bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal Location and Identification of TBX20 as a New Gene Responsible for Familial Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Li Yan-Jie , Zou Su , Bian Yi-Zhe , Liu Xing-Yuan , Yang Chen-Xi , Li Li , Qiu Xing-Biao , Xu Ying-Jia , Yang Yi-Qing , Huang Ri-Tai
Published: February 2025

Congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) signifies the most frequent category of congenital cardiovascular anomaly globally, occurring in approximately 0.5%‒2% of the general population worldwide. BAV is a major cause of thoracic aortopathy, encompassing aortic stenosis, aortic root dilation with regurgitation, aortic dissection, and aortic aneurysms, consequently leading to substantial late-onset morbidity and mortality. Accumulating evidence convincingly demonstrates the strong genetic basis underpinning BAV, though the inheritable ingredients responsible for BAV in most patients remain largely obscure. Here, by the way of genome-wide genotyping with genetic markers, genetic linkage assay, and haplotype analysis in a multigenerational BAV family, a novel BAV-causative locus was mapped to chromosome 7p14. Sequencing assay of the genes within the mapped chromosomal region (locus) unveiled that only the c.656T>G (p.Ile219Arg) variation of TBX20 was in co-segregation with BAV in the entire pedigree. The missense mutation was not uncovered in 322 healthy persons employed as control individuals. Functional deciphers revealed that the mutation significantly decreased the transcriptional activation of the representative target gene ANP and the binding ability to the ANP promoter and impaired the intranuclear distribution of TBX20. This investigation maps a new genetic locus (chromosome 7p14) linked to BAV and uncovers TBX20 as a novel causative gene for familial BAV, adding more insight into the mechanisms underlying BAV and providing a molecular target for the individualized management of BAV.
Risk Prevention and Resilience to Climate Droughts - Water Reuse and Innovative Financial Instruments
Authors: Santos Ana Silvia , Lima Maíra , Marques Túlio , Krug Thelma , Caprio Ceci , Saqueto Luccas , Arnold-Dwyer Franziska , Oliveira Gesner
Published: February 2025

Brazil is globally recognized for its abundance of water. However, the geographical distribution of its population and the environmental, socioeconomic and cultural differences between its regions lead to more complex water management. Furthermore, climate change has posed additional challenges that require more modern and committed management. The north of the country, known for its humid climate and for hosting the largest river in the world (Amazonas), was impacted in 2024 the worst drought in its history. The implementation of water reuse infrastructure to guarantee regional water security has already been considered innovative, in the past. Currently, more assertive actions must also involve the transfer of responsibilities in relation to the impacts and expected risks from climate change, losses resulting from disasters, in addition to their prevention. Innovative climate insurance is gaining prominence as it finances loss prevention measures and creates resilience to climate risks arising from severe droughts. The international scientific community indicates that Brazil still does not have studies to address these issues. The present study was carried out to confirm this hypothesis. The results present an important gap to be explored by the national scientific community, as well as other developing countries that present a similar scenario.
Evaluation of Perfusion Cell Culture Conditions in a Double-Layered Microphysiological System Using AI-Based Morphological Analysis
Authors: Kutsuzawa Naokata , Goto Tomomi , Nakamura Hiroko , Maeda Miwa , Kinehara Masaki , Sakagami Junko , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Background: In recent years, microphysiological systems (MPS) using microfluidic technology as a new in vitro experimental system have shown promise as an alternative to animal experiments in the development of drugs, especially in the field of drug discovery, and reports have been published that MPS experiments have replaced animal experiments. We have commercialized the Fluid3D-X®, a double-layer microfluidic chip made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), under the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) MPS development research project and have applied it to various organ models. When Caco-2 cells were cultured using Fluid3D-X® and a peristaltic pump, villi-like structures were formed in the microchannels, but the degree of formation differed between the upstream and downstream sides. To examine consideration points regarding the effects of the nutrient and oxygen supply by the chip material and medium flow on cells in the widely used double-layer microfluidic chip, and demonstrate the usefulness of a new imaging evaluation method using artificial intelligence technology for the morphological evaluation of cells.
Methods: The following studies were conducted.
1. Perfusion direction: The medium was perfused at a normal flow rate (20 µL/min) using Fluid3D-X® and a peristaltic pump in opposite directions within the top and bottom channels and in the same direction initially, then reversed in both layers.
2. Perfusion speed: Incubated at normal and doubled (40 µL/min) flow rates using Fluid3D-X® and a peristaltic pump.
3. Materials: Incubated at the normal flow rate with Fluid3D-X® and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip, which has the same microchannel design as Fluid3D-X® but is made of PDMS.
Results: Cell morphology in the channels was quantified and evaluated using Nikon NIS.ai in addition to microscopic observation. Villi-like structures were predominant upstream of the top channel, independent of perfusion on the bottom channel, and those structures downstream increased with doubled speed. Additionally, compared to the Fluid3D-X, the chip made of PDMS showed almost uniform villi-like sterilization in the channel.
Conclusion: As the amount of oxygen and nutrients required by different cell types differs, it is necessary to study the optimization of culture conditions according to the characteristics of the cells handled.
Roles of Indirect Feedback and Attitude for Sustainability in Learning
Authors: Kusumastuti Adhi , Rodchom Panuwat , Intolo Wirawan , Phusavat Kongkiti
Published: February 2025

Sustainability in learning includes a circumstance when students embrace learning as the foundation for their development. Thus, the study aims to understand past experiences of secondary students with indirect feedback, attitude, and subjective norms and how these experiences impact on their paradigm and mindset about learning. The research is a case-study. The survey is based on the Double-loop Learning concept and Theory of Planned Behaviour. A total of 1,473 students from eight secondary schools located in the central Java region (Indonesia) participated in the survey. Based on the findings, for secondary students who are mostly from less-affluent families, only two factors (i.e., attitude and indirect feedback) significantly influence students’ paradigm and mindset about learning. Key research implications include the continuous importance of student-teacher relationships (for sustaining students’ positive attitude) and the need for more classroom openness (as indirect feedback from business and local communities appears to reshape paradigm and mindset). The findings provide a baseline to improve students’ learning experiences. Finally, the limitations and future studies are discussed.
The Inflationary Episode of 1603 in Light of the Austrian Economic Theory
Authors: Matarán Cristóbal
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the inflationary episode of 1603 in Spain through the lens of Austrian Eco-nomic Theory. The study focuses on the effects of monetary expansion caused by the influx of precious metals from the Americas and its impact on real wages and raw material prices. Through the analysis of historical data and the application of statistical methods, this study identifies key relationships between monetary inflows, price levels, and income distribution. The findings indicate that the rapid expansion of the money supply triggered inflation, dispro-portionately impacting various sectors of society. Using the Cantillon Effect as a framework, the study explains how monetary expansion led to uneven wealth redistribution and production distortions. Additionally, the Austrian Business Cycle Theory highlights the consequences of ar-tificial monetary growth, including the misallocation of resources and reduced purchasing power for wage earners. This study employs historical data from Edward Hamilton’s work and other sources, utilizing normalization techniques and regression models to empirically examine the economic dynamics of this period. By bridging theoretical insights with empirical analysis, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of early modern inflationary processes and offers lessons applicable to contemporary economic challenges.
Deep Supervised Attention Network for Dynamic Scene Deblurring
Authors: Jang Seok-Woo , Yan Limin , Kim Gye-Young
Published: February 2025

In this study, we propose a dynamic scene deblurring approach using a deep supervised attention network. While existing deep learning-based deblurring methods have significantly outperformed traditional techniques, several challenges remain: 1) Invariant weights: Small conventional neural network (CNN) models struggle to address the spatially variant nature of dynamic scene deblurring, making it difficult to capture the necessary information. A more effective architecture is needed to better extract valuable features; 2) Limitations of standard datasets: Current datasets often suffer from low data volume, unclear ground truth (GT) images, and a single blur scale, which hinders performance. To address these challenges, we propose a multi-scale, end-to-end recurrent network that utilizes supervised attention to recover sharp images. The supervised attention mechanism focuses the model on features most relevant to ambiguous information as data are passed between networks at difference scales. Additionally, we introduce new loss functions to overcome the limitations of the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) estimation metric. By incorporating a fast Fourier transform (FFT), our method maps features into frequency space, aiding in the recovery of lost high-frequency details. Experimental results demonstrate that our model outperforms previous methods in both quantitative and qualitative evaluations, producing higher-quality deblurring results.
Hydrogen vs. Energy Storage in Offshore Deep Depths Salt Caverns Drilled at Vadu, Constanta County, Romania
Authors: Popescu Sorinel , Dinescu Stela , Radu Sorin Mihai , Obreja Bogdan Tudor , Vlăducă Iulian , Sîrbu Theodor Mihnea , Stanciuc Ramona Manuela , Vasile Mirela-Letitia
Published: February 2025

The deep underground salt cavities have the advantage of allowing storage of hydrogen at higher pressures than surface installations. Worldwide, in the 2020s there were 4 functional sites of salt caverns used as hydrogen deposits, three in the United States and one in the United Kingdom, at an average of 600,000 m3 capacity each at pressures varies between 50 ÷ 150 bar in the United States and 3 x 70,000 m3 at a pressure of 45 bar in the United Kingdom [1, 2]. From 2020 until now, there is an increase in the salt deposit development for hydrogen storage, expecting to account for about 18% of global energy demand by 2050 [3]. Near Vadu locality, Constanta County, Romania, there are sald deposits located between 705 m and 905 m, respectively 1542 m and 1778 m, offshore in the Black Sea continental shelf. The study consists in determining the storage capacity, at the two drilling depths, for reliable projects of hydrogen storage, for Romania's Energy Strategy, leading to a reduction in the carbon footprint at 70% in 2050 compared to the levels recorded in 2008 of CO2 emissions per transport unit for all the civilian or military transport ships [4, 5].
Personality Traits, Coping Styles and Sociodemographic Variables as Risk Factors for Mental Health Problems in Emerging Adults
Authors: Antón-Ruiz Josefa A. , Sánchez-Romero Elisa Isabel , Cuevas-Caravaca Elena , Bernabé-Castaño Miguel , López-Navas Ana I.
Published: February 2025

Data on mental health in emerging adulthood have been increasingly concerning, with high prevalence rates of clinical conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with mental health status and to develop a predictive model. 242 university students were recruited (74.8% women). Ages ranged from 18 to 56 years (M = 25.81; SD = 7.59). Data collection was conducted through the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10), and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE-28). Normal scores were observed for stress and depression, whereas the most frequent score for anxiety was categorized as "extremely severe." Additionally, being female, living with family or roommates and scoring high on passive coping styles were significant risk factors for mental health deterioration. While, being male, living with a romantic partner, and scoring high on the ‘Responsibility’ personality trait were identified as protective factors against mental health impairment. Further research is needed to explore additional mediating variables and to develop specific intervention protocols for improving university students' psychological well-being.
The Use of Remote Sensing for Estimating the Risk of Transmission and Predicting Cases of Malaria in Argentina
Authors: Cuéllar Ana C. , Coello Peralta Roberto D. , Calle Atariguana Davis , Palacios Macias Martha , Duque Paul L. , Galindo Liliana M. , Zaidenberg Mario O. , Dantur Juri María J.
Published: February 2025

The early warning systems based on statistical prediction models; indicators of environmental risks and remote sensing constitute an essential source of environmental information for the development of these warning systems. The present work is focused on the use of remote sensing for the estimation of the risk of transmission and the prediction of malaria cases in the northwest of Argentina. The study was carried out in the city of San Ramón de la Nueva Orán, where cases of the disease have been reported from 1986 to 2005. The existent relationship between reported malaria cases and climatic/environmental variables (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST)), obtained from Landsat 5 and 7 satellite images, was analyzed through multilevel Poisson regression analyses. A higher abundance of reported cases of malaria in summer was observed. A model of ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) temporal series, which included the environmental variables, was generated to forecast malaria cases in the year 2000. In turn, the relationship between malaria cases and environmental/climatic factors showed that malaria cases were associated with an increase in LST and mean temperature and a decrease in NDVI. Early warning systems provide information about spatial and temporal predictions of epidemics might help control and prevent malaria outbreaks. Based on the results, this study is expected to be used for the development of future prevention and control actions by the health officials.
Left Ventricular Global Function Index: A Potential Predictor of Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in NSTEMI Patients
Authors: Karatas Mesut , Sabanoglu Cengiz , Sahin Kader Eliz , Inanc Ibrahim Halil
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: The Left Ventricular Global Function Index (LVGFI) is a comprehensive marker of cardiac performance that integrates volumetric and functional parameters of the left ventricle. While its prognostic value in chronic cardiovascular diseases is well-documented, limited evidence exists for its utility in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This study aimed to evaluate LVGFI as a predictor of three-year mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in NSTEMI patients.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 432 NSTEMI patients divided into tertiles based on LVGFI values: T1 (low), T2 (intermediate), and T3 (high). LVGFI values were derived from echocardiographic imaging. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess outcomes, and Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for demographics and clinical covariates (age, sex, body mass index, and cardiovascular risk factors), determined the association between LVGFI tertiles and three-year outcomes.
Results: The average age and sex distribution were similar across tertiles (T1: 70 years, T2: 67 years, T3: 68 years) with no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factors or most laboratory parameters, including glucose and hematological counts. However, significant differences were noted in Body Surface Area (higher in T3), platelet counts (higher in T1), and triglyceride levels (lower in T3). The ROC analysis identified an optimal LVGFI cut-off of 23.22 for predicting three-year mortality, with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 75% (AUC: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.87, p < 0.001). Patients in the lowest LVGFI tertile (T1) exhibited a three-year mortality rate of 25%, compared to 2.1% in the highest tertile (T3). After adjustment, the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality was significantly elevated in T1 (HR 11.86; 95% CI: 3.60-39.10) compared to T3. Similarly, MACE rates were highest in T1 (27.1%) and lowest in T3 (7.6%), underscoring LVGFI’s prognostic value beyond traditional parameters.
Conclusion: LVGFI is a significant independent predictor of three-year mortality and MACE in NSTEMI patients. It offers a holistic assessment of cardiac function and may enhance clinical risk stratification models for managing high-risk patients. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate its broader clinical utility.
Unlocking Growth in the Digital Age: Harnessing Globalization and Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Neffati Mohamed
Published: February 2025

In the contemporary landscape of globalization, digitalization emerges as a pivotal indicator of technological progress, profoundly influencing economic performance and contributing to GDP growth. However, this assertion necessitates further empirical validation. This study investigates the causal and cointegration relationship between socioeconomic globalization, digitalization, and their impact on economic growth, utilizing Saudi Arabia as a distinctive case study of global economic transformation from 1990 to 2022. Employing the ARDL model alongside various estimation methods, including OLS, FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR, we identified the most statistically significant factors contributing to economic growth. Our findings reveal that globalization exerts a negative and significant impact on GDP per capita at the 1 percent significance level. Conversely, the results indicate that digitalization substantially contributes to economic growth in both the short and long term. Based on these findings, this paper proposes several critical policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the economic landscape of Saudi Arabia and other developing nations.
Morphometry of Red Blood Cells in Sow Blood: Effects of Short-Term In Vitro Exposure to 5G Network Frequencies
Authors: Žura Nikolino , Vince Silvio , Vugrovečki Ana Shek , Vilić Marinko , Perić Porin , Samardzija Marko , Tur Suzana Milinković , Miljković Josip , Samardžija Marko , Ostović Mario , Miljković Josip , Menčik Sven , Ostović Mario , Menčik Sven , Pećin Marko
Published: February 2025

The effects of RF-EMR from 5G on red blood cell (RBC) morphometric parameters and complete blood count (CBC) in pigs are unknown. Exposure of human and laboratory animal blood to RF-EMR from 4G and older technologies has been shown to have deleterious effects on blood cells and changes in CBC. This study aimed to determine the effect of 5G RF-EMR at different frequencies on RBC morphometry and CBC after short-term in vitro exposure of sow blood. Blood samples were taken from 16 sows aged 1 to 2 years. Three ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes per sow were labelled as experimental tubes and three as control tubes. Experimental sam-ples were placed in a Half-cone gigahertz transversal electromagnetic cell and exposed for 2 hours to three different frequencies of 5G network, i.e. 700 MHz, 2500 MHz and 3500 MHz with an electric field strength of 10 V/m. The morphometric parameters of the erythrocytes were determined using the computer-assisted programme SFORM, while the CBC value was determined using a haematology analyser. The effect of 5G RF-EMR exposure on sow RBC morphometry in exposed blood was frequency dependent. The most detrimental effect was observed after exposure at 700 MHz, which resulted in significantly elongated and irregularly bordered sow RBCs. These results suggest that in vitro exposure of blood to 5G RF-EMR may im-pact the RBCs shape, as well as their mechanical properties or integrity, which could have serious effects on cell function.
The Oral Candida Carriage and Oral Risk Habits of a Group of Sri Lankan Male Patients with Oral Fibroepithelial Polyps
Authors: Perera Manosha , Perera Irosh
Published: February 2025

Fibroepithelial polyps are inflammatory hyperplastic lesions characterized by para-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. They develop in response to chronic irritation and display arcading patterns with a mixed infiltrate of inflammatory cells, predominantly lymphocytes, along with plasma cells. 12 species of Candida were identified in the FEP tissues of a group of Sri Lankan male patients with oral risk habits. Among these, C. albicans was the most prevalent, with an average relative abundance of 29.56%. The other species detected included Candida tropicalis (2.59%), Candida parapsilosis (1.56%), Candida niveriensis (0.91%), Candida salmanticensis (0.74%), Candida blattae (0.13%), Candida doubliniensis (0.10%), Candida etchellsii (0.12%), Candida metapsilosis (0.10%), Candida vanderwaltii (0.34%), Candida santamariae (0.11%), and Candida albicans_nov_92.15% (0.002%) as shown
Next-Gen Drug Delivery: Redefining Precision, Bioavailability, and Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Sengar Ashutosh
Published: February 2025

The rapid progress in drug delivery systems has introduced new technology with new instruments to enhance bioavailability, targeting, and therapeutic efficacy. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems involving liposomes and nanoparticles have revolutionized targeted therapy and individualized medicine by reducing drug toxicity and maximizing drug effectiveness. Further, new directions like AI-assisted drug design, smart polymers, and biodegradable carriers are redefining controlled release of drugs and targeted formulation.As a result of antibiotic resistance, novel drug delivery systems are being researched for enhancing the bactericidal activity of antibiotics, biofilm penetration, and bactericidal selectivity. Herbals too are being incorporated into vesicular systems and nanocarriers with a trial to enhance stability, permeation, and bioactivity.The future of drug delivery is artificial intelligence-formulation design, green biomaterials, and nanotechnology. Future-oriented biodegradable materials, targeted therapy, personalized medicine, and intelligent carriers allow drug science to provide more efficient, patient-relevant, and environmentally friendly treatment.
The Differential Involvement of alpa1-Adrenoceptor Subtypes in the Molecular Effects of Antidepressant Drugs
Authors: Nalepa Irena , Chorązka Katarzyna , Kreiner Grzegorz , Zelek-Molik Agnieszka , Haduch Anna , Daniel Władysława Anna , Chmielarz Piotr , Maziarz Katarzyna , Kuśmierczyk Justyna , Wilczkowski Michał , Kowalska Marta
Published: February 2025

We investigated whether the functional involvement of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-AR) in the effects induced by antidepressant drugs, desipramine, and milnacipran varies depending on the α1-AR subtype. First, using a mouse line with triple knockout (KO) of genes encoding all three α1-AR subtypes (ABD-KO) and autoradiographic analysis, we demonstrated that the inactivation of α1-AR did not affect the density of other types of adrenergic receptors, α2- and β-AR in the mouse brain. Subsequently, we utilized three mouse knockout lines with selective inactivation of the gene encoding a single α1-adrenergic receptor subtype (A-KO, B-KO, and D-KO). We analyzed the impact of these mutations on tissue levels of monoaminergic neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus. Next, we assessed how a specific mutation affects the long-term effects of desipramine and milnacipran in the selected brain regions of male and female mice at various molecular levels: mRNA expression of α1-AR subtypes, gene expression profiling, and activation of selected signaling proteins (ERK1/2, Akt, GSK3). The main finding is that the inactivation of the α1D subtype modulates at various molecular levels the long-term effects of desipramine or milnacipran in a sex-dependent manner. Our study revealed the functional diversity between α1-AR subtypes in the molecular mechanisms of antidepressants’ drug action.
The Moderating Role of Sustainable Innovation on the Relationship Between Internal Audit Effectiveness and Sustainable Auditing Practices in Libya’s Public Sector
Authors: Masoud Najeb
Published: February 2025

This study aims to examine the moderating role of sustainable innovation (SI) in the relationship between internal audit effectiveness (IAE) and sustainability auditing (SA) practices in Libya’s public sector. It also explores the influence of audit standards and principles (ASP) on SA practices, emphasising their role in strengthening sustainability governance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was utilised, targeting financial and governmental institutions in Libya. Data were collected from 500 valid responses and analysed using hierarchical regression and PLS-SEM to evaluate the relationships among IAE, SI, ASP, and SA practices. Robustness checks were performed to ensure statistical reliability. The findings reveal that IAE significantly enhances SA practices, reinforcing transparency and ESG reporting. SI positively moderates this relationship, demonstrating that innovation amplifies the impact of effective internal audits on sustainability outcomes. While ASP contributes to SA practices, its effect remains limited unless combined with strong internal audit functions and sustainability initiatives. The interaction effects underscore the necessity of integrating innovation and regulatory frameworks to optimise sustainability auditing. This study is limited to Libya’s public sector, which may affect the generalisability of the findings. Future research could conduct comparative analyses across different regulatory environments. The results highlight the importance of fostering innovation in auditing practices and aligning internal audit functions with sustainability frameworks to enhance ESG accountability and compliance. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating SI and ASP into the internal audit framework, offering new insights into their combined effects on SA practices in emerging markets.
Evaluating ChatGPT-4o’s Web-Enhanced Responses in Patient Education: Ankle Stabilization Surgery as a Case Study
Authors: Zhou Mi , Song Xiaomei , Hu Qin , Zhou Youbin
Published: February 2025

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in healthcare for patient education, clinical decision support, and medical information dissemination. ChatGPT-4o, an advanced large language model (LLM) with web search functionality, claims to improve response accuracy and relevance. However, its reliability and ability to provide comprehensive and evidence-based medical information remain uncertain. This study evaluates the quality, readability, and accuracy of ChatGPT-4o’s responses to common patient inquiries regarding ankle stabilization surgery. Methods: On January 30, 2025, ChatGPT-4o was prompted with frequently asked questions about ankle stabilization surgery. The web search function was enabled to enhance response accuracy. Three independent reviewers assessed the AI-generated responses using the DISCERN tool for quality and the Flesch-Kincaid metrics for readability. Inter-rater reliability was calculated to determine rating consistency. Results: The readability analysis revealed that ChatGPT-4o’s responses were highly complex (Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score = 23.07, Grade Level = 13.9), requiring a college-level education for comprehension. DISCERN scores ranged from 47 to 58, indicating moderate quality. The inter-rater reliability score of 0.73 demonstrated substantial agreement. Limitations included overly optimistic recovery timelines, lack of authoritative citations, and insufficient discussion of surgical risks. Conclusion: ChatGPT-4o provides structured and accessible medical information but exhibits limitations in accuracy, transparency, and risk disclosure. Future improvements should focus on enhancing source reliability, readability, and personalization to improve AI-assisted patient education.
A Comprehensive Review of Blepharopigmentation
Authors: Male Shiva Ram , Nandyala Sushma
Published: February 2025

Background: In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of Blepharopigmentation, which is also referred to as permanent eyeliner or eye tattooing, as a cosmetic surgery.
Aim: This review article examines the impact and consequences of eyeliner tattooing and embroidery in the context of Blepharopigmentation.
Methods: A narrative literature review study design was used to delve into the historical background of these methods, elucidate their methodologies, explore their prospective advantages, and examine the pertinent safety aspects. Furthermore, the eyeliner analysis critically evaluates the diverse range of pigments used, the potential for adverse responses, and the determinants impacting the durability of the outcomes.
Results: A total of 15 articles' results were described and emphasised. After incorporating the findings, the study's objectives were considered to conclude the major findings and relevance of blepharopigmentation and its effects on the human cornea.
Conclusion: It is critical for eye care professionals in the field and anyone considering using these cosmetic procedures to understand the tremendous effects they may have on many elements affecting blepharopigmentation, and a recommended grading process has emerged from the present review study.
Image Deconvolution To Resolve Astronomical X-ray Sources in Close Proximity: The NuSTAR Images of SXP 15.3 and SXP 305
Authors: Bhattacharya Sayantan , Christodoulou Dimitris M. , Laycock Silas G. T.
Published: February 2025

The broad point spread function of the NuSTAR telescope makes resolving astronomical X-ray sources a challenging task, especially for off-axis observations. This limitation has affected the observations of the high-mass X-ray binary pulsars SXP 15.3 and SXP 305, in which pulsations are detected from nearly overlapping regions without spatially resolving these X-ray sources. To address this issue, we introduce a deconvolution algorithm designed to enhance NuSTAR’s spatial resolution for closely-spaced X-ray sources. We apply this technique to archival data and simulations of synthetic point sources placed at varying separations and locations, testing thus the algorithm’s efficacy in source detection and differentiation. Our study confirms that on some occasions when SXP 305 is brighter, SXP 15.3 is also resolved, suggesting that some prior non-detections may have resulted from imaging limitations. This deconvolution technique represents a proof of concept test for analyzing crowded fields in the sky with closely-spaced X-ray sources in future NuSTAR observations.
The Epistemology of the Near Miss and Its Potential Contribution in the Prevention and Treatment of Problem-Gambling
Authors: Barboianu Catalin
Published: February 2025

The near-miss has been considered an important factor of reinforcement in gambling behavior, and previous research has focused more on its industry-related causes and effects and less on the gaming phenomenon itself. The near-miss has usually been associated with the games of slots and scratch cards, due to the special characteristics of these games, which include the possibility of pre-manipulation of award symbols in order to increase the frequency of these “engineered” near-misses. In this paper, we argue that starting from an elementary mathematical description of the classical (by pure chance) near-miss, generalizable to any game, and focusing equally on the epistemology of its constitutive concepts and their mathematical description, we can identify more precisely the fallacious elements of the near-miss cognitive effects and the inadequate perception and representation of the observational-intentional “I was that close.” This approach further suggests a strategy of using non-standard mathematical knowledge of an epistemological type in problem-gambling prevention and cognitive therapies.
Exploring Diverse AI Models for Enhanced Land Use and Land Cover Classification in the Nile Delta, Egypt Using Sentinel-Based Data
Authors: Maze Mona , Attaher Samar , Taqi Mohamed O. , Elsawy Rania , Gad El-Moula Manal M.H. , Hashem Fadl A. , Moussa Ahmed S.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) classification east of the Nile Delta, Egypt, using Sentinel-2 bands, spectral indices, and Sentinel-1 data. The aim was to enhance agricultural planning and decision-making by providing timely and accurate information, addressing limitations of manual data collection. Several Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) models were trained and tested using distinct temporal datasets to ensure model independence. Ground truth annotations, validated against a reference Google satellite map, supported training and evaluation. XGBoost achieved the highest overall accuracy (94.4%), surpassing the Support Vector Classifier (84.3%), while Random Forest produced the most accurate map with independent data. Combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data improved accuracy by approximately 10%. Strong performance was observed across Recall, Precision, and F1-Score metrics, particularly for urban and aquaculture classes. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) technique effectively visualized data distribution, though complete class separation was not achieved. Despite their small size, road area predictions were reliable. This research highlights the potential of integrating multi-sensor data with advanced algorithms for improved LULC classification and emphasizes the need for enhanced ground truth data in future studies.
Ni-Doped Pr0.5Ba0.5CoO3+δ Perovskite with Low Polarization Resistance and Thermal Expansivity as a Cathode Material for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Sun Runze , Li Songbo , Gao Lele , An Shengli , Yan Zhen , Cao Huihui , Guo Qiming , Li Mengxin
Published: February 2025

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have become promising devices for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Altering the microstructure of cathode materials to enhance the activity and stability of the oxygen reduction reaction is particularly important. Herein, Pr0.5Ba0.5Co1-XNiXO3+δ with a tetragonal perovskite structure was synthesized through the sol–gel method. The polarization resistance of the symmetrical half-cell with Pr0.5Ba0.5Co0.9Ni0.1O3+δ as the cathode was 0.041 Ω·cm2 at 800 °C and 0.118 Ω·cm2 lower than that of the symmetrical cell with Pr0.5Ba0.5CoO3+δ as the cathode, indicating that the Pr0.5Ba0.5Co1-XNiXO3+δ cathode material has high catalytic activity during the electrochemical reaction. The results of electron paramagnetic resonance revealed that the concentration of oxygen vacancies increased as the Ni doping amount increased to 0.15. As a result of the increase in the Ni doping amount, the thermal expansion coefficient of the Pr0.5Ba0.5CoO3+δ cathode material effectively reduced, resulting in improved matching between the cathode and electrolyte material. The power density of the single cell increased by 69 mW/cm2. Therefore, Pr0.5Ba0.5Co1-XNiXO3+δ is a promising candidate cathode material for high-performance SOFCs.
Simplified Calculation of Magnetic Fields Induced by Special Relativity Effects
Authors: Mendler Edward Charles
Published: February 2025

The difference in velocity between the electrons and protons in an electrical conductor is said to produce a magnetic force due to Special Relativity effects. According to established theory, the magnetic force observed from a stationary reference frame is that of the electrostatic force viewed from a moving reference frame in consideration of Special Relativity effects. The traditional method of calculating the electrostatic force from a moving reference frame and considering Special Relativity effects is laborious. The approach includes calculation of the force between two parallel electrical conductors. This paper presents a more direct approach for calculating the electrostatic field that involves only a single electrical conductor. The new approach also provides a clearer understanding of the underlying physics.
Pokémon Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks: A Deep Learning Approach for Fine-Grained Image Recognition
Authors: Amin Noor , Dayyan Shah Syed Muhammad , Sakib Sadvi Shadman , Habeb Waed Awad Al-Hamza
Published: February 2025

The project below classifies Pokémon species using Convolutional Neural Networks, which have high inter-class similarities and complex visual features. We employed a dataset from Kaggle containing over 7,000 labelled Pokémon images and then designed and optimized a CNN model for multi-class classification. Preprocessing on the dataset included image resizing, augmentation, and normalization to improve the robustness of the model. Our model architecture consists of several convolutional layers with max-pooling, followed by a fully connected layer, optimized using the Adam optimizer and categorical cross-entropy loss function. The model achieved an impressive classification accuracy of 95.8%, showing its capability to distinguish between 150 different Pokémon species effectively. Evaluation metrics, including precision, recall, and F1-score, further validated its high performance. The key takeaways from this work indicate that CNNs can perform well on fine-grained image classification and form a foothold for the next research endeavors on deep learning-based visual recognition challenges.
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Dysfunction in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Ma Daichao , Li Qing , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2025

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is closely linked to stroke and dementia, marked by structural and functional impairments of small blood vessels in the brain. This review focuses on how vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to CSVD progression. SMCs regulate cerebral blood flow, maintain vascular structure, support glymphatic waste clearance under physiological conditions. However, in CSVD, these cells undergo pathological alterations, such as hypertrophy, degeneration, phenotypic switching, and extracellular matrix abnormalities. These dysregulations are associate with many signaling pathways malfunction or disruptive mechanical cellular responses. Emerging treatments, such as drugs targeting cyclic nucleotide pathways, show promise in improving blood flow and vascular stability. Despite progress, the molecular mechanisms under SMCs dysfunction in CSVD remain incompletely understood. A deeper exploration of SMCs biology, coupled with clinical translation of preclinical findings, is critical for developing effective therapies to alleviate the growing burden of CSVD.
Building Business Resilience Through Strategic Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Culinary Micro-Enterprises in Bandung During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Charisma Dinna , Hermanto Bambang , Purnomo Margo , Herawati Tetty
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted micro-enterprises, key drivers of developing economies, by causing financial instability, market uncertainty, and operational disruptions. These challenges highlight the urgent need for strategic adaptability and resilience. This study explores Strategic Entrepreneurship by integrating environmental, organizational, and individual dimensions into a framework that captures opportunity-seeking and profit-seeking behaviors. Specifically, this research examines the effects of Knowledge Management Capability (KMC) on Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Entrepreneurial Finance (EF), Entrepreneurial Marketing (EM), and Business Resilience (BR), as well as the impact of EO, EF, and EM on BR. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 125 culinary micro-enterprises in Bandung, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study findings revealed that KMC significantly influences EO, EF, EM, and BR. Furthermore, EO, EF, and EM contribute to strengthening BR, with EF emerging as the most influential factor, underscoring the critical role of financial strategy in sustaining micro-enterprises during the crisis. This study refines the Strategic Entrepreneurship model, bridging entrepreneurship and strategic management, and providing empirical insights from an emerging economy. From a policy perspective, the findings advocate for inclusive financial policies, digital knowledge-sharing infrastructures, and capacity-building initiatives to support micro-enterprises in navigating future disruptions.
Perspectives and Realities of Disengagement Among Younger Generation Y and Z Workers in Contemporary Work Dynamic
Authors: Saraiva Margarida , Nogueiro Teresa
Published: February 2025

The disengagement of younger workers, particularly from Generations Y and Z, is a growing concern in contemporary organizational environments. This study analyzes the factors influ-encing disengagement and the organizational strategies that can reduce its impact. A literature review was conducted, covering studies published between 2014 and 2024, with the selection of publications based on relevance, indexing, and thematic alignment. The findings indicate that disengagement results from multiple factors, including inadequate leadership, ineffective com-munication, digitalization and new technologies, misalignment between well-being policies and employee needs, lack of autonomy, limited professional development opportunities, workplace injustice and inequality, ineffective evaluation and reward systems, misalignment between per-sonal values and organizational culture, a hostile or toxic work environment, economic insecurity and job instability, and frequent organizational changes. To address disengagement, organiza-tions should implement physical and mental well-being programs, encourage regular breaks, promote healthy lifestyle campaigns, provide psychological support, and create ergonomic work environments. Additionally, they should foster professional growth through continuous training, mentoring, and transparent recognition and reward systems. Organizational communication must be open and effective, ensuring transparency and active employee participation. The adoption of remote work policies and flexible schedules, along with investments in technology and collaboration tools, also helps maintain engagement. These strategies promote employee satisfaction, motivation, and organizational commitment among workers, particularly those from Generations Y and Z, so organizations must adapt to the evolving expectations of the workforce to prevent long-term negative effects, such as decreased productivity and higher turnover, compromising their competitiveness and sustainability.
Research on the Acquisition and Amplification of in-plane Signals of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Wu Xiangfeng
Published: February 2025

The in-plane current density distribution measurement of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is significantly restricted by transmission loss and interference, which are mainly caused by weak voltage signals. This poses a great challenge to accurate measurement, as any inaccuracies could potentially affect the overall performance evaluation and optimization of the PEMFC. To effectively address this issue, a distributed signal amplification sensor is developed, making full use of printed circuit board (PCB) segmented measurement technology. This technology allows for a more precise and detailed measurement approach. The voltage drop across in-plane sampling resistors is amplified by amplifiers and then acquired by the acquisition device. A thorough analysis of the sensor's measurement accuracy is conducted, taking into account various factors such as environmental conditions and potential signal fluctuations. Furthermore, a specially designed collector structure ensures the proper installation of all components. It not only guarantees a seamless fit but also enhances the stability and reliability of the measurement system. This enables online measurement without disrupting the cell's internal structure, providing a promising solution for PEMFC measurement in this field.
Potential Therapeutic Exploitation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 120 (GPR120/FFAR4) Signaling in Obesity-Related Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Szukiewicz Dariusz
Published: February 2025

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity not only in adults but also among children and adolescents has become one of the most alarming health problems worldwide. Metabolic disorders accompanying fat accumulation during pathological weight gain induce chronic low-grade inflammation, which, in a vicious cycle, increases the immune response through proinflammatory changes in the cytokine (adipokine) profile. Obesity decreases life expectancy, largely because obese individuals are at increased risk of many medical complications, often referred to as metabolic syndrome, which refers to the co-occurrence of insulin resistance (IR), impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and premature ischemic heart disease. Metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the most numerous and diverse group of cell surface transmembrane receptors in eukaryotes. Among the GPCRs, researchers are focusing on the connection of G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), also known as free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), with signaling pathways regulating the inflammatory response and insulin sensitivity. This review presents the current state of knowledge concerning the involvement of GPR120 in anti-inflammatory and metabolic signaling, which may provide a rationale for the development of novel, GPR120-based therapies for overweight and obese individuals. The main problems associated with introducing this type of treatment into clinical practice are also discussed.
Developing a Rule-Based System to Recommend Household Budget
Authors: dey Sonia , Arefin Mohammad Shamsul
Published: February 2025

Household budgeting is crucial for financial stability, yet many individuals find it challenging due to the lack of structured financial planning tools. This paper introduces a rule-based system that optimizes expenses by considering family size, income, and spending behavior. Unlike traditional budgeting tools, our system dynamically distributes income across essential categories such as housing, food, medical care, education, and savings using predefined rules. The system leverages dynamic input processing and predefined allocation rules to provide real-time insights into budgeting constraints. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves 90% accuracy in budget allocation, ensuring financial sustainability and preventing overspending. Our system provides a transparent, flexible, and user-friendly alternative to machine learning-based budget models, making it accessible to households of all financial backgrounds.