bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The modulation instability gain spectrum assessment and generalized propagating wave structures of nonlinear cubic-quartic Schrödinger equation
Authors: Ali Karmina K. , Tarla Sibel , Faridi Waqas Ali , Owyed Saud
Published: February 2025

This study investigates a cubic-quartic nonlinear Schrödinger model with third- and fourth-order dispersions without the disturbance in parabolic law media and group velocity dispersion (GVD). The analytical method is used to produce traveling wave solutions because the inverse scattering transform is unable to solve the Cauchy problem for this equation. The utilized analytical approach is novel and providing generalized families of solutions as compared to other, thus, prior to this study, there was not existing any work in which suck kinds of solutions were exist. The propagating solitons are driven using the unified auxiliary equation approach. As a result, the aforementioned technique is learned in the following areas: singular soliton, shock solution, mixed-singular, mixed trigonometric, mixed shock single solution, plane solutions, exponential, trigonometry, mixed-hyperbolic solution, periodic and mixed periodic solutions, and trigonometry. The stability of the topic under consideration is shown by the modulational instability (MI) study. The appropriate parametric values are shown alongside the graphical representation.
Theoretical analysis of CNTs blood-based nanofluid over a bidirectional expanding surface: Magnetic field, thermal radiation, and viscous dissipation effects
Authors: Rehman Ali , Aman Sidra , Jan Rashid , Inc Mustafa , Alsubaie Abdullah Saad , Rezapour Shahram
Published: February 2025

This theoretical study examines the effects of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and a magnetic field effect on a nanofluid that contains carbon nanotubes in blood and moves over a two-way expanding surface. We consider both the stretching and contracting directions when examining the bidirectional nature of the expanding surface. We define the problem’s governing equations, which include energy and momentum, and transform them into a set of ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformations. We semi-numerically solve the resulting equations using HAM methods and the BVPh. 2.0 program. We also discuss the consequences of heat radiation and viscosity dissipation in the nanofluid. The Rosseland approximation models the effect of thermal radiation, while the incorporation of fluid’s internal friction represents viscous dissipation. This research aims to investigate the combined effects of various parameters, such as thermal radiation, Eckert number, nanoparticle volume fraction, couple stress parameter, power law index, magnetic field, and Prandtl number, on the heat, flow, and transfer properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and blood-based nanofluids. A fascinating field of study, this study will reveal useful details about the possible uses of carbon nanotube blood-based nanofluids across bidirectional expanding surfaces in drug delivery systems, heat transfer processes, and biomedical engineering. Blood-based nanofluids can benefit from the inclusion of carbon nanotubes to improve fluid behavior and thermal conductivity, which is crucial for a number of industrial and medicinal applications.
The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship between the Entrepreneurial Environment and Vietnamese Tourism Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Nguyen Tanam
Published: February 2025

This study explores the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between the entrepreneurial environment and entrepreneurial intentions among Vietnamese tourism students, utilising data from 275 students across seven universities. Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Social Cognitive Theory, the findings reveal that a supportive entrepreneurial environment — encompassing social, cultural, legal, political, technological, and economic dimensions — significantly affects both entrepreneurial intentions and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy mediates this relationship, enhancing the influence of environmental factors on entrepreneurial intentions. The social, cultural, and legal dimensions exert the most substantial impact, whereas political and technological factors have a moderate effect, and economic conditions play a limited role. The study emphasises the importance of fostering self-efficacy through entrepreneurship-focused education, mentorship, and psychological support. Policy recommendations include streamlining regulations, providing financial incentives, promoting digital skill development, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders. These findings offer practical insights for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and empower future entrepreneurs in Vietnam’s tourism sector. They also contribute to the broader literature on entrepreneurship in emerging economies.
The Role of Teachers’ Infiltration of Multicultural Education and Social-Emotional Learning in Classroom Teaching on Students’ Development
Authors: Xiong Jie
Published: February 2025

In the context of sustainable development, the lack of multiculturalism and social-emotional guidance in Chinese education hinders the comprehensive development of contemporary students. The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of classroom infiltration of multicultural education and social-emotional learning on student development from the perspective of promoting comprehensive development of students. Therefore, through the research of multicultural education and social–emotional learning, an educational model of student development is constructed. The characteristics of students’ development are analysed based on micro-theories, which are then combined with the actual teaching in the classroom. This analysis considers whether multicultural education, social–emotional learning, and students’ emotional management, teacher–student relationships and social–emotional beliefs played an intermediary role. The results demonstrated the following. (1) There was a significant positive correlation between teachers’ social and cultural emotional experience and teaching management. (2) Teaching management was positively correlated with social–emotional beliefs, teacher–student relationships and emotional management. (3) There was a clear positive correlation between life and emotional management. At the same time, there was a significant improvement in indicators such as social-emotional beliefs, emotional management abilities, learning outcomes and learning attitudes among students before and after teaching. The results indicate a positive relationship between the infiltration of multicultural education and social–emotional education in classroom teaching and the overall quality of students, as evidenced by an increase in student teaching evaluation scores. In addition, from the perspective of knowledge management, multicultural education and social–emotional teaching enhances the acquisition and sharing of knowledge, and strengthen students’ integration and updating of knowledge. The research on classroom infiltration through multicultural education and social–emotional learning not only promotes students’ comprehensive development but also enhances knowledge acquisition and sharing from the perspective of knowledge management, strengthens students’ integration and updating of knowledge, is conducive to the accumulation of students’ knowledge wealth and the improvement of their personal abilities, and weights the sustainable development of student education.
Deepfake Video Detection: A Novel Approach via NLP-Based Classification
Authors: Bunluesakdikul Patchraphon , Mahanan Waranya , Sungunnasil Prompong , Sangamuang Sumalee
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, the Deepfake technology is mainly used to harm people’s reputations and can trick the face recognition system by swapping faces between people, raising significant security concerns. Thus, methods for detecting Deepfake are crucial. The recent methods for Deepfake detection have performed well in distinguishing real content from fake content. Some research employed the Transformer technique, commonly used in natural language processing (NLP), to enhance performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel deepfake detection method that transforms extracted features into words and utilizes NLP techniques for deepfake classification. We employed a fine-tuned pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model to extract features from the face images in the videos. These extracted features are labeled based on grouping methods, such as mean and standard deviation (SD). Tokenization and classification are then performed using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Additionally, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) is used as another tokenizer and classifier to compare the performance of deepfake detection between the traditional model and the NLP model. The result states that the method using BERT as a tokenizer and classifier with Mean and SD grouping method shows better efficiency, achieving 99.57% on the Roc Curve, 99.58% Accuracy, 99.18% Precision, 100.00% recall, and 99.59% F-measure.
Optimizing Electrical Field Stimulation Parameters Reveals the Maximum Contractile Function of Human Skeletal Muscle Microtissues
Authors: Tiper Yekaterina , Xie Zhuoye , Hofemeier Arne Daniel , Lad Heta , Luber Mattias , Krawetz Roman , Betz Timo , Zimmermann Wolfram-Hubertus , Morton Aaron B , Segal Steven S , Gilbert Penney M
Published: February 2025

Skeletal muscle microtissues are engineered to develop therapies for restoring muscle function in patients. However, optimal electrical field stimulation (EFS) parameters to evaluate the function of muscle microtissues remain unestablished. This study reports a protocol to optimize EFS parameters for eliciting contractile force of muscle microtissues cultured in micropost platforms. Muscle microtissues were produced across an opposing pair of microposts in polydimethylsiloxane and polymethyl methacrylate culture platforms using primary, immortalized, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myoblasts. In response to EFS between needle electrodes, contraction deflects microposts proportional to developed force. At 5 V, pulse durations used for native muscle (0.1-1 ms) failed to elicit contraction of microtissues; durations reported for engineered muscle (5-10 ms) failed to elicit peak force. Instead, pulse durations of 20-80 ms were required to elicit peak twitch force across microtissues derived from 5 myoblast lines. Similarly, while peak tetanic force occurs at 20-50 Hz for native human muscles, it varied across microtissues depending on the cell line type, ranging from 7-60 Hz. A new parameter, the dynamic oscillation of force, captured trends during rhythmic contractions, while quantifying the duration-at-peak force provides an extended kinetics parameter. Our findings indicate that muscle microtissues have cell line type-specific contractile properties, yet all contract and relax more slowly than native muscle, implicating underdeveloped excitation-contraction coupling. Failure to optimize EFS parameters can mask the functional potential of muscle microtissues by underestimating force production. Optimizing and reporting EFS parameters and metrics is necessary to leverage muscle microtissues for advancing skeletal muscle therapies.
Utilization of 18F-FDG Standardized Uptake Value and Metabolic Tumor Volume to Predict Local Failure in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yuhao , Chen Jiawei , Yan Linghui , Deng Muling , Ding Jianming
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate the prognostic values of pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) parameters for predicting local failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 759 patients with NPC who underwent pretreatment 18F-FDG PET. The optimal cutoff values for maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the prognostic factors influencing local failure-free survival (LFFS). Survival curves for the different risk groups were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method and compared using the log-rank test. Results: The median follow-up period was 49.0 months (range: 3.0–118.0 months). The optimal cutoff of SUVmax and MTV were 7.44 and 22.21 mL, respectively. Patients with higher SUVmax and MTV were associated with worse LFFS. The survival curves of different groups were significantly separated. The univariate analysis showed the statistical significance of SUVmax, MTV, and their composite in LFFS (p = 0.002 for SUVmax; p = 0.001 for MTV; p < 0.002 for their composite). The multivariate analysis showed that higher SUVmax and MTV was an independent negative prognostic factor for LFFS (HR = 1.805, 95% CI: 1.004–3.245, p = 0.049). The subgroups of stages III–IV further confirmed the impact of SUVmax and MTV on LFFS (HR = 1.884, CI: 1.087–3.708, p = 0.026). Conclusion: Patients with higher SUVmax and MTV were associated with local failure as well as in the III–IV advanced stage.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SURGICAL PROCEDURES AND ANGIOEDEMA ATTACKS IN HEREDITARY ANGIOEDEMA
Authors: Kayikçi Hazal , Damadoglu Ebru , Cihanbeylerden Melek , Tuccar Cise , Pehlivanlar Ustaoğlu Ayşegül , Karakaya Gül , Kalyoncu Ali Fuat
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Surgical interventions can trigger angioedema attacks in hereditary angioedema (HAE). The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of perioperative angioedema and identify associated risk factors.
Methods: This retrospective study included HAE patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2024 at a tertiary adult allergy clinic. Data on surgical procedures and perioperative angioedema were analyzed.
Results: Of 102 HAE patients, 28 were excluded due to incomplete data, leaving 74 patients (46 female, 62.2%). Fifty-three patients underwent 94 surgeries, with the most common being gynecological (27, 28.7%), abdominal (27, 28.7%), and otorhinolaryngological (16, 17.0%). Of 54 surgeries before HAE diagnosis, 23 (42.5%) were abdominal. Among 27 abdominal surgeries, 17 (62.9%) occurred in patients with gastrointestinal angioedema prior to diagnosis. Of 40 surgeries after diagnosis, 31 (77.5%) received preoperative short term prophylaxis (STP), mostly plasma-derived C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate (27, 87.1%). Perioperative angioedema occurred in 28 (29.8%) surgeries, with a median recovery of 48 hours. In surgeries after diagnosis, attacks occurred in 7 out of 31 surgeries (22.6%) with STP and 2 out of 9 (22.2%) without. Among gynecological surgeries, 22 cesarean sections were performed. No significant difference in attack frequency was found between cesarean sections with STP (3, 27.3%) and without (2, 18.2%, p=0.611).
Conclusion: Our study found that abdominal attacks before HAE diagnosis are consistent with literature, underscoring their importance for early diagnosis. The angioedema rate was similar with or without STP before cesarean section, suggesting STP may not be necessary. Further research is needed to optimize HAE management in surgery.
Measuring Respiration Rate from Speech
Authors: Abrol Sidharth , Das Biswajit , Nallanthighal Srikanth , Ouweltjes Okke , Grossekathofer Ulf , Härmä Aki
Published: February 2025

The physical basis of speech production in humans requires coordination of multiple anatomical systems, where inhalation and exhalation of air through lungs is at the core of the phenomenon. Vocalization happens during exhalation, while inhalation typically happens between speech pauses. We use deep learning models to predict respiratory signal during speech-breathing, from which respiration rate is estimated. Bilingual data from a large clinical study (N=1005) is used to develop and evaluate a multivariate time series transformer model with speech encoder embeddings as input. The best model shows predicted respiration rate from speech within ±3 BPM for 82% of test subjects. A noise-aware algorithm was also tested in a simulated hospital environment with varying noise levels to evaluate impact on performance. This work proposes and validates speech as a virtual sensor for respiration rate, which can be an efficient and cost-effective enabler for remote patient monitoring and telehealth solutions.
Modifications to prostate cancer diagnosis following COVID-19 and following models
Authors: Stojadinovic Miroslav , Stojadinovic Milorad , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). The study examines any predictions that could point to future models. Methods: Two interrupted time series analyses were conducted: one for the pre-COVID period (January 2017 to December 2019) and another for the post-COVID period during 2022. Information on age, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate volume (PV), previous negative biopsy, number of positive biopsies, Gleason score, and biopsy outcome were collected for all patients. The categories for the results were no cancer, insignificant, low and intermediate, high-risk, and very high-risk PCa. Using a generalized linear model (GLM), the outcomes are modeled. The area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy were used to assess how well multi-class predictions performed. Results: 244 patients who had biopsies following the COVID-19 pandemic and 832 patients who had biopsies before the pandemic were compared. The accuracy of the GLM model was only 0.635. The AUC for category no cancer, low and intermediate-risk, and very high-risk patients was 0.821, 0.716, and 0.926. With scaled relevance values, PSA was the most critical test. The two features that significantly influenced the treatment model prediction for PCa were biopsy PSA level and DRE, respectively. Conclusion: Advanced age and a very high-risk group appear to have a detrimental impact on the results of biopsies conducted after the first wave of the COVID-19 era. At the same time, PSA levels and abnormal DRE are the most significant predictors in GLM.
‘The Blood That Speaks a Better Word’
Authors: Kaunda Chammah J.
Published: February 2025

How do Pentecostals conceive and understand the notions of the altar and the blood of Jesus in relation to humanity and other created things? How can these notions be expanded to include flourishing by integrating elements of prophetic justice, critical solidarity, and ecological lifestyle within a wounded world? In response to these questions, this article utilizes a withness-hermeneutical realist approach to construct a robust pentecostal theology of the altar and the blood of Jesus, grounded in the notion of the body of Christ. I argue that the cosmos is constantly renewed by washing it in the blood of Jesus. Due to the death and resurrection of Jesus, the earth becomes the visible manifestation of the cosmic altar of God, sanctified in the blood of Jesus, which also runs through the spiritual veins of the earth.
The Holy Spirit and Priestly Vocation
Authors: Julia Norlan H.
Published: February 2025

This article explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the journey of seminary formation as articulated in the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (Fundamental Norms for the Formation of Priests) released by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy in 2016. The article examines how the Ratio Fundamentalis understands the role of the Holy Spirit in a seminarian’s vocational journey. It asserts that the Holy Spirit plays the crucial tasks of awakening, discerning, transforming, and confirming the priestly calling of a candidate. The same Holy Spirit who called the Church into being also inspires the candidate to respond to the call awakened from within his depths. As the seminarian undergoes the formation journey, his vocation is tested. With the accompaniment he receives from formators and spiritual directors and with the light of the Holy Spirit, he discerns the authenticity of his calling, his motivation is purified, and his inner person transformed. At ordination, his vocation is confirmed as he receives the sacramental anointing of the Holy Spirit, which configures to him Christ and empowers him to act in persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the Head).
Minority and Language Rights in the Eventual Peace Settlement after the Russian-Ukrainian War
Authors: Henrard Kristin
Published: February 2025

Since a proper understanding of the respective claims and sensitivities of Russians and Ukrainians, also towards the terms of a possible peace agreement, requires a certain awareness of the Soviet Union’s ambiguous approach towards the different ethnic groups in that multi-ethnic state, the article starts with a succinct account of the history of the Soviet Union and its demise. The ‘legal’ status quo, more particularly legal standards and practice concerning minority rights and language rights in both Ukraine and Russia, is also covered. The second sub-chapter will then provide an overview of the international legal framework regarding minority (language) rights, starting from the overarching principles, over the main legally binding standards to soft law standards. Thirdly, a brief overall evaluation of the status quo in Ukraine and Russia regarding minority(language) rights in terms of the international legal framework, allows to identify parameters that can be used during the peace negotiations, more particularly benchmarks about what can be reasonably expected from the respective governments. The latter may be particularly useful in relation to some of the claims of the Russian government. The fourth sub-chapter delves into the most sensitive matter of minority language rights in Ukraine, and particularly the position and rights of the Russian minority, while also briefly sketching the situation of minority language rights in Russia. By way of conclusion, recommendations for the peace negotiations are offered, which build on the guiding principle of a proportionate balance between the wish to promote the national language on the one hand and a suitable (proportionate) protection of languages of minorities (with neighboring kin-states) on the other.
Sustainably Financing the World Health Organization
Authors: Harmer Andrew
Published: February 2025

The Covid 19 pandemic catalysed interest from the international community to sustainably fund the World Health Organization (WHO). Though given fresh impetus, the WHO’s financing dialogue has a history that has attracted minimal scholarly attention. To address this knowledge gap, a narrative literature review of the WHO’s financing for the period 2009–2024 was conducted. One hundred and thirteen documents were reviewed from which eight core themes were identified: flexibility, predictability, duration, focus, vulnerability, alignment, contingency and realism. The review recounts how successive Director Generals of the WHO have attempted to reform how the organization is funded. It finds that sustainably financing the WHO is more complex and reliant on inter-dependent variables than current definitions would suggest. Ongoing efforts to align donor and secretariat financing priorities have the potential to increase rather than reduce vulnerability. Furthermore, realist assumptions present a barrier to sustainably financing the WHO that we need.
Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain
Published: February 2025

Microbes form the “unseen majority” of life on Earth, with bacteria at the forefront as both the architects of life’s chemical foundations and agents of disease. But their story is far more complex. Bacteria thrive in diverse and extreme environments, driven by the dynamic evolution of their genomes. These tiny organisms wield an extraordinary ability to adapt, balancing genetic changes across generations with rapid physiological responses to environmental shifts.

In Bacterial Genomes, the evolutionary and regulatory processes that shape bacterial life are brought to life. This textbook offers a conceptual exploration of how bacterial genomes are organized, how they evolve, and how their genetic information is interpreted through intricate molecular networks. Drawing on both cutting-edge research and the historical milestones that shaped microbiology, it illuminates how bacteria navigate the intersection of genetic adaptation and ecological resilience.

Designed for college students, interdisciplinary researchers, and even the determined amateur, Aswin Seshasayee moves beyond technical jargon to provide a thought-provoking synthesis of bacterial evolution and adaptation. Unlike traditional genomics texts, this book blends historical insights with contemporary discoveries, offering a fresh perspective on the role of bacteria in shaping the living world.
Optimal allocation and sizing of distributed generation for improvement of distribution feeder loss and voltage profile in the distribution network using genetic algorithm
Authors: Tuka Milkias Berhanu , Ali Seid Endris
Published: February 2025

The increasing demand for electric power, coupled with rapid urbanization, necessitates a reliable and high-quality electricity supply to meet consumer expectations. However, existing passive distribution systems are inadequate to address the escalating power requirements, resulting in challenges such as increased power losses and suboptimal voltage profiles. In the base case scenario, the total active and reactive power losses were substantial, and many buses exhibited voltage magnitudes that fell outside acceptable limits. This study investigates the optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation (DG) resources to improve the performance of distribution feeders. A multi-objective optimization framework, utilizing a Genetic Algorithm (GA), was developed to minimize power losses and enhance voltage profiles. Load flow analysis was conducted using the Backward/Forward Sweep (BFS) method, allowing for precise evaluation of the distribution feeder under various DG configurations. Consequently, the study successfully enhanced the system through optimal DG allocation. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the performance of the proposed GA algorithm against other optimization techniques. The results indicate that, in nearly all cases, the GA method outperforms PSO by reducing system power losses and improving the voltage profile more effectively.
Energy and environmental simulation of employing a novel automated building-integrated system
Authors: Mahdi Naserian Mohammad , Khodabakhshian Rasool , Mohammadinezhad Hamid
Published: February 2025

About 40% of the world’s total energy consumption is related to buildings. Urban buildings need sustainable energy solutions to overcome this issue. This research aims to evaluate the performance of a novel building-integrated small-scale vertical green system that combines the buildings and the agri-food sectors, two significant energy-consuming sectors, to decrease total energy consumption and environmental hazards. The novelty of the manuscript lies in the proposal and exploration of an experimentally verified simulation model to assess the effects of using such building-integrated agricultural systems on societal energy consumption and environmental impact. For this purpose, a novel experimentally verified simulation of the system was conducted using DesignBuilder building simulation software. The results were analyzed to determine the changes in total energy consumption and annual CO2 production values from a societal perspective. Moreover, the results were compared with the total outcomes of a separate building and a standard greenhouse under the same product and conditions. The findings indicated that the total energy consumption and CO2 production reductions due to the use of the proposed novel system were 28.54% and 31.20%, respectively.
Sexual abuse, celebrity bhaktas, and counterpublics in the digital sphere
Authors: Neupane Gita , Sharma Bal Krishna
Published: February 2025

This study examines social media discourse in connection with two separate high-profile statutory rape cases involving two male celebrities in Nepal: film and music video actor Paul Shah and cricket icon Sandeep Lamichhane. In the first case, we analyze the discursive actions of the actor’s fans and supporters, who uncritically back him by disputing the credibility of the rape allegation to protect him, all of which appear to further elevate his celebrity status. Conversely, in the second case, we investigate counterpublics’ discursive articulations aiming at giving extrajudicial punishment to the athlete through callouts and boycotts, which degrade his celebrity status. Data were primarily collected from Facebook and Twitter, including external images and hyperlinks shared on those platforms. By examining how individuals support male celebrities and perpetuate rape culture, while others generate counter-hegemonic discourses to combat it, the findings shed light on the interplay between technology, societal norms, and feminist activism.
Longitudinal trajectories of children’s peer play interactions and their predictors: Effects on children’s externalizing behaviors
Authors: Choi Jieun
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the longitudinal trajectories of children’s peer play interactions and their predictors, including teacher variables (teacher efficacy, teacher–child interactions, classroom environment) and child individual variables (temperament, gender), and their effects on children’s externalizing behaviors. The data were drawn from the fourth to seventh waves of the Panel Study on Korean Children conducted by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education. Using latent growth modeling (LGM) and structural equation modeling (SEM), the results reveal three key findings: (1) children’s peer play interactions follow a quadratic pattern, increasing over time but at a decreasing rate; (2) teacher–child interactions had the most consistent influence on these trajectories compared to other predictors; and (3) the trajectories of peer play interactions in children aged 3 to 6 significantly predict externalizing behaviors at age 6. These findings underscore the importance of high-quality teacher–child interactions in early childhood and provide insights for early intervention strategies to prevent externalizing behaviors.
Social Support and Sleep Quality Among Bereaved AD/ADRD Caregivers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Huang Yingyan , Fleury Julie , Petrov Megan E. , Baker Zachary G.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Nearly 7 million adults aged 65 and above in the United States live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD), and it is the fifth most common cause of death. Bereaved AD/ADRD informal caregivers report high rates of sleep disturbances that may impair daily functioning. Social support is a potentially modifiable resource fostering sleep quality; however, little is known regarding the contributing role of social support to sleep quality among bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers.

Objective:

This study explored the contributing role of social support to sleep quality among bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers posting to an online forum.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design addressed the research objective. We collated 1771 forum threads comprising 2 012 195 words posted by bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers on the ALZConnected forum (2011-2023). Posts related to sleep were extracted using the keywords “bed,” “dream,” “nap,” “sleep,” “slept,” “wake,” and “woke.”

Results:

A total of 178 threads contained information relevant to the contribution of social support to sleep quality in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified 3 themes: Restorative Function (Safe/Secure), Relational Identity Function (Belonging/Connection), and Comforting Presence Function (Warmth/Comfort).

Conclusion:

Findings further the understanding of the social context in which sleep quality in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers is experienced. Findings from this study may inform clinical practice and research efforts aimed at enhancing sleep quality through social support in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers.
A National Epidemiologic Mixed-methods Study on Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, Treatment Needs and Barriers and Facilitators to Treatment Among Medical Students
Authors: Torales Julio , Torres Anthon , Sánchez Martín , O’Higgins Marcelo , Amarilla Diego , Molodynski Andrew , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Ventriglio Antonio , Castaldelli-Maia João Mauricio , Barrios Iván , Red de Estudiantes Investigadores en Neurociencias
Published: February 2025

Background:

Research on the mental health of medical students enrolled in Paraguayan universities has mainly examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression, with limited exploration of treatment access, barriers, and facilitators. Additionally, substance use, such as alcohol and other substances, is of significant concern because of its association with mental health issues. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, as well as to identify barriers and facilitators influencing medical students’ access to mental health and substance use treatment in the Republic of Paraguay.

Methods:

A national mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted with 532 medical students from public and private universities across the Republic of Paraguay. Data were collected via an online survey in 2024 using validated tools to measure mental health conditions, including alcohol and other substance use. Qualitative responses regarding barriers to and facilitators of treatment were categorized and analyzed.

Results:

The findings revealed high rates of anxiety (76.8%) and depression (39.3%). Substance use was also concerning, with 11.1% reporting alcohol-related problems and 1.9% reporting other substance-related problems. Barriers to seeking treatment included confidentiality concerns, stigma, and financial constraints, while facilitators included trust in the mental health system, emotional distress, and accessibility. Despite the availability of these services, many students felt unsupported by their universities.

Conclusions:

Paraguayan universities must urgently address the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, improve service accessibility, and build trust in the academic environment. Tackling these issues is crucial for safeguarding medical students’ mental health and future.
IMPACT OF AN INTERACTIVE EDUCATION LESSON ON ORAL HEALTH BEHAVIOR AMONG TEENAGERS
Authors: DUMITRACHE M. A. , Sfeatcu R.I. , Caramida M. , Ranga R. , Cuculescu M.
Published: February 2025

The evaluation of changes to oral health behaviors of an interactive, age-adapted oral health education lesson in teenagers.

Methods: The study was conducted in Bucharest, during May-November 2015 on the experimental group of subjects included in the oral health education Erasmus + “Com4You” project. The ethical approval from the University and the consent from the schools and parents were obtained. The sample group included 63 subjects, with mean age of 14.3 years (±1.6), 19 (30.2%) boys and 44 (69.8%) girls, enrolled in two schools in Bucharest. Their oral health behavior was assessed at the beginning of the study and after the first oral health lesson. The lesson took place in the schools, offered by dental students and teaching staff from Faculty of Dentistry, in small groups, lasting 45-50 minutes, presenting information about oral hygiene, using experiential education. This lesson was the first from a series of 3, the topics of the next two were: diet, and regular dental visits. Oral health behavior was assessed using a self- administered questionnaire, with 37 open and closed items. The initial group included 76 subjects, 13 dropped out and the final group was formed of 63 subjects. The response rate was 100%. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.19.

Results: Regarding oral hygiene behavior, statistically significant differences were found in terms of frequency of subjects using proper brushing technique: 9 (14.3%) before and 28 (44.4%) after the lesson, z=3.7, p=0.00; frequency of subjects using mouth wash: 33 (52.4%) before and 50 (79.4%) after, z=3.5, p=0.00 and the frequency of mouth rinsing per week: 3.3±3.9 before and 4.5±3.2 after, t test, p=0.03. Two thirds of the subjects brushed at least twice daily before the lesson: 45 (71.4%) and their number increased to 47 (74.6%), statistically insignificant (z=1.3, p=0.18). Regarding diet-related behavior, there were registered no improvements (frequency consumption of fruits: p=0.42, citrus fruits: p=0.19, sweetened drinks: p=1.78, sugar-free drinks: p=0.24) or worsening (consumption frequency of pastries: p=0.00, chocolate: p=0.02, beverages: p=0.03). For dental services – related behavior were found statistically insignificant improvements of frequencies: z = 0.93, p=0.35.

Conclusions: Oral health behavior was improved by the lesson offered but only regarding hygiene, which was the topic of the first lesson. There is a necessity of emphasis on raising awareness about the importance of diet and regular dental check-ups.
DIFFERENT TOOTHPASTES EFFECT ON THE WHOLE SALIVA IN SITU
Authors: Zakharava I. , Leous P. , Mirnaya E. , Hotait A. , Serova A.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to identify a possible effect of fluoride and non-fluoride toothpaste on the crystallisation properties of whole saliva.

Methods: Several drops of saliva, collected from a patient, were placed on a glass and after drying in air were studied under a microscope. Two type of saliva crystallizes were assigned: I = centripetal and II – diffused (P. Leous, 1977). Forty medical students (60% females) aged 20- 25 years (mean 21.6) participated in this pilot study after giving consent and with approval of the Medical University Ethical Board. After general and oral health assessments, patients were divided into two study groups of 20 subjects. The “A” group did one month home toothbrushing with fluoridated (1450 ppm F-), and the “B” group with fluoride free toothpaste. Both toothpastes were commercially available. The saliva tests were performed 4 times: at baseline, after 1, 2 weeks and 1 month. Pearson Chi-square test for statistical analysis was used, set at p<0.05.

Results: Oral health data in “A” group: DMFT 6.8±0.99; OHI-S 0.75±0.08; GI 0.41±0.06; resting saliva secretion 0.22±0.02 ml/min; in “B” group DMFT 6.9±0.9; OHI-S 0.84±0.09; GI 0.32±0.05; resting saliva secretion 0.28±0.03. Differences between groups were not significant (p>0.05). In group “A” the type I saliva crystal was observed in 13 (65±10.7%) subjects initially, then it has increased to 17 (85±8.0%) of subjects in all three follow up tests (p<0.05); the type II has decreased from baseline of 7 (35±10.7%) to 3 (15±7.9%) subjects at the end of the project (p<0.05). In group “B” the number of subjects with the type I has reduced from 16 (80±8.9%) to 13 (65±10.7%) (p<0.05); the type II has increased from 4 (20±8.9%) to 7 (35±10.7%) subjects (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste promoted an increase in the centripetal type of saliva crystals, while fluoride free toothpaste has shown a reduction in centripetal saliva crystals.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CARIES TREATMENT OVER 9-YEAR PERIOD IN REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors: Malyy A.Y. , Rugina I.A. , Msmdu Kresnikova Y.V.
Published: February 2025

Aim: to reveal changes in dental visiting and caries treatment in two regions of the Russian Federation over a 9- year period.

Methods: The retrospective study consisted of analysis of data from 2004 (n=203) and 2013 (n=180). The total number of patients: Kaliningrad 2004 year - 69 patients, Tambov 2004 year - 134 patients, Kaliningrad 2013 year - 73 patients, Tambov 2013 year - 107 patients. Patient records data using age groups 18-20, 21- 30, 31-40, 40 years and older were analysed (CI - 0.95%, p<0.05). The study was conducted in Kaliningrad and Tambov regional dental clinics. Patients signed informed consent. Our study was approved by the Ethics Committee MSMDU. Note that dental amalgam is not used in the Russian Federation currently.

Results: A frequency of attendance to a dentist declined from 1 per year in 2004 in Kaliningrad (37.6%, 26 patients) and Tambov (44.0%, 59 patients) to less than once a year in 2013 (Kaliningrad 53.4%, 39 patients; Tambov - 61.6%, 66 patients). The main reason for visiting dentist in 2004 was toothache in Kaliningrad 47.6% (41 cases), in Tambov 47.3% (70 cases). However in 2013 the commonest reason was filling loss in Kaliningrad 54% (87 cases), the Tambov 52.9% (82 cases). In Tambov chemical curing composite was the most common material and amounted 37.3% (50 cases) in 2004 and 77.5% (83 cases) in 2013. In Kaliningrad in 2004 the most common material was also chemical curing composite 49.3% (34 cases), light-cured composite wasn`t used. However, in 2013 the use of light-cured composite increased to 86.9% (73 cases) and chemical curing composite wasn`t used. The main reason for tooth extraction was “the destruction of the tooth crown” (Kaliningrad 2004 - 48.9% (46 cases), 2013 44.4% (56 cases); Tambov 2004 - 42.1% (72 cases), 2013 55.2% (79 cases)).

Conclusions: the frequency of dental visits had decreased over this 9 year period. The main reason for a dental visit changed from “toothache” to “filling loss”; the use of light-curing composites has replaced chemical cured composite. The main reason for tooth extraction remained destruction of the tooth crown.
THE ORAL HEALTH OF ADULT POPULATION WITH PROSTATITIS
Authors: Pashayev A. Ch. , Guliyev M.E. , Shakhbazov K.B. , Puri-Zakhidan S.V. , Mamma-Dova N.S. , Ismailova H.I.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases amongst an adult population of Baku with prostatitis.

Methods: The study took place between October 2007 and March 2008 in the urological department of the Central Hospital of Oilers and the Hospital of the Republic. Oral health examinations were performed on all 172 adults with acute and chronic prostatitis from the age groups: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 years and older who resided in Baku city, attended the two hospitals during the period of the study and consented to take part. The examinations took place in the two urological departments. A control group of 190 adults, matched for age, but without prostatitis were examined during the same time period. The WHO 1997 criteria were used for diagnosis and recording of DMFT index and periodontal status, using a visual method with mouth mirrors, dental and periodontal probes, daylight illumination. Dental caries was diagnosed at the caries into dentine at the (D3) threshold. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Azerbaijan Medical University.

Results: Results demonstrated a caries prevalence of 100% in the prostatitis group and a mean DMFT for all ages of 10.67 of which a very high proportion was due to missing teeth (M=9.13) and a very low proportion to filled teeth (F=0.22). The mean D component (decayed teeth) was 1.32. In the control group there were similar values. Prevalence of gingivitis for all ages was 20% (35 patients) and 13% (25 patients) in control. The prevalence of periodontitis was 28% (48 patients) in the prostatitis group and 16% (30 patients) in the control group. The prevalence of periodontitis increased with age. Most people suffered with the early form of periodontitis. In both groups there was a preference for mobile teeth to be extracted rather than for periodontal treatment.

Conclusion: In the groups studied there was a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases amongst the patients with chronic prostatitis.
ORAL HYGIENE EFFECT ON SALIVA IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT CARIES PREVALENCE
Authors: Mirnaya E. , Leous P. , Zakharava I. , Serova A. , Melnikava Y.
Published: February 2025

Aim: To assess the influence of tooth-brushing on saliva crystallisation in young adults with different prevalence of dental caries.

Methods: Eighty medical students who were randomly selected (48 females and 32 males)) aged 20- 25 (average 21.6) years and participated in the study after consent and approval of the University Ethics Board. The DMFT of all the students was assessed and they were divided into three groups: A – 23 subjects with low DMFT (1.9±1.02), B – 30 subjects with high DMFT (6.3±1.78), C – 27 subjects with a very high DMFT (12.4±1.96). Three drops of resting saliva were collected from each student, placed on a glass slide, air dried and studied under a microscope. Two types of saliva crystals were identified: I - centripetal and II – diffused (Leous, 1977). All subjects were asked to complete one-month home regular tooth-brushing twice per day with the same fluoride tooth paste and a manual toothbrush. The saliva tests were performed at baseline and after one month. Pearson chi-square test was applied to the resulting data.

Results: At baseline, Type I saliva crystals were seen in 17 (74±9.1%) subjects from A group, 28 (93±4.7%) subjects from B group and in 14 (52±9.6%) of subjects from C group (p<0.05). Type II were seen in 6 (26±9.1%), 2 (7±4.7%) and 13 (48±9.6%) subjects from A, B, C groups respectively (p<0.05). After one month of tooth-brushing, the following changes in saliva crystals were observed: Type I in A and C increased to 21 (91±6.0%) and 27 (90±5.8%) of subjects (p<0.05); type II in these groups reduced to 2 (9±6.0%) and 3 (11±6.0%) of subjects (p<0.05); no changes were seen in B group.

Conclusion: In the young adults studied, in those with a lower prevalence of dental caries the centripetal type (I) of saliva crystals were more frequent than diffused ones. Regular tooth-brushing for one month promoted an increase in type I crystals in subjects with a very high level of caries,fluoride toothpaste and twice daily brushing should be recommended to young adults with high DMFT scores.