bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Chemical Water Monitoring in Fishponds Through Automated Systems
Authors: Duarte Rueda Adolfo , Salazar Gil Luisa Julia , Vacca Ascanio Ronald Alexander
Published: February 2025

This study outlines the design and development of an automated system to optimize chemical water monitoring in fishponds. The prototype facilitates automatic sample collection, precise reagent dosing, and uniform mixing, alongside real-time analysis and visualization of results through a touchscreen interface. Key parameters, including Nitrite (NO2), Nitrate (NO3), and Ammonia (NH3/NH4), were targeted. The methodology involved designing electromechanical systems and integrating them with sensors and software to automate manual tasks. Tests conducted have confirmed the system’s accuracy in detecting chemical concentrations, optimizing operational times, and minimizing errors. The results highlight the system’s ability to enhance decision-making in aquaculture by enabling constant and timely monitoring of water conditions. This directly contributes to improved fish welfare and increased economic profitability for producers. The prototype represents an innovative and accessible technological solution for the aquaculture sector, with significant potential for scaling up to larger production processes.
Comparación de la red de interacción planta-visitante floral entre Thunbergia alata y Prunus domestica
Authors: Hurtado Sierra Deysi Viviana , Parra Sierra Marianne Lizeth , Roa Fuentes Camilo Andrés , Rosero Lasprilla Liliana
Published: February 2025

Thunbergia alata es una planta trepadora, exótica e invasora, introducida en diferentes zonas del mundo como el neotrópico. En Colombia, específicamente en Boyacá, se presenta en cultivos frutales, como el ciruelo (Prunus domestica), perteneciente a la familia Rosaceae, que se encuentra en agroecosistemas donde mantener plantas silvestres o arvenses podría aumentar la diversidad de visitantes florales, polinización y número de frutos o competir por visitantes. El objetivo del estudio es comparar la estructura de la red de interacción planta-visitante floral entre las especies T. alata y P. domestica del municipio de Nuevo Colón, Boyacá, Colombia; mediante registro de visitantes florales con presencia cercana de T. alata y sin ella, construyendo la red de interacción y calculando métricas que describen su estructura, utilizando los paquetes Vegan 2.6.2, Bipartite 2.17, Network 1.18.0 y Ade4 1.7.19 en el programa R (versión 4.0.5) y RStudio (versión 4.2.1). Se encontró similitud en propiedades como densidad de enlace con alrededor de 0,9, conectancia superior al 75 %, número de módulo de 1, valores y coeficientes de participación donde todos los visitantes florales fueron periféricos; aunque difieren en la métrica dependencia y especies dominantes de módulos, puesto que T. alata depende de Bombus pauloensis, en tanto P. domestica de especies como Apis mellifera. Además, se rechaza la hipótesis planteada, ya que el número de interacciones en P. domestica disminuyó al estar cerca de T. alata.
Intention to participate in voluntary social insurance in an emerging economy: An examination based on extended theory of planned behavior
Authors: Vu Hung Van
Published: February 2025

The study aimed to assess factors influencing the intention to participate in voluntary social insurance among informal sector workers in Vietnam, an emerging economy in Southeast Asia. Primary data collected from 460 respondents was used for SEM analysis. The study showed that two parts of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model—attitude and perceived behavioral control—make people more likely to sign up for voluntary social insurance. Government incentive policies, appropriateness, affordability, and perceived difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic also predict the intention to participate. The research findings rejected the role of subjective norms in influencing the intention to participate. This research has identified factors affecting intention to subscribe to voluntary insurance among independent laborers in an emerging market like Vietnam, where there used to be larger proportion of formal workers who had to follow mandatory social insurance. Based on the revealed impact factors, policymakers and labor-related authority officials may have insights into how to encourage more informal workers to purchase voluntary insurance. This is particularly critical in a context where the majority of the population, especially independent laborers, are not used to subscribing to insurance in general if not required.
Urban forestry for sustainable urban management: A study from Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Pramod , Lamichhane Uchita
Published: February 2025

Developing sustainable urban areas in such a way that every citizens can enjoy a high quality of life and environment is one of the pressing environmental challenges we face today. This study was conducted to identify the major urban tree species and people’s perceptions towards urban forestry for sustainable urban development in Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City, Nepal. Mixed method of field assessment and questionnaire survey with urban households (N=125) was used to collect information regarding urban forestry by applying simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and Likert scale rating through SPSS. The results showed that 46 different tree species were recorded in the study area with most frequent being Saraca asoca, Mangifera indica and Ficus religiosa. Based on local people’s preference Sparaco asoca, Nyctanthes arbortristis, and Thusa spp. are top 3 species for urban plantation. People opined that management of urban forest is not so good and they responded that poor management of roadside trees is due to lack of people participation with weighted mean value of 2.10. More than 90% of the respondents agreed that urban trees are essential for sustainable urban planning. Furthermore, rapid urbanization, lack of public awareness, and limited institutional support are major challenges while community engagement, ecological resilience, and government initiatives and policies are major opportunities for urban forestry development in the city. Therefore, appropriate selection of tree species, community participation and awareness regarding urban forestry should be emphasized. Furthermore, urban forestry program requires its prioritization and integration in the local and national policies.
Recent Development on Halal Tourism: Evidence From Global Muslim Travel Index
Authors: Rasyid M , Hatta F Ayuni
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the development of global religious tourism based on the results of the latest report from the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) in 2024. The GMTI is a strategic index designed to assess the readiness of a tourist destination to attract Muslim tourists, both from Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries. The index reflects the destination’s commitment to providing services that align with Muslim needs and values, as well as offering a safe, comfortable, and Islamic principles travel experience. GMTI also plays a role in mapping out new opportunities in the halal tourism sector, which has great potential to continue to grow in the future. The results of the assessment from the GMTI study show that Malaysia has consistently been the main reference in global religious tourism. Recently, Indonesia has also emerged as the first ranking in the GMT qualifiers. Surprisingly, it turns out that Saudi Arabia, which is the main reference for Muslim worship, is still in third place. These results show that the potential for religious tourism in Malaysia and Indonesia is still very high.
Consumer Acceptability of Coco-Squash Spread
Authors: M. Lomeda-Junio Michelle
Published: February 2025

Consumer acceptability is a crucial factor in the success of processed foods, as it directly influences purchasing decisions and market sustainability. In the competitive food industry, sensory attributes such as appearance, taste and texture play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences. Understanding these sensory perceptions helps manufacturers enhance the product quality and align with consumer expectations. A health-conscious consumer increasing seek nutritious and innovative food options, the development of acceptable and appealing processed foods becomes even more relevant.  The study aimed to evaluate the consumer’s level of acceptability of Coco-Squash Spread in terms of appearance, taste and consistency in the three different samples. Acceptability Score Sheet was utilized as the instrument in the research study to gather data through sensory evaluations of thirty (30) consumers as the respondents of the study. Results revealed that Sample 1 obtained a mean score of 3.7, Sample 2 achieved a mean score of 4.08, both results to acceptable and Sample 3 received a mean score of 2.9 rated as moderately acceptable. Analysis of Variance results indicated no significant differences among the three samples in terms of appearance, taste and consistency. The appearance of the samples was influenced by the proportion of squash compared to coconut milk. In terms of taste, the dominant squash taste remained noticeable despite the varying proportions among the samples. Additionally, the consistency across all samples was consistent due to the standardized preparation process, which included the same procedures for the coconut milk and squash. The study highlights the potential of Coco-Squash Spread as an acceptable food product with no significant in sensory across the evaluated samples.
The Impact of Cross-Border Mobility on the Family
Authors: Florea Dumitrița , Galeș Narcisa
Published: February 2025

Determining the national law that will apply to a legal relationship with an element of foreign law is a central objective of private international law. This involves the use of conflict-of-law rules to identify the most appropriate law, given the nature and specific characteristics of the legal relationship in question. Determining the competent court to resolve disputes involving elements of foreign law is essential for the functioning of the international legal system. This objective includes identifying the court that has jurisdiction and can deliver a valid judgment in an international context.
The rules of international jurisdiction determine which national courts are competent to hear a cross-border dispute. These rules are essential for avoiding conflicts of jurisdiction and ensuring the efficient resolution of disputes.
Ensuring that judgments given in one state can be recognized and enforced in another state is a crucial objective of private international law. This mechanism prevents the need for retrials in other jurisdictions and ensures legal continuity and stability. The procedures and criteria by which foreign judgments are recognised and enforced vary between jurisdictions, but generally include verification of: the competence of the court that issued the judgment; respect for the right to a fair trial; and the conformity of the judgment with the public policy of the requested State. Ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of the parties involved in international legal relations is another major objective. This includes guaranteeing a fair trial, respecting the principle of non-discrimination and ensuring the protection of personal data. Private international law must ensure that conflict-of-law rules and judicial procedures respect the fundamental rights of the persons involved, including the right to a fair trial, non-discrimination and the protection of personal data. Promoting coherence and uniformity in the application of international legal rules through international conventions and treaties is essential to reducing conflicts of laws and facilitating international cooperation.
Insurance for Medical Malpractice in the Republic of Moldova - Perspectives, Challenges, Solutions
Authors: Gugulan Evghenia , Cazacu Florin
Published: February 2025

Medical malpractice insurance constitutes a new and challenging area for the insurance field in the Republic of Moldova.  It is imperative to recognize the importance of insurance against medical malpractice in the Republic of Moldova. Crucial reforms, successfully implemented in the health system to improve and adapt standards to the European level, have initiated a development process in this direction. It is evident that there have been global criticisms and concerns regarding the quality of health services provided to the population. This situation has also increased interest in the quality of medical services and included this objective in health policy and remuneration mechanisms. This has led to an increase in the number of claims for medical damage compensation and forensic examinations related to the activity of doctors.The adoption of a malpractice law could remedy existing legal gaps by clearly defining and thoroughly detailing the responsibility of medical personnel in the health system. The Republic of Moldova, having a technical basis, can transpose legislation concerning medical malpractice insurance. The legislator must be aware of the urgent and inevitable need to implement a regulatory framework applicable to responsibility for professional negligence of doctors in the health system.
The Duration of Individual Employment Contracts and the Evolution of Their Numbers in Romania Between 2019-2023
Authors: Bălăneasa (Ichim) Maria Cristina
Published: February 2025

The primary legal instrument governing individual relationships between employees and employers is the individual employment contract. The purpose of this paper is to present and briefly examine indefinite and fixed-term employment contracts not only from a theoretical perspective but also in terms of their numerical evolution during the period between 2019 and 2023, a timeframe that also saw the emergence of the COVID-19 virus. This analysis is relevant for understanding changes in the labor market as well as the fluctuations these two types of employment contracts experienced pre- and post-pandemic.
Determination of Serum Interleukin-36 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Interleukin-17 Levels in Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Terzi Hatice , Demir Ecem , Dogan Halef Okan , Şencan Mehmet
Published: February 2025

Aim: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of hematologic cancers characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoid cells. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α), interleukin-36 beta (IL-36β), interleukin-36 gamma (IL-36γ), and interleukin-17 (IL-17), which play an important role in the immune system, in NHL patients and whether these cytokines can serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for NHL.
Material and Methods: A total of 88 individuals, including 55 NHL patients diagnosed and followed up in the Department of Hematology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University Medical Faculty, and 33 healthy controls, were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from patients at the time of diagnosis and from individuals in the control group for hemogram and biochemistry tests and serum IL-17, IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ levels. Patients were divided into three groups, complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), and progression according to interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) results.
Results: Serum IL-36α (p
Management Practices on Soil Biochemical Parameters and Rhizosphere Microbial Communities of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): An Overview
Authors: Abraham Anitta , Sarathambal C. , Srinivasan V. , Thankamani C.K.
Published: February 2025

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a commercially important and nutrient-intensive crop, is extensively cultivated across various regions of India. The increasing population and intensification of agricultural practices have led to a decline in soil fertility and contributed to global climate change. This situation presents a formidable challenge to current turmeric cultivation methods, as the demand for food continues to rise. Therefore, it is imperative to optimize sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the ecological impacts of food production to support a growing population. The review reveals that organic and integrated nutrient regimes generally enhance microbial diversity and support beneficial soil microorganisms, which contribute to improved soil health and potentially higher growth and yield in turmeric. In contrast, conventional practices are often associated with reduced microbial diversity and depletion of soil health. The review emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in maintaining soil biodiversity and health, which are crucial for the long-term productivity and sustainability of turmeric farming. Additionally, advancements in rhizosphere research are highlighted, providing deeper insights into optimizing soil management practices for turmeric cultivation.
Optimizing Black Soldier Fly Larva Meal Substitution for Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Loach Fish
Authors: Nguyen Nhien Thi , Tran Nam Hoang
Published: February 2025

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the substitution of fishmeal by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal on growth performance, survival rate, feed utilization and meat quality of loach fish. Methods: The experimental fish, weighing between 3 g and 8 g, were randomly assigned to one of four groups, treated with 0% (CG), 10% (TG1), 30% (TG2) and 50% (TG3) BSFL-substituted fishmeal. Result: The growth performance in terms of length and weight was significantly higher in the TG1 and TG2 compared to the other groups. We also confirmed a positive correlation between the length (x) and weight (y) of loach fish. Regarding the quality of meat, TG1 exhibited the highest amino acid content at 18.52%. However, survival rate and feed utilization across all treatments showed no significant differences.
Prevalência e evolução temporal do sobrepeso e da obesidade em adultos de Campo Grande, MS
Authors: Medeiros Ivenn Rafaelly Belchior , Rabacow Fabiana Maluf
Published: February 2025

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a prevalência e a evolução temporal do sobrepeso e da obesidade em adultos de Campo Grande, MS, e Brasil. Foi utilizada base de dados secundária do Ministério da Saúde, referente aos anos de 2012 a 2021. A prevalência de sobrepeso na população adulta residente em Campo Grande, MS, foi de 38,4% em 2021. A maior frequência foi observada em mulheres. A análise temporal mostrou aumento da prevalência do sobrepeso e obesidade no Brasil. Em Campo Grande, MS, o aumento tanto do sobrepeso como da obesidade foi maior em pessoas mais velhas, com 65 anos ou mais. A prevalência do sobrepeso e da obesidade foi maior em mulheres do que em homens. O crescimento do sobrepeso e da obesidade requer atenção, principalmente por ser fator de risco importante para doenças crônicas.
Saúde mental e fome no Brasil
Authors: Maciel Fernanda , Souza Bertulino
Published: February 2025

O pleno estado de saúde mental é alcançado por meio de diversos fatores que estejam alinhados. Entretanto, quando esses aspectos entram em declínio, os indivíduos entram em sofrimento mental, como a situação de passar fome. Este artigo objetiva descrever a relação entre a saúde mental e a fome no Brasil. Para isso, foi utilizada como método a revisão da literatura do tipo narrativa, fazendo uso de artigos, teses e livros para o embasamento das discussões. Com isso, foi possível analisar que a saúde mental e a fome são problemas históricos frequentes no Brasil, os quais, ao longo tempo, tiveram suas variações e instabilidades, e que existe uma evidente relação entre a fome e as consequências que esta pode causar na saúde mental dos indivíduos. Diante disso, é importante ressaltar que a fome não é apenas um problema social, econômico e político, mas também um problema de saúde mental.
Heterogeneous nanoporous organic frameworks-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Ma Yajuan , Zhang Guangjin , Yu Qiuhan , Lyu Shuai , Duan Xiaoguang , Zhang Shiming
Published: February 2025

Converting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals and fuels through electrocatalysis and realizing the anthropogenic closed-carbon cycle can provide new solutions to environmental and energy problems. Nanoporous organic frameworks, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs), as a class of potential electrocatalysts, have made great progress in CO2 reduction reaction due to their high porosity, large specific surface area, and structural/functionalization diversity. In this review, the recent developments in pristine MOFs/POPs, MOFs/POPs composite, and MOFs-/POPs-derived catalysts are discussed from aspects of catalyst design, synthesis strategy, test techniques, performance validation, active sites, and basic mechanism. We further summarize the challenges and prospects of MOFs/POPs-based materials in practical applications for CO2 reduction reactions and point out the potential paths of future research. This review can provide a comprehensive reference for the advanced design and systematic cognition of efficient nanoporous organic framework catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Monitoring and Evaluation Approaches and Performance of Community Feeder Road Rehabilitation Projects
Authors: Elie Nduwayo , Amolo Amolo Elvis Juma
Published: February 2025

M&E approaches are globally recognized as critical for improving the performance of community feeder road rehabilitation projects. However, many community-based initiatives, particularly in rural areas, face challenges such as suboptimal performance and delayed outcomes. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of M&E approaches on performance of community feeder road rehabilitation projects in Gakenke District, Rwanda. The study was grounded on two theories of Goal Setting Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. The study used descriptive survey and correlational research designs with Structured questionnaires and interview guide for collecting data from 134 participants, selected through stratified, random and purposive sampling, from a target population of 384 stakeholders. The pilot study involved 14 respondents, representing 10% of the sample size. Validity was confirmed through expert evaluation, yielding a content validity index of 0.78 while Reliability was established using the split-half technique, achieving a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.79. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Correlation and Regression were done at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 28 while thematic content analysis of qualitative data was done for triangulation. The findings for four hypotheses were tested at ?=0.05 and the results were: M&E Planning (P=0.000<0.05); M&E Budget (P=0.000<0.05); M&E Capacity Building (P=0.000<0.05) and; M&E Data Utilization does not significantly influence project performance were all rejected, highlighting that they significantly contribute to performance of community feeder road rehabilitation project outcomes. The study concludes that community feeder roads rehabilitation projects have significantly improved beneficiaries’ livelihoods through enhanced planning, budgeting, capacity building and data utilization outcomes. It is recommended that the Community Feeder Roads Rehabilitation project emphasize inclusive stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and resource-sharing to sustain achievements while encouraging active participation, empowerment programs, and community forums to promote transparency and ownership. Future research should focus on qualitative insights, long-term impacts, and regional comparisons of these M&E Approaches.
Research on the Preparation of Supercapacitor Separators with High Wettability and Excellent Temperature Adaptability through In Situ Deposition of Nano-Barium Sulfate on Regenerated Cellulose
Authors: Li Hui , Li Jiehua , Zhao Chuanshan , Zhao Fenfen
Published: February 2025

With portable electronics and new-energy vehicles booming, the demand for high-performance energy storage devices has skyrocketed. Supercapacitor separators are thus vital. Traditional ones such as polyolefins and non-woven fabrics have limitations, while cellulose and its derivatives, with low cost, good hydrophilicity, and strong chemical stability, are potential alternatives. This study used regenerated cellulose Lyocell fibers. Through fiber treatment, refining, and in situ deposition, a composite regenerated cellulose separator (NFRC-Ba) with nano-barium sulfate was made. Its physical, ionic, and charge–discharge properties were tested. The results show that NFRC-Ba excels in terms of mechanical strength, porosity, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability. Compared with the commercial NKK30AC-100 separator, it has better ionic conductivity, better ion-transport ability, a higher specific capacitance, better capacitance retention, and good cycle durability. It also performs stably from -40°C to 100°C. With a simple and low-cost preparation process, NFRC-Ba could be a commercial separator for advanced supercapacitors.
Unlocking the Interactions Between the Whole-Body Microbiome and HPV Infection: A Literature Review
Authors: Papamentzelopoulou Myrto , Pitiriga Vassiliki C.
Published: February 2025

The human microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining human homeostasis, acting as a key regulator of host immunity and defense mechanisms. However, dysbiotic microbial communities may cause disruption of the symbiotic relationship between the host and the local microbiota, leading to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including viral infections and cancers. One of the most common infectious agents causing cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV) accounting for more than 90% of cervical cancers. In most cases, the host immune system is activated and clears HPV, whereas in some cases the infection persists and can lead to precancerous lesions. Over the last two decades, the advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology and bioinformatics has allowed a thorough and in-depth analysis of the microbial composition in various anatomical niches, allowing researchers to unveil the interactions and the underlying mechanisms through which the human microbiota could affect the HPV-infection establishment, persistence and progression. Accordingly, the present narrative review aims to shed light on our understanding of the role of the human microbiome in the context of HPV infection and its progression, mainly to cervical cancer. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms by which the composition and balance of microbial communities exert potential pathogenic or protective effects, leading to either HPV persistence and disease outcomes or clearance, respectively. Special interest is given to how the microbiome can modulate host immunity to HPV infection. Lastly, we summarize the latest findings in the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics in preventing and/or treating HPV infections and the potentials of vaginal microbiota transplantation while highlighting the significance of personalized medicine approaches emerging from NGS-based microbiome profiling and artificial intelligence (AI) for the optimal management of HPV-related diseases.
Progress of Applied Research on Melt-Blown Nonwoven Technology
Authors: Fang Ziyang , Wang Jie , Xie Sijia , Lian Zhouyang , Luo Zhengwei , Du Yan , Zhang Xueying
Published: February 2025

Melt-blown nonwoven materials have shown significant advancements in a multitude of industrial sectors, mainly due to their high production efficiency, extensive specific surface area, and narrow aperture. The demand for melt-blown nonwoven materials has increased further in recent time, particularly in the wake of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. We systematically summarize the main research advancements and applications of melt-blown nonwoven technology in the last few years. First, this review describes the principles and processes of melt-blown nonwoven that govern the production of micro/nano fibers. Additionally, we reviewed the evolution of melt-blown raw materials and process technology. Next, the review highlights the extensive use of melt-blown nonwoven materials in key fields, including media filtration, oil-water separation, heavy metal ions adsorption, organic pollutants removal and new energy. With an analysis of the current challenges in the research and applications of melt-blown nonwoven, we suggest potential future research directions which could provide valuable references and guidance for the sustainable and healthy development of melt-blown nonwoven.
The impact of Preoperative Epithelium on Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy for the Treatment of Hyperopia and Mixed Astigmatism
Authors: de Ortueta Diego , Arba-Mosquera Sam
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To calculate the impact of the refractive power associated with the epithelial thickness in transepithelial refractive corrections Setting: Aurelios Augenzentrum Recklinghausen, Germany Methods: We analyzed the impact of the epithelium in a consecutive retrospective group of hiperopic eyes treated with TransPRK with the AMARIS 1050 RS laser platform (Schwind Eye-Tech Solutions, Kleinhostheim, Germany) with a minimal follow-up of 4 months. The group of 95 treated eyes had an average age of 36 years. The preoperative mean sphere was +1.6 dioptres (D) with a range till +5D, and the mean cylinder was -2.16 D with a range till -5.75D. For the epithelium measurements, we used the anterior segment optical coherence tomography MS-39 (CSO, Florence, Italy). Results: The refractive outcome showed a mean sphere of -0.03 D (range -0.5 to 1 D) and a mean cylinder of -0.33 (range -1.75 to 0 D). 93% and 98% of the cases had 0.5D, 1D, respectively, or less of spherical equivalent refractive error. The epithelium showed preoperative toricity, correlating to the preoperative manifest astigmatism. Preoperatively, at 6 mm, the epithelium showed compensational effect of ~15% of the refractive astigmatism (12% for cardinal and 18% for oblique astigmatism); whereas for 3mm the compensation accounted for ~25% of the refractive astigmatism (21% for cardinal and 31% for oblique astigmatism). No correlation was found postoperatively. Conclusions: The preoperative toricity of the epithelium is correlated with the amount of preoperative refractive astigmatism. No systematic correlation was found between preoperative epithelium and refractive deviations after hyperopia transepithelial treatments.
Characteristics of Wheat Noodle “Kitanokaori” Using Weakly Acidic Hard Water in Terms of Functional Qualities, Such as Inhibiting Postprandial Abrupt Increase of Blood Glucose
Authors: Nakamura Sumiko , Ohtsubo Ken'ichi
Published: February 2025

Type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis are very serious diseases all over the world. We prepared noodle (KIT) from ‘Kitanokaori’ (newly developed wheat) using weakly acidic hard water, which showed higher amount of resistant starch (9.0-fold) and calcium (2.7-fold) than noodle (SAN) from Sanukinoyume (premium wheat) using purified water. Furthermore, aged mice, which were fed a KIT diet for eight weeks, showed lower postprandial blood glucose levels (BGL) at 30 min after consumption than mice fed a control diet (SAN) (p <0.05). Additionally, whiteness (WB) and brightness (L*) of wheat noodles using weakly acidic hard water showed higher values than ones using purified water. The texture of KIT noodle using weakly acidic hard water showed little textural differences with one by purified water. The KIT noodle using weakly acidic hard water would be acceptable in terms of palatability and bio-functionality in terms of delaying digestion.
Adapting to Change: Climate Resilient Strategies for Livestock Farming in Bihar
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Juyal Rachna
Published: February 2025

This study examines the difficulties and results for climate- flexible livestock product in Bihar, India, in light of the growing Effects of climate change. The livestock assiduity in Bihar is facing serious challenges, similar as temperature axes, heat stress, water failure, and erratic downfall patterns, as the world's demand for livestock products is anticipated to rise by 100 by the middle of the century. Case studies from the sections of Buxar and Banka demonstrate how the region's vulnerability to climate change exacerbates these issues. growers are particularly concerned about how climate change will directly affect livestock, including dropped feed input, bloodied reduplication, and dropped milk and meat yields. Climate- flexible husbandry practices, similar as heat-tolerant types, better casing and nutrition practices, and slice- edge technologies to lessen the negative Effects, are bandied in the paper in response. This study evaluates the efficacity of these strategies, emphasizing the value of enforcing sustainable husbandry styles and the donation of indigenous planter associations to climate change adaption. guarding livestock productivity while conserving environmental sustainability is stressed through a combination of direct action and exploration- driven results.
Evaluation of Hydrological Modelling Using a New Calibration Approach in a Snow-Dominated Climate
Authors: Sabzevari Yaser , Eslamian Saied , Okhravi Saeid , Bazrkar Mohammad Hadi
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the capability of the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment tools) model in hydrologic simulation of a cold and mountainous climate, Azna-Aligoudarz Basin, Iran. Daily climatic data from synoptic Aligoudarz Station for the period 1991-2023, discharge data from Marbare hydrometric station for the period 1991-2021, soil and land use maps, and a 10-meter digital elevation model of study area were used. 1991-1992, 1993-2016, and 2017-2021 were considered for the warm-up, calibration, and validation of the model, respectively. The results demonstrated that the model had a poor performance due to poor simulation of runoff generated from snowmelt if the complete dataset was used for the calibration. To enhance the model performance, the calibration period was split into warm and cold seasons using a temperature threshold of 3.6°C. As a result, the model's performance improved, with the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) increasing from 0.28 to 0.60 and R² rising from 0.32 to 0.61. The research indicated that refining the conceptual and theoretical framework of the SWAT model is essential to reduce uncertainty and achieve reliable accuracy, particularly in snow-dominated and mountainous areas.
Agmatine Enhances Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neuron Activity via Dual Regulation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT1B Receptors
Authors: Özbaşak Hande , Paliokha Ruslan , Dekhtiarenko Roman , Grinchii Daniil , Dremencov Eliyahu
Published: February 2025

Agmatine is a naturally occurring biogenic amine, acts primarily as an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Previous studies have shown that both acute and chronic agmatine administration induced anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in rodents. In the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), nitric oxide (NO) donors inhibit serotonergic (5-HT) neuronal activity, with nNOS expressing 5-HT neurons showing lower baseline firing rates than non-nNOS expressing neurons. Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that the psychoactive effects of agmatine are mediated, at least in part, via a mechanism involving the stimulation of the DRN 5-HT neurons, and to assess the molecular pathway allowing agmatine to modulate the excitability of 5-HT neurons. Using extracellular in vivo electrophysiology, we demonstrated that both acute (1-3 mg/kg, i.v.) and chronic (40 mg/kg/day, i.p., 14 days) agmatine administration significantly increased the firing rate of DRN 5-HT neurons. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that chronic agmatine treatment selectively upregulated the expression of serotonin-1B (5-HT1B) and serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptor mRNA in the DRN. Since previous studies have shown that DRN 5-HT2A receptor activation stimulates 5-HT neurons and produces antidepressant-like effects, out findings suggest that agmatine’s excitatory effect on DRN 5-HT neurons may be partially 5-HT2A receptor-dependent. . Given that modulation of the 5-HT neuronal firing activity is critical for the proper antidepressant efficacy, nNOS inhibitors can be potential antidepressants by their own and/or effective adjuncts to other antidepressant drugs.
Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNA NEAT1 in Immune-Related Diseases
Authors: Liu Xingliang , Haugh William , Zhang Ziqiang , Huang Jianguo
Published: February 2025

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, lacking the ability to be translated into proteins. Over the past few decades, an increasing number of publications have established lncRNAs as potent regulators in a broad spectrum of diseases. They modulate the expression of critical genes by affecting transcription, post-transcription, translation, and protein modification. This regulation frequently involves interaction of lncRNAs with other different molecules, such as proteins, RNA and DNA. In recent years, lncRNAs have been identified as regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses, playing significant roles in the onset and progression of diseases. Additionally, lncRNAs hold potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for numerous immune-related diseases. lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a notable example. This review consolidates the latest findings about the role of lncRNA NEAT1 in immune cell function and immune-related diseases.
Trends in Commercial Complementary Food in Romanian Infants – a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Matran Elena Roxana , Diaconu Andra-Mihaela , Becheanu Cristina
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Good feeding practices beginning early in life and are crucial for preventing all forms of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. This time frame encompasses the delicate phase of complementary feeding, which traditionally involved homemade meals. The use of commercial complementary foods (CCF) began more than a century ago and represents a convenient alternative. We aim to outline both the profile of CCF consumers while accurately describe CCF dietary patterns. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study analysing a final cohort of 75 infants 6-12 months admitted for various respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions to the Paediatrics Department of the "Grigore Alexandrescu" Emergency Hospital for Children in Bucharest, Romania, from June 2024 to December 2024. The mothers were requested to complete a two-section questionnaire. The first section elicited information on: child demographics, feeding patterns, nutritional status, ma-ternal educational level and monthly family income. The second section focused spe-cifically on the utilization of commercial baby food products. Results: Eighty percent of the study population consumed at least once a CCF product, p< 0.001. The CCF products were divided in 6 categories: milk-based products, cereals, pseudocereals, fruit jars/pouches, vegetables puree and meat jars and biscuits and pastas (flour-based products) similar to the one from European Commission. First administered products were in order of their distribution: biscuits and pastas in 16 infants (26.7%), fruits puree in 14 infants (23.3 %), cereals (including pseudocereals) in 12 infants (20%) and yogurt and vegetables/vegetables with meat jars, each in 9 infants (15%), p=0,530. Median [IQR] age at first administration of a CCF product is 6 months [5.25-7]. CCF consumption was not overall influenced by family income or educational level; however, at an in-dividual level, we identified pseudocereals consume associated with higher education and income (p=0.008 respectively p=0.011). Amongst the most utilised vegetables were sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, among the fruits were apples and banana and chicken-meat was the most offered. Overall perception of mothers on CCF was fa-vourable, within the motivations and advantages of using them being their diversity and convenience. Conclusion: CCF are intensely utilized in our country. Regarding the composition of these products, there is a combination between traditions and new di-etary tendencies. Longitudinal, further studies, are necessary to characterize the long-term effects of this feeding pattern.
Some Uniformly Smooth Approximating Functions for Absolute Value Function
Authors: Yong Longquan
Published: February 2025

This paper present seven uniformly smooth approximating function for absolute value function: five of them approximate absolute value function from above, and the others approximate absolute value function from below. The properties of these uniformly smooth approximating functions are studied, and approximation degree are analyzed in theory and demonstrated by images. Finally, application prospect of uniformly smooth approximating function is pointed out.
Impact of Constitutive VMP1 Expression on Pancreatic and Systemic Histopathology in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Boggio Veronica , Gonzalez Claudio Daniel , Zotta Elsa , Ropolo Alejandro , Vaccaro Maria Ines
Published: February 2025

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe inflammatory condition caused by the premature acti-vation of pancreatic proteases, leading to organ damage, systemic inflammation, and multi-organ failure. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has high morbidity and mortality, often affecting the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Autophagy maintains pancreatic homeostasis, with VMP1-mediated selective autophagy (zymophagy) preventing intracellular zymogen activation and acinar cell death. This study examines the protective role of VMP1-induced autophagy using ElaI-VMP1 transgenic mice in a necrohemorrhagic SAP model (Hartwig’s model). ElaI-VMP1 mice show significantly reduced pancreatic injury, including lower necrosis, edema, and inflammation, compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Biochemical markers (LDH, amylase, and lipase) and histopathology confirm that VMP1 expression mitigates pancreatic damage. Increased zymophagy negatively correlates with acinar necrosis, reinforcing its protective role. Beyond the pancreas, ElaI-VMP1 mice exhibit preserved liver, kidney, and lung histology, indicating reduced systemic organ damage. The liver maintains normal architecture, kidneys show minimal tubular necrosis, and lung inflammation is reduced compared to WT mice. These findings suggest that VMP1-mediated zymophagy limits both pancreatic and systemic damage in SAP, highlighting selective autophagy as a potential therapeutic target for acute pancreatitis.
Getting Enhanced Catalytic Surfaces for Catechol Sensing! Combination of Grafted Aryldiazonium Derivative and Either Cross-Linking Dopamine or Coupling Tyrosinase Immobilizations
Authors: González-Costas Javier M. , Caruncho-Pérez Sara , González-Romero Elisa
Published: February 2025

The research work presented here describes the development of catalytic surfaces immobilizing dopamine via cross-linking or tyrosinase via covalent bond on an electrografted screen-printed carbon electrode with a 4-nitrobenzenediazonium ion. A simple electrochemical reduction approach was used to graft aryldiazonium ions onto commercial electrodes, resulting in the formation of a covalently bonded aromatic layer on the electrode surface. After functionalization with aminophenyl groups, dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, was immobilized by imine bond formation using glutaraldehyde as a bifunctional cross-linking molecule. The presence of immobilized dopamine was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry following the electrochemical response of the hydroquinone/quinone redox process from catechol functionalities on the surface, which are responsible for the catalytic activity. In addition, the surface was also characterized by cyclic voltammetry using the redox probe, [Fe(CN)6]3-/4-, obtaining a signal on this catalytic DA-biosensor about 14 times higher than that of a bare electrode, achieving a dynamic concentration range spanning three orders of magnitude. Remarkable sensitivity was also obtained by combining the electrografting, in situ diazotation to generate grafted aryl diazonium ions on the surface and coupling reaction to anchor the tyrosinase enzyme to the electrode surface. The response of the TYR-biosensor towards catechol, using the redox probe as mediator, was 10 times higher than that obtained with the dopamine modified catalytic surface. These modified surfaces offer promising alternatives for the voltammetric quantification of catechol in environmental fields.
Recycling or Sustainability: The Road of Electric Vehicles Towards Sustainable Economy via Blockchain
Authors: Dimic-Misic Katarina , Chouhan Shailesh singh , Brkić Vesna Spasojević , Gasik Michael
Published: February 2025

This semi-systematic review paper discusses four research questions based on findings from the last 10 years: What are the crucial issues in the ongoing debate on the development of electric vehicle (EV) concept? Where are the major conflicting points and focuses between sustainable economy and EVs? How does the mining of metals and minerals follow current zero waste sustainability trends and how prediction of the magnitude of the future demand for EV battery guides strategic decision-making in policies throughout the globe? As it is not easy to currently predict how metals necessary for EV productions will be produced, article suggests a strategy that is diverse regarding its approaches to shaping the sustainable mining and further development of EVs, along with the involvement of urban planning. Using broad literature and published pool of prediction scenarios, we provide a comprehensive assessment of future EV battery raw materials development under a range of scenarios, accounting for factors such as developments in battery technology, variations in the EV fleet composition, sustainability aspects of development of second use and recycling technologies. Additionally, this paper demonstrates how blockchain technology is likely to force mineral and metal supply chains to become significantly more traceable and transparent.
Integrated Cross-Modal Learning for Interactive Video Conversation
Authors: Carter Wyatt , Marwood Emily , Dawson Riley
Published: February 2025

Interactive video conversation is a complex multimodal task that requires the simultaneous interpretation of dynamic visual scenes, textual dialogue, and auditory signals when available. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved by leveraging powerful transformer-based language models, which have established new performance benchmarks. However, many of these advanced systems tend to focus excessively on textual features, resulting in an underutilization of the rich visual cues present in video data. To address this challenge, we propose a novel cross-modal framework, referred to as \textbf{CIMT}, which seamlessly integrates 3D convolutional neural networks (3D-CNNs) with transformer-based architectures into a unified visual encoder. This encoder is engineered to extract robust semantic representations by learning local temporal features and contextualizing them through self-attention mechanisms. The resulting visual features are effectively combined with text and audio representations within an end-to-end trained architecture. Experimental results on established interactive video conversation benchmarks demonstrate that CIMT significantly outperforms baseline models on both generative and retrieval tasks, highlighting the benefits of integrated visual-textual learning.