiz Ahmed Ismail , Bessar Manar A
Published: February 2025

Background

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure commonly used to control uterine bleeding or pain. While the procedure is traditionally performed through the transfemoral approach (TFA), the transradial approach (TRA) is another method.

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness of the UAE using the TRA approach versus the TFA approach.

Material and Methods

This non-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2022. A total of 42 female patients with abnormal uterine bleeding and/or pelvic pain from uterine fibroids were randomly assigned to either the TRA group or the TFA group. Data collected included demographic information, procedural details, patient satisfaction, and radiation metrics.

Results

The TRA group had significantly lower numbers of microsphere vials used compared to the TFA group ( P = 0.014). While there were no significant differences in procedure times ( P = 0.058), fluoroscopic times ( P = 0.117), or radiation doses ( P = 0.466), the TRA approach was associated with a higher success rate in achieving bilateral UA catheterization and fewer instances of bilateral sheath insertion. Patient satisfaction scores were similar between the groups, with no statistically significant difference ( P = 0.932). Minor adverse events such as local hematoma and color changes were more frequent in the TFA group, though these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Although both approaches were effective for the UAE, the TRA approach may be a viable alternative to the TFA due to its higher success rate in achieving bilateral catheterization, lower radiation doses, and shorter procedural times.
An Urban Cinderella
Authors: Desar Leonora
Published: February 2025

The makeover of a major convention center in Detroit is a modern fairytale come true
Think Globally
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: February 2025

Though headquartered in the American Midwest, a high-flying technology company deserved an internationally inspired design
Central Park Escape
Authors: Desar Leonora
Published: February 2025

Say goodbye to cubicles—this redesigned space for a New York advertising icon feels like anything but an office
A Brave New World
Authors: Desar Leonora
Published: February 2025

The trends you weren't expecting in corporate lighting education
Say Hello to Big Data
Authors: Harrington Sean
Published: February 2025

What's the perfect platform for an emerging world of connected devices and sensors? Enter lighting
Flight Connection
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: February 2025

Boeing's engineering and manufacturing teams keep bumping into each other....and that's exactly the point
Toward a Performance-Based Energy Code
Authors: Wen Yao-Jung , Seeger Kelly , Maniccia Dorene
Published: February 2025

The authors contend that a 'Controlled LPD' approach is the first step
1977-78 Annual Report
Authors: Coda Frank M.
Published: February 2025

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
Changing criteria in the selection of integrated-ceiling systems
Authors: Edwards Larry R.
Published: February 2025

Integrated-ceiling systems can cost less than conventional components because of today's mass-production techniques, but single-source responsibility for manufacturing and installation should be demanded
Static failure of hybrid bolted-bonded composite joints in hygrothermal environment
Authors: Ren Peng , Gu Long , Su Xingkang , Wu Tao , Jia Baohui , Xiao Haijian
Published: February 2025

Hygrothermal environment has a significant impact on the safety and reliability of hybrid bolted-bonded composite joints. This study aims to investigate the effects of hygrothermal environment and geometrical parameters on the mechanical properties of hybrid bolted-bonded joints. In this paper, through the static tensile test and SEM scanning electron microscopy of hybrid bolted-bonded joints with different end-to-diameter ratios ( E/D) and width-to-diameter ratios ( W/D) under room temperature dry (RTD) and elevated temperature wet (ETW) environments, the change rule of the static strength of the joint and the macro-micro failure form are obtained. A finite element model of the hybrid bolted-bonded joint was established to obtain the initial stress distribution states of different layups and adhesive layers of laminates. The results indicate that the ultimate load of the hybrid bolted-bonded joint increases with the increase of E/D and W/D within a certain range. The ETW environment significantly reduces the ultimate load of hybrid joints. SEM scanning electron microscopy revealed that the compression damage of laminates in the ETW environment was aggravated. The hole edges exhibited an obvious state of matrix fracture and collapse. In the thickness direction, there was an increase in fiber breakage and debonding in the 90° fiber orientation, accompanied by more resin debris.
Chain Mediation Effect of Learning Satisfaction on Achievement Perception in Adult Online Education
Authors: Pan Guoqiang , Xu Kaikai , Nie Hui , Nie Zhi
Published: February 2025

Previous studies have not adequately explored the complex relationship between learning satisfaction and perceived learning achievement in adult online education. This study explores the chain mediating effect of online instructional service quality and engagement in online learning on the relationship between learning satisfaction and perception of learning achievement among adult learners in online education. Data from 8,119 questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate positive correlations between learning satisfaction, online instructional service quality, and engagement in online learning. Both service quality and engagement mediate the relationship between learning satisfaction and perception of learning achievement. Enhancing learning satisfaction improves both service quality and engagement in online learning for adult learners. Increased engagement in online learning corresponds to higher learning achievements. These findings provide theoretical insights on satisfaction, service quality, engagement, and learning achievement in online education, offering strong theoretical support and development opportunities for online education practices.
Integrated network pharmacology and bio-functional chitosan-hydroxyapatite scaffolds incorporating quercetin for enhanced bone regeneration in articular cartilage defects
Authors: Panbhukarasu Suvetha , Vijayalekha Ashwathi , Natarajan Kaviya , Anandasadagopan Suresh Kumar , Pandurangan Ashok kumar
Published: February 2025

Bone tissue engineering offers a viable alternative to traditional bone and chondral transplant procedures, promoting new tissue formation for persistent repair and remodelling in complex bone and cartilage lesions. To foster bone repair, this study explores a novel chitosan-based scaffold incorporating quercetin and hydroxyapatite (HAP) for treating articular cartilage defects. Chitosan, a biopolymer with natural flavonoid quercetin, has been shown to influence cell signalling pathways, division, proliferation, and apoptosis, while HAP, an apatite mineral, could mimic bone extracellular matrix. Primarily Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the mechanism of quercetin for inflammation. SEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction assessed the structural and chemical properties of the scaffold. The biochemical characterization determined the swelling, porosity and biodegradation potential of the fabricated biomaterial for bone regeneration potential. Acute toxicity of quercetin, HAP and chitosan was assessed in zebrafish embryos. Thus, this research underscores the potential of the Quercetin-Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite scaffold as a viable approach for articular cartilage defects. This study proves that it would be an efficient treatment opportunity by imitating the structure and function of native bone tissue, ultimately resulting in better treatment outcomes for articular cartilage defects.
Assessment of Cell Isolation From Human Milk Using Immunomagnetic Beads
Authors: Radhi Noor , Paul Ayamita , Muelbert Mariana , Toldi Gergely
Published: February 2025

Background:

There is increasing interest in better understanding the immune cell composition of human milk and how these cells interact with neonatal immune development. However, consistent methods for immune cell isolation from human milk are lacking.

Research Aim:

Our aim was to systematically compare available cell isolation techniques to isolate T lymphocytes from human milk samples.

Methods:

This repeated measures study design compared three cell isolation methods using human milk samples: (1) centrifugation, (2) immunomagnetic bead isolation, and (3) a combination of both methods. We assessed the proportion and viability of CD3+, CD4+, CD25+ and regulatory T cells using flow cytometry in isolated cells to compare the performance of these isolation methods.

Results:

Immunomagnetic separation is a feasible method to isolate T lymphocytes in human milk, similar to blood. It improves target cell enrichment and cell viability compared to centrifugation, which may be an advantage when the goal is to characterize rare cell types or when cells are further used in functional assays. No excess cell activation (CD25 positivity) was observed with the use of magnetic beads.

Conclusion:

Immunomagnetic separation of human milk T lymphocytes may have advantages over centrifugation depending on the intended downstream use of cells.
Thermal history dependent rheology, crystallization, and fusion joint strength of polyphenylene sulfide/carbon fiber thermoplastic composites
Authors: Ghanbari Lina N , Previte Joseph P , Wiggins Jeffrey S , McNair Olivia D
Published: February 2025

The impact of thermal history on ultimate thermoplastic composite properties is often overlooked, provided the final parts are compliant. This work investigated the influence of temperature and time of common manufacturing processes of poly phenylene sulfide (PPS) thermoplastic composites (TPC), which resulted in long chain branching and crosslinking of the PPS matrix. This was determined through measurable changes such as rheological properties, crystallization behavior, and fusion joint strength of PPS/CF TPCs. TPC melt processing steps included unidirectional (UD) tape manufacturing, large panel layup and consolidation, individual panel thermal treatment, and fusion joining. During thermal treatment, nine sets of two 10″ × 4″ panels were exposed to either 300°C, 320°C, or 340°C, for 5 min, 30 min, or 60 min. Using thermal profiles identical to TPC manufacturing steps, rheological and calorimetric techniques mimicked the thermal history of the PPS/CF composites to observe changes in PPS matrix properties at discrete process steps. Complex viscosity of PPS increased across all test frequencies, while percent crystallinity decreased, indicative of thermal degradation in the melt state. The increase in viscosity inversely related to single lap shear strength (SLSS) of fusion joined panels. Through combining matrix-level measurements (SAOS rheology and DSC) to composite mechanical testing, we gain significant insight regarding the influence of process-induced polymer matrix properties on fusion joint strength.
Navigating Marginality: Agency and Empowerment of Turk Women in Azerbaijan
Authors: Suleymani Sevil
Published: February 2025

Focusing on the agency and empowerment of Turk women in the Azerbaijani region of Iran, this study critiques the liberal framing of Muslim women’s resistance and advocates for a more nuanced, intersectional approach. The study reveals how Turk women navigate the complexities of intersecting identities—facing both ethnic discrimination and patriarchal oppression—and actively challenge these stereotypes. Highlighting the importance of understanding agency as context-dependent and shaped by factors such as ethnicity, gender, and class, the study draws on case studies of three Turk women to show how agency manifests in different forms, from political activism to economic survival, offering a localized interpretation of empowerment. Central to this analysis is Saba Mahmood’s framework, which emphasizes that agency operates within cultural constraints yet challenges them in meaningful ways.
Local responses and resilience to water risks in rural China: Strategic disengagement in water governance
Authors: Chen Lu
Published: February 2025

In this study, I investigate how state-dominated rural household water governance affects local responses to water-related risks during extreme weather events and environmental changes in rural China. This form of governance is centralized and standardized, manifested in its material and moral dimensions: (1) modern technology and infrastructure, involving facilities for centralized and standardized water access, quality management, and household water use; and (2) morality, represented by the norms of centralized and standardized water purification in managing water quality and in the installation of standardized modern flush toilets which increases household water use as opposed to traditional practices. Based upon ethnographic fieldwork, I examine the water-related risks associated with such governance during droughts, cold snaps, and changes in land use around water sources, and how villagers did not demand state intervention but instead turned to alternative practices when possible, thus disengaging from different aspects of the state-dominated water governance. In their responses, villagers enhanced their resilience by increasing physical capacities to cope with tap water-related risks. Realizing that the state-dominated governance was inadequate, they cultivated their resilience to regain control in addressing risks. I thus term villagers’ responses as ‘resilient disengagement’, located between resignation and activism.
A novel profile considered geometry optimization for unequal rotor pair of claw-type vacuum pump
Authors: Phan Ngoc-Tuan , Tran Van-Quyet , Tran The-Van , Arifin Achmad
Published: February 2025

In the claw-type vacuum pumps, the rotor pair is a vital component, the rotor proﬁles are mainly affected by the performance of the claw-type vacuum pumps. Therefore, this study proposes a novel profile for unequal rotor pair considered geometry optimization to improve the performance of claw-type vacuum pumps. The proposed unequal rotor pair's geometric models and proﬁle equations are established since geometry parameters of unequal rotor profile evaluated and optimized to improve the performance of claw-type vacuum pump. Moreover, the influence of geometry parameters on the working area ratio and sealing line length are presented. The numerical results indicate that the performance of claw-type vacuum pumps with novel unequal rotor profiles has improved significantly compared to the traditional rotor profile. The working area ratio of the proposed pump is higher 7.2% than that of the traditional pump. The working sealing line length of the proposed pump is shorter 31.89% than that of the traditional pump.
Enhancing co-pyrolysis process of biomass and coal using machine learning insights and Shapley additive explanations based on cooperative game theory
Authors: Le Quang Dung , Paramasivam Prabhu , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Sirohi Ranjana , Bui Van Hung , Kowalski Jerzy , Le Huu Cuong , Tran Viet Dung
Published: February 2025

The co-pyrolysis process is an essential method for energy extraction from waste biomass and coal although the co-pyrolysis technology of biomass and coal presents a complex engineering challenge. To address these challenges, modern data-driven ensemble and tree-based machine learning approaches offer a promising solution. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of various machine learning techniques, including linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) to predict the outcome models of pyrolysis oil yield, syngas yield, char yield, and syngas lower heating value from co-pyrolysis of biomass and coal. The models are evaluated using different statistical metrics. The DT-based pyrolysis oil yield model outperformed the other four models (LR, RF, XGBoost, and AdaBoost) in predicting pyrolysis oil with robust accuracy, achieving an R2 of 0.999 and a mean squared error (MSE) close to zero during the model training phase. Similarly, the DT-based syngas yield model showed a high R2 of 0.999 and near-zero MSE while the based char yield model excelled the others with a high R2 of 0.999 and negligible MSE during the model training phase. In the subsequent phase, explainable artificial intelligence-based Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values were estimated for feature importance analysis. The SHAP analysis identified key features for pyrolysis oil and syngas yield, with biomass blending ratio and reaction time being the most crucial, while reaction time and temperature were the most important for the syngas LHV model.
Managing Human–Wildlife Conflict: A Case Study from Assam, India
Authors: Daimari Prosperu , Singh M. Romesh
Published: February 2025

Co-management is recognized as crucial in developing sustainable policies to address the deteriorating relationship between humans and wildlife. This approach is inclusive and particularly effective in areas where humans and wildlife share the same resources. The sharing of resources often leads to unsustainable practices. Many studies proved that co-management involves diverse stakeholders, including experts, forest staff, conservation organizations, and the local community, to negotiate conflicting interests effectively. Hence, studying the coexistence strategies implemented by different stakeholders has provided valuable insights into the potential interactions and coexistence of humans and wildlife outside of protected areas. The article examined the local management strategies employed to address human–elephant relations in this context. Additionally, the article discusses various co-management approaches aimed at improving the relationship between humans and wild elephants, along with the factors contributing to building co-management capacity. This article is based on the ethnographic study conducted among the Bodo community residing near the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam, where the local Bodo community experiences conflict with wild elephants.
The second financial services revolution? The quiet politics of open banking reform in the UK
Authors: Clarke Chris , Macartney Huw
Published: February 2025

Open banking was heralded as the key to promoting competition in UK retail banking markets. After a slow start the post-pandemic uptake of open banking tools suggested that a second financial services revolution was indeed underway. Yet by 2024 there were also clear signs that the so-called silent revolution had failed. The aim of this paper is to explain why. Using Culpepper’s (2010) concept of ‘noisy politics’ we argue that against the background of disillusionment with incumbent banks a more incisive, pro-reform statecraft emerged during the design of open banking (2015-18); under these conditions incumbent bank power waned. However, the return to ‘quiet politics’ – compounded by the political uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the delegation of authority to technocratic institutions – allowed incumbent banks to slow the implementation process (2018-23) and reorient their strategy towards acquisitions and partnerships with technologically agile fintech firms. In so doing bank power reasserted itself, stymieing the progress of open banking reform.
Lactating Vulvar Adenoma Associated With Fibroadenoma
Authors: Robichaud Samuel , Tran-Thanh Danh , Zhang Zhi Ping , Durocher France , Rahimi Kurosh
Published: February 2025

Ectopic breast is found to occur most commonly in the axilla, but also less commonly on the vulva and on sites outside the “milk line” like the face, neck and chest. Vulvar adenofibroma developing on ectopic breast tissue in the vulva is exceptionally rare. More precisely, vulvar adenofibroma associated with adenoma with lactating changes has only been documented three times to our knowledge. We herein report a vulvar mass specimen consistent with vulvar lactating adenoma associated with vulvar fibroadenoma occurring in a 36-year-old woman in the postpartum period.
Evolving Dynamics of Colorectal Cancer in High Socio-Demographic Regions
Authors: Konduru Laalithya , Dahia Simranjeet Singh , Szabo Claudia , Barreto Savio G.
Published: February 2025

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge, with evolving demographic trends emphasizing the need for accurate forecasting models. Existing forecasting models lack comprehensive coverage. By integrating machine learning algorithms, this study aims to provide more accurate and precise predictions, filling critical gaps in understanding CRC incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate trends, especially in high socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. Specific emphasis is placed on exploring age-, sex-, and country-specific variations in CRC trends.

Materials and Methods

An ensemble forecasting algorithm integrating Simple Linear Regression, Exponential Smoothing, and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, capable of handling a short time series was developed and validated, utilizing a dataset encompassing age-, sex-, and country-specific CRC incidence, mortality, and DALY rates.

Results

Our forecasting models reveal rising trends in CRC burden in the 15-49 years age group (young-onset) and decreasing trends in CRC burden in the 50-74 years age group (late-onset) in high SDI regions with sex-specific variations in incidence, mortality, and DALY rates. Some inflection points for demographic shifts in CRC disease burden, particularly death rates, were identified as early as within the next 5 years. We predict a shift in CRC burden towards females, particularly in older adults.

Conclusion

A novel multifactor model was developed for comparing the incidence, mortality, and DALY rates of young- and late-onset CRC in high SDI regions. The rising incidence of young-onset CRC in high SDI regions underscores the need for proactive health strategies. By refining predictive models, adjusting screening guidelines to target younger, high-risk populations, and investing in public awareness and research, we can facilitate early detection and improve outcomes. This study addresses a significant gap in CRC forecasting and provides a robust framework for anticipating demographic shifts in CRC burden, making it an indispensable tool for healthcare planning.