bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long COVID in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Review
Authors: Rothensteiner Maria , Leeb Franziska , Götzinger Florian , Tebruegge Marc , Zacharasiewicz Angela
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: Data on persisting symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents are conflicting. Due to the absence of a clear pathophysiological correlate and a definitive diagnostic test, the diagnosis of Long COVID currently rests on consensus definitions only. This review aims to summarise the evidence regarding Long COVID in children and adolescents, incorporating the latest studies on this topic. (2) Methods: We designed a comprehensive search strategy to capture all relevant publications using Medline via the PubMed interface, with the initial literature search conducted in April 2023. To be included, publications had to present original data and include >50 participants with Long COVID symptoms aged between 0 and18 years. (3) Results: A total of 51 studies met the inclusion criteria, with most studies originating from Europe (n = 34; 66.7%), followed by the Americas (n = 8; 15.7%) and Asia (n = 7; 13.7%). Various study designs were employed, including retrospective, cross-sectional, prospective, or ambispective approaches. Study sizes varied significantly, with 18/51 studies having fewer than 500 participants. Many studies had methodological limitations: 23/51 (45.1%) studies did not include a control group without prior COVID-19 infection. Additionally, a considerable number of papers (33/51; 64.7%) did not include a clear definition of Long COVID. Other limitations included the lack of PCR- or serology-based confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study group. Across different studies, there was high variability in the reported prevalence of Long COVID symptoms, ranging from 0.3% to 66.5%, with the majority of studies included in this review reporting prevalences of approximately 10–30%. Notably, the two studies with the highest prevalences also reported very high prevalences of Long COVID symptoms in the control group. There was a relatively consistent trend for Long COVID prevalence to decline substantially over time. The prevalence of Long COVID appeared to differ across different paediatric age groups, with teenagers being more commonly affected than younger children. Furthermore, data suggest that children and adolescents are less commonly affected by Long COVID compared to adults. In children and adolescents, Long COVID is associated with a very broad range of symptoms and signs affecting almost every organ system, with the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric systems being most commonly affected. (4) Conclusions: The heterogeneity and limitations of published studies on Long COVID in children and adolescents complicate the interpretation of the existing data. Future studies should be rigorously designed to address unanswered questions regarding this complex disease.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and BRIEF-P: A Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bausela-Herreras Esperanza
Published: August 2024

Background: This research can facilitate the development of early detection tools for ASD by identifying specific patterns of deficits in executive functioning, validating the use of the BRIEF-P as a detection tool, and complementing information obtained from other evaluation instruments (Autism Diagnostic Interview—ADI—and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—ADOS). Aims: To gain knowledge of the application and usefulness of the BRIEF-P in the evaluation of executive functions (EFs) in people with ASD in the early years of the life cycle. Method: In order to systematically examine this hypothesis, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the executive profile (strengths and weaknesses) of children with ASD. Out of a total of 161,773 potentially eligible published articles from different databases, 13 appropriate articles were revised and 4 articles were selected. Studies that were included evaluated samples involving individuals with ASD aged 2 to 8 years and were published in English or Spanish during the period of 2012–2022. Results: The executive profile obtained from the application of the BRIEF-P in individuals with ASD was analyzed. It was identified that children with ASD, compared to typically developing children, show significantly clinical scores on the flexibility, inhibition, and global executive functioning scales. The results support the hypothesis of an executive deficit, with flexibility and inhibition being diagnostic markers for early and prompt identification of autism. Conclusions and Discussion: The results confirm deficits in flexibility, although they are not conclusive. This may be due to aspects related to methodology, whereby the studies (i) include very large and heterogeneous age groups, (ii) do not discriminate based on the level of competence, and (iii) use instruments for evaluating executive functions that are not validated or adapted for people with ASD. Another reason is the lack of consensus in the very operational definition of the executive functions construct, with the studies focusing mainly on the cold dimension while ignoring the hot dimension. From the perspective of therapeutic and treatment implications, executive dysfunction can impact adaptive skills in daily life and consequently the person’s autonomy.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Anadenanthera colubrina Bark Extract in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Ramos Karla A. , Soares Igor G. M. , Oliveira Larissa M. A. , Braga Mariana A. , Soares Pietra P. C. , Guarneire Gracimerio J. , Scherrer Elaine C. , Silva Fernando S. , Lima Nerilson M. , La Porta Felipe A. , de Jesus A. S. Andrade Teresinha , Preet Gagan , Castro Sandra B. R. , Alves Caio César S. , Carli Alessandra P.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Anadenanthera colubrina in modulating the immune response in the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The ethanolic extract of the dried bark was analyzed by ESI (+) Orbitrap-MS to obtain a metabolite profile, demonstrating a wide variety of polyphenols, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Various parameters were evaluated, such as clinical signs, cytokines, cellular profile, and histopathology in the central nervous system (CNS). The ethanolic extract of A. colubrina demonstrated significant positive effects attenuating the clinical signs and pathological processes associated with EAE. The beneficial effects of the extract treatment were evidenced by reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF, IFN-γ, and a notable decrease in several cell profiles, including CD8+, CD4+, CD4+IFN-γ, CD4+IL-17+, CD11c+MHC-II+, CD11+CD80+, and CD11+CD86+ in the CNS. In addition, histological analysis revealed fewer inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination sites in the spinal cord of mice treated with the extract compared to the control model group. These results showed, for the first time, that the ethanolic extract of A. colubrina exerts a modulatory effect on inflammatory processes, improving clinical signs in EAE, in the acute phase of the disease, which could be further explored as a possible therapeutic alternative.
Incidence and Mortality Life-Attributable Risks for Patients Subjected to Recurrent CT Examinations and Cumulative Effective Dose Exceeding 100 mSv
Authors: Z. Dalah Entesar , B. Mohamed Ahmed , M. Al Bastaki Usama , A. Khan Sabaa
Published: August 2024

Computed tomography (CT) multi-detector array has been heavily utilized over the past decade. While transforming an individual’s diagnosis, the risk of developing pathogenesis as a result remains a concern. The main aim of this institutional cumulative effective dose (CED) review is to highlight the number of adult individuals with a record of CED ≥ 100 mSv over a time span of 5 years. Further, we aim to roughly estimate both incidence and mortality life-attributable risks (LARs) for the shortlisted individuals. CT studies performed over one year, in one dedicated trauma and emergency facility, were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed. Individuals with historical radiological CED ≥ 100 mSv were short-listed. LARs were defined and established based on organ, age and gender. Out of the 4406 CT studies reviewed, 22 individuals were found with CED ≥ 100 mSv. CED varied amongst the short-listed individuals, with the highest CED registered being 223.0 mSv, for a 57-year-old male, cumulated over an average study interval of 46.3 days. The highest median mortality risk was for females, 214 per 100,000 registered for the age group 51–60 years. While certain clinical indications and diseases require close follow-up using radiological examinations, the benefit-to-risk ratio should be carefully considered, particularly when CT is requested.
Effectiveness of Enriched Milk with Ashwagandha Extract and Tryptophan for Improving Subjective Sleep Quality in Adults with Sleep Problems: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Pérez-Piñero Silvia , Muñoz-Carrillo Juan Carlos , Echepare-Taberna Jon , Muñoz-Cámara Macarena , Herrera-Fernández Cristina , Ávila-Gandía Vicente , Heres Fernández Ladreda María , Menéndez Martínez Javier , López-Román Francisco Javier
Published: August 2024

A randomized, double-blind and controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intake of 250 mL of lactose-free skimmed milk enriched with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) alone or combined with tryptophan vs. non-enriched milk (control) on the subjective quality of sleep in healthy adults with sleep problems. The duration of supplementation was 90 days. Fifty-two eligible subjects were assigned to the study arms of ashwagandha 250 mg, ashwagandha 250 mg plus tryptophan 175 mg, ashwagandha 600 mg, and control with 13 subjects in each group. It was hypothesized that ashwagandha plus tryptophan could be superior to ashwagandha alone for improving sleep-related variables. Changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep quality were significantly higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls (p = 0.014). Improvements in the subscales of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were found in all groups, but between-group differences were not significant. In the index of insomnia severity, decreases were higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls especially in the group of ashwagandha 600 mg. Daytime somnolence was also reduced in the three experimental groups. Changes in anxiety levels and Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire were not observed. The study products did not elicit changes in body composition and were well tolerated and safe. The data did not support the hypothesis, as the combination of ashwagandha and tryptophan did not show greater benefits in improving sleep quality than ashwagandha alone. However, the results from the three experimental groups containing ashwagandha were more favorable compared to the placebo group.
Investigation on the Thermal–Mechanical Properties of YbRESiO5 (RE = Yb, Eu, Gd, Ho, Tm, Lu, Y, Sc): First-Principles Calculations and Thermal Performance Experiments
Authors: Yang Shilong , Wang Tianying , Li Kaibin , Wang Weize , Liu Yangguang , Yang Ting
Published: August 2024

Environmental barrier coatings are critically needed in the future to safeguard SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (SiC CMCs) used in gas turbines. Element doping of rare earth monosilicates could further improve the properties of the coating. The crystal structure, elastic properties, and resistance to water vapor corrosion of Yb2SiO5 and YbRESiO5 (where RE = Sc, Y, Eu, Gd, Ho, Tm, Lu) were examined in this study using first-principles calculations. When RE is Yb, the material is Yb2SiO5. Based on the outcomes of the calculation, we prepared YbRESiO5 (RE = Sc, Yb, Eu) and studied the thermodynamic properties. The findings show that YbReSiO5’s resistance to water vapor corrosion is as follows: YbLuSiO5 < YbEuSiO5 < YbGdSiO5 < YbYSiO5 < Yb2SiO5 < YbTmSiO5 < YbHoSiO5 < YbScSiO5. YbScSiO5 has a lower unit cell volume, average Re-O bond length, and thermal expansion coefficient than Yb2SiO5, while YbEuSiO5 has the reverse pattern. Moreover, of the eight materials, YbScSiO5 has the greatest elastic modulus and lattice distortion. After doping with Eu, YbEuSiO5 exhibits a decrease in thermal conductivity by nearly thirty percent compared to Yb2SiO5, due to the formation of oxygen vacancies. The development of environmental barrier coating materials may benefit from these discoveries.
Fluctuations in Humidity Influence the Structure Formation and Swelling of Casein Microparticles
Authors: Hohn Calvin , Gebhardt Ronald
Published: August 2024

Caseins are a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable materials for the production of functional microparticles. These show a characteristic swelling behavior when they are prepared from micellar casein under gentle conditions using depletion flocculation and subsequent film drying. The typical two-step swelling process is a result of the internal particulate network structure, which is surrounded by water channels. The seasonal and daily fluctuations in humidity during the 16 h film drying process influence the structure formation and swelling kinetics, which we analyze using system dynamics analysis. Microparticles with better and more uniform swelling properties can be produced using a drying apparatus with an integrated humidifier and ventilation system. At higher humidity levels, the casein micelles are less compressed during film drying, which facilitates the initial swelling of the microparticles. Furthermore, the more stable drying conditions in the drying apparatus result in a more homogeneous compaction of the film, which causes similar swelling rates for different microparticles.
An Efficient QC-LDPC Decoder Architecture for 5G-NR Wireless Communication Standards Targeting FPGA
Authors: Mejmaa Bilal , Marktani Malika Alami , Akharraz Ismail , Ahaitouf Abdelaziz
Published: August 2024

This novel research introduces a game-changing architecture design for Quasi-Cyclic Low-Density Parity-Check (QC-LDPC) decoders in Fifth-Generation New-Radio (5G-NR) wireless communications, specifically designed to meet precise specifications and leveraging the layered Min-Sum (MS) algorithm. Our innovative approach presents a fully parallel architecture that is precisely engineered to cater to the demanding high-throughput requirements of enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) applications. To ensure smooth computation in the MS algorithm, we use the Sub-Optimal Low-Latency (SOLL) technique to optimize the critical check node process. Thus, our design has the potential to greatly benefit certain Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) scenarios. We conducted precise Bit Error Rate (BER) performance analysis on our LDPC decoder using a Hardware Description Language (HDL) Co-Simulation (MATLAB/Simulink/ModelSim) for two codeword rates (2/3 and 1/3), simulating the challenging Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel environment.
Usage of Gamification Techniques in Software Engineering Education and Training: A Systematic Review
Authors: Di Nardo Vincenzo , Fino Riccardo , Fiore Marco , Mignogna Giovanni , Mongiello Marina , Simeone Gaetano
Published: August 2024

Gamification, the integration of game design elements into non-game contexts, has gained prominence in the software engineering education and training realm. By incorporating elements such as points, badges, quests, and challenges, gamification aims to motivate and engage learners, potentially transforming traditional educational methods. This paper addresses the gap in systematic evaluations of gamification’s effectiveness in software engineering education and training by conducting a comprehensive literature review of 68 primary studies. This review explores the advantages of gamification, including active learning, individualized pacing, and enhanced collaboration, as well as the psychological drawbacks such as increased stress and responsibility for students. Despite the promising results, this study highlights that gamification should be considered a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional teaching methods. Our findings reveal significant interest in integrating gamification in educational settings, driven by the growing need for digital content to improve learning.
High-Quality Single-Step Growth of GaAs on C-Plane Sapphire by Molecular Beam
Authors: Wangila Emmanuel , Gunder Calbi , Zamani-Alavijeh Mohammad , Maia de Oliveira Fernando , Kryvyi Serhii , Sheibani Aida , Mazur Yuriy I. , Yu Shui-Qing , Salamo Gregory J.
Published: August 2024

We report on the growth of high-quality GaAs semiconductor materials on an AlAs/sapphire substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. The growth of GaAs on sapphire centers on a new single-step growth technique that produces higher-quality material than a previously reported multi-step growth method. Omega-2theta scans confirmed the GaAs (111) orientation. Samples grown at 700 °C displayed the highest crystal quality with minimal defects and strain, evidenced by narrow FWHM values of the rocking curve. By varying the As/Ga flux ratio and the growth temperature, we significantly improved the quality of the GaAs layer on sapphire, as compared to that obtained in multi-step studies. Photoluminescence measurements at room temperature and 77 K further support these findings. This study underscores the critical role of the As/Ga flux ratio and growth temperature in optimizing GaAs epitaxial growth on sapphire.
Radiation-Induced Lymphopenia and Its Impact on Survival in Patients with Brain Metastasis
Authors: Ishida Naoko , Matsuo Yukinori , Fukuda Junki , Ri Aritoshi , Tatsuno Saori , Uehara Takuya , Inada Masahiro , Matsuura Tomohiro , Doi Hiroshi , Nakamatsu Kiyoshi , Hosono Makoto
Published: August 2024

Background: Differences in radiation-induced lymphopenia and prognosis between methods of radiotherapy (RT) for brain metastases remain unclear. Methods: In this retrospective analysis of patients who underwent whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) for brain metastases, baseline total lymphocyte count (TLC) data were obtained within 2 weeks before RT initiation. Follow-up TLC data were evaluated at 0–2, 2–4, and 4–8 weeks after RT completion. Persistent lymphopenia was defined as <800/μL at any time point. Results: Overall, 138 RT courses in 128 patients were eligible (94 WBRT; 44 SRS/SRT). In the WBRT courses, the median baseline TLC was 1325/μL (IQR: 923–1799). Follow-up TLC decreased significantly to 946/μL (626–1316), 992/μL (675–1291), and 1075/μL (762–1435) (p < 0.001). SRS/SRT courses showed no significant TLC decrease. Multivariate analysis revealed female sex, prior RT, baseline TLC < 800/μL, and WBRT use were significantly associated with persistent lymphopenia. In the WBRT group, overall survival was significantly different between those with and without persistent lymphopenia (median, 2.6 and 6.1 months; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in survival in the SRS/SRT group (p = 0.60). Conclusion: This study suggests SRS/SRT might be preferable for lymphocyte preservation in brain metastasis patients.
A New Approach to Breast Specimen Orientation: Avoiding Pitfalls with the Specimen Plate Concept
Authors: Drozgyik András , Szabó Tamás , Kovács György , Kollár Dániel , Molnár Tamás F.
Published: August 2024

Accurate specimen marking is crucial during breast cancer surgery to avoid misorientation, which can lead to inadequate re-excision and tumor recurrence. We studied the marking methods at various breast cancer centers to create a tool that would prevent specimen misorientation. An online questionnaire was used to survey marking procedures at major breast cancer centers in Hungary, and a tool was developed using a troubleshooting method. Twelve out of twenty units responded (60%). Nine use an institutionally standardized marking system. Less than half of the surgical teams found specimen mammograms to be unambiguous. In more than 70% of departments, pathologists were uncertain about breast specimen orientation. Ambiguous marking methods caused orientation errors in half of the cases, while unclear marking directions caused the rest. Most pathologists (85%) and surgeons (75%) believed that coronal plane specimen mammography would help solve the problem. A plastic specimen plate has been developed to anchor breast tissue to a coronal breast scheme as seen in mammography images, providing clear localization information throughout the surgical process. There is a lack of standardization in breast specimen orientation and marking in Hungary. An optimized orientation toolkit is being developed to ensure consistent interpretation of specimen mammograms by surgeons and pathologists.
Analyzing Species Diversity in Rocky Intertidal Communities over Multiple Spatial Scales among Understudied Eastern Pacific Ecoregions
Authors: Wilbur Lynn , Küpper Frithjof C. , Louca Vasilis
Published: August 2024

Many gaps in our theoretical understanding of the variations in the diversity and structure of intertidal communities exist for the Eastern Pacific. In order to fill some of these gaps, we censused intertidal communities and compared patterns of diversity on multiple spatial scales using several measures in alpha (α) and beta (β) diversities at twenty-one sites in a cold temperate, a warm temperate and a tropical Eastern Pacific ecoregion that were unique in terms of research effort and each with distinct geographic features. Diversity and richness on all spatial scales were compared using area curves, Hill numbers, ordination and cluster analyses, and the Hutcheson’s t-test with post hoc PERMANOVA, which revealed significant differences in diversity within and among ecoregions. Functional group and species richness and abundance were found to be highest in the cold and warm temperate ecoregions, and the functional group richness was second highest in the tropical Guayaquil ecoregion. The Bray–Curtis similarity method proved useful for determining patterns of small-scale intertidal zonation, while the Sorensen–Dice method suggested high indices of similarity in the functional group and subclass structures among all ecoregions.
Assessment of Reliability, Agreement, and Accuracy of Masseter Muscle Ultrasound Thickness Measurement Using a New Standardized Protocol
Authors: Rogulski Mateusz , Pałac Małgorzata , Wolny Tomasz , Linek Paweł
Published: August 2024

There is no validated method of assessing masseter muscle thickness (MMT) by ultrasound imaging (US). However, this is important to ensure study and measurement quality of MMT by US in future studies, as MMT differs depending on the examined area. Thus, this study’s aim was to present a new standardized method for assessing the MMT by US and to evaluate the reliability, consistency, and accuracy of its measurements. We also compared the results of MMT measurements obtained by US and computer tomography (CT). The study included nine healthy adults. The US and CT scans were collected in a supine rest position with the mandible in relaxed position. US measurements were determined according to a new standardized protocol (with precise probe location). The MMT measured by CT and US over a seven-day interval showed excellent intra-rater reliability. The mean MMT measured by CT was 12.1 mm (1.74) on the right side and 11.9 mm (1.61) on the left side. The mean MMT measured by US was 12.7 mm (2.00) on the right side and 11.5 mm (1.37) on the left side. The mean percent error in MMT measurement between CT and US was below 6%. A strong linear relationship was found between the CT and US measurements of the MMT on both body sides (p < 0.001, r ≥ 0.93). The proposed method of MMT measurement using US demonstrated excellent reliability, yielding results similar to those obtained from CT images. We recommend the use of this standardization protocol in further studies where precise assessment of MMT by US is expected.
Glide Path in Endodontics: A Literature Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Lup Vlad Mircea , Malvicini Giulia , Gaeta Carlo , Grandini Simone , Ciavoi Gabriela
Published: August 2024

The introduction of nickel–titanium rotary instruments revolutionized shaping procedures as they were able to produce a well-tapered preparation while reducing operator fatigue. The major drawback of rotary instruments was the high risk of fracture due to bending and torsional stress. Thus, the creation of a glide path has been advocated and recommended by most rotary instrument manufacturers. The aim of the present review is to summarize existing knowledge on glide path preparation and identify areas where further research is needed. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques and instruments used in glide path preparation, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The secondary goal is to explore the effect of glide path creation on the overall success of endodontic treatment, particularly in terms of reducing procedural errors and improving treatment outcomes. An online search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, UCLA, and Scopus databases was conducted, and 116 articles were identified. Eligible articles were divided into nine categories based on what they researched and compared. The categories included centering ability and/or root canal transportation, cyclic fatigue resistance, glide path and shaping time, tortional stress resistance, apical extrusion of debris and/or bacteria, defects in dentine walls, file separation, postoperative pain assessment, and scouting ability and performance. Establishing a glide path reduces root canal transportation, especially with rotary methods. Reciprocating and heat-treated files offer higher fatigue resistance and shorter preparation time. Instruments with shorter pitch lengths have greater torsional strength. Preparation and coronal preflaring reduce apical debris and bacteria. Glide paths do not affect dentine microcracks, file separation, or defects but reduce immediate postoperative pain and improve cutting ability. Randomized trials are needed to assess their impact on treatment outcomes.
Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Using the Indonesian Version of the Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire-15 (COMDQ-15)
Authors: Rahmayanti Febrina , Indrastiti Ratna K. , Wimardhani Yuniardini S. , Jozerizal Sherlyana , Suteja Dovian Emely , Handayani Rani , Wiriyakijja Paswach
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Chronic oral mucosal diseases (COMDs) can significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. Monitoring the overall disease’s impact and the efficacy of treatments requires the use of the Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Questionnaire-15 (COMDQ-15) as a standardized instrument for measuring QoL in these patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess QoL in patients with COMDs using an Indonesian version of the COMDQ-15. Methods: Seventy patients diagnosed with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), oral lichen planus, autoimmune blistering diseases (ABD), and cheilitis were included. Levels of QoL among different groups of disease were compared. Various potential factors influencing QoL were evaluated. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with overall and specific aspects of QoL. Results: The mean total COMDQ-15 score was 20.83 ± 10.07. The highest scores were in the physical discomfort domain (8.76 ± 4.65), while the lowest was in the medication and treatment domain (2.13 ± 1.99). Physical discomfort was significantly associated with gender, major RAS, and cheilitis. Social and emotional aspects were significantly associated with age and ABD, while patient support was linked to employment status, RAS types, and cheilitis. Conclusions: The Indonesian version of the COMDQ-15 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing QoL in patients with COMDs.
Efficacy of Virtual Preparation Simulators Compared to Traditional Preparations on Phantom Heads
Authors: Stoilov Lea , Stephan Fabian , Stark Helmut , Enkling Norbert , Kraus Dominik , Stoilov Milan
Published: August 2024

Background: Virtual simulators are increasingly being introduced in dental education. This study investigates whether virtual simulators offer comparable or superior educational efficacy when compared to traditional phantom simulators. Materials and Methods: Participants were randomly allocated into groups: Virtual Preparation (SIM; n = 30) and Traditional Preparation (FRA; n = 30). Students were tasked with preparing tooth 36 for a full-cast crown during free practice for four days. Faculty staff provided feedback to both groups. Examinations were administered and graded by three examiners (preclinical and clinical consultants and a dental surgery consultant). Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess each training concept. Results: The FRA group achieved significantly better grades in the preparation exam evaluations by all three examiners, compared to the SIM group. Interrater reliability showed only moderate agreement, with the clinical examiner giving better grades than the other two. The questionnaire results indicate that while participants managed with the virtual system, they preferred the analog system for exams and patient preparation. Conclusion: Virtual simulators do not seem to be as good when it comes to practicing for a preparation exam or clinical preparation, especially for unexperienced students. However, they still appear to be useful as an additional tool for introducing students to the topic of preparation.
Blockchain Projects in Environmental Sector: Theoretical and Practical Analysis
Authors: Vaccargiu Matteo , Tonelli Roberto
Published: August 2024

The growing interest in environmental sustainability issues and, at the same time, the advantages offered by blockchain technology have strong connections to each other. This study explores the application of blockchain technology across various environmental domains, such as air quality, climate change impacts, and resource management. The research utilised a dual approach, combining a bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer and a topic analysis using BERT models to assess the discourse within both the scientific literature extracted from Scopus and practical blockchain projects obtained from GitHub. The findings reveal that food security, energy, and sustainable agriculture are predominant topics in academic discussions, with a noticeable increase in focus from 2017 onwards. Practical projects are focused on transparent tracking and decentralised management. The overlap between academic and practical spheres is evident in the shared focus on energy and environmental management, demonstrating blockchain’s growing role in addressing global environmental challenges. This study underscores the importance of integrating theoretical research with practical implementations to harness blockchain’s full potential in promoting sustainable environmental practices.
The More, the Better? Exploring the Effects of Modal and Codal Redundancy on Learning and Cognitive Load: An Experimental Study
Authors: Trypke Melanie , Stebner Ferdinand , Wirth Joachim
Published: August 2024

This study explores how receiving identical information from different sources affects learning and cognitive load, focusing on two types of redundancy: modal redundancy, where redundant information comes from two visual sources (images and written text), and codal redundancy, where redundant information comes from two sources of different modalities which utilize the same symbol system (spoken and written text). Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects design involving modal (yes/no) and codal (yes/no) redundancy, 158 participants completed twenty learning tasks, consisting of ten construction and ten recall tasks. Additionally, they rated their cognitive load by indicating their perceived task difficulty and mental load. Overall, results indicate positive main effects of modal redundancy and negative effects of codal redundancy on learning and cognitive load. Furthermore, significant interaction effects suggest that modal redundancy may counterbalance the negative effects of codal redundancy, implying a compensatory mechanism in cognitive processing for construction tasks. These results highlight the importance of considering both modal and codal redundancy and their interaction in instructional design.
Online Collaborative Learning in Pediatric Dentistry Using Microsoft Teams: A Pilot Study
Authors: Caleya Antonia M. , Martín-Vacas Andrea , Feijóo Gonzalo , Mourelle-Martínez Maria Rosa , de Nova-Garcia Manuel Joaquín , Gallardo-López Nuria E.
Published: August 2024

Collaborative learning (CL) is the instructional use of small groups in such a way that students work together to maximize their own and others’ learning. In this study, the aim was to implement online collaborative learning (OCL) using the Microsoft Teams (MT) platform and to analyze the students’ preferences regarding presential or online learning. Material and Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 students from the Degree in Dentistry. Four groups were created with MT and clinical cases or problems were uploaded for online discussion with each group. Additionally, as part of the course program, the students were divided into the same groups for to carry out Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in person. Afterwards, students completed a project assessment and satisfaction survey. Results: The survey revealed that the students found participation in this project to be useful or very useful. Their experiences with MT were rated as positive or very positive. However, a significant portion of the students (42.6%) preferred conventional face-to-face (FF) problem-solving, while 27.9% preferred using online tools. Based on the execution of this project and the open feedback on the use of MT, we have outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the use of this platform. Conclusions: MT is a highly useful platform for online teaching, offering multiple tools to promote learning in a virtual and asynchronous manner. However, when comparing CL through PBL conducted FF versus online, students still prefer in-person teaching to virtual methods.
Introduction to Pedagogical Possibilities for Early Childhood Education
Authors: Sonnenschein Susan , Stites Michele L.
Published: August 2024

The early childhood period (from birth to age 8) is critical in developing children’s foundational educational and academic skills (e [...]
Chinese Immersion Teachers in the U.S.: Perceptions and Needs in Their Teacher Preparation Programs
Authors: Chen Mengyao , Li Jiahang , Gorke Yongling Zhang
Published: August 2024

Language immersion has been an emerging educational method for K-12 students to acquire foreign languages. Despite its effectiveness, there are limited teacher education programs designed specifically for language immersion educators. Thus, many language immersion teachers have been applying knowledge learned from general teacher educational programs, which are not designed for language immersion settings, in their daily teaching. Simultaneously, language immersion programs, especially Chinese immersion programs, have identified multiple educational challenges related to curriculum design and content teaching, classroom management, and cross-cultural communications. This study aims to address these challenges from the perceptions of six selected Chinese immersion teachers towards their teacher preparation programs via qualitative in-depth case studies. The participant selection considers various education and teaching backgrounds of Chinese immersion teachers to represent a wide range of perspectives. The results show that the educational philosophy and psychology theories and practices, curriculum and instruction, cross-cultural competence, and practicum in existing preparation programs contribute positively towards immersion teaching in the U.S. However, Chinese immersion teachers demand more social-emotional learning and diversity, equity, and inclusion preparation. Potential solutions to these challenges require synergistic efforts from the current teacher preparation programs, Chinese immersion programs, and policymakers.
Pláticando about Love at the Kitchen Table
Authors: Hannegan-Martinez Sharim , Griffin Autumn A.
Published: August 2024

In this paper two Women of Color academics employ and blend Chicana Feminist Pláticas and Kitchen Table Talk methodologies to engage in a culturally rooted dialogue about the power of love in education. They explore their journeys towards studying love, love in praxis, and ultimately, argue that love is a practice for cultivating and sustaining our collective well-being.
If I Enjoy, I Continue: The Mediating Effects of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Enjoyment in Continuance of Asynchronous Online English Learning
Authors: Huang Fang , Liu Shuiyin
Published: August 2024

Although possessing flexibility and accessibility, asynchronous online courses suffer from high attrition and cause unsatisfactory learning performance, leading to a pressing need to understand factors influencing learners’ continuance of learning intention. Based on the expectation confirmation model, this study investigated perceived enjoyment as an extended variable to unpack the mediating effects of perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment on the relationship between confirmation and continuance intention. Quantitative data from 254 learners enrolled in asynchronous online English courses were obtained for data analysis. Results indicate that confirmation significantly and positively affects learners’ continuance intention to take the asynchronous online English courses. Perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment significantly mediate the relationship between confirmation and continuance intention. The total indirect effect of confirmation on continuance intention through perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness and the combination of perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness was 55.52%. Additionally, interviews with five learners revealed that despite limited real-time interaction, they highly value asynchronous online courses given that they promote self-regulated learning, offer choice freedom, foster a sense of achievement, and reduce anxiety and embarrassment risks that trigger their learning enjoyment. This study provided deep insights into factors influencing EFL learners’ decisions in asynchronous learning. Instructors are suggested to improve the quality of courses, provide timely feedback, and design tasks to improve learners’ perceptions of enjoyment and usefulness to further improve learners’ confirmation of online courses and their continuance intention to engage in online synchronous learning.
Reading Comprehension and Linguistic Abilities of Children with and without Specific Learning Difficulties: Theoretical and Educational Implications
Authors: Kritsotakis George , Morfidi Eleni
Published: August 2024

The aim of the present study has been to investigate reading comprehension (RC) of children with specific learning difficulties (SLD), considering linguistic factors, such as receptive vocabulary, morphosyntax, and pragmatics (i.e., figurative language). Participants included 90 students (9–12 years old; Μyears = 10.8, SD = 0.95), 45 with SLD and 45 typically developing (TD) controls, matched on age, gender, and non-verbal cognitive ability. Results indicated that students with SLD had significantly lower performance on RC and across all linguistic measures compared to TD peers. Scores of the figurative language comprehension task predicted RC for TD children, whereas morphosyntactic ability emerged as a unique predictor of RC for SLD children. The two groups utilize distinct linguistic resources in their effort to extract meaning from written texts. The differentiated language profile of children with SLD suggests the implementation of differentiated educational assessment and intervention practices, which are discussed.
Domain-Adaptive Framework for ACL Injury Diagnosis Utilizing Contrastive Learning Techniques
Authors: Liu Weiqiang , Lin Weilun , Zhuang Zefeng , Miao Kehua
Published: August 2024

In sports medicine, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and have a major effect on knee joint stability. For the sake of prognosis evaluation and treatment planning, an accurate clinical auxiliary diagnosis of ACL injuries is essential. Although existing deep learning techniques for ACL diagnosis work well on single datasets, research on cross-domain data transfer is still lacking. Building strong domain-adaptive diagnostic models requires addressing domain disparities in ACL magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from different hospitals and making efficient use of multiple ACL datasets. This work uses the publicly available KneeMRI dataset from Croatian hospitals coupled with the publicly available MRnet dataset from Stanford University to investigate domain adaptation and transfer learning models. First, an optimized model efficiently screens training data in the source domain to find unusually misclassified occurrences. Subsequently, before being integrated into the contrastive learning module, a target domain feature extraction module processes features of target domain samples to improve extraction efficiency. By using contrastive learning between positive and negative sample pairs from source and target domains, this method makes domain adaptation easier and improves the efficacy of ACL auxiliary diagnostic models. Utilizing a spatially augmented ResNet-18 backbone network, the suggested approach produces notable enhancements in experimentation. To be more precise, the AUC for transfer learning improved by 3.5% from MRnet to KneeMRI and by 2.5% from KneeMRI to MRnet (from 0.845 to 0.870). This method shows how domain transfer can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy on a variety of datasets and effectively progresses the training of a strong ACL auxiliary diagnostic model.
A Topic Modeling Based on Prompt Learning
Authors: Qiu Mingjie , Yang Wenzhong , Wei Fuyuan , Chen Mingliang
Published: August 2024

Most of the existing topic models are based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) or the variational autoencoder (VAE), but these methods have inherent flaws. The a priori assumptions of LDA on documents may not match the actual distribution of the data, and VAE suffers from information loss during the mapping and reconstruction process, which tends to affect the effectiveness of topic modeling. To this end, we propose a Prompt Topic Model (PTM) utilizing prompt learning for topic modeling, which circumvents the structural limitations of LDA and VAE, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of traditional topic models. Additionally, we develop a prompt word selection method that enhances PTM’s efficiency in performing the topic modeling task. Experimental results demonstrate that the PTM surpasses traditional topic models on three public datasets. Ablation experiments further validate that our proposed prompt word selection method enhances the PTM’s effectiveness in topic modeling.
Distracted Driving Behavior Detection Algorithm Based on Lightweight StarDL-YOLO
Authors: Shen Qian , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuxiang , Li Yi , Liu Shihao , Xu Yin
Published: August 2024

Distracted driving is one of the major factors leading drivers to ignore potential road hazards. In response to the challenges of high computational complexity, limited generalization capacity, and suboptimal detection accuracy in existing deep learning-based detection algorithms, this paper introduces a novel approach called StarDL-YOLO (StarNet-detectlscd-yolo), which leverages an enhanced version of YOLOv8n. Initially, the StarNet integrated into the backbone of YOLOv8n significantly improves the feature extraction capability of the model with remarkable reduction in computational complexity. Subsequently, the Star Block is incorporated into the neck network, forming a C2f-Star module that offers lower computational cost. Additionally, shared convolution is introduced in the detection head to further reduce computational burden and parameter size. Finally, the Wise-Focaler-MPDIoU loss function is proposed to strengthen detection accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that StarDL-YOLO significantly improves the efficiency of the distracted driving behavior detection, achieving an accuracy of 99.6% on the StateFarm dataset. Moreover, the parameter count of the model is minimized by 56.4%, and its computational load is decreased by 45.1%. Additionally, generalization experiments are performed on the 100-Driver dataset, revealing that the proposed scheme enhances generalization effectiveness compared to YOLOv8n. Therefore, this algorithm significantly reduces computational load while maintaining high reliability and generalization capability.
The Coordination Control Strategy for Improving Systems Frequency Stability Based on HVDC Quota Power Support
Authors: Zhang Guojiang , Jia Yongyong , Zhou Qian
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to improve the recovery characteristics of the receiving grid during DC blocking failures through DC emergency power support, revealing the mechanism of improving the power angle stability of the receiving grid through timely DC power increase and decrease. Based on the transmission pattern of “north-to-south power transmission” in a certain provincial power grid, the actual maximum long-term overload capacity of multiple DC lines is calculated, considering multiple constraints such as the strength of the receiving grid, the stability limit of AC evacuation channels, and DC overload capacity. A multi-DC emergency power support strategy after DC blocking is developed, avoiding the risk of AC transmission channel overload caused by power flow transfer, reducing the impact of large-capacity DC blocking and inappropriate DC power increases on the receiving grid, and achieving coordination between AC and DC systems. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified through simulation.
Review of Phonocardiogram Signal Analysis: Insights from the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2016 Database
Authors: Zhu Bing , Zhou Zihong , Yu Shaode , Liang Xiaokun , Xie Yaoqin , Sun Qiurui
Published: August 2024

The phonocardiogram (PCG) is a crucial tool for the early detection, continuous monitoring, accurate diagnosis, and efficient management of cardiovascular diseases. It has the potential to revolutionize cardiovascular care and improve patient outcomes. The PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2016 database, a large and influential resource, encourages contributions to accurate heart sound state classification (normal versus abnormal), achieving promising benchmark performance (accuracy: 99.80%; sensitivity: 99.70%; specificity: 99.10%; and score: 99.40%). This study reviews recent advances in analytical techniques applied to this database, and 104 publications on PCG signal analysis are retrieved. These techniques encompass heart sound preprocessing, signal segmentation, feature extraction, and heart sound state classification. Specifically, this study summarizes methods such as signal filtering and denoising; heart sound segmentation using hidden Markov models and machine learning; feature extraction in the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains; and state-of-the-art heart sound state recognition techniques. Additionally, it discusses electrocardiogram (ECG) feature extraction and joint PCG and ECG heart sound state recognition. Despite significant technical progress, challenges remain in large-scale high-quality data collection, model interpretability, and generalizability. Future directions include multi-modal signal fusion, standardization and validation, automated interpretation for decision support, real-time monitoring, and longitudinal data analysis. Continued exploration and innovation in heart sound signal analysis are essential for advancing cardiac care, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing user trust and acceptance.