bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Policy Effects on the Interacting Housing, Chonsei, and Wolse Markets
Authors:   KOREA DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION, Hur Seok-Kyun
Published: January 2025

Our study, based on a partial equilibrium model consisting of housing sales, chonsei, and wolse markets, discusses the effect of various policies on the prices in those markets. The paper confirms that the government's tax policy, monetary policy, and financial regulations not only have differential effects on the housing sales market and rent markets, but also that the directions of the effects are often ambiguous. These results also suggest that it is not easy to predict the impact of most housing market policies aimed at stabilizing housing prices on the rent markets and the housing sales market, and that unintended consequences may affect housing welfare. Therefore, future housing policies should be devised by comprehensively considering their influences on sales price, chonsei deposit, and wolse rent.
Improving Care Quality Through a Patient-Centered Medical Journey – Focusing on Children With Early-Onset Scoliosis
Authors: Wu Hia-Jung , Chiu Hsiao-Hui , Lin Man-Ling , Feng Chi-Kuang , Yao Yu-Cheng , Lo Yu-Cheng
Published: January 2025

Background: Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) is a complex and long-term disease requiring a clear treatment journey to meet the needs of patients and improve the quality of care. Constructing a patient-centered medical journey map for EOS patients to provide appropriate medical information is essential.Aim: Controct a patient-centered medical journey map for EOS patients.Subject and methods: Data collection was conducted through team formation, expert-guided workshops, literature review, and patient interviews to develop the medical journey map.Results: The medical journey map covers the entire treatment process, starting from outpatient visits, hospitalization, preoperative examinations, consultations, medical procedures, preoperative explanations, inpatient care, discharge preparation services, and post-discharge follow-up.Conclusion: Constructing a patient-centered medical journey map provides the necessary information and support to patients and their families, enhancing patient satisfaction and healthcare quality.
Building ASEAN’s Regenerative Economy Through Strategic Capital and Innovation Ecosystems
Authors: Ooi Rachel Wei Gee
Published: January 2025

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) possesses significant potential to advance a regenerative economy, integrating economic growth, social fairness, and environmental restoration. Consumer spending is anticipated to surpass USD 3.7 trillion by 2030, and given its pivotal role in mitigating global emissions, ASEAN is positioned in the front of tackling environmental issues. Nonetheless, systemic obstacles, such as a USD 20 billion yearly financial deficit, disjointed regulatory frameworks that increase costs by 40%, and misaligned global climate financing, impede its capacity to implement systemic solutions at scale. Despite accounting for over 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions, ASEAN receives merely 15–20% of global climate funding, resulting in significant emission hotspots being underfunded. This paper delineates pragmatic pathways for ASEAN to evolve from sustainability to regeneration, highlighting financial options including Equity Banks, IP-backed loans, and hedge funds designed for scalable companies. Empirical evidence from 200 businesses, 50 stakeholder interviews, and international insights underscores the potential to generate USD 50 billion in economic value, mitigate 200 million metric tons of CO2 emissions yearly, and improve healthcare access for 50 million underprivileged individuals. By integrating investments with quantifiable Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), ASEAN may lead in revolutionary economic practices. This study delineates ways for surmounting obstacles, illustrating how a regenerative economy may establish ASEAN as a global leader in sustainability and innovation.
Trends in the Use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions in Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic, February 2021 to December 2023: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Robertson Nicole M. , Fischer Kailey , Gutmanis Iris , Zhu Veronica , Coleman Brenda L.
Published: January 2025

The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was imperative to avoid prolonged school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to understand the levels of adherence to and attitudes towards NPIs from February 2021 to December 2023 in schools in Ontario, Canada. Participants reported how frequently they, their coworkers, and their students used five NPIs: hand hygiene, covering coughs, staying home when ill, wearing a mask, and physically distancing. Open text comments provided participants with the option to provide additional details. A mixed methods approach incorporated a series of descriptive statistics calculated at consecutive time points and thematic analysis. Participants reported higher adherence to NPIs than their coworkers and students, with less than perfect adherence that declined over time. Six themes emerged from the analysis on NPI use in schools: 1) the influence of time; 2) managing competing priorities; 3) lack of enabling factors; 4) lack of reinforcing factors; 5) responsive use of NPIs; and 6) emotional toll. Poor use of hand hygiene, covering coughs, and staying home when ill indicate a need to improve these in schools as it would help reduce the transmission of communicable diseases and thereby reduce sick days for staff and students.
Injectable Hydrogels for Cartilage and Bone Regeneration: Material Properties, Delivery Strategies, and Clinical Applications
Authors: Sheikh Mujibullah , Saiyyad Arshiya
Published: January 2025

The regeneration of cartilage and bone remains a significant clinical challenge because of their limited self-healing ability. Injectable hydrogels have been identified as potential tissue engineering materials for use in minimally invasive procedures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of injectable hydrogels for cartilage and bone regeneration, encompassing material properties, delivery strategies, and clinical applications. First, we discuss the classification of natural hydrogels (e.g., polysaccharides such as alginate and hyaluronic acid, proteins such as collagen and gelatin) and synthetic (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)) polymers, hybrid hydrogels, and the characteristics that make them ideal in tissue engineering, such as mechanical strength, biocompatibility, degradation profiles and injectability. The review then delves into delivery strategies for enhanced tissue regeneration, focusing on cell encapsulation, controlled release of growth factors (e.g., TGF-β, BMPs), incorporation of mineralizing agents, and drug delivery for infection control. We then explored the use of these injectable hydrogels for cartilage repair, osteoarthritis and focal cartilage defects, and bone regeneration, including fracture healing and periodontal reconstruction, on the basis of the clinical results and selected clinical products. Finally, we address the current limitations and future directions, focusing on advanced materials, improved delivery strategies, personalized medicine approaches, combination therapies, and translational opportunities. This review underscores the potential of injectable hydrogels as versatile platforms for cartilage and bone regeneration and highlights the need for further research to optimize their therapeutic efficacy and clinical translation.
Combined Method for Prioritizing Information Security Risks
Authors: Nurusheva Assel , Goranin Nikolaj , Satybaldina Dina , Amrenov Askhat
Published: January 2025

This article proposes a combined method for managing information system security risks based on expert assessments and risk-oriented patterns. The scores were obtained by conducting a questionnaire (expert assessment), as well as using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). CVSS was used to calculate vulnerability level and threat likelihood metrics after taking countermeasures. This method can be used to prioritize information security risks, as well as to determine information security requirements. Attacks on information leak prevention systems are simulated. The priorities of the risks associated with these attacks have been identified. Such systems can be used in SOC and CERT work. Therefore, the method can be used when building business processes related to SOC and CSIRT.
MPOWER Tobacco Control Policies and Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Trends in MERCOSUR Countries
Authors: Hagen Laila Menezes , Macedo Fernanda Joly , Cunha Amanda Ramos da , Hugo Fernando Neves , Amenábar José Miguel
Published: January 2025

Background: As tobacco is the main risk factor for oral cancer, it is important to understand the burden of this disease after the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. For MERCOSUR tobacco control is a topic of interest. The aim of this study was to describe MPOWER measures scores and to evaluate the trends of lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) incidence, mortality and Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALYs), from 2005 to 2021, in MERCOSUR countries. Methods: This is an ecological descriptive study, where the MPOWER measures scores were extracted from the Global Health Observatory of World Health Organization, and the Age-standardized Rates (ASRs) of LOC for MERCOSUR countries were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 results tool. The trends of LOC ASRs were obtained using the Prais-Winsten method. Results: Paraguay and Venezuela had lower MPOWER scores over time than Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. These three last countries showed LOC trends decreasing for most indicators among males, while Paraguay and Venezuela showed increasing trends in incidence for both males and females, and no decreasing trends. Conclusion: This study suggests that MERCOSUR countries with a history of stronger tobacco control policies may be exhibiting more decreasing trends in LOC indicators.
SentimentFormer: A Transformer-Based Multi-Modal Fusion Framework for Enhanced Sentiment Analysis of Memes in Under-Resourced Bangla Language
Authors: Faria Fatema Tuj Johora , Baniata Laith H. , Baniata Mohammad H. , Khair Mohannad A. , Bani Ata Ahmed Ibrahim , Bunterngchit Chayut , Kang Sangwoo
Published: January 2025

Social media has increasingly relied on memes as a tool for expressing opinions, making meme sentiment analysis an emerging area of interest for researchers. While much of the research has focused on English-language memes, under-Resource languages, such as Bengali, have received limited attention. Given the surge in social media use, the need for sentiment analysis of memes in these languages has become critical. One of the primary challenges in this field is the lack of benchmark datasets, particularly in languages with fewer resources. To address this, we used the MemoSen dataset, designed for Bengali, which consists of 4,368 memes annotated with three sentiment labels: positive, negative, and neutral. MemoSen is divided into training (70%), test (20%), and validation (10%) sets, with an imbalanced class distribution: 1,349 memes in the positive class, 2,728 in the negative class, and 291 in the neutral class. Our approach leverages advanced deep learning techniques for multimodal sentiment analysis in Bengali, introducing three hybrid approaches.
SentimentTextFormer is a text-based, fine-tuned model that utilizes state-of-the-art transformer architectures to accurately extract sentiment-related insights from Bengali text, capturing nuanced linguistic features. SentimentImageFormer is an image-based model that employs cutting-edge transformer-based techniques for precise sentiment classification through visual data. Lastly, SentimentFormer is a hybrid model that seamlessly integrates both text and image modalities using fusion strategies. Early Fusion combines textual and visual features at the input level, enabling the model to jointly learn from both modalities. Late Fusion merges the outputs of separate text and image models, preserving their individual strengths for the final prediction. Intermediate Fusion integrates textual and visual features at intermediate layers, refining their interactions during processing. These fusion strategies combine the strengths of both textual and visual data, enhancing sentiment analysis by exploiting complementary information from multiple sources. The performance of our models was evaluated using various accuracy metrics, with SentimentTextFormer achieving 73.31% accuracy and SentimentImageFormer attaining 64.72%. The hybrid model, SentimentFormer (SwiftFormer with mBERT), employing Intermediate Fusion, shows a notable improvement in accuracy, achieving 79.04%, outperforming SentimentTextFormer by 5.73% and SentimentImageFormer by 14.32%. Among the fusion strategies, SentimentFormer (SwiftFormer with mBERT) achieved the highest accuracy of 79.04%, highlighting the effectiveness of our fusion technique and the reliability of our multimodal framework in improving sentiment analysis accuracy across diverse modalities.
Harnessing Nitrous Oxide for Sustainable Methane Activation: A Computational Exploration of CNC-Ligated Iron Catalysts
Authors: Prince Bruce Morland
Published: January 2025

This study employs DFT at the APFD/def2-TZVP level, with SMD solvation in THF, to investigate the catalytic activation of methane by [(κ3-CNC)Fe(N₂O)]2+ cation complexes. The catalytic mechanism encompasses three key steps: oxygen atom transfer (OAT), hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA), and oxygen radical rebound (ORR). Computational results identify OAT as the rate-determining step, with activation barriers of −10.2 kcal/mol and 5.0 kcal/mol for κ1-O- and κ1-N-bound intermediates in the gas and solvent phases, respectively. Methane activation proceeds via HAA, with energy barriers of 16.0–25.2 kcal/mol depending on the spin state and solvation, followed by ORR, which occurs efficiently with barriers as low as 6.4 kcal/mol. The triplet (S = 1) and quintet (S = 2) spin states exhibit critical roles in the catalytic pathway, with intersystem crossing facilitating optimal reactivity. Spin density analysis highlights the oxyl radical character of the FeIV=O intermediate as essential for activating methane’s strong C–H bond. These findings underscore the catalytic potential of CNC-ligated iron complexes for methane functionalization and demonstrate their dual environmental benefits by utilizing methane and reducing nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
Authors: Klobučar Mirna , Deluka-Tibljaš Aleksandra , Šurdonja Sanja , Ištoka Otković Irena
Published: January 2025

Traffic congestion in urban areas is a pressing challenge, with roundabouts and signalized intersections offering different operational benefits. This study explores the integration of these two intersection types, focusing on the optimal distance between them to ensure efficient traffic flow. Using traffic microsimulations in VISSIM, the research examines multiple scenarios involving isolated roundabouts and those adjacent to signalized intersections, considering variables such as peak-hour traffic volume, flow distribution, and intersection spacing. Results indicate that shorter distances (<50 m) between roundabouts and signalized intersections lead to increased traffic indicators due to congestion spillback. In contrast, distances exceeding 100 m mitigate these inefficiencies, approaching the performance of isolated roundabouts. Balanced traffic distribution between approaches (50:50) enhance system performance at lower volumes but exacerbate congestion at higher volumes. A regression model developed in this study predicts travel times based on peak-hour traffic volume, flow ratios, and intersection distance, demonstrating a 90,9% explanatory power. These findings emphasize the need for strategic planning in integrating roundabouts and signalized intersections to balance operational efficiency.
A Galactose Theory of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rappoport Ari
Published: January 2025

I present a complete theory of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD involves an abundance of gut microbiota that degrade mucin, resulting in elevated brain uptake of galactose (a mucin component) and reduced uptake of glucose. Since galactose is not efficiently used for glycolysis, this decreases the production of glutathione, which is essential for countering oxidative iron toxicity. The brain cells that are most sensitive to this effect, as attested by their expression of the iron chelator neuromelanin, are those that continuously secrete dopamine and norepinephrine, and they eventually degenerate. This account explains the etiology, symptoms (including prodromal autonomic symptoms), pathology and risk factors of the disease. The theory is supported by strong evidence, and gives rise to several relatively simply directions for early identification and treatment of the disease.
Breast Cancer Surgical Specimens: A Marking Challenge and a Novel Solution – A Prospective, Randomized Study
Authors: Drozgyik András , Szabó Tamás , Kollár Dániel , Harmati István Á , Rajnai Renáta , Molnár Tamás F
Published: January 2025

Background: Accurate orientation of resected breast specimens is crucial for proper pathological evaluation and reliable margin assessment. Misorientation can compromise margin analysis, potentially leading to imprecise re-excisions and increasing the risk of local recurrence. This study aims to evaluate a new specimen plate designed to maintain consistent tissue orientation and compare its effectiveness with traditional suture marking techniques. Methods: A single-center, prospective, randomized two-arm trial compared the efficacy of the novel specimen plate (n=56) with conventional suture marking (n=54) during pathological examinations. The study assessed the impact on specimen handling, intraoperative imaging interpretation, and pathological outcomes, focusing on orientation clarity, margin assessment, and ease of tissue evaluation. Results: The specimen plate demonstrated superior performance in maintaining clear orientation during intraoperative imaging and facilitated accurate margin assessment, significantly lowering (p<0.01) misorientation rate compared to suture marking. Pathologists reported improved ease at identifying direction and extent of tumor-free zones and enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Number of non-R0 resections requiring re-excisions was significantly lower in the specimen plate group in comparation with the suture markings (8,9% vs. 22,2%) indicating the former’s potential to improve surgical outcomes. Conclusions: The novel specimen plate offers a reliable solution for improving specimen orientation in breast cancer surgery. By ensuring consistent orientation and enhancing diagnostic clarity, it can contribute to better surgical accuracy, reduce re-excisions, and ultimately improve patient safety. These findings support the specimen plate as an effective tool for enhancing outcomes in breast cancer treatment.
Magnetocaloric Properties and Microstructures of HoB2 and Nb-Substituted HoB2
Authors: Shahbazi Mahboobeh , Manshadi Ali Dehghan , Shinde Kiran , Mackinnon Ian
Published: January 2025

We report on arc melt syntheses of HoB2 and Nb-substituted HoB2 polycrystalline ingots and their magnetocaloric and microstructural properties. XRD data and microstructural analysis reveal that a nominal 10% Nb addition during synthesis results in changes to unit cell parameters and grain morphology. Interpretation of refined cell parameters using Vegard’s law shows that Nb substitutes into HoB2 with stoichiometry Ho0.93Nb0.07B2. Arc melted products are polycrystalline bulk samples containing minor phases such as Ho2O3, Ho and HoB4. Nb substitution results in a smaller grain size (~sub-micron) and a higher Curie temperature, TC, compared to HoB2. With a 10 T applied field, the maximum magnetic entropy, ΔSM, for HoB2 and for Ho0.93Nb0.07B2 is 46.8 Jkg-1K-1 and 38.2 Jkg-1K-1, at 18 K and 21 K, respectively. Both samples show second order phase transitions. Despite high totals of minor phases (e.g. ~10 wt.% and ~25 wt.%), calculated relative cooling powers are greater than 1,300 Jkg-1 and 600 Jkg-1, at 10 T and 5 T, respectively. Magnetocaloric properties of both samples are consistent with Holmium boride compounds prepared by alternative methods.
Title: Neurological Sequelae of Acute Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning: A Literature Review, Controversies, and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Rumbeiha Wilson K , Kim Dong-Suk
Published: January 2025

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly potent toxic gas, and the brain is a primary target organ following acute intoxications. Accidents and misuse of this gas for nefarious purposes are causes for concern regarding acute poisoning. Immediate effects of acute H2S poisoning are well known and include knockdown, seizures, apnea, and death. Numerous neurological sequelae including insomnia, persistent headaches, ataxia, cognition deficits, hearing impairment, depression, aggravated seizures, dysarthria, and vegetative states have been reported among survivors. We reviewed the literature on acute H2S poisoning-induced neurological sequelae to determine prevalence and knowledge gaps. We also reviewed publications using animal models. Large population studies indicate that the majority of victims of acute H2S poisoning survive. Results also show a lack of patient follow-up and that all necessary neuropsychological, neurological and imaging assessments are not consistently evaluated. We also observed flaws in animal models for inducing neurological sequelae as several investigators used intraperitoneal injections of H2S chemical donors which fail to recapitulate the severe neurotoxicity induced via the inhalation route. We conclude that neurological sequelae are common but there is a huge knowledge gap on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the neurological sequelae and that it is unclear whether they are reversible or permanent.
Sustainable Cultivation of Urochloa Grasses and Associated Mycorrhizae
Authors: Duarte Neimar F. , Correa Eduardo J. A. , Yelikbayev Bakhytzhan , Pagano Marcela Claudia
Published: January 2025

Perennial grasses have multiple important uses such as forage, cover crops, and intercrops, utilized in pest management and supporting scientific experiments. Among those grasses, Urochloa brizantha is a tropical forage, having vigorous deep roots, commonly used for arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) multiplication in glasshouse and nursery, developing infective propagules to be conserved in germplasm banks. Other grass species, such as Urochloa decumbens, is also used for arbuscular mycorrhizae multiplication in addition to its cultivation for guaranteeing the sustainability of livestock systems. In this study, the soil chemical characterization, microcharcoal content and AMF spore identification showed high amount of potassium (K), high microcharcoal content and the occurrence of AMF, most of Glomeraceae. Due to its economic importance for sustainable agricultural production and other uses besides its environmental services, more detailed research is needed on the biotic interactions and inoculant production in these studied grasses.
Kinetic Investigation of Dissolution of Sb2S3 in Na2S and NaOH Alkaline Media
Authors: Rahimian Milad , Keshavarz Alamdari Eskandar , Firoozi Sadegh
Published: January 2025

In this study the kinetics of stibnite dissolution in (Na2S+NaOH) aqueous media has been investigated. The dependence of controlling mechanism and antimony dissolution rate have been studied with respect to Na2S to NaOH ratio, solution temperature, stibnite powder size and solid to liquid ratio. All results (based on f(X)-t curves) have illustrated that the ash layer diffusion could be the rate controlling mechanism of stibnite dissolution via using shrinking core model. Also, XRF and SEM analysis confirms that the ash layer is nonmetallic and could be possibly Silica. In addition to, dissolution reaction was of order 2 and based on the numerical analysis the apparent activation energy of dissolution was obtained as about 18.13 kJ that is acceptably consistent with the results either in f(x)-t diagrams or tables. The accuracy of Shrinking core model has been evaluated through Bischoff criteria and this method has established that the pseudo steady state solution had good accuracy for developing the model. Besides the effect of main leaching parameters (as mentioned above) on antimony recovery has been determined. Results have shown that the leachant concentration ratio (0.75/0.75) has strongly increased the antimony recovery up to 98 percents among other parameters.
FAFedZO: Faster Zero-order Adaptive Federated Learning Algorithm
Authors: Lu Yanbo , Gao Huimin , Zhang Yi , Xu Yong
Published: January 2025

Federated Learning represents a newly emerging methodology in the field of machine learning, it enables distributed agents to collaboratively learn a centralized model without sharing their raw data. Some scholars have already proposed many first-order algorithms and second-order algorithms for federated learning to reduce communication costs and speed up convergence. However, these algorithms generally rely on gradient or Hessian information, and we find it difficult to solve such federated optimization problems when the analytical expression of the loss function is not available, that is, when gradient information is not available. Therefore, we employed derivative-free federated zeroth-order optimization in this paper which not rely on specific gradient information, but instead utilizes the changes in function values or model outputs to estimate the optimization direction. Furthermore, to enhance the performance of derivative-free zeroth-order optimization, we propose an effective adaptive algorithm that can dynamically adjust the learning rate and other hyperparameters based on the performance during the optimization process, aiming to accelerate convergence. We rigorously analyze the convergence of our approach, and the experimental findings demonstrate our method indeed can achieve faster convergence speed on the MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets in cases where gradient information is not available.
Data-Oriented Design Integration Layer (DODIL): A Powerful Augmented Schema Framework for LLM-Powered Systems
Authors: Rizk Mohamed , Korayem Yousef , Alexan Wassim
Published: January 2025

Large Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools for natural language understanding and human-AI interaction. While LLMs excel at generating insights and responding to user queries, significant challenges arise when they are tasked with interacting with complex application data systems. Unlike basic database querying, real-world applications involve intricate architectures, non-standardized interfaces, and domain-specific semantics, making integration with LLMs a non-trivial task. This article highlights the key challenges faced by LLMs in effectively interfacing with modern application environments.
Design and Optimization of Sustained Release Tablets of Axitinib—A DoE based approach
Authors: Subramania Nainar Meyyanathan , Tharik Mohamed Sheik
Published: January 2025

Axitinib is classified as BCS class II by the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS). Axitinib is used to treat renal cancer patients. However, no sustained-release tablets have been documented using the Quality by Design (QbD) method. The aim of the research work was to design sustained release formulations of AXB, using response surface methodology through Box-Behnken statistical design (BBD) by wet granulation technique. The amounts of release retardant polymers investigated were HPMC K4M (X1), HPMC K15M (X2), and Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) (X3). In vitro cumulative percentage release in 0-24 (h), such as (R1), (R2), (R3), (R4), (R5), (R6), (R7), (R8), (R9), and (R10), are employed as dependent variables. The desirability 0.793 functions were found to be optimized in sustained-release formulations. Finally, the BBD proved valuable in improving the sustained release formulation and determining the impacts of formulation factors. The research finding is to develop the ideal formulation with great strength and long-term release.
Investigating Oral Nicotine Pouch Use among Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, Awareness, Susceptibility, and Associated Symptoms
Authors: Alkharaan Hassan , Alrubayyi Abdulaziz , Kariri Majed , Alasqah Mohammed , Alnufaiy Banna , Alzahrani Hanadi Ghurmallah , Altkhais Yasser , Algharbi Muteb , Alarfaj Fahad
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) have rapidly gained popularity as a novel nicotine delivery method. However, data on ONP use, awareness, and associated beliefs in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to investigate these aspects among adults in Riyadh region. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 involving 831 Saudi adults (age ≥ 18 years). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing ONP awareness, prevalence, beliefs, and susceptibility as well as potential associated ONP use symptoms. Logistic and multinomial regression models were employed to analyze the associations between these variables. Results: Overall, 59.3% of participants reported awareness of ONPs, and 14.2% having used them. Males were more aware (ORadj= 1.97, p< 0.0001) and user (ORadj= 2.86, p= 0.03) of ONP than females. Similarly, younger adults (aged 18-29 and 30-39 years) demonstrated higher ONP awareness (ORadj= 4.67 and 4.88, respectively, both p< 0.0001) and use (ORadj= 6.91, p< 0.002 and 6.12, p< 0.003, respectively) compared to older adults (+40 years). Additionally, 95.8% of ONP users were smokers, more likely to be cigarette (ORadj= 9.53, p< 0.0001) or e-cigarette (ORadj= 8.43, p< 0.0001) smokers. Approximately 60% of participants demonstrated susceptibility to ONP use, characterized by curiosity, limited knowledge of health risks, and potential willingness to use. Favorable beliefs about ONPs were more prevalent among users. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the frequency of ONP use and the likelihood of experiencing associated symptom (r= 0.3, p= 0.0009). Conclusions: Given that 95.8% of ONP users in this study were current smokers, these findings suggest a potential future role for ONPs as a harm reduction strategy within the context of smoking cessation in Saudi population in Riyadh. However, continuous surveillance and targeted public health interventions are crucial to mitigate the potential negative consequences associated with ONP use.
Integration of Traditional Methods and Neural Networks in Solving Stochastic Problems
Authors: Čajić Elvir , Galić Dario , Katić Anita , Dedic Velimir
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the integration of traditional numerical methods and neural networks in solving stochastic problems. The focus is on analyzing the benefits of a combined approach, where traditional methods are utilized for initial problem-solving and complexity reduction, while neural networks contribute to optimization and more precise modeling of nonlinear and dynamic systems. The proposed models are evaluated on various examples of stochastic differential equations, measuring their efficiency, stability, and accuracy. The results demonstrate that the hybrid approach offers significant improvements compared to conventional methods and provides deeper insights into complex stochastic processes.
Digital Transformation in Practice: Applying BPR Frameworks in Complex Public Workflows
Authors: Tsakalidis George , Vergidis Kostas
Published: January 2025

Business Process Redesign (BPR) plays a crucial role in improving organizational efficiency and adapting to evolving operational demands. This study explores the application of the BPR Assessment Framework to real-life processes within the Greek public financial management (GPFM) domain, moving beyond prior controlled-environment analyses. The framework systematically evaluates processes based on internal metrics, such as complexity and flexibility, and external quality factors, using clustering techniques to classify processes by their redesign capacity. Real-life workflows from the Greek Customs Service and the Financial and Economic Crime Unit are analyzed, providing insights into their potential for enhanced efficiency, compliance, and resource utilization. By evaluating representative processes, this research demonstrates the framework’s utility in identifying redesign opportunities and addressing challenges in complex, operational contexts. The study emphasizes the value of systematic, data-driven approaches to BPR while also highlighting practical considerations for implementing such methodologies in public sector environments. These findings contribute to advancing BPR practices by bridging the gap between theoretical development and real-world application, offering a pathway for improved public sector performance and digital transformation.
Enhancing Nutrition and Cost Efficiency in Kenyan School Meals Using Neglected and Underutilized Species and Linear Programming: A Case Study from an Informal Settlement
Authors: Proietti Ilaria , Jordan Irmgard , Borelli Teresa
Published: January 2025

Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)—locally available, climate-resilient species—possess significant nutritional, social, and environmental benefits, yet their use, research focus, and market presence have diminished over time. Incorporating NUS into school meal programs can potentially boost childhood nutrition, promote healthy eating, encourage sustainable food production, preserve food culture and heritage, and support biodiversity conservation. School meals offered in Kenya are often monotonous and nutritionally inadequate. We conducted a case study targeting a school in an informal urban settlement in Nairobi, to demonstrate how incorporating locally grown, nutrient-rich foods into school meals can result in better nutrition for school-age children, while making significant savings for schools. Using the World Food Programme's School Meal Planner (SMP) PLUS software, the meals offered at the school were analyzed for nutrient adequacy and optimized. The optimization process was based on commodity price fluctuations and nutrient composition using local agrobiodiversity. The results show how NUS are a viable and healthy alternative to meet the recommended daily nutrient needs for school-aged children at affordable prices. The tool results showcased the effectiveness of linear programming in enabling national decision-making in efficient school feeding program planning, by designing comprehensive, affordable food baskets using local agrobiodiversity. Future research should explore implementing optimized school menus while examining broader aspects, such as school lunches’ environmental impacts and direct procurement approach opportunities that source local ingredients from smallholder farmers.
A Novel Benzodiazepine-Derived Molecule Interferes with the Bio-Mechanical Properties of Glioblastoma-Astrocytoma Cells Altering Their Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Regazzini Giorgio , Mescola Andrea , Tassinari Riccardo , Gallerani Alessia , Zannini Chiara , Di Rosa Domenico , Cavallini Claudia , Marcuzzi Martina , Taglioli Valentina , Bighi Beatrice , Ettari Roberta , Zappavigna Vincenzo , Ventura Carlo , Alessandrini Andrea , Corsi Lorenzo
Published: January 2025

Glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV glioma) is characterized by a high invasive potential making surgical intervention extremely challenging and patient survival very limited. Current pharmacological approaches show at best slight improvements in the therapy against this type of tumour. Microtubules are often the target of antitumoral drugs, and specific drugs affecting their dynamics by acting on microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) without producing their depolymerization could affect both glioma cell migration/invasion and cell proliferation. Here we analysed, on a cellular model of glioblastoma multiforme, the effect of a molecule (hereafter defined as “1g”) which was shown to act as a cytostatic drug in other cell types by affecting microtubule dynamics. We found that the molecule acts also as a migration suppressor by inducing a loss of cell polarity. We characterized the mechanics of U87MG cell aggregates exposed to 1g by Micropipette Aspiration and we analyzed the effect of the drug on invasion and traction force of spheroids embedded in a 3D gel matrix. To grasp the biochemical pathway through which this molecule acts, we moved to 2D cell cultures testing substrates of different stiffness. We established that this molecule selectively produces an almost instantaneous loss of cell polarity blocking migration and, at the same time, a disorganization of the mitotic spindle when cells reach mitosis, leading to frequent mitotic slippage events followed by cell death. We can state that the studied molecule produces similar effects to other molecules that are known to affect the dynamics of microtubules, but probably indirectly via microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and following different biochemical pathways. Consistently, we report evidence that, regarding its effect on cell morphology, this molecule shows a specificity for some cell types such as glioma cells. Interestingly, being a molecule derived from a benzodiazepine, 1g chemical structure could allow this molecule to easily cross the Blood Brain Barrier.
Biomechanical Analysis of Gait in Forestry Environments: Implications for Movement Stability and Safety
Authors: Röhrich Martin , Abramuszkinová Pavlíková Eva , Šácha Jakub
Published: January 2025

Walking through forests poses unique challenges due to uneven terrain. There are several different Gait studies investigating conditions of human movement, in urban, laboratory, or other terrain simulations. This study examines how people adjust their gait when moving across solid surfaces, forest trails, and natural forest environments. Utilizing the digital Xsens MVN Awinda motion capture system using precise IMU units, data were collected from 15 participants across 150 walking trials. Gait analysis key findings revealed that gait parameters, including step length, cadence, and foot strike variability, were significantly influenced by terrain type. Uneven forestry surfaces resulted in increased step width, reduced cadence, and heightened center of mass variability, reflecting adaptive strategies to maintain stability and reduce fall risk. These biomechanical changes highlight the body's efforts to maintain balance in challenging terrains. The study findings offer valuable implications for improving mobility and reducing fall risks in forestry work activities. Understanding these changes can help design better safety measures for navigating complex outdoor environments.
An Application of Spatial Frailty Model: Exploration with Data of Fungal Sepsis in Neonates
Authors: P Palaniyandi , J Nagaraj , R Srinivasan , M Vasantha , N Selvam , S Fayaz Ahamed , K Sundarakumar , Bhaskar Adhin , S Padmanaban , M Tamizhselvan , N Adalarasan , C Ponnuraja
Published: January 2025

Background: Globally, Neonatal fungal sepsis (NFS) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The use of spatial frailty models with a Bayesian approach to identify hotspots and risk factors for neonatal deaths due to fungal sepsis has not been explored before. Methods: A cohort of 80 neonates admitted to the NICU and diagnosed with fungal sepsis through blood culture at a Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India, during 2018-2020 was considered for this study. The Bayesian spatial frailty models using parametric distributions, including Log-logistic, Log-normal, and Weibull proportional hazard (PH) models were employed to identify associated risk factors for deaths of NFS and hotspot areas using R software. Results: The spatial parametric frailty models were found to be good models for ana-lysing NFS data. Abnormal levels of activated thromboplastin had a significantly higher risk of death across all PH models (Log-logistic, Hazard Ratio (HR), 95% Credible In-terval (CI): 22.12, (5.40,208.08); Log-normal: 20.87, (5.29,123.23); Weibull: 18.49, (5.60,93.41). Haemorrhage had a higher risk of death for the Log-normal (1.65, (1.05,2.75)) and Weibull models (1.75, (1.07,3.12)). Villivakkam, Tiruvallur, and Poo-namallee blocks were identified as high-risk areas. Conclusions: The spatial parametric frailty models proved effective in identifying these risk factors and quantifying their association with mortality. The findings from this study underline the importance of early detection and management of risk factors to improve survival outcomes in neonates with fungal sepsis.
Biological Applications of Emergent Information Processing: Fast, Long-Range Synchronization
Authors: Kroc Jiri
Published: January 2025

The main objective of this research is twofold: (a) to demonstratethat life can be understood as a continuous flow of micro-processes that are operating above a constituting matrix (medium), and (b) provide a specific example of this flow in the form of a long-range coordination within short-range communicating medium. Those goals are achieved by the application of the concept of emergent information processing that utilizes uniform changes of the applied neighborhood to all updated elements of the matrix. A very fast solution to a generalized, long-standing, generic computational problem dealing with long-range synchronization within massively-parallel, short-range communicating environments (similar to one-dimensional cellular automaton known under the name firing-squad synchronization problem) is presented: it is called the semi-two-dimensional synchronization problem (S2D-SP). The number of steps ts, which is necessary to synchronize a cell array, is substantially lower than the width of the synchronized cell array w, i.e., ts < w. In addition to the pure theoretical importance, the solution demonstrates the usefulness of the concept of extended neighborhoods in search of biologically relevant computational models of self-organization and emergence. The presented solution to the modified FSSP problem is uncovering a novel road towards the design of artificial emergent systems and paving a path towards understanding of natural computation.
CLAIR Score: A Novel Risk Prediction Tool for Unmasking Unanticipated Difficult Airways
Authors: Kitsiripant Chanatthee , Jitpakdee Wilasinee , Oofuvong Maliwan , Benjawaleemas Pannawit , Dilokrattanaphichit Nussara , Juthasantikul Wipharat , Phakam Pannipa , Yunuswangsa Qistina , Vichitkunakorn Polathep
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Unanticipated difficult airways remain a significant challenge in anesthesia practice and are associated with increased severe complication risk. This study developed and validated a novel predictive tool for identifying unanticipated difficult airways. Methods: This retrospective case-control study analyzed data from 62,111 patients who underwent general anesthesia between 2015 and 2020. Among them, 98 unanticipated difficult airways were identified and matched in a 1:3 ratio with 294 controls. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine key predictors for developing the CLAIR score, which integrates coagulopathy, hypocalcemia, laryngoscopic view, potential airway difficulty, and the presence of inexperienced residents. Results: The incidence of unanticipated difficult airways was 0.16%. The CLAIR score exhibited excellent discriminative performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93. At an optimal cutoff of 4, the score achieved a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 90%. Patients were stratified into high (≥6), intermediate (1–5), and low (≤0) risk categories, facilitating tailored airway management strategies. A web-based risk calculator, accessible via a QR code, further enhances its utility in real-time clinical applications. Conclusions: Implementing the CLAIR score holds significant promise for enhancing preoperative risk assessment, optimizing resource allocation, and improving patient safety in diverse anesthesia settings. Future prospective studies and robust external validation are essential to establishing the generalizability of the CLAIR score and confirming its efficacy in reducing airway-related complications. This novel tool represents a paradigm shift in airway management, addressing a longstanding challenge in anesthesia practice with a practical and actionable solution.
Exploring Properties and Synthesis Procedures of Fullerenes from Historical Perspective
Authors: Sengupta Joydip
Published: January 2025

The theoretical prediction of icosahedral carbon molecules preceded their experimental discovery by decades. In 1985, Kroto et al. synthesized C60 - commonly known as buckminsterfullerene or buckyball - pioneering research into fullerenes and earning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. Fullerenes exhibit a unique truncated icosahedral structure with remarkable symmetry (Ih group), which influences their electronic properties and stability. C60's π-electrons follow energy states dictated by spherical harmonics modified by its lower symmetry. This robust structure enables applications like endohedral fullerenes, where foreign species are encapsulated within the carbon cage. Synthesis methods such as laser vaporization, arc discharge, pyrolysis, and flame combustion have been developed to produce fullerenes, each offering distinct advantages. This historical overview explores the evolution of fullerene synthesis techniques and their structural and electronic properties, underscoring their significance in materials science.
Impact of Chaos Anticontrol and Switching Frequency Variation on MOSFET Junction Temperature and Lifetime
Authors: Morel Cristina , Morel Jean-Yves
Published: January 2025

Generating chaos from originally non-chaotic systems is a promising issue. Indeed, chaos has been successfully applied in many fields to improve systems performance. In this work, a Buck converter is chaotified using a combination of the switching piecewise-constant characteristic and of the anticontrol of chaos feedback. For electromagnetic compatibility compliance reasons, this feedback control method is able at the same time to achieve low spectral emissions and to maintain a small ripple of the output voltage and of the inductance current. This new feedback implies a fast and non-linear switching action of the Buck Mosfet on a period of the ramp generator. Thus, it is essential to analyze its thermal performance. This is why we propose an original analysis of the influence of anticontrol of chaos and switching frequency variation on the junction temperature: we investigate the correlation between the lifetime of the power electronic switching component and its thermal stress due to the addition of chaos. It appears that the reduction of the current ripple does not degrade the Mosfet junction thermal performances despite the fast switching of the Mosfet. Furthermore, an insignificant degradation of the Mosfet lifetime is indicated for chaotic behavior versus periodic behavior. Thus, this leads to the conclusion that using anticontrol of chaos produces insignificant accumulated fatigue effect of the Buck converter’s semiconductor.