bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Disuse After Hip Replacement
Authors: Wang Qian , Qu Chuanyong , Li Xiaohui , Yan Yufan
Published: February 2025

Background: Total hip replacement replaces the femoral head, which cannot heal, with an artificial femoral shaft to ensure the patient’s normal life. However, due to the stress-masking effect of the proximal femur loaded with the artificial femur stem, the implant bears a large part of the load, resulting in insufficient stress stimulation of the proximal femur and bone waste remodeling. In turn, it is easy to lose bone, resulting in loosening. As a new treatment method, electrical stimulation has been widely used for bone loss, nonunion, and other diseases, and it has achieved good therapeutic effects. Methods: Therefore, in this work, electrical stimulation was introduced for postoperative density assessment, and a new disuse remodeling model was established to simulate density loss after remodeling and the resistance effect of electrical stimulation. The effects of various parameters on density loss in the model are discussed. Results: The simulation results revealed significant stress masking and density loss in the neck of the femur after hip replacement, and electrical stimulation placed in the neck of the femur may resist this density loss to a certain extent. The rate of bone mineral density reduction decreased after the addition of electrical stimulation, indicating that electrical stimulation can have a certain resistance to the density reduction caused by stress shielding, and this result is helpful for the rehabilitation of hip arthroplasty.
Prophylactic Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection After Kidney Transplantation with the Combination of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir and Sofosbuvir in a Highly Sensitized Hepatitis C Virus-Negative Recipient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Belčič Mikič Tanja , Sterle Igor , Matičič Mojca , Arnol Miha
Published: February 2025

Background: Since the discovery of successful direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, kidneys from hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-positive donors represent a new opportunity to expand the organ donor pool for HCV-negative recipients. Case presentation: In this paper, we describe a unique case of transplantation of an HCV genotype 3a-infected kidney into an HCV-negative recipient who was highly sensitized, with a virtual panel-reactive antibody level of 99.96%. Prior to the kidney transplantation, the recipient received DAA treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir as a viable prophylactic strategy. Post-transplant, the recipient received a triple-combination DAA regimen with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir/sofosbuvir, which continued for 12 weeks. Subsequently, viral load was undetectable at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment, with no significant adverse events associated with DAA therapy. A 12-month post-transplantation biopsy revealed mixed rejection requiring treatment. The 19-month follow-up showed a favorable outcome regarding the function of the kidney allograft and the recipient’s quality of life. HCV-positive transplantation allowed our recipient to receive a kidney from an immunologically compatible donor without donor-specific antibodies and the need for desensitization strategies. Conclusions: Each transplant center should decide on the selection of candidates for kidney transplantation from HCV RNA-positive donors to HCV-negative recipients, the availability and choice of DAA treatment, and post-transplant follow-up. Our case emphasizes the need for early DAA treatment based on viral load and HCV genotyping, as well as for careful post-transplant surveillance including protocol biopsies.
Correction: Matsutake et al. Fast and Stable Responses during Decision Making Require Strong Inhibitory Processes in Soccer Players. Brain Sci. 2024, 14, 199
Authors: Matsutake Takahiro , Nakata Hiroki , Matsuo Genta , Natsuhara Takayuki , Zippo Kisho , Watanabe Kouki , Sugo Takayuki
Published: February 2025

In the original publication [...]
The Neonatal Microbiome: Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerations
Authors: Eisen Andrew , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: February 2025

Most brain development occurs in the “first 1000 days”, a critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday. Critical brain processes that occur during this time include synaptogenesis, myelination, neural pruning, and the formation of functioning neuronal circuits. Perturbations during the first 1000 days likely contribute to later-life neurodegenerative disease, including sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neurodevelopment is determined by many events, including the maturation and colonization of the infant microbiome and its metabolites, specifically neurotransmitters, immune modulators, vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids. Successful microbiome maturation and gut–brain axis function depend on maternal factors (stress and exposure to toxins during pregnancy), mode of delivery, quality of the postnatal environment, diet after weaning from breast milk, and nutritional deficiencies. While the neonatal microbiome is highly plastic, it remains prone to dysbiosis which, once established, may persist into adulthood, thereby inducing the development of chronic inflammation and abnormal excitatory/inhibitory balance, resulting in neural excitation. Both are recognized as key pathophysiological processes in the development of ALS.
Use of Carbon Fiber Implants to Improve the Safety and Efficacy of Radiation Therapy for Spine Tumor Patients
Authors: Lam Fred C. , Guru Santosh , AbuReesh Deyaldeen , Hori Yusuke S. , Chuang Cynthia , Liu Lianli , Wang Lei , Gu Xuejun , Szalkowski Gregory A. , Wang Ziyi , Wohlers Christopher , Tayag Armine , Emrich Sara C. , Ustrzynski Louisa , Zygourakis Corinna C. , Desai Atman , Hayden Gephart Melanie , Byun John , Pollom Erqi Liu , Rahimy Elham , Soltys Scott , Park David J. , Chang Steven D.
Published: February 2025

Current standard of care treatment for patients with spine tumors includes multidisciplinary approaches, including the following: (1) surgical tumor debulking, epidural spinal cord decompression, and spine stabilization techniques; (2) systemic chemo/targeted therapies; (3) radiation therapy; and (4) surveillance imaging for local disease control and recurrence. Titanium pedicle screw and rod fixation have become commonplace in the spine surgeon’s armamentarium for the stabilization of the spine following tumor resection and separation surgery. However, the high degree of imaging artifacts seen with titanium implants on postoperative CT and MRI scans can significantly hinder the accurate delineation of vertebral anatomy and adjacent neurovascular structures to allow for the safe and effective planning of downstream radiation therapies and detection of disease recurrence. Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) spine implants have emerged as a promising alternative to titanium due to the lack of artifact signals on CT and MRI, allowing for more accurate and safe postoperative radiation planning. In this article, we review the tenants of the surgical and radiation management of spine tumors and discuss the safety, efficacy, and current limitations of CFR-PEEK spine implants in the multidisciplinary management of spine oncology patients.
Advancements in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Retrofitting Techniques for Seismic Resilience of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Kabashi Naser , Muhaxheri Milot , Krasniqi Enes , Murati Ylli , Latifi Florentina
Published: February 2025

In recent years, civil engineering has increasingly focused on utilizing fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) to retrofit and strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This paper explores advancements in FRP retrofitting techniques, with a particular focus on their application to beam–column joints in RC structures. The introduction outlines the evolution of FRP materials and their optimization for seismic retrofitting applications. A critical review of existing research highlights the effectiveness of FRP reinforcement in improving seismic resilience. The study examines three distinct cases from post-earthquake assessments in Albania, addressing the impact of poor concrete quality and inadequate detailing on structural performance. To capture the behavior of FRP-strengthened RC structures comprehensively, nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was employed for localized analysis to observe the influence of FRP strengthening on critical joints, while finite element modeling (FEM) was used for global analysis to demonstrate the behavior at the structural level. The combined approach evaluates the effectiveness of FRP reinforcement in mitigating vulnerabilities, such as shear deficiencies and brittle failure modes, across varying scenarios of material quality and detailing. Key findings indicate that FRP retrofitting strategies result in a 25% increase in peak shear force and a 20% improvement in displacement capacity, showcasing enhanced ductility and seismic resilience. The finite element analysis demonstrated strong prediction accuracy, with error margins below 5% when compared to experimental results. These results emphasize the critical role of tailored FRP retrofitting strategies in enhancing seismic resilience, offering valuable insights for future retrofitting practices in seismic-prone regions.
Management of Carbon Emissions Throughout the Building Life Cycle Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Zheng Jie-Fu , Lu Zhi-Peng , Ding Yang , Guo Zhen-Zhen , Zhou Shuang-Xi
Published: February 2025

The severe global warming driven by the large-scale emission of greenhouse gases has made the reduction of carbon emissions a critical priority for global economic and social development. Among various sectors, the construction industry stands out due to its significant consumption of natural resources throughout the building process, resulting in a considerable environmental burden. In China, carbon emissions from the construction industry account for approximately 40% of the total emissions. Therefore, mitigating carbon emissions in this sector is of the utmost importance. This study develops an evaluation model for low-carbon production management in construction enterprises, utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Through a case study, the research identifies practical challenges in implementing this model and offers actionable recommendations. Theoretically, the study provides a valuable reference for future research on energy conservation and emission reduction in the construction industry. In practice, it offers guidance to construction enterprises in achieving a low-carbon transition.
Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers as Prognostic Factors in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with Degradable Starch Microspheres by Transarterial Chemoembolization (DSM-TACE)
Authors: Steinberg-Vorhoff Hannah L. , Tropotel Andriana , Theysohn Jens M. , Schaarschmidt Benedikt , Haubold Johannes , Jeschke Matthias , Jochheim Leonie , Ludwig Johannes M.
Published: February 2025

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of pre-therapeutic inflammatory markers before transarterial chemoembolization with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 155 patients (81% male, median age: 68 years) who underwent first-time DSM-TACE between 07/13 and 06/22 were included in the study. Inflammatory indices were dichotomized using median values. Cox proportional hazard model for univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) analyses (hazard ratio; 95% CI, p-value) and Kaplan–Meier analyses (overall survival (OS) in months; 95% CI; log-rank test) were performed. Results: The median OS of the study cohort was 15.9 (12.9–20) months with a median survival according to BCLC stages A (12%), B (41%), and C (47%) of median not reached, 19.3 (15.3–27), and 7.2 (4.5–9.0) months, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the UVA, several inflammatory markers on OS were statistically significant with the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI; ≤median (2.04) HR: 0.41 (0.19–0.89); p = 0.024) and the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR; >median (1.82) HR: 0.44 (0.2–0.9); p = 0.025) remaining statistically significant in MVA together with the BCLC stage (p = 0.0001), ALBI grade (p = 0.016), hepatic tumor burden (≤25% vs. >25%; p = 0.006), and largest HCC lesion (≤5.5 cm vs. >5.5 cm; p = 0.008). In subgroup analysis, patients with elevated LMR and reduced SIRI exhibited significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) in both BCLC B (p < 0.0001) and Child–Pugh A (p = 0.021) subgroups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SIRI and LMR may serve as valuable tools in identifying BCLC B and Child–Pugh A patients who could potentially benefit better from DSM-TACE treatment. Nevertheless, further research is recommended to confirm these findings and to provide more comprehensive insights.
Prevalence and Predictors of Medical Mistrust Among Socioeconomically and Racially Diverse Cancer Patients in Philadelphia
Authors: Hall Michael J. , Park Cindy Y. , Ruth Karen J. , Kelly Patrick J. A. , Singley Katie , Luck Caseem C. , Chertock Yana , Bauerle Bass Sarah
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Medical mistrust (MM) is associated with adverse health outcomes, but few studies have assessed MM in cancer patients. MM is frequently measured using the Medical Mistrust Inventory (MMI), measuring institutional MM (e.g., government), or the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS), measuring race-based MM. We sought to assess the prevalence of MM among cancer patients diverse by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES), recruited from an urban safety net hospital and a suburban comprehensive cancer center. Methods: Patients completed a one-time survey. The primary outcome was MM as measured by the GBMMS and MMI tools. Covariates included demographics, treatment campus (urban vs. suburban), and psychosocial measures relevant to MM. Results: Purposeful sampling recruitment resulted in 200 participants (survey completion: 74.6%). The median age was 60 years, with 62% female, 45% African-American, 15% Hispanic, 47.5% education ≤ HS diploma, and 51.5% income ≤ USD 50,000/yr. Elevated MMI and GBMMS scores (moderate-to-high) were seen, respectively, in Hispanic (20.7% and 33.4%) and African-American (AA) patients (31.8% and 48.9%), compared with White patients (14.3% and 9.9%). The MMI and GBMMS tools captured complimentary aspects of MM in cancer patients (Spearman’s 0.531, p < 0.0001). MMI was associated with lower education (0.034) and race (p = 0.04), while GBMMS was strongly associated with race (p < 0.001), urban campus (p = 0.035), and mistrust of government/health organization information (both p < 0.05). Higher MMI/GBMMS scores were both associated with research mistrust and mistrust of information from physicians. Conclusions: Institutional and race-based MM are prevalent among cancer patients diverse by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and SES. Lower education was associated with institutional MM but not race-based MM.
Exploring Outcomes by Ethnicity in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Herrity Elizabeth , Singhabahu Sanjay , Remberger Mats , Alfaro Moya Tommy , Novitzky Basso Igor , Pasic Ivan , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun D. , Viswabandya Auro , Gerbitz Armin , Kumar Rajat , Kim Dennis D. , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Mattsson Jonas , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: February 2025

Background: Clinical outcome disparities among racial and ethnic groups have been described following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This study investigated the impact of race and ethnicity on HCT outcomes in a multi-ethnic single-center population. Methods: We analyzed outcomes of 709 allogeneic HCT patients, stratified by racial and ethnic groups, who underwent allogeneic HCT between January 2018 and April 2022. Outcomes examined included overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and graft-versus-host disease/relapse-free survival (GRFS). Results: No significant differences in OS, CIR, NRM, GRFS, acute GVHD (aGVHD), or chronic GVHD (cGVHD) were observed. Significant differences in age, use of human leukocyte antigen-mismatched donors (HLA-MM), and HCT-CI comorbidity scores ≥ 3 across racial and ethnic groups were observed. Overall mean age was 58 years, with Black patients having the youngest mean age of 43 (range 22–73) and White patients the highest mean age of 59 (range 18–76) (p < 0.001). HCT-CI score ≥ 3 was seen in 35.9% of the entire cohort, varying by race and ethnicity: 60.5% in Black, 41.4% in South Asian, 31.5% in White, and 29.0% in East Asian patients (p < 0.001). Utilization of HLA-MM donors (including haploidentical) was 29.2% overall, with highest frequencies in Black (65.1%) and East Asian (45%) patients, and lowest in White patients (20.4%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were observed across self-identified racial and ethnic groups regarding age, HCT-CI ≥ 3, and the use of HLA-MM donors. However, post-allogeneic HCT outcomes did not differ significantly by race or ethnicity. Larger prospective trials are warranted to validate our findings.
Effects of a Three-Day vs. Six-Day Exposure to Normobaric Hypoxia on the Cardiopulmonary Function of Rats
Authors: Bambor Charly , Daunheimer Sarah , Raffort Coralie , Koedel Julia , Salameh Aida , Raßler Beate
Published: February 2025

In rats, normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced left ventricular (LV) inotropic function while right ventricular (RV) function was not impaired. In parallel, the animals developed pulmonary edema and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether cardiac function and pulmonary injury would aggravate after three and six days of hypoxia exposure or whether cardiopulmonary reactions to prolonged hypoxia would become weaker due to hypoxic acclimatization. Sixty-four female rats were exposed for 72 or 144 h to normoxia. They received a low-rate infusion (0.1 mL/h) with 0.9% NaCl solution. We evaluated indicators of the general condition, blood gas parameters, and hemodynamic function of the rats. In addition, we performed histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the lung. Despite a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration, the LV function deteriorated with prolonged hypoxia. In contrast, the RV systolic pressure and contractility steadily increased by six days of hypoxia. The pulmonary edema and inflammation persisted and rather increased with prolonged hypoxia. Furthermore, elevated protein concentration in the pleural fluid indicated capillary wall stress, which may have aggravated the pulmonary edema. In conclusion, six days of hypoxia and NaCl infusion place significant stress on the cardiopulmonary system of rats, as is also reflected by the 33% of premature deaths in this rat group.
Luteolin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer: A Disease Continuum Perspective
Authors: Liu Fang , Guo Cui , Liu Xue , Gu Zhili , Zou Wenxuan , Tang Xuegui , Tang Jianyuan
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition that may progress to colorectal cancer (CRC), presenting significant challenges to global health. With shifts in lifestyle, the incidence of both conditions continues to rise, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatments. While traditional therapies can be effective, their high recurrence rates and associated adverse reactions limit their broader application. Luteolin, a flavonoid derived from natural plants, has emerged as a promising focus in both IBD and CRC research due to its multi-target therapeutic potential. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways through which luteolin regulates immune cell differentiation, mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress, modulates gut microbiota, and restores intestinal mucosal barrier function in IBD. In the context of CRC, luteolin demonstrates significant anti-tumor effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing cell migration and invasion. Notably, luteolin has demonstrated significant improvements in IBD symptoms by influencing the differentiation of T cell subsets, decreasing the expression of inflammatory mediators, activating antioxidant pathways, and enhancing the structure of gut microbiota. Furthermore, advancements in formulation technology, such as the use of polymer micelles and responsive nanoparticles, have greatly improved the bioavailability and efficacy of luteolin. However, further investigation is needed to address the bioavailability and potential toxicity of luteolin, particularly in the critical transition from IBD to CRC. This article emphasizes the potential of luteolin in the treatment of IBD and CRC and anticipates its promising prospects for future clinical applications as a natural therapeutic agent.
Educational Data Mining and Predictive Modeling in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An In-Depth Analysis of Research Dynamics
Authors: López-Meneses Eloy , Mellado-Moreno Pedro C. , Gallardo Herrerías Celia , Pelícano-Piris Noelia
Published: February 2025

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the research dynamics on the use of Educational Data Mining (EDM) and predictive modeling (PM) in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on the review of 793 articles published between 2000 and 2024 in the Scopus database. The study employs bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to identify emerging trends, methodologies, and applications in these fields. The main objective of the study is to examine the primary methodologies and innovations within AI, especially in the context of EDM and PM. It highlights how these technologies can optimize the prediction of student performance, support personalized learning, and enable timely interventions through the analysis of student data. The study also examines the role of AI in improving teaching practices, ensuring that educators maintain control over the system and minimize potential biases. Furthermore, the article addresses the ethical implications of AI implementation in education, such as privacy protection, algorithm transparency, and equity in access to learning. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to significantly improve educational outcomes and optimize student tracking, resource allocation, and the overall effectiveness of educational institutions. The responsible implementation of AI in education is emphasized to ensure inclusive and fair environments for all students.
Multimodal Prehabilitation for Gynecologic Cancer Surgery
Authors: Kim Jeongyun , Lee Chae Hyeong , Yim Ga Won
Published: February 2025

Surgical treatment is commonly employed to treat patients with gynecologic cancer, although surgery itself may function as a stressor, reducing the patients’ functional capacity and recovery. Prehabilitation programs attempt to improve patients’ overall health and baseline function prior to surgery, thereby enhancing recovery and lowering morbidity. In recent years, prehabilitation has come to primarily refer to multimodal programs that combine physical activity, nutritional support, psychological well-being, and other medical interventions. However, the specific methods of implementing prehabilitation and measuring its effectiveness are heterogeneous. Moreover, high-level evidence regarding prehabilitation in gynecologic cancer surgery is limited. This review provides a summary of multimodal prehabilitation studies in gynecologic oncologic surgery. Enhanced postoperative recovery, lower postoperative complications, lower rate of blood transfusions, and faster gastrointestinal functional recovery have been reported after multimodal prehabilitation interventions. Patients and healthcare professionals should recognize the importance of prehabilitation in the field of gynecologic oncologic treatment, based on the emerging evidence. In addition, there is a need to establish an appropriate target group and construct a well-designed and tailored prehabilitation program.
Genetic Diversity of the Traditional Economic Green Alga Capsosiphon fulvescens in Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Soon Jeong , Lee Eun-Young , Lee Sang-Rae
Published: February 2025

The taxonomic position of the green alga Capsosiphon fulvescens was first reported from Northern Europe and has since been reported from all over the world, including Korea. In Korea, C. fulvescens has been used as an essential edible economic alga for approximately 570 years, from the time of the Joseon Dynasty to the present, and is currently under development as a new aquaculture strain. Therefore, examining the taxonomic relationships between the European and Korean C. fulvescens is important. In this study, we analyzed nuclear 18S rDNA and ITS regions and compared them with the DNA sequences of authentic materials of North Atlantic C. fulvescens. Additionally, rbcL and tufA genes were sequenced to analyze genetic variations among populations. The results showed that the Korean and European C. fulvescens were different species. Moreover, the Korean C. fulvescens was distantly related to the North Atlantic C. fulvescens at the order level. Moreover, the Korean C. fulvescens formed a sister group with the North Pacific Pseudothrix borealis. Cryptic genetic diversity was observed at the intraspecific level among the Korean populations. These findings will help in tracing the origin of the Korean C. fulvescens and provide new genetic insights into this species.
Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII: A Three-Year Clinical Outcome Study of the First Taiwanese Case
Authors: Lee Chung-Lin , Chuang Chih-Kuang , Chiu Huei-Ching , Chang Ya-Hui , Tu Yuan-Rong , Lo Yun-Ting , Lin Hsiang-Yu , Lin Shuan-Pei
Published: February 2025

Background and Clinical Significance: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII), an ultrarare lysosomal storage disorder caused by β-glucuronidase deficiency, presents significant therapeutic challenges. Given its extreme rarity and limited treatment experience in Asian populations, documenting long-term treatment outcomes is crucial for advancing clinical knowledge and improving patient care. Case Presentation: We report a 3-year follow-up of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the first Taiwanese case of MPS VII. The patient, who initially presented with hydrops fetalis and developmental delay, was diagnosed at age 4 through genetic analysis, which revealed compound heterozygous variants of c.104C > A (p.Ser35Ter) and c.1454C > T (p.Ser485Phe) on the GUSB gene. ERT with vestronidase alfa was initiated at age 6. During the follow-up period, significant clinical improvements were observed, including elimination of oxygen dependency, with BiPAP needed only during sleep; changes in mobility, with 6-min walk test distance showing an initial decline from 130 to 70 m followed by partial recovery to 95 m after multiple orthopedic surgeries; and steady progression of growth parameters showed, with height increasing from 110 to 118 cm. Urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels measured by dimethylmethylene blue spectrophotometry decreased and stabilized. The patient’s cardiac and hepatic conditions remained stable, although splenomegaly persisted. No severe adverse events were reported during ERT. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of long-term ERT in MPS VII, particularly in improving respiratory function and physical performance. Our experience highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation, while providing valuable insights into the management of this ultrarare disease in the Asian population.
Developing and Evaluating a New Preclinical Curriculum with Focus on Prevention in Dentistry
Authors: Schüler Ina M. , Bach Katharina , Schädlich Pauline , Rabe Ute
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: New licensing regulations for dentists in Germany offered the opportunity to modernize the dental curriculum regarding content, methodology and structure. This paper aims to evaluate the newly requested preclinical curriculum “Dental Propaedeutic—Focus on Prevention” by dental students and dental educators and to describe the process of development. Methods: The curriculum was developed according to the Kern cycle and the National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalog for Dentistry. Lesson planning was based on Bloom’s taxonomy and the taxonomy of significant learning, according to the principle of constructive alignment. A variety of evidence-based teaching methods were implemented. For evaluation, dental students answered a written questionnaire, graded eight topics and added free text. Dental educators were interviewed. Results: Thirty out of fifty-four dental students’ enrolled in the third semester participated in the survey, giving the highest grades to the learning atmosphere. All dental educators involved in the delivery of the curriculum participated in the interview. Dental students and educators expressed satisfaction with this comprehensive teaching approach of prevention in an early stage of the dental curriculum. Dental educators reflected on the high workload for development but valued the opportunity to participate in an evidence-based development process and to introduce various modern teaching and examination methods. Conclusions: The expenditure of time for the development, performance and examination was high. In order to perform 240 teaching units for eight ECTS credits, 419 h of conceptualization/preparation and 344 h for examination had to be invested. This paper might help to facilitate better understanding of the chances and efforts accompanied by curricular changes.
Tradeoffs Between Richness and Bias of Augmented Data in Long-Tail Recognition
Authors: Dai Wei , Ma Yanbiao , Chen Jiayi , Chen Xiaohua , Li Shuo
Published: February 2025

In long-tail scenarios, models have a very high demand for high-quality data. Information augmentation, as an important class of data-centric methods, has been proposed to improve model performance by expanding the richness and quantity of samples in tail classes. However, the underlying mechanisms behind the effectiveness of information augmentation methods remain underexplored. This has led to reliance on empirical and intricate fine-tuning in the use of information augmentation for long-tail recognition tasks. In this work, we simultaneously consider the richness gain and distribution shift introduced by information augmentation methods and propose effective information gain (EIG) to explore the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of these methods. We find that when the value of the effective information gain appropriately balances the richness gain and distribution shift, the performance of information augmentation methods is fully realized. Comprehensive experiments on long-tail benchmark datasets CIFAR-10-LT, CIFAR-100-LT, and ImageNet-LT demonstrate that using effective information gain to filter augmented data can further enhance model performance without any modifications to the model’s architecture. Therefore, in addition to proposing new model architectures, data-centric approaches also hold significant potential in the field of long-tail recognition.
Fostering Students’ Measurement Estimation Skills in a Digital Teaching-Learning Environment: A Class-Wise Randomized Controlled Trial in Grade 5
Authors: Peters Niklas , Prediger Susanne , Weiss Juliane
Published: February 2025

Students’ measurement estimation skills require benchmark knowledge (about measures of known objects) and estimation strategies (ways to compare with benchmarks). While students’ estimation skills have been assessed and unpacked in several empirical studies (for length and area but less for mass), approaches for fostering them have hardly been empirically studied. We present the instructional design of a digital teaching-learning environment designed to foster fifth graders’ estimation skills for mass measures and empirical evidence for its efficacy. The teaching-learning environment encompassed two 45-minute sessions and drew upon the design principles of cognitive engagement with worked examples, enhanced communication, and scaffolding. A class-wise randomized controlled trial was conducted in 14 classes (involving n = 310 students) with three treatment groups, and two intervention groups worked on estimation strategies in the teaching-learning environment. Both intervention groups significantly outperformed the control group in the post test. The intervention group with highly structured scaffolds only tended to explain the strategies slightly better than the intervention group with regular scaffolds, albeit not significantly. The findings show that estimation skills can be effectively fostered, with a modest indication that highly structured scaffolds might hold promise for longer interventions to enhance students’ discourse practices.
Elastic Balancing of Communication Efficiency and Performance in Federated Learning with Staged Clustering
Authors: Zhou Ying , Cui Fang , Che Junlin , Ni Mao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Jundi
Published: February 2025

Clustered federated learning has garnered significant attention as an effective strategy for enhancing model performance in non-independent and identically distributed (non-IID) data scenarios. This approach improves model performance in such environments by calculating the similarity between users and clustering them into multiple groups. However, several challenges arise when implementing this method, particularly in balancing flexibility, communication costs, and model performance. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel hierarchical federated learning framework that balances both network and model performance. The framework performs principal component analysis (PCA) on device-side image datasets to assess the similarity of private data across devices and, in conjunction with network performance measurements, dynamically adjusts communication strategies to minimize latency while ensuring stable model performance. By weighting similarity and communication metrics, the framework optimizes communication efficiency without significantly compromising model performance. To validate the proposed method’s effectiveness, we employed three publicly available datasets and compared it against four baseline methods. The experimental results demonstrate that SC-Fed (segmented clustering-federated learning) achieves a maximum accuracy improvement of 7.56% over baseline methods, while also reducing the average waiting time by 54.6%. These results indicate that the proposed algorithm significantly enhances the applicability and efficiency of clustered federated learning in practical training scenarios.
SCConv-Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model Anomaly Detection Based on TimesNet
Authors: Zhou Jingquan , Yang Xinhe , Ren Zhu
Published: February 2025

Time series anomaly detection is a significant challenge due to the inherent complexity and diversity of time series data. Traditional methods for time series anomaly detection (TAD) often struggle to effectively address the intricate nature of a complex time series and the composite characteristics of diverse anomalies. In this paper, we propose SCConv-Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model Anomaly Detection Based on TimesNet (SDADT), a novel framework that integrates the Spatial and Channel Reconstruction Convolution (SCConv) module and Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DDPMs) to address these challenges. By transforming 1D time series into 2D tensors via TimesNet, our method captures intra- and inter-period variations, achieving state-of-the-art performance across three real-world datasets: 85.39% F1-score on SMD, 92.76% on SWaT, and 97.36% on PSM, outperforming nine baseline models including Transformers and LSTM. Ablation studies confirm the necessity of both modules, with performance dropping significantly when either SCConv or DDPMs are removed. In conclusion, this paper proposes a novel alternative solution for anomaly detection in the Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) domain.
Investigating High-Voltage Safety Concerns in Electric Vehicles Through Voltage Discharge Optimisation
Authors: Kurian Preetraj , Abbasian Mohammadali
Published: February 2025

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles coupled with high-voltage battery packs increases safety concerns, especially during crashes. Such safety concerns can be addressed with voltage discharge strategies to reduce the voltage of the DC-bus capacitor. One discharge strategy involves injecting a negative current into the traction motor to dissipate the DC-bus energy through motor windings. One issue with strategies involving the injection of negative d- and q-axis currents into the motor to reduce the speed of the motor and discharge the capacitor quickly is the observation of a large voltage surge due to the energy recovery from the motor. A discharge strategy found in the literature deals with this with piecewise calculation of d- and q-axis currents based on the motor speed. This study investigates this strategy and provides recommendations for improvement and future work with key insights. Using MATLAB Simulink 2023b, this strategy is analysed and compared with other discharge strategies. In certain circumstances with a high-rotor-inertia motor, the performance of the strategy was not deemed adequate. In essence, the lack of testing of discharge strategies on multiple powertrains is deemed as one potential cause of such problems which needs to be addressed in future research.
Investigations on the Aerodynamic Interactions Between Turbine and Diffuser System by Employing the Kriging Method
Authors: Qiu Bin , Fu Jinglun , Kong Xiangling , Zhang Hongwu , Yu Qiang
Published: February 2025

An exhaust diffuser determines the turbine outlet pressure by recovering kinetic energy. Conversely, the distributions of the total pressure and flow directions at the turbine exit affect the aerodynamic performance of the exhaust diffuser. As the output power increases gradually, the structure of the modern gas turbine becomes more compact. Consequently, the coupled effect of the flow in the last-stage turbine and the exhaust diffuser becomes increasingly obvious. Understanding the correlation between the flow field and the performance of the coupled system is of great significance. As a predictive regression algorithm, the Kriging method is widely used due to its high efficiency and unique mathematical characteristics. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation is employed to investigate the interactions between the flow fields of the coupled system, and the corresponding datasets are obtained. Accordingly, the Kriging method is successfully employed to reconstruct the complex flow field, and a quantitative model describing the interaction between the two parts is established. This paper provides a detailed summary of the interaction between the flow field in the exhaust diffuser and the flow field at the outlet of the last-stage turbine. Through the prediction of the flow field, the conditions that induce the separation vortex on the casing of the diffuser are determined. Specifically, the slope of the total pressure change along the blade height near the casing is found to be k = −4.37.
Influence of Non-Uniform Airflow on Two-Phase Parallel-Flow Heat Exchanger in Data Cabinet Cooling System
Authors: Cheng Hao , Yang Tongzhi , Cheng Quan , Zhao Yifan , Wang Leixin , Yuan Weixing
Published: February 2025

The energy consumption of data center cooling systems is rapidly increasing, necessitating urgent improvements in cooling system performance. This study investigates a pump-driven two-phase cooling system (PTCS) utilizing a parallel-flow heat exchanger (PFHE) as an evaporator, positioned at the rear of server cabinets. The findings indicate that enhancing the vapor quality at the PFHE outlet improves the overall cooling performance. However, airflow non-uniformity induces premature localized overheating, restricting further increases in vapor quality. For PFHEs operating with a two-phase outlet condition, inlet air temperature non-uniformity has a relatively minor impact on the cooling capacity but significantly affects the drop in pressure. Specifically, higher upstream air temperatures increase the pressure drop by 7%, whereas higher downstream air temperatures reduce it by 7.7%. The implementation of multi-pass configurations effectively mitigates localized overheating caused by airflow non-uniformity, suppresses the decline in cooling capacity, and enhances the operational vapor quality of the cooling system.
Chefs Saddle Up—Perceptions of Horse Meat as a Sustainable Gastronomic Alternative in France
Authors: Vial Céline , Lamy Arnaud , Sebbane Maxime
Published: February 2025

This study investigates French chefs’ perceptions and knowledge of horse meat as a sustainable alternative in gastronomy. The research addresses the dual challenges of reducing the environmental impact of traditional meat production and reviving horse meat consumption, which has declined significantly in France due to cultural shifts and accessibility issues. Using semi-structured interviews with 12 chefs, including trainers and practicing professionals, the study explores their attitudes, personal consumption patterns, and professional willingness to incorporate horse meat into menus. The findings reveal that horse meat is valued for its nutritional and organoleptic properties, as well as its lower environmental impact compared to ruminant meats such as beef. However, barriers such as cultural taboos, limited knowledge, and insufficient culinary traditions impede its adoption. The chefs are categorized into three profiles—connoisseur, pragmatic, and reluctant—based on their personal and professional attitudes toward horse meat. The study concludes that promoting horse meat in select restaurants through education, recipe development, and targeted communication could enhance its acceptability and sustainability credentials. This work highlights the potential of horse meat to diversify protein sources in line with environmental and societal goals while addressing the specific needs of the equine sector.
Applying Chitosan-Based Films Enriched with Borago officinalis Extract for Active and Green Packaging of Fresh Rainbow Trout Fillets
Authors: Güngören Alper , Akkemik Yasin , Tufekci Enis Fuat , Zengin Gökhan , Emre Gizem , Gungoren Gulsah , Celik Altunoglu Yasemin , Baloğlu Mehmet Cengiz
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to apply chitosan (CS) coating films enriched with Borago officinalis extract to preserve fresh rainbow trout fillets. Extracts of B. officinalis were prepared using ethyl acetate, ethanol, water, and an ethanol-water mixture. These extracts were incorporated into chitosan coating films at 0.5% and 1% (v/v) concentrations, and their antimicrobial activity and antioxidant abilities were investigated. CS films with borage extract in ethanol-water combination showed the highest antibacterial zone diameter (9.5 ± 2.1 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus. Based on its superior antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, the ethanol-water extract was selected for further film characterization, including moisture content, swelling degree, solubility, and color. The films were then tested for their effectiveness in preserving rainbow trout fillets stored at 7 ± 1 °C. The fish samples were divided into four groups: control, chitosan coating film, chitosan coating film with 0.5% B. officinalis extract, and chitosan coating film with 1% B. officinalis extract. Physicochemical, chemical, and microbiological analyses were conducted until fillet spoilage was observed (12 days). Results demonstrated that chitosan coating films enriched with 1% extract of B. officinalis prolonged the expiration date of the fish by six days, had significant antioxidant properties, and protected fish from discoloration. While the coating films demonstrated promising antioxidant properties and the shelf life extension of the fish samples by six days, further optimization will be required to enhance their antimicrobial effectiveness.
Variations in Hiroshige’s Print “The Plum Garden at Kameido”
Authors: Korenberg Capucine
Published: February 2025

This work examines variations in Utagawa Hiroshige’s “The Plum Garden at Kameido” by studying 82 surviving impressions of the print. Through comparative analysis, differences were observed across printings, driven by changes in woodblocks, block wear, colourants and printing techniques. Four distinct printing ‘states’ were identified, reflecting evolving production methods and adaptations to meet commercial demands, but also woodblock wear. Early impressions preserve Hiroshige’s artistic intent more faithfully, featuring intricate printing effects, a greater number of printing steps and minimal block wear. Later states demonstrate alterations to colour schemes, reduced printing complexity, printing misalignment and woodblock anomalies, highlighting the pressures of mass production and publisher-driven decisions. Evidence of fading was observed in several impressions, indicating the original colours would have been more vibrant. This research underscores the importance of detailed analysis in understanding the material and artistic evolution of Japanese ukiyo-e prints. It offers new insights into the publication chronology of “The Plum Garden at Kameido” and calls for further studies to explore the technological, artistic and commercial factors shaping ukiyo-e printmaking. Few in-depth investigations exist that have explored the evolution of specific designs over time.
Three New Species and a New Record of Murdannia (Commelinaceae) for the Flora of Laos
Authors: Sengthong Anousone , Saensouk Surapon , Saensouk Piyaporn , Phengmala Kajonesuk , Boonma Thawatphong , Souladeth Phetlasy
Published: February 2025

The genus Murdannia Royle was recognized as a member of the family Commelinaceae, known for its beautiful and outstanding flowers, which made it highly valued as an ornamental plant. In this study, three previously unidentified species of Murdannia are described as new species from Laos including Murdannia maronea, M. rhizomatosa, and M. thyrsoidea. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, phenology, and distribution of each species are provided, along with notes on their horticulture. Murdannia clandestina is reported as a new record for Laos. These four species of Murdannia are notable for their attractive flowers, particularly M. thyrsoidea, which was characterized by its large inflorescence, enhancing its potential as an ornamental plant. The pollen morphology of these four Murdannia species is described for the first time. The pollen grains share similar characteristics, being monads, medium-sized, bilaterally symmetrical, and prolate in shape, with a monocolpate aperture and verrucate exine sculpturing. These findings provided valuable insights to support future breeding efforts aimed at enhancing their ornamental value.