bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elaboration and Characterization of n-Type Organic Semiconductor (Fullerene C60) Deposed by Ultrasonic Technique for Sustainable OTFT Fabrication
Authors: Abdeslam Nora Amele , Latif Aya , Tigrine Zahia , Lehraki Nadia , Messeddek Lobna , Lebouachera Seif El Islam
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the deposition of fullerene (C60) as thin film on glass substrate by ultrasonic chemical bath deposition (UCBD) processing, under ambient temperature. Highly effective results were obtained from the films based on the solution of C60 dissolved in toluene mixed with 2-methoxyethanol. The obtained films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD examination of the thin films reveals the presence of the C60 cubic phase compared to the powder reference. The molecular structure obtained by Rietveld refinement shows no bonding between the molecules in C60 powder, while in the deposed thin film the bonding is established. The molecules are bonded between them by pentagons of the right and left molecule. Each four neighbor molecules bond between them and they are all able to geometrically tie to the neighboring molecules under a crystalline FCC structure. The Sherrer and W-H methods were used to investigate microstructural parameters. The lattice parameter and the crystallite size show the same variation tendency. The average lattice parameter for the powder and the deposed films C60-3h, C60-5h, and C60-8h is 14.0652, 14.1901, 14.0529, and 14.1848 Å, respectively, and the crystallite size calculated by the Sherrer method is 37.51, 38.98, 34.35, and 41.54 nm, respectively, as well. The IR spectrum indicated the presence of chemical π bonds (c=c) that are very suitable for enhancing the electronic properties of the material, and SEM analysis illustrated a dense, homogeneous without pinhole structures in the film morphology. Moreover, EDS emphasizes the presence of high carbon concentration and fewer stranger atoms. As a result, despite the UCBD technique being old and not very often applied in the field of organic materials, it is still a cost effective and good alternative method for organic thin film deposition.
A Systematic Literature Review for the Topic of Blockchain Technology and Educational Systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Authors: Al-Samarai Baraa , Morato Jorge
Published: February 2025

As the world is shifting into a compelling environment of digitalization and transparency, it is important to figure out the criteria that would enhance those kinds of changes. For as much as those changes require constant advocacy and control, one can see the results that would benefit society as whole. Education is an important aspect in the world, and the digital world has obtained a piece of the educational digital sect. Yet, with the ongoing online learning and distance learning that have been roaming the world, plenty of disturbances within society have occurred and with that multiple solutions have emerged as a consequence. This research is based on an important solution that has conquered the international world, except for some parts of the region, which is why, through our provided methodologies and results, it has been concluded that blockchain, as a digital and educational option, is something that would not only provide more transparency but also more security and beneficiaries within the educational system. This study uniquely focuses on the GCC region, highlighting the specific challenges and opportunities in implementing blockchain technology in education. Unlike previous reviews that take a global perspective, this research examines the cultural, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers in GCC countries.
Fault Detection in Power Transformers Using Frequency Response Analysis and Machine Learning Models
Authors: Maseko Ncedo S. , Thango Bonginkosi A. , Mabunda Nkateko
Published: February 2025

Power transformers are vital for maintaining the reliability and stability of electrical systems. However, their vulnerability to faults, such as partial discharges and winding deformation, poses significant operational risks. Advanced diagnostic techniques are essential for timely fault detection and predictive maintenance. This study investigates the application of machine learning (ML) techniques in transformer fault detection using Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) data. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various ML models, the impact of frequency variations, and the contribution of numerical indices to fault classification accuracy. FRA data, comprising 50 to 70 measurements per transformer, were segmented into eight frequency bands (20 kHz to 12 MHz). A systematic approach utilizing a confusion matrix was applied to classify faults such as partial discharges and winding deformation. The performance of ML models, including Decision Trees and Subspace KNN, was assessed in terms of classification accuracy. Machine learning models achieved fault classification accuracies ranging from 80% to 100% across eight frequency bands (20 kHz to 12 MHz). Decision Tree models excelled in detecting insulation faults, achieving 100% accuracy for faults such as thermal aging (Class A), electrical stress (Class B), and moisture ingress (Class C). Subspace KNN models demonstrated strong performance for core-related faults, with classification accuracies of 100% for core displacement (Class B) and core buckling (Class C), but they faced challenges with lamination deformation, achieving 75% accuracy. Contamination-related faults exhibited a 100% False Negative Rate (FNR), indicating a need for model refinement. Fault detection was consistent across frequency bands, with key diagnostic markers at 7.6 MHz, 8.25 MHz, and 8.7 MHz providing high diagnostic value. Machine learning integration into FRA-based diagnostics enhances the accuracy and reliability of transformer fault detection. While current results are promising, future research should focus on deep learning approaches and enhanced feature extraction to address challenges such as data scarcity and fault diversity.
Evolution Characteristics and Failure Mechanisms of Retrogressive Loess Landslides: A Case Study from the South Jingyang Platform, China
Authors: Ding Tao , He Zhiyuan , Ma Penghui , Mu Qingyi , Xue Yifan , Nan Yalin , Liu Kui
Published: February 2025

The South Jingyang Platform, China, is well-known for its continuous irrigation-induced loess landslides. Many scholars have discussed the loess landslides in this area, as the frequent occurrence of these landslides has led to a gradual reduction in the size of the platform. On the basis of these studies, this paper provides an updated summary of the distribution, evolution characteristics, and future trends of these landslides over the past 20 years. It was found that from 2003 to 2023, a total of 76 landslides occurred, mainly concentrated in three areas. In addition to forming retrogressive landslide groups, the large amount of landslide deposits at the substrate also transforms into loess mudflows, causing a disaster chain. The rapid rise of the groundwater level is the main key factor causing these flowslides, and the widely distributed joints, cracks, and caves in the slopes serve as preferential flow channels, actively contributing to the accelerated rise of the groundwater level. This further decreases the stability of the slopes and is also a significant factor promoting the occurrence of landslides. The occurrence of falls and slides is mainly due to the loosening of the slope caused by previous flowslides, which affects the soil structure and triggers the migration of the soil’s critical state. This explains why flowslides occur in the deep saturated zone, while slides and falls often occur in the shallow unsaturated zone in the study area. Since 2015, flowslides have decreased due to changes in irrigation practices and stabilized groundwater levels, confirming the close relationship between flowslide occurrence and groundwater level fluctuations.
Calculation Method for Settlement Deformation of Existing Tunnel Induced by Underpass Construction
Authors: Cao Lan , Zhang Jie , Xie Jia-Hua , Lin Yu-Liang , Yang Guo-Lin
Published: February 2025

To explore the calculation method of settlement and deformation of existing tunnels induced by excavation, the energy method is adopted to analyze the work done by the existing tunnels with additional loads during excavation and the additional stresses caused by shield cutter thrust, shield shell, etc. The study integrates Mindlin’s stress solution and three-dimensional Loganathan’s formula to determine the friction, grouting pressure, and stratum loss. The primary objective of this approach is to identify the settlement and deformation of the existing tunnel. It is envisaged that the deformation of tunnels can be resolved by minimizing the total potential energy of the system. Relying on a new construction project, part of the Macao Sewerage Pipeline, the reasonableness and accuracy of theoretical model are verified by comparing it with the results of on-site monitoring and numerical analysis. Meanwhile, parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the sensitivity factors, including tunnel depth, diameter, and ground loss rate, on the settlement of existing tunnel, and suggestions for optimization on project are provided. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of the theoretical method in predicting the settlement and deformation of existing tunnels. Furthermore, it is evident that it can mitigate the settlement of existing tunnels by increasing the depth of new tunnels. Additionally, expanding the diameter of excavation is also a significant factor. Conversely, an increase in excavation rate will lead to an enhancement in the loss of ground layer, thereby augmenting the settlement of existing tunnels. It is noteworthy that the diameter of excavation exerts the most substantial influence on the settlement, followed by the rate of loss of ground layer, and to a lesser extent, the depth of the buried tunnel.
A Novel Bacteriophage Targeting mcr-9 Enterobacter kobei with Potential Application in Fresh Leafy Greens
Authors: Pintor-Cora Alberto , Carpintero Andrea , Alegría Ángel , Giannis Apostolos , Lopez-Díaz Teresa-María , Santos Jesús A. , Rodríguez-Calleja Jose M.
Published: February 2025

The presence of opportunistic pathogens, such as the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), in fresh vegetables poses a significant health risk, particularly amid the ongoing antibiotic resistance crisis. Traditional chemical decontamination methods are often ineffective and these are associated with issues such as cross-resistance between antibiotics and biocides, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. This study describes the isolation of a novel phage, FENT2, with anti-ECC activity, obtained from cattle farm sewage. Belonging to the Seunavirus genus, FENT2 did not carry genes associated with lysogenic cycle, antimicrobial resistance, or virulence factors. The phage demonstrated lytic activity against the host strain E. kobei AG07E, which harbored the mcr-9 gene, exhibiting a narrow host range that also included E. ludwigii strains. In vitro assays using BioTrac (SY-LAB) impedance technology confirmed the sustained lytic activity of FENT2 under food-related stress conditions, including pH levels from 5 to 7 and NaCl concentrations up to 2%. Furthermore, FENT2 demonstrated bactericidal potential on lettuce leaves, achieving 1 log reduction in bacterial counts of the host strain after 30 min immersion treatment. These findings highlight FENT2 as a promising candidate for biocontrol applications, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional decontamination methods for reducing antimicrobial-resistant ECC contamination in fresh produce.
Study on Green Airport Construction and Aviation Pollution Control: A Case Study of Four International Airports
Authors: Deng Shiguo , Zhou Shuolei , Zhang Li , Zhao Jiani
Published: February 2025

In the era of globalization and information technology, the aviation industry has experienced rapid growth. However, the increase in flight numbers has exacerbated environmental issues such as exhaust emissions and noise pollution, raising significant concerns across society. This paper aims to explore the current state of environmental pollution within the aviation industry and propose solutions to promote the development of green airports and effective pollution control measures. This study primarily employs a literature analysis. Initially, a preliminary evaluation index system was established to represent various aspects of aviation pollution. The system was then refined and optimized using the entropy weight method. Subsequently, kernel density estimation and Moran index methods are applied to analyze the temporal and spatial trends in the evaluation indicators. An empirical study is conducted to investigate the degree of endogenous correlation and lag effects among the indices. The results are as follows: (1) Regional neutrality in pollution indicators. The spatial autocorrelation test reveals a lack of significant spatial correlation among the studied aviation environmental pollution indicators, indicating that these variables maintain a degree of regional neutrality. (2) Cargo throughput affects aviation environmental pollution. The PVAR model analysis highlights that cargo throughput has a significant self-impact on aviation environmental pollution, indicating that monitoring and managing cargo operations could be crucial in predicting and mitigating future pollution levels.
New μ-Synchronization Criteria for Nonlinear Drive–Response Complex Networks with Uncertain Inner Couplings and Variable Delays of Unknown Bounds
Authors: Zhou Anran , Yang Chongming , Yi Chengbo , Fan Hongguang
Published: February 2025

Since the research of μ-synchronization helps to explore how complex networks (CNs) work together to produce complex behaviors, the μ-synchronization task for uncertain time-delayed CNs is studied in our work. Especially, bounded external perturbations and variable delays of unknown bounds containing coupling delays, internal delays, and pulse delays are all taken into consideration, making the model more general. Through the μ-stable theory together with the hybrid impulsive control technique, the problems caused by uncertain inner couplings, time-varying delays, and perturbations can be solved, and novel synchronization criteria are gained for the μ-synchronization of the considered CNs. Different from traditional models, it is not necessary for the coupling matrices to meet the zero-row-sum condition, and the control protocol relaxes the constraint of time delays on impulse intervals. Moreover, numerical experiments and image encryption algorithms are carried out to verify our theoretical results’ effectiveness.
A Design of Experiments Approach for Enhancing Room Temperature Stability of a Lyophilised and Paper-Based Bacterial Cell-Free System
Authors: Shivakumar Tejasvi , Clark Joshua , Goode Alice , Anyanwu Valentine E. , Williams Philip M.
Published: February 2025

Centralised cell-based biomanufacturing severely limits applicability in low-resource and extreme environments, where a largely untreated human population is present. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) can surpass many of these limitations, due to its flexibility and low maintenance. After initial optimisation for high-level expression, we conceptualised CFPS platforms composed of lyophilised pellets and cellulose stacks for ease of storage and distribution. The latter platform consisted of lyophilised components on cellulose discs, which were layered and rehydrated to kickstart protein synthesis. Such paper-encompassed reactions were capable of robust expression, where the system can be modulated by simply changing the DNA layer. Using an initial screening design followed by a minimalistic design of experiments approach, we were able to improve the shelf life of lyophilised CFPS at room temperature from <1 week to 100% preservation at month 1. We anticipate that our strategy will enable quicker and more efficient stability optimisation for sustainable applications in all environments.
Bringing Precision to Pediatric Care: Explainable AI in Predicting No-Show Trends Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hathaway Quincy A. , Yanamala Naveena , Narumanchi TaraChandra , Narumanchi Janani
Published: February 2025

Patient no-shows significantly disrupt pediatric healthcare delivery, highlighting the necessity for precise predictive models, especially during the dynamic shifts caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In outpatient settings, these no-shows result in medical resource underutilization, increased healthcare costs, reduced access to care, and decreased clinic efficiency and increased provider workload. The objective is to develop a predictive model for patient no-shows using data-driven techniques. We analyzed five years of historical data retrieved from both a scheduling system and electronic health records from a general pediatrics clinic within the WVU Health systems. This dataset includes 209,408 visits from 2015 to 2018, 82,925 visits in 2019, and 58,820 visits in 2020, spanning both the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The data include variables such as patient demographics, appointment details, timing, hospital characteristics, appointment types, and environmental factors. Our XGBoost model demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, notably outperforming traditional “no-show rate” metrics. Precision and recall metrics for all features were 0.82 and 0.88, respectively. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded AUCs of 0.90 for all features and 0.88 for the top five predictors when evaluated on the 2019 cohort. Furthermore, model generalization across racial/ethnic groups was also observed. Evaluation on 2020 telehealth data reaffirmed model efficacy (AUC: 0.90), with consistent top predictive features. Our study presents a sophisticated predictive model for pediatric no-show rates, offering insights into nuanced factors influencing attendance behavior. The model’s adaptability to evolving healthcare delivery models, including telehealth, underscores its potential for enhancing clinical practice and resource allocation.
HANDSON Hand: Strategies and Approaches for Competitive Success at CYBATHLON 2024
Authors: Hu Xuhui , Guo Fengkai , Wei Zhikai , Chen Dapeng , Dai Junfa , Li Anran , Zhang Senhao , Orban Mostafa , Tong Yao , Hu Cong , Xu Baoguo , Zeng Hong , Song Aiguo , Guo Kai , Yang Hongbo
Published: February 2025

A significant number of people with disabilities rely on assistive devices, yet these technologies often face limitations, including restricted functionality, inadequate user-centered design, and a lack of standardized evaluation metrics. While upper-limb prosthetics remain a key research focus, existing commercial solutions still fall short of meeting daily reliability and usability needs, leading to high abandonment rates. CYBATHLON integrates assistive technologies into daily living tasks, driving innovation and prioritizing user needs. In CYBATHLON 2024, the HANDSON hand secured first place in the arm prosthesis race, showcasing breakthroughs in human–robot integration. This paper presents the HANDSON hand’s design, core technologies, training strategies, and competition performance, offering insights for advancing multifunctional prosthetic hands to tackle real-world challenges.
Linking Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): The Role of Cardiometabolic Drugs in MASLD Treatment
Authors: Zisis Marios , Chondrogianni Maria Eleni , Androutsakos Theodoros , Rantos Ilias , Oikonomou Evangelos , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Kassi Eva
Published: February 2025

The link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is well-established at both the epidemiological and pathophysiological levels. Among the common pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development and progression of both diseases, oxidative stress and inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism deterioration, hepatokines, and gut dysbiosis along with genetic factors have been recognized to play a pivotal role. Pharmacologic interventions with drugs targeting common modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors, such as T2DM, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, are a reasonable strategy to prevent CVD development and progression of MASLD. Recently, a novel drug for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), resmetirom, has shown positive effects regarding CVD risk, opening new opportunities for the therapeutic approach of MASLD and CVD. This review provides current knowledge on the epidemiologic association of MASLD to CVD morbidity and mortality and enlightens the possible underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms linking MASLD with CVD. The role of cardiometabolic drugs such as anti-hypertensive drugs, hypolipidemic agents, glucose-lowering medications, acetylsalicylic acid, and the thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonist in the progression of MASLD is also discussed. Metformin failed to prove beneficial effects in MASLD progression. Studies on the administration of thiazolinediones in MASLD suggest effectiveness in improving steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, while newer categories of glucose-lowering agents such as GLP-1Ra and SGLT-2i are currently being tested for their efficacy across the whole spectrum of MASLD. Statins alone or in combination with ezetimibe have yielded promising results. The conduction of long-duration, large, high-quality, randomized-controlled trials aiming to assess by biopsy the efficacy of cardiometabolic drugs to reverse MASLD progression is of great importance.
The Role of Vitamin D in Rare Diseases—A Clinical Review
Authors: Ducki Czesław , Wojtkiewicz Marta , Bartoszewicz Marcin , Fiedor Piotr
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Patients suffering from rare diseases are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency. The role of vitamin D status in rare disease management remains insufficiently investigated and employed in routine clinical practice. Methods: This review analyses current data on vitamin D status in selected rare diseases of organs involved in vitamin D metabolism: skin (epidermolysis bullosa, morphea), liver (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis), kidney (Alport syndrome, Fabry disease), and cystic fibrosis as a model of a systemic rare disease. Additionally, this review critically examines potential drug–vitamin D interactions in the context of rare disease patient polypharmacy. Results: Evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in rare disease patient populations, often at once exacerbating and being simultaneously exacerbated by the underlying condition. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with worse clinical outcomes and lower quality of life across the examined diseases. Immunoregulatory properties of vitamin D appear relevant for rare diseases with autoimmune components. Conclusions: An urgent need for developing disease-specific clinical practice guidelines, implementing routine vitamin D monitoring in rare disease patient care, and introducing tailored supplementation under the principles of precision medicine is emphasized.
Could let-7f, miR-10b, miR-34a, miR-181b, and miR-181d Be Useful Tools as a Target Therapy for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?
Authors: de Almeida Bruna Cristine , dos Anjos Laura Gonzalez , Kagohara Luciane Tsukamoto , Al-Hendy Ayman , Yang Qiwei , Baracat Edmund Chada , Coutinho-Camillo Cláudia Malheiros , Carvalho Katia Candido
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: We have previously identified let-7f-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-181d-5p as differentially expressed between uterine leiomyoma (LM) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) tissue samples. The present study aimed to characterize these miRNA expression profiles and to assess the functional role of miR-34a and miR-181b in uterine LM and LMS cells. Methods: All the selected miRNAs showed downregulation in LMS cells compared to LM cells, but only miR-34a and miR-181b expression patterns matched those of patient samples. Therefore, these two miRs were selected for further analyses. Results: Loss of function analysis demonstrated that miR-34a and miR-181b silencing inhibited LM cell proliferation and migration. MiR-34a silencing induced CCND1 and MDM4 expression and inhibited KMT2D, BCL2, and NOTCH2 in LM. Silencing of miR-181b promotes TIMP3 and FGFR1 expression in LM and diminishes BCL2, NOTCH2, ATM, IRS1, and PRLR. Gain of function analysis revealed that the introduction of miR-34a and miR-181b mimics suppressed proliferation and migration in malignant LMS cells. Additionally, transfection with a miR-34a mimic downregulated NOTCH2 and BCL2 expression and enhanced the expression of CCND1, KMT2D, and TP53 in LMS cells. Moreover, miR-181b overexpression decreased TIMP3, NOTCH2, ATM, and IRS1 expression and increased the expression of FGFR1 in this cell. Importantly, the single introduction of either a miR-34a or miR-181b mimic was able to decrease the invasion capacity of LMS cells. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrated that miR-34a or miR-181b may play an anti-oncogenic role in uterine tumors; further studies are needed to better understand the role and regulatory mechanism of these miRNAs in LMS cancer development, which will help provide prognostic and therapeutic options for patients with LMS.
The Journey of Copper-Impregnated Dressings in Wound Healing: From a Medical Hypothesis to Clinical Practice
Authors: Borkow Gadi , Melamed Eyal
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives. Chronic wounds pose a substantial global healthcare burden exacerbated by aging populations and the increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and venous insufficiency. Impaired physiological repair mechanisms, including angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and re-epithelialization, hinder the healing process in chronic wounds. Many of these physiological processes are dependent on their interaction with copper. We hypothesized that the targeted delivery of copper ions to the wound bed would enhance healing. Methods. Wound dressings impregnated with copper oxide microparticles were designed to ensure the controlled release of copper ions. The efficacy of these dressings was evaluated using non-infected wound models, including diabetic mouse models compared against control and silver dressings. Outcome measures included wound closure rates, epidermal skin quality assessed by histopathological examination, and gene expression profiling. Clinical applications were assessed through diverse case studies and controlled trials involving chronic wound management. Results. Copper dressings significantly accelerated wound closure and enhanced angiogenesis compared to control and silver dressings. Histopathological analyses revealed faster granulation tissue formation, epidermal regeneration, and neovascularization. Gene expression studies showed upregulation of critical angiogenic factors such as VEGF and HIF-1α. Investigations and clinical observations corroborated improved healing across various chronic wound types, including non-infected wounds. Conclusions. Copper is essential for wound healing, and copper-impregnated dressings provide a promising solution for chronic wound management. By enhancing angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, these dressings go beyond antimicrobial action, offering a cost-effective and innovative alternative to conventional therapies. Copper dressings represent a transformative advancement in addressing the challenges of chronic wound care.
A Song for the Mind: A Literature Review on Singing and Cognitive Health in Aging Populations
Authors: Tragantzopoulou Panagiota , Giannouli Vaitsa
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: As the global population ages, the need for effective nonpharmacological interventions to support cognitive health has become increasingly urgent. Singing has been identified as a promising strategy to enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being in older adults. While substantial research has focused on the neurocognitive benefits of musical training, the specific effects of singing on neuroplasticity and cognition in aging populations remain underexplored. Methods: This review synthesizes findings from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar to examine the impact of singing on cognitive health, particularly in mitigating cognitive decline and promoting mental well-being. Results: Key benefits of singing include improvements in verbal fluency, executive function, and episodic memory. Structural changes such as increased white matter integrity and enhanced auditory–motor integration highlight the potential of singing to stimulate neuroplasticity. Among individuals with dementia, singing fosters episodic memory, mood enhancement, and social connection, while healthy older adults demonstrate improved verbal flexibility and cognitive resilience. However, methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and cross-sectional designs, preclude definitive conclusions about long-term benefits. Conclusions: Future research should explore the specific neural mechanisms underlying these effects, with an emphasis on longitudinal studies and diverse populations. Tailored, inclusive singing programs could address individual cognitive and physical abilities while fostering sustained engagement and social connection. As a low-cost, scalable intervention, singing holds promise for addressing cognitive and emotional challenges associated with aging, offering an accessible avenue to support healthy aging and enhance quality of life across diverse populations.
Can Saccade and Vergence Properties Discriminate Stroke Survivors from Individuals with Other Pathologies? A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: El Hmimdi Alae Eddine , Kapoula Zoï
Published: February 2025

Recent studies applying machine learning (ML) to saccade and vergence eye movements have demonstrated the ability to distinguish individuals with dyslexia, learning disorders, or attention disorders from healthy individuals or those with other pathologies. Stroke patients are known to exhibit visual deficits and eye movement disorders. This study focused on saccade and vergence measurements using REMOBI technology V3 and the Pupil Core eye tracker. Eye movement data were automatically analyzed with the AIDEAL V3 (Artificial Intelligence Eye Movement Analysis) cloud software developed by Orasis-Ear. This software computes multiple parameters for each type of eye movement, including the latency, accuracy, velocity, duration, and disconjugacy. Three ML models (logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest) were applied to the saccade and vergence eye movement features provided by AIDEAL to identify stroke patients from other groups: a population of children with learning disorders and a population with a broader spectrum of dysfunctions or pathologies (including children and adults). The different classifiers achieved macro F1 scores of up to 75.9% in identifying stroke patients based on the saccade and vergence parameters. An additional ML analysis using age-matched groups of stroke patients and adults or seniors reduced the influence of large age differences. This analysis resulted in even higher F1 scores across all three ML models, as the comparison group predominantly included healthy individuals, including some with presbycusis. In conclusion, ML applied to saccade and vergence eye movement parameters, as measured by the REMOBI and AIDEAL technology, is a sensitive method for the detection of stroke-related sequelae. This approach could be further developed as a clinical tool to evaluate recovery, compensation, and the evolution of neurological deficits in stroke patients.
Schaftoside Reduces Depression- and Anxiogenic-like Behaviors in Mice Depression Models
Authors: Hu Yue , Gan Yaoxue , Lei Jia , Cai Jinhui , Zhou Yecheng , Chen Hao , Zhang Qian , Shi Yan
Published: February 2025

Background: Major depressive disorder is a common mental health issue characterized by persistently low mood and high morbidity and mortality. The major pathophysiology is neuroinflammation, as evidenced by elevated cytokine levels. Patients often fail to achieve full remission with the use of currently available antidepressants, prompting the search for new treatment options. Schaftoside (SS), a flavonoid found in traditional Chinese herbs, has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its antidepressant effects are poorly understood. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment to induce depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. SS was administered at 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg for 28 days. The effect on depression-like behaviors was assessed using behavioral assays, and ELISA was used to measure pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and hippocampus. Results: SS significantly decreased immobility in the forced swim and tail suspension tests, increased sucrose preference in the sucrose preference test, and reduced feeding latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. These findings indicate improved depression and anxiety-like behaviors. ELISA showed that SS lowered interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the serum and hippocampus of CUMS mice. Conclusions: Our study indicates that SS has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, possibly through neuroinflammatory processes, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for depression, and thus deserves further investigation into its mechanisms and clinical efficacy.
A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Changes in Tourists’ Well-Being in China 2011–2022
Authors: Zheng Wei , Ba Zhaoxiang , Long Chunfeng
Published: February 2025

Analyzing the overall trend of changes in the well-being of Chinese tourists and its relationship with societal transformations is essential for understanding the psychological shifts of these tourists. This study utilizes cross-temporal meta-analysis and a time-lagged approach to examine 56 studies employing the General Well-Being Scale as the principal tool for evaluating the well-being of Chinese tourists from 2011 to 2022, with the objective of ascertaining whether trends in well-being levels among Chinese tourists and their macro-social indicators clarify discrepancies in tourists’ well-being. The results demonstrate a strong positive link between the well-being of Chinese tourists and the year, signifying an annual increase. The well-being of Chinese tourists is markedly positively associated with economic conditions (per capita income and consumption levels) and social connectedness (urbanization rate, employment rate, and life expectancy); these five social indicators are essential determinants of its variations. This study contributes by elucidating the trend of well-being among Chinese tourists at the group level and confirming that five categories of social variables significantly influence their well-being. It can aid destinations in enhancing relevant social and economic policies, inventing tourism products, and accelerating the development of the tourism industry, thereby substantially boosting the well-being of Chinese tourists.
Experimental Analysis of Cool Roof Coatings as an Urban Heat Mitigation Strategy to Enhance Thermal Performance
Authors: Wai Cheuk Yin , Chau Hing-Wah , Paresi Prudvireddy , Muttil Nitin
Published: February 2025

Driven by rapid urbanisation and global climate change, the increasing frequency and intensity of the Urban Heat Island effect poses significant risks to the health and well-being of urban dwellers across the world. To combat extreme heat and ensure a safe level of thermal comfort for urban residents, innovative and sustainable technologies, such as green infrastructure and cool roof coatings, have been incorporated into building design and urban planning. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of six different cool roof coating brands in reducing surface temperatures under the harsh and fast-changing climate conditions in Melbourne, Australia. A pilot-sized experimental cool roof was installed on the rooftop of an existing office building to monitor surface temperature variations using a thermal infrared camera, accompanied by a statistical analysis to evaluate potential surface temperature reductions under varying weather and sky conditions. The results of this study show that the application of cool roof coatings reduced the surface temperature by at least 8.7 °C and up to 34.2 °C, corresponding to reductions of 13.2% and 53.6% from the maximum surface temperature, respectively. When comparing the six cool roof paint brands, it was observed that Brand 4 demonstrated the best performance, reducing the surface temperature to a minimum value of 34.3 °C (45.5% reduction) when the maximum surface temperature was 62.9 °C. On the other hand, Brand 5 showed the least effective performance but still achieved a reduction of 15.8 °C (25.1% reduction). This study highlights the potential of cool roof coatings as an effective urban heat mitigation strategy by lowering building surface temperatures. Alongside other urban heat mitigation strategies, such as green roofs and green walls, cool roof coatings offer a viable solution for buildings.
Spatial Cluster Pattern and Influencing Factors of the Housing Market: An Empirical Study from the Chinese City of Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Yuhua , Buyuklieva Boyana
Published: February 2025

Infrastructure and amenities have an evident effect on differentiated urban structures and house prices. However, few studies have taken into account the spatial heterogeneity of large-scale urban areas. Regarding this issue, the present study proposes a novel spatial framework to quantify the impacts of built environment factors on the housing market. We aim to answer: how does a specific factor impact house prices across different spatially autocorrelated neighbourhood clusters? The city of Shanghai, the economic centre of China, is examined through the transaction data from the China Real-estate Information Center (CRIC) are analysed. Firstly, spatially autocorrelation clusters were explored to identify high/low housing prices in concentrated areas in Shanghai. Secondly, using the development-scale house prices as the dependent variable, we employed ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models to examine the impact of built environment facilities on the house prices across these spatial autocorrelation regions and Shanghai more generally. The results suggest the following: (1) There are significant spatially autocorrelated clusters across Shanghai, with high-value clusters concentrated in the city core and low value concentrated in the suburban fringes; (2) Across Shanghai and its spatially autocorrelated clusters, transportation accessibility and service amenities factors can affect house prices quite differently, especially when focusing on the city centre and the suburban areas. Our results highlight the importance of optimising the city’s polycentric structural framework to foster a more balanced regional development. Differentiated approaches to the distribution of public service facilities should be adopted to address the diverse needs of residents across various regions.
Assessing Comfort and Safety in Use of Elevators’ Human–Machine Interaction Devices
Authors: Perrucci Giovanni , Costa Marco , Giacomello Elena , Trabucco Dario
Published: February 2025

Elevators are essential for accessibility and play a key role in a building’s functionality. Normally mass-produced and purchased from catalogs, elevators require thoughtful integration into architectural design to meet ergonomic, aesthetic, and safety standards. Proper design ensures accessibility, comfort, and efficiency for all users. Internal elements, such as the control panel, influence the user experience within the cabin and should be designed for ease of use, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Two experiments were conducted in a static elevator cabin, installed at the University of Bologna to evaluate user interaction. The first experiment assessed user preferences for different control panel layouts, while the second experiment tested emergency procedures, comparing the standard long-press with a double-press method. Both procedures were also tested with participants with hearing impairments to explore accessibility perceptions among disabled users. An urgent need for an alternative emergency procedure, including a double press to initiate the call and a video–textual device for visual–written communication, was identified to ensure both comfort and safety in elevator use.
Synthesis of MOFs and Characterization and Drug Loading Efficiency
Authors: Wu Chuang , Almuaalemi Haithm Yahya Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) stand as prevalent chronic ailments impacting children within the United States. It is approximated that as many as 40% of American children exhibit symptoms indicative of AR, a condition which, if inadequately managed, could potentially lead to the onset of additional illnesses such as asthma, rhinosinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and otitis media. We have devised a universal synthetic pathway to encapsulate small molecules of montelukast sodium within Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for the treatment of asthma and AR. Two distinct Cu-MOFs, namely single linker and mixed linker MOFs, were synthesized through the solvothermal method utilizing 1,4-benzenedioic acid (BDC) and 4,4′-dipyridile as linkers. The synthesized Cu-MOFs underwent thorough examination employing various analytical techniques including BET, SEM, FTIR, and PXRD. These MOFs hold promise as potential vehicles for drug delivery applications. Various proportions of Cu-MOF-1 and Cu-MOF-2 were dispersed alongside montelukast sodium. Notably, the 1:1 ratio of both MOFs exhibited enhanced drug absorption compared to other ratios. Furthermore, Cu-MOF-2 demonstrated superior drug absorption overall when contrasted with Cu-MOF-1. This investigation also delves into the drug release dynamics from different ratios of MOFs and the drug. The drug release analysis was conducted in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution with a pH of 7.4, and the absorbance values were measured using a UV-visible spectrometer at distinct time intervals. Drug molecules are effectively encapsulated within MOFs and demonstrate controlled release through the establishment of hydrogen bonding or π–π interactions between the drug molecules and MOFs. Despite notable advancements in the utilization of MOFs for biomedical purposes, additional enhancements are necessary before they can be considered viable therapeutic modalities.
The Gait Pattern Classification System for Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy (GaP-CP)—A Validity Study
Authors: Papageorgiou Eirini , Everaert Laure , Vandekerckhove Ines , Hanssen Britta , Van Campenhout Anja , Ortibus Els , Desloovere Kaat
Published: February 2025

Background: In order to classify the gait of children with spastic cerebral palsy (sCP), the “gait pattern classification system for children with sCP” (GaP-CP) has been developed, based on a systematic review and complemented by an additional class of “mild deviations”. The objective of the current study was to examine the content and construct validity of the GaP-CP. Methods: Statistical non-parametric comparisons identified the differences between the kinematics (N = 270) and kinetics (N = 208) of children with sCP and children with typically developing gait (N = 56) (content validity—aim 1), and between neighboring patterns (construct validity—aim 2a). Pattern-specific clinical phenotypes were explored based on the differences between all gait patterns (Kruskal–Wallis comparisons with post hoc Mann–Whitney U tests) in patient- and impairment-specific characteristics (construct validity—aim 2b). Results: The apparent and true equinus were the most and least prevalent patterns, respectively. The majority of the original classification rules were confirmed by the patient data, indicating good content validity of the GaP-CP. Its construct validity was strengthened by distinguishing between gait deviations of neighboring patterns and differentiating between gait patterns based on patient-specific characteristics, leading to pattern-specific phenotypes. Yet, pattern-specific phenotypes could not be clearly defined based on the impairment-specific comparisons. Conclusions: The current results support the validity of the GaP-CP. Refined classification rules, using more precise terminology, establish a roadmap for its clinical implementation. The pattern-specific clinical phenotypes enable its use in a clinical context and may aid clinical decision-making.
Basketball’s Improvement in Bone Mineral Density Compared to Other Sports or Free Exercise Practice in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Castro-Collado Cristina , Llorente-Cantarero Francisco Jesus , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Jurado-Castro Jose Manuel
Published: February 2025

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for bone health, contributing up to 50% of total bone mineral content during childhood and pre-adolescence, with the accumulation of bone mass in youth significantly impacting adult bone health. Physical activity, especially impact exercise, plays a fundamental role in strengthening bones. Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to study the effects of basketball practice on BMD compared to other sports and free activity practice in children and adolescents. Methods: Observational studies were selected up to January 2024. A total of 492 articles were identified, of which 9 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Results: The BMD increase favored the group of basketball players in the total body (MD 0.07; CI 0.04 to 0.09; p < 0.001; I2 = 93%), upper limbs (MD 0.10; CI 0.008 to 0.12; p < 0.001; I2 = 96%), and lower limbs (MD 0.05; CI 0.03 to 0.07; p < 0.001; I2 = 80%). Conclusions: Basketball practice in children and adolescents appears to be one of the most effective sports for enhancing BMD (total body and upper and lower limbs) compared to football, swimming, combat sports, other team sports, such as baseball and volleyball, as well as athletics and gymnastics. The high heterogeneity among studies, largely due to differences in sports, may limit the interpretation of the findings.