bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reduction-Based Approach to Improving the Estimation Consistency of Partial Path Contributions in Operational Transfer-Path Analysis
Authors: Senčič Jan , Pogačar Miha , Ocepek Domen , Čepon Gregor
Published: February 2025

Transfer-path analysis (TPA) is a reliable and effective diagnostic tool for determining the dominant vibration transfer paths from the actively vibrating components to the connected passive substructures in complex assemblies. Conventional and component-based TPA approaches achieve this by estimating a set of forces that replicate the operational responses on the passive side of the assembly, requiring separate measurements of the transfer-path admittance and the operational responses, followed by an indirect estimation of the interface forces. This demands significant measurement effort, especially when only the dominant transfer paths are desired. Operational transfer-path analysis (OTPA) overcomes this by identifying transfer-path contributions solely from operational response measurements. However, OTPA is susceptible to measurement errors as minor inaccuracies can result in discrepancies regarding transfer-path characterization. This is especially evident when poor placement of the sensors results in similar response measurements from multiple channels, introducing redundancy and amplifying measurement noise. This is typically resolved using regularization techniques (e.g., singular-value truncation and Tikhonov regularization) that promote vibration transfer related to dominant singular vectors. As an alternative, this paper explores the benefits of using established reduction-based approaches from dynamic substructuring within OTPA. Measured responses are projected onto different dynamic sub-spaces that include the dominant dynamic behavior of the interface between the active and passive sides (i.e., dominant interface modes). In this way, only the vibration transfer related to the interface modes included in the reduction step is evaluated, leaving stiff modes obscured by noise unobserved. This paper proposes using interface-deformation modes and physical modes, demonstrating their feasibility via various experimental setups and comparing them to standard OTPA.
Seasonal Impacts of Atmospheric Aerosols on Reference Evapotranspiration in the Mato Grosso Cerrado
Authors: da Silva Haline Josefa Araujo , Barbosa Thamiris Amorim dos Santos , Lima André Matheus de Souza , Maionchi Daniela de Oliveira , da Silva Junior Gonçalves , Marques João Basso , Palácios Rafael da Silva , Biudes Marcelo Sacardi , Machado Nadja Gomes , Curado Leone Francisco Amorim
Published: February 2025

Atmospheric aerosols significantly influence climate systems and hydrological processes, but their impacts on evapotranspiration remain insufficiently understood, particularly in tropical savanna regions. This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of aerosol optical depth (AOD) on reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in the Mato Grosso Cerrado, Brazil, a biome characterized by pronounced seasonal climatic variations. Using data collected from the AERONET network at Fazenda Miranda, AOD was analyzed alongside meteorological variables such as air temperature, global radiation, and ET0, estimated using the FAO Penman–Monteith method. The results reveal distinct seasonal patterns, with aerosols having a more pronounced influence during the dry season. Positive correlations were observed between AOD and air temperature, while negative correlations were found between AOD and global radiation, especially during the dry season. The relationship between AOD and ET0 varied between years and seasons, with significant reductions in ET0 linked to high aerosol concentrations during the dry period. These findings demonstrate that aerosols play a critical role in modulating evapotranspiration and radiation balance, particularly in regions affected by biomass burning. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between aerosols, climate variables, and hydrological processes, contributing to a better understanding of aerosols’ impacts on tropical ecosystems.
The Impact of Lightning Rods on the Differential Reflectivity of X-Band Radar
Authors: Wang Hui , Yu Haifeng , Wen Hao , Shu Zhifeng
Published: February 2025

Lightning rod configuration is crucial in radar stations. With widespread application of dual-polarisation technology, lightning rods have a significant impact on radar differential reflectivity, particularly for X-band radars with shorter wavelengths. Quantitative analyses and methods for reducing the impact of lightning rods on radar data quality have become particularly important. In this study, lightning rods of two different sizes were configured on Beijing’s Fangshan X-band radar to perform antenna far-field tests and precipitation process comparative observation tests, and to conduct a quantitative impact assessment of the antenna electrical performance parameters and radar differential reflectivity. First, far-field tests were conducted on the impact of small- and original-diameter lightning rods on the Fangshan X-band radar. The results showed that the horizontal polarisation beam width was reduced by 0.081 and 0.08°, while the vertical polarisation beam width was reduced by 0.02 and 0.11°, respectively. Second, light rain or snowfall with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 15 dB, and a correlation coefficient greater than 0.985, were selected for comparative observation. When other environmental influences could not be isolated, the original lightning rod showed a maximum ZDR value of 1.32 dB and a maximum azimuth span of 35°. The maximum ZDR value of the small-diameter lightning rod was 0.18 dB and the maximum azimuth span was 20°; however, its deviation from the theoretical maximum value is only 0.05 dB. Therefore, once the system configuration is determined, the design of an appropriate lightning rod scheme can effectively improve radar data quality.
Pre-Concentration Freezing Alters the Composition of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Conditioned Medium
Authors: Cadelano Francesca , Giannasi Chiara , Gualerzi Alice , Gerli Martina , Niada Stefania , Della Morte Elena , Brini Anna Teresa
Published: February 2025

Batch-to-batch reproducibility and robust quality assessment are crucial for producing cell-free biologics, such as conditioned medium (CM) derived from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). This study investigated the effects of freezing CM at −80 °C prior to concentration, a step that could occur in large scale pipelines, compared to freshly processed CM. Quality assessment included total protein quantification; extracellular vesicle evaluation using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cytofluorimetry; and biochemical analysis using Raman spectroscopy. The freezing process resulted in a 34% reduction in total protein content, as confirmed for selected bioactive mediators, and significant depletion of specific particle types, particularly larger ones. Interestingly, the total particle concentration and polydispersity remained stable. Alterations in Raman spectra highlighted changes in protein, lipid, and nucleic acid content. These findings demonstrate that even routine steps like freezing can alter CM composition, likely due to temperature-induced structural changes in biological molecules. Careful consideration of pre- and intra-processing handling temperatures is critical for preserving the integrity of CM and ensuring consistent quality. This study emphasizes the importance of refining manufacturing protocols in the production of cell-free biologics.
Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Infectious Diseases
Authors: Cruz Cinthia Gonzalez , Sodawalla Husain M. , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Bansal Sandhya
Published: February 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles that are secreted by all cells into the extracellular space. EVs are involved in cell-to-cell communication and can be found in different bodily fluids (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, sputum, and urine), tissues, and in circulation; the composition of EVs reflects the physiological condition of the releasing cell. The ability to use EVs from bodily fluids for minimally invasive detection to monitor diseases makes them an attractive target. EVs carry a snapshot of the releasing cell’s internal state, and they can serve as powerful biomarkers for diagnosing diseases. EVs also play a role in the body’s immune and pathogen detection responses. Pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can exploit EVs to enhance their survival and spread and to evade detection by the immune system. Changes in the number or contents of EVs can signal the presence of an infection, offering a potential avenue for developing new diagnostic methods for infectious diseases. Ongoing research in this area aims to address current challenges and the potential of EVs as biomarkers in diagnosing a range of diseases, including infections and infectious diseases. There is limited literature on the development of EVs as diagnostic biomarkers for infectious diseases using existing molecular biology approaches. We aim to address this gap by reviewing recent EV-related investigations in infectious disease studies.
Dietary Plant-Based Mixture Improves Feed Efficiency, Gross Profit, Physiological Performance, Gene Expression and Gut Health of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: El-Sayed Abdel-Fattah M. , Fagnon Mahougnon Simeon , Hamdan Amira M. , Chabrillat Thibaut , Kerros Sylvain , Zeid Salma M. S.
Published: February 2025

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplemental plant-based blend Phyto AquaNity (PAN) on growth, profitability and health status of Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) cultured in hapas. Juvenile fish of average weight 73 g were stocked in 2-m3 hapas in triplicates at a density of 20 fish m−3 (40 fish hapa−1). Four extruded diets were formulated following isonitrogenous (30% CP), isoenergetic (17 MJ kg−1) standards, with incorporation levels of 0, 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 g of PAN kg−1 diet. Fish were fed the experimental diets at a daily rate of 2–3% of their body weight (BW) over 80 days. From this study, results showed that growth performance and tissue composition were not significantly impacted by these treatments. Feed intake exhibited a significant reduction while feed efficiency was improved in the groups fed 0.5 g kg−1. Diets supplemented with PAN were also more profitable than the control diet, with 0.5 g kg−1 indicating the highest return (9.24% increase). Digestive enzyme activity and hepatic enzyme activity were significantly improved with an increase in the level of PAN up to 0.50 g kg−1. In addition, immune parameters (lysozyme activity, alternative complement and phagocytic cells) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) were significantly enhanced with increasing PAN level up to 0.5 g kg−1 (p < 0.05). Gene expression of cytokines was also upregulated in fish fed with PAN at levels of up to 0.5 g kg−1 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that higher levels of PAN promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing the load of pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, intestinal fold length and goblet cell count were significantly increased in the group fed PAN up to 0.5 g kg−1. A quadratic regression analyses performed on feed efficiency, profitability, hepatic enzyme activity and gut microbial load revealed that 0.60–0.65 g kg−1 of feed were the optimal dosages. Regarding immunological and antioxidant responses, the optimal dosages ranged between 0.75 and 0.85 g kg−1. Overall, about 0.60–0.85 g PAN kg−1 feed is suggested for optimum performance, profitability, gut health and overall health status of Nile tilapia, depending on the target objective for which this product is added.
Development of Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring from Traditional to Digital Biomarkers
Authors: Song Jaeyoon , Cho Eunseo , Lee Huiseop , Lee Suyoung , Kim Sehyeon , Kim Jinsik
Published: February 2025

Monitoring and assessing the progression of symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are critical for improving patient outcomes. Traditional biomarkers, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis and brain imaging, are widely used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of disease and enable early diagnosis. In contrast, digital biomarkers derived from phenotypic changes—such as EEG, eye movement, gait, and speech analysis—offer a noninvasive and accessible alternative. Leveraging portable and widely available devices, such as smartphones and wearable sensors, digital biomarkers are emerging as a promising tool for ND diagnosis and monitoring. This review highlights the comprehensive developments in digital biomarkers, emphasizing their unique advantages and integration potential alongside traditional biomarkers.
Birds as Bioindicators: Revealing the Widespread Impact of Microplastics
Authors: Carrasco Lara , Jiménez-Mora Eva , Utrilla Maria J. , Pizarro Inés Téllez , Reglero Marina M. , Rico-San Román Laura , Martin-Maldonado Barbara
Published: February 2025

The global crisis of plastic pollution, particularly involving microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), has profound ecological implications. Birds, serving as bioindicators, are especially susceptible to these pollutants. This systematic review synthesizes the current research on the presence, distribution, and impact of MPs and NPs on avian species, alongside advancements in detection methodologies. MPs and NPs have been identified in over 200 bird species across 46 families, encompassing several ecosystems, from Antarctica to Labrador, including Australia, China, and South Europe. Seabirds such as penguins, gulls, and shearwaters exhibit a high burden of MPs in tissues and feces due to fishing debris, while terrestrial species face contamination from urban and agricultural sources. Depending on their composition, MPs can cause gastrointestinal damage, oxidative stress, and bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene. However, challenges in detection persist due to methodological inconsistencies, though advances in spectroscopy and flow cytometry offer improved accuracy. Addressing this pollution is vital for bird conservation and ecosystem health, requiring international collaboration and standardized research protocols.
Monitoring Grassland Bird Communities with Acoustic Indices
Authors: Ostrom Bethany L. , Harner Mary J. , Caven Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

Several researchers have tried to find relationships between acoustic indices and vocal animal communities to use acoustic indices as a passive monitoring method, as human-derived surveys are expensive, time-consuming, and suffer from observer bias. However, supplanting manual surveys with acoustic indices is a daunting task, considering effective indices for biological monitoring need to differentiate biologically relevant sounds from the broader soundscape, including anthropophony and geophony. The objective of our study was to test how well acoustic indices can be applied to avian community monitoring within a temperate grassland ecosystem in North America. We collected avian community data and calculated six commonly used acoustic indices from recordings in an intact lowland tallgrass prairie in the Central Platte River Valley of Nebraska throughout the avian breeding seasons of 2019–2021. Singular acoustic indices had only weak correlations with all community metrics. However, multivariate models including multiple acoustic indices showed potential for monitoring grassland bird abundance when anthropophony was considered. Fragmented grassland remnants likely experience significant anthropophony that needs to be accounted for when monitoring avian populations. Additionally, multivariate models incorporating several indices may provide a more accurate prediction of avian biophony than individual acoustic indices.
Transformation of the Mental Health of the Autism Spectrum Community: Contemporary Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Sánchez Amate José Jesús , Luque de la Rosa Antonio
Published: February 2025

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic represented a disruptive global event that significantly impacted mental health, posing specific challenges for vulnerable groups such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This group faced particular difficulties due to disrupted routines, limited access to therapies, and social isolation. This study examines the changes in mental health among individuals with ASD during and after the pandemic, highlighting contemporary challenges and the mitigation strategies implemented. Methods: A narrative review was conducted. The search was performed in scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Teseo, Dialnet, and Google Scholar using key terms such as “ASD”, “mental health”, and “pandemic”. Studies published between 2020 and 2024 addressing the impact of COVID-19 on factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as therapeutic interventions, were selected. Results: Fifteen relevant studies were identified. The findings showed significant increases in the levels of anxiety and depression among individuals with ASD, which were primarily attributable to disrupted routines and social isolation. However, noteworthy innovations in virtual interventions were reported, demonstrating significant potential to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic. Conclusions: The pandemic exacerbated preexisting challenges in the mental health of individuals with ASD, revealing structural vulnerabilities in access to therapy and emotional regulation. Nevertheless, it spurred innovations in virtual interventions that could transform support for this group in the future. This analysis underscores the importance of implementing inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive policies to improve the quality of life of individuals with ASD, particularly in the context of global crises.
Eye Tracking as Biomarker Compared to Neuropsychological Tests in Parkinson Syndromes: An Exploratory Pilot Study Before and After Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Cont Celine , Stute Nathalie , Galli Anastasia , Schulte Christina , Wojtecki Lars
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) are becoming increasingly prevalent, necessitating diverse treatment options to manage symptoms. The effectiveness of these treatments depends on accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods. This exploratory pilot study explores the use of eye tracking and compares it to neuropsychological tests on patients treated with deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS). Methods: We used the HTC Vive Pro Eye VR headset with Tobii eye tracker to measure eye movements in 10 Parkinson syndrome patients while viewing three 360-degree scenes. Eye movements were recorded pre- and post-dTMS, focusing on Fixation Duration, Longest Fixation Period, Saccade Rate, and Total Fixations. Neuropsychological assessments (MoCA, TUG, BDI) were conducted before and after stimulation. dTMS was performed using the Brainsway device with the H5 helmet, targeting the motor cortex (1 Hz) and the prefrontal cortex (10 Hz) for 7–12 sessions. Results: ROC analysis indicated a moderate ability to differentiate between states using eye movement parameters. Significant correlations were found between changes in the longest fixation period and MoCA scores (r = 0.65, p = 0.025), and between fixation durations and BDI scores (r = −0.55, p = 0.043). Paired t-tests showed no significant differences in eye movement parameters, but BDI scores significantly reduced post-dTMS (t(5) = 2.57, p = 0.049). Conclusions: Eye-tracking parameters, particularly the Longest Fixation Duration and Saccade Rate, could serve as sensitive and feasible biomarkers for cognitive changes in Parkinson’s Syndrome, offering a quick alternative to traditional methods. Traditional neuropsychological tests showed a significant improvement in depressive symptoms after dTMS. Further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to validate these findings and explore the diagnostic utility of eye tracking.
The Trickle-Down Effects of Supervisor Regulatory Foci on Newcomer Task Performance
Authors: Zhao Junzhe , Chao Wenfan , Zhang Hang , Zhao Guoxiang , Wang Minghui
Published: February 2025

Supervisors’ chronic regulatory foci significantly influence their leadership styles and behaviors, with prevention focus and promotion focus exerting distinct impacts on their actions and outcomes. Drawing on regulatory focus theory, we propose a conceptual model that links supervisor promotion focus and supervisor prevention focus to new employee task performance through the mediating role of supervisor developmental feedback. We conducted a matched questionnaire survey involving 253 supervisor–new employee pairs at two time points. The findings indicated that supervisor promotion focus was positively associated with supervisor developmental feedback, whereas supervisor prevention focus was negatively associated with supervisor developmental feedback. Furthermore, supervisor developmental feedback enhanced new employees’ task performance. This study elucidates the trickle-down effects of supervisor promotion focus and supervisor prevention focus and offers practical implications for organizations on effectively managing supervisors with varying regulatory foci.
Development of an Optimal Machine Learning Model to Predict CO2 Emissions at the Building Demolition Stage
Authors: Cha Gi-Wook , Park Choon-Wook
Published: February 2025

The construction industry accounts for approximately 28% of global CO2 emissions, and emission management at the building demolition stage is important for achieving carbon neutrality goals. Systematic studies on the demolition stage, however, are still lacking. In this study, research on the development of optimal machine learning (ML) models was conducted to predict CO2 emissions at the demolition stage. CO2 emissions were predicted by applying various ML algorithms (e.g., gradient boosting machine [GBM], decision tree, and random forest), based on the information on building features and the equipment used for demolition, as well as energy consumption data. GBM was selected as a model with optimal prediction performance. It exhibited very high accuracy with R2 values of 0.997, 0.983, and 0.984 for the training, test, and validation sets, respectively. The GBM model also showed excellent results in generalization performance, and it effectively learned the data patterns without overfitting in residual analysis and mean absolute error (MAE) evaluation. It was also found that features such as the floor area, equipment, wall type, and structure significantly affect CO2 emissions at the building demolition stage and that equipment and the floor area are key factors. The model developed in this study can be used to support decision-making at the initial design stage, evaluate sustainability, and establish carbon reduction strategies. It enables efficient data collection and processing and provides scalability for various analytical approaches compared to the existing life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. In the future, it is deemed necessary to develop ML tools that enable comprehensive assessment of the building life cycle through system boundary expansion.
AIR Agent—A GPT-Based Subway Construction Accident Investigation Report Analysis Chatbot
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hou Yanan , Ren Fei
Published: February 2025

Subway construction accident reports often take a lot of time and personnel to analyze and contain a large amount of data that require professional identification, which increases the difficulty of the analysis. This study aims to use Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models for the automated analysis of subway construction accident investigation reports, with the goal of improving the efficiency of accident identification and analysis. By analyzing a dataset of 50 subway reports, this study developed the Accident Investigation Report (AIR) Agent, which utilizes GPTs to automatically identify accident types and extract key details from the reports. The chatbot is composed of three core modules: a conversation module, an instruction module, and a knowledge module. Ablation studies were performed to validate the AIR Agent’s efficiency, and the validation results show that the AIR Agent achieves an accuracy of 80.32% when analyzing new reports with a brief conclusion, demonstrating the AIR Agent’s ability to automatically format and structure reports in a consistent and correct manner. These findings suggest that the AIR Agent can significantly reduce the manual effort involved in accident investigation report analysis and enhance the overall efficiency of analyzing subway construction accident investigation reports, thereby improving the effectiveness of accident investigation and management.
Resilience Regeneration Priorities for Old Blocks Based on Public Satisfaction: A Case Study of Beijing, China
Authors: Li Wenlong , Li Qin , Jia Lixin , Hou Dongchen , Wang Sunmeng , Liu Yijun
Published: February 2025

In the process of urban development, old blocks face issues such as long construction times, outdated buildings and facilities, and poor environmental quality, which do not meet the current requirements for the construction and development of resilient cities. Resilience regeneration of old blocks is an important measure to improve public satisfaction and an important way to achieve high-quality and sustainable development of old blocks. Therefore, the priority of resilience regeneration is an important research issue that deserves attention. This study combines the three-factor theory with the asymmetric impact–performance analysis (AIPA) to explore the asymmetric impact relationship between resilience regeneration attributes and public satisfaction, in order to determine the priority order of resilience regeneration of old blocks to improve public satisfaction. Firstly, the main attributes affecting the resilience regeneration of old blocks were summarized and sorted into five dimensions. Secondly, representative old blocks in Beijing were selected, and relevant data were collected through questionnaire surveys, followed by data organization and analysis, to gain a deep understanding of the key issues of resilience regeneration elements in old blocks. Finally, the asymmetric impact–performance analysis was employed to explore and quantify the asymmetric impact relationship between resilience regeneration factors and public satisfaction. The results show that the resilience regeneration attributes can be divided into three categories: spatial texture as a basic factor, environment and emotional experience as excitement factors, and infrastructure and operation and maintenance management as performance factors. This study provides a scientific basis for determining the priority order of resilience regeneration of old blocks and offers a reference for managers to develop targeted resilience regeneration strategies, which is conducive to further improving public satisfaction and promoting the revitalization of old blocks.
Piezo-Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin Based on Flexible BiVO4 PVDF Nanofibers Membrane
Authors: Lv He , Wang Pan , Lv Ying , Dong Lihong , Li Linlin , Xu Min , Fu Lihai , Yue Bin , Yu Dengguang
Published: February 2025

The excessive use of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, has led to environmental challenges such as drug resistance and severe water pollution, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Piezo-photocatalytic technology offers a sustainable solution. In this study, BiVO4, recognized for its exceptional visible light absorption and conductivity, was embedded within polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers to address issues of secondary water pollution and enhance material recovery. The addition of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) further improved the degradation process by generating highly reactive sulfate radicals (•SO4−), which acted synergistically with piezoelectric effects to enhance pollutant breakdown. Under the combined effects of stir, illumination, and PMS activation, BiVO4 achieved a 40% higher ciprofloxacin degradation efficiency compared to mechanical stir alone. This improvement is attributed to the generation of polarization charges at both ends of the material and the •SO4−, which promoted efficient electron-hole separation and oxidative degradation. This study introduces a novel approach to piezo-photocatalytic water treatment using flexible BiVO4 membrane materials with PMS enhancement.
A Review of System Strength and Inertia in Renewable-Energy-Dominated Grids: Challenges, Sustainability, and Solutions
Authors: Moore Paul , Alimi Oyeniyi Akeem , Abu-Siada Ahmed
Published: February 2025

The global shift towards renewable energy sources (RESs) presents significant challenges to power grid stability, particularly in grids with a high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The shift to RESs is critical to improve planetary health; however, grids must remain reliable and affordable throughout the transition to ensure economies can thrive and critical infrastructure remains secure. Towards that goal, this review introduces the issues of declining system strength and inertia in such grids, illustrated by case studies of curtailment measures employed by system operators in the deregulated electricity markets of Australia, Ireland, and Texas. In these high-IBR markets, curtailment has become essential to maintain system security. This paper presents the current mitigation strategies used by system operators and discusses their limitations. In addition, the paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of current research on system strength and inertia estimation techniques, grid modelling approaches, and advanced inverter control, with a particular focus on virtual inertia. Future research directions and recommendations are outlined based on the identified gaps. These recommendations are intended to minimise system operator intervention and RES curtailment while maintaining reliable and affordable grid operation. The insights presented in this paper provide a framework to guide system operators, researchers, and policymakers toward enhancing grid stability while targeting 100% RES.
An Efficient Approach for Mixed Neutral Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Aggarwal Rupal , Methi Giriraj , Agarwal Ravi P. , Hussain Basharat
Published: February 2025

In this paper, neutral delay differential equations, which contain constant and proportional terms, termed mixed neutral delay differential equations, are solved numerically. Moreover, an efficient numerical approach is introduced (a combination of the method of steps and the Haar wavelet collocation method) to solve mixed neutral delay differential equations. Furthermore, we prove the existence and uniqueness theorem using successive approximation methods. Three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed method. Furthermore, the precision and accuracy of the Haar wavelet collocation method are validated theoretically by proving that the error tends to zero as the resolution level increases, and numerically, by calculating the rate of convergence. The findings contribute to a broader application of the wavelet-based method to a more complex type of differential equation. This study offers a framework for the extension of the combination of both methods to be applied to potential real-world applications in control theory, biological models, and computational sciences.
The Requirements for Setting Up a Dedicated Structure for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer—A Systematic Review
Authors: Rudolf von Rohr Lukas , Battanta Nadja , Vetter Cornelia , Scheinemann Katrin , Otth Maria
Published: February 2025

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs), often defined as those aged 15–39 years, face unique challenges in oncology that are often unmet by conventional care models. This systematic review examines evidence on establishing dedicated AYA oncology units, focusing on logistical, infrastructural, and personnel-related recommendations. A PRISMA-guided search of PubMed (2000–2024) identified seven studies that emphasized early stakeholder involvement and collaboration between pediatric and adult oncology teams to ensure comprehensive care. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) of oncologists, nurses, and psychosocial support staff were highlighted as essential to address AYA patients’ diverse needs. Care models varied, with some advocating consultation-based services and others supporting dedicated units. Priorities included increasing clinical trial enrollment, fertility counseling, and creating environments attuned to AYA patients’ social and psychological needs. Key barriers included limited funding, institutional resistance, and inadequate pediatric/adult team collaboration. Despite progress, the lack of standardized guidelines and long-term data on AYA unit efficacy remains a challenge. Further research is required to develop outcome metrics, refine care models, and enhance survival and quality of life for AYA cancer patients.
Optimizing Electrodiagnostic Studies: The Role of Clinical History in Improving Diagnostic Concordance—A Retrospective Study
Authors: López-López Carlos Omar , Touron De Alba Mónica , Montes-Castillo María de la Luz , Vázquez-Mellado Janitzia
Published: February 2025

Background: Electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies are crucial for diagnosing neuromuscular diseases and are considered a complement to neurological examinations. Their effectiveness is highly dependent on the quality of the initial clinical diagnosis, medical history, and physical examination. This study aims to evaluate the concordance between clinical diagnoses and EDx findings, and to identify the primary specialties and clinical data justifying EDx referrals. Methods: This retrospective study included data from referral forms and EDx reports for nerve conduction studies and electromyography at Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga” from January 2022 to January 2023. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, and binary logistic regression to assess diagnostic concordance and the influence of clinical symptoms. Results: Out of 1065 referral requests, 61.8% had their clinical diagnosis confirmed through EDx studies. Most requests originated from orthopedics (25.7%), rheumatology (17.5%), and neurology (17.4%). Although 79.5% of requests included symptoms, only 32.1% included a physical examination. Common diagnoses included radiculopathy (34.6%), polyneuropathy (22.7%), and carpal tunnel syndrome (22.4%). Concordance between clinical and electrophysiological diagnoses had a coefficient of 0.578 (95% CI: 0.537–0.619; p < 0.001). Pain and weakness were significantly associated with diagnostic confirmation (pain: OR 3.1; 95% CI: 1.79–5.48; p < 0.001; weakness: OR 2.46; 95% CI: 1.35–4.48; p = 0.003). Neurology had the highest concordance (0.853; 95% CI: 0.829–0.878), while neurosurgery had the lowest (0.502; 95% CI: 0.378–0.627). Conclusions: EDx studies are valuable, yet their concordance with clinical diagnoses is limited. The experience of the requesting physician significantly impacts diagnostic accuracy. Enhancing referral information is essential for improving EDx study effectiveness and reducing unnecessary procedures, thereby improving patient outcomes and managing costs.
Prevalence and Morphology of Ossified Caroticoclinoid Ligament: An Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Paschopoulos Ioannis , Luzzi Sabino , Tsakotos George , Papadopoulos-Manolarakis Panagiotis , Galzio Renato , Piagkou Maria
Published: February 2025

Background: The caroticoclinoid ligament (CCL) is between the anterior and middle clinoid processes. The ligament can be variably ossified, creating the caroticoclinoid bar or foramen (CCF). When this variant occurs, it encircles the clinoidal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and can cause morphological changes. The present evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis aims to describe the CCL ossification variability (complete, incomplete, and contact), their pooled prevalence, and the pooled mean of the CCF. Methods: The systematic review was performed using four online databases to identify articles that had reported CCF prevalence by its morphology, according to the latest guidelines. The meta-analysis used an R programming software with the “meta” and “metafor” packages. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024623914). Results: The systematic review retrieved a total of 49 studies that had reported on ossified CCL morphological variants. The pooled prevalence of the CCL ossification (irrespective of its morphology) was estimated at 17.47% (95% CI: 14.01–21.23). The most common morphology was the incomplete type, with a pooled prevalence of 10.08% (95% CI: 7.21–13.35). The complete CCF type was calculated at 6.44% (95% CI: 5.30–7.67). The pooled mean diameter of the CCF was 5.00 mm. The geographical distribution, type of study, side, sample size, and sexes did not influence the estimated pooled prevalence. Conclusions: The current study systematically reviewed the prevalence and morphology of CCL ossification. Various subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the possible factors affecting it. This variant has adequate clinical significance due to its close relationship with the ICA.
Teachers’ Beliefs About the Consequences of Grade Retention: Scale Validation and Differences Across Individual and School-Level Factors
Authors: Allende Claudio , López Verónica , Vandecandelaere Machteld
Published: February 2025

This study validates and adapts the Grade Retention Survey for Chilean fourth-grade school teachers, focusing on their beliefs about the consequences of grade retention. A questionnaire of 17 items was administered to 4297 fourth-grade elementary school teachers across Chile. We analyze the internal consistency, reliability, and unidimensionality of the Beliefs on Consequences of Retention (BCR) scale. The validated version comprises six items and demonstrates excellent psychometric properties. Our results show that teachers’ beliefs about grade retention vary significantly according to school retention rates, administrative dependence, socioeconomic status, and gender—findings similar to those observed in the empirical literature, reaffirming the validity of our scale. Specifically, we found that teachers in public schools or those serving lower socioeconomic communities tend to have more negative views of grade retention. In contrast, female teachers and those in schools with higher retention rates exhibit more positive perceptions. This scale provides valuable insights into teachers’ beliefs about grade retention, as these beliefs may shape the implementation of educational policies aimed at modifying the use of these mechanism.
The Reciprocal Relationship Between Vocational Indecision and Academic Stress, and How to Cope with It Through Resilience
Authors: Flores-Buils Raquel , Mateu-Pérez Rosa
Published: February 2025

Vocational indecision refers to the difficulty students face when making decisions about their future careers. It can increase academic stress due to the pressure adolescents feel when having to make important decisions. Resilience is a crucial skill for coping with and adapting to these challenges and stressful situations. This study aims to analyse the relationship between different dimensions of academic stress and vocational indecision, including the influence of resilience factors. This study included 345 students in their final year of compulsory secondary education who completed a Resilience Scale, an Academic Stress Inventory, and a Vocational Indecision questionnaire. The findings indicate that the vocational indecision variables most related to academic stress are information-seeking and psycho-emotionality. The stress symptoms dimension (concentration problems and anxiety) best explains vocational indecision. Persistence, tenacity, and self-efficacy are resilience variables that significantly explain both academic stress and vocational indecision. The reciprocal relationship between vocational indecision and academic stress highlights how uncertainty about the future can increase pressure in school. Resilience helps adolescents face these challenges by developing coping strategies and maintaining a positive attitude. An integrated program is proposed for secondary education to improve vocational decision-making, reduce academic stress, and foster resilience in students.
Integrating Genome and Transcriptome-Wide Data to Explore the Expression Dynamics of ABCDE-like MADS-Box Genes in Phoebe bournei Floral Organs
Authors: Bi Yuanyang , Fu Houhua , Jiang Zihan , Jiang Yan , You Limei , Li Can , Tu Xiongde , Ahmad Sagheer , Liu Zhongjian , Chen Shipin , Lin Wenjun
Published: February 2025

The MADS-box transcription factor gene family is essential for the differentiation and development of floral organs. Genome-wide and transcriptome data from Phoebe bournei provide the foundation for studying its floral development. In this study, phylogenetic relationships, protein characteristics, conserved domains, gene structures, and cis-acting elements in promoter regions of P. bournei MADS-box genes were systematically analyzed through bioinformatics methodologies. A total of 69 PbMADS genes were identified and classified into 15 subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. The potential functions of these genes were inferred based on transcriptomic data and GO classification. In addition, we selected genes from the ABCDE model to analyze protein interactions and performed RT-qPCR to analyze their expression in each floral organ whorl (outer tepals, inner tepals, stamens, and carpel). Based on these analyses, we rationally constructed a model for the floral organ development in P. bournei. This study, thus, provides a theoretical reference for germplasm innovation in P. bournei and offers insights into the floral development in other Lauraceae species.
Enhancing Interfacial Adhesion in Kevlar and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber-Reinforced Laminates: A Comparative Study of Surface Roughening, Plasma Treatment, and Chemical Functionalization Using Graphene Nanoparticles
Authors: Adekunle Feyi , Genzer Jan , Seyam Abdel-Fattah M.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of mechanical and chemical surface treatments on the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of Kevlar and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced laminates (FRLs). Various treatments, including surface roughening, plasma exposure, NaOH and silane coupling, and graphene nanoparticle (NP) incorporation, were conducted to enhance the fiber–matrix bonding within thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) matrices. Results demonstrated that treatment efficacy highly depends on fiber type and matrix material, with chemical modifications generally outperforming the physical treatment (surface roughness). Plasma treatment significantly enhanced adhesion for UHMWPE, increasing yarn pullout force by 188.1% with TPU. While combining plasma with graphene slightly improved performance, it did not exceed plasma-only results due to potential surface functionalization losses during wet graphene application. For Kevlar, the combination of NaOH, silane, and graphene NP (NSG) treatment yielded the highest adhesion, showing increases of 76.6% with TPU and 95.4% with EVA, underscoring the synergy between chemical coupling and nanomaterial reinforcement. This study’s insights align with previous research, expanding the knowledge base by investigating graphene’s role independently and alongside established methods.
Max Weber and Anthony D. Smith on Race, Ethnicity, and Nation
Authors: Mentzel Peter C.
Published: February 2025

The relationship between the sociological categories of race, ethnicity, and nation, and indeed definitions of these terms themselves, continues to be a lively, if not fraught, topic. One of the first social scientists to engage in the investigation of these concepts was Max Weber (1864–1920). Though his work on the subject was incomplete at the time of his death, it nevertheless provided a useful starting point for later research. One of the recent scholars whose work echoes that of Weber was Anthony D. Smith (1939–2016). Through an analysis of the work of both on the subjects of race, ethnicity, and national identity, this paper will examine the similarities in the approaches of Weber and Smith and, in the process, suggest ways to continue the exploration of these important concepts.
Clinical and Genetic Heterogeneity of HCM: The Possible Role of a Deletion Involving MYH6 and MYH7
Authors: Mancuso Giancarlo , Marsan Marina , Neroni Paola , Soddu Consolata , Lai Francesco , Serventi Laura , Cau Milena , Coiana Alessandra , Incani Federica , Murru Stefania , Savasta Salvatore
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic myocardial disorder in children and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among the young. Its phenotypic variability, driven by incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and clinical management. Methods: In this study, we report a unique case of a 16-month-old female diagnosed with HCM caused by a rare genetic deletion. Molecular analysis was performed using a multigene panel and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Results: Molecular tests identified a 30 kb deletion encompassing the MYH6 and MYH7 genes. These genes are critical components of sarcomeric architecture, with known associations to HCM and other cardiomyopathies. Conclusions: This case underscores the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of HCM, highlighting the importance of considering genomic deletions involving key sarcomeric genes in the diagnostic evaluation.
Oneiric Witnessing: Dreamscapes of War
Authors: Zolkos Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Are wartime dream diaries a testimony to violence and its impact on society and culture? Do dreams shape and respond to history and the collective remembrance of war? This article argues that wartime dream collections constitute a testimonial practice that brings visibility to experiences hidden from the public domain and missing from dominant discourses on war. Connecting post-2022 Ukrainian dream diaries and theoretical contributions to cultural dream analysis by Charlotte Beradt, Georges Didi-Huberman, and Wilfred Bion, I argue that recognizing dream sharing as witnessing raises ethical and political questions because it is not a constative speech act, but a form of thinking about and action on history. Within this ethical–political perspective, sharing dreams is never merely about relaying contents to the reader but a relational act of self-disclosure. I conclude that to read records of war dreams is inseparable from being called upon to receive and offer hospitality to a dream.