bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual pH- and Temperature-Responsive Performance and Cytotoxicity of N-Isopropylacrylamide and Acrylic Acid Functionalized Bimodal Mesoporous Silicas with Core–Shell Structure and Fluorescent Feature for Hela Cell
Authors: Ge Huijie , Wang Xiaoli , Bai Shiyang , Bi Yuhua , Liu Fei , Sun Jihong , Fu Wenliang , Xu Donggang
Published: February 2025

Background: Polymer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles have attracted immense research interest in stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems due to their drug-releasing ability on demand at specific sites in response to external or internal signals. However, the relationships between the coated-copolymer encapsulation and drug delivery performance in the hybrid nanocomposites was rarely reported. Therefore, the main objectives of the present work are to explore the cell uptake, cellular internalization, cytotoxicity, and hemolysis performance of the fluorescent hybrid materials with different polymer-encapsulated amounts. Methods: Using (2-(2-aminoethyl)-6-(dimethylamino)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione)-doped poly[(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(acrylic acid)] (PAN) as a shell and bimodal mesoporous silicas (BMMs) as a core, the dual pH- and temperature-responsive mesoporous PAN@M-BMMs with the fluorescent performances were synthesized via a radical polymerization approach. The effects of the PAN-coated thicknesses on their physicochemical properties and structural features were demonstrated via XRD and SAXS patterns, SEM and TEM images, FT-IR spectra, and TG analysis. Their mass fractal (Dm) evolutions were elucidated on the basis of the SAXS patterns and fluorescence spectra. Results: The Dm values increased from 2.74 to 2.87 with an increase of the PAN-coated amount from 17 to 26.5% along with the particle size from 76.1 to 85.6 nm and blue-shifting of their fluorescent emission wavelength from 470 to 444 nm. Meanwhile, the PAN@M-BMMs exhibited a high ibuprofen (IBU) loading capacity (13.8%) and strong dual pH-/temperature-responsive drug-releasing performances (83.1%) at pH 7.4 and 25 °C, as comparison with that (17.9%) at pH 2.0 and 37 °C. The simulated results confirmed that the adsorption energy decreased from −67.18 kJ/mol for pure BMMs to −116.76 kJ/mol for PAN@M-BMMs, indicating the PAN-grafting on the surfaces of the BMMs core was beneficial to improve its IBU-adsorption capacity. Its uptake in the HeLa cell line was performed via microplate readers, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and ICP measurement, showing a low cytotoxicity at a concentration up to 100 µg/mL. Specially, P0.2AN@M-BMMs had a superior cellular uptake and fluorescence properties via the time-dependent uptake experiments, and exhibited the highest silicon content via the cellular internalization analysis, as compared to other carriers. Hemolysis tests confirmed the hemolysis rates below 5%. Conclusions: These demonstrations verified that PAN@M-BMMs should be a promising biomedical application prospect.
Nanoparticles for Thrombolytic Therapy in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Prego-Domínguez Jesús , Laso-García Fernando , Palomar-Alonso Nuria , Pérez-Mato María , López-Arias Esteban , Dopico-López Antonio , Hervella Pablo , Gutiérrez-Fernández María , Alonso de Leciñana María , Polo Ester , Pelaz Beatriz , del Pino Pablo , Campos Francisco , Correa-Paz Clara
Published: February 2025

Background: Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) remains the standard thrombolytic treatment for ischemic stroke. Different types of nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools to improve the benefits and decrease the drawbacks of this therapy. Among them, cell membrane-derived (CMD) nanomedicines have gained special interest due to their capability to increase the half-life of particles in blood, biocompatibility, and thrombus targeting. In order to update and evaluate the efficacy of these nanosystems, we performed a meta-analysis of the selected in vivo preclinical studies. Methods: Preclinical in vivo studies in ischemic stroke models have been identified through a search in the Pubmed database. We included studies of rtPA-nanoparticles, which assessed infarct volume and/or neurological improvement. Nanosystems were compared with free (non-encapsulated) rtPA treatment. Standardized mean differences were computed and pooled to estimate effect sizes for lesion volumes and neurological scores. Subgroup analyses by the risk of bias, type of nanoparticle, and time of administration were also performed. Results: A total of 18 publications were included in the meta-analysis. This was based on defined search inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed that rtPA-nanoparticles improved both lesion volume and neurological scores compared with the free rtPA treatment. Moreover, CMD nanomedicines showed better evolution of infarct volume compared to the other nanoparticles. Funnel plots of lesion volume exhibited asymmetry and publication bias. Heterogeneity was generally high, and the funnel plot and Egger test showed some evidence of publication bias that did not achieve statistical significance in the trim-and-fill analysis. Conclusions: rtPA-encapsulating nanosystems were shown to decrease infarct volume and improve neurological scales compared to the standard treatment, and CMD nanomedicines had the greatest beneficial effect.
Effects of Water and Wind Stress on Phytochemical Diversity, Cannabinoid Composition, and Arthropod Diversity in Hemp
Authors: Kay Ericka R. , Philbin Casey S. , Richards Lora A. , Forister Matthew L. , Jeffrey Christopher , Dyer Lee A.
Published: February 2025

Phytochemical diversity is increasingly appreciated as an important attribute of plants that affects their interactions with other organisms and can have substantial effects on arthropod communities, but this axis of diversity is less studied for agricultural plants. For both managed and natural systems, understanding how extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and extreme wind, affect phytochemical diversity is an important part of predicting responses of plant–arthropod interactions to climate change. In an outdoor field experiment with two distinct varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L., Cannabaceae), we investigated the effects of simulated water stress from reduced water availability and flooding, along with an unplanned extreme wind event on phytochemical diversity and cannabinoid profiles. We also examined how changes in chemistry affected the diversity of the associated arthropods. Our results indicate that both genetic variety and environmental stress have substantial effects on variation in hemp phytochemical diversity and cannabinoid composition, and these effects cascaded to alter the arthropod communities on flowers. The largest differences in chemistry were found between different varieties, which accounted for over 10% of the variation in phytochemical diversity. Stress from wind and floods reduced the phytochemical diversity of flowers, wind had negative effects on cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations, and both water deficit and flooding caused subtle shifts in cannabinoid composition. The subsequent cascading effects of chemistry depended on how it was characterized, with increases in CBD causing higher arthropod richness, while increased phytochemical diversity reduced arthropod diversity. These results provide insights into the potential effects of extreme weather on hemp chemistry, as well as the consequences of hemp phytochemical diversity on colonizing arthropods.
Digital Transformation for Smart and Resilient Cities: Assessing Platform Maturity and ISO 37123 Compliance
Authors: de Genaro Chiroli Daiane Maria , Ferrassa Thallita Puzi , Idalgo Leticia do Nascimento , Mick Marcela Marçal Alves Pinto , Kovaleski João Luiz , Aragão Franciely Velozo , Tebcherani Sergio Mazurek , Zola Fernanda Cavicchioli
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the transformative potential of digital platforms in fostering resilient and intelligent urban environments, a critical need considering rapid urbanization and climate change. Through a comparative analysis of various digital platforms in global cities, this study identifies their role in enhancing operational efficiency, participatory governance, and urban innovation. Utilizing a structured maturity model based on the ISO 37123 standard for resilient communities, this research highlights the specific challenges faced by cities at different stages of digital transformation and provides practical recommendations for implementing digital solutions that integrate resilience, sustainability, and smart governance. The analysis underscores the importance of aligning digital platform development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering a pathway for cities to enhance resilience, optimize resource use, and promote citizen engagement.
Exploring the Catalytic Efficiency of Lithium Bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS) in Lactide Polymerization
Authors: Kiran Almas , Kingsley Achukee Chinedu , Ahmed Hassan
Published: February 2025

The exploration of efficient catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters has significant implications for the synthesis of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. In this work, the simple catalyst lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS) with high activity was explored in detail for the synthesis of polylactide (PLA). Using LiHMDS as the catalyst, various cyclic esters were polymerized to obtain diverse sustainable polyesters, such as poly(lactide), poly(δ-valerolactone), and poly(caprolactone), with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. PLA synthesis was accomplished in just a few minutes at room temperature, contributing to the sustainable advancement of this polymer.
Study on Applicability of Ball-and-Stick Model in Reservoir Pore-Throat Network Simulation
Authors: Dai Jinyou , Shi Yangyang , Lei Xizhen , Zhou Xiaofeng , Pan Zhiyang , Shen Xiaoshu , Pi Sha
Published: February 2025

At present, the ball-and-stick model is widely used to simulate the reservoir pore-throat network. However, due to the large span of reservoir pore-throats, there is still a lack of effective verification on whether the ball-stick model is fully applicable. The configuration analysis of a constant velocity mercury injection curve is carried out by using configuration theory and the hierarchical analysis method. The applicability of the ball-and-stick model in a reservoir pore-throat network simulation is discussed by interpreting the reservoir pore-throat structure information behind the configuration. The results show that there are two configuration regions, A and B, in the constant velocity mercury injection curve. In configuration region A, the mercury saturation of pores, the pore channel and the throats increase monotonically with the increase in mercury inlet pressure, indicating that pore channels and throats coexist in this configuration region, the pore-throat ratio is greater than one, and the ball-and-stick model is applicable. In the B configuration region, mercury saturation in pores and throats increases monotonically with the increase of mercury inlet pressure, while mercury saturation in the pore channel remains unchanged, indicating that this configuration region is basically throat with a porethroat ratio of one. The ball-and-stick model is no longer applicable, and the capillary model is more suitable. The ball-and-stick model combined with the capillary model can simulate the full-scale pore throat network of the reservoir. This study provides a method to calibrate the application zone of ball-stick model and capillary model by using constant velocity mercury injection curve configuration, which has important guiding significance for the simulation of the reservoir pore-throat network and the study of the seepage law.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Bioactive Structured DHA Phospholipids via Stable Immobilized Phospholipase-Catalyzed Esterification in a Solvent-Free Medium
Authors: Garcia-Quinto Ernestina , Guisan Jose M. , Fernandez-Lorente Gloria
Published: February 2025

The enzymatic esterification of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with glycerophosphocholine (GPC) was investigated to produce bioactive structured DHA phospholipids with DHA esterified at the sn-2 position, which may contribute to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This reaction is complex due to the low solubility of GPC in anhydrous organic media and the limited stability of enzymes under such conditions. The immobilized phospholipase Quara® LowP (QlowP-C18) proved to be the most effective catalyst, achieving a 58% yield of di-substituted DHA phospholipids (Di-DHA-PC) in just 48 h under optimal conditions (solvent-free media at 60 °C) with 95% purity. Advanced immobilization and post-immobilization techniques significantly improved the stability of QlowP-C18, increasing its longevity threefold and enabling reuse for up to five reaction cycles at 40 °C. The total production reached 120.4 mg of highly pure DHA-di-substituted phospholipid. These findings highlight the effectiveness of stable immobilized enzymes in solvent-free systems and underscore their potential for the efficient and sustainable production of highly pure Di-DHA-PC, which could be used as a functional or nutraceutical ingredient for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Catholic, Shia and Shakta Salvation Through Mystical Sorrow: Holy Mothers and Sacred Families
Authors: McDaniel June
Published: February 2025

Suffering is a problem addressed by many world religions. This paper examines the understanding of suffering in three religions: Catholic Christianity, Shia Islam, and Shakta Hinduism. In each of these cases, ordinary suffering is transformed into mystical sorrow, becoming a path to closeness and divine union. This transformation makes use of religious symbolism of the family, emphasizing the role of the mother. Worldly suffering is no longer meaningless; instead, it becomes a spiritual path through which the individual person, and even the world at large, may be redeemed.
God Unhinged? A Critique of Quasi-Fideism
Authors: Bagheri Noaparast Zoheir
Published: February 2025

Drawing on Wittgenstein’s On Certainty, Duncan Pritchard argues for a position he calls quasi-fideism. Quasi-Fideism is the view that hinge commitments such as “God exists” are exempt from rational scrutiny within the language game of religion. However, other religious beliefs, which are not part of the framework of hinge commitments, can be rationally assessed and evaluated. This view is to be contrasted with pure fideism, in which all aspects of religion are exempt from rational scrutiny. The success of quasi-fideism depends on demonstrating that “God exists” is, indeed, a hinge commitment. In this paper, I will review and criticize some of Pritchard’s reasons for arguing that God’s existence should be considered a hinge commitment. Additionally, I will offer reasons why “God exists” cannot be a hinge commitment. Considering the rational problem of evil, single and multiple divine attributes, and the emotional problem of evil, I will show that the non-circular rational criticism of God’s existence is possible. Following the distinction between subjective and objective certainty in Wittgenstein’s On Certainty, I will suggest that a more fruitful line of inquiry for Wittgensteinians is to examine God as a subjective certainty.
Engineering Geological Mapping for the Preservation of Ancient Underground Quarries via a VR Application
Authors: Marinos Vassilis , Farmakis Ioannis , Chatzitheodosiou Themistoklis , Papouli Dimitra , Theodoropoulos Theodoros , Athanasoulis Demetris , Kalavria Eleni
Published: February 2025

Underground monument preservation is tightly linked to geological risk. The geological risk management of underground structures typically relies on a preliminary site investigation phase. Engineering geological mapping—as a key site investigation element—is largely based on manual in situ work, often in harsh and dangerous environments. However, although new technologies can, in many cases, decrease the on-field time as well as eliminate inaccessibility issues, the example presented in this study demonstrates a special challenge that had to be addressed. The ancient underground marble quarries of Paros Island in Greece constitute a gallery complex of a total length of 7 km and only two portals, resulting in total darkness throughout almost the full length of the unsurveyed galleries. As such, the entire survey and engineering geological mapping solely relied on a virtual reality application that was developed based on a digital replica of the quarries using laser scanning. The study identifies several critical locations with potentially unstable geologic structures and computes their geometrical properties. Further numerical analyses based on data extracted directly from the digital replica of the rock mass led to the definition of appropriate risk mitigation measures along the underground marble quarries.
Integrated Landslide Risk Assessment via a Landslide Susceptibility Model Based on Intelligent Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Dai Xin , Chen Jianping , Zhang Tianren , Xue Chenli
Published: February 2025

Accurate and objective regional landslide risk assessment is crucial for the precise prevention of regional disasters. This study proposes an integrated landslide risk assessment via a landslide susceptibility model based on intelligent optimization algorithms. By simulating the process of rime frost formation, it effectively selects features and assigns weights, overcoming the overfitting issue faced by XGBoost in handling high-dimensional features. By integrating the concepts of landslide susceptibility, dynamic landslide factors, and social vulnerability, an integrated landslide risk index was developed. Further investigation was conducted on how landslide susceptibility results influence risk, identifying regions with varying levels of landslide risk due to spatial heterogeneity in geological background, natural environment, and socio-economic conditions. This study’s results demonstrate that the RIME-XGBoost landslide susceptibility model exhibits superior stability and accuracy, achieving an AUC score of 0.947, which represents an improvement of 0.064 compared to the unoptimized XGBoost model, while the accuracy shows a maximum increase of 0.15 relative to other models. Additionally, an analysis using cloud theory indicates that the model’s expectation and hyper-entropy are minimized. High-risk-level areas, constituting only 1.26% of the total area, are predominantly located in densely populated, economically developed urban regions, where roads and rivers are the key influencing factors. In contrast, low-risk areas, which cover approximately 72% of the total area, are more broadly distributed. The landslide susceptibility predictions notably influence high-risk regions with concentrated populations.
WindRAD Scatterometer Quality Control in Rain
Authors: Li Zhen , Verhoef Anton , Stoffelen Ad
Published: February 2025

Rain backscatter corrupts Ku-band scatterometer wind retrieval by mixing with the signatures of the σ∘ (backscatter measurements) on the sea surface. The measurements are sensitive to rain clouds due to the short wavelength, and the rain-contaminated measurements in a wind vector cell (WVC) deviate from the simulated measurements using the wind geophysical model function (GMF). Therefore, quality control (QC) is essential to guarantee the retrieved winds’ quality and consistency. The normalized maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) residual (Rn) is a QC indicator representing the distance between the σ∘ measurements and the wind GMF; it works locally for one WVC. JOSS is another QC indicator. It is the speed component of the observation cost function, which is sensitive to spatial inconsistencies in the wind field. RnJ is a combined indicator, and it takes both local information (Rn) and spatial consistency (JOSS) into account. This paper focuses on the QC for WindRAD, a dual-frequency (C and Ku band) rotating-fan-beam scatterometer. The Rn and RnJ have been established and thoroughly investigated for Ku-band-only and combined C–Ku wind retrieval. An additional 0.4% of WVCs are rejected with RnJ, as compared to Rn for both Ku-band-only and combined C–Ku wind retrievals. The number of accepted WVCs with high rain rates (>7 mm/h) is reduced by half, and the wind verification with respect to ECMWF winds is generally improved. The C-band measurements are little influenced by rain, so the Ku-based Rn is more effective for the combined C–Ku wind retrieval than the total Rn from both the C and Ku bands. The rejection rate of the combined C–Ku retrievals reduces by about half compared to the Ku-band-only retrieval, with similar wind verification statistics. Therefore, adding the C band into the retrieval suppresses the rain effect, and acceptable QC capabilities can be achieved with fewer rejected winds.
Microwave Sensor for Dielectric Constant of Lossy Organic Liquids Based on Negative-Resistance Oscillation
Authors: Liu Huan , Meng Yichao
Published: February 2025

The dielectric constant, or permittivity, is a fundamental property that characterizes a material’s electromagnetic behavior, crucial for diverse applications in agriculture, healthcare, industry, and scientific research. In microwave engineering, accurate permittivity measurement is essential for advancements in fields such as biomedicine, aerospace, and microwave chemistry. However, conventional waveguide resonator methods face challenges when measuring high-loss materials, often leading to reduced accuracy and increased cost. This paper introduces a lightweight, compact system for dielectric constant measurement using a negative-resistance voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) integrated within a frequency synthesizer. The proposed system employs phase response variations of a planar sensor embedded in the VCO’s gate network to detect changes in oscillation frequency, enabling precise measurement of high-loss materials. The experimental validation demonstrates the system’s capability to accurately measure dielectric constants of lossy organic liquids, with applications in distinguishing liquid mixtures. The contributions include the design of a resonant-network-attached oscillator, comprehensive sensor performance simulations, and successful characterization of organic liquid mixtures, showcasing the potential of this approach for practical dielectric property measurements.
Exploring the Dependence of Spectral Properties on Canopy Temperature with Ground-Based Sensors: Implications for Synergies Between Remote-Sensing VSWIR and TIR Data
Authors: Halios Christos H. , Smith Stefan T. , Pickles Brian J. , Shao Li , Mortimer Hugh
Published: February 2025

Spaceborne instruments have an irreplaceable role in detecting fundamental vegetation features that link physical properties to ecological theory, but their success depends on our understanding of the complex dynamics that control plant spectral properties—a scale-dependent challenge. We explored differences between the warmer and cooler areas of tree canopies with a ground-based experimental layout consisting of a spectrometer and a thermal camera mounted on a portable crane that enabled synergies between thermal and spectral reflectance measurements at the fine scale. Thermal images were used to characterise the thermal status of different parts of a dense circular cluster of containerised trees, and their spectral reflectance was measured. The sensitivity of the method was found to be unaffected by complex interactions. A statistically significant difference in both reflectance in the visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands and absorption features related to the chlorophyll, carotenoid, and water absorption bands was found between the warmer and cooler parts of the canopy. These differences were reflected in the Photochemical Reflectance Index with values decreasing as surface temperature increases and were related to higher carotenoid content and lower Leaf Area Index (LAI) values of the warmer canopy areas. With the increasingly improving resolution of data from airborne and spaceborne visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared (VSWIR) imaging spectrometers and thermal infrared (TIR) instruments, the results of this study indicate the potential of synergies between thermal and spectral measurements for the purpose of more accurately assessing the complex biochemical and biophysical characteristics of vegetation canopies.
Recent Progress in Flexible Piezoelectric Tactile Sensors: Materials, Structures, Fabrication, and Application
Authors: Tang Jingyao , Li Yiheng , Yu Yirong , Hu Qing , Du Wenya , Lin Dabin
Published: February 2025

Flexible tactile sensors are widely used in aerospace, medical and health monitoring, electronic skin, human–computer interaction, and other fields due to their unique advantages, thus becoming a research hotspot. The goal is to develop a flexible tactile sensor characterized by outstanding sensitivity, extensive detection range and linearity, elevated spatial resolution, and commendable adaptability. Among several strategies like capacitive, piezoresistive, and triboelectric tactile sensors, etc., we focus on piezoelectric tactile sensors because of their self-powered nature, high sensitivity, and quick response time. These sensors can respond to a wide range of dynamic mechanical stimuli and turn them into measurable electrical signals. This makes it possible to accurately detect objects, including their shapes and textures, and for them to sense touch in real time. This work encapsulates current advancements in flexible piezoelectric tactile sensors, focusing on enhanced material properties, optimized structural design, improved fabrication techniques, and broadened application domains. We outline the challenges facing piezoelectric tactile sensors to provide inspiration and guidance for their future development.
Towards Explainable Artificial Intelligence for GNSS Multipath LSTM Training Models
Authors: Wang He-Sheng , Jwo Dah-Jing , Gao Zhi-Hang
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the critical challenge of understanding and interpreting deep learning models in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications, specifically focusing on multipath effect detection and analysis. As GNSS systems become increasingly reliant on deep learning for signal processing, the lack of model interpretability poses significant risks for safety-critical applications. We propose a novel approach combining Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) cells with Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) to create an explainable framework for multipath detection. Our key contributions include: (1) the development of an interpretable LSTM architecture for processing GNSS observables, including multipath variables, carrier-to-noise ratios, and satellite elevation angles; (2) the adaptation of the LRP technique for GNSS signal analysis, enabling attribution of model decisions to specific input features; and (3) the discovery of a correlation between LRP relevance scores and signal anomalies, leading to a new method for anomaly detection. Through systematic experimental validation, we demonstrate that our LSTM model achieves high prediction accuracy across all GNSS parameters while maintaining interpretability. A significant finding emerges from our controlled experiments: LRP relevance scores consistently increase during anomalous signal conditions, with growth rates varying from 7.34% to 32.48% depending on the feature type. In our validation experiments, we systematically introduced signal anomalies in specific time segments of the data sequence and observed corresponding increases in LRP scores: multipath parameters showed increases of 7.34–8.81%, carrier-to-noise ratios exhibited changes of 12.50–32.48%, and elevation angle parameters increased by 16.10%. These results demonstrate the potential of LRP-based analysis for enhancing GNSS signal quality monitoring and integrity assessment. Our approach not only improves the interpretability of deep learning models in GNSS applications but also provides a practical framework for detecting and analyzing signal anomalies, contributing to the development of more reliable and trustworthy navigation systems.
‘To Feel at Home Is to Feel Safe’: Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (Re)Creating a Sense of Home in Foster Care over Time
Authors: Jarlby Frederikke , Tonheim Milfrid , Fylkesnes Marte Knag
Published: February 2025

This study explores what unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) emphasise as important to (re)create a sense of home in foster care over time. Through a longitudinal design consisting of semi-structured, photo-elicitation interviews and by drawing on the concept of homing, we clustered young people’s experiences into three intertwined aspects that contribute to (re)creating a sense of home in foster care: security, familiarity, and autonomy. The study highlights the importance of the emotional, relational, and material resources that young people may access through familial relationships (in foster care), which seem to be an essential part of (re)creating a sense of home. Our findings unpack how URMs in foster care are active agents in doing and becoming home—not just being at home—highlighting their participation and continuous navigation of belonging in daily life. Moreover, our analysis indicates that URMs (re)creating a sense of home in foster care is a dynamic and temporal process between their past experiences, present circumstances, and future aspirations. It is essential for child welfare workers and foster parents to be aware of and support URMs’ connections to their heritage background, birth families, and foster parents during transitions, as well as their individual needs. Findings from this study nuance existing research on what contributes to a supportive foster care environment for URMs, specifically how foster parents can facilitate URMs’ sense of home over time. Yet, our findings also highlight the need for further research on how to better support continuity in foster care for URMs, particularly regarding the role and meaning of cultural, religious, and linguistic belonging.
An Analysis of Young Women University Students’s Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Díaz-Quesada Gema , Jiménez-Jiménez Juan Francisco , Padial-Ruz Rosario , Torres-Luque Gema
Published: February 2025

The physical activity (PA) level in women, it seems, tends to decrease in adulthood. The aims of the study were: (i) to evaluate the degree of compliance with PA recommendations in young women university students and (ii) to measure steps and the level of PA in different periods during the week. Eighty-eight young adult girls (21.38 ± 2.71 years) were recruited for this study. Participants wore an “Actigraph GT3X” accelerometer for seven days, collecting minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps volume. The results show an 80% of compliance of the 10,000 steps per day and a 220% of compliance of the 300 min/week of MVPA. The analysis shows a trend towards higher steps and PA minutes at the Weekdays (steps/day, BF10 = 168.563, δ = 0.418; meeting recommendations 10,000 steps/day, BF10 = 168.563, δ = 0.419; MVPA minutes/day, BF10 = 10.648, δ = 0.323; meeting recommendations 300 min/week, BF10 = 10.648, δ = 0.324) and during the Out-of-University-Time (steps/day, BF10 = 1.387 × 1010, δ = −0.883; meeting recommendations 10,000 steps/day, BF10 = 1.387 × 1010, δ = −0.886; MVPA minutes/day, BF10 = 1.110 × 1015, δ = −1.138; meeting recommendations 300 min/week, BF10 = 1.1 × 1015, δ = −1.144). This study can provide strategies and motivational PA guidelines at university to enhance well-being in young female university students.
An Exploratory Study on Effective Leadership and Change Management in the Transformation of Indonesian Public Universities Towards World-Class University Status
Authors: Marlia Makna Ani , Fahmy Rahmi , Lukito Hendra , Games Donard
Published: February 2025

This study aims to examine the influence of leadership styles on institutional transformation and to identify adaptive strategies for effective change management in the context of Indonesian Public Universities (PTNs) striving to achieve world-class university (WCU) status. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 125 universities through a hybrid questionnaire method involving Rectors, Directors, Vice Rectors, and Vice Directors as representatives. This study employed logistic regression to analyze the influence of leadership styles on the likelihood of PTNs achieving WCU status, alongside Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for deeper insights. The study results indicate that transcollegial leadership increases the likelihood of universities achieving WCU status by 35%, while digital and entrepreneurial leadership contribute 25% and 20%, respectively. The primary challenges identified include inadequate digital infrastructure, resistance to change, and regulatory limitations. This study provides practical and theoretical contributions by identifying adaptive leadership strategies tailored to the unique contexts of PTNs. This study is significant as it addresses the leadership challenges specific to Indonesian public universities in their pursuit of international recognition, providing practical and theoretical insights for achieving sustainable transformation. Future research could examine how leadership styles interact with institutional policies and external factors, such as global rankings and funding mechanisms, to achieve and sustain WCU status. Expanding the scope to include comparative studies across different regions or educational systems could provide broader insights into effective strategies for institutional transformation.
Towards Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Cities: Mitigating Urban Heat Islands Through Green Infrastructure
Authors: Cuce Pinar Mert , Cuce Erdem , Santamouris Mattheos
Published: February 2025

Rapidly increasing construction and agglomeration in urban areas have made the urban heat island (UHI) problem a turning point for the world, as a result of notably rising earth temperature every year. UHI and its impacts on climate are somewhat linked to weather-related matters, natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Given the challenges posed by urbanisation and industrialisation in achieving sustainability, it is crucial to adopt intelligent and decisive measures to mitigate the adverse outcomes of UHI. Greenery surfaces have long been a significant focus of scientific research and policy development, reflecting their pivotal role in combating urban heat islands and promoting sustainable urban environments. This study critically reviews the potential of green infrastructure, including green roofs, facades, shrubs, and trees, so as to minimise UHI impacts in severe urban contexts. By synthesising findings from a wide range of empirical studies, it highlights key outcomes such as reductions in surface temperatures by up to 2 °C and improvements in outdoor thermal comfort indices by over 10 °C under specific conditions. Additionally, the paper introduces a comprehensive framework for integrating greenery systems into urban planning, combining passive cooling, air quality enhancement, and energy efficiency strategies. The findings reveal that extensive green roofs, in particular, are highly effective in reducing indoor cooling demands, while strategically placed trees offer significant shading and evapotranspiration benefits. This work provides actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners to boost sustainable and climate-resilient cities whilst addressing gaps in current research related to the long-term performance and cost-effectiveness of green infrastructure solutions.
Simulation Research on the Optimization of Rural Tourism System Resilience Based on a Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network—Taking Well-Known Tourist Villages in Heilongjiang Province as Examples
Authors: Mou Jinming , Chen Xiaohong , Du Wenhao , Han Jiarui
Published: February 2025

Taking well-known tourist villages in Heilongjiang Province as the research object, we constructed a rural tourism system resilience assessment framework with the dimensions of “environment, institution, economy, society, and culture”. Using a geographical detector to analyze driving factors, an LSTM neural network model was constructed to predict the evolution trend of the rural tourism system resilience of these villages. The resulting insights included the following: ① The rural tourism system resilience of the well-known tourist villages in Heilongjiang Province is at a medium level, with a relatively good degree of development in the environmental dimension and the lowest degree in the economic dimension. ② The existence of financial support, water supply guarantee, domestic waste treatment, livestock manure treatment, and tourism development satisfaction are core driving factors for rural tourism system resilience; there is a non-linear or two-factor enhancement effect among these factors, and the interaction between domestic waste treatment and tourism development satisfaction has the strongest influence, while policy support particularly improves rural tourism system resilience and interacts most frequently with other driving factors. ③ Compared to the backpropagation (BP) neural network, the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network has better stability and prediction accuracy.
Driving Mechanisms of Ecological Suitability Index in the Yellow River Basin from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Liu Yanjun , Du Shuyao , Chen Dengshuai , Li Xin , Liu Teng , Cao Jianrong , Zhang Zengxin
Published: February 2025

Ecological security is of central significance for maintaining the integrity and stability of regional ecosystems. Nevertheless, current academic research systematically studying the complex driving mechanisms behind ecological security is deficient. Therefore, this study utilised ecological sources (ESs) and ecological resistance surfaces (ERSs) to calculate and obtain the Ecological Suitability Index (ESI), thereby reflecting the ecological security status. The drivers of ESI in different areas of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 1990 to 2020 were explored using the random forest (RF) model and GeoDetector. The results of the study show that: (1) according to the results of the RF model, LANDUSE, NDVI, and PRE are the most important driving factors of the ESI in the upper (UYR), middle (MYR), and lower (LYR) reaches of the YRB; (2) according to the results of GeoDetector factor detection, in the UYR and MYR, the ESI is primarily influenced by natural factors such as NDVI and PRE, showing particularly significant impacts in 2010 and 2020; (3) in the LYR, the ESI is mainly influenced by NDVI, but the degree of influence from socioeconomic factors has significantly strengthened. This study provides a decision-making direction for ecological protection and coordinated development in the YRB.
Revealing the Exacerbated Drought Stress Impacts on Regional Vegetation Ecosystems in Karst Areas with Vegetation Indices: A Case Study of Guilin, China
Authors: Gao Zijian , He Wen , Yao Yuefeng , Huang Jinjun
Published: February 2025

Global warming has exacerbated the impact of regional drought on vegetation ecosystems, especially in typical karst areas with fragile ecosystems that are more severely affected by drought. However, the response mechanisms of vegetation ecosystems in karst areas to drought stress are still uncertain. With drought stress in the summer of 2022, we examined the spatiotemporal patterns of drought in a World Heritage karst site, Guilin, China, and revealed the exacerbated drought impacts on vegetation ecosystems in karst areas with various vegetation indices. Firstly, we analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics of drought from 2000 to 2022, utilizing the temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI), highlighting the intra-annual variability of drought in 2022. Additionally, we compared the responses of different vegetation types to drought stress in karst and non-karst areas and explored the exacerbated impacts of drought stress on vegetation ecosystems within the same year with three vegetation indices, namely, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Leaf Area index (LAI), and Gross Primary Production (GPP) in karst areas. The results showed that drought started in July and persisted from August to November at moderate to severe levels (with severe drought in September), eventually easing in December. Karst areas exhibited severe drought (TVDI = 0.76), which more significantly impacted regional vegetation ecosystems than those in non-karst areas. Different vegetation types also experienced greater drought stress in karst areas compared to non-karst areas. The vegetation indices increased at the early- to mid-stages of drought (July to September) compared to those in the baseline year (2020–2021), mainly due to the increase in non-karst areas. However, vegetation indices decreased at the late drought stage (October to November), primarily due to the decrease in karst areas, indicating that the karst topography exacerbated the impact of drought on regional vegetation ecosystems. Since LAI and GPP exhibited similar changing patterns to TVDI, with GPP showing particularly strong alignment, they can be used to reveal the response mechanisms of ecosystems to drought stress in karst areas. We emphasize the importance of monitoring the responses of vegetation ecosystems to climate-induced droughts stress and enhancing their resilience to future climatic challenges, particularly in karst areas.
Urban Gardening and Public Health—A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Haluza Daniela , Ortmann Julia , Lazic Tanja , Hillmer Jonas
Published: February 2025

Background: Urban gardening enhances public health in urban environments by creating green spaces that encourage physical activity, provide access to fresh food, and support mental well-being. These initiatives also strengthen social connections, alleviate stress, and contribute to environmental sustainability, thus addressing health disparities and enhancing quality of life. This study offers a bibliometric analysis of urban gardening research from 1991 to 2020, highlighting trends and implications for public health. Methods: We employed a bibliometric analysis using the free mapping software VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) to generate co-occurrence networks of keywords and bibliographic coupling networks of documents. The dataset spans three decades, focusing on the evolution of research topics and geographical patterns. Results: This research field has grown steadily since the early 1990s. Over the last two decades, the focus has shifted from addressing poverty and food security to exploring urban gardening’s impact on human well-being and quality of life, predominantly in developed countries. Recent studies highlight the differentiated impacts of urban gardening on various socioeconomic groups. Despite robust evidence of public health benefits, policy implementation remains limited, with researchers emphasizing the need for more quantitative data to inform decisions. Conclusions: Urban gardening research has evolved to address contemporary urban health challenges, showcasing its potential to improve well-being and foster community resilience. Strengthening data quality and fostering collaboration between researchers and policymakers are critical for advancing the role of urban gardening in creating healthier cities.
Determination of Effective Factors of Food Waste Attitudes of Romanian Consumers
Authors: Boca Graţiela Dana , Saraçlı Sinan
Published: February 2025

Romania has a framework legislation for the reduction of food waste, a framework focused more on the prevention of food waste. Food waste education can be provided by higher education institutions that have an important impact on training and preparing the upcoming next generation for a sustainable economy and developing strategies to encourage activities to reduce food waste. The purpose of this study is to examine the consumption behavior regarding food waste and determine the factors towards attitude regarding food waste. A total of 1119 respondents participated by completing an online questionnaire. To determine the effective variables on each dependent variable and put forward the relations between these categorical variables, CHAID and multiple correspondence analysis were applied. As a result, we were able to condense consumers’ perception, attitude and behavior regarding food waste, involvement, and participation in the prevention of food waste of respondents. The results can be used for a new range of offers for university canteens and services addressed to the target group by suppliers. This can also lead to stimulation of the activities of small producers and orientation towards domestic products.
Digital Innovation and Circular Economy: A Nexus for Sustainable Oil and Gas Sector Transformation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsuhaibany Yazeed
Published: February 2025

Amid mounting global pressure for transition to renewable energy sources, the survival and sustainability of the oil and gas sector are under threat. Relying inherently on non-renewable energy, the oil and gas sector is in dire need of competitive strategies to ensure a sustainable future while mitigating adverse environmental impacts of its operations. This study endeavors to examine the combined impact of two important factors: the circular economy and digital innovation, which can provide the needed sustainability to the oil and gas sector. It investigates how resource efficiency and environmental and social commitment as dimensions of the circular economy and cost reduction and operational efficiency as dimensions of digital innovation can contribute to a sustainable oil and gas sector in the context of Saudi Arabia—the second-largest oil producer in the world. Employing a quantitative design, the data was collected from 348 executives from the oil and gas sector through an online questionnaire survey and was analyzed in SmartPLS4 using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The findings confirmed the statistical significance, indicating that by implementing circular economy principles and adopting digital innovation, the oil and gas sector can effectively overcome the sustainability challenges it faces and remain competitive in the market. Based on the findings, this study provides important theoretical and practical implications for future researchers, the oil and gas sector, and policymakers.
Soil Nematodes as an Indicator of the Efficiency of Hydrophytic Treatment Plants with Vertical Wastewater Flow
Authors: Bagińska Magdalena , Warężak Tomasz , Romaniuk Wacław , Kozacki Dawid , Skibko Zbigniew , Borusiewicz Andrzej , Dąbrowski Jarosław
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the role of soil nematodes as bio-indicators of the functioning of soil-plant beds in hydrophytic vertical-flow constructed wetland (VFCW) wastewater treatment plants. This study aimed to determine the abundance and trophic composition of nematode populations in seven soil-plant beds, the third component of plant-based wastewater treatment plants designed as Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), in line with blue–green infrastructure and the closed-loop economy. The technology of this type of treatment plant is also in line with the idea of sustainability due to the very low energy requirements of the wastewater treatment system. In addition, soil nematodes were analysed in the soil adjacent to the WWTPs to assess the differences in trophic structure between these environments. The average nematode abundance in the soil-plant beds ranged from 606,000 [N·m−2] to 1,982,000 [N·m−2], with bacterivorous nematodes being the most abundant trophic group (61–73% of the population). This study’s results confirmed that soil-plant beds are abundantly populated by bacteria participating in key organic matter decomposition processes and nitrogen and phosphorus compound transformations, contributing to adequate wastewater treatment. The dominance of bacterivorous nematodes indicates a practical support of physicochemical and biological processes that reduce pollutant concentrations and eliminate pathogenic bacteria flowing into the deposits with the wastewater.