bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of teleportation and walking in virtual reality in a declarative learning task
Authors: Rihs Michael , Steuri Rahel A. , Aeschlimann Sarah A. , Mast Fred W. , Dobricki Martin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) offers new possibilities for learning in educational settings by navigating through large 3D virtual environments. When designing VR-based learning applications, developers have to decide between different locomotion techniques to navigate through VR. Since physical activity and walking have been shown to enhance learning, physical walking in VR should increase learning compared to locomotion techniques without physical activity.

Methods

In this study, we examined if learners who are able to walk freely in VR differ regarding their declarative knowledge acquisition from learners who are teleported in VR.

Results

Learning outcomes did not differ between these two conditions, neither immediately after learning in VR nor after a one-day delay. Also, participants’ sense of presence in the virtual environment did not differ between the two conditions.

Discussion

These findings suggest that both teleportation and walking are suitable for declarative knowledge acquisition in VR, and that teleportation may be sufficient enough.
Sand Flies: A Dangerous Insect on a Changing Planet
Authors: Milagres Tarcísio de Freitas , Maia Carla
Published: November 2024

Have you ever heard of sand flies? They are tiny but mysterious creatures, active at night, with fuzzy bodies with a mission of spreading trouble! They can transmit parasites that can cause serious illnesses for humans and other animals. Global changes are adding fuel to the fire. Increasing temperatures and other human-made changes to the environment are helping sand flies to spread and change their behavior, making this situation even more problematic and difficult to combat. What is the plan? Teamwork! We need cool collaborations and smart strategies to fight back. Initiatives like the CLIMOS project are preparing to take on the challenge of tackling sand flies and the diseases they transmit. But for this strategy to work, we need everyone to participate in this fight. Are you ready to help build a healthier world?
Organizational Virtuousness and Burnout among Call Center Employees: Moderating Role of Affective Commitment
Authors: Mujeeb Arooj , Zubair Aisha , Saeed Qudsia
Published: November 2024

Objective. The present research was conducted to examine the role of organizational virtuousness in affective commitment and burnout among call center employees. It was also intended to determine the moderating function of affective commitment in predicting burnout from organizational virtuousness. In addition, group differences were also investigated across personal (gender) and organizational (job experience) demographics in relation to study variables.
Method. Sample (N = 450) comprised of night shift call center employees (men = 203; women = 247) with age range 22 to 38 years located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Measures of Organizational Virtuousness Scale (Cameron et al., 2004), Affective Commitment Scale (Meyer & Allen, 1997), and Burnout Scale (Erickson & Ritter, 2001) were employed to assess organizational virtuousness, affective commitment, and job related burnout; respectively.
Results. Results showed that organizational virtuousness positively predicted affective commitment and negatively predicted burnout; while, affective commitement was negatively linked with burnout. Findings further indicated that affective commitment buffered the relationship between organizational virtousness and burnout.
Implications. Group differences revealed that men and employees with lesser work experience exhibited better perceptions of organizational virtuousness with higher level of affective commitment and lesser burnout as compared to their counterparts. Managerial implications of the study were also discussed.
Development and Validation of Gender Role Strain for Women
Authors: Arshad Hana , Shahed Sarah
Published: November 2024

Our society expects specific behaviors, and performance from women associated with their gender. Sometimes to act upon and to fulfil these expectations becomes the cause of pressure and strain in a person. The purpose of present research is to develop and validate an indigenous scale of Gender Role Strain for women (GRSS-W). To accomplish this aim, a three phased study was conducted. To identify the phenomenology of gender role strain, literature was reviewed, semi structured interviews with clinical psychologists and psychiatrist (N=4) were carried out and a focus group (N=7) was conducted with women to generate inclusive list of items in phase I. Content validity of GRSS-W was established through experts’ ratings (N=10). After piloting (N=35) of GRSS-W, factor analysis was conducted on a sample of 399 women for construct validity and 22 items were retained in phase II. The results of factor analysis revealed three emerging factors categorized as Pressures of Marital life (? = .88), Familial and Social Pressures (? = .84), and Workplace pressures (? = .77). The overall scale reliability was r= .89. Psychometric properties of GRSS-W were established (N=100) in Phase III. Convergent validity of GRSS-W was r= .71 with Feminine Gender Role Stress (Gillespie, & Eisler, 1992). Discriminant validity of GRSS-W was measured by Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985), r= -.27, p <.01. GRSS-W is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating role strain among women in Pakistani traditional background.
Keywords: Gender Role Strain, Pressures of Marital life, Familial and Social Pressures, Workplace pressures
Parent-Adolescent Relationship, Escape Motive and Problematic Internet Use Among University Students: Gender in Context
Authors: Afraz Yusra , Masood Sobia , Zulfiqar Najia , Sahar Namood-e
Published: November 2024

Objective. Present study attempted to assess problematic internet use among university students as affectedby parent-adolescent relationships and escape motive; such that, escape motive mediates the relationshipbetween parent-adolescent relationship and problematic internet use.
 
Method. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique from students (N = 585, M = 21.62years) in public and private universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
 
Results. It was conceptualized that secure parent-adolescent relationship negatively associates with escapemotive and problematic internet use, whereas escape motive positively associates with problematic internetuse. Gender was added to the model as a covariate. Mediation analysis demonstrated that escape motivesignificantly mediated association between secure parent-adolescent relationship and problematic internet useirrespective of an individual’s gender (p < .001). Secure parent-adolescent relationship was negativelyassociated with low escape motive and problematic internet use.
 
Implications. Study presented empirical evidence for parents’ role in shaping children’s behaviours.Secure parent-adolescent relationship help reduce development of escape motive which is associated toproblematic internet use among university students. It could help develop an intervention for addressingescape motive and hence reducing the problematic internet use.
Perspective of Professional Integrity in University Teachers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kokab Saniya
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Teachers play a vital role in our education system. It is important for teachers to have integrity and ethical standards. The present study was conducted to unveil the perception of Professional Integrity in university teachers.
Method.  Purposive sample of hundred and four university teachers (n = 104) belonging to different departments were drawn from four public sector universities of Lahore and Islamabad.  Their age of university teachers ranged from 25 to 62 years. Open ended questionnaire was constructed keeping in view the previous literature and model about integrity. The questionnaire was administered online due to the outburst of pandemic (Covid-19).
Results. The responses were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Eight themes were derived namely professionalism, honesty, positive attributes, negative attributes, attitude with colleagues, attitude with students, quality of teaching, morality, institutional factors and research integrity.
Conclusion. The study revealed various factors that influence teachers’ integrity. This study has implications for the universities to enhance professional integrity in teachers. Teachers can be trained incorporate professional integrity in their academic journey.
Resilience as Moderator Between Posttraumatic Stress and Suicidal Ideation among Institutionalized Orphans
Authors: Nawaz Sana , Khan Dr. Mussarat Jabeen , Fazaldad Ghazala
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background: Growing without parents is a big trauma in one’s life and after the death of parents children face so many problems that lead mental health problems. Orphans are the important part of our society as they are being neglected and this population is on risk, their mental health cannot be denied.
Methods: In a current study a risk of mental health issues within a neglected population was studied. The moderating role of resilience has also been investigated in posttraumatic stress and suicidal ideation among institutionalized orphans. Sample (N=200) comprised equal number of girls and boys with age range 12-18 years, present in different orphan houses of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Sample was selected through technique of convenient sampling. For data collection Ego Resilience Scale (ERS), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale were used.
Results: Results indicated a significant positive relationship between posttraumatic stress and suicidal ideation, whereas resilience is negatively correlated with suicidal ideation and posttraumatic stress. Regression analysis showed that resilience proved to be a significant moderator between posttraumatic stress and suicidal ideation in orphans present in institutions. Further t-test analysis revealed significant gender differences on suicidal ideation while non-significant gender differences on posttraumatic stress and resilience.
Conclusion: In this study risk and protective factors are explored. Risk factors are posttraumatic stress and suicidal ideation whether the protective factor is resilience. The relationship between posttraumatic stress and suicidal ideation is significantly moderated by Resilience.
Key words: Orphans, posttraumatic stress, resilience, suicidal ideation
Bullying in School Children: Implementation of an Anti-bullying Intervention
Authors: Mubashar Dr. Tahira , Musharraf Dr. Sadia , Mujahid Seema , Lal Din Sadaf
Published: November 2024

Background: The present research aims to develop and test a short-term anti-bullying intervention plan to reduce and control bullying behaviors in Government school students. Method: Taking insight from the literature, an initial intervention plan was developed. Later on, the finalized intervention plan was analyzed through its implementation. For that purpose, teachers from one public sector boys school provided a pre-assessment of fifth graders on the Aggression scale (Orpians & Frankowski, 2001). The cutoff point was used to generate the experimental and control group. It was hypothesized that the experimental group is likely to have a lower score on bullying behavior as compared to the control group after intervention. The final sample consisted of 40 students (n =20 experimental group; n = 20 control group) who were selected from a government sector school in Lahore, Pakistan.
Result: The experimental group received three intervention sessions. Post-assessment was done by the teachers of the respective students. Mixed measure ANOVA revealed that post-assessment of the experimental group on aggression scale significantly decreased than the control group.
Conclusion: This research has important implications in the educational setting for the awareness of teachers to control bullying behavior and maintain discipline in schools.
Keywords: Intervention, bullying behavior, aggression, government school, students
Parental Psychological Control, Adolescent’s Emotional Autonomy and Its Relationship with Academic Resilience
Authors: Rosheen Muniba , Hassan Bushra , Khattak Alam Zeb , Iqbal Nazia
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Aim of this research was to examine the impact of parental psychological control on adolescent’s emotional autonomy and its relationship with academic resilience.
Method: The sample comprised of 300 adolescents, data were collected from the districts of Attock, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Age range of participants was 16 to 18 years (Mage = 16.50, SD = 1.25). Self-report measures including Psychological Control Scale (Barber, 1996), Academic Resilience Scale (Cassidy, 2016) and Adolescents Emotional Autonomy Scale (Steinberg & Silverberg, 1986) were used to collect information from adolescents. Data were analyzed by using SPSS (Version-23).
Results: Results of the study revealed that parental psychological control has negative relationship with academic resilience. Results on mediation model indicated that academic resilience significantly partially mediates the association between parental psychological control and emotional autonomy among adolescents. There were no age-related differences among adolescents in parental psychological control, emotional autonomy and academic resilience.
Conclusion: Findings on levels of education indicated that academic resilience in relationship to parental psychological control needs studying among young people. Thus, current study has implications for clinical psychologists, practitioners and researchers who are inspired to increase confidence and personal autonomy among adolescents.
Evaluating the Impact of Positive and Negative Emotionality on Psychological Distress among Police Employees
Authors: Ambreen Amna , Ehsan Neelam , Hassan Bushra , Mushtaq Rabia
Published: November 2024

Background. The current study aimed to examine the impact of positive and negative emotionality on psychological distress among police employees with resilience as a mediator.
Method. The sample comprised of 150 police employees which was further divided into lower (n = 75) and higher ranked police employees (n = 75).The study utilized descriptive-predictive survey method in which purposive sampling technique was employed. The instruments used to measure study variables were Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Ego Resiliency Scale (ERS) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12).
Results. The findings of the study revealed that positive emotionality negatively predicted psychological distress while negative emotionality positively predicted psychological distress among police employees. In addition, mediation analysis revealed that resilience partially mediated the relationship between positive emotionality and psychological distress. Significant differences have been observed in positive emotionality and resilience among lower and higher rank police employees.
Conclusion. The present study provides awareness on how resilience, positive emotionality and good mental health status are important for adequate functioning of people working under stressful conditions.
Dark Triad Personality Traits Impulsivity and Aggression in Adolescents
Authors: Iftikhar Kiran , Iftikhar Rabia
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background. Study explored the dark triad traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) predictive relationship with aggression and impulsivity in school going children.
Method. In a cross-sectional design with a purposive sample of 200 school-going boys and 200 girls (N= 400), 8th -10th grade, age range of 14-17 years were conveniently taken from government and private schools. We used Dark Triad of Personality (D3- Short, Jones & Paulhus, 2014), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11, Stanford et al., 2009), and Aggression Questionnaire (AQ, Buss & Perry, 1992).
Results. Results revealed dark traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) significantly and positively associated with impulsiveness (Motor Impulsiveness, Non-planning impulsiveness and Attentional impulsiveness) and aggression (Verbal Aggression, Physical Aggression, Anger and Hostility). Boys expressed higher average levels of dark traits, impulsiveness and aggression than girls; and dark traits and gender predicted impulsiveness (44%) and aggression (35%).
Conclusion. The study has significant implications especially in educational and school settings.
Keywords. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, impulsivity, aggression
The Impact of Feed Management Technologies on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) Contamination: A Comparative Farm Level Approach
Authors: Matei Mădălina , Petrescu Silvia Ioana , Mădescu Bianca Maria , Lăpușneanu Dragoș Mihai , Simeanu Daniel , Boișteanu Paul Corneliu , Pop Ioan Mircea
Published: November 2024

Legislative frameworks about contamination are often limited to foods and underestimate the role of animal nutrition for safe production. This study aims to assess mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) contamination in feed and identify the technological factors that are contributing to this issue, particularly focused on mechanised harvesting and processing. Three dairy farms, classified by contamination risk (low, medium, and high), were selected, and fifteen feed samples were analysed using the coupled liquid chromatography–gas chromatography–flame ionisation detection (LC–GC–FID) method, with a microwave-assisted saponification (MAS) step to determine mineral oil saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) hydrocarbon levels. Important contamination levels were observed depending on the technological development of each farm. MOSH levels ranged from 11.4 mg/kg to 81.40 mg/kg, while MOAH levels ranged from 0.5 mg/kg to 4.6 mg/kg. MOAH accounted for 4.74% of the total MOH content. The results showed a connection between feed production technologies and MOH contamination levels. Factors such as the mechanisation, the machinery used, and the storage conditions were potentially contributors to contamination, while chemical treatments had no direct impact but some potential risks. The contamination levels varied across farms, indicating certain contamination sources beyond technological factors. Advanced technological measures and proper equipment maintenance are suggested to mitigate MOH contamination risks in feed.
Extracellular Enzymes of Soils Under Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems: Predicted Functional Potential and Actual Activity
Authors: Teslya Anastasia V. , Iashnikov Aleksandr V. , Poshvina Darya V. , Stepanov Artyom A. , Vasilchenko Alexey S.
Published: November 2024

Conventional cropping systems (CCSs) rely heavily on large-scale and intensive crop production, using mechanical tillage and synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While these methods can be economically beneficial, they can also be environmentally destructive. Organic cropping systems (OCSs), on the other hand, offer a more sustainable approach with less harmful effects on the environment. CCSs exhibit higher prevalence rates compared to OCSs. This means that there is less research on soil processes in organic fields and the impact of these processes on soil quality. In this study, we aim to assess the functional potential of soils by analyzing their ability to transform carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. We use shotgun sequencing data to predict the activities of enzymes involved in these cycles. These predictions are then compared to the actual enzyme activity measured in the soil. The objects of study are samples of Chernozem soil from fields cultivated for 11 years using the OCS method and 20 years using the CCS method. It was found that the chemical properties of the studied soils differed significantly in terms of total carbon and total and available nitrogen and phosphorus. Except for phosphorus, the concentration of these elements was significantly higher in the CCS than in the OCS. We assessed the quality of the soils by measuring their enzymatic activities. A comparison of the two cropping systems showed that the activities of the enzymes involved in the C, N, P, and S cycles were, on average, 2.91, 1.89, 1.74, and 1.86 times higher in the CCS than in the OCS, respectively. A two-way PERMANOVA showed that the cropping system was the main variable (F = 14.978, p < 0.01) determining the enzymatic activity of soils, followed by soil depth (F = 9.6079, p < 0.01). We used shotgun sequencing to identify functional genes involved in C, N, P, and S metabolism, as well as genes encoding the measured soil enzymes. Compared to the OCS, the CCS soils had a higher relative abundance of genes involved in N-conversion (log2(FC) +0.22), C-conversion (log2(FC) +0.14), P-conversion (log2(FC) +0.47), and S-conversion (log2(FC) +0.24). At the same time, we found no significant differences between the systems in the relative abundance of genes encoding the measured soil enzymes. Thus, the comparison of the two cropping systems studied showed that the soil microbiome in the CCS has a greater functional potential to support biogeochemical cycles of the key biogenic elements than in the OCS. In addition, this study links the data on the representation of functional genes with the actual activity of enzymes. Based on the results, it would be helpful to focus more specifically on actual enzyme activity or to combine several indicators to obtain a more accurate understanding of soil quality.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Impact of a High-Fat Diet on Hepatic Metabolic Function in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Jia Rui , Hou Yiran , Zhou Linjun , Zhang Liqiang , Li Bing , Zhu Jian
Published: November 2024

Hepatic steatosis is prevalent among cultured fish, yet the molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to assess changes in hepatic metabolic function in tilapia and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms through transcriptomic analyses. Tilapia were allocated into two groups: a normal control (Ctr)-fed group and a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed group. Serum biochemical analyses revealed that HFD feeding led to liver damage and lipid accumulation, characterized by elevated levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), triglycerides (TGs), and total cholesterol (TC). Transcriptome analysis showed that 538 genes were significantly downregulated, and 460 genes were significantly upregulated in the HFD-fed fish. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were apparently involved in the lipid metabolic process and monocarboxylic acid metabolic process. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated significant alterations in pathways of steroid biosynthesis, porphyrin metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and retinol metabolism after HFD feeding. Additionally, results from Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that gene expression patterns in pathways including oxidative phosphorylation, protein export, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosome biogenesis were positively enriched in the HFD-fed tilapia. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying HFD-induced hepatic dysfunction in fish, contributing to the optimization of feeding strategies in aquaculture.
Hair and Blood Trace Elements (Cadmium, Zinc, Chrome, Lead, Iron and Copper) Biomonitoring in the Athletic Horse: The Potential Role of Haematological Parameters as Biomarkers
Authors: Aragona Francesca , Giannetto Claudia , Piccione Giuseppe , Licata Patrizia , Deniz Ömer , Fazio Francesco
Published: November 2024

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Chrome (Cr), Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu), in the blood, serum, tail and mane of horses from the industrialized area of Milazzo (Messina, Sicily), to understand the relationships between haematological parameters: Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), Haemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Platelets (PLTs) and the concentrations of trace elements. Blood and hair samples from 20 healthy Italian Saddle horses and water, hay and concentrates samples were obtained to determine the haemogram and mineral concentration using a Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Descriptive analysis showed a higher concentration of Zn, Cr, Pb, Fe, and Cu in the blood and a higher concentration of Cd in the tail than other substrates. A positive correlation was found for Cr (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.01) between blood and serum substrates, for Zn (p < 0.001) between mane and tail and for Pb (p < 0.01) between blood and mane, while a negative correlation was observed for Cr (p < 0.01) between blood and tail. Results showed a close relationship between the bioaccumulation of certain trace elements in biological substrates and haematological parameters, which represent useful biomarkers suggesting further studies, given the role of haematological parameters in athletic horses.
Inbreeding Depression and Purging in Fertility and Longevity Traits in Sheep Breeds from Germany
Authors: Justinski Cathrin , Wilkens Jens , Distl Ottmar
Published: November 2024

In the present study, we analysed fertility and longevity traits of 22 sheep breeds from Germany with a suitable quantity of data in the national database OviCap. The data comprised merino, meat, country and milk sheep breeds with 62,198 ewes and about 173,000 lambing records, until the fifth lambing. Across-breed means of heritabilities reached estimates of 0.13, 0.17 and 0.18 for number of lambings, average number of lambs born per lambing and number of lambs per lifetime, respectively. For age at first lambing, length of lifetime and productive life, mean heritabilities over breeds were 0.34, 0.17 and 0.32, respectively. The across-breed means of the individual rate of inbreeding were significantly negative for the average number of lambs born per lambing and number of lambs born per lifetime, and for number of lambings it was close to the significance threshold. We found declining slopes for inbreeding depression for the average number of lambs born per lambing and number of lambs born per lifetime in 16 breeds, and significantly negative slopes in five and seven breeds. For lifetime and productive life, 9/22 and 8/22 breeds showed significant inbreeding depression, while for age at first lambing, only 1/22 breeds showed significant inbreeding depression. A significant reduction in inbreeding depression due to purging effects was found for eight breeds. Fitness traits may be subject to forced directional selection. Therefore, sheep breeding programmes should give special consideration to fertility and longevity traits. Fitness related traits seem to be essential in conservation of genetic diversity within sheep breeds.
Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients
Authors: Badrov Marija , Marovic Danijela , Tadin Antonija
Published: November 2024

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.
Domoic Acid: A Review of Its Cytogenotoxicity Within the One Health Approach
Authors: Gajski Goran , Gerić Marko , Baričević Ana , Smodlaka Tanković Mirta
Published: November 2024

In this review, we toxicologically assessed the naturally occurring toxin domoic acid. We used the One Health approach because the impact of domoic acid is potentiated by climate change and water pollution on one side, and reflected in animal health, food security, human diet, and human health on the other. In a changing environment, algal blooms are more frequent. For domoic acid production, the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms is of particular interest. They produce this toxin, whose capability of accumulation and biomagnification through the food web impacts other organisms in the ecosystem. Domoic acid targets nervous system receptors inducing amnestic shellfish poisoning, among other less severe health-related problems. However, the impact of domoic acid on non-target cells is rather unknown, so we reviewed the currently available literature on cytogenetic effects on human and animal cells. The results of different studies indicate that domoic acid has the potential to induce early molecular events, such as oxidative imbalance and DNA damage, thus posing an additional threat which needs to be thoroughly addressed and monitored in the future.
The Integration of Internet of Things and Machine Learning for Energy Prediction of Wind Turbines
Authors: Emexidis Christos , Gkonis Panagiotis
Published: November 2024

Wind power has emerged as a crucial substitute for conventional fossil fuels. The combination of advanced technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) has given rise to a new generation of energy systems that are intelligent, reliable, and efficient. The wind energy sector utilizes IoT devices to gather vital data, subsequently converting them into practical insights. The aforementioned information aids among others in the enhancement of wind turbine efficiency, precise anticipation of energy production, optimization of maintenance approaches, and detection of potential risks. In this context, the main goal of this work is to combine the IoT with ML in the wind energy sector by processing weather data acquired from sensors to predict wind power generation. To this end, three different regression models are evaluated. The models under comparison include Linear Regression, Random Forest, and Lasso Regression, which were evaluated using metrics such as coefficient of determination (R²), adjusted R², mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). Moreover, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were taken into consideration as well. After examining a dataset from IoT devices that included weather data, the models provided substantial insights regarding their capabilities and responses to preprocessing, as well as each model’s reaction in terms of statistical performance deviation indicators. Ultimately, the data analysis and the results from metrics and criteria show that Random Forest regression is more suitable for weather condition datasets than the other two regression models. Both the advantages and shortcomings of the three regression models indicate that their integration with IoT devices will facilitate successful energy prediction.
Analytical Model for Contaminant Transport in the CGCW and Aquifer Dual-Domain System Considering GMB Holes
Authors: Ran Long , Wan Guijun , Ding Hao , Xie Haijian
Published: November 2024

Composite geomembrane cut-off walls (CGCW) have been widely used for the remediation of polluted sites, especially where the environmental conditions are complex. Accurate predictions of the GMB hole leakage and CGCW performance are essential for engineering design and cost control. This paper establishes empirical equations to predict the leakages through the CGCWs based on the numerical models. Additionally, an analytical solution for contaminant migration through the CGCW is proposed considering the effects of GMB holes. The accuracy of the established equations and analytical solution is verified by the numerical models. The key effects of the GMB thickness (TG), head loss (HG), cut-off wall hydraulic conductivity (kG), hole radius (rG) and shape on the leakage and CGCW performance are investigated. The results show that compared with other hole shapes, the leakage through the circular hole is lowest. This is mainly because the shape factor for the circular hole is 1.15–1.3 times lower than that for other shapes of holes with the same area. Additionally, the effects of the hole geometric properties and head loss on the CGCW performance can be more significant when the cut-off wall hydraulic coefficient is small. For example, the breakthrough time differences between the cases with rG = 0.005 m and 0.05 m are 0.8 and 5.0 years when kG = 10−10 and 10−9 m/s, respectively. This is because the impermeability of the CGCW is good when kG is small. This will weaken the impacts of the hole geometric properties on the leakage. The proposed empirical equations and analytical solution can provide effective suggestions for the design of the CGCW in different GMB hole cases.
Dual-Modal Fusion PRI-SWT Model for Eddy Current Detection of Cracks, Delamination, and Impact Damage in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Materials
Authors: Wen Rongyan , Tao Chongcong , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao
Published: November 2024

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites are prone to damage during both manufacturing and operational phases, making the classification and identification of defects critical for maintaining structural integrity. This paper presents a novel dual-modal feature classification approach for the eddy current detection of CFRP defects, utilizing a Parallel Real–Imaginary/Swin Transformer (PRI-SWT) model. Built using the Transformer architecture, the PRI-SWT model effectively integrates the real and imaginary components of sinusoidal voltage signals, demonstrating a significant performance improvement over traditional classification methods such as Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Vision Transformer (ViT). The proposed model achieved a classification accuracy exceeding 95%, highlighting its superior capability in terms of addressing the complexities of defect detection. Furthermore, the influence of key factors—including the real–imaginary fusion layer, the number of layers, the window shift size, and the model’s scale—on the classification performance of the PRI-SWT model was systematically evaluated.
Chemical and Thermal Changes in Mg3Si2O5 (OH)4 Polymorph Minerals and Importance as an Industrial Material
Authors: Şaşmaz Ahmet , Kılıç Ayşe Didem , Konakçı Nevin
Published: November 2024

Serpentine (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4), like quartz, dolomite and magnesite minerals, is a versatile mineral group characterized by silica and magnesium silicate contents with multiple polymorphic phases. Among the phases composed of antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile, lizardite and chrysotile are the most prevalent phases in the serpentinites studied here. The formation process of serpentinites, which arise from the hydrothermal alteration of peridotites, influences the ratio of light rare earth elements (LREE) to heavy rare earth elements (HREE). In serpentinites, the ratio of light rare earth elements (LREE)/heavy rare earth elements (HREE) provides insights into formation conditions, geochemical evolution, and magmatic processes. The depletion of REE compositions in serpentinites indicates high melting extraction for fore-arc/mantle wedge serpentinites. The studied serpentinites show a depletion in REE concentrations compared to chondrite values, with HREE exhibiting a lesser degree of depletion compared to LREE. The high ΣLREE/ΣHREE ratios of the samples are between 0.16 and 4 ppm. While Ce shows a strong negative anomaly (0.1–12), Eu shows a weak positive anomaly (0.1–0.3). This indicates that fluid interacts significantly with rock during serpentinization, and highly incompatible elements (HIEs) gradually become involved in the serpentinization process. While high REE concentrations indicate mantle wedge serpentinites, REE levels are lower in mid-ocean ridge serpentinites. The enrichment of LREE in the analyzed samples reflects melt/rock interaction with depleted mantle and is consistent with rock–water interaction during serpentinization. The gradual increase in highly incompatible elements (HIEs) suggests that they result from fluid integration into the system and a subduction process. The large differential thermal analysis (DTA) peak at 810–830 °C is an important sign of dehydration, transformation reactions and thermal decomposition, and is compatible with H2O phyllosilicates in the mineral structure losing water at this temperature. In SEM images, chrysotile, which has a fibrous structure, and lizardite, which has a flat appearance, transform into talc as a result of dehydration with increasing temperature. Therefore, the sudden temperature drop observed in DTA graphs is an indicator of crystal form transformation and CO2 loss. In this study, the mineralogical and structural properties and the formation of serpentinites were examined for the first time using thermo-gravimetric analysis methods. In addition, the mineralogical and physical properties of serpentinites can be recommended for industrial use as additives in polymers or in the adsorption of organic pollutants. As a result, the high refractory nature of examined serpentine suggests that it is well-suited for applications involving high temperatures. This includes industries such as metallurgy and steel production, glass manufacturing, ceramic production, and the chemical industry.
Synthetic Wind Estimation for Small Fixed-Wing Drones
Authors: Sharma Aman , Laupré Gabriel François , Longobardi Pasquale , Skaloud Jan
Published: November 2024

Wind estimation is crucial for studying the atmospheric boundary layer. Traditional methods such as weather balloons offer limited in situ capabilities; besides an Air Data System (ADS) combined with inertial measurements and satellite positioning is required to estimate the wind on fixed-wing drones. As pressure probes are an important constituent of an ADS, they are susceptible to malfunctioning or failure due to blockages, thus affecting the capability of wind sensing and possibly the safety of the drone. This paper presents a novel approach, using low-fidelity aerodynamic models of drones to estimate wind synthetically. In our work, the aerodynamic model parameters are derived from post-processed flight data, in contrast to existing approaches that use expensive wind tunnel calibration for identifying the same. In sum, our method integrates aerodynamic force and moment models into a Vehicle Dynamic Model (VDM)-based navigation filter to yield a synthetic wind estimate without relying on an airspeed sensor. We validate our approach using two geometrically distinct drones, each characterized by a unique aerodynamic model and different quality of inertial sensors, altogether tested across several flights. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed cross-platform method provides a synthetic wind velocity estimate, thus offering a practical backup to traditional techniques.
Decision-Making Policy for Autonomous Vehicles on Highways Using Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) Method
Authors: Rizehvandi Ali , Azadi Shahram , Eichberger Arno
Published: November 2024

Automated driving (AD) is a new technology that aims to mitigate traffic accidents and enhance driving efficiency. This study presents a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) method for autonomous vehicles that can safely and efficiently handle highway overtaking scenarios. The first step is to create a highway traffic environment where the agent can be guided safely through surrounding vehicles. A hierarchical control framework is then provided to manage high-level driving decisions and low-level control commands, such as speed and acceleration. Next, a special DRL-based method called deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is used to derive decision strategies for use on the highway. The performance of the DDPG algorithm is compared with that of the DQN and PPO algorithms, and the results are evaluated. The simulation results show that the DDPG algorithm can effectively and safely handle highway traffic tasks.
Driving Forces in the Formation of Biocondensates of Highly Charged Proteins: A Thermodynamic Analysis of the Binary Complex Formation
Authors: Ballauff Matthias
Published: November 2024

A thermodynamic analysis of the binary complex formation of the highly positively charged linker histone H1 and the highly negatively charged chaperone prothymosin α (ProTα) is detailed. ProTα and H1 have large opposite net charges (−44 and +53, respectively) and form complexes at physiological salt concentrations with high affinities. The data obtained for the binary complex formation are analyzed by a thermodynamic model that is based on counterion condensation modulated by hydration effects. The analysis demonstrates that the release of the counterions mainly bound to ProTα is the main driving force, and effects related to water release play no role within the limits of error. A strongly negative Δcp (=−0.87 kJ/(K mol)) is found, which is due to the loss of conformational degrees of freedom.
Exploring the Biological Activity of a Humanized Anti-CD99 ScFv and Antibody for Targeting T Cell Malignancies
Authors: Takheaw Nuchjira , Pamonsupornwichit Thanathat , Chaiwut Ratthakorn , Kotemul Kamonporn , Sornsuwan Kanokporn , Juntit On-anong , Yasamut Umpa , Cheyasawan Passaworn , Laopajon Witida , Kasinrerk Watchara , Tayapiwatana Chatchai
Published: November 2024

CD99, a type I transmembrane protein, emerges as a promising therapeutic target due to its heightened expression in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). This characteristic renders it a potential marker for minimal residual disease detection and an appealing target for antibody-based treatments. Previous studies have revealed that a mouse monoclonal antibody, mAb MT99/3, selectively binds to CD99, triggering apoptosis in T-ALL/T-LBL cells while preserving the integrity of healthy cells. By targeting CD99, mAb MT99/3 suppresses antigen presentation and disrupts T cell functions, offering promise for addressing hyperresponsive T cell conditions. To facilitate clinical translation, we developed a humanized ScFv variant of mAb MT99/3, termed HuScFvMT99/3 in “ScFvkh” design. Structural analysis confirms its resemblance to the original antibody, and the immunoreactivity of HuScFvMT99/3 against CD99 is preserved. The fully humanized version of antibody HuMT99/3 was further engineered, exhibiting similar binding affinity at the 10−10 M level and specificity to the CD99 epitope without antigenic shift. HuMT99/3 demonstrates remarkable selectivity, recognizing both malignant and normal T cells but inducing apoptosis only in T-ALL/T-LBL cells, highlighting its potential for safe and targeted therapy.
Unraveling Microviscosity Changes Induced in Cancer Cells by Photodynamic Therapy with Targeted Genetically Encoded Photosensitizer
Authors: Shimolina Liubov E. , Khlynova Aleksandra E. , Elagin Vadim V. , Bureev Pavel A. , Sherin Petr S. , Kuimova Marina K. , Shirmanova Marina V.
Published: November 2024

Background: Despite the fundamental importance of cell membrane microviscosity, changes in this biophysical parameter of membranes during photodynamic therapy (PDT) have not been fully understood. Methods: In this work, changes in the microviscosity of membranes of live HeLa Kyoto tumor cells were studied during PDT with KillerRed, a genetically encoded photosensitizer, in different cellular localizations. Membrane microviscosity was visualized using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with a viscosity-sensitive BODIPY2 rotor. Results: Depending on the localization of the phototoxic protein, different effects on membrane microviscosity were observed. With nuclear localization of KillerRed, a gradual decrease in microviscosity was detected throughout the entire observation period, while for membrane localization of KillerRed, a dramatic increase in microviscosity was observed in the first minutes after PDT, and then a significant decrease at later stages of monitoring. The obtained data on cell monolayers are in good agreement with the data obtained for 3D tumor spheroids. Conclusions: These results indicate the involvement of membrane microviscosity in the response of tumor cells to PDT, which strongly depends on the localization of reactive oxygen species attack via targeting of a genetically encoded photosensitizer.