bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Effectiveness of Non-Digital Game-Based Learning among University Computer Science Students on the Topic of Improper Integrals
Authors: Szilágyi Szilvia , Palencsár Enikő , Körei Attila , Török Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2025

Using digital and non-digital card games to teach mathematics is a well-established didactic technique widely applied at different levels of education. Game-based learning strategies are also gaining ground in higher education, but the use of maths card games in university settings remains limited. Generation Z students are true digital natives, members of a hyper-cognitive generation with a learning profile different from any previous generation. In this paper, an original non-digital card game, Blue Yeti, is presented that supports determining the convergence property of improper integrals using the comparison theorems and the Cauchy-Maclaurin test, providing a motivational and effective way of acquiring knowledge for Gen Z students. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development process, rules, and gameplay mechanics of Blue Yeti, which was created as a key component of a multifunctional didactic framework. In addition, it presents findings from a two-year research study conducted among first-year bachelor’s students in computer science on the benefits of playing Blue Yeti. Quantitative studies were carried out with 63 first-year IT students using a quasi-experimental research design to measure the effectiveness of the game. A pre- and post-test design was used with the experimental group of 31 participants to evaluate the short-term effects of card game-based learning. A t-test for paired samples was used for hypothesis testing. To assess the medium-term impact, the results from the related midterm exam problems were statistically analysed, comparing the outcomes of the experimental group with those of the control group using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results indicated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. Additionally, student attitudes towards the game were measured using a mixed-method approach, which provided not only quantitative data but also qualitative information on student attitudes towards Blue Yeti, complementing the statistics on learning outcomes. The results of the study clearly support the effectiveness of the card game.
Analysis of Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Yarn from Sisal Fiber as Raw Material for Making Kre' Alang Sumbawa Woven Fabric
Authors: Hermanto Koko , Yanti Sahri , Widyawati Fauzy , Essabella Shinta
Published: January 2025

Kre’ Alang is a typical woven fabric of the Sumbawa community. Dependence on commercial yarn is the cause of the low value of Kre’ Alang compared to other regional sogket that have used natural materials. In addition, the rare and expensive types of commercial yarn are a challenge to the sustainability of Kre’Alang. Sisal has the potential to be a raw material for yarn for making Kre' Alang. In recent years, sisal has become an agricultural commodity in Sumbawa. The sisal fiber used in this study came from Labangka. The samples tested included alkalized sisal (S1), dyed alkalized sisal (S1P), weft yarn and hani yarn as a comparison (commercial yarn). Tests carried out included FTIR tests, color tests, physical properties tests, and strength and smoothness tests. The results of characterization using FTIR showed that the alkalinization of sisal fibers had reduced lignin and reduced organic acid levels. They opened the fiber structure so that it could absorb dyes well. Meanwhile, the color test results show that S1 has a bright and shiny color. S1P has a stronger, heavier and more stretchy character. In general, sisal fiber yarn is heavier than synthetic yarn. Furthermore, S1P is used as yarn for making kre' alang. S1P is used as a substitute for weft yarn, considering that it has been alkylated and is more aesthetic or colorful. Evaluation of the quality of Kre' Alang was carried out using a questionnaire regarding consumer perception. Data processing used the IPA-KANO method. The evaluation results showed that the density of the woven fabric should be increased while other attributes were maintained.
Exploring Distinct Profiles in Paediatric Bioethics – An Analysis of Proactive and Reactive Approaches by Adults
Authors: Rigotti Erika , Zaffanello Marco , Manzati Sara Patuzzo , Dinicola Giulia Adele , Piacentini Giorgio , Rodella Giulia , Pozzuoli Lucia , De Manzoni Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The field of paediatric bioethics addresses ethical issues in paediatric care, where parental authority often guides medical decisions, but children's preferences should also be considered. Promoting ethical awareness among minors can help them understand complex issues. This study aimed to analyse how sociodemographic, educational, and experiential factors shape adult perspectives on paediatric bioethical issues, particularly concerning pain and death. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to collect adult views of bioethical issues. Participants completed an online questionnaire, and data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 for Windows. Clustering analysis identified two distinct groups. Results: The research focused on Italian adults (N=889) aged 18 and over. Cluster 1, predominantly female (78.3%) and more highly educated (38.6% with postgraduate degrees), exhibited greater experience with paediatric bioethical issues (81.1%). This group favoured a collaborative approach, supporting shared training among adults (92.3%) and advocating for gradually addressing bioethical issues during childhood (84.3%). Cluster 2, with a higher proportion of males (31.5%) and parents (75.1%), showed lower educational levels (3.0% with middle school education) and less experience with bioethical concerns (93.5%). This group preferred a reactive, situation-specific approach to these issues. Conclusions: The study showed two distinct adult profiles regarding how they approach paediatric bioethics. The first group adopts a preventive and collaborative strategy, while the second group is more reactive and situation-driven. These findings can guide the development of tailored educational programs to improve discussions about sensitive topics such as pain, incurability, and death in paediatric care.
Prepared to Ensure Quality Education for All? A Study of PreService Teachers’ Self-Efficacy for Inclusion in Spain and the United States
Authors: Miralles-Cardona Cristina , Cardona-Moltó María-Cristina , Tichá Renáta , Abery Brian H.
Published: January 2025

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set a calendar to make quality education for all effective through SDG4. Teachers being key to achieve this goal, this study examined whether or not future teachers have developed competence to teach inclusively by the time they graduate. Using a survey approach, we gathered data from students of two countries enrolled in two different teacher education pathways. Participants were 330 pre-service elementary school teachers from the US and Spain who completed the TEIP and OLTI scales. Respondents reported a moderate level of self-efficacy for inclusive practice, however, pre-service teachers from the Spanish sample pursuing a general preparation program reported significantly less self-efficacy than those from the US sample enrolled in a dual certification program. Regardless of type of program, there were strong statistically significant differences in perceptions of self-efficacy between those participants who were given sufficient opportunity to learn to teach inclusively and those who did not. Of the two samples, pre-service teachers from Spain consistently reported lower ability in managing classroom behavior, using inclusive instruction, and collaborating with colleagues and families compared to their counterparts from the US. Findings depict that to make progress in quality education for all, competence development for inclusion should be integrated as a core component in any type of teacher education program and teacher self-efficacy regarded as a quality standard indicator for sustainable inclusive practice.
Numerical Simulation on Ultra-Large Seven-Ring Internal Support System Considering the Effects of Soil-Structure Interaction and Temperature
Authors: Hu Hexiang , Tian Yu , Zheng Neimeng , Du Xiuli , Guo Haishan , Xu Zhonghua
Published: January 2025

The foundation pit area of Kunming International Comprehensive Transportation Hub is 56,000 m2, and the excavation depth ranges from 18m to 25m. Because the surrounding environment is very complex, the foundation pit is supported by underground continuous wall and three layers of internal support system with seven rings. The force of this internal support system is coupled in-tegrally, and the number of rings is the most in the world at present. In this work, a finite element model considering the interaction between soil and retaining structure is established. Hardening Soil model with small strain stiffness is used to simulate and analyze the whole excavation process of the foundation pit. Considering the ultra-large plane size of the foundation pit, we cannot ignore the temperature effect, so that the deformation of the underground continuous wall and the force of the internal support system under seasonal temperature variation are investigated. By comparing numerical simulation results with field measurements, deformation of the ultra-large seven-ring internal support system, deformation of the surrounding soil and axial force of the supports are analyzed. The results show that the finite element simulation agrees well with the measured data. This work provides a reliable method for analyzing ultra-large deep foundation pit.
Oxalic Acid Supplementation in Different Hemicellulose Diets Affects In Vitro Rumen Fermentation by Regulating Nutritional Digestibility, Microbial Diversity and Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Zhang Longyu , Pan Yue , Wang Ziyuan , Zhang Miao , Xia Yuanhong , Jiang Huaizhi , Qin Guixin , Wang Tao , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Gangwei , Zhao Wei , Sun Zhe , Zhen Yuguo
Published: January 2025

Determining hemicellulose (HM) degradation is crucial for evaluating the nutritional value of ruminant diets. Our previous study showed that oxalic acid (OA) regulates rumen fermentation. Building on this research, the present study examined the effects of OA supplementation on sheep rumen fermentation, microbial diversity, and metabolite production in vitro. Diets with low and high HM levels (10.3% and 17%, respectively) and supplemented with seven concentrations of OA (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 mg/kg DM) were evaluated. Tests were conducted under both low (HM10.3%) and high (HM17%) hemicellulose conditions; however, addition of 10 mg/kgDM oxalic acid could have better effects under low hemicellulose (HM10.3%), with higher concentrations of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, as well as total acids. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to collect rumen fluid after 12 h of fermentation for analysis of microbial populations and metabolites. OA supplementation at 10 mg/kg DM significantly increased the relative abundances of several bacterial genera, including Prevotella, Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, Sharpea, RFN20, Bulleidia, Olsenella and Bifidobacterium (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between Butyrivibrio and Sharpea and the production of isobutyric and isovaleric acids (P < 0.01), indicating these bacteria play a role in volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Furthermore, rumen metabolites involved in mineral absorption and lipid metabolism, including α-tocopherol, L-glutamic acid, and ginkgolide B, were upregulated. In summary, supplementation with oxalic acid in HM diets alters rumen fermentation, enhances nutrient digestibility, promotes microbial diversity, and influences metabolic pathways. Thus, OA supplementation should be tailored to specific dietary conditions for optimal effects.
PV Farm Power Generation Forecast using PV-Battery Model with Machine Learning Capabilities
Authors: Alao Agboola , Adeyanju Olatunji , Chamana Manohar , Bayne Stephen , Bilbao Argenis
Published: January 2025

This study presents a photovoltaic (PV) battery model with machine learning capabilities to predict PV farm power generation, offering a valuable tool for real-world energy management and planning. Existing models often suffer from limitations in predictive accuracy, computational efficiency, and adaptability to complex temperature and irradiance data variations, reducing their practical effectiveness. To overcome these gaps, the proposed model integrates an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) prediction algorithm, using historical temperature and irradiance data for accurate and efficient power forecasting. Simulation results demonstrate the model’s robustness, achieving high prediction accuracies of 95.10% for temperature and 98.06% for irradiance, while reducing computational demands and outperforming conventional curve-fitting and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques. Similarly, the electrical model utilizes ANFIS outputs to estimate PV farm power generation while efficiently managing the battery’s state of charge (SOC), exhibiting a minimal SOC reduction ofonly 0.88% (from 80% to 79.1212%) over a seven-day charge-discharge cycle and providing up to 11 hours of battery-bank autonomy under specified load conditions. Validation with three distinct datasets further demonstrated the ANFIS network’s ability to handle diverse and complex data variations with consistent accuracy.
The Role of Parenting Styles in Narcissism Development: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: dos Reis Ariana , Martins João Paulo , Santos Rui
Published: January 2025

In contemporary Western societies, there has been a marked increase in narcissistic tendencies, often referred to as the “narcissism epidemic”. This rise highlights the importance of understanding the origins of narcissism, particularly regarding its potential association with parenting styles. Such insights can inform treatment approaches and contribute to paradigm shifts in developmental psychology. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine how different parenting styles are associated with the development of narcissistic traits, using both partial and zero-order correlations as measures of effect. Specifically, it evaluates the impact of the four parenting styles identified by Baumrind—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—and their respective roles in either promoting or mitigating narcissistic tendencies. The review follows PRISMA guidelines and is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024516395). Studies published in English or Portuguese since 2000 were sourced from PubMed (1,039 articles) and Scopus (2,120 articles), resulting in a final sample of 53 studies across 38 articles. Data synthesis included assessment of statistical heterogeneity (I2 statistic), publication bias (funnel plots, Egger’s test, and trim-and-fill method), and methodological quality (adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, NOS). Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of excluding studies scoring below eight on the NOS by comparing results from analyses with all studies versus high-quality studies only. Results indicate a significant, albeit weak, association between parenting styles and narcissistic traits, with notable variations between maternal and paternal influences. This analysis provides a comprehensive perspective on the interplay between parenting approaches and the emergence of narcissistic characteristics, underscoring the complexity of factors that contribute to narcissism in contemporary society.
Quantitative Performance Analysis of Spring-Mass-Damper Control Systems: A Comparative Implementation in Python and R
Authors: Herho Sandy , Kaban Siti
Published: January 2025

The numerical simulation of control of spring-mass-damper (SMD) systems offer critical insights into dynamical systems and computational methodologies. This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of implementing SMD systems across two prominent open-source scientific computing platforms: Python and R. By examining both open-loop and closed-loop system configurations, the research investigates the computational performance, numerical accuracy, and implementation characteristics of these platforms. Utilizing an idealized one-dimensional SMD system with a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller, the study conducted extensive numerical simulations and statistical performance analyses. Results revealed Python's significant advantages in execution speed, achieving up to 63.57% reduction in runtime for controlled system simulations, while R demonstrated superior consistency in execution and memory usage. The controlled system demonstrated exceptional performance, with a final position error of merely 0.4% and enhanced damping characteristics. This work not only bridges theoretical stability analysis with empirical performance insights but also promotes reproducibility and transparency in computational dynamics research by leveraging open-source platforms.
Application of the Fault Injection Method for the Verification of Behavior of Multiple Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flying in Formation
Authors: Rodríguez Iván Felipe , Ambrosio Ana María , Traslaviña Danny Stevens , Orduy Jaime Enrique , Melo Pedro Fernando
Published: January 2025

This research aims to present an analysis of the behavior of multiple Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (multi-RPAS) flying in formation, which is considered advanced aerial mobility within the aerospace industry. This involves the positioning and relative distance in three dimensions (3D) of two or more RPAS, taking into account their operational requirements and limitations, recognizing the operating states, and addressing potential situations encountered during formation flight. For this study, the “Conformance and Fault Injection – CoFI” methodology is employed. This methodology guides the user towards a comprehensive understanding of the system and enables the creation of a set of finite state machines representing the system’s behavior under study. Consequently, models and requirements for the behavior of multi-RPAS flying in formation are presented. By applying the CoFI methodology to inject faults into the operation and predict behavior in anomalous situations, both normal and abnormal behavior models, as well as the flight behavior requirements of multi-RPAS formation, are outlined. This analysis is expected to facilitate the identification of formation flight behavior in multi-RPAS, thereby reducing associated operational risks.
Identification of Necrophagous Beetles (Coleoptera) Using Low-Resolution Real-Time Pcr in the Buffer Zone of Kampinos National Park
Authors: Malewski Tadeusz , Leszczyńska Katarzyna , Borzuchowska Katarzyna Daria , Sierakowski Maciej , Oszako Tomasz , Nowakowska Justyna Anna
Published: January 2025

Forensic entomology is concerned with the study of insects and other arthropods that assist in criminal investigations. Among them, necrophagous beetles (Coleoptera) play a crucial role as they are found in all stages of decomposition of corpses, which makes them valuable for forensic analysis regardless of the time period. Accurate species identification is crucial for the effective use of entomological evidence. Efficient, cost-effective and rapid methods are essential for this purpose. In the present study, we developed a novel assay that enables simple, inexpensive and rapid identification of necrophagous beetle species. Using two primer sets targeting the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene and analysing the resulting SYBR Green I melting curves, we were able to identify fourteen beetle species: Aleochara curtula, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, Creophilus maxillosus, Dermestes undulatus, Hister unicolor, Margarinotus brunneus, Necrodes littoralis, Nicrophorus vespilloides, Ontholestes murinus, Oiceoptoma thoracicum, Philonthus cognatus, Saprinus planiusculus, Silpha tristis, and Thanatophilus rugosus. Data on the melting temperature of the amplicon can be obtained within 60–90 minutes after DNA extraction. The results contribute to the understanding of necrophagous Coleoptera in Poland and provide for the first time comprehensive data on necrophagous beetles in the vicinity of the Kampinos National Park.
Phosphodegrons in Health and Disease: From Cellular Homeostasis to Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Nakagawa Tadashi , Nakagawa Makiko
Published: January 2025

Phosphodegrons are critical motifs that play a pivotal role in the regulation of protein stability and function via phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways. These motifs serve as recognition elements for ubiquitin ligases, facilitating the targeted degradation of proteins by the proteasome. By modulating key cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and apoptosis, phosphodegrons are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of phosphodegrons has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. This review provides an overview of phosphodegron functions, along with their biological significance in health and disease. Additionally, we discuss current methodologies for studying phosphodegrons and explore emerging trends in their identification and therapeutic targeting. By synthesizing recent advances in the field, this article aims to offer insights into the future directions and challenges in phosphodegron research, ultimately underscoring their importance in cellular regulation and disease pathology.
Neurological, Radiological, Visual, and Auditory Alterations in Children with Intrauterine Exposure to the Zika Virus
Authors: Martins Marlos Melo , Guastavino Andréa Bittencourt , de Magalhães-Barbosa Maria Clara , Barbosa Maria Helena de Magalhães , Garcia Cristiane Fregonesi Dutra , Amaral Bárbara Karine Gonet , Barbosa Annamaria Ciminelli , Ferreira Halina Cidrini , Robaina Jaqueline Rodrigues , de Oliveira Mariana Barros Genuino , Tovar-Moll Fernanda Freire , Medronho Roberto de Andrade , Da Cunha Antonio José Ledo Alves , Amim Júnior Joffre , Prata-Barbosa Arnaldo
Published: January 2025

This study aims to describe neurological, visual, and auditory alterations in children whose mothers had confirmed Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy, with most of these children not presenting congenital microcephaly; Methods: an observational, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted, involving children with in utero exposure to Zika virus, following from birth up to 30 months of age; Results: of the 2,882 pregnant women admitted, 116 had a suspected ZIKV infection, of whom 33 had laboratory confirmation. Only one child presented with congenital microcephaly. Despite this, neurodevelopment delay was observed in 36.4% of children evaluated, radiological abnormalities in 29.1%, auditory abnormalities in 8.3%, and ophthalmological abnormalities in 10%; Conclusions: newborns of mothers with confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy may present with varying degrees of visual, auditory, and neurological impairment, despite the presence of congenital microcephaly.
A Single Character Based Embedding Feature Aggregation Using Cross-Attention for Scene Text Super-Resolution
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Qianqian , Liu Haipeng
Published: January 2025

In textual vision scenarios, the super-resolution focuses on enhancing the textual quality and readability for downstream tasks. However, the confusion of character regions by complex backgrounds is often hard to relieve, especially the interference between tightly connected characters. In this paper, we propose a single character based embedding feature aggregation network using cross-attention to solve this problem. Firstly, a dynamic feature extraction is applied to adaptively capture shallow features by adjusting the weights of multi-scale features according to spatial representations. During text-image interaction, two levels of cross-attention are introduced to deeply aggregation the clipped single character features with the textual prior, also aligning semantic sequences and visual features. Finally, an adaptive normalised colour correction operation is used to improve the colour drift due to background interference. On the TextZoom benchmark, the text recognition accuracies are 53.6%, 60.9%, and 64.5% on three recognizers, with SSIM of 0.7951 and PSNR of 21.84, which are at the state-of-the-art level. In addition, our approach improves accuracy by 0.2%-2.2% over baselines on 5 text recognition datasets validating the model generalization.
Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Urban Heat Islands in Kisangani City Using MODIS Imagery: Urban-Rural Gradient, Building Volume Density and Vegetation Effects
Authors: Balandi Julien Bwazani , Selemani Trésor Mbavumoja , Hulu Jean-Pierre Pitchou Meniko To , Sambieni Kouagou Raoul , Sikuzani Yannick Useni , Bastin Jean-François , Wola Prisca Tshomba , Molo Jacques Elangilangi , Tiko Joël Mobunda , Agassounon Bill Mahougnon , Bogaert Jan
Published: January 2025

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has emerged in the literature as a major challenge to urban well-being, primarily driven by increasing urbanization. To address this challenge, this study investigates the spatio-temporal pattern of the UHI in the fast-growing city of Kisangani and within its urban-rural gradient from 2000 to 2024. Inferential and descriptive statistics were applied to examine the spatial and temporal patterns of UHI and the relationships between the Land Surface Temperature (LST), building volume density as well as vegetation density expressed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Results showed that the spatial extent of the moderate UHI gradually increased from 16 km² to 38 km², while the high UHI increased from 9 km² to 19 km² between 2000 and 2024. Furthermore, within the urban-rural gradient, significant fluctuations in both LST and UHI are observed, with urban zones exhibiting substantially higher averages than peri-urban and rural zones. LST and UHI variations in the peri-urban areas also differ from those in the rural areas. Moreover, the LST variations are significantly correlated with the building volume density and vegetation density. However, the influence of vegetation density as a predictor of LST gradually decreases while the influence of building volume density increases over time, suggesting the need to implement a synergistic development pathway to manage the interactions between urbanization, landscape change, and ecosystem service provision. This integrated approach may be a key solution to reduce the impact of UHI.
Microcephaly and Central Nervous System Abnormalities During the Zika Outbreak in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Martins Marlos Melo , Medronho Roberto de Andrade , Raymundo Carlos Eduardo , Prata-Barbosa Arnaldo , da Cunha Antonio José Ledo Alves
Published: January 2025

This retrospective cohort study included 7,870 pregnant women (2,269 with confirmed Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and 5,601 without Zika infection) and their concepts. We obtained data from different databases in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We used a propensity score model to control for confounding factors and stratify between the trimesters of pregnancy. Of the ZIKV+ pregnant women, 49 cases of congenital microcephaly or congenital nervous system (CNS) abnormalities were identified (2.16% or 193.9 cases in 10 000 live births), whereas 44 cases were identified among ZIKV- women (0.78% or 71.4 cases in 10 000 live births). The multivariable analysis evidenced an odds ratio of 2.46 (95% CI 1.30-4.64), 4.29 (95% CI 1.93-9.53) in the first trimester, 5.29 (95% CI 1.08-25.95) in the second trimester and 0.68 (95% CI 0.21-2.14) in the third trimester. The most common findings among ZIKV+ cases were intracranial calcifications, ventriculomegaly, posterior fossa malformations, reduced brain volume, corpus callosum malformations, cortex dysplasia, lissencephaly, and pachygyria. 55.5% of the ophthalmologic exams were abnormal, and anomalies % of brainstem auditory evoked potentials were reported in 33.3%.
The Effects of Tea Polyphenols to Feed on the Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Lambs
Authors: Xiao Yimei , Chen Longcheng , Xu Yuewen , He Xiaolin , Gan Shangquan , Yin Fuquan
Published: January 2025

In this present study, we aim to investigate the effects of adding tea polyphenols to feed on the immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of weaned lambs. Thirty weaned lambs (2 month old, average initial weight 9.32 ± 1.72 kg) were randomly divided into five groups with six lambs in each group. The goat kids were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (CON) fed the basal diet, and four other groups supplemented with 2, 4, 6 g/kg tea polyphenols and 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline in the basal diet (denoted as T1, T2, T3 and CTC groups, respectively). The results indicate that adding 4-6 g/kg tea polyphenols can raise the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes and their genes in lambs' intestines. It also increases the expression of Nrf2, iNOS, and IL-10, while reducing the levels and gene expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) (P<0.05). At the same time, it reduced the expression levels of signaling pathways TLR4, MyD88, and NFκB (P<0.05) activated intestinal protective mechanisms, and enhanced the immune defense of intestinal epithelium. Compared with other groups, feeding tea polyphenols significantly increased the acetic acid content in the cecum of lambs (P<0.05), effectively promoting intestinal health. Tea polyphenols significantly increase the Shannon and Simpson indices, boost the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, and reduce that of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Candidatus_Soleaferrea, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and Prevotella in the tea polyphenol group is significantly higher than in the chlortetracycline group (P<0.05). Overall, these results indicate that tea polyphenols can effectively maintain the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects similar to antibiotics.
Albuminuria in People Chronically Exposed to Low-Dose Cadmium Is Due to Rising Blood Pressure Levels
Authors: Satarug Soisungwan , Yimthiang Supabhorn , Khamphaya Tanaporn , Pouyfung Phisit , Vesey David A. , Buha Djordjevic Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Exposure to low-dose environmental pollutant cadmium (Cd) increases the risks of both albuminuria and hypertension by mechanisms which are poorly understood. Here, multiple-regression and mediation analyses were applied to data from 641 Thai subjects of whom 39.8%, 16.5%, 10.8%, and 4.8% had hypertension, albuminuria, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. To correct for interindividual differences in urine dilution and surviving nephrons, the excretion rates of Cd (ECd), albumin (Ealb) and β2-microglobulin (Eβ2M) were normalized to creatinine clearance (Ccr) as ECd/Ccr, Ealb/Ccr and Eβ2M/Ccr. Respective risks of having CKD and hypertension rose to 3.52 (95%CI: 1.75, 7.05) and 1.22 (95% CI:1.12, 1.3) per doubling Cd body burden. Respective risk of having albuminuria increased 2.95-fold (p = 0.042), and 4.17-fold (p = 0.020) in subjects who had hypertension plus severe and extremely severe tubular dysfunction, defined according to elevated β2M excretion rates. In multiple regression analysis, Ealb/Ccr increased linearly with both systolic blood pressure (SBP, β = 0.263) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, β = 0.150), while showing an inverse association with eGFR (β = −0.180). The mediation model analyses inferred that a declining eGFR induced by Cd contributed to 80.6% of SBP increment (p = 0.005), which then fully mediated an elevation of albumin excretion (p < 0.001). The present study provides, for the first time, evidence that causally links Cd-induced eGFR reductions to blood pressure elevations which enhance albumin excretion.
The Cosmic Tapestry: A Comprehensive Study of Structure Formation
Authors: Montgomery Richard Murdoch
Published: January 2025

Abstract Structure formation is a cornerstone of modern cosmology, linking the primordial fluctuations generated in the early universe to the intricate arrangement of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and cosmic voids observed today. In this article, we explore the theoretical underpinnings of structure formation within the CDM (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) paradigm and its alternatives, bridging fundamental physics and observational data. We review the historical development of the field, discuss the most important mathematical formalisms, and offer insights from both analytical treatments and state-of-the-art cosmological simulations. We then detail the methodologies used in deriving key equations, emphasize the observational techniques employed for validation, and present a critical discussion of the successes and lingering challenges in our quest to understand the universe's large-scale structure.Author: Richard Murdoch MontgomeryUniversidade de São PauloContact: montgomery@alumni.usp.br Abstract Structure formation is a cornerstone of modern cosmology, linking the primordial fluctuations generated in the early universe to the intricate arrangement of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and cosmic voids observed today. In this article, we explore the theoretical underpinnings of structure formation within the CDM (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) paradigm and its alternatives, bridging fundamental physics and observational data. We review the historical development of the field, discuss the most important mathematical formalisms, and offer insights from both analytical treatments and state-of-the-art cosmological simulations. We then detail the methodologies used in deriving key equations, emphasize the observational techniques employed for validation, and present a critical discussion of the successes and lingering challenges in our quest to understand the universe's large-scale structure.
Material Textile Design as a Trigger for Transdisciplinary Collaboration: the Case of Coating Biobased Textiles Using Waste from Wood Industry
Authors: Castro Jimena Alarcón , Balbo Riccardo , Silva Carla Joana , Fuenzalida Fernández Catalina , Carrasco Florencia Alarcón
Published: January 2025

Waste production is a worldwide concern due its adverse impact on the environment, as well as on health of living beings. Sustainable development states the urgent need to implement actions to gradually replace fossil resources. This research explores the approach focused on the design of renewable materials, by developing a bio-based textile coating with the use of sawdust from radiata Pine, which is the result of industrial wood transformation processes. The methodology adopts a transdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from design, engineering and sociology disciplines. Perceived sawdust quality study was carried out in original format, provided by MASISA S.A. the main industry of wood panels in Chile. Two prototypes of renewable materials were developed at the Technological Center of Textile and Clothing Industry in Portugal, being evaluated from user acceptance and functional performance points of views. The mono-material design concept is explored in trade clothing design. The results obtained from users and laboratory studies favor the knife-over-roller coating and the removable clothing design, which provides improved usability performance. The conclusions highlight that transdisciplinary collaboration is essential to address complex challenges in the development of solutions, placing the design of material as a prior action in the design process of final products.
Legal issues in the property, use, preservation, and management of agricultural lands in Bulgaria
Authors: Georgiev Minko
Published: January 2025

This article reviews the subject of ‘agricultural lands’ in Bulgaria  from a  legal aspect, for the period 1878-2023. It analyses the normative acts, legal consequences and the most important legal changes that the land reforms in the country derive from. There is a review of the processes of restitution, land-settlement, and limitations of property; the initiation of cadastral maps and other events and initiatives related to them; legal actions of the administrative and judicial organs; and decisions related to the judicial and constitutional control, related to the owners and users of agricultural lands. There is some detailing of how the latter perform their legal rights to the land in certain cases. The study is provisionally divided into three sub-periods: the first presents legislation in Bulgaria related to agricultural lands in the period after the establishment of the Third Bulgarian State. It gives explanation to some important moments, deriving from the historical participation of the country in the political events related to the Balkan Peninsula and the First World War, as well as to the policies of land-settlement, organisation and cooperation of the agricultural subjects; establishment of the first administrative bodies; and the administration of the processes related to the property and in particular to the agricultural land. The second period reflects on the legislation defined by the collectivisation and expropriation of the private property, the limitation of the economic relations in regard to the agricultural lands, and the following redefining of the legal institutes related to the property of agricultural land. In a sense the first two parts of the article give answers to the reasons and the need for the last land reform performed after 1989. A milestone in the article is the process of restitution as well as the problems of the legal doctrine of the last period from 1989 until 2023. Apart from identifying the most important problems of the management of the legal aspect of the restitution processes, the article provides a  short review of the new course and the ‘curve’ of the legislation regarding agricultural land. The newest changes in the trajectory of the public relations and the legal challenges deriving from the legal order in the European Union are presented, including: legal contradictions of the Bulgarian legislation with the law of the EU; reflection of the structural funds over the legal processes related to the agricultural lands; and the ‘green’ payments and consolidation of the property in agricultural lands. At the end there are some suggestions for the improvement of the legal framework regarding the agricultural lands in the country. The article uses several legal methods, including legal-historical, positive legal analysis, and a normative approach in explaining the offers suitable for the change of the legal framework regarding agricultural lands.
Restitution of agricultural and forest land in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Midorović Sloboda
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the solutions provided by the Serbian legislator for the restitution process, with a specific focus on agricultural and forest land. It traces the origins of this process to state interventionist measures such as agrarian reform and confiscation, which led to the creation of an agrarian fund used for land redistribution in line with socialist ideology. Although initial signs of the restitution process appeared in the early 1990s, no significant progress was achieved until the early 2000s. Rather than adopting a  single, uniform law on restitution, the Serbian legislator chose to regulate the process through three separate laws: one addressing confessional restitution, another one dealing with general restitution, and a third one governing the return of property confiscated from Holocaust victims to Jewish communities. This paper outlines the key substantive and procedural provisions of these restitution laws and addresses certain contentious issues that have arisen during their practical implementation. The analysis is supported by the case law of the Restitution Agency and domestic courts. The conclusion emphasises that, despite its duration, the restitution process has yielded considerable results, particularly with respect to the restitution of agricultural land, where restitution in kind has been achieved in the vast number of cases.
The Denationalisation of Agricultural Land and Forests in Slovenia: Unfolding a DecadesLong Journey
Authors: Vlahek Ana , Damjan Matija
Published: January 2025

The article analyses the denationalisation of agricultural land and forests in post-communist Slovenia, in the aftermath of its departure from socialist Yugoslavia in 1991. It begins with a historical overview of the relevant nationalisation measures adopted during and after the Second World War on the territory of Slovenia. It then analyses the prerequisites for, and the procedural rules on, the restitution of agricultural land and forests as set out in the Act on Denationalisation of 1991, and its further amendments, primarily shaped by decisions of the Constitutional Court. Special legislation on the return of property to agrarian communities and their members, as well as cooperatives, is also analysed. The article also focuses on the legal and procedural nuances that have shaped the denationalisation process in Slovenia, which after more than 30 years is finally in its closing stage.
The importance of intergenerational transfer of family farms and a specific hungarian solution
Authors: Barta Judit
Published: January 2025

After a short introduction to the EU, the present study aims to present the importance and generational situation of agricultural family-owned businesses in Hungary in the light of statistical data on the one hand, and the legal rules specifically applicable to them on the other, focusing on the definition of the concept and the specific Hungarian solution to facilitate intergenerational farm transfers.
Características bibliométricas mundiales de investigación en infección por Covid-19 y enfermedad cerebrovascular
Authors:   , Palomino Leyva Camila Briceyda , Rivera Recuenco Jhonny Joaquin
Published: January 2025

OBJETIVO El objetivo del estudio fue identificar las características bibliométricas a nivel mundial de investigación en infección por la COVID-19 y enfermedad cerebrovascular. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se analizaron 1605 documentos acerca de la COVID-19 y enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV), indexadas en la base de datos de Scopus entre los años 2019-2021. Los indicadores bibliométricos evaluados fueron número de citas, citas por publicación de autores, países, revistas y colaboraciones a nivel nacional, internacional, institucional y de impacto según la métrica de Cite Score Cuartil Field-weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) & h-index. Todo análisis se realizó mediante Scival. RESULTADOS El mayor porcentaje de artículos correspondieron a las universidades de Estados Unidos entre ellas Harvard y New York con 59 y 20 publicaciones respectivamente y con el autor más influyente, Mocco, J., con un h-index de 59. En relación con los indicadores de citaciones, las revistas como Stroke y Journal Stroke and Cerebrovascular diseases obtuvieron 1971 y 561 citaciones respectivamente. Por otro lado, se observó mayores citas por publicación a nivel institucional e internacional con 34.9 y 33.4 respectivamente. Finalmente, dentro de las áreas temáticas con mayor cantidad de investigaciones fueron Neurología, Medicina Cardiovascular y Cardiología con 424 y 217 respectivamente; sin embargo, Medicina General obtuvo mayor impacto con un FWCI de 9.52. CONCLUSIONES Se observó que Estados Unidos fue el país con mayor producción científica acerca de la COVID-19 y enfermedad cerebrovascular en el año 2020, con autores y revistas influyentes en las diferentes áreas temáticas; no obstante, es necesario aún más investigaciones a nivel mundial para un mejor análisis del tema.
Pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain - impact on pregnancy and neonatal health in the Polish population
Authors: Marchewka-Długońska Justyna , Nieczuja-Dwojacka Joanna , Krygowska Krystyna , Bogdanovich Veronika , Sys Dorota , Baranowska Barbara , Kobus Magdalena
Published: January 2025

Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns, affecting pregnant women and potentially leading to numerous complications for both maternal and neonatal health. The aim of this study is to estimate how pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity, as well as gestational weight gain, influence pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health in Poland. The study material consisted of data from 2,878 women aged 16–46 years from hospitals in Warsaw and Krosno. The analysis included data on the course of singleton pregnancies and the biological condition of the newborns, correlated with pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG), which were compared to the standards set by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean section, perineal injuries, and retained placenta occurred significantly more often in women with overweight and obesity compared to women with normal body weight. Pre-pregnancy BMI had the greatest impact on the occurrence of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and perineal injuries. At the same time, diabetes was more frequently observed in women who gained weight by IOM standards. Newborns delivered by women who were overweight and obesity were significantly larger than those born to women with normal body weight. Gestational weight gain played substantial role in shaping mentioned parameters. The likelihood of macrosomia, perinatal injuries, and breastfeeding difficulties increased among women with overweight and obesity.
Local Back-Propagation: Layer-wise Unsupervised Learning in Forward-Forward Algorithms
Authors: Hwang Taewook , Seo Hyein , Jung Sangkeun
Published: January 2025

Recent deep learning models, such as GPT-4, use the back-propagation algorithm (BP) and have achieved impressive performance. However, there is a noticeable difference between how BP operates and how the human brain learns. In response to this, the Forward-Forward algorithm (FF) was introduced. FF trains deep learning models using only forward passes. Although FF cannot fully replace BP due to its need for specialized inputs and loss functions, it remains promising in situations where BP is difficult to use, such as federated learning. To address these limitations and demonstrate the practical value of FF, we propose a Local Back-Propagation method that incorporates unsupervised FF. By using an unsupervised learning model, our approach allows training with standard inputs and common loss functions, thereby avoiding the special requirements of FF. This not only leads to more stable learning but also enables a wider range of possible applications than FF alone. Furthermore, because our method allows each layer to be physically separated, we have tested its effectiveness in scenarios like federated learning, where individual models are trained separately and then combined. Our results confirm that this approach expands the usability and scope of FF-based training methods.
How Do Belief Systems Influence the Categorization of Ambiguous Stimuli?
Authors: narmashiri abdolvahed , Tanha Alireza , Sohrabi Ahmad , Hatami Javad
Published: January 2025

Previous research has shown a connection between paranormal beliefs and a tendency to attribute meaning to ambiguous stimuli in signal detection paradigms. However, whether this bias is general or specific to certain stimulus categories remains unclear. To address this issue, we used a face/house categorization task to investigate how paranormal believers and skeptics perceive human agents versus non-natural objects amidst varying levels of visual noise. Our behavioral data, along with drift-diffusion modeling (DDM), revealed that paranormal believers outperformed skeptics in categorizing ambiguous stimuli, including both faces and houses. This study highlights the impact of belief systems on perceptual and visual processing.