bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional Contagion in Human-Horse Interactions: Investigating the Role of Stress and Body Language in Emotional Transfer
Authors: Manolăchescu Dan , Tripon Mirela , Crecan Cristian , Tătaru Mariana , Papuc Ionel
Published: February 2025

Emotional contagion in human-horse interactions has been widely studied, yet the role of body language in stress transfer remains insufficiently explored. This study examines whether human emotional states, particularly stress and anxiety, influence horses and whether the transmission occurs primarily through body language. Conducted across five equestrian facilities, the study employed a within-subjects design, assessing 33 horse-human interactions. Participants were classified into high-anxiety (HA) and low-anxiety (LA) groups based on State Anxiety Scale scores and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Two interaction conditions were tested: Free-Style (FS), where participants moved naturally, and Constrained-Style (CS), where movement and expression were restricted. Horses heart rate variability and ethogram scores were recorded at baseline, during contact, and after recovery. Results indicated that horses exhibited significantly higher response in HRV and ethogram scores for HA-FS interactions compared to HA-CS (p < 0.05), suggesting an increased physiological and behavioral response when human emotions were freely expressed. However, interactions in the CS condition showed no significant HRV or behavioral differences between HA and LA groups, implying that constrained body language mitigates emotional contagion. These findings suggest that horses do not inherently detect human stress but rather respond to body language cues associated with anxiety. The study highlights the importance of structured handling techniques to minimize stress transfer, with implications for equestrian training and therapy. By adopting controlled, neutral body language, handlers can create a more stable environment, enhancing horse welfare and optimizing human-horse interactions. This research contributes to the broader understanding of interspecies emotional dynamics and the necessity of mindful equine management practices.
ShipNetSim: An Open-Source Simulator for Real-Time Energy Consumption and Emission Analysis in Large-Scale Maritime Networks
Authors: Ahmed Aredah , Rakha Hesham
Published: February 2025

The maritime industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, for which new and innovative tools need to be developed to enhance energy efficiency and cut ship emissions. This paper introduces ShipNetSim, an open-source multi-vessel simulator that targets real-time quantification of marine fuel consumption and emissions over large-scale shipping networks. ShipNetSim combines propulsion-resistance models, ship-following dynamics, and path finding algorithms with the ability to simulate the longitudinal vessel motion and provide insight into the vessels’ energy consumption and their environmental impact. The simulator adapts to changing ship type, environmental conditions, and fuel sources, providing robust and scalable performance. Using real routes and ship specifications, case studies performed confirm the accuracy of the model and highlights the potential for fuel-consumption and operational-efficiency improvements. Additionally, the ability of the simulator to model operational policy-driven changes in the form of reduced speeds or alternative fueling strategies positions it as a leading-edge tool to help inform compliance with international maritime regulations, including those regarding carbon-reduction targets posed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Thus, ShipNetSim offers a unique mix of technical precision and environmental relevance by integrating two fields: that of maritime engineering and global sustainability efforts.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Healthcare Practitioners in a South African Setting
Authors: Mukheli Tshifhiwa , Fourie Anschen , Mokoena Tshepo Polly , Kagodora Shingirai Brenda , Luvhengo Thifhelimbilu Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Prevention of foot ulceration is critical to reduce the rate of amputation in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated knowledge of risk factors and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) among healthcare practitioners (HCPs). Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study using a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were HCPs involved in management of patients with DM. The questionnaire investigated professional background, prior education, knowledge of risk factors DFU, foot care and appropriate footwear. Participants were asked to indicate if they agreed or disagree with a statement. Scores were based on percentage response by each category of HCPs. Knowledge level was classified as very poor if less than 50% of participants from a category of HCPs answered appropriately, reasonable for 50%-59%, average at 60%-69%, above average from 70%-79% and excellent when ≥80%. The chi-square test to compare the knowledge levels across the categories of HCPs. Results: 449 HCPs participated and 48.1% (216/449) were therapeutic health practitioners (THPs), 37.4% (168/449) nurses and 14.5% (65/449) medical doctors. 36% (162/449) of participants had prior education on DFU. Overall knowledge level among participants of risk factors of DFU was 80%, appropriate technique of foot examination 80%, identification of limb-threatening conditions 82%, proper foot care 77% and selection of appropriate footwear 65%. Differences in knowledge levels across HPCs was statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion: Majority of HCPs had no prior education on prevention of DFU. The level of knowledge regarding foot care, risk factors and prevention of DFU among HCPs was mostly insufficient.
Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kangilbaeva Guzal E , Bakhritdinova Fazilat , Jurabekova Aziza
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the evolution of automated diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy from visualization and automatic segmentation of the ocular fundus imaging to the diagnosis of stages of diabetic retinopathy by deep learning algorithms in artificial intelligence programs. Methods. Search published works in PubMed, ScienceDirect and similar search engines, from 2006 to 2023, using a combination of keywords in the medical field (ophthalmology, diabetic retinopathy, screening) and machine learning (artificial intelligence, deep learning, neural connection) has allowed us to identify the 160 publications we’ve analyzed. The article is formed by the consistent analysis of various computer programs as their complexity. Results: Artificial intelligence programs, rapidly developing in recent years, are successfully used to diagnose vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Artificial intelligence programs have demonstrated sensitivity ranging from 82-99.1% and specificity ranging from 63-90% in detecting vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence programs will undoubtedly help doctors timely diagnose vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. AI-enabled screening programs will help reach hard-to-reach, densely populated, low-income areas. The authors hope that similar programs that use artificial intelligence to diagnose diabetic retinopathy will become widely available throughout the world.
Impact of Mobile Phone Use on Distracted Driving and the Moderating Role of Self-Regulatory Skills
Authors: Thapa Pramila , Rijal Alisha , Sharma Prakash , Tsirkas Panagiotis , Valamontes Antonios , Adamopoulos Ioannis
Published: February 2025

Background: This study examines the impact of Mobile Phone Use (MPU) on Distracted Driving (DD) and the moderating role of Self-Regulation Skills (SRS) among drivers. With the increasing use of smartphones, distracted driving has become a critical issue, contributing to numerous road accidents. This research aims to explore how MPU affects DD and how SRS can mitigate these risks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 220 participants aged 15-58, including both professional and non-professional drivers. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring MPU frequency, self-regulation skills, and self-reported instances of DD. Statistical analyses, including regression and ANOVA, were used to test the hypotheses. Results: The findings show a significant positive relationship between MPU and DD, with a coefficient of -0.699 (p < 0.001). Self-regulation skills significantly moderated this relationship, reducing the impact of MPU on DD (coefficient = 0.304, p < 0.001). Differences in distraction levels were observed based on gender and vehicle type, with males and four-wheeler drivers exhibiting higher distraction rates. These findings highlight the importance of targeted therapies that account for demographic differences in distraction susceptibility. Conclusion: The study concludes that MPU is a key contributor to distracted driving, but strong self-regulation skills can help mitigate its negative effects. These results highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns, self-regulation training, and stricter policies to enhance road safety. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the significance of improving self-regulation skills, conducting public awareness efforts, enforcing stronger policies to reduce MPU-related distractions, and improving road safety.
Type of Attendant at Birth by Detailed Maternal Nativity Among US-Born, Latin American and Caribbean-Born, and Sub-Saharan African-Born Black Women
Authors: Yada Farida N. , Brown Candace S. , Brunner Huber Larissa R. , Olorunsaiye Comfort Z. , Amutah-Onukhaga Ndidiamaka , Starker Glass Tehia
Published: February 2025

Approximately 10% of the US Black diaspora were born either in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) or Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), projected to account for a third of the Black US diaspora by 2060. Yet little details on foreign-born Black women’s labor and delivery (L&D) characteristics such as the type of birth attendant remain scarce. We used the National Center for Health Statistics 2016 to 2020 Natality data (n=2,041,880). The associations between detailed maternal nativity (DMN) and the type of attendant at birth (i.e., physician, certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified professional midwife (CPM)) among US-born, LAC-born, and SSA-born Black women were examined using multivariate multinomial regression. The study revealed that LAC-born women were more likely to have a CNM during birth than US-born Black women, but Haitian-born and Jamaican-born women had lower odds of having a certified professional midwife (CPM) at birth. When compared to US-born Black women, Cameroonian-born women had decreased odds of having either a CNM or CPM during birth. Findings suggest the need for further investigation and comprehensive data collection methods for future research to understand the specific needs and preferences of different ethnocultural groups to improve maternity care and prevent adverse maternal health outcomes.
Economic Burden and Clinical Effectiveness of Different Hydroxyurea Dosing Regimens in Sickle Cell Disease: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Shahi Uday Bir , Subedi Sangam , Pande Rajan , Subedi Kushal , Shahi Bidhya Kumari , Panthi Sandesh
Published: February 2025

Sickel cell disease (SCD) is a genetic potentially debilitating disease with global concern. Hydroxyurea is an oral therapeutic agent with proven laboratory and clinical efficacy for sickle cell anemia. It can be speculated that SCD tends to greatly deplete the finances of households in developing countries where there is high level of poverty and inequitable distribution of wealth and resources. To determine direct medical and non-medical cost, we conducted a study to compare standard fixed-dose hydroxyurea with dose escalation to the maximum tolerated dose. A concurrent mixed method design was conducted on patients visiting the Bheri Hospital of Nepalgunj, Nepal who came for checkup of SCD was the study population. The sociodemographic and patient-related questionnaires was utilized for the data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version23. Out of 80 patients, the 53.75 patients were male. The median value of Hbs was found to be 69.2. 36 patients were found to be in fixed dose group while other 48 patients fall under the dose escalated group. While observing the lab parameters hemoglobin and fetal hemoglobin is in increasing manner while other blood cell counts were decreased. More number of ADRs are observed in the fixed-dose group with vaso-oclusive pain as a major clinical complication in the people. The overall cost that a patient bear was found to be NRs. 57309.523 ± 16637.095 (i.e. around 600USD) while Nepal’s GDP per capita is around 1400 USD (based on 2023 data). The study suggests hydroxyurea dosing should be maintained properly, and evaluation of laboratory parameters and the clinical complications should be addressed properly. The economic burden seems to be high in the SCD patients. Implementing hydroxyurea, effective administration of other agents and utilizing rigorous treatment approaches have the potential to reduce the overall impact on both patients and healthcare systems.
The Neurobiology and Impact of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Athletes: A Focused Review
Authors: Makhoul Jenny , Nasr Anastasia , Qazi Zemar , Piper Brian , Ahmed Areeba , Javeed Amna
Published: February 2025

Recent reports have highlighted a troubling pattern of athletes exhibiting pronounced and unexplained behavioral changes. This phenomenon is often linked to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with repeated head injuries in contact sports. The term “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy” was coined by Dr. Bennet I. Omalu to describe the condition distinguished by the accumulation of abnormal tau protein in the brain. This paper provides a focused overview of the neurological and neurobehavioral mechanisms, prevention and treatments, and the role of animal models in advancing our understanding of CTE. Key findings have identified the accumulation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation as major contributing factors in the development of CTE. However, gaps in the literature remain, including the need for standardized injury models and biomarkers for diagnosing CTE in living individuals, pointing to future directions in refining diagnostic tools and developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
Research on Multi-Sensory Experience Design of Interior Space from the Perspective of Spatial Perception: A Case Study of Suzhou Coffee Roasting Factory
Authors: Xu Haochen , Jin Changjiang , Chai Ye , Zhao Jinxiang
Published: February 2025

With the globalization and transformation of social and cultural structures, spatial demands are increasingly shifting from a focus on mere functionality to an emphasis on sensory experiences and the cultivation of atmosphere. This study explores spatial perception theory, integrating it with the principles of perceptual phenomenology, to examine the factors influencing spatial perception from two key dimensions: sensory experience and the physical characteristics of space. For instance, visual elements such as lighting, color, and spatial form influence the emotional tone of a space by shaping mood and setting expectations. Auditory design, including soundscapes and sound timing, plays a critical role in fostering comfort and immersion. Building upon these insights, the study proposes an interior design strategy centered on multi-sensory engagement: (1) Visual Perception: Modifying color and lighting to establish emotional ambiance and enhance spatial depth; (2) Auditory Perception: Crafting soundscapes that deepen immersion; (3) Tactile Perception: Designing both direct and indirect tactile experiences; (4) Olfactory and Gustatory Perception: Incorporating scent design to evoke memory and forge emotional connections. To validate these strategies, we analyze the design of lighting, color, materials, and scent in a coffee roasting factory in Suzhou, where a balanced space was created that not only meets functional requirements but also elevates sensory stimulation and the immersive experience for customers. This study bridges the gap between multi-sensory design and spatial ambiance, offering a systematic framework and advocating for the transition from functional design to one that prioritizes multi-sensory engagement.
Does preliminary Chest Shape Assessment Improve the Prognostic Risk Stratification of Individuals with Mitral Annular Disjunction? A Case Report And Narrative Review
Authors: Sonaglioni Andrea , Nicolosi Gian Luigi , Muti-Schünemann Giovanna Elsa Ute , Rispoli Gaetana Anna , Lombardo Michele , Muti Paola
Published: February 2025

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD), a mitral annular abnormality involving the whole mitral valve annulus circumference, commonly detected in individuals with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), has been recently recognized as a potential risk factor for ma-lignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death. Recent evidence in-dicates that a multimodality imaging assessment comprehensive of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) may improve the MAD detection. To date, no previous author considered the potential influence of chest wall conformation on MAD presence. Considering the strong association between MVP and anterior chest wall deformities and the increased prevalence of MAD among MVP individuals, we have hypothesized that MAD pres-ence might be more frequently detected among MVP individuals with a narrow ante-ro-posterior (A-P) thoracic diameter and/or concave-shaped chest wall conformation, as noninvasively assessed by the modified Haller index (MHI). Herein, we present a case of MVP female with relevant MAD distance and moderate mitral regurgitation (MR), who underwent a diagnostic study comprehensive of transthoracic echocardi-ography, transesophageal echocardiography, CMR, CCTA and exercise stress echocar-diography. The patient was found with a concave-shaped chest wall conformation (MHI >2.5) and narrow A-P thoracic diameter (< 13.5 cm), with a moderate and non-hemodynamically significant MR, without areas of LGE on CMR and with low arrhythmic profile. A preliminary chest shape assessment by the MHI might improve the prognostic risk stratification of MVP patients with MAD, potentially identifying a benign phenotype of MVP individuals, i.e. those with a narrow A-P thoracic diameter.
Photo- and Schiff Base-Crosslinkable Chitosan/Oxidized Glucomannan Composite Hydrogel for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Hidaka Mitsuyuki , Sakai Shinji
Published: February 2025

Chitosan is an attractive material for developing inks for extrusion-based bioprinting of three-dimensional structures owing to its excellent properties, including its mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity when used in wound dressings. A key challenge in formulating chitosan-based inks is to improve its gelation property to ensure reliable printing and the mechanical stability of the printed structures. To address these challenges, this article presents a novel chitosan/oxidized glucomannan composite hydrogel that combines Schiff base and phenol crosslinking reactions. The proposed biomaterial forms soft hydrogels through Schiff base crosslinking, which can be further stabilized via visible light-induced phenol crosslinking. This dual-crosslinking approach enhances the printability and robustness of chitosan-based ink materials. The proposed chitosan/oxidized glucomannan hydrogel exhibits excellent extrudability and improved shape retention after extrusion, along with antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli. Moreover, good cytocompatibility was confirmed in animal cell studies using mouse fibroblast 10T1/2 cells. These favorable features make this hydrogel highly promising for the extrusion-based bioprinting of complex 3D structures, such as tubes and nose-like structures, at a low crosslinker concentration and can expand the prospects of chitosan in bioprinting, providing a safer and more efficient alternative for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications.
Next-Gen Drilling Fluid Monitoring: Predicting and Preventing Hazards in Challenging Operations
Authors: William Barnty , Mabel Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

The evolving complexity of drilling operations, particularly in challenging environments, has heightened the need for advanced technologies that ensure safety and operational efficiency. Next-generation drilling fluid monitoring, combined with predictive analytics, represents a groundbreaking approach to enhancing hazard prevention and risk mitigation. This article explores the integration of real-time drilling fluid monitoring systems with predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent operational hazards in challenging drilling environments. By analyzing key parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and fluid properties, predictive models can identify potential issues such as equipment failure, blowouts, and environmental violations before they occur. The study highlights the effectiveness of these technologies in real-time decision-making, reducing incidents, and improving overall drilling performance. Furthermore, the article discusses the challenges of implementing these advanced systems, including data quality, integration with existing infrastructure, and operator adaptation. The findings demonstrate that next-gen drilling fluid monitoring not only improves safety but also optimizes operational efficiency, providing a proactive approach to managing complex drilling operations. This approach has the potential to transform drilling safety protocols, providing a comprehensive, data-driven strategy for hazard prevention in the oil and gas industry.
A Review of Electric Vehicle / Hybrid Electric Vehicles Technology: Architecture, Energy Storage Technology and It’s Management, Soc Optimization and Control Strategies, Study of Various Filter Strategies
Authors: Satpute Ritik , Shirbhate Archana , Irshadalam Mohd , Ameen Mohd Aasim , Shambharkar Ninad , Yadav Neha
Published: February 2025

Technology for EV's and HEV's has become a viable way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. The architecture of EV systems is examined in this paper, with a focus on energy distribution, battery integration and power-train variants. Lithium-ion, solid-state and new energy storage technologies as well as their management systems to maximize lifetime and performance are a major area of attention. This study also explores optimization methodologies, control strategies and State of Charge (SoC) estimation methods to improve vehicle performance and energy economy. The use of many filtering techniques, including Kalman filters, particle filters and adaptive filtering methods in EV applications is examined in relation to noise reduction, parameter estimation and vehicle system stability. The aim of this paper is to integrate modern control and optimization techniques in order to help improve EV efficiency, dependability, reliability and sustainability in general.
The Polarization Paradox: Social Media, Young Voters, and the Challenges to the Open Society
Authors: Ferreira Gil Baptista , Ferreira Lourenço Silva
Published: February 2025

The ideal of the open society, based on rational deliberation and pluralism, faces significant challenges in the digital age. This study explores how affective polarization and populist sentiments among young Portuguese voters reconfigure the public space, conditioning democratic debate. Using a sample of 130 first-time voters in the April 2024 legislative elections, we analyze the relationship between populism, adherence to radical right-wing ideology and levels of affective polarization, considering the role of social networks as vectors of these dynamics. The results suggest that young people with populist sentiments show greater affective polarization and that the preference for certain digital platforms influences this tendency. The study contributes to the debate on the impact of social networks in an open society, highlighting their role in amplifying discursive fragmentation and eroding the foundations of democratic debate.
Sustainability and Supplier Collaboration: A Path to Superior Service Quality in Italian Restaurants
Authors: Warwick Isabelle
Published: February 2025

This study examines the many aspects that affect personal involvement, decision-making, and adaptability in intricate contexts. The research used qualitative approaches to explore the experiences of 23 people, yielding profound insights into the dynamics influencing their viewpoints and behaviours. Significant results underscored the essential role of awareness and knowledge in informing choices, highlighting the need of obtaining trustworthy information and the difficulties presented by disinformation. Personal values and beliefs were crucial in affecting involvement, with ethical concerns and cultural origins impacting participants' reactions to diverse difficulties. Social contacts and community involvement were shown to significantly improve comprehension and motivation, despite the recognition of potential biases within social groups. The study also highlighted many problems and obstacles, including institutional limits, societal opposition, and personal restraints, that participants encountered in their endeavours. Motivation and incentives were emphasised as crucial elements of ongoing involvement, with internal passions counterbalanced by extrinsic rewards. Leadership dynamics significantly influenced experiences, as successful leaders fostered cooperation and trust, but difficulties in leadership were also addressed. The influence of technology on involvement was acknowledged, with participants identifying both its advantages and difficulties. The results highlight the intricacy of human participation, demonstrating the interaction of knowledge, values, social factors, motivation, leadership, and technology. The research underscores the need for ongoing education, collaborative networks, and structural enhancements to promote significant engagement and facilitate constructive transformation within many domains.
Towards Landscape-Based Groundwater Recharge for Arid Regions- the Case Study of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Amna , Nijhuis Steffen , Bobbink Inge
Published: February 2025

Rapid urbanization and climate change are driving forces that are changing the urban landscape and affecting the resources and environment, particularly in the megacities of arid regions. Many of these cities face an acute water crisis leading to over-exploitation of groundwater resources. This over-exploitation has led to the depletion of aquifers, land infertility, saline intrusion, land subsidence, and harm to the hydrological ecosystems. Globally, numerous studies have documented the potential of groundwater recharge (GWR) using GIS and remote sensing techniques. However, its spatial implementation and benefits for urban landscape improvement are underexplored. In this study, we introduced the concept of landscape-based GWR by conducting a case study of Karachi (Pakistan). By taking hydrology and contextual landscape systems (surface and sub-surface) as the foundation, we explored favorable conditions for the social-ecological inclusive spatial transformation of the urban landscape. Moreover, we highlighted the multiple benefits of this approach besides recharging the depleted ground hydrological conditions, i.e., improving the city's biodiversity and social, economic, and ecological values. We found that landscape-based GWR can be one of the potential solutions not only for the critical water crisis of the city but also for improving the overall quality of life and urban landscape. Furthermore, this holistic approach towards groundwater recharge can guide future urban development patterns, preservation of high groundwater recharge potential sites, and evolution towards sustainable regional development in arid regions where groundwater is the most significant yet vulnerable resource.
Genetic Diversity and Performance of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. Durum Desf.) Germplasm Based on Agro-Morphological and Quality Traits: Experimentation and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Manhou Khadija , Mouna Taghouti , Moussadek Rachid , Zouahri Abdelmjid , Ghanimi Ahmed , Sanad Hatim , Lhaj Majda Oueld , Hmouni Driss , Dakak Houria
Published: February 2025

The productivity and resilience of durum wheat have been enhanced through the selection of accessions, optimizing agronomic and quality traits to address environmental challenges. This study investigates the inter-group genetic diversity of 219 durum wheat accessions, including 120 elite lines from a national breeding program, 63 international lines, 27 Moroccan varieties, and 9 landraces. Trials were conducted at the Jemâa Shaïm experimental station (INRA-Morocco) with an "Alpha lattice" design and two replications. Significant correlations were observed between spike length and number of spikelets (r = 0.950; p < 0.001), and between gluten and protein content (r = 0.863; p < 0.001). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that agro-morphological traits explained 77.12% of variability, while quality traits accounted for 95.54%. Elite lines showed a high yellow pigment index (14.90), important for wheat technological quality. Traditional landraces performed well in spike length (8.78 cm), thousand-grain weight (50.23 g), protein content (17.07%), and gluten content (36.90%). Moroccan varieties achieved a grain yield of 6.12 t/ha. International lines exhibited the highest SDS value (9.39 ml), indicating superior technological quality. These findings emphasize the importance of landraces, Moroccan varieties, and elite accessions for developing high-quality, high-yielding durum wheat varieties adaptable to challenging conditions, contributing significantly to productivity and sustainability.
An Assessment of Collector-Drainage Water and Groundwater – An Application of CCME WQI Model
Authors: Rajabova Nilufar Davlatboy kizi , Sherimbetov Vafabay , Sadiq Rehan , Farouk Aboukila Alaa
Published: February 2025

According to Victor Ernest Shelford’s “Law of Tolerance”, organisms within ecosystems thrive optimally when environmental conditions are favorable. Applying this principle to agroecosystems experiencing water scarcity or environmental challenges can enhance their productivity. In such ecosystems, phytocoenoses regulate their optimal conditions by utilizing water of varying concentrations. Additionally, optimal drinking water conditions for human populations within a given ecosystem can be established, mitigating the risks of future negative succession processes.
This study focuses on assessing the quality of two distinct water sources in the Amu Darya district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan: collector-drainage water and groundwater at depths ranging between 10 and 20 meters. To evaluate water quality, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Water Quality Index (WQI) was employed, adapted to the specific conditions of Uzbekistan.
The relevance of this research lies in its examination of climate change impacts. Without optimizing the salinity of collector-drainage water, its use may exacerbate soil salinization and lead to a decline in drinking water quality.
The findings, covering the period from 2021 to 2023, reveal that the overall water quality index for collector-drainage water was classified as “Poor” for sensitive crops, primarily due to six indicators failing to meet FAO guidelines, which resulted in an 8.33% increase in salinity by 2023. In contrast, groundwater quality showed a “Fair” rating in 2021, with a slight deterioration observed by 2023.
The study underscores the necessity of utilizing organic fertilizers in agriculture to safeguard drinking water quality, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health, while minimizing the use of chemical inputs. Additionally, adopting WQI models under changing climatic conditions offers potential for improving agricultural productivity, enhancing groundwater quality, and enabling more robust environmental monitoring systems.
Nutritional Considerations for Implementing a Vegan Diet for Perimenopausal and Post-Menopausal Women as a Form of Non-hormonal Therapy
Authors: Cornes Danielle J. A. , Carter Jennie , Gough Lewis Anthony
Published: February 2025

The menopause is a natural transition that nearly all women experience around 52 years of age. This is caused by a decline in the hormone oestrogen, causing the menstrual cycle to eventually stop. This hormonal decline, typically lasting four to twelve years, can lead to menopausal symptoms such as poor sleep, mood changes, muscle & joint pain, brain fog and hot flushes. Menopausal symptoms can be alleviated and even eradicated through changes in diet. Over the past decade, veganism has risen in popularity for ethical, health, environmental and moral reasons. Following a vegan diet has been shown to reduce the risk of developing health issues that are common during the menopause, such as obesity, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Vegan menopausal women typically report less bothersome symptoms than omnivores, consequently, more studies are now emerging trialling a vegan diet as a form of non-hormonal therapy to treat menopausal symptoms. As a result, the purpose of this review is to provide nutritional considerations for menopausal women who may be considering a vegan diet. Current evidence suggests that protein, essential nutrients vitamins B12 and D₃, omega 3 fatty acids and minerals calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium should be prioritised. In addition, the risk of obesity is prevalent during the menopausal transition due to the decline in sex steroids reducing basal metabolism. Therefore, a focus on energy balance and appropriate and carefully monitored energy deficits are of utmost importance to meet individual needs to achieve a healthy weight.
Effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)-BIG for Neurological Diseases Other Than Parkinson’s Disease: Mini Review
Authors: Won Changyeon , Jang Woohyuk , Park Sunwook
Published: February 2025

Background: Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG (LB) was developed for Parkinson’s disease patients to improve patients’ movement amplitude and accuracy through large movements and enhance movements through self-awareness and recalibration. This study aimed to review studies on LB for neurological diseases other than Parkinson’s disease and examine its potential as an intervention tool. Method: The main search databases included Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. ‘Neurological disease’, ‘LSVT-BIG’, ‘Treatment or Rehabilitation’, ‘Intervention’ and ‘Therapy’ were used as search keywords until December 2024, and 8 articles were finally selected. Results: As a result of analyzing 8 studies, there were 4 studies on stroke (all conducted by occupational therapists) and 4 studies on other diseases including 2 studies on progressive supranuclear palsy, 1 study on idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, and 1 study on Huntington’s disease (all conducted by physical therapists). Conclusion: LB had a positive effect on improving physical function and overall motor control in patients with neurological diseases other than Parkinson’s disease, indicating its potential as an intervention tool. In the future, studies that have high-level evidence-based study designs and complement small sample sizes are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of LB.
Effect Of Tendon Profile Layout On Flexural Strength Of Unbounded Post-tensioned Prestressed Concrete Bridge I-Girder
Authors: Hasib Swar Imad , Lateef Assim Mohammed , Aziz Omar Oarani
Published: February 2025

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the optimal design of the tendon profile layout and to examine the effect of the tendon profile layout on the flexural strength of unbounded post-tensioned prestressed concrete bridge I-girders. In this study, the experimental investigation involved casting and testing ten unbounded post-tensioned bridge girders under a four point loads. The main variable studied was the tendon profile layout. The experimental results showed that the flexural behavior of tested specimens is divided into three stages: elastic stage, elastic-plastic stage and plastic stage and all specimens exhibit flexural failure. It can be concluded that for each tendon profiles layout (trapezoidal, parabolic, harped), the tendon profiles with eccentricity at end of beam (ee)=0, had maximum ultimate load capacity. It also can be concluded that specimen GF-9 HA (Harped Tendon Profile with ee = 0 mm) had maximum ultimate load capacity from all other specimens. These enhancement in specimens stiffness, ultimate loads capacities and deflections because of increasing resisting capacity , reducing stresses specially at support, reducing deflection, increasing resisting bending moment which lead to reducing the production cost of girder.
Enabling Biodiversity-Informed Architecture through Ontology-driven Data Integration
Authors: Ahmeti Albin , Sunguroglu Hensel Defne , Pruski Cédric , Tyc Jakub , Hensel Michael
Published: February 2025

Urban biodiversity is essential for sustainable cities, as it helps address the challenges of environmental degradation, ecosystem loss, species decline, and increased vulnerability to climate hazards, which negatively affect human health and well-being. ECOLOPES (ECOlogical building enveloPES) aims to develop a design approach for multi-species as stakeholders to achieve regenerative urban ecosystems. Integrating the diverse data required for stakeholders and beyond-spanning life sciences, geography, and architecture-and utilizing it for design presents a significant challenge. This paper introduces an ontology-driven approach that utilises ontology-based data management (OBDM) as a framework for integrating diverse data sources, enabling ecologists and architects to design sites and buildings that foster urban biodiversity. OBDM offers a unified view of multiple data sources through an ontology, enabling query and update operations to be performed directly on the integrated data. The proposed ontology, developed in collaboration with domain experts and adhering to Semantic Web and Linked Data best practices, serves as a mediator between life sciences data (e.g., species distribution and habitats) and geometric information (e.g., maps, voxel models of building structures). This integration enables the adaptation of site, buildings and geometries respectively to create habitats that attract and support urban wildlife, contributing to ecological sustainability. The paper illustrates the practical utility of the ontology through a case study, highlighting its role in guiding building designs that promote species attractiveness and urban biodiversity.
A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of Clinical Depression and Anxiety in Elite Olympic Athletes Versus Amateur Athletes
Authors: Alessi Longa Francesco
Published: February 2025

Mental health of athletes is an important but underrepresented aspect of sports science. Numerous elite athletes, especially Olympic elites, are exposed to unique stressors that may predispose them to clinical depression and anxiety. This study will seek to compare these disorders rigorously between Olympic elite athletes and amateur athletes using robust quantitative methods in addition to a comprehensive theoretical framework.
emoAIsec: Fortifying Real-Time Customer Experience Optimization with Emotion AI and Data Security
Authors: Maheen Syed Mustavi , Sultana Irin , Kshetri Naresh , Fardous Zim Md Nasim
Published: February 2025

Businesses today use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance customer interactions. Emotion AI, a branch of AI, recognizes human emotions through text, voice, and facial expressions, enabling personalized and engaging experiences. While this increases customer satisfaction, it also raises privacy and security concerns. To address these challenges, we propose emoAIsec, a framework that integrates Emotion AI with strong data protection measures. It employs encryption, privacy-focused analytics, and legal compliance to ensure ethical AI-powered customer interactions. emoAIsec consists of three key modules: Emotion Recognition, Customer Experience Optimization, and Data Security. Emotion Recognition analyzes emotions using deep learning with high accuracy, outperforming existing models in real-time emotion detection. Customer Experience Optimization dynamically adjusts responses, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing churn. Data Security ensures safe handling of emotional data through federated learning and differential privacy, setting a new benchmark for secure AI-driven interactions. Our research highlights emoAIsec unique contributions, including an innovative graph-based approach for multimodal emotion fusion and real-time processing capabilities. These advancements make it a reliable and ethical solution for optimizing customer experience while maintaining data integrity and security.
Molecular and Genetic Analysis of the Increased Number of Genes for Trypanosoma cruzi Microtubule Associated Proteins in the Class Kinetoplastida
Authors: Winkler Martin A. , Pan Alfred A.
Published: February 2025

Trypanosoma cruzi GenBank® M21331 encodes for Antigen 36 (Ag 36), which is a tandemly repeated T. cruzi antigen. GenBank M21331 has a gene sequence similarity to human immune genes IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ, as well as to human TRIM genes. A BLAST-p search revealed that T. cruzi GenBank M21331 had seven gene sequences homologous to microtubule-associated protein (MAP) genes with a 100% amino acid sequence identity. There are 36 genes in the T. cruzi genome with >94% identity to GenBank M21331, and these genes encode proteins ranging in size from 38 to 2011 amino acids in length, the largest containing 20, 25, and 30 repeats of the Ag 36 thirty-eight amino acid sequence motif. The purpose of this study was to perform a genetic and molecular comparative analysis of T. cruzi GenBank M21331 to determine if this gene sequence is unique to the T. cruzi clade, present in the T. brucei clade, and/or exists in other trypanosomatids. There are seven homologous genes to GenBank M21331 in T. cruzi, but only one homologue found of this gene in T. brucei. The MAP genes in T. cruzi appear to have expanded at least eleven-fold in number compared to similar MAP genes in T. brucei. The DNA sequences and functions of these MAP genes in their respective species and clades will be discussed, and are a fascinating area for further scientific study.
Determination of Underground Water Quality, the Main Source of Drinking Water, in a Village Area in North-Eastern Romania, Based on “In Situ” Physical-Chemical Analysis
Authors: Plavan Gabriel Ionut , Plavan Oana , Đurin Bojan , Mare Roșca Oana , Boufahja Fehmi , Fetoshi Osman , Crăciun Alexandru Iulian , Nicoara Mircea Nicusor , Strungaru Stefan , Pacioglu Octavian , Rarinca Viorica
Published: February 2025

In the historical context of the evolution of water sources, from wells, rivers and lakes to the construction of water filtration and treatment plants starting from the 19th century, the concept of “clean water” has acquired a precise definition, based on parameters such as pH, redox potential and salinity. Today, public authorities consider drinking water safe when it meets strictly defined standards for human consumption. Starting from this framework, this study aims to analyze the water quality from wells in a rural area in northwestern Romania, where they represent the main source of water for the local population. 80 wells were evaluated, focusing on the total dissolved solids (TDS) pa-rameter, used as the main indicator of water quality. Since TDS is not standardized at the national level, the values recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were used. In addition, parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), ox-ygen saturation, salinity, conductivity, redox potential and pH were analyzed. For comparison, the values of these parameters were also measured for the water from the public network of the municipalities of Iasi and Botosani, as well as for various brands of bottled water. The results of the study highlight significant water quality problems in rural areas, especially in terms of microbiological contamination and high nitrate levels, highlighting the need for urgent measures to improve infrastructure and water treat-ment systems. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the challenges related to ensuring drinking water in rural communities and provide a basis for de-veloping effective public policies in water resources management.
Evaluating the Performance of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index in Cold Climate Regions using Trend Analysis
Authors: Sabzevari Yaser , Eslamian Saeid , Pamula Abhiram Siva Prasad , Bazrkar Mohammad Hadi
Published: February 2025

Drought monitoring is crucial for water resource management in cold climate regions. For drought monitoring, different drought indices are used. Some drought indices, only consider precipitation and ignore temperature-driven evapotranspiration, which face significant limitations in cold regions. SPEI index provides a more comprehensive and adaptable tool by integrating temperature-driven evapotranspiration and water balance analysis. So, this index performance is worth evaluating in cold climate and mountainous regions. So, this study aims to compare the performance of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) in two mountainous and cold climate regions in Iran and the United States (US). The Mann-Kendall Test was employed to assess the trend in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) in the US and Lorestan province. The results revealed a predominantly decreasing trend in drought occurrences across Lorestan, especially in southern and southwestern areas with lower elevations. In contrast, the UCRB showed a positive trend, indicating a wet period. The western parts of the UCRB were predominantly affected by drought. Among the studied stations, Khorram Abad station exhibited the most statistically significant trend at the 99% confidence level (Z > 2.57). The temporal trend analysis of drought revealed more positive and negative abrupt changes in the UCRB than in Lorestan. This indicates a higher degree of small-scale variability in the UCRB compared to Lorestan. This study provides a temperature-responsive method for drought assessment, supporting the development of adaptive strategies that address snowmelt variability, seasonal water availability, and shifting drought patterns in cold regions.
Exploring the Tourism Competitiveness of a Destination: A Case Study of Georgia
Authors: Khelashvili Ioseb , Okroshidze Lali
Published: February 2025

The global expansion of the tourism industry has intensified competition among destinations, necessitating a deeper understanding of their competitive positioning. The aim of this study is to develop a research model that analyzes the competitive environment of a specific tourism destination and its relative position within the market, using Georgia as a case study. The competitive environment is analyzed based on the preferred travel destinations of the leading tourism-generating countries (or segments) of the destination under study. This approach is grounded in the expectation that a destination’s competitiveness in the global tourism market may differ from its position within a market composed of destinations favored by its primary visitor segments. To achieve this, the study applies the Segment-centric Geo-competitive Environment of a Tourism Destination (SGE-TD) framework, which consists of three sequential analytical steps: (1) identifying competing destinations that define the study destination's competitive environment, (2) outlining the key characteristics of this environment, (3) identifying leading destinations, and close competitors. This research has both methodological and practical implication. Methodologically, it introduces a structured, target-oriented framework with corresponding analytical tools that can be applied to similar studies. Practically, it provides insights that can inform strategic decision-making in destination marketing and tourism policy.