bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação técnico-econômica da troca de motores em parques fabris de médio porte: simulação de cenários em regiões distintas do Brasil
Authors:   , Gonçalves Júnior Adriano Araújo
Published: February 2025

Na busca por um consumo de energia mais eficiente, ações voltadas para troca de motores de indução por motores mais eficientes em parques industriais com grande diversificação de motores, tem-se consolidado como um dos principais investimentos voltados à eficiência energética. Sob este prisma, o presente estudo tem o objetivo de determinar, com confiabilidade, informações relativas à viabilidade e rentabilidade da troca de motores elétricos por motores mais eficientes em parques industriais semelhantes de médio porte, situados em regiões distintas do Brasil, e assim, determinar em termos de rentabilidade econômica a melhor região do Brasil, na classe de consumo industrial, para realização da troca de motores de indução. Para tanto, dados de consumo e receita de energia elétrica (das concessionárias) foram coletados e estratificados. Com base nos mesmos, foram calculadas as taxas de escalada por região do Brasil. Por conseguinte, foi construído um simulador específico para automatizar a troca de motores. O mesmo leva em consideração análise do custo do ciclo de vida (CCV) para determinar a viabilidade técnico-econômica da troca. De maneira subsequente, fez-se a aplicação do simulador em um estudo de caso foi realizado com intuito de mostrar a validação dos valores encontrados e a eficácia do método aplicado. O estudo partiu da suposição de uma indústria de bens de consumo, de médio porte com duas filiais em regiões diferentes: Nordeste, Sudeste e Centro-oeste do Brasil. Os resultados se mostraram satisfatórios, uma vez que todos os objetivos propostos no trabalho foram atingidos. Dados referentes à viabilidade técnico-econômica mostraram que melhor região para realização da troca de motores para a classe de consumo industrial é a região centro-oeste do Brasil. Além disso, as variações nos valores de carregamento das opções de troca se mostraram decisivas na determinação da viabilidade dos motores substituídos
Análise das propriedades dielétricas e da estabilidade térmica da matriz compósita 𝑭𝒆𝑵𝒃𝑶𝟒(fno) - 𝑪𝒂𝑻𝒊𝑶𝟑(cto) para uso em antenas ressoadoras dielétricas
Authors:   , Queiroz Stefany Kariny dos Santos de Souza
Published: February 2025

Ao longo dos anos, o crescente desenvolvimento nos sistemas de telecomunicações resultou na necessidade de desenvolver tecnologias de comunicação sem fio por meio de ondas eletromagnéticas. O uso de materiais cerâmicos em sistemas elétricos e eletrônicos vem sendo cada vez mais constante, dado que frequentemente proporcionam soluções viáveis para muitos dos problemas que precisam ser resolvidos. Atualmente, o Niobato de Ferro (𝐹𝑒𝑁𝑏𝑂􀬸) tem sido amplamente utilizado como fotoânodo em conversores, sensores a gás e em dispositivos eletrônicos. Já o Titanato de Cálcio (𝐶𝑎𝑇𝑖𝑂􀬷) possui características interessantes para aplicações tecnológicas, como capacitores multicamadas, termistores, ressoadores dielétricos e miniaturização de dispositivos eletrônicos. Este trabalho apresenta a caracterização estrutural e dielétrica de compósitos formados pela mistura de 𝐹𝑒𝑁𝑏𝑂􀬸(FNO) e 𝐶𝑎𝑇𝑖𝑂􀬷(CTO), como também um estudo sobre a estabilidade térmica da nova matriz sintetizada. A reação em estado sólido foi utilizada para obter o FNO puro e compósitos cerâmicos obtidos pela adição de CTO em 20%, 40%, 50% e 80% em peso. A difração de raios-X foi utilizada na caracterização estrutural desses compostos. Já para a caracterização das propriedades dielétricas, foi medida a permissividade dielétrica e a tangente de perdas. Também foi realizado um estudo dos parâmetros de antenas das amostras, sendo eles: S11, Carta de Smith e Ganho da antena. Tanto as propriedades dielétricas como os parâmetros de antenas foram obtidos através das técnicas de Hakki-Coleman, Monopolo e Linha de Microfita. Por fim, realizou-se a medição do Coeficiente de Temperatura da Frequência de Ressonância (τf), para verificar a estabilidade térmica do material. No estudo desse parâmetro, procuram-se materiais com o coeficiente de temperatura da frequência de ressonância o mais próximo de zero possível, o que confere maior estabilidade térmica ao material. Foi verificado que a estabilidade térmica melhora com a aplicação de 𝐶𝑎𝑇𝑖𝑂􀬷 com valores variáveis entre −1293 ppm°C􀬿􀬵 a 850 ppm°C􀬿􀬵. A concentração de 60% de 𝐶𝑎𝑇𝑖𝑂􀬷 na amostra é a que mais se aproxima do τf igual a zero. Na caracterização dielétrica, de forma geral, observou-se que a adição de CTO aumentou a permissividade da matriz compósita e diminuiu o valor de tangente de perdas. As amostras funcionando como antenas, apresentaram um desempenho bastante satisfatório, apresentando baixo valor de S11 e bom casamento de impedância. Quando comparados os resultados medidos e simulados, apresentaram boa concordância e uniformidade entre si
Controle preditivo robusto via desigualdades matriciais lineares aplicado a sistemas dinâmicos com comutação
Authors:   , Costa Francisco Luis de Carvalho
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho propõe a aplicação do controle preditivo robusto baseado em modelo para sistemas
lineares discretos sujeitos a comutação mediante incertezas e distúrbios limitados em norma. O
controle proposto foi modelado via desigualdades matriciais lineares a partir da desigualdade de
Lyapunov e tem por objetivo minimizar o limite superior do índice de desempenho quadrático
a um horizonte de predição infinito. A estratégia de controle proposta pode ser implementada
nos designs online e offline e nas configurações de realimentação de estados e saída, sendo esse
último associado a um estimador de estados. A fim de atestar a eficiência do modelo proposto,
é realizada uma comparação entre os designs implementados por meio da análise gráfica da
resposta no tempo e de índices de desempenho não intrusivos. Baseado nos resultados, pode-se
afirmar que a aplicação do controle proposto foi bem sucedida em ambos os modelos abordados
e que o design offline se mostrou mais promissor que o online para as referidas aplicações
Polymers for the Production of Conventional Dosage Forms
Authors: Mendonça Costa Maria Lúcia
Published: February 2025

Performing a surgical procedure aims to improve the patient's health and quality of life. Despite several controls and the advances experienced in this area, there is invariably aggression in organs and tissues in these procedures, subsequently requiring their repair. For this purpose, there are pharmacological resources to guarantee good results, prevent infections, control pain, contribute to the psychological care of patients, and improve the quality of healing. Pharmaceutical dosage forms can carry molecules of interest and contribute to the repair process. In these dosage forms various polymers can be used. Therefore, this chapter discusses the classifications of these different polymers, their particularities, and their use in medicines.
Polymers in Drug Delivery
Authors: Cobongela S.Z.Z.
Published: February 2025

Polymers are crucial in drug delivery systems (DDS), enhancing the efficacy and safety of therapeutics through controlled release, targeted delivery, and improved bioavailability. Natural polymers like alginate and chitosan offer biocompatibility and biodegradability, while synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) provide solubility and controlled release. The incorporation of nanotechnology with polymers has led to advanced nanocarriers, enhancing drug stability and therapeutic effectiveness. Despite challenges like potential toxicity and complex manufacturing, careful selection and modification of polymers enable their application in advanced therapeutic areas like gene therapy and personalized medicine, demonstrating their versatility and importance in modern medicine.
Polymers in Wound Care and Dressings
Authors: da Silva Soares Ingrid Larissa
Published: February 2025

Polymers, both of natural and synthetic origin, have been essential in the evolution of chronic and acute wound healing and tissue regeneration, thanks to their unique and adaptable properties. Their applicability covers a wide range of areas, including industry. Biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan and cellulose are valued for their biocompatibility and ability to form gels, promoting favorable conditions for wound healing. However, their rapid degradation and limited mechanical resistance are disadvantages that can be overcome by combining them with synthetic polymers. Thus, synthetic polymers such as PVA, PLA and polyurethane offer greater structural stability, as well as allowing controlled drug release. In addition, hybrid polymers are emerging as innovative materials with improved absorption properties, mechanical resistance and antimicrobial functionalities, essential for the development of dressings, membranes, films and ova. This chapter covers the characteristics and applications of the main polymers, highlighting the most recent scientific and market contributions that act in the treatment of complex wounds, bone regeneration, as well as in the control of inflammatory and infectious processes.
Polymers in Implant Medical Devices
Authors: Kharwade Rohini
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview, emphasizing both the potential and challenges of polymers in medical implants. Polymers have become essential materials in the development of implantable medical devices due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, flexibility, and adaptability. This chapter explores the roles of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers in medical implants, focusing on their applications in devices ranging from orthopedic and cardiovascular implants to drug-delivery systems. Biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), are highlighted for their ability to degrade safely within the body, making them ideal for temporary implants and controlled-release drug systems. Conversely, non-biodegradable polymers, including silicone and polyethylene, offer long-term stability and are suited for permanent implants.
Polymers in Dentistry
Authors: Iftekhar Huma
Published: February 2025

Dentistry is notable for its diverse array of materials, which encompasses polymers, metal alloys, ceramics, composite materials and inorganic salts. Foundational understanding of polymer characteristics used in dentistry is beneficial because it offers insights pertinent for healthcare practice. Polymeric materials have found increased use in biological applications because of their many beneficial features and broad range of applicability. Significant advancement in the domains of engineering and nanotechnology has made these polymers possible to be customized for particular dental needs. In the present chapter, utilization of polymers in different branches of dentistry is discussed.
Polymers in Blood Vessels Reconstruction
Authors: Hoskeri J.
Published: February 2025

Vascular tissue architectural knowledge is the key for repairing vascular abnormalities and also offers opportunities for targeted therapies for vascular diseases. Despite the advancements in the field of biomaterials vascular implantation is still a challenge. Importance of natural polymers like collagen, elastin, chitosan, alginate, fibrin, gelatin, and synthetic polymers like polyethylene-glycol, poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic-acid), polyvinyl-alcohol, polypropylene, polycaprolactone, poly(phenylene-vinylene) in blood vessel reconstruction, primarily due to their biocompatibility and ability to support cellular activities essential for vascular repair is covered in this chapter. Polymeric aortic vessels using advanced 3D printing technique demonstrate the potential of polymer scaffolds in creating customized vascular replacements.
Polymers Sealants and Adhesives in General Surgery
Authors: Esquivel-Lozano Y. Aylin
Published: February 2025

Polymers are of great importance in modern medicine due to their multiple and varied applications in this area, among which their use in the design of new adhesive materials and surgical sealants stand out. This alternative to conventional treatments offers better characteristics such as better application, prevention of infections in the treated areas and an effective hemostatic response. This chapter addresses some forms of synthesis in which natural and synthetic polymers are investigated, as well as their mechanisms of action and the different classes of sealants and adhesives that have been used.
Polymers in Neurosurgery
Authors: Hoskeri J.
Published: February 2025

Neurosurgery, a field that operates at the intricate intersection of medicine and engineering, has long sought innovative solutions to address the complicated hindrances faced in the treatment of neurological disorders and nerve injuries. One such promising avenue is exploration of polymers in neurosurgical practice. Polymers can be employed as conjugated, doped polymers, or nanocarriers, fabricated hydrogels, scaffolds, or drug delivery vehicles, to treat brain tumors, craniotomies, spine surgery, and aneurysms. As the field of neurosurgery persists in pushing the horizon towards incorporating polymers in neurosurgery holds immense promise. This chapter covers polymer synthesis, polymer fabrication, and polymer applications in neurosurgery.
Polymers in Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Akram N.
Published: February 2025

There is advancement in the field of orthopedic surgery with the innovation in polymers having diverse range of applications by providing variety of materials, having tailored properties which can be used in replacement of joint and in bone replacement. This chapter gives detailed overview of polymers applications in orthopedic surgery applications. Also, polymer-based scaffolds derived from polymers are explained which can be used in orthopedic applications. Limitations of using polymers in orthopedic surgery and advanced polymer materials in surgery are explained.
Polymers in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Romero-Fierro David
Published: February 2025

Polymers display important roles in tissue engineering acting as precursors to synthesize materials that serve as scaffolds for drug delivery and cell growth, or in the creation of implants for regeneration or replacement of damaged organs and tissues. This importance relies on the remarkable properties of these macromolecules and their versatility to obtain scaffolds with desired characteristics and specific applications. This chapter describes the most featured aspects of polymers with application in tissue engineering including desired properties, types of polymers, synthetic methods and future challenges that scientific community must face in this interdisciplinary field.
ANTICIPATING LOCAL ACCEPTANCE OF SOLAR FARM DEVELOPMENT IN BATANG KALI, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA: ASSESSING POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Authors: Ismail Siti Isma Hani , Rahman Suraiyati , Asli Wan Mohammad Fazil , Zakaria Zulfairul , Seng Loh Yong
Published: February 2025

To restructure the country's economy towards a high-value economy, the government has placed the transition to a green economy as one of the main targets of its economic restructuring efforts. This transition will create a significant positive impact on every level of society, in addition to guaranteeing the continuity of the country's energy. Nonetheless, every planned development must minimise its impacts on the communities that it will affect. The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of solar farm development on a local community in the dimension of sustainability. This study employed a quantitative research methodology to evaluate the level of impact that the community may experience. The study's primary findings revealed that the community involved in the proposed development project would be significantly affected, both positively and negatively, across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The community anticipated that the solar renewable energy generation would have a significant positive impact, and the establishment of a solar-based community would improve the quality of life. The implications of this study will facilitate policy makers, decision makers and practitioners in developing solar farms in a sustainable manner while safeguarding the interests of local communities.
THE DELAY OF PLANNING PERMISSION APPLICATION OF TAHFIZ INSTITUTION IN SELANGOR
Authors: Marzukhi Marlyana Azyyati , Zulkefly Nur Syahira
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the delays in planning permission applications for Tahfiz institutions in Selangor. Malaysia experiences a significant number of illegal constructions that are built without the required planning licences, primarily due to insufficient monitoring and enforcement by local authorities. The absence of supervision results in unapproved constructions that can potentially endanger safety and hinder urban planning initiatives, and this includes the illegal construction of Tahfiz Institutions. There is no proper regulation on the development of Tahfiz Institution in terms of its Planning Permission until the year 2020. In 2021, the Selangor state has established a guideline on the Legalisation of Private Religious Schools (Tahfiz Institution) after the wake of the tragic incident of a deadly fire at Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah in September 2017. A purposive sampling method is chosen for expert interviews. Through interviews with two professional town planners responsible for preparing submissions, two town planning officers from the local authority involved in evaluating planning permissions, and an owner of a Tahfiz institution who has experienced the submission process, as well as a review of secondary data, several key factors were identified: regulatory complexity, a lack of awareness and understanding of technical requirements, inefficiencies in government initiatives, resource constraints, and extended timelines due to technical requirements. The study highlights the significant implications of these findings for the development and operation of Tahfiz institutions. Simplifying regulatory processes, enhancing awareness and educational efforts, improving implemented guidelines, providing financial support, and strengthening coordination among agencies are recommended to address these challenges. Correspondingly, the study acknowledges its limitations, including its focus on the planning permission process. By addressing the identified factors, policymakers can create a more supportive environment for the growth and sustainability of Tahfiz institutions in Malaysia.
ASSESSING RAINFALL PATTERNS AND TREND DISTRIBUTION IN THE KELANTAN RIVER BASIN, MALAYSIA AND KLANG RIVER BASIN, MALAYSIA
Authors: Kamarulakmal Muhammad Afiq Alif , Hashim Rohasliney
Published: February 2025

This study examined rainfall patterns and trends in the Kelantan and Klang River Basin in Malaysia over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020. The analysis revealed that the Kelantan River Basin experienced an upward trend in rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon season, indicating a gradual increase in precipitation levels over the years. On the other hand, the Klang River Basin showed a relatively stable rainfall pattern without a significant trend observed. The study employed an independent t-test to compare the mean yearly rainfall between the two basins, with the findings showing no significant difference in overall precipitation levels (t(22) = -0.8, p = 0.07). However, the timing and duration of rainy seasons varied between the two basins. The Kelantan River Basin experienced a rainfall pattern that is aligned with the regular monsoon season. In contrast, the Klang River Basin displayed a notable gap in rainfall during a later month in the monsoon season. Moreover, the analysis considered the spatial variability of precipitation patterns within each basin. Specific stations in the Kelantan River Basin showed a positive trend in rainfall during the monsoon seasons (March, p = 0.013), whereas stations along the Klang River exhibited a declining trend (August, p = 0.119). These findings emphasize the influence of geographical locations, local climate conditions, and topographical features on rainfall distribution within the same country. In conclusion, this research highlights the need for further investigation into the factors driving these patterns, emphasizing the importance of effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in these basins to mitigate the impact of climate change.
LATENT DEFECTS: NAVIGATING THE DEFECTS LIABILITY PERIOD AND LEGAL ACTION DEADLINES FOR HOMEBUYERS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Dian Azni , Ismail Ismah , Ya’cob Syazni Nadzirah , Abu Bakar Noraziah , Ikhsan Muhammad Izwan
Published: February 2025

This article provides a comprehensive understanding of latent defects in real property construction and a guide for homebuyers to navigate the defects liability period and legal action deadlines in Malaysia. Latent defects, hidden flaws that may emerge over time, pose significant risks to homebuyers. By uncovering the nature and implications of these defects, this article highlights the importance of recognising and addressing them within the defect liability period. It also explores the legal action deadlines set by the limitation legislation, emphasising the need to understand and adhere to these time limits for seeking remedies. This article serves as a valuable guide for homebuyers purchasing real properties from housing developers, ensuring they are equipped to identify and address latent defects, make effective use of the defect liability period, and initiate legal actions within the prescribed timelines.
Core Outcome Set Development for Tension-Type Headache Treatment Using Traditional Chinese Medicine: Protocol for a Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Fu Guojing , Chen Yunmeng , Liang Xiao , Guo Chunli , Fan Xueming , Gong Xiao , Chen Wenjie , Teng Jing , Tang Jun , Liao Xing , Wei Jingjing , Zhang Yunling
Published: February 2025

Background

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of headache and the second most common health-related complaint among children and adults. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers unique therapeutic benefits in treating TTH. However, the lack of standardized evidence—such as inconsistencies in outcome selection and reporting in clinical studies, a lack of consensus on outcomes and measures, high risks of selective reporting bias, and missing data—has limited the development of robust evidence supporting the efficacy of TCM in treating TTH. Therefore, establishing a core outcome set (COS) is crucial for standardizing TCM clinical studies for TTH, thereby enhancing the quality and comparability of research findings.

Objective

This study aims to develop a COS for future clinical studies on the treatment of TTH with TCM.

Methods

The COS will be developed through the following 3 stages. First, systematic reviews and semistructured interviews will be conducted to identify potential essential outcomes, which will be evaluated by the steering committee to finalize a preliminary list of outcomes. Data will be processed using thematic analysis to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant outcomes. Second, a 2-round Delphi survey will be conducted, inviting stakeholders, including health care experts and patients with tension-type headaches, to determine the importance of each outcome. Statistical analysis will be used to assess the level of consensus and prioritize outcomes based on predefined criteria. Third, a face-to-face consensus meeting will be held to finalize the COS and recommend measurement times for each outcome. Key outcomes will be interpreted based on their clinical relevance and feasibility of measurement, ensuring the COS is comprehensive and applicable in clinical settings.

Results

The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with the review commencing on October 1, 2024, and anticipated results by November 15, 2024. The systematic reviews will be finalized, followed by the Delphi survey and consensus conference in late 2024 and early 2025. The COS findings will be reported per COS-STAR (Core Outcome Set–STAndards for Reporting) guidelines, published in an international journal, presented at conferences, and disseminated to participants for clinical application.

Conclusions

This study is necessary as developing a COS for future TCM clinical studies in the treatment of TTH can maximize the value of data from individual trials and provide high-quality research evidence.

Trial Registration

Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative 1473; https://tinyurl.com/3ts62s2p

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/63481
The Effects of MyChoices and LYNX Mobile Apps on HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use by Young US Sexual Minority Men: Results From a National Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Biello Katie B , Mayer Kenneth H , Scott Hyman , Valente Pablo K , Hill-Rorie Jonathan , Buchbinder Susan , Ackah-Toffey Lucinda , Sullivan Patrick S , Hightow-Weidman Lisa , Liu Albert Y
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Young sexual minority men have among the highest rates of HIV in the United States; yet, the use of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), remains low. Mobile apps have enormous potential to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among young sexual minority men.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the efficacy of 2 theory- and community-informed mobile apps—LYNX (APT Mobility) and MyChoices (Keymind)—to improve HIV testing and PrEP initiation among young sexual minority men.

METHODS

Between October 2019 and May 2022, we implemented a 3-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial in 9 US cities to test the efficacy of the LYNX and MyChoices apps against standard of care (SOC) among young sexual minority men (aged 15-29 years) reporting anal sex with cisgender male or transgender female in the last 12 months. Randomization was 1:1:1 and was stratified by site and participant age; there was no masking. The co-primary outcomes were self-reported HIV testing and PrEP initiation over 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 381 young sexual minority men were randomized. The mean age was 22 (SD 3.2) years. Nearly one-fifth were Black, non-Hispanic (n=67, 18%), Hispanic or Latino men (n=67, 18%), and 60% identified as gay (n=228). In total, 200 (53%) participants resided in the Southern United States. At baseline, participants self-reported the following: 29% (n=110) had never had an HIV test and 85% (n=324) had never used PrEP. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics did not differ by study arm. Compared to SOC (n=72, 59%), participants randomized to MyChoices (n=87, 74%; P=.01) were more likely to have received at least 1 HIV test over 6 months of follow-up; those randomized to LYNX also had a higher proportion of testing (n=80, 70%) but it did not reach the a priori threshold for statistical significance (P=.08). Participants in both MyChoices (n=23, 21%) and LYNX (n=21, 20%) arms had higher rates of starting PrEP compared to SOC (n=19, 16%), yet these differences were not statistically significant (P=.52).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to facilitating earlier treatment among those who become aware of their HIV status, given the ubiquity of mobile apps and modest resources required to scale this intervention, a 25% relative increase in HIV testing among young sexual minority men, as seen in this study, could meaningfully reduce HIV incidence in the United States.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03965221; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03965221
Puff Break: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Protocol for Measuring Stress, Socialization, and Smoking Behaviors among LGBTQ+ Adolescents (Preprint)
Authors: Salgin Linda , Kellogg Daniel , Helm Jonathan , Blashill Aaron J , Myers Mark , Jun Hee-Jin , Lim Andy C. , Calzo Jerel P.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Adolescent tobacco and nicotine use is a major public health concern, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) adolescents showing disproportionately high use compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Research suggests factors such as socialization, stress, mood, and craving exacerbate tobacco and nicotine use, however, there is a dearth of knowledge of how these factors influence tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis use among LGBTQ+ adolescents in general, and particularly on a momentary basis.

OBJECTIVE

The Puff Break study aimed to utilize ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess real-time predictors of tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis product use among LGBTQ+ adolescents.

METHODS

The Puff Break study protocol was adapted from existing EMA protocols, key informant recommendations, LGBTQ+ adolescent perspectives, and insights from community members. Recruitment occurred via multiple channels, with high recruitment results via social media. Eligible participants were ages 14-19, self-identified as LGBTQ+, and used tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis products at least once in the past 30 days. The EMA pilot began with a 1.5 hour-long in-person or virtual meeting where participants completed a timeline-follow-back assessment for tobacco and nicotine use, salivary cotinine assessment, baseline survey, and EMA protocol training. Then, participants completed a 2-week EMA trial where they received 1-2 minute surveys 5 times a day. Within a week of completing the EMA trial, participants concluded with an exit survey and exit interview.

RESULTS

Analyses will include overall descriptive statistics on the demographics of our enrolled participants, along with evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the Puff Break EMA protocol. We will also use multilevel modeling techniques to estimate both contemporaneous and lagged associations between stress, socialization, and craving (exposures) and smoking (outcome: combustible cigarette, smokeless product, e-cigarette, and cannabis use). Lastly, qualitative thematic analysis will be used to identify robust tailoring variables, intervention options, and decision rules to support future Just-in-Time-Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) development.

CONCLUSIONS

Puff Break is an innovative EMA protocol developed to capture factors influencing tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis use among LGBTQ+ youth. Despite some inherent limitations to the EMA design, the Puff Break protocol has potential to inform the development of a JITAI to reduce tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis use among LGBTQ+ adolescents.

CLINICALTRIAL

Not applicable - This study is not registered as a trial.
Optimal Interpolation Method for Generating a Digital Bathymetric Model for Shallow Waters: A Case Study over Mauritius Coast
Authors: Satpute Shwetambari , Roy Subham , Gatage Omkar Shashikant , Kolase Vaibhav Balaso , Singh Suraj Kumar , Dandabathula Giribabu
Published: February 2025

Bathymetry unveils the underwater topography of oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. It is a fundamental data resource for various applications, like physical oceanography, marine geology, geophysics, and marine resources. The techniques to compute the seafloor depths are ship-borne echo sensors, empirical models of satellite-derived bathymetry, and aerial-space-borne laser altimetry. The digital bathymetric surfaces are generally generated from a distributed seafloor depths. Once these depth points are collected, the next step to generate a continuous surface is to select and implement interpolation. Numerous interpolation methods have advantages and disadvantages that can hamper the accuracy of the surface, which generally depends on the shape of the extent, distribution, and point density. To date, there is no recommended interpolation method when the study extent is circular with well-distributed points – the core objective of this research is oriented towards this. An attempt was made to generate a digital bathymetric surface for the Mauritius coast with ∼ 1.2 million depth points accrued from the NASA ICESat-2 geolocated photons and sounding depths from the marine charts. These points were used as input to interpolation methods like Inverse Distance Weighted, Natural Neighbour, and various forms of Ordinary Kriging. Our findings show that all the methods have generated visually similar surfaces, but the Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation has given the output with less quantified uncertainty
Сoncepts of maxillary molar distalization using temporary anchorage devices (literature review)
Authors: Skrypnyk I.L. , Hryva L.G.
Published: February 2025

Clinically, there are many ways to achieve molar distalization, such as skeletal support in combination with multibonding equipment, use of separate removable and non-removable appliances for distalization. Several methods have been described for molar distalization or the entire dentition, but there is no convincing scientific evidence of the effectiveness of each of them. Today, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are increasingly used as orthodontic anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement, including mini-plates and mini-screws. The use of skeletal anchorage allows moving the teeth more efficiently, regardless of the patient’s compliance with the mode of wearing the device. However, only a few literature reviews and small clinical case series have been published on the benefits of TADs in molar distalization. Thus, the purpose of our study was to conduct a literature review on methods of molar distalization using TADs, potential side effects, and possible range of distalization.
Sclerotic dentin: physiological and pathological aspects of its formation
Authors: Savychuk A.O. , Palyvoda I.I. , Korniienko L.V. , Trubka I.O. , Savychuk N.O.
Published: February 2025

Background. Sclerotic dentin forms as a result of ­aging or in response to pathological factors such as caries, erosion, or mechanical damage, including the effects of dental treatments. These changes reduce the elasticity and strength of dentin, promoting crack formation, which negatively impacts the adhesion of resto­rative materials. Given the growing demand for long-term treatment success in older patients, understanding the impact of sclerotic dentin on treatment outcomes is crucial for improving clinical protocols. The aim of this review was to investigate the structure and mechanisms of sclerotic dentin formation, as well as its impact on the mechanical properties of teeth and the effectiveness of adhesive restorations. The role of these changes in the context of mo­dern clinical approaches to treatment was evaluated. Conclusions. Sclerotic dentin deteriorates the mechanical properties of the tooth, reducing its resistance to loads and affecting the adhesion of composite materials. Further research is required to optimize clinical protocols and improve the effectiveness of restorations in teeth with these changes.
Examining Trends and Social Complexity of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior through Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Pamungkas Martinus Danang , Anwariyah Hilya Raudhotul
Published: February 2025

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB) provides information, education, and empowerment to encourage individuals, families, groups, and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and minimize disease risk. Despite its crucial role in health, CHLB implementation in Indonesia is still low, with various studies highlighting inadequate CHLB practices among students and households. We conducted a bibliometric analysis to explore research results and identify trends and social complexity of CHLB. This study reports a bibliometric analysis through a systematic search of academic literature applying the CHLB theme. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database on June 18, 2024, and then analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package. The 131 publications focused on journal articles, conference papers, and reviews in English, which were then collected and analyzed based on publication trends, influential articles, country contributions, and theme development. The authors also interpreted and synthesized the results of the bibliometric description of CHLB using Ulrich Beck's risk society theory. Articles on CHLB are published in 11 influential journals, with Indonesian authors contributing the most articles with 447 frequencies, followed by the USA (14 frequencies), China (11 frequencies), and Netherlands (11 frequencies). As part of the CHLB research hotspots, ten research areas and nine motor themes were presented, such as COVID-19, alternative medicine, pandemic, knowledge, diabetes mellitus, attitude and practice, education, empowerment, and environmental health. Using Ulrich Beck's risk society theory, this study also highlights how uncertainty and social complexity affect the implementation of CHLB in Indonesia.
Bridging the Gap
Authors: Vissing Andrew , Verghese Priya S. , Dixon Angelina , Ghossein Cybele
Published: February 2025

Key Points

Despite recommendations, many nephrology programs lack a structured transition clinic or transition protocol for young adults.

There is a lack of coordination between partnered adult and pediatric programs to establish formal transition practices.

Adult nephrology programs generally perceive a lower need for health care transition practices compared to pediatric nephrology programs.

Background

The transition from pediatric to adult care can be challenging for young adults living with kidney disease. The International Society of Nephrology recommends establishing a transition process for this vulnerable population. The prevalence of nephrology transition clinics and protocols in academic medical centers, however, is currently unknown.

Methods

General nephrology and transplant nephrology programs were surveyed at both pediatric and adult medical centers to explore the current state of nephrology transition practices. Programs without transition clinics were asked to identify obstacles preventing the establishment of a transition clinic.

Results

Overall, there were 488 programs targeted for survey distribution. There were 188 survey responses with an overall response rate of 39%. Only 20% of programs had a transition clinic, and 32% of programs reported neither having an established transition clinic nor a transition protocol. Adult programs were more likely to lack an established transition clinic or protocol compared with pediatric programs (42% versus 20%, P = 0.001). Of partnered pediatric and adult programs that both responded to the survey, 51% were discordant in their transition practices. For the 150 programs without a transition clinic, there were 119 comments regarding obstacles to the establishment of such a clinic. Resource and financial obstacles were mentioned most frequently (50% of comments). Adult programs were more likely to mention no perceived need or obstacles compared with pediatric programs (17% versus 4%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Despite guidelines recommending pediatric to adult transition programs for young adults with kidney disease, transition clinics remain uncommon. Although there are many cited barriers to the establishment of a nephrology transition clinic, our study highlights the lack of coordination and cooperation between adult and pediatric centers, which may stem from a lack of perceived need or interest from adult nephrology programs.
A Critical Contribution to Rome’s Institutional Structure from the Perspective of Inclusive Institutions Theory
Authors: Gültekin Yasemin , Gürel Berkay
Published: February 2025

In this article the transformation of the Roman Republics form of government in the historical process is reexamined with the theoretical framework of Acemolu and Robinsons The Fall of Nations The authors draw attention to how overarching institutions shape the economic and political development of societies and analyse the structures of the early Roman Republic in this context The Early Republic was a period of intense power struggle between patricians and plebeians While social problems such as the economic and political privileges of the patricians conquest strategies and debts deepened class tensions reforms such as the LicinioSextian Laws brought important gains for the plebeians and allowed Rome to become more inclusive These reforms ensured that Romes political and economic system was controlled by a wider segment of the population and increased social equality and participation However the Roman economy was based on shortterm gains from conquest rather than the longterm dynamism promised by inclusive institutions in the modern sense The large land ownership system called Latifundium established after the Punic Wars allowed large landowners to increase their production by taking advantage of cheap slave labour leading to the economic weakening of small farmers According to Acemolu and Robinson Rome did not have a sustainable economic structure due to the slave economy However while the slaves obtained from the Punic Wars alone did not put the plebeians in a difficult situation Romes cheap grain imports from the conquered lands in an environment without state intervention further weakened the economic power of small farmers For Acemoglu and Robinson the transformation of the republic into an empire signalled the end of institutional inclusiveness and economic development However the Augustan period enabled the Roman economy to gain strength through the development of trade and economic innovations With the reforms carried out by Augustus the economic structure of Rome was strengthened and a transition to a marketoriented model was achieved.
Drowsiness Detection Using CNN-LSTM
Authors: S Vijayalakshmi
Published: February 2025

Driver fatigue is a major reason to road accidents, prompting the need for systems which can detect drowsiness in real
time and prevent potential mishaps. It presents a deep learning-based solution utilizing CNN and LSTM networks to accurately
find drowsiness based on the video inputs of a driver’s face. By analyzing eye and facial expressions, it identifies early signs of
fatigue then triggers an alert. The model, trained on a labeled dataset which contains drowsy and non-drowsy drivers, achieves
an accuracy of 97.83%. Real-time video processing is powered by OpenCV and advanced facial recognition techniques. The
system is implemented on a Raspberry Pi 3, which runs the detection code and displays an alert on an external display board
mounted outside the vehicle. When drowsiness is detected, an alert symbol is shown to notify nearby vehicles and reduce
potential accidents. This solution demonstrates the potential of combining CNNs for feature extraction part and LSTMs work is
to find temporal pattern analysis to enhance road safety and mitigate fatigue related accidents.
Influence of Digital Transformation on Business Processes and Customer Engagement
Authors: Bhati Bharat
Published: February 2025

This research explores the influence of digital transformation on business operations and customer experience,
focusing on its primary benefits and challenges. By analyzing secondary data from existing studies and case examples, the study
evaluates how advancements in digital technology improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. Key
findings reveal that digital transformation streamlines processes through automation, harnesses data analytics for informed
decision-making, and elevates customer experiences via personalization, AI-driven support, and multi-channel integration.
However, significant obstacles include high implementation costs, inconsistent business performance outcomes, and risks
associated with data privacy. The study emphasizes several policy recommendations, such as offering financial incentives to
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), establishing standardized data security protocols, and promoting industry-specific
innovation research. These measures aim to mitigate challenges and facilitate the adoption of digital technologies, enabling
organizations to achieve operational excellence and foster stronger customer engagement
PROCESSO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PRODUTO: UMA PROPOSTA PARA EQUIPES BAJA SAE
Authors: Naiel Dib Khaled Nisrin , Veiga Avila Lucas , Brum Rosa Carmen , Gabriel Dos Santos Cesar
Published: February 2025

Objetivo: proposição de um Processo de Desenvolvimento de Produto (PDP) otimizado para as equipes Baja SAE, com ênfase na melhoria do desempenho técnico e na eficiência da gestão de equipes.
Método/Abordagem: a pesquisa é qualitativa, adotando uma abordagem exploratória e descritiva. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade com membros de equipes Baja, observações diretas e análise de documentos técnicos relacionados ao PDP. A triangulação de dados garantiu a validade e a confiabilidade dos resultados, combinando diferentes fontes de informação.
Principais Resultados: os resultados indicam que a proposta de um PDP pode potencialmente levar a melhorias significativas na organização e eficiência das equipes Baja. O PDP proposto estrutura melhor as fases do desenvolvimento de produto, resultando em um processo mais eficiente e coordenado. A aplicação do PDP tem o potencial de melhorar a comunicação interna e a gestão de recursos das equipes, impactando positivamente seu desempenho nas competições.
Contribuições teóricas/práticas/sociais: o estudo contribui para a literatura existente sobre desenvolvimento de produtos em contextos educacionais e competitivos, como equipes Baja SAE. O PDP proposto oferece uma ferramenta estruturada para outras equipes de engenharia, melhorando desempenho. A pesquisa capacita engenheiros para enfrentar desafios complexos e promove o avanço da educação em engenharia.
Originalidade/relevância: este estudo é original ao propor um PDP especificamente para equipes Baja SAE, uma área pouco explorada na literatura. A relevância do trabalho reside na potencial melhoria do desempenho das equipes de engenharia, contribuindo para competições mais justas e inovadoras.
Hubungan Kecemasan Dengan Kecenderungan Psikosomatis di SMA Negeri 3 Banda Aceh
Authors: Siregar Muhammad Rizqi Rirwanda , Safrilsyah Safrilsyah , Karjuniwati Karjuniwati
Published: February 2025

Psikosomatis yang berlebihan akan mengganggu pada keadaan emosional seseorang. Salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi psikosomatis adalah kecemasan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara Kecemasan dengan Kecenderungan Psikosomatis di SMA Negeri 3 Banda Aceh. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode korelasional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 1066 siswa dan sampel sejumlah 258 siswa. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan proportionate stratified random sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu skala Kecemasan dan skala Kecenderungan Psikosomatis. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik korelasi rho Spearman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai koefisien korelasi spearman sebesar 0,458 dengan nilai (p) = 0,000. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan positif yang sangat signifikan antara kecemasan dengan kecenderungan psikosomatis pada siswa di SMA Negeri 3 Banda Aceh, artinya semakin tinggi kecemasan maka semakin tinggi pula kecenderungan psikosomatis dan semakin rendah kecemasan maka semakin rendah pula kecenderungan psikosomatis. Kecemasan dan kecenderungan psikosomatis pada penelitian ini keduanya berada pada kategori sedang.