bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Patch for Accelerated Wound Healing Through the Synergy of Electrostimulation and Photothermal Effect
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Hu Quanhong , Yao Shuncheng , Wang Shaobo , Liu Xi , Zhang Cuiping , Wang Zhong Lin , Li Linlin
Published: January 2025

Physiological wound healing process can restore the functional and structural integrity of skin, but is often delayed due to external disturbance. The development of methods for promoting the repair process of skin wounds represents a highly desired and challenging goal. Here, a flexible, self‐powered, and multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) wound patch (e‐patch) is presented for accelerating wound healing through the synergy of electrostimulation and photothermal effect. To fabricate the triboelectric e‐patch, a flexible and conductive hydrogel with a dual network of polyacrylamide (PAM) and polydopamine (PDA) is synthesized and doped with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs). The hydrogel exhibits high conductivity, good stretchability, and high biocompatibility. The triboelectric e‐patch assembled from the hydrogel can detect mechanical and electrical signals of human motions in a real‐time manner. In a rodent model of full‐thickness dorsal skin wound, the e‐patch integrating self‐driven electrostimulation and photothermal effect under the near‐infrared light irradiation efficiently promotes wound repair and hair follicle regeneration through relieving inflammation, fastening collagen deposition, vascular regeneration, and epithelialization. It offers a promising way to accelerate wound healing.
Skill‐Driven Data Sampling and Deep Learning Framework for Minute‐Scale Solar Forecasting with Sky Images
Authors: Meddahi Amar , Tuomiranta Arttu , Guillon Sebastien
Published: January 2025

Accurate very short‐term solar irradiance forecasting is crucial for optimizing the integration of solar energy into power systems. Herein, an image‐based deep learning framework for minute‐scale solar irradiance prediction is presented. The locally developed model is benchmarked against two commercial forecasting solutions deployed at the same experimental site, demonstrating superior accuracy and adaptability. A key contribution is the introduction of a skill‐driven sampling algorithm based on clear sky index persistence error, which optimizes the training dataset by excluding low‐utility samples while retaining essential physical features like solar zenith and azimuth angles. This algorithm enables the exclusion of up to 30% of the original training data, resulting in ≈16% savings in computational resources without affecting forecast accuracy validated using a test set of 324 991 observations. The model achieves a skill score of 7.63%, significantly outperforming the commercial models, which exhibit negative skill scores under the same conditions.
Staged Multi‐Strategy Framework With Open‐Source Large Language Models for Natural Language to SQL Generation
Authors: Liu Chuanlong , Liao Wei , Xu Zhen
Published: January 2025

In the field of natural language to SQL (NL2SQL), significant progress has been made with large pre‐trained language models. However, these models still have deficiencies in terms of their ability to generalize, particularly in open‐source Large Language Models (LLMs). Additionally, most research efforts tend to overlook the impact of key column information and data table content on the accuracy of queries during the SQL statement generation process. In this paper, we propose a staged, multi‐strategy framework called Key Columns and Table Contents (KCTC). The framework is divided into two stages. Firstly, it uses fixed prompt content to extract SQL key column information from natural language questions, including selected columns and conditioned columns. It also formats the output of column information. Secondly, it combines variable prompt content to guide the model in generating SQL statements. It uses the content of the data table for constraints to reduce the impact of errors in condition values on SQL statements. We conducted experiments on the Chinese dataset TableQA using several open‐source LLMs. The results demonstrate that our method significantly improved the execution accuracy of SQL statements, with an average increase of 60.29% and reaching up to 91.22% accuracy. This result validates the effectiveness of our approach. © 2025 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development and Investigation of Novel High Torque Density Magnet Surrounded Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine
Authors: Yuhang Long , Zhanfeng Song
Published: January 2025

A new high‐torque density axial radial flux permanent magnet machine (ARFPMM) known as a magnet‐surrounded permanent magnet synchronous machine (MSPMSM) is proposed. This machine combines toroidal winding with magnet‐surrounding technology to create a three‐sided effective air gap, reducing the winding's ineffective ends and improving torque density. The optimized design of the MSPMSM is focused on the magnetic concentrating ring, stator split ratio, winding configuration, and pole‐arc coefficient. A detailed mechanical design is presented to prevent axial movement of the stator, and further strength analysis of the machine is conducted. The temperature rise and heat dissipation problems of the MSPMSM are more complex than those of conventional machines due to their compact structure and high torque density. Existing experience cannot accurately predict the heat generation of the machine, and modeling with the 3D finite element method (FEM) is complex and time‐consuming. A fast lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) method for MSPMSMs is proposed to address this issue. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and tested on a self‐developed experimental bench to verify the high torque density of the proposed machine and the accuracy of the proposed LPTN method. © 2025 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Atypical magnetic resonance imaging features and resolution following meglumine antimoniate therapy in a dog with Leishmania infantum infection
Authors: Nappo Dario , Palizzotto Carlo , Andreis Maria Elena , Zini Eric , Diana Alessia
Published: January 2025

A 5‐year‐old, female, mixed‐breed dog, undergoing therapy for leishmaniasis with allopurinol (10 mg/kg, twice daily) and marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg, daily), presented with hyperthermia and thoracolumbar pain. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed paravertebral multifocal myopathy and polyostotic vertebral lesions; the latter was not identified with computed tomography. Based on clinical signs, laboratory findings and imaging results, a relapse of leishmaniasis was diagnosed. Treatment with oral allopurinol (10 mg/kg, twice daily), intramuscular meglumine antimoniate (10 mg/kg, daily) and oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg, daily) was initiated. After 4 days, hyperthermia and thoracolumbar pain were resolved. Six months later, the dog showed complete recovery, and follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging revealed almost complete resolution of vertebral and muscular lesions. Bone marrow polymerase chain reaction for Leishmania infantum was negative, and although the antibody titer remained above the reference range, it decreased. This case represents the first instance of presumptive magnetic resonance imaging vertebral lesions not detected at computed tomography examination in a dog with leishmaniasis.
The AI Scrum Master: Using Large Language Models (LLMs) to Automate Agile Project Management Tasks
Authors: Alliata Zorina , Singhal Tanvi , Bozagiu Andreea-Madalina
Published: January 2025

There is a high demand across industries for intelligent devices to automate and optimize processes. Generative AI has soared in popularity and it is the first AI technology to be used by everyone. It is already automating junior-level office work, as well as highly complex creative tasks. This paper studies how Generative AI can automate some of the Agile project management tasks, such as reporting and creating requirements that correctly cover the scope.
Towards Improving Behavior-Driven Development and Acceptance Testing-Driven Development Teaching in a University Project Course
Authors: Filipovic Marina , Gilson Fabian
Published: January 2025

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) improves the collaboration between developers and stakeholders following agile software development practices. Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) is an extension of BDD where requirements are accompanied by automated acceptance tests, translating functional acceptance criteria linked to requirements. While BDD and ATDD have been successfully applied in industry, few universities report on teaching BDD and ATDD principles as part of their curriculum. However, there is a need for education providers to teach industry-relevant practices so that junior developers’ skills are better aligned to industry’s expectations. Therefore, we report on how BDD and ATDD techniques have been taught in a two-semester software engineering project, including (i) the lack of observed evidence on the implications of applying BDD and ATDD on the functional suitability of software products, (ii) the lack of engagement with BDD and ATDD from students, and (ii) recommendations to educators to improve students’ engagement with these practices.
Digital Twin Adapted Agile Software Development Life Cycle
Authors: Jaber Mariam , Karakra Abdallah , Alsadeh Ahmad , Taweel Adel
Published: January 2025

Digital Twin (DT) stands as the premier technology within Industry 4.0 used in multiple sectors. Although there has been considerable recent literature on DT, there has been limited focus on the life cycle methodologies for its development. Lacking a well-defined process can significantly complicate DT development. This paper proposes an augmented Agile Software Development Life Cycle as a methodology for DT development.
Analyzing the Impact of Constant Feedback on Hybrid Agile Team Performance: Preliminary Results
Authors: Awan Wardah Naeem , Salman Iflaah
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of constant feedback in enhancing hybrid scrum team performance from a case study conducted with 24 undergraduate students organized in three teams. This research uses self-perceived performance surveys to identify factors that affect team performance. The objective is to enhance team performance by providing timely feedback for reflection and improvement based on identified challenges. Preliminary findings revealed that constant feedback, facilitated by self-perceived performance surveys after each sprint cycle, enables teams to address identified challenges and enhance performance progressively. This highlights the significance of timely feedback in enhancing team performance and productivity. Future work involves leveraging AI tools to analyze communication data collected throughout the study to understand well-being factors and their influence on a team’s performance and productivity.
The Legal Framework for New Digital Assets, Identities, and Data Spaces. Introduction
Authors: Pastor Sempere Carmen
Published: January 2025

The Internet has significantly transformed society, fostering technological literacy and reshaping business transactions through advancements like blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT). Traditional business concepts are evolving as users increasingly engage with digital identities and smart contracts. This introductory chapter outlines the legal frameworks for emerging digital assets, identities, and the Internet of Value, with a focus on the European context, particularly Spain. Despite the rise of Big Tech, which centralises data, there are persistent trends towards decentralisation, exemplified by peer-to-peer networks and blockchain. These developments raise concerns about the monopolisation of digital infrastructure and the potential need for a “new social contract” regarding digital identity and ownership. Regulatory frameworks must adapt to address the unique legal and security challenges posed by cryptocurrencies and digital assets. As Europe navigates this transformation, initiatives like the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation (MiCA) and the Digital Euro Package aim to create coherent legal structures. This work emphasises the importance of securing trust in the digital economy while considering the implications of emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Regulating Market Abuse in Crypto Assets
Authors: Echebarría Sáenz Marina
Published: January 2025

Articles 86 to 92 of MiCA promote a simplified regime to control unlawful disclosure, insider dealing and possible manipulation or market abuses in issuing and trading crypto assets. The tendency to assimilate the regulation with the regulatory background of the ordinary financial market is hardly avoidable. However, the most coherent option is probably to use these references as an ex-post mechanism and not as ex-ante requirements when the ESMA guidelines don’t declare analogous application of Market Abuse Regulations.
Current and Future Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Projects
Authors: Sanz Bayón Pablo
Published: January 2025

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are monetary projects of digital public money at different stages of development, whose issuance corresponds to central banks. It is a digital representation of money with fiat currency’s legal nature. Still, like cash, and unlike electronic bank money, it has the guarantee of a central bank and not a deposit guarantee fund. This means that the monetary authority is responsible for the conditions of its issuance, distribution and value, as well as the network or infrastructure that supports its operation and possible programmability, whether retail (rCBDC) or wholesale (wCBDC). Among the most important examples of CBDC projects are the Chinese digital yuan and the digital euro, the latter still undergoing the study (or preparation) phase by the European Central Bank. The objective of this paper is to carry out a conceptual and comparative study on the development of these and other CBDC projects, providing a regulatory analysis of the consequences that the implementation of this new monetary and technological reality will bring to the banking system, as well as the impact that these digital currencies have on the banking market, the protection of users and their relationship with the rest of the Fintech environment. It will also discuss some of the initiatives taking place at the international level, such as the projects within the BIS Innovation Hub to address different issues that will define the final configuration of CBDCs in the near future.
The Non-Financial Crypto-Asset Market: Copyright in Art Non-Fungible Tokens
Authors: Carbajo Cascón Fernando
Published: January 2025

The market for the sale of art-NFTs is a reality, but due to their diffuse legal nature, there are many doubts about this business model from a legal perspective. This raises uncertainties as to whether it is possible to recognise a property right over the NFT as a digital asset and an online distribution rights model, where the principle of exhaustion is recognised from the intellectual property law perspective.
‘Human Digital Twins’ and Blockchain: Some Challenges and Solutions for Digital Identity and Privacy
Authors: Vera-Arenas Cristian Javier
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines the integration of two significant technological developments: the ‘Human Digital Twins’ (HDT) and blockchain technology, focusing on their applications and implications for digital identity and privacy management. HDTs represent an advanced form of digital replicas that encapsulate an individual’s physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics when using multimodal and multisource data. Their implementation promises to revolutionise interaction with the digital world, offering benefits in sectors as varied as personalised medicine and digital identity management.

On the other hand, the blockchain provides a decentralised and secure platform for data management, offering robust solutions to the persistent challenges of privacy and security in a digitally connected world. The convergence of HDT with blockchain technology has the potential to enhance the security and privacy of personal data and radically transform existing methodologies in identity verification, system interoperability and personal data management within regulatory frameworks.

This analysis is further explored by exploring HDT’s architecture, the challenges inherent in its implementation, and the unique opportunities it offers for advanced identity and privacy management. In addition, case studies are discussed, and future trends and emerging challenges in this dynamic field are outlined.
Flavour deconstructing the composite Higgs
Authors: Covone Sebastiano , Davighi Joe , Isidori Gino , Pesut Marko
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We present a flavour non-universal extension of the Standard Model combined with the idea of Higgs compositeness. At the TeV scale, the gauge groups SU(2)
R
and U(1)
B−L
are assumed to act in a non-universal manner on light- and third-generation fermions, while the Higgs emerges as a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson of the spontaneous global symmetry breaking Sp(4) → SU(2)
L
×

$$ \textrm{SU}{(2)}_R^{\left[3\right]} $$

SU

2

R

3

, attributed to new strong dynamics. The flavour deconstruction means the couplings of the light families to the composite sector (and therefore the pNGB Higgs) are suppressed by powers of a heavy mass scale (from which the Higgs is nevertheless shielded by compositeness), explaining the flavour puzzle. We present a detailed analysis of the radiatively generated Higgs potential, showing how this intrinsically-flavoured framework has the ingredients to justify the unavoidable tuning in the Higgs potential necessary to separate electroweak and composite scales. This happens for large enough values of the

$$ \textrm{SU}{(2)}_R^{\left[3\right]} $$

SU

2

R

3

gauge coupling and light enough flavoured gauge bosons resulting from the deconstruction, whose phenomenology is also investigated. The model is compatible with current experimental bounds and predicts new states at the TeV scale, which are within the reach of near future experimental searches.
Note on the variance of generalized random polygons
Authors: Fodor Ferenc , Grünfelder Balázs
Published: January 2025

We consider a probability model in which the hull of a sample of i.i.d. uniform random points from a convex disc K is formed by the intersection of all translates of another suitable fixed convex disc L that contain the sample. Such an object is called a random L-polygon in K. We assume that both K and L have $$C^2_+$$

C
+
2

smooth boundaries, and we prove upper bounds on the variance of the number of vertices and missed area of random L-polygons assuming different curvature conditions. We also transfer some of our result to a circumscribed variant of this model.
Influence of radiotherapy on cardiac implantable devices and leads—a single-institution analysis and critical evaluation of current guidelines
Authors: Warmbrunn Jakob , Straube Christoph , Haase Hans-Ulrich , Sinnecker Daniel , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Combs Stephanie E. , Schneider Simon , Habermehl Daniel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Increasing life expectancy and advances in cancer treatment will lead to more patients needing both radiation therapy (RT) and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). CIEDs, including pacemakers and defibrillators, are essential for managing cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. Telemetric monitoring of CIEDs checks battery status, lead function, settings, and diagnostic data, thereby identifying software deviations or damage. This study evaluates the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO)/German Society for Cardiology (DGK) guideline, assessing real-world complications and risk factors and analyzing pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead function for their predictive value concerning device malfunction.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with pacemakers or ICDs who underwent radiation therapy were identified. Demographics, treatment courses, and device information from physical and digital records were extracted. DEGRO/DGK risk groups and pacemaker dependency at the start of RT were assessed. Delineation of the devices and lead insertion sites was performed in the treatment planning system. Dosimetric information from the treatment plans was then correlated with reports of standardized device checks.

Results

Over 80% of patients were treated with dual-chamber pacemakers or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and 16.7% had ICDs. One third of patients were pacemaker dependent. 59.3% of patients were in the low-risk category, 29.3% in the medium-risk, and 11.1% in the high-risk category. Thoracic irradiation resulted in the highest median dose to devices. Lead parameter deviations exceeding thresholds were found in 14.8% for the stimulation threshold and 13.5% for sensing. Device malfunctions occurred in 3.7% of cases, both involving electrical resets and neutron-producing radiation (beam energy 10 megaelectron volt (MV) or higher).

Conclusion

Collecting lead parameters in addition to secure malfunctions like electrical restarts and memory erasure revealed a significant proportion of treatment courses with temporary changes, though no correlation with individual treatment plans or adverse events was found. The focus on reducing neutron-producing radiation could be further supported.
Nonparametric CUSUM change-point detection procedures based on modified empirical likelihood
Authors: Wang Peiyao , Ning Wei
Published: January 2025

Sequential change-point analysis, which identifies a change of probability distribution in a sequence of random observations, has important applications in many fields. A good method should detect the change point as soon as possible, and keep a low rate of false alarms. As an outstanding procedure, Page’s CUSUM rule holds many optimalities. However, its implementation requires the pre-change and post-change distributions to be known which is not achievable in practice. In this article, we propose a nonparametric-CUSUM procedure by embedding different versions of empirical likelihood by assuming that two training samples, before and after change, are available for parametric estimations. Simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the proposed methods to the existing methods. The results show that when the underlying distribution is unknown and training sample sizes are small, our modified procedures exhibit advantages by giving a smaller delay of detection. A well-log data is provided to illustrate the detection procedure.
Evaluation of four different standard addition approaches with respect to trueness and precision
Authors: Gössler Gerhard , Hofer Vera , Goessler Walter
Published: January 2025

This work provides a statistical analysis of four different approaches suggested in the literature for the estimation of an unknown concentration based on data collected using the standard addition method. These approaches are the conventional extrapolation approach, the interpolation approach, inverse regression, and the normalization approach. These methods are compared under the assumption that the measurement errors are normally distributed and homoscedastic. Comparison is done with respect to the two most important characteristics of every estimator, namely trueness (bias) and precision (variability). In addition, the authors supply, if not already available, mathematical formulas to approximate both quantities. Also, a real-world data set is used to illustrate the performance of all four methods. It turns out, that, given that all assumptions underlying the use of the standard addition method apply, the common extrapolation method is still the most recommendable method with respect to bias and variability. Nonetheless, if additional concerns come into play, other methods like, for example, the normalization approach in the case of increased problems with outliers might also be of interest for the practitioner.

Graphical abstract
Das Tageshospiz – eine neue Möglichkeit der ambulanten palliativmedizinischen Versorgung
Authors: Kaiser Ulrich , Kaiser Florian , Kaiser Felix , Fiedler Moritz , Hoffmann Ana , Vehling-Kaiser Ursula
Published: January 2025

Es bestehen hinsichtlich der sozialen Isolation und der gesellschaftlichen Reintegration von Palliativpatienten immer noch Defizite in der palliativmedizinischen Versorgung. Zusätzlich dürfen auch die Probleme der pflegenden Angehörigen nicht unberücksichtigt bleiben. Das in Deutschland noch recht junge Versorgungsmodell Tageshospize könnte diesen Problemen entgegenwirken, erfordert aber bestimmte Voraussetzungen (u. a. personell, strukturell, inhaltlich). Einheitliche Zertifizierungen für Tageshospize in Deutschland stehen zurzeit noch aus. Erste Empfehlungen existieren zwar bereits, weitere wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen und Begleitprogramme zum Verlauf und den Erfahrungswerten von Tageshospizen sind jedoch notwendig.
Evaluating smartphone-based 3D imaging techniques for clinical application in oral and maxillofacial surgery: A comparative study with the vectra M5
Authors: Hartmann Robin , Weiherer Maximilian , Nieberle Felix , Palm Christoph , Brébant Vanessa , Prantl Lukas , Lamby Philipp , Reichert Torsten E. , Taxis Jürgen , Ettl Tobias
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify the applicability of smartphone-based three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging for clinical use in oral and maxillofacial surgery, comparing two smartphone-based approaches to the gold standard.

Methods

Facial surface models (SMs) were generated for 30 volunteers (15 men, 15 women) using the Vectra M5 (Canfield Scientific, USA), the TrueDepth camera of the iPhone 14 Pro (Apple Inc., USA), and the iPhone 14 Pro with photogrammetry. Smartphone-based SMs were superimposed onto Vectra-based SMs. Linear measurements and volumetric evaluations were performed to evaluate surface-to-surface deviation. To assess inter-observer reliability, all measurements were performed independently by a second observer. Statistical analyses included Bland–Altman analyses, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples, and Intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

Photogrammetry-based SMs exhibited an overall landmark-to-landmark deviation of M = 0.8 mm (SD =  ± 0.58 mm, n = 450), while TrueDepth-based SMs displayed a deviation of M = 1.1 mm (SD =  ± 0.72 mm, n = 450). The mean volumetric difference for photogrammetry-based SMs was M = 1.8 cc (SD =  ± 2.12 cc, n = 90), and M = 3.1 cc (SD =  ± 2.64 cc, n = 90) for TrueDepth-based SMs. When comparing the two approaches, most landmark-to-landmark measurements demonstrated 95% Bland–Altman limits of agreement (LoA) of ≤ 2 mm. Volumetric measurements revealed LoA > 2 cc. Photogrammetry-based measurements demonstrated higher inter-observer reliability for overall landmark-to-landmark deviation.

Conclusion

Both approaches for smartphone-based 3D surface imaging exhibit potential in capturing the face. Photogrammetry-based SMs demonstrated superior alignment and volumetric accuracy with Vectra-based SMs than TrueDepth-based SMs.
Salinity-dependent effects of integrated biofloc technology on reproductive performance, biological responses, and offspring quality in red tilapia aquaculture
Authors: Sallam Ghada R. , Basuini Mohammed F. El , Fahmy Amal F. , Al-Absawey Mohamed A. , Habib Yusuf Jibril , Mustafa Rahma Ahmed , Fayed Walied M. , El-Sayed Abdel-Fattah M. , Shehata Akram Ismael
Published: January 2025

The study aims to evaluate the reproductive performance, serum biochemical indices, growth, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of Florida Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) progeny reared at different salinity levels within biofloc technology (BFT) systems, focusing on egg production, fertilization rates, tolerance to oxidative stress, and offspring performance. Broodstock reared in biofloc systems (BF) were compared to those in clear water (Without biofloc, WBF) across three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36‰) over a 7-month period. The study also assessed the tolerance of fry reared in biofloc systems to direct transfer to high salinity (36‰) without prior acclimatization. A total of 216 females (initial body weight: 182 ± 1.8 g) and 72 males (initial body weight: 201 ± 0.88 g) were randomly assigned to 18 concrete tanks (2 × 6 × 1 m) to investigate the effects of BFT on spawning performance and larval survival under high-salinity conditions. The findings indicated that appropriate salinity (18‰) in BFT systems positively affected reproductive efficiency, enhanced immunological parameters, and improved growth performance, but elevated salinity levels (36‰) led to reduced reproductive success and hindered growth performance. Florida red tilapia thrive in water quality conditions that are within acceptable limits. High salinity environments led to increased dissolved oxygen but reduced pH, especially in BFT ponds. BFT improved reproductive performance, reduced spawning time, and increased egg production. It also improved hatchability, larval quality, and yolk sac absorption. The BFT broodstock showed higher levels of key proteins (total protein, albumin, and globulin) and improved immune parameters, which helped counteract the negative effects of elevated salinity and enhanced their overall health and stress tolerance. In high-salinity environments, offspring in BFT systems showed higher survival rates and growth rates. In conclusion, BFT improves the reproductive performance, growth, and immune response of Florida red tilapia under high salinity. It enhances egg production, hatchability, and larval survival, while also improving water quality and immune function, making it a sustainable solution for tilapia aquaculture in saline environments.
Developing the Mental Effort and Load–Translingual Scale (MEL-TS) as a Foundation for Translingual Research in Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Endres Tino , Bender Lisa , Sepp Stoo , Zhang Shirong , David Louise , Trypke Melanie , Lieck Dwayne , Désiron Juliette C. , Bohm Johanna , Weissgerber Sophia , Castro-Alonso Juan Cristobal , Paas Fred
Published: January 2025

Assessing cognitive demand is crucial for research on self-regulated learning; however, discrepancies in translating essential concepts across languages can hinder the comparison of research findings. Different languages often emphasize various components and interpret certain constructs differently. This paper aims to develop a translingual set of items distinguishing between intentionally invested mental effort and passively perceived mental load as key differentiations of cognitive demand in a broad range of learning situations, as they occur in self-regulated learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, we evaluated the content, criterion, convergent, and incremental validity of this scale in different languages. To establish content validity, we conducted qualitative interviews with bilingual participants who discussed their understanding of mental effort and load. These participants translated and back-translated established and new items from the cognitive-demand literature into English, Dutch, Spanish, German, Chinese, and French. To establish criterion validity, we conducted preregistered experiments using the English, Chinese, and German versions of the scale. Within those experiments, we validated the translated items using established demand manipulations from the cognitive load literature with first-language participants. In a within-subjects design with eight measurements (N = 131), we demonstrated the scale’s criterion validity by showing sensitivity to differences in task complexity, extraneous load manipulation, and motivation for complex tasks. We found evidence for convergent and incremental validity shown by medium-size correlations with established cognitive load measures. We offer a set of translated and validated items as a common foundation for translingual research. As best practice, we recommend four items within a reference point evaluation.
Parent Concerns Around Road Safety of Children En Route to School—A Study from the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Sinclair Marion , Du Plessis Sophia W. F. , Jansen Ada I. , Mboko Lewis
Published: January 2025

This study investigates parental concerns about the safety of children en route to school in the Western Cape, South Africa, through a survey conducted across nineteen school locations in high- and low-pedestrian crash areas. The density of crash locations closely correlated with low- and higher-income areas. The research reveals a high level of concern among parents in both types of areas, with significantly greater worry prevalent in lower-income neighbourhoods. Although the mode of transportation varied between the two groups, both expressed concerns about their children’s journeys. Notably, these concerns extended beyond traffic safety to include personal security issues related to criminal activity in the neighbourhood. Compared to international studies, parents in this study were more worried about speeding and drunk drivers than general traffic conditions. The study also highlights a stark reality: many parents, especially in lower-income areas, are unable to change their children’s commuting conditions despite their high levels of concern, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. This research emphasises the importance of incorporating parental perspectives in developing strategies to enhance child pedestrian safety.
Finding Strength Amidst the Crisis: Student Parent Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zeanah Paula D. , Lin Hung-Chu , Bergeron Megan A. , Ackel Kaylee , Olivier Dianne F. , Rholdon Roger D. , Templet Tricia A.
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to college students, with students who are parents at risk for amplified difficulties due to the dual responsibilities of parenting and pursuing higher education, but there are few studies that compare the experiences of student parents with non-parenting college students. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional approach to compare the needs, concerns, and resources of student parents (n = 167) to those of non-parent students (n = 617) at a mid-sized public university in the Gulf South. Data were collected during the Spring 2021 semester using the Higher Education Student and Student Parent Survey (HESSPS). Overall, a greater proportion of student-parents reported resource awareness, receiving social support, and positive experiences with the pandemic compared to non-parent students; significantly more non-parent students reported financial insecurity, academic difficulties, psychosocial and emotional health issues, and negative pandemic-related experiences. However, when the two groups were divided by age (<25 vs >=25 years), older student parents retained the highest proportion reporting social support and positive pandemic experiences and also had lowest proportion reporting academic difficulties. In contrast, young student parents had the greatest proportion reporting academic difficulties and financial and housing insecurity. Recognizing the heterogeneity of student parents, including their strengths in times of crisis, is critical for addressing equity gaps in higher education and for informing targeted policies and resources so these under-recognized students can accomplish their educational and family goals.
Chinese University Major Decision and Its Effect on Wages: Modeling Interaction Between Major Specificity and Education-Job Relevancy Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Hang Tian , Zhou Yong
Published: January 2025

China’s expanding access to higher education and economic slowdown have resulted in growing social concerns about employment opportunities for fresh graduates. This study investigates the effect of choice of major on starting wages in the Chinese labor market. Analyzing a sample of 45,000 observations from Nanjing, China, we use machine learning techniques to uncover a significant interaction between major specificity (i.e. the specificity of the knowledge and skills each major entails) and education-job relevancy in determining wages. We first take the OLS and Heckman models as the baseline, before employing the KNN and Random Forest model fits. The interaction is then measured by the adjusted Friedman’s H-index and finally visualized by network plots and thermal graphs. This research achieves three goals. First, we find that family background, measured by hukou and/or parent education, has no significant impact on major selection and university tier. This finding not only address potential endogeneity concerns, but also has important implications for the study of class mobility in contemporary China. Specifically, it indicates that the impact of the rural-urban social stratification created by the hukou policy has diminished, and that China’s higher education system facilitates social equity. Second, this is the first study to use innovative methods to examine the pricing of 206 specific majors in the Chinese labor market. Third, this research provides guidance for individuals choosing their major, governments concerned with educational resource allocation and employment opportunities, and foreign scholars with limited knowledge of China’s graduate job market.
Electrospun PVC/Graphene Composite Nanosponges for Oil Spill Cleanup
Authors: El-Messiry Magdi , Al-Oufy Affaf , Fadel Nermin
Published: January 2025

Oil spills in aquatic environments are catastrophic events that pose a significant global environmental challenge. This study addresses these issues by developing innovative poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanofiber mats enhanced with nanographene particles, leveraging their exceptional surface area and unique graphene properties. Recent advances in graphene technology have highlighted its versatility in various fields; however, this work uniquely applies these advancements to oil spill remediation. Embedding nanographene particles into PVC nanofibers using electrospinning resulted in a significant enhancement in mechanical properties and functionality. The nanographene particles were synthesized and incorporated into an aqueous PVC solution at varying concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight). The electrospinning technology produced PVC nanofibers with graphene, resulting in nano-rough surfaces, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The nanofiber mats exhibited a remarkable 210% increase in tensile strength at a graphene concentration of 1.5% compared to pure PVC mats, demonstrating the enhanced mechanical performance of the material. Moreover, these nanocomposites exhibited improved oil-spreading kinetics, positioning them highly effective for oil sorption applications. This study presents a novel integration of graphene and PVC nanofibers to create multifunctional materials tailored for environmental remediation. This highlights the potential of nanographene to significantly enhance the mechanical and functional properties of PVC nanofibers, thereby providing a foundation for future advancements in hybrid nanocomposite materials for sustainable and practical applications.
Incised stone artefacts from the Levantine Middle Palaeolithic and human behavioural complexity
Authors: Goder-Goldberger Mae , Marreiros João , Paixão Eduardo , Hovers Erella
Published: January 2025

In recent years, archaeological research has demonstrated the presence of abstract non-utilitarian behaviour amongst palaeolithic hominins, fuelling discussions concerning the origin and implications of such complex behaviours. A key component in these discussions is the aesthetic and symbolic character of intentionally incised artefacts. In this study, we emphasize the geometry of the incisions as clues to intentionality. Using 3D surface analysis, we characterised incisions found on a Levallois core from Manot cave, and on a flake and retouched blade from Amud cave. In addition, we applied the same methodology to the previously published engraved Levallois core from Qafzeh and the plaquette from Quneitra. The incisions on the Manot, Qafzeh and Quneitra artefacts show similar geometric characteristics. Notably in each of these cases, the incisions form patterns that align with the artefact’s surface topography and shape. In contrast, the incisions on the Amud artefacts are shallower, with no clear orientation or patterning. The methodology applied thus creates a comparative context for MP incised items, reinforcing the interpretation of the Manot, Qafzeh and Quneitra artefacts as deliberate engravings, whereas the marks on the items from Amud are consistent with their functional use as abraders. While the Qafzeh, Quneitra and Manot items are isolated initiatives in their chronological and geographic contexts, the shared traits of the intentional engravings underscore their predetermined nature.
The Effectiveness of Body Image Flexibility Interventions in Youth: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brichacek Anna L. , Neill James T. , Murray Kristen , Rieger Elizabeth , Watsford Clare
Published: January 2025

Prevention programs that focus on enhancing positive body image may improve health and well-being in young people. Body image flexibility is a promising prevention approach, although its application with youth has yet to be comprehensively investigated. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of body image flexibility interventions among adolescents and emerging adults. There were 23 eligible studies (N = 2764, 91.3% female) published between 2004 and 2024. Random effects meta-analyses indicated that body image flexibility interventions led to immediate, g = 0.52 (13 studies, n = 1,045), and sustained, g = 0.27 (8 studies, n = 608, 1-week to 24-month follow-up) improvements in health outcomes and protected against adverse effects of body image threats, g = 0.33 (7 studies, n = 480), relative to no/minimal intervention controls. Improvements were largely attributable to reductions in body image concerns. Comparison with other evidence-based interventions, including cognitive and dissonance-based programs, suggested comparable effects. Randomized trials and universal programs demonstrated smaller improvements, and there was evidence of potential publication bias. Conclusions are thus limited by the quantity and quality of existing studies, with most focusing on emerging adult females. Recommendations are provided to address these limitations in future research and strengthen the reliability and generalizability of results.
Kontroversen im Konsens: Die Antiterrordatei zwischen Versicherheitlichung und Politisierung
Authors: Ahmed Reem , Kahl Martin
Published: January 2025

Die seit dem Jahr 2001 in Deutschland erlassenen Gesetze und Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung des internationalen Terrorismus sind weiterhin in Kraft und wurden kontinuierlich erweitert. Der Beitrag geht am Beispiel der Antiterrordatei der Frage nach, welche Faktoren dazu beigetragen haben, dass bestehende Gesetze und Maßnahmen trotz fehlender Wirksamkeitsnachweise nicht wieder aufgehoben worden sind. Er untersucht unter Verwendung des Politisierungsansatzes die Bundestagsdebatten zu der Datei sowie die Berichterstattung über sie in zwei überregionalen Tageszeitungen. Die Untersuchung kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass im Bundestag ein breiter parteiübergreifender Konsens hinsichtlich der grundsätzlichen Notwendigkeit der Datei bestand – eine Ausnahme bildete PDS/DIE LINKE – und Differenzen sich allein auf ihre Ausgestaltung bezogen. Die Medien spiegelten diese politischen Positionen lediglich wider und traten nicht als Agenda-Setter für eine breitere öffentliche Debatte über die Datei auf. Die Entscheidungsfindung zur Antiterrordatei ist zwar der normalen Politik nicht entzogen worden, wie der Versicherheitlichungsansatz nahelegen würde, auf der anderen Seite kann jedoch auch nicht von einer wirklichen Politisierung der Datei gesprochen werden.
In silico identification, characterization and expression analysis of the shaggy-like kinase genes in Cicer arietinum (chickpea)
Authors: Kumar Mayank , Bharti Ruchika , Azad Gajendra Kumar
Published: January 2025

Shaggy like kinase (SK)/Glycogen Synthase-3 (GSK3) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase present in all the eukaryotes including yeast, protozoa, plants and animals. The Cicer arietinum (Chickpea) SKs structure and functions are poorly understood. Therefore, in silico study was performed to characterize chickpea putative SKs using various computational tools. The data revealed that chickpea has 8 putative SKs that are located at four different chromosomes. mRNA analysis showed that the average length of the 5′ leader was ~ 267 bases while 3′-UTR was ~ 334 bases. The 5′ leader sequences of these genes were also found to contain upstream Open Reading Frames (uORFs) and upstream AUGs (uUAGs). Interestingly, analysis of the promoter sequences of these genes revealed 57 different types of cis-acting regulatory elements, which were randomly scattered in their promoter regions. Furthermore, multiple sequence alignment of chickpea putative SKs indicate conserved kinase domain but variable N and C-terminal ends. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the chickpea putative SKs group into 4 established SK classes. 3D structures of the chickpea putative SKs show high similarity in the kinase domain but variability at the N and C-terminal ends. Chickpea putative SKs showed high structural similarity in the kinase domain and variable N and C-terminal ends due to disordered N and C-terminal regions. Protein interaction network of putative chickpea SKs showed enrichment of metabolic and signaling pathways. Chickpea putative SKs were also predicted to contain post-translational modification sites. Gene expression analysis revealed that these putative genes are differentially expressed in chickpea tissues. Altogether, our study sheds light on the structural and functional role of putative chickpea SKs using computational tools and would be interesting to further extend and validate our findings through in vivo experiments.
Off-board aerodynamic measurements of small-UAVs in glide flight using motion tracking
Authors: Ouhabi M.E.M. , Narsipur S.
Published: January 2025

Measuring the aerodynamics and stability characteristics of small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) operating at Reynolds numbers below

$60,000$

is a challenge. Conventional measurement methods can be impractical and costly due to the vehicle’s size and the considerably low forces and moments involved. To overcome these limitations, the current study aims at utilising an existing motion tracking system to conduct off-board aerodynamic measurements of sUAVs. Six sUAVs, with varying wing aspect ratios, are investigated in un-powered, glide flight mode to establish the utility of the motion capture system as an aerodynamic characterisation system and understand the low Reynolds number effects on the flight dynamics. The trajectory tracking system was thoroughly validated through a series of static and dynamic tests to account for uncertainties and errors. Subsequently, flight trajectory data was collected and processed to extract the aircraft’s force and moment characteristics under quasi-steady conditions. The measured lift, drag and moment data compared well with existing literature and theoretical predictions. Longitudinal, lateral and dynamic stability derivatives were also accurately captured. Key findings from the current work included an inverse relationship between the wing aspect ratio and lift curve slope and substantially lower Oswald efficiency factors, both of which were attributed to low Reynolds number effects.