bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Mammalian facial behavior using Facial Action Coding Systems (FACS) and combinatorics
Authors: Mahmoud Aisha , Scott Lauren , Florkiewicz Brittany N.
Published: January 2025

There has been an increased interest in standardized approaches to coding facial movement in mammals. Such approaches include Facial Action Coding Systems (FACS), where individuals are trained to identify discrete facial muscle movements that combine to create a facial configuration. Some studies have utilized FACS to analyze facial signaling, recording the quantity of morphologically distinct facial signals a species can generate. However, it is unclear whether these numbers represent the total number of facial muscle movement combinations (which we refer to as facial configurations) that each species is capable of producing. If unobserved combinations of facial muscle movements are communicative in nature, it is crucial to identify them, as this information is important for testing research hypotheses related to the evolution of complex communication among mammals. Our study aimed to assess how well the existing literature represents the potential range of facial signals in two previously studied species: chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and domesticated cats (Felis silvestris catus). We adhered to the coding guidelines outlined in the FACS manuals, which are based on the anatomical constraints and capabilities of each mammal’s face, to create our comprehensive list of all potential facial configurations. Using this approach, we found that chimpanzees and domesticated cats may be capable of producing thousands of facial configurations, many of which have not yet been documented in the existing research literature. It is plausible that some of these facial configurations are communicative and could be discovered with further research and video recording. In addition to our findings having significant implications for future research on the communicative complexity of mammals, it can also assist researchers in evaluating FACS coding accuracy.
Deep learning based analysis of G3BP1 protein expression to predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Linshan , Yang Mu , Luo Jiadi , Zang Hongjing , Fan Songqing , Zhan Yuting
Published: January 2025

Background

Ras-GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) emerges as a pivotal oncogenic gene across various malignancies, notably including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The use of automated image analysis tools for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of particular proteins is highly beneficial, as it could reduce the burden on pathologists. Interestingly, there have been no prior studies that have examined G3BP1 IHC staining using digital pathology.

Methods

Whole-slide images (WSIs) were meticulously collected and annotated by experienced pathologists. A model was intricately designed and rigorously tested to yield the quantitative data regarding staining intensity and extent. The collective output data was subjected multiplicative analysis, exploring its correlation with the prognosis.

Results

The G3BP1 molecular marker scoring model was successfully established utilizing deep learning methodologies, with a calculated threshold staining scores of 1.5. Notably, patients with NPC exhibiting higher expression levels of G3BP1 proteins displayed significantly lower for overall survival rates (OS). Multivariate analysis further validated that positive expression of G3BP1 stood as an independent poorer prognostic factors, indicating a poorer prognosis for NPC patients.

Conclusion

Computational pathology emerges as a transformative tool capable of substantially reducing the burden on pathologists while concurrently enhancing and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The positive expression of G3BP1 protein serves as valuable, independent biomarker, offering predictive insights into a poor prognosis for patients with NPC.
Dual-hybrid intrusion detection system to detect False Data Injection in smart grids
Authors: Mohammed Saad Hammood , Singh Mandeep S. Jit , Al-Jumaily Abdulmajeed , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Islam Md. Shabiul , Alenezi Abdulmajeed M. , Soliman Mohamed S.
Published: January 2025

Modernizing power systems into smart grids has introduced numerous benefits, including enhanced efficiency, reliability, and integration of renewable energy sources. However, this advancement has also increased vulnerability to cyber threats, particularly False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs). Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) often fall short in identifying sophisticated FDIAs due to their reliance on predefined rules and signatures. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a novel IDS that utilizes hybrid feature selection and deep learning classifiers to detect FDIAs in smart grids. The main objective is to enhance the accuracy and robustness of IDS in smart grids. The proposed methodology combines Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) for hybrid feature selection, ensuring the selection of the most relevant features for detecting FDIAs. Additionally, the IDS employs a hybrid deep learning classifier that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to capture the smart grid data’s spatial and temporal features. The dataset used for evaluation, the Industrial Control System (ICS) Cyber Attack Dataset (Power System Dataset) consists of various FDIA scenarios simulated in a smart grid environment. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed IDS framework significantly outperforms traditional methods. The hybrid feature selection effectively reduces the dimensionality of the dataset, improving computational efficiency and detection performance. The hybrid deep learning classifier performs better in key metrics, including accuracy, recall, precision, and F-measure. Precisely, the proposed approach attains higher accuracy by accurately identifying true positives and minimizing false negatives, ensuring the reliable operation of smart grids. Recall is enhanced by capturing critical features relevant to all attack types, while precision is improved by reducing false positives, leading to fewer unnecessary interventions. The F-measure balances recall and precision, indicating a robust and reliable detection system. This study presents a practical dual-hybrid IDS framework for detecting FDIAs in smart grids, addressing the limitations of existing IDS techniques. Future research should focus on integrating real-world smart grid data for validation, developing adaptive learning mechanisms, exploring other bio-inspired optimization algorithms, and addressing real-time processing and scalability challenges in large-scale deployments.
Enhancing MaaS user satisfaction through strategic marketing: The synergy of sustainability and service experience
Authors: Bu LiYan , Chen Hong , Pan WeiCheng , Li HeSen
Published: January 2025

As urbanization intensifies and the need for sustainable transportation grows, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) emerges as a promising solution to urban mobility challenges. This study seeks to explore the underlying mechanisms of MaaS from a sustainability perspective and to assess its impact on service experience and user satisfaction. Additionally, it examines how user satisfaction influences the broader adoption of MaaS. To address these objectives, relevant hypotheses were posited, and hypothetical models were constructed based on a comprehensive review of the literature. The interconnections among sustainability, service experience, and user satisfaction within MaaS were rigorously analyzed employing both a survey methodology and structural equation modeling for data analysis. The findings support five hypotheses, affirming that sustainability significantly influences the MaaS service experience, which in turn impacts user satisfaction. Furthermore, sustainability directly contributes to user satisfaction and is crucial for its enhancement. User satisfaction also positively affects the dissemination of MaaS services. Notably, the study identifies a critical mediating role of service experience in the utilization of MaaS, linking sustainability and user satisfaction. This research offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for understanding the operational dynamics of MaaS and improving the user experience.
Predicting real-world navigation performance from a virtual navigation task in older adults
Authors: Goodroe Sarah , Fernandez Velasco Pablo , Gahnstrom Christoffer J , Wiener Jan , Coutrot Antoine , Hornberger Michael , Spiers Hugo J
Published: January 2025

Virtual reality environments presented on tablets and smartphones offer a novel way of measuring navigation skill and predicting real-world navigation problems. The extent to which such virtual tests are effective at predicting navigation in older populations remains unclear. We compared the performance of 20 older participants (54–74 years old) in wayfinding tasks in a real-world environment in London, UK, and in similar tasks designed in a mobile app-based test of navigation (Sea Hero Quest). In a previous study with young participants (18–35 years old), we were able to predict navigation performance in real-world tasks in London and Paris using this mobile app. We find that for the older cohort, virtual navigation performance predicts real-world performance for medium difficulty, but not for the easy or difficult environments. Overall, our study supports the utility of using digital tests of spatial cognition in older age groups, while carefully adapting the task difficulty to the population.
Implementing psychosocial interventions for teachers’ mental health: Protocol for integrating scoping review with teachers lived experiences in LMICs
Authors: Malik Kanika , Reddy Sadananda , Shilla Yasmine A. , Khanna Aditi , Kaurr Ranya R. , Boban Abbey
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Teachers are pivotal in shaping educational environments and student development but face significant occupational stress and high rates of mental problems. Despite the availability of various psychosocial interventions, comprehensive evidence of their effectiveness and implementation is limited for this occupational group, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This mixed methods study aims to conduct a scoping review of characteristics, effectiveness, and implementation outcomes of psychosocial interventions for teachers’ mental health and mental problems, integrating these with teachers’ lived experiences to inform the implementation of mental health interventions in LMICs.

Methods

The study combines a scoping review with insights from an advisory group of teaching professionals with relevant lived experiences (PWLEs). The review will focus on examining psychosocial interventions studies promoting mental health or addressing mental problems among grade 1–12 school teachers of all genders, ages and contexts, except those working in specialized settings, such as special education centers, or disaster- or crisis-stricken zones. Intervention studies exclusively focusing on physical health or job-related outcomes will be excluded. Using pre-defined search terms, quantitative and qualitative research studies, including unpublished literature, will be searched across multiple databases. Titles and abstracts of identified studies will be screened against inclusion criteria, and the potentially relevant sources will be retrieved in full. Data will be extracted using a data extraction sheet developed for the study covering variables related to participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, study context, effectiveness and implementation outcomes.

A purposively selected sample of 10 PWLEs will form the study advisory group and participate in four online workshop-group discussions. The meetings will include a presentation of the scoping review findings, followed by discussions on the relevance of these intervention packages for LMICs, adaptations needed to make them acceptable among school teachers and feasible for delivery in low-resourced settings like India. The synthesis of the data will employ narrative and thematic approaches to generate actionable insights for implementing psychosocial interventions in LMICs.

Discussion

This study will provide comprehensive evidence on the characteristics and outcomes of psychosocial interventions for teachers’ mental health and mental problems. By integrating insights from teachers with relevant lived experiences, the study will provide practical guidelines for adapting and implementing psychosocial interventions among school teachers in LMICs.

Trial registration

Review registration number: Open Science Framework, doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GF59J.
Development of a service blueprint for blockchain services
Authors: Jang Hyeji , Ryu Do-Hyeon
Published: January 2025

As blockchain has been actively applied in various services, a tool for visualizing the complex service processes reflecting the characteristics of blockchain has been required. A service blueprint is a tool to visualize all key systems and encounters in service delivery. Although several blueprints already exist, they have limitations to systematically visualize and analyze blockchain service processes. This study develops a Blockchain Service Blueprint (BSB) specialized in visualizing and analyzing blockchain service processes. A comprehensive literature review and an analysis of blockchain services were conducted to identify characteristics of blockchain services and limitations of existing blueprints. The BSB was developed based on the derived key components of blockchain service processes, so that it has the optimal structure with key elements to visualize complex processes of blockchain services. The usefulness of the BSB was verified by both comparisons with traditional blueprints and expert interviews. The proposed BSB can intuitively and clearly visualize a service process between customers and service providers in blockchain services. Using the Blockchain Service Blueprint (BSB), providers can identify and improve service processes to enhance sustainability, and this study offers researchers cases and a development process that demonstrate the BSB’s effectiveness across various blockchain services.
Optimized PCF architectures for THz detection of aquatic pathogens: Enhancing water quality monitoring
Authors: Kundu Diponkar , Badhon Nasir Uddin , Ferdous A. H. M. Iftekharul , Islam Md. Safiul , Hasan Md. Galib , Noor Khalid Sifulla , Bani Most. Momtahina
Published: January 2025

Waterborne bacteria pose a serious hazard to human health, hence a precise detection method is required to identify them. A photonic crystal fiber sensor that takes into account the dangers of aquatic bacteria has been suggested, and its optical characteristics in the THz range have been quantitatively assessed. The PCF sensor was designed and examined as computed in Comsol Multiphysics, a program in which uses the method of “Finite Element Method” (FEM). At 3.2 THz operating frequency, the proposed sensor performs better than the others in all tested cases, with a high sensitivity of 96.78% for Vibrio cholera, 97.54% for E. coli, and 97.40% for Bacillus anthracis. It also has a very low CL of 2.095 × 10−13 dB/cm for Vibrio cholera, 4.411 × 10−11 dB/cm for E. coli, and 1.355 × 10−11 dB/cm for Bacillus anthracis. The existing architecture has the potential to produce the sensor efficiently and scalable, opening the door for commercial applications. The innovation is in the optimization of structural parameters to increase the fiber’s sensitivity to bacterial presence, thereby improving the interaction between terahertz waves and bacterial cells. It targets bacterial macromolecule absorption peaks to increase sensitivity. Localized field augmentation, which concentrates THz vibrations where bacteria interact more, may arise from optimization. By improving scattering, structural alterations can help identify bacteria by their characteristic scattering patterns. These improvements improve the sensor’s trace bacteria detection. These factors increase the sensor’s aquatic germ detection when combined. In aqueous environments, this results in a more precise and efficient detection, which could facilitate the real-time monitoring of bacterial contamination. Public health and water quality control may be significantly affected by these developments.
A safe-enhanced fully closed-loop artificial pancreas controller based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhao Yan Feng , Chaw Jun Kit , Ang Mei Choo , Tew Yiqi , Shi Xiao Yang , Liu Lin , Cheng Xiang
Published: January 2025

Patients with type 1 diabetes and their physicians have long desired a fully closed-loop artificial pancreas (AP) system that can alleviate the burden of blood glucose regulation. Although deep reinforcement learning (DRL) methods theoretically enable adaptive insulin dosing control, they face numerous challenges, including safety and training efficiency, which have hindered their clinical application. This paper proposes a safe and efficient adaptive insulin delivery controller based on DRL. It employed ten tricks to enhance the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm, improving training efficiency. Additionally, a dual safety mechanism of ’proactive guidance + reactive correction’ was introduced to reduce the risks of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and to prevent emergencies. Performance evaluations in the Simglucose simulator demonstrate that the proposed controller achieved an 87.45% time in range (TIR) median, superior to baseline methods, with a lower incidence of hypoglycemia, notably eliminating severe hypoglycemia and treatment failures. These encouraging results indicate that the DRL-based fully closed-loop AP controller has taken an essential step toward clinical implementation.
Navigating the shots: Parental willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia explored through a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hegazi Moustafa Abdelaal , Sayed Mohamed Hesham , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Alahmadi Turki Saad , Zubairi Nadeem Alam , Elson Wesam Abdelaziz
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Although COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for children and adolescents since 2021, suboptimal vaccination uptake has been documented. No previous systematic review/meta-analysis (SRMA) investigated parents’ willingness to administer COVID-19 vaccines for their children in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, this SRMA aimed to estimate parents’ willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia and to identify reasons and determinants influencing parents’ decisions.

Methods

This SRMA adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023492760). An extensive systematic search was performed across electronic databases including Pub Med, Pub Med Central, ISI Web of science, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, KCI-Korean Journal Database, ProQuest, and SciELO, to identify relevant studies published from January 1, 2020 to October 30, 2023. A random-effects model was utilized to estimate the pooled effects considering the expected variability across studies. Heterogeneity, risk of bias, publication bias and quality of studies were considered and evaluated by relevant appropriate tests to ensure robust results.

Results

Twenty-five studies with 30,844 parents were included. The overall pooled rate of parents who intended to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines was 48.0% (95% CI: 41.0–54.0%) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.42%). The main reason for parents to vaccinate children was to protect child, family and community from COVID-19. Perceived efficacy/safety of vaccines were the most significant determinants associated with parents’ willingness to vaccinate children.

Conclusion

This was the first SRMA from Saudi Arabia which emphasized the priority to focus on vaccine-related factors as main/key strategy of COVID-19 vaccines’ drivers to convince parents in a logical way based on accurate cumulative and emerging scientific data about efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines to optimize their uptake by children/adolescents. This SRMA can provide valuable insights for development of evidence-based policies to improve parental willingness to vaccinate children, which is crucial for controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread and promoting herd immunity in the community particularly if the virus continues to pose a major threat.
Low-power artificial neuron networks with enhanced synaptic functionality using dual transistor and dual memristor
Authors: Nalliboyina Keerthi , Ramachandran Sakthivel
Published: January 2025

Artificial neurons with bio-inspired firing patterns have the potential to significantly improve the performance of neural network computing. The most significant component of an artificial neuron circuit is a large amount of energy consumption. Recent literature has proposed memristors as a promising option for synaptic implementation. In contrast, implementing memristive circuitry through neuron hardware presents significant challenges and is a relevant research topic. This paper describes an efficient circuit-level mixed CMOS memristor artificial neuron network with a memristor synapse model. From this perspective, the paper describes the design of artificial neurons in standard CMOS technology with low power utilization. The neuron circuit response is a modified version of the Morris-Lecar theoretical model. The suggested circuit employs memristor-based artificial neurons with Dual Transistor and Dual Memristor (DTDM) synapse circuit. The proposed neuron network produces a high spiking frequency and low power consumption. According to our research, a memristor-based Morris Lecar (ML) neuron with a DTDM synapse circuit consumes 12.55 pW of power, the spiking frequency is 22.72 kHz, and 2.13 fJ of energy per spike. The simulations were carried out using the Spectre tool with 45 nm CMOS technology.
Intelligent classification of computer vulnerabilities and network security management system: Combining memristor neural network and improved TCNN model
Authors: Liu Zhenhui
Published: January 2025

To enhance the intelligent classification of computer vulnerabilities and improve the efficiency and accuracy of network security management, this study delves into the application of a comprehensive classification system that integrates the Memristor Neural Network (MNN) and an improved Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (TCNN) in network security management. This system not only focuses on the precise classification of vulnerability data but also emphasizes its core role in strengthening the network security management framework. Firstly, the study designs and implements a neural network model based on memristors. The MNN, by simulating the memory effect of biological neurons, effectively captures the complex nonlinear relationships within vulnerability data, thereby enhancing the data insight capabilities of the network security management system. Subsequently, structural optimization and parameter adjustments are made to the TCNN model, incorporating residual connections and attention mechanisms to improve its classification performance, making it more adaptable to the dynamically changing network security environment. Through data preprocessing, feature extraction, and model training, this study conducts experimental validation on a public vulnerability dataset. The experimental results indicate that: The MNN model demonstrates excellent performance across evaluation metrics such as Accuracy (ACC), Precision (P), Recall (R), and F1 Score, achieving an ACC of 89.5%, P of 90.2%, R of 88.7%, and F1 of 89.4%. The improved TCNN model shows even more outstanding performance on the aforementioned evaluation metrics. After structural optimization and parameter adjustments, the TCNN model’s ACC increases to 93.8%, significantly higher than the MNN model. The P value also improves, reaching 91.5%, indicating enhanced capability in reducing false positives and improving vulnerability identification accuracy. The integrated classification system, leveraging the strengths of both the MNN and improved TCNN models, achieves an ACC of 95.2%. This improvement not only demonstrates the system’s superior capability in accurately classifying vulnerability data but also proves the synergistic effect of MNN and TCNN models in addressing complex network security environments. The comprehensive classification system proposed in this study significantly enhances the classification performance of computer vulnerabilities, providing robust technical support for network security management. The system exhibits higher accuracy and stability in handling complex vulnerability datasets, making it highly valuable for practical applications and research.
The cellular response of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in keratoconus human corneal fibroblasts to RB-PDT: Insights into cytokines, chemokines and related signaling pathways
Authors: Chai Ning , Stachon Tanja , Häcker Sabrina , Berger Tim , Li Zhen , Amini Maryam , Suiwal Shweta , Seitz Berthold , Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Rose Bengal Photodynamic Therapy (RB-PDT) offers dual therapeutic benefits by enhancing corneal stiffness and providing antibacterial activity, presenting significant potential for patients with keratoconus complicated by keratitis. Our purpose was to assess the effect of rose bengal photodynamic therapy (RB-PDT) on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as on extracellular matrix (ECM)-related molecules, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of keratoconus human corneal fibroblasts (KC-HCFs). Additionally, the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways which are downstream of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway were examined.

Methods

KC-HCFs were stimulated with varying concentrations of LPS (0–10 μg/ml), which was followed by RB-PDT. The expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, interferon alpha 2 (IFNA2), IFNB1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL-4), collagen I, collagen V, lysyl oxidase (LOX), transforming growth factor β 1(TGF-β1) were measured using qPCR, ELISA, or western blot. The activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways was assessed using qPCR and western blot.

Results

In LPS-induced inflammation of KC-HCFs, the expression of IL-6 was further amplified by the treatment with RB-PDT (p = 0.001). However, the activation of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways did not increase following RB-PDT. Additionally, RB-PDT reduced the transcription of collagen I and collagen V (p≤0.03), while the transcription of LOX and TGF-β1 secretion remained unchanged in KC-HCFs exposed to LPS.

Conclusion

In LPS-induced inflammation of KC-HCFs treated with RB-PDT, despite the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathways is lacking. RB-PDT may have no adverse effects on corneal scar formation of keratoconus corneas in the short term.
Assessment of health behaviors of primary school teachers based on their nutritional knowledge and physical activity: A cross-sectional study in the Asir Region
Authors: Alhazmi Amani , Ali Maha , Dawria Adam , Narapureddy Bayapa Reddy , Hawash Manal Mohammed
Published: January 2025

Background

Primary school teachers play a critical role as educators in imparting healthy eating behaviour and the importance of physical activity to prevent health issues. However, the teachers’ health behaviors have not been studied much, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Understanding these factors is essential to developing interventions that enhance teachers’ well-being and their ability to influence students positively. This study aims to assess nutritional knowledge and physical activity; to determine correlations between health behaviour factors and Body Mass Index (BMI), and evaluate BMI status concerning demographic factors among primary school teachers in the Asir Region, KSA.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 370 primary school teachers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that covered sociodemographic details, anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, and nutritional knowledge. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05.

Results

Among the participants, 38.6% were overweight, and 33.5% were obese, with 76% of married teachers classified as overweight or obese. Only 9.0% exhibited excellent nutritional knowledge, while 25.0% demonstrated poor knowledge. The majority (84.0%) engaged in low or minimal physical activity. A weak but significant correlation was observed between nutritional knowledge and BMI (p < 0.05), whereas no significant associations were found between physical activity levels and either BMI or nutritional knowledge.

Conclusion

The study highlights critical gaps in nutritional knowledge and physical activity among teachers, emphasizing the need for targeted school-based health education programs. Improving teacher health behaviors could enhance their well-being and enable them to act as positive role models for their students.
Perceived stress and coping strategies used by undergraduate dental students: An observational study
Authors: Atif Saira , Mustafa Nilofar , Ghafoor Sarah
Published: January 2025

Studies around the world have reported that dental students experience higher stress compared to medical students. Prolonged and high perceived stress can be of a significant concern as it affects the personal, psychological, and professional well-being of the student, affecting quality of life. The aim of the study was to describe the perceived stress and coping strategies that undergraduate students at dental schools of Lahore, Pakistan employ. This observational study was conducted in year 2023 to report perceived stress and coping strategies among 720 undergraduate dental students of Lahore using modified Dental Environment Stress (DES) and brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) questionnaires. Categorical variables such as sex, year of study (year 1 till 4), and responses to DES stress domains, stress-related items, COPE domains, and COPE-related items were computed into frequencies and percentages. Mean item scores of stress domains, stress-related items, COPE domains, and COPE-related items were presented with standard deviations (SD). Groups wise comparisons were done using Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis H tests. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority of the undergraduate dental students perceived moderate amount of stress. Item “overload feeling due to huge syllabus” had the highest mean stress score (3.49±0.76) and “language barrier” had the lowest mean stress score (1.75±0.92). Female students had higher mean stress scores than the male students in all of the DES domains. Mean stress scores were higher in year 4 students for “workload”, “self-efficacy beliefs”, “faculty and administration”, “clinical training”, and “social stresses” compared to other years. “Religion” was the highest- and “denial” was the lowest-ranked coping strategies. Female students employed “active coping”, “positive reframing”, “religion”, “venting”, “self-blame”, “denial”, and “behavioral disengagement” coping strategies more than males. Moreover, final year dental students used “instrumental support”, “humor”, “self-blame”, “denial”, and “behavioral disengagement” coping strategies more than year 1 and 2 students. Sex and year of study can influence the degree of perceived stress and choice of coping strategies employed to overcome stressful situations. For the emotional, psychological, and professional well-being of undergraduate students, institutions must provide a nurturing and positive learning environment implementing strategies for stress prevention and management.
Measuring self-reliance and wellbeing among forcibly displaced women enrolled in a gender-focused economic empowerment program: A protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial in Colombia
Authors: Stark Lindsay , Seff Ilana , Monar Adriana , Castellar Diany , Mahi Neetu , Roa Arturo Harker
Published: January 2025

Colombia currently hosts nearly three million Venezuelan refugees and migrants and is home to seven million internally displaced Colombians. For forcibly displaced populations in Colombia, and especially for women, gender-based violence (GBV) poses a threat during transit and in their new homes where xenophobia, lack of accessible and adequate services, limited safe economic opportunities, and lack of information on access to services, further increase risk. The dearth of livelihood opportunities also affects forcibly displaced populations, especially women. This study will conduct a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) of HIAS’ Entrepreneurship School with Gender Lens (ESGL), a program that targets forcibly displaced GBV survivors and women at-risk to help them develop business ideas, access needed support for the prevention of and response to GBV, and improve overall self-reliance. The RCT will be conducted within three cities in Colombia; approximately 80 eligible participants will be enrolled in each city and randomized to a treatment or control arm. Survey questionnaires will be administered to participants at baseline, eight months following baseline (endline), and 3–4 months after endline. Outcomes of interest include household self-reliance, mental health, resilience, empowerment, utilization of GBV services, and social support.
The transcriptional and translational landscape of HCoV-OC43 infection
Authors: Bresson Stefan , Sani Emanuela , Armatowska Alicja , Dixon Charles , Tollervey David
Published: January 2025

The coronavirus HCoV-OC43 circulates continuously in the human population and is a frequent cause of the common cold. Here, we generated a high-resolution atlas of the transcriptional and translational landscape of OC43 during a time course following infection of human lung fibroblasts. Using ribosome profiling, we quantified the relative expression of the canonical open reading frames (ORFs) and identified previously unannotated ORFs. These included several potential short upstream ORFs and a putative ORF nested inside the M gene. In parallel, we analyzed the cellular response to infection. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response genes were transcriptionally and translationally induced beginning 12 and 18 hours post infection, respectively. By contrast, conventional antiviral genes mostly remained quiescent. At the same time points, we observed accumulation and increased translation of noncoding transcripts normally targeted by nonsense mediated decay (NMD), suggesting NMD is suppressed during the course of infection. This work provides resources for deeper understanding of OC43 gene expression and the cellular responses during infection.
A single-cell atlas of the Culex tarsalis midgut during West Nile virus infection
Authors: Fitzmeyer Emily A. , Dutt Taru S. , Pinaud Silvain , Graham Barb , Gallichotte Emily N. , Hill Jessica L. , Campbell Corey L. , Ogg Hunter , Howick Virginia , Lawniczak Mara K. N. , Nishimura Erin Osborne , Merkling Sarah Hélène , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Ebel Gregory D.
Published: January 2025

The mosquito midgut functions as a key interface between pathogen and vector. However, studies of midgut physiology and virus infection dynamics are scarce, and in Culex tarsalis—an extremely efficient vector of West Nile virus (WNV)—nonexistent. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on Cx. tarsalis midguts, defined multiple cell types, and determined whether specific cell types are more permissive to WNV infection. We identified 20 cell states comprising 8 distinct cell types, consistent with existing descriptions of Drosophila and Aedes aegypti midgut physiology. Most midgut cell populations were permissive to WNV infection. However, there were higher levels of WNV RNA (vRNA) in enteroendocrine cells (EE), suggesting enhanced replication in this population. In contrast, proliferating intestinal stem cells (ISC) had the lowest levels of vRNA, a finding consistent with studies suggesting ISC proliferation in the midgut is involved in infection control. ISCs were also found to have a strong transcriptional response to WNV infection; genes involved in ribosome structure and biogenesis, and translation were significantly downregulated in WNV-infected ISC populations. Notably, we did not detect significant WNV-infection induced upregulation of canonical mosquito antiviral immune genes (e.g., AGO2, R2D2, etc.) at the whole-midgut level. Rather, we observed a significant positive correlation between immune gene expression levels and vRNA load in individual cells, suggesting that within midgut cells, high levels of vRNA may trigger antiviral responses. Our findings establish a Cx. tarsalis midgut cell atlas, and provide insight into midgut infection dynamics of WNV by characterizing cell-type specific enhancement/restriction of, and immune response to, infection at the single-cell level.
Inhibition of Src signaling induces autophagic killing of Toxoplasma gondii via PTEN-mediated deactivation of Akt
Authors: Hubal Alyssa , Vendhoti Anusha , Shaffer Charles N. , Vos Sarah , Corcino Yalitza Lopez , Subauste Carlos S.
Published: January 2025

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii manipulates host cell signaling to avoid targeting by autophagosomes and lysosomal degradation. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a mediator of this survival strategy. However, EGFR expression is limited in the brain and retina, organs affected in toxoplasmosis. This raises the possibility that T. gondii activates a signaling mechanism independently of EGFR to avoid autophagic targeting. We report T. gondii activates Src to promote parasite survival even in cells that lack EGFR. Blockade of Src triggered LC3 and LAMP-1 recruitment around the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and parasite killing dependent on the autophagy protein, ULK1, and lysosomal enzymes. Src promoted PI3K activation and recruitment of activated Akt to the PV membrane. T. gondii promoted Src association with PTEN, and PTEN phosphorylation at Y240, S380, T382, and T383, hallmarks of an inactive PTEN conformation known to maintain Akt activation. Blockade of parasite killing was dependent of activated Akt. Src knockdown or treatment with the Src family kinase inhibitor, Saracatinib, impaired these events, leading to PTEN accumulation around the PV and a reduction in activated Akt recruitment at this site. Saracatinib treatment in mice with pre-established cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis promoted PTEN recruitment around tachyzoites in neural tissue impairing recruitment of activated Akt, profoundly reducing parasite load and neural histopathology that were dependent of the autophagy protein, Beclin 1. Our studies uncovered an EGFR-independent pathway activated by T. gondii that enables its survival and is central to the development of neural toxoplasmosis.
Capacity-Building in Digital Economy Agreements - The Missing Link?
Authors: Bajaj Pallavi
Published: January 2025

In a global economy that is becoming significantly more digital, digital trade regulation is an increasingly prominent feature of trade agreements.Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs), which foster co-operation with regard to regulating variousaspects of digital trade, typically seek to establish common rules, standards and norms to governdigital trade and to enable interoperability between the digital ecosystems of different countries.
Some agreements also address issues such as data protection, privacy and storage across countries, all of which are imperative to the overall governance of cross-border digital trade flows. Above all, they seek to establish a mutually acceptable and yet easily malleable ecosystem for harmonisation,interoperability and mutual recognition of regulatory requirements and frameworks across partners.
Managing the Reintegration of Violent Extremists and their Families: A Guide to Proactive Reintegration
Authors: Lowe Peta , Stafford Stacey , Sherburn Anna
Published: January 2025

This publication focuses on efforts to rehabilitate individuals that have participated in violent extremist groups to reintegrate them into their community. It looks at proactive strategies that could be used in Commonwealth countries to aide in the rehabilitation and integration of former violent extremists and their families.

Developing successful reintegration programs is crucial not only to preventing recidivism among returnees but also to mitigating further radicalization among the local population and building overall community-level resilience to violent extremism.
Quantitative Analysis of the Move to Paperless Trade
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: January 2025

There are clear economic and political imperatives to accelerate the process of legal reform to enable paperless trade that emerge from the research conducted for this report. At present, the trend forecasts for trade across the Commonwealth to 2026 suggest that on average trade will increase by around 0.2 per cent annually. This is a potential trajectory that will not help to allow Commonwealth nations, especially in emerging countries, to recover from the pandemic quickly enough through trade.
New Strategy NATO kontra mezinárodní právo
Authors: Černoch Felix
Published: January 2025

The current NATO strategy contradicts the basic principle of international law, i.e. state sovereignty. International humanitarian law thus applies only to combatants in warfare. Consequently, it does not refer to contractors, who represent the privatization of armed forces. Everybody who gets involved in a war conflict, either directly or just through cover or support, becomes, however, its participant.
Nejistota, riziko a morální hazard v podnikání a současná globální finanční krize
Authors: Seknička Pavel
Published: January 2025

The article deals with theoretical concepts of F. H. Knight and H. Leibenstein about uncertainty and risk in entrepreneurship. It also deals with the structuring of risk but also the role of moral hazard in the financial sector. Attention is also paid a brief reflection on risk and moral hazard in entrepreneurship and contemporary global financial crisis.
Morální hazard: pohled skeptika
Authors: Borkovec Aleš
Published: January 2025

This article presents a sceptical view of resolving moral hazard. The article comprises the research into financial industry, as well as that into auto industry and industry of services; it also examines interest groups - managers, shareholders, employees and creditors – in connection with the undertaking of moral hazard. The article comes to the conclusion that in the behaviour of managers, shareholders and employees there is, de facto, non-existence of moral hazard and, on the contrary, in the behaviour of creditors moral hazard exists. Nevertheless, moral hazard of s mail creditors (co mm on people) is inevitable. If an attempt to remove the moral hazard of small creditors is made, the creditors respond by not undertaking the action, that is they do not lend money. The solution to that problem is to strengthen bank regulation and offer government guarantees, not to attempt to remove the moral hazard itself.
Assessment of polyclonal derivatives for morphological traits and hybridity analysis using SSR markers in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Jegadeeswari V , Padmadevi K , Vijayalatha K.R , Suresh J
Published: January 2025

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is increasingly cultivated as an intercrop in South India, necessitating the development of high-yielding, region-specific varieties. As a self-incompatible crop, establishing polyclonal orchards with cross-compatible varieties and producing full-sib hybrids through controlled pollination is vital for genetic improvement. Evaluation of half-sib and full-sib progenies was undertaken in polyclonal cocoa gardens situated at Coconut Research Station, Aliyar Nagar and Horticulture Research Station, Thadiyankudisai, under the auspices of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Pods developed from the natural cross and cross-made using caging techniques were evaluated, and seeds were sown to assess the performance of the hybrids. The findings illustrated the highest germination percentage in the half-sib cross CCRP 5 × X (89.66 %), followed by CCRP 4 × X (85.57 %). The highest value for plant morphological characters like plant height (2.11 m), stem girth (15.7 cm) and jorquette height (1.58 m) was recorded in CCRP 5 × X. Among the full-sib progenies, the highest germination percentage (86.1) was recorded by FS 17 (CCRP 3 × CCRP 5), followed by FS 18 (CCRP 5 × CCRP 3) (81.8). The hybridity of the seedlings was tested using SSR markers, which confirmed that out of 26 full-sib crosses, 16 exhibited a heterozygous nature. These findings demonstrate the potential of selected progenies to serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at enhancing cocoa productivity and sustainability in South India.
Trudne pytanie o tożsamość informatyki. O podstawowych sposobach rozumienia terminu informatyka
Authors: Szynkiewicz Mariusz
Published: January 2025

The text is methodological in nature and raises definitional issues related to the development of the concept of computer science. Based on studies in the history of computing, computer science, philosophy of technology and science methodology. The author analyzes the basic ways of understanding term computer sciences. The article indicates three definitional (scope) approaches that dominate scientific considerations. The author also indicates the main methodological problems related to the functioning of the concept of computer science in contemporary science and technology and possible ways to solve this issues.
One does not simply create an AI issue. On the pseudo-problematic nature of AI issue
Authors: Abramowicz Łukasz
Published: January 2025

The debate surrounding the topic of Artificial Intelligence (ai), and its different meanings, seems to be ever-growing. This paper aims to deconstruct the seemingly problematic nature of the ai debate, revealing layers of ambiguity and misperceptions that contribute to a pseudo-problematic narrative. Through a review of existing literature, ethical frameworks, and public discourse, this essay identifies key areas where misconceptions, hyperbole, and exaggerated fears have overshadowed the genuine concerns associated with ai development and deployment. To identify these issues I propose three general criteria that are based on Popper’s and Ayer’s work and adjusted to my needs. The subsequent sections categorize ai issues into ontological, methodological, and logical-grammatical problems, aligning with Cackowski’s typology. In addition, I introduce «» signs to distinguish behavioural descriptions from cognitive states, aiming to maintain clarity between external evidence and internal agent states. My conclusion is quite simple: the ai debate should be thoroughly revised, and we, as scholars, should define the concepts that lie at the bottom of ai by creating a universal terminology and agreeing upon it. This will give us the opportunity to conduct our debates reasonably and understandably for both scholars and the popular public.
Thinking through “in-betweenness”: a conversation with Suresh Canagarajah on decolonizing language education and research in South Asia
Authors: Shah Waqar Ali
Published: January 2025

This article is based on a scholarly interview with Suresh Canagarajah about decolonizing language education and research in South Asia. The interview is focused on several themes, such as Canagarajah’s personal life trajectory as a decolonial scholar, colonial knowledge structures, English fever, and ethnolinguistic response to the hegemony of English, translingual university and transepistemic education in South Asia, decolonization through English, decolonizing research practices and negotiating norms in academic writing, and the responsibilities of applied linguists in South Asia. The article concludes by suggesting transepistemic language education, countering Eurocentric ontoepistemology (e.g., logocentrism, cognitivism and humanism), globalectics and decoloniality as alternatives to rethink ELT, applied linguistics and research in colonized contexts, such as South Asia.