bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marginal Bone Loss Around Bone-Level and Tissue-Level Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Elkattan Ahmed , Torres-Velázquez Natalia , Blázquez-Hinarejos Mónica , Egido-Moreno Sonia , Ayuso-Montero Raúl , Roselló-Llabrés Xavier , López-López José
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on marginal bone loss (MBL) in dental implants, enhancing the understanding and management of both bone-level and tissue-level implants. Methods: MEDLINE-PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant English articles (up to April 2024), assessing the MBL as the primary outcome. The relevant data were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of implant neck design. Results: A total of 17 studies were included for qualitative analysis. Out of the 21 articles included, 15 studies established a statistically significant difference in MBL between the study groups; however, the differences were not found to be clinically relevant. Bone-level implants with platform-switched abutments in most of the cases showed better marginal bone stability compared to tissue-level implants or bone-level implants with matching abutments. Seven RCT studies were evaluated for the MBL between bone-level and tissue-level implants. The difference in MBL between bone-level implants and tissue-level implants was statistically significant, with a greater loss of bone in bone-level implants (Mean Difference: 0.11, 95% CI:0.02 to 0.19, p = 0.01 and I2 heterogeneity: 81%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This review underscores the need for standardized measurement techniques, consideration of patient-specific factors in clinical decision-making, and further long-term studies to optimize dental implant success and patient outcomes.
Impact of Mining Disturbance on Highway Sustainability: A Case Study of Aleksinac Mine Area, Serbia
Authors: Vušović Nenad M. , Hejmanowski Ryszard , Vlahović Milica M.
Published: February 2025

Underground coal mining in expansive basins has led to land subsidence, posing significant threats to the aboveground structures and the environment. Addressing this issue is paramount, necessitating accurate and reliable prediction methods. This study introduces a novel approach to forecast subsidence and deformations along Highway E75, Belgrade–Niš, situated in the influence zone of the Morava Pit at the Aleksinac mine. The prognostic calculation was conducted using the MITSOUKO software package rooted in the stochastic Patric-Stojanović method, and based on the obtained results, a spatial analysis within the geographic information system (GIS) was performed. Additionally, the sustainability of the highway segment affected by mining activities was evaluated. The data from geodetic measurements indicate that the developed model demonstrates exceptional proficiency in simulating mine subsidence and deformation processes. Precise forecasts of subsidence and deformation, along with accurate risk assessments, are essential prerequisites for developing and implementing effective measures to mitigate the impacts of mine-induced subsidence on highways. This investigation could play a vital role in the feasibility assessment of reopening the Aleksinac mine, potentially presenting lucrative and environmentally sound solutions amidst current energy challenges.
Stopping Power of Iron for Protons: Theoretical Calculations from Very Low to High Energies
Authors: Peralta Jesica P. , Mendez Alejandra M. P. , Mitnik Dario M. , Montanari Claudia C.
Published: February 2025

The energy loss in iron can serve as valuable knowledge due to its extended use in technological applications and open topics in fundamental physics. The electronic structure of solid Fe is challenging, given that it is the first of the groups of transition metals with some of the d-electrons promoted to the conduction band while others remain bound. The low energy description, the deviation from velocity proportionality at low impact energies, and the contribution of the loosely bound d-electrons to the energy loss are active featured fields when it comes to the stopping in Fe. Very recent TDDFT calculations have been compared with the first stopping measurements in steel, showing surprisingly good agreement. In the present work, we applied a recent model based on the momentum distribution function of the d-electrons to the case of Fe. A comparison with other models is discussed, as well as with experimental data. We also highlight discrepancies among datasets regarding the stopping maximum and the need for new experimental efforts.
Weighted Gene Networks Derived from Multi-Omics Reveal Core Cancer Genes in Lung Cancer
Authors: He Qingcai , Mi Zhilong , Yin Ziqiao , Zheng Zhiming , Guo Binghui
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, driven by its complexity and the heterogeneity of its subtypes, which influence pathogenesis, tumor microenvironment, and genetic alterations. We developed a novel weighted gene regulatory network reconstruction method based on maximum entropy and Markov chain entropy principles, which integrates gene expression and DNA methylation data to generate biologically informed networks. Applied to LUAD and LUSC datasets, we define a network methylation index to determine whether gene methylation acts as oncogenic or tumor-suppressive. By revealing a stable core set of pathogenic genes, we identify not only genes with significant expression changes, such as CD74 and HGF, but also pathogenic genes with stable expression, such as BRAF and KDM6A. Additionally, we uncover potential driver genes, such as CORO2B and C20orf194, associated with disease stage, gender, and smoking status. This method offers a more comprehensive understanding of NSCLC mechanisms, paving the way for improved therapeutic strategies.
Impacts of Urbanization and Habitat Characteristics on the Human Risk of West Nile Disease in the United States
Authors: Ma Jian , Xu Nuo , Xu Ying , Huang Zheng Y. X. , Chen Chuanwu , Wang Yingying X. G.
Published: February 2025

Since its initial identification in 1999, West Nile virus has spread rapidly throughout North America, exhibiting high spatial heterogeneity. Previous studies exploring the spatial patterns of the human risk of West Nile Disease (WND) in the United States have demonstrated the important roles of landscape and climatic factors. However, relatively few studies have endeavored to elucidate the effects of habitat fragmentation on WND risk, though it has been considered to affect disease risk through its influence on host community composition, vector abundance and human–vector–host interactions. In this study, we investigated and compared the effects of landscape factors, with a particular focus on habitat fragmentation, on the human risk of WND in the eastern and western United States. Our results demonstrated that landscape factors exhibited significant relationships with disease risk in both regions, while their effects could vary between the regions. Generally, urbanization was positively correlated with the WND risk in both regions, while the fragmentation indices of developed areas showed negative correlations only in the east. In contrast, forest area positively correlated with WND risk in the west, while a negative relationship was found in the east. The fragmentation indices of natural areas in both regions were generally positively associated with WND risk. These differences may be due to the differences in vector species and related processes (host-related or vector-related) between the two regions. With ongoing environmental change, this study provides new insights into understanding the risk factors for WND in the United States and the effects of habitat fragmentation on animal disease risk.
A Labor Division Artificial Gorilla Troops Algorithm for Engineering Optimization
Authors: Liu Chenhuizi , Wu Bowen , Zhu Liangkuan
Published: February 2025

The Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer (GTO) has emerged as an efficient metaheuristic technique for solving complex optimization problems. However, the conventional GTO algorithm has a critical limitation: all individuals, regardless of their roles, utilize identical search equations and perform exploration and exploitation sequentially. This uniform approach neglects the potential benefits of labor division, consequently restricting the algorithm’s performance. To address this limitation, we propose an enhanced Labor Division Gorilla Troops Optimizer (LDGTO), which incorporates natural mechanisms of labor division and outcome allocation. In the labor division phase, a stimulus-response model is designed to differentiate exploration and exploitation tasks, enabling gorilla individuals to adaptively adjust their search equations based on environmental changes. In the outcome allocation phase, three behavioral development modes—self-enhancement, competence maintenance, and elimination—are implemented, corresponding to three developmental stages: elite, average, and underperforming individuals. The performance of LDGTO is rigorously evaluated through three benchmark test suites, comprising 12 unimodal, 25 multimodal, and 10 combinatorial functions, as well as two real-world engineering applications, including four-bar transplanter mechanism design and color image segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate that LDGTO consistently outperforms three variants of GTO and seven state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms in most test cases.
Integration of Fluorescence Spectroscopy into a Photobioreactor for the Monitoring of Cyanobacteria
Authors: García García Borja , Fernández-Manteca María Gabriela , Gómez-Galdós Celia , Deus Álvarez Susana , Monteoliva Agustín P. , López-Higuera José Miguel , Algorri José Francisco , Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Rodríguez-Cobo Luis , Cobo Adolfo
Published: February 2025

Phytoplankton are essential to aquatic ecosystems but can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten water quality, aquatic life, and human health. Developing new devices based on spectroscopic techniques offers a promising alternative for rapid and accurate monitoring of aquatic environments. However, phytoplankton undergo various physiological changes throughout their life cycle, leading to alterations in their optical properties, such as autofluorescence. In this study, we present a modification of a low-cost photobioreactor designed to implement fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze the evolution of spectral signals during phytoplankton growth cycles. This device primarily facilitates the characterization of changes in autofluorescence, providing valuable information for the development of future spectroscopic techniques for detecting and monitoring phytoplankton. Additionally, real-time testing was performed on cyanobacterial cultures, where changes in autofluorescence were observed under different conditions. This work demonstrates a cost-effective implementation of spectroscopic techniques within a photobioreactor, offering a preliminary analysis for the future development of functional field devices for monitoring aquatic ecosystems.
Losing Your Sense of Smell: How Bad Is It?—A Comparative Study on the Personal Importance of Smell
Authors: Becht Maximiliaan K. P. , Dijksterhuis Garmt B. , Kamalski Digna M. A.
Published: February 2025

The hierarchical perspective on senses has relegated smell to the lowest rank in Western culture while granting vision superiority. Studies show that olfactory impairments, like vision and hearing impairments, reduce quality of life. Our study examines the perceived value of smell in a student population in comparison to hearing and vision, hypothesizing differences based on previous loss of smell (≥2 weeks) and gender. University students were enlisted in a survey comparing smell to vision, hearing, and forfeiting the senses for various commodities (phone, EUR 10,000, hair, and social media). A total of 200 participants completed the survey, with 52 reporting previous loss of smell and 148 reporting no history of smell loss. Overall, smell was the most frequently forfeited sense. While the sacrifice of hearing and vision remained consistent across various commodities, smell was notably forfeited more for certain items. When comparing groups with and without previous loss of smell, no significant differences were observed in forfeiting the senses across various commodities, except for hair. However, it is noteworthy that smell was forfeited more often for all commodities when considering percentages. Furthermore, females exhibited a greater willingness to sacrifice their sense of smell for USD 10,000 and hair. Smell is valued the lowest among the three senses when asked directly and compared to various commodities. There were no significant differences in its perceived value between those with and without previous loss of smell. Furthermore, females tend to value their sense of smell less than males, according to the surveyed commodities.
From Pornography Consumption to Sexually Violent Practices: Uncovering the Hidden Influence of Sexual Norms
Authors: Leon Carmen M. , Quiñonez-Toral Tatiana , Aizpurua Eva
Published: February 2025

Understanding the dynamics of sexually violent behavior is essential for developing effective interventions and policies that promote safe and respectful sexual relationships. An important area of research in this context is examining the influence of pornography on sexual behavior, which can inform these efforts. This study explores how sexually permissive attitudes and acceptance of the sexual double standard mediate the relationship between pornography consumption and engagement in violent sexual practices among a sample of the general population in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (N = 1003; 50.7% men). The sexual double standard refers to the societal belief that men and women should be judged differently for the same sexual behaviors, with men often praised or excused for promiscuity, while women face stigma and shame. The findings reveal gender differences in engagement in sexually violent practices during sexual relationships. Men are more likely to perpetrate these behaviors, while women are more likely to experience them. Importantly, both lifetime and last year pornography consumption are associated with an increased involvement in such practices. This relationship is partially mediated by sexually permissive attitudes, with a stronger mediation effect observed in men. Practitioners can leverage these insights to develop comprehensive strategies that mitigate the risks associated with pornography consumption.
The Effect of the Corrosion Degree of Prestressed Steel Reinforcements on the Strain of Concrete Box Girders: An Experimental Fatigue Study
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Yuan , Wei Ping , Cao Peng , Huang Hai-Bin
Published: February 2025

In order to investigate the relationship between the strain of prestressed concrete girders under fatigue loading and the corrosion degree of prestressed steel reinforcements, four 12.4-m-long large-size post-tensioned prestressed concrete box girders were designed and fabricated in this study, and prestressed steel reinforcements were corroded at different degrees by the Electric Accelerated Corrosion Method. The same equal-amplitude loads were used during fatigue loading. The relationship between the strain of different materials (strains of the plain reinforcements and prestressed steel reinforcements, as well as concrete strains in compression zones) and the corrosion degree was investigated. Then, the calculation method for the cumulative residual strain of concrete in the compression zone of the test beam was obtained. The test results show the following: the strains of the test beams under different corrosion degrees all show a three-stage development law; the ratio of the strain amplitude of the prestressed steel reinforcement to that of the regular steel reinforcement during fatigue loading basically stays in the range of 0.65–0.75, and the ratio rises with the corrosion degree of the prestressed steel reinforcement; the increase in strain of the compressed concrete is due to the accumulation of the residual strain of the concrete, and the increase in material strain is almost directly proportional to the growth of corrosion degree under the same fatigue load; the calculated values of the accumulated residual strain of the concrete agree well with the test values and satisfy the accuracy requirements of engineering.
Promoting Effective Management of Cultural Diversity in Multinational Construction Project Teams
Authors: Eyiah Alex Kojo , Bondinuba Francis Kwesi , Adu-Gyamfi Lucy , Liphadzi Murendeni
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the management of cultural diversity and its implications for the success of infrastructure projects. It was conducted qualitatively at a multinational organisation, involving twelve semi-structured interviews with participants from Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. Content analysis identifies relevant units and categories based on theory and empirical data. A positive work environment promotes flexibility in decision-making through effective communication, problem-solving, and distinctive familial characteristics. Key success factors include effective communication, team building, strong relationships, language barriers, diverse perspectives, mutual respect, hygiene, safety, welfare facilities, and technical challenges. Successful construction firms integrate changes in cross-cultural team selection, joint decision-making, communication, teamwork, effective people selection, and project selection, enabling consistent high-performance levels across various organisational levels in project teams. Project managers can enhance team dynamics, productivity, and project success by promoting cultural diversity through training in interpersonal skills, language proficiency, and cultural intelligence, encouraging collaboration, clear goals, and inclusive decision-making processes. The paper explores Ghana’s multicultural diversity through interviews and case studies, highlighting its underexplored and understudied topic in gas-to-power projects. This paper has generalizability limitations based on one case study.
Detection of Novichok and V-Group Nerve Agents by Chemosensors Containing Nile Blue Chromophore
Authors: Urban Martin , Dropa Tomáš , Zelenková Markéta , Dymák Michal , Pitschmann Vladimír
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results of experiments aiming for the detection and differentiation of selected nerve agents of the Novichok and V-group using simple strip detectors containing colourimetric indicator, specifically chemosensor Nile Blue A, immobilized in cellulose matrix. In all experimental modifications, the contact of the active zone of the strip detector and respective nerve agent excited an immediate development of significant colouration visible to the naked eye. Alkaline solutions containing various hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates, and/or chloramine B were used to demonstrate the relevant reaction. The proposed strip detectors indicate a promising approach towards the development of low-cost, easily portable, and usable means of detection of the respective nerve agents.
Therapeutic Advances in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Walsh Rachel , Chitnis Tanuja
Published: February 2025

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects the central nervous system in children and adolescents. Approximately 3–10% of MS patients have an onset that occurs before the age of 18. The vast majority of pediatric MS cases are characterized by a relapsing-remitting course with a high burden of disease activity. Pediatric MS patients were historically treated off-label with varying degrees of success. With the approval of many new therapies for adult-onset MS, alternative treatments in pediatric MS have rapidly started to emerge. In this narrative review, we will discuss therapeutic advancements in pediatric multiple sclerosis, including the seminal trials of PARADIGMS, which evaluated fingolimod use in pediatric MS patients, CONNECT (dimethyl fumarate), TERIKIDS (teriflunomide), OPERETTA I (ocrelizumab), and LEMKIDS (alemtuzumab). We will also review the safety and efficacy of different monoclonal antibodies that are commonly prescribed for multiple sclerosis. We will then examine induction versus escalation treatment strategies and conclude with discussions on treatment considerations in POMS patients.
Simultaneously Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Capabilities of Graphene Nanosheets Reinforced Magnesium Matrix Laminated Composite Using Accumulative Roll Bonding Process
Authors: Zhang Wanshun , Wu Jinhua , Zheng Jianming , Shan Ling , Huang Pu , Wang Chunwei , Yang Hailin , Zhao Hongyang
Published: February 2025

In order to meet the demand for structural/functional integrated materials in the field of electromagnetic shielding, a graphene nanosheets (GNSs) reinforced magnesium matrix composite was fabricated using an electrophoretic deposition and subsequent accumulative roll bonding process (ARB). The microstructure, mechanical properties, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of the GNSs/Mg composites were characterized systematically. The results showed that synergistic strengthening of the mechanical properties and EMI shielding performance of the composites was realized. The strengthening mechanisms for the mechanical and EMI shielding performance of the GNSs/Mg composites were analyzed thoroughly. After five passes of ARB, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation were 271.79 MPa and 12.9%, respectively. For the laminated structure, the strengthening is related to the thickness of the graphene layer, the dispersion, and the interfacial bonding with the metal matrix. In electromagnetic shielding aspects, after ARB-5, the SE is 93.36–105.15 dB. The introduction of well-organized multivariate multi-scale macro–micro interfaces increased the electromagnetic wave propagation paths and multiple reflection loss absorption in the internal propagation paths. Moreover, the addition of carbon nanomaterials led to an increase in the number of interfaces, which was conducive to the expansion of the internal reflection paths; carbon nanomaterials at the interfaces also improved the electromagnetic wave absorption.
Phylogeny and Systematics of Oligodon juglandifer (Wall, 1909) with Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Oligodon lipipengi Jiang, Wang, Li, Ding, Ding & Che in Che et al. 2020
Authors: Patel Harshil , Bhardwaj Virender K. , Thackeray Tejas , Campbell Patrick D. , Mirza Zeeshan A.
Published: February 2025

Colubrid snakes of the genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826, are an integral part of the snake fauna of the Oriental region, with at least ninety species. Despite the speciose nature of the genus, most members are elusive and poorly studied. One such member of the genus is O. juglandifer (Wall, 1909), which is known to science from a handful of specimens. It is thought to have a narrow distribution range and is classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN regarding its conservation status. Recent fieldwork near the type locality led to the discovery of the species, which allowed us to review our current knowledge of the species and present molecular data for the species to assess its phylogenetic relationship. Morphological data based on a freshly collected specimen and existing museum material and molecular data suggest that O. lipipengi Jiang, Wang, Li, Ding, Ding & Che in Che et al. 2020 syn. nov. is a junior synonym of O. juglandifer (Wall, 1909).
SAPEx-D: A Comprehensive Dataset for Predictive Analytics in Personalized Education Using Machine Learning
Authors: Adnan Aslam Muhammad , Murtaza Fiza , Ehatisham Ul Haq Muhammad , Yasin Amanullah , Ali Numan
Published: February 2025

Education is crucial for leading a productive life and obtaining necessary resources. Higher education institutions are progressively incorporating artificial intelligence into conventional teaching methods as a result of innovations in technology. As a high academic record raises a university’s ranking and increases student career chances, predicting learning success has been a central focus in education. Both performance analysis and providing high-quality instruction are challenges faced by modern schools. Maintaining high academic standards, juggling life and academics, and adjusting to technology are problems that students must overcome. In this study, we present a comprehensive dataset, SAPEx-D (Student Academic Performance Exploration), designed to predict student performance, encompassing a wide array of personal, familial, academic, and behavioral factors. Our data collection effort at Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan, involved both online and paper questionnaires completed by students across multiple departments, ensuring diverse representation. After meticulous preprocessing to remove duplicates and entries with significant missing values, we retained 494 valid responses. The dataset includes detailed attributes such as demographic information, parental education and occupation, study habits, reading frequencies, and transportation modes. To facilitate robust analysis, we encoded ordinal attributes using label encoding and nominal attributes using one-hot encoding, expanding our dataset from 38 to 88 attributes. Feature scaling was performed to standardize the range and distribution of data, using a normalization technique. Our analysis revealed that factors such as degree major, parental education, reading frequency, and scholarship type significantly influence student performance. The machine learning models applied to this dataset, including Gradient Boosting and Random Forest, demonstrated high accuracy and robustness, underscoring the dataset’s potential for insightful academic performance prediction. In terms of model performance, Gradient Boosting achieved an accuracy of 68.7% and an F1-score of 68% for the eight-class classification task. For the three-class classification, Random Forest outperformed other models, reaching an accuracy of 80.8% and an F1-score of 78%. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive data in understanding and predicting academic outcomes, paving the way for more personalized and effective educational strategies.
Modified Code Index Modulation Scheme Based on Multi-Carrier M-ary DCSK System
Authors: Yu Bin , Jiang Guo-Ping , Yang Hua , Jia Ya-Qiong , Liao Hao , Li Xin
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a modified code index modulation scheme based on the multi-carrier M-ary DCSK system, referred to as a MC-MCIM-MDCSK system, is proposed. In the proposed MC-MCIM-MDCSK system, a modified code index modulation scheme is carried out, which selects two orthogonal Walsh codes for realizing the M-ary DCSK encoder. The theoretical BER expression of the proposed system is obtained over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and the multipath Rayleigh fading channels. Abundant simulation results showed that the simulation results matched the theoretical results. The energy efficiency (EE), spectrum efficiency (SE), the data rate, and the complexity of the proposed system were carefully analyzed. The BER performance of the proposed system was compared with those of other systems. It is shown that the proposed system has better BER performance than its competitors.
The Effect of Financial Market Capitalisation on Economic Growth and Unemployment in South Africa
Authors: Ngcobo Wandile Allan , Zhou Sheunesu , Pillay Strinivasan S.
Published: February 2025

The dynamic impact of financial market capitalisation on South Africa’s unemployment and economic growth is empirically explored in this study using the finance-augmented Solow model framework. South Africa’s high rate of structural unemployment and its robust financial market, which is at the same standard as those in countries with advanced economies, served as the driving force for the study. Evidence for the dynamic link is presented by a time series analysis that employed the VECM model. South Africa continues to face persistent macroeconomic issues, including stagnant economic growth, declining investment, and rising unemployment. Market capitalisation, net acquisition of financial assets, and foreign direct investment all have a favourable and substantial effect on economic growth. According to VECM estimation results, unemployment has a detrimental effect on economic growth. Also, market capitalisation has significant positive effects on economic growth. Unemployment and economic growth are inversely related, thus unemployment has an adverse effect on economic growth. According to the findings, financial markets have distinct effects on economic growth because of their various functions within the economy. It was also shown that foreign direct investment has a crucial role in increasing economic growth. This implies the important role that the financial market and systems have in South Africa’s economic growth. The article advises authorities to keep enacting measures to boost capital market growth to increase employment, while also making sure that other structural issues affecting the labour market are effectively addressed to stimulate job creation.
Simulations in Teacher Education: Learning to Diagnose Cognitive Engagement
Authors: Roeben Meral , Vejvoda Johanna , Murböck Julia , Fischer Frank , Schultz-Pernice Florian , Lohr Anne , Stadler Matthias , Sailer Michael , Heitzmann Nicole
Published: February 2025

Technology has shown to be beneficial for initiating cognitive engagement. In the present study, cognitive engagement was conceptualized by the ICAP framework, proposing four levels of cognitive engagement (interactive, constructive, active, passive), which can be determined from observable student activities. To initiate cognitive engagement, teachers require diagnostic skills. With this study, we aimed to foster those skills. We designed and validated a simulation with N = 213 pre-service teachers to investigate the validity of the simulation. Moreover, we evaluated the difficulty of diagnosing the levels of cognitive engagement within planning and implementing lessons. We used linear regressions for the validation and confusion matrices for insights into the diagnostic process. The study results show a varying difficulty of diagnosing levels of cognitive engagement due to (a) challenges in inferring the involved cognitive processes and (b) different phases of teaching. Levels of cognitive engagement that require inferential processes to identify them are more difficult to diagnose. This highlights the importance of adding scaffolds to our simulation to help pre-service teachers understand the processes of generating knowledge and co-generating knowledge. More importantly, the study reveals shortcomings of the ICAP framework and presents first suggestions for its further development.
Analysis of Different Winding Configuration on Electromagnetic Performance of Novel Dual Three-Phase Outer-Rotor Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Machine for Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Generation
Authors: Huang Mingye , Peng Aiwu , Zhao Lingzhi
Published: February 2025

In this article, we propose, for the first time, to apply the flux-switching permanent magnet (OR-FSPM) generator to the oscillating water column wave energy conversion (OWC-WEC), and a novel dual three-phase 24-slot/46-pole OR-FSPM generator for OWC-WEC is designed and analyzed. The feasible phase-shift angle (PH-Angle) between the two sets of windings, namely 0°, 30° and 60°, is analyzed. The electromagnetic performance of the generator under three winding configurations is investigated, including PM flux linkage, back electromotive force (EMF), open-circuit rectified voltage, inductance, cogging torque, electromagnetic torque and unbalanced magnetic force (UMF). The prototype is manufactured, and the experimental results are consistent with that of the finite-element analysis (FEA) results. The generator with 0° and 60° PH-Angle winding configuration has stronger fault tolerance. When the 30° PH-Angle winding configuration is adopted, it has the maximum back-EMF fundamental amplitude, maximum average electromagnetic torque and the minimum torque ripple, and there is no UMF when a single set of windings is running. Therefore, the proposed novel OR-FSPM generator with 30° PH-Angle winding configuration is more suitable for OWC-WEC.
Exploring the Effects of Carbon Pricing and Carbon Quota Control on the Energy Transition Towards Carbon Neutrality: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis of the Zhejiang Region of China
Authors: Shi Bo , Jiang Qiuhui , Shi Minjun , Managi Shunsuke
Published: February 2025

The pathway towards carbon neutrality in regions with a relatively light industrial structure and scarce renewable energy resources presents a challenge when balancing energy efficiency improvements with the expansion of renewable energy. Therefore, this study investigates the effectiveness of carbon pricing and carbon quota control as regional carbon abatement policies. The findings demonstrate that carbon taxes are less effective than carbon emission quota control in economic growth and carbon abatement due to their weaker impact on energy efficiency enhancement and structural transition in the energy and industrial sectors. Moreover, stricter carbon pricing, determined by carbon emission goals, leads to greater reduction in sectoral carbon intensity but slower GDP growth caused by the accelerated decline of manufacturing and infrastructure industries compared to carbon intensity quota policies. In addition, carbon pricing derived from carbon emission and intensity quota policies increases reliance on domestically imported electricity, which is constrained by the availability of renewable energy resources.
The Development and Comparative Evaluation of Rosemary Hydroalcoholic Macerate-Based Dermatocosmetic Preparations: A Study on Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Authors: Sahlabgi Alaa , Lupuliasa Dumitru , Stanciu Gabriela , Lupșor Simona , Vlaia Lavinia Lia , Rotariu Ramona , Predescu Nicoleta Corina , Rădulescu Cristiana , Olteanu Radu-Lucian , Stănescu Sorina-Geanina , Hîncu Lucian , Mititelu Magdalena
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the development and comparative evaluation of new dermatocosmetic preparations based on hydroalcoholic macerates of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), focusing on their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. For this purpose, rosemary hydroalcoholic macerations were analyzed by evaluating the content of biologically active compounds, determining their antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. Total polyphenol content (TPC), determined via the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, reached 2155 ± 2.45 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight in the 70% ethanol macerate (RDS2) of rosemary from Dobrogea, significantly exceeding (p < 0.05) the values observed in the Bulgarian samples. The highest antioxidant activity (745 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight) correlated with this extraction. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) analysis revealed elevated calcium (119.5 mg/kg), zinc, and iron levels in Dobrogean rosemary compared to its Bulgarian counterparts. Antimicrobial assessments demonstrated that the 70% ethanol macerate (RDS2) of Dobrogean rosemary exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone: 11–23 mm), while its activity against Escherichia coli was moderate (10–17 mm at 30 µL). Candida albicans was also significantly inhibited, with an inhibition zone of 9–20 mm. In contrast, the Bulgarian rosemary macerate (RBS2) exhibited weak inhibition against the tested microorganisms. The higher antimicrobial activity of the RDS2 is likely due to its enriched polyphenolic content, including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their bioactive properties. These findings highlight Dobrogean rosemary’s superior bioactive properties, supporting its use in formulations with antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
A TFAIII-Type Transcription Factor OsZFPH Regulating a Signaling Pathway Confers Resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae in Rice
Authors: Yang Chunyun , A Xinxiang , Tang Cuifeng , Dong Chao , Zhang Feifei , He Chunmei , Sun Yiding , Yang Yi , Yan Sandan , Liu Yanhong , Yang Yayun , Dai Luyuan
Published: February 2025

Background: Rice bacterial leaf blight, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo), significantly impacts rice production. To address this disease, research efforts have focused on discovering and utilizing novel disease-resistant genes and examining their functional mechanisms. Methods and Results: In this study, a variety of bacterial strains were utilized. CX28-3, AX-11, JC12-2, and X10 were isolated from the high-altitude japonica rice-growing region on the Yunnan Plateau. Additionally, PXO61, PXO86, PXO99, and PXO339, sourced from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), were included in the analysis. To evaluate the resistance characteristics of Haonuoyang, artificial leaf cutting and inoculation methods were applied. Results indicated that Haonuoyang exhibited broad-spectrum resistance. Additionally, to explore the genetic mechanisms of resistance, the TFAIII-type transcription factor OsZFPH was cloned from Haonuoyang using PCR amplification. The subcellular localization method identified the precise location of the OsZFPH gene within the cell. The expression of OsZFPH was induced by Xoo stress. The overexpression of OsZFPH resulted in increased activities of enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and POD, while silencing the gene led to reduced enzyme activities. Furthermore, the hormones SA (salicylic acid), JA (jasmonic acid), and GA (gibberellin) were shown to positively regulate the gene expression. Protein interactions with OsZFPH were verified through a yeast two-hybrid system and BiFC technology. Hap5, which aligned with the sequence of Haonuoyang, was found to belong to a haplotype consisting of Jingang 30, 40 resequenced rice varieties, 18 Oryza rufipogon, and 29 Oryza granulata. Conclusions: The findings of this study emphasize the vital role of OsZFPH in rice resistance to bacterial leaf blight. The identification of broad-spectrum resistance in Haonuoyang and the understanding of OsZFPH gene functions provide valuable insights for the future development of rice varieties with improved resistance to this destructive disease.
A Comparison of Different Epikarst Settings Obtained Using Statistical Resistivity Models
Authors: Veress Márton , Deák György
Published: February 2025

The epikarst (the subsurface cavernous part of karstic rock studied in the Bakony Regions, the Mecsek Mountains and the area of Pádis) was compared across several karst sample sites. Since the degree of cavity formation in the epikarst cannot be studied directly, statistical analysis of the measured resistivity values was used to determine and compare the characteristics of the epikarst at different sample sites and, thus, the associated karst areas. For this, the significance of bedrock resistivity values obtained by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was determined by t-tests. The mean values and standard deviations along the profiles of the VES measurement sites were calculated and graphically represented. It was established that the epikarst of profiles with high resistivity mean values is thicker, and the epikarst is of heterogeneous cavity formation (cavity formation is of different degrees) at sites where the standard deviation of resistivity is high. The epikarst of some karst sample sites can be compared by their standard deviation fields since in areas with higher resistivity, a thicker epikarst results in more expanded cavities and a lower water table, while heterogeneous cavity formation causes different cavity sizes and different resistivities. At sites where the standard deviation fields overlap with each other, their epikarsts are similar, at those where they do not overlap, they are different, and at sites where the fields touch, their similarity is transitional. If the standard deviation fields overlap each other, those with higher mean values and higher standard deviation have more cavities and their cavity formation is more heterogeneous. The epikarst with these characteristic features is regarded as more mature because at a lower water table, a higher arithmetic mean of resistivity and a higher standard deviation can be established. The reliability of the comparisons is shown by the fact that those with a more mature epikarst are karstified to a greater degree.
Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Analysis Combining Bibliometrics, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, and HJ-Biplot
Authors: Siteneski Aline , Montes-Escobar Karime , de la Hoz-M Javier , Lapo-Talledo German Josuet , Gutiérrez Moreno Geovanna , Carlin Chavez Esther , Caicedo Quiroz Rosangela , Borja-Cabrera Gulnara Patricia
Published: February 2025

Background: Patients with psoriasis often experience psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety. These comorbidities can lead to poorer adherence to treatment regimens, reduced effectiveness of therapies, and a heightened disease burden. This study aims to explore the scientific output related to psoriasis, depression, and anxiety using a comprehensive analysis combining bibliometric statistical methods. Methods: The study performed a bibliometric analysis of publications related to psoriasis, depression, and anxiety between 1974 and December 2023. This study employed the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm to identify key research topics and used the HJ-Biplot technique to visualize the relationships between publications and research indicators. The inclusion criteria were limited to English-language research articles. Results: Over 49 years, the analysis identified 5059 documents published across 1151 sources. The annual growth rate for research was 12.26%. The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and The British Journal of Dermatology were found to be the leading journals in this field. The United States emerged as the top contributor, followed by China, Italy, and Germany. The most prevalent research topics were inflammation and cellular function, with a significant focus on patient treatment and the impact of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis underscores the increasing of studies on the comorbidities of depression and anxiety in patients with psoriasis. This study provides a comprehensive overview of research trends and emerging topics in this field, offering valuable insights for future investigations.
The Development of a 10-Item Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Care Bundle in the General Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Vietnam: Lessons Learned
Authors: Giang Bui Thi Huong , Matsubara Chieko , Okamoto Tatsuya , Hoan Hoang Minh , Yonehiro Yuki , Nguyen Duong Thi , Maehara Yasuhiro , Sekihara Keigo , Tuan Dang Quoc , Thanh Do Van , Co Dao Xuan
Published: February 2025

Objectives and Methods: We developed a 10-item VAP care bundle to address the high incidence of VAP in Vietnamese intensive care units (ICUs), comprising (i) hand hygiene, (ii) head elevation (gatch up 30–45°), (iii) oral care, (iv) oversedation avoidance, (v) breathing circuit management, (vi) cuff pressure control, (vii) subglottic suctioning of secretions, (viii) daily assessment for weaning and a spontaneous breath trial (SBT), (ix) early ambulation and rehabilitation, and (x) prophylaxis of peptic ulcers and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). The VAP incidence (27.0 per 1000 mechanical ventilation days) slightly and not significantly decreased in the six months after the implementation of the care bundle. Methods and Results: However, the VAP incidence (11.3 per 1000 mechanical ventilation days) significantly decreased when we updated the two-item protocol with interactive communication and education (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although the effectiveness of the interventions via protocol updates with interactive education needs further study, this intervention can make a VAP care bundle work in a resource-constrained and multidrug-resistant environment.
Correction: Aqeeli et al. Assessing the Dependence and Perceptions of the Harm and Addictiveness of Electronic Cigarettes among Saudi University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare 2024, 12, 1289
Authors: Aqeeli Abdulwahab , Alsabaani Abdullah A. , Alshaiban Hassan , Alqassim Ahmad Y. , Alahmar Anwar S. , Sabai Abdullah , Alwadani Saud
Published: February 2025

Reference 13 has been removed from the original publication [...]
New Technological Approaches in Occupational Therapy for Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Lara , García-Bravo Cristina , García-Bravo Sara , Salcedo-Pérez-Juana María , Pérez-Corrales Jorge
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects motor skills, posture, and muscle coordination, impacting children’s daily functioning and quality of life. Treatment approaches in occupational therapy aim to enhance motor function and functional independence through a variety of rehabilitative techniques. Recently, new technologies—such as virtual reality, robotics, and assistive devices—have emerged as promising tools in occupational therapy to complement traditional interventions and potentially enhance motor and sensory outcomes in children with CP. This systematic review aims to analyze the effectiveness of these innovative technological interventions in the rehabilitation of children with CP. Methods: A systematic review was conducted and different scales were used to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality. The degree of evidence and level of recommendation were established according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, with a comprehensive literature search performed across multiple databases, including Cochrane, Web of Science, and PubMed. This systematic review has been registered in the PROSPERO database with the registration number CRD42025630162. Results: The reviewed studies indicate that technologies such as functional electrical stimulation, robotic assistance, and adaptive devices have shown improvements in mobility, motor control, posture, strength, and autonomy in children with CP. Similarly, virtual environments support the correction of facial dysfunctions and enhance social interaction through video games and social networks. While these tools hold significant potential for rehabilitation, further adjustments are needed to achieve more consistent results. Conclusions: Emerging technologies appear to be effective tools in occupational therapy for pediatric CP, with positive impacts on motor skills and functional capabilities. Nevertheless, further studies with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodological designs are necessary to confirm these findings and establish more robust evidence on their long-term efficacy.