bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Method for Storing a Seabed Photo Map of the During Surveys Conducted by an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Liu Chang , Filaretov Vladimir , Mursalimov Eduard , Timoshenko Alexander , Zuev Alexander
Published: February 2025

The paper introduces a novel method for creating a photographic map of the seabed using images captured by the on-board photo and video systems of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) during various missions, while incorporating navigation parameters. Additionally, it presents a new approach for storing this photo map on the on-board device in a mosaic format (tiles), which significantly accelerates operational visual inspection by enabling the automatic search and recognition of underwater objects that may exceed the coverage area of a single photograph. This capability is achieved by organizing the photo map into layers with varying zoom levels. Semi-natural experiments were conducted with data from actual missions using the real underwater vehicle demonstrate the high efficiency of the proposed method and algorithm. Unlike existing methods that form photo maps after the underwater vehicle has taken pictures of the bottom using special high-performance computers, the developed method forms a photo map directly during the movement of the vehicle, using only the computing power of the on-board computer. In addition, in the event of accidents, when it is necessary to detect objects of interest on the seabed as quickly as possible, it is necessary to provide a quick visual inspection of the generated photo map. For this purpose, we have developed an algorithm for saving a photo map in the form of a mosaic, which is widely used in interactive geographic maps, such as Google Maps. This algorithm differs from existing methods in that it selectively saves data to the on-board storage device to reduce the number of read and write operations, thus ensuring the timely operation of the entire process of creating a photo map at a given frequency of photography. After the generated map has been stored as a mosaic and a high-speed connection with the vehicle has appeared, the operator can immediately view the entire generated map using a regular web browser.
Exploring Simulated Practice in Teacher Education: Opportunities to Professionalize the Teacher Role
Authors: Aagaard Toril , Bueie Agnete , Frøytlog Jo Inge Johansen
Published: February 2025

In Norway, as in many other countries worldwide, student teachers often report a lack of coherence between their practice experiences and the teacher training provided on campus. For example, student teachers request more practice-relevant campus training on themes like parent–teacher conferences. Employers worldwide expect universities to prepare graduates to innovate practices. This empirical article addresses these challenges by engaging student teachers in simulation-based practice designs (SPDs), which include a class brief, group sessions with simulated parent–teacher conferences, and a debrief. The students are encouraged to act with agency and approach the simulated situations critically. Overall, this study shows that students are highly engaged and task-oriented across SPDs. The survey data (n = 39) show that students perceive the simulation experiences as relevant preparation for their future practice. Audio recordings (215 min) and field notes indicate that they are triggered to critically reflect on and generate ideas for addressing challenges in the simulated situations. There are instances of linking theory with practice, and even some “thinking outside the box”. SPDs provide valuable opportunities to professionalize the teacher role but could benefit from more support and time to bridge the gap between theory and practice and encourage more innovative thinking.
Realization of Modified Electrical Equivalent of Memristor-Based Pavlov’s Associative Learning to Avoid Training Fallacies
Authors: Mehta Ankit , Ahmadi Arash , Ahmadi Majid
Published: February 2025

Biological systems learn from past experiences by establishing relationships between two simultaneously occurring events, a phenomenon known as associative learning. This concept has promising applications in modern AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). To leverage it effectively, a precise electrical model that can simulate associative learning observed in biological systems is essential. The paper focuses on modeling Pavlov’s famous experiment related to the drooling of dogs at the sound of bell after associating the food with the bell during training. The study addresses limitations in existing circuit designs that fail to accurately replicate associative learning in dogs, particularly when the sequence of food and bell signals deviates from a specific pattern. We propose a novel design using a few CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistors and memristor models that produces an output corresponding to the dogs drooling only when food and bell signals are associated, mirroring real-life training conditions. The results section first discusses simulations using the standard TiO2 (Titanium Oxide) memristor model, followed by experimental results obtained from a classical memristor emulator. Both simulation and experimental findings confirm the effectiveness of the circuit designs.
Artifical Intelligence-Based Smart Security System Using Internet of Things for Smart Home Applications
Authors: Sabit Hakilo
Published: February 2025

This study presents the design and development of an AI-based Smart Security System leveraging IoT technology for smart home applications. This research focuses on exploring and evaluating various artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) options, particularly in video processing and smart home security. The system is structured around key components: IoT technology elements, software management of IoT interactions, AI-driven video processing, and user information delivery methods. Each component’s selection is based on a comparative analysis of alternative approaches, emphasizing the advantages of the chosen solutions. This study provides an in-depth discussion of the theoretical framework and implementation strategies used to integrate these technologies into the security system. Results from the system’s deployment and testing are analyzed, highlighting the system’s performance and the challenges faced during integration. This study also addresses how these challenges were mitigated through specific adaptations. Finally, potential future enhancements are suggested to further improve the system, including recommendations on how these upgrades could advance the functionality and effectiveness of AI-based Smart Security Systems in smart home applications.
High-Frequency Model of the Toroidal Powder Core and Winding of a Litz Wire
Authors: Pawlak Marcin , Pawlak Urszula
Published: February 2025

A high-frequency model of the toroidal powder core inductor with litz wire winding is presented. In the analyzed model, the power losses that occurred in both the winding and the magnetic core were taken into account. A new method of determining the power losses in the winding of a magnetic element made of a litz wire with a circular cross-section, wound on a toroidal magnetic core, for both sinusoidal and deformed currents, by transforming the parameters of the wire to the Dowell equation has been proposed. The methodology of estimating the resistance for the alternating component of the current flowing through a litz wire with a circular cross-section wound on a toroidal core is shown. The influence of the type of winding wire, the shape of the core, the number of winding layers, the winding angle, and the frequency range for which the litz wire obtains lower power losses than a solid-round wire are discussed.
Inverse Properties Estimation of Methanol Adsorption in Activated Carbon to Utilise in Adsorption Cooling Applications: An Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Ossman Maaed , Siavashi Majid , Babaei Masoud
Published: February 2025

The precise estimation of influential parameters in adsorption is a key point in conducting simulations for the sensitivity analysis and optimal design of cooling systems. This study explores the critical role of a new type of granular activated carbon (GAC-208C) in adsorption refrigeration systems. By fitting experimental and numerical models to the thermophysical properties of GAC/methanol as a working pair, an advanced methodology is established for the thermal analysis of the adsorption bed, addressing the various operating conditions overlooked in prior studies. The physical properties of the studied carbon sample are determined in a laboratory using surface area and pore volume tests, thermal adsorption analysis, and weight loss. To determine the thermal properties of GAC/methanol, the adsorption process is experimentally tested inside an isolated heat exchanger. A three-dimensional (3D) model is created to simulate the procedure and then coupled with the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm in MATLAB. The optimal thermal parameters for adsorption are determined by minimising the mean square error (MSE) of the adsorption bed temperature between the numerical and experimental data. The laboratory studies yielded accurate results for the physical properties of GAC, including adsorption capacity, porosity, permeability, specific heat capacity, density, activation energy, and the heat of adsorption. The thermal analysis of the adsorption process identified the ideal values for the Dubinin–Astakhov equation constants, diffusion coefficients, heat transfer coefficients, and contact resistance. The numerical model demonstrated strong agreement with the experimental results, and the dynamic behaviour of pressure and uptake distribution showed good agreement with 1.2% relative error. This research study contributes to the improved estimation of adsorption parameters to conduct more accurate numerical simulations and design new adsorption systems with enhanced performance under different operating conditions.
Study on the Cutter–Granite Interaction Mechanism in High-Temperature Geothermal Wells
Authors: Yang Yan , Song Dongdong , Huang Kuilin , Ren Haitao , Yang Yingxin , Qiu Shunzuo , Huang Zequan
Published: February 2025

In high-temperature geothermal wells, the formation usually has extremely high abrasiveness, hardness, and temperature, which pose severe challenges to drilling tools. Among them, the interaction between the cutter of the drill bit and the rock is the key factor determining the rock-breaking efficiency of PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Composite) drill bits. To further explore the rock-breaking mechanism of cutters on granite, this study adopts a combination of experimental and simulation methods to conduct systematic research. The results indicate that the specific crushing work increases and then decreases with rising temperature, reaching a minimum of 0.388 J/mm3 at 200 °C. In the temperature range of 300 °C to 500 °C, the specific crushing work is 15% lower than at room temperature. The specific crushing work during instant cooling is 12–25% lower than that during self-cooling, with instant cooling showing higher rock-breaking efficiency. As the rake angle increases, the specific crushing work initially decreases and then increases. The smallest specific crushing work, 0.383 J/mm3, occurs at a rake angle of 10°, where the number of debris and particle size are maximized. With deeper cutting depths, the specific crushing work gradually decreases, resulting in more debris, larger particle sizes, and higher cutter surface temperatures. These findings clarify the variation laws of rock load, cutting tooth distribution, and rock fragmentation state when the PDC bit breaks rocks. A rake angle of 10° can be used as the selection of cutting tooth inclination angle for PDC bit design, providing a theoretical basis for the design and application of PDC bits in high-temperature geothermal drilling and holding significant guiding importance. Considering that increasing the depth of penetration can cause uneven wear of the cutter, the drilling parameters can be controlled under certain conditions to achieve a penetration depth of 2 mm, thereby improving the rock-breaking efficiency and working life of the PDC bit.
The Distribution and Seasonality of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Vertical Water Column of a Stratified Eutrophic Freshwater Lake
Authors: Gorski Patrick R.
Published: February 2025

The vertical distribution and potential variability of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water column of lacustrine systems is important to know for sampling and monitoring purposes, but could also relate to details of their fate, transport, and distribution. In this study, the water column of a eutrophic freshwater lake (Lake Monona, Madison, WI, USA) was sampled vertically for PFAS during summer stratification at several depths (surface microlayer to 1 m from the bottom) and then monitored at four dates and three depths the following year to assess seasonality. PFAS concentration did not exhibit vertical stratification or large variability in the water column. However, seasonal variation in PFAS concentration was detected, as well as an increase in PFAS concentration related to drought conditions. This study suggests that a surface water grab sample may be a sufficient representative of the water column for the basic monitoring of PFAS. But a single sample during the year may not provide a complete understanding of the lake, and multiple samples should be taken to capture and understand important seasonal events.
Preferred and Optimal Swimming Speeds in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at Three Temperatures
Authors: Mittún Ólavur av Fløtum , Svendsen Morten Bo Søndergaard , Andersen Lars Emil Juel , Bergsson Heiðrikur , Steffensen John Fleng
Published: February 2025

Sustained exercise in aquaculture is known to improve the health and growth of finfish. Implementing exercise regimes has become an increasing focus in aquaculture practice. This study examined the relationship between the preferred swimming speed (Upref) and the optimal swimming speed (Uopt) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under non-migratory conditions typical of aquaculture environments. Using a circular raceway, rainbow trout were allowed to swim voluntarily to determine Upref. Uopt was measured using a forced-swimming test in a swim tunnel respirometer. Experiments were conducted at three temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C). The results revealed a significant difference between Upref (1.18 ± 0.14, 1.17 ± 0.19, and 1.24 ± 0.15 BL s−1, respectively) and Uopt (1.4 ± 0.19, 1.5 ± 0.15, and 1.6 ± 0.24 BL s−1, respectively) across all temperatures. Aerobic scope was greatest at 15 °C (3.8), consistent with the species’ thermal range. Notably, swimming at Upref required 18–22% less energy than Uopt, suggesting that Upref is more suitable for aquaculture systems. This study introduces a minimally invasive and stress-free method for determining Upref and provides insights that can optimize flow regimes in aquaculture tanks, improving both energy efficiency and fish welfare.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Health, Diet, and Disease with a Focus on Obesity
Authors: Ma Zheng Feei , Lee Yeong Yeh
Published: February 2025

The gut microbiota has been increasingly recognised as a critical determinant of human health, influencing a wide range of physiological processes. A healthy gut microbiota is essential for maintaining metabolic, immune, and gastrointestinal homeostasis, contributing to overall well-being. Alterations in its composition and functionality, often referred to as microbial dysbiosis, are strongly associated with the development of gut-related and systemic diseases. The gut microbiota synthesises several components and interacts with epithelial cell receptors, influencing processes that extend beyond nutritional status to the pathogenesis of diseases such as obesity, which extend beyond their known contribution to nutritional status. Therefore, this state-of-the-art review synthesises findings from recent studies on the composition, functions, and influencing factors of the gut microbiota, with a focus on its role in obesity. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to ensure comprehensive coverage, while expert insights are incorporated to discuss emerging research directions and future perspectives in the field.
Association Between Herd Size and the Chemical Composition and Technological Properties of Milk Intended for Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Cheese
Authors: Franceschi Piero , Formaggioni Paolo , Barbanti Davide , Gonzalez Torres Yesid Orlando , Scotti Cristina , Martuzzi Francesca
Published: February 2025

The aim of this research was to compare the chemical composition and the technological characteristics of milk for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese produced in herds with different numbers of cows. The research was carried out on 5760 Italian Friesian herd milk samples collected from a total of 160 farms (one sample per month in each farm for three years). On each milk sample, lactose, fat, protein, casein, titratable acidity, total bacterial count, somatic cells, coliform bacteria, clostridia spores, and rennet coagulation properties were determined. Increasing herd size was positively correlated with milk production and with milk somatic cell and clostridia spores’ contents (8133 kg/cow/lactation, 5.280 Log10cells/mL and 1.782 spores/L for herds with less than 30 cows; 9109 kg/cow/lactation, 5.548 Log10cells/mL and 2.138 spores/L for herds with more than 200 cows, respectively). Moreover, herd size was negatively correlated with milk fat content and with total bacterial and coliform bacteria counts (3.73 g/100 g, 4.931 Log10CFU/mL and 3.176 Log10CFU/mL for herds with less than 30 cows; 3.51 g/100 g, 4.770 Log10CFU/mL and 3.121 Log10CFU/mL for herds with more than 200 cows, respectively). Farms with more than 100 cows raised were characterised by higher milk production per cow per lactation, but the milk produced by them was also characterised by lower fat content. Finally, milk produced in the herds with a higher number of cows showed a higher frequency of optimal lactodynamographic types (better rennet-coagulation properties) than milk produced in the other herds.
Enhancing Postharvest Quality of Fresh-Cut Changgen Mushrooms by Exogenous L-Cysteine Treatment: Aspects of Accumulating Amino Acids, Triggering Energy Metabolism and Enhancing Endogenous H2S Regulation
Authors: Ma Xingchi , Li Tianhao , Mao Weijian , Zhang Yu , Liu Haoran , Jiang Wenwen , Sun Yanan , Yu Hao , Cheng Fansheng , Zhu Dan
Published: February 2025

As a rare and functional edible mushroom, the market potential of ready-to-eat fresh-cut Changgen mushrooms (Oudemansiella raphanipes) is booming in developing countries. However, fresh-cut mushrooms preservation is challenging in distribution and consumption. The present study discovered that exogenous L-cysteine (L-Cys) treatment delayed the weight loss, browning degree, nutrition depletion and microbial contamination of fresh-cut Changgen mushrooms at 4 °C. Based on transcriptomic data, exogenous L-Cys significantly activated the metabolism of 17 amino acids, including L-Cys and methionine, a prerequisite for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) synthesis. Exogenous L-Cys also stimulated the activities and gene expressions of cystathionine beta-synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase, thereby increasing H2S levels. Furthermore, exogenous L-Cys enhanced the energy metabolism by improving cytochrome c oxidase, H+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase enzymes activity. Exogenous L-Cys treatment reduced the reactive oxygen species by regulating enzyme activities such as polyphenol oxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. This study contributes valuable insights into the physiological function of L-Cys and the role of H2S on the fresh-cut Changgen mushroom.
Physics-Informed Fractional-Order Recurrent Neural Network for Fast Battery Degradation with Vehicle Charging Snippets
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wei Min , Dai Feng , Zou Daijiang , Lu Chen , Han Xuebing , Chen Yangquan , Ji Changwei
Published: February 2025

To handle and manage battery degradation in electric vehicles (EVs), various capacity estimation methods have been proposed and can mainly be divided into traditional modeling methods and data-driven methods. For realistic conditions, data-driven methods take the advantage of simple application. However, state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) algorithms are still kinds of black-box models; thus, the algorithms do not have a strong ability to describe the inner reactions or degradation information of batteries. Due to a lack of interpretability, machine learning may not learn the degradation principle correctly and may need to depend on big data quality. In this paper, we propose a physics-informed recurrent neural network (PIRNN) with a fractional-order gradient for fast battery degradation estimation in running EVs to provide a physics-informed neural network that can make algorithms learn battery degradation mechanisms. Incremental capacity analysis (ICA) was conducted to extract aging characteristics, which could be selected as the inputs of the algorithm. The fractional-order gradient descent (FOGD) method was also applied to improve the training convergence and embedding of battery information during backpropagation; then, the recurrent neural network was selected as the main body of the algorithm. A battery dataset with fast degradation from ten EVs with a total of 5697 charging snippets were constructed to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed PIRNN with ICA and the FOGD method could control the relative error within 5% for most snippets of the ten EVs. The algorithm could even achieve a stable estimation accuracy (relative error < 3%) during three-quarters of a battery’s lifetime, while for a battery with dramatic degradation, it was difficult to maintain such high accuracy during the whole battery lifetime.
Generalized Fractional Integral Inequalities Derived from Convexity Properties of Twice-Differentiable Functions
Authors: Almoneef Areej A. , Hyder Abd-Allah , Hezenci Fatih , Budak Hüseyin
Published: February 2025

This study presents novel formulations of fractional integral inequalities, formulated using generalized fractional integral operators and the exploration of convexity properties. A key identity is established for twice-differentiable functions with the absolute value of their second derivative being convex. Using this identity, several generalized fractional Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities are developed. These inequalities extend the classical midpoint and trapezoidal-type inequalities, while offering new perspectives through convexity properties. Also, some special cases align with known results, and an illustrative example, accompanied by a graphical representation, is provided to demonstrate the practical relevance of the results. Moreover, the findings may offer potential applications in numerical integration, optimization, and fractional differential equations, illustrating their relevance to various areas of mathematical analysis.
Evaluating the Impacts of Parameter Uncertainty in a Practical Transportation Demand Model
Authors: Gibbons Natalie , Macfarlane Gregory S.
Published: February 2025

The inherent uncertainty in travel forecasting models—arising from potential and unknown errors in input data, parameter estimation, or model formulation—is receiving increasing attention from both the scholarly and practicing communities. In this research, we investigate the variance in forecasted traffic volumes resulting from varying the mode and destination choice parameters in an advanced trip-based travel demand model. Using Latin hypercube sampling to construct several hundred combinations of parameters across the plausible parameter space, we introduce substantial changes to implied travel impedances and modal utilities, on the order of a 10 percent variation. However, the aggregate effects of these changes on forecasted traffic volumes are small, with a variation of approximately 1 percent on high-volume facilities. It is likely that in this example—and perhaps in others—the network assignment places constraints on the possible volume solutions and limits the practical impacts of parameter uncertainty. Nevertheless, parameter uncertainty may not be the largest contributor to error in practical travel forecasts. Further research should examine the robustness of this finding across other less constrained networks and within activity-based travel model frameworks.
Molecular Review of Suspected Alport Syndrome Patients—A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Halat-Wolska Paulina , Ciara Elżbieta , Pac Michał , Obrycki Łukasz , Wicher Dorota , Iwanicka-Pronicka Katarzyna , Bielska Ewelina , Chałupczyńska Beata , Siestrzykowska Dorota , Kostrzewa Grażyna , Stawiński Piotr , Płoski Rafał , Litwin Mieczysław , Chrzanowska Krystyna
Published: February 2025

Background: Alport syndrome (AS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous glomerulopathy resulting from pathogenic variants in COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5. Genetic diagnosis is increasingly being conducted using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods: Within eight years, we examined a group of 247 Polish individuals and found in total 138 unrelated probands suspected with AS based on clinical course, laboratory findings, and/or family history, as well as the total of 109 family members. We applied a targeted NGS panel to identify the genetic spectrum of AS. Known and novel variants were revealed, and detailed evaluation was performed according to ACMG/AMP guidelines to classify them as pathogenic/likely pathogenic/VUS changes. Identified genotypes were compared with clinical manifestations: hematuria, proteinuria, chronic kidney disease, sensorineural hearing impairment, ocular abnormalities, and hypertension. Results: The molecular background was established in 109/138 probands. Overall, 79 different COL4A3-COL4A5 changes (56 known and 23 novel) were revealed. About 97% were SNVs, and only two COL4A5 CNVs were identified. In total, 11 recurrent COL4A3-COL4A5 variants were observed, including the most frequent COL4A5:p.Gly624Asp, accounting for 31% of X-linked AS. Conclusions: The use of NGS panel has shown considerable promise in the field of AS, increasing diagnostic rate to 79% and reducing time to diagnosis. The phenotype-driven gene panel, specific for genetic diseases in the pediatric population, is an affordable alternative to WGS and WES, offering comparable diagnostic efficacy and supporting its implementation as a first-line genetic test in rare diseases, including AS. Based on the obtained genotype–phenotype correlation, we assessed that NGS allows us to avoid invasive renal biopsy in AS diagnosis. It provides AS confirmation/exclusion, atypical AS identification, symptomatic/asymptomatic monoallelic COL4A3-COL4A5 carrier (especially COL4A5 females) determination, and inheritance pattern establishment. AS diagnosis confirmation enables clinical course prediction and is crucial for the early introduction of renoprotective treatment with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade, aimed at slowing the disease progression and estimating the risk in family members, which is important for genetic counselling.
Determination of the Critical State Line in Partially Frozen Sand
Authors: Liang Yawu , Beier Nicholas , Sego Dave C.
Published: February 2025

A new method for measuring internal pore water pressure (PWP) is introduced to determine the critical state line (CSL) in partially frozen sand, investigating the influence of temperature and strain rate on the critical state parameters. A series of consolidated undrained and drained triaxial tests, along with internal PWP measurements, were conducted on both dense and loose specimens under different temperatures and strain rates. Similarly to unfrozen sand, a unique CSL was established for the partially frozen sand at −3 °C in both stress (q-p′) and void ratio (e-p′) space. The results show that the critical state friction angle (φcs′) is not affected by temperature (warmer than −5 °C) and strain rate, while the critical state cohesion (ccs′) varies with temperature, strain rate and failure mode. The ccs′ increases with decreasing temperature from 23 °C to −3 °C and to −10 °C, but decreases to zero when the strain rate was reduced from 1%/min to 0.1%/min. In e-p′ space, the slope of CSL could be associated with the dilation of partially frozen sand, which increases with decreasing temperature and increasing strain rate, potentially due to the increased contact area between the pore ice and sand grains.
Barriers and Facilitators of Access to Healthcare Among Immigrants with Disabilities: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Ngondwe Ponsiano , Tefera Gashaye Melaku
Published: February 2025

Background: Immigrants with disabilities (IWDs) are disproportionately affected by a lack of access to healthcare services and face unique challenges compared to the general population. This qualitative meta-synthesis examines the barriers, facilitators, and lived experiences of IWDs accessing healthcare in the U.S. and Canada. Methods: A theory-generating qualitative meta-synthesis approach was used to analyze and synthesize raw qualitative data. Using eight databases, 752 studies were retrieved, and 10 were selected and synthesized after a three-stage review. The final articles were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist, and a PRISMA flow chart was used to report on the selection process. Results: The analysis identified structural barriers, including the bureaucracy and complexity of the system, healthcare costs, transportation, communication, long wait times, and a lack of integrated services. Cultural barriers included denial and trust, stigma and discrimination, awareness and language gaps, and lack of social support. Facilitators of access included support from immediate family members, community health centers, and social workers. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for policy reforms to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, improve communication within healthcare systems, and enhance cultural competence among healthcare providers. Addressing these issues through integrated service models and targeted support can significantly improve the quality of life as a result of improved healthcare access for IWDs.
The Dark Side of the Hospitality Industry: Workplace Bullying and Employee Well-Being with Feedback Avoidance as a Mediator and Psychological Safety as a Moderator
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Azazz Alaa M. S. , Zain Mohammed E. A. , Fayyad Sameh , ElShaaer Noha Ismaeil , Mahmoud Samy Wageh
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The tourism and hospitality industry, well-known as a people-oriented industry, is not immune to the adverse outcomes of workplace bullying. This paper explores the darker side of the tourism and hospitality sector by investigating workplace bullying and its potential impact on shaping employee well-being. Specifically, the study explores how feedback avoidance can mediate the relationship between information flow and employee well-being and how psychological safety can moderate the relationship between information flow and employee well-being in bullying contexts. Methods: Using a quantitative-methods approach, the paper analyzed survey data from 341 employees at five-star hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM program). Results: The findings indicated that the spread of information about workplace bullying promotes the feelings of stress among employees which negatively affects their wellbeing in the workplace. Additionally, feedback avoidance as a mediator was found to foster the harmful impacts of bullying. Conversely, psychological safety as a moderator functioned as a protective element, mitigating the negative influence of workplace bullying on employees’ well-being. Conclusions: This paper enhanced our understanding of the dark side of the hospitality industry, specifically workplace bullying, by highlighting the key role of information dynamics about bullying in the workplace and the role of psychological safety in shaping overall employee well-being.
Patterns and Mitigation Strategies for Rejected Claims Among Health Facilities Providing Services for the National Health Insurance Fund in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Fulla Ritha , Basinda Namanya , Tupa Theckla , Chilipweli Peter , Kapesa Anthony , Konje Eveline T. , Morona Domenica , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: February 2025

Background: Rejected medical claims pose a significant challenge for healthcare facilities accredited by Tanzania’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Despite the NHIF’s role in reducing out-of-pocket costs, claim rejections have been a persistent issue, largely due to documentation errors, coding mistakes, and non-compliance with NHIF regulations. This study determined the patterns of rejected claims and the strategies employed by NHIF-accredited hospitals to mitigate these challenges. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2024 and used quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study utilized secondary data (August 2023 to January 2024) on the rejected claims from 46 healthcare facilities (HFs) and key informant interviews from the respective selected facilities. Descriptive data analysis was carried out using STATA version 15 and qualitative data analysis was conducted using NViVo2 version 12 software. Results: A total of 46 public (27) and private (19) HFs were included in this study. The data revealed significant variation in the average number of items rejected per claim across HFs, ranging from 0.21 in a regional referral hospital to 1.21 in a zonal hospital. Non-adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs) was significantly more common (p < 0.001) in polyclinics, accounting for 17.2% of the items rejected, and with the lowest number (0.8%) seen in zonal hospitals. Overutilization (drugs and investigations) was commonly reported in all HFs, ranging from 12.5% in polyclinics to 31.8% in district hospitals (p < 0.001). Non-applicable consultation charges were only reported in one zonal hospital. To mitigate these rejections, HFs implemented strategies such as immediate error verification, regular communication with NHIF, staff training, technology use, and regular supervision by the internal audit units. Despite these efforts, challenges persisted, particularly those stemming from complex NHIF policies, which account for most rejections in zonal health facilities. Conclusions: There are significant variations in rejection patterns among HFs, with attendance date anomalies, non-adherence to STGs, NHIF pricing, and overutilization being the most common reasons across all HFs. Strategies to address rejections should be tailored to specific health facilities, coupled with electronic systems that will detect errors during patient management.
Policy Challenges in Ultra-Rare Cancers: Ethical, Social, and Legal Implications of Melanoma Prevention and Diagnosis in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Authors: Refolo Pietro , Raimondi Costanza , Battaglia Livio , Borràs Josep M. , Closa Paula , Lo Scalzo Alessandra , Marchetti Marco , López Sonia Muñoz , Perez Joan Prades , Sampietro-Colom Laura , Sacchini Dario
Published: February 2025

Background: The ultra-rare nature of melanoma in children, adolescents, and young adults poses significant challenges to the development and implementation of effective prevention and diagnostic strategies. This article delves into the ELSIs surrounding these strategies, placing particular emphasis on the transformative potential of AI-driven tools and applications. Methods: Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach, this study integrated a PICO-guided literature review and qualitative insights from two focus groups. The review included 26 peer-reviewed articles published in English from January 2019 to January 2024, addressing ELSIs in melanoma, rare diseases, and AI in dermatology. Focus groups included a March 2024 session in Berlin with 15 stakeholders (patients, caregivers, advocates, healthcare professionals) and a November 2024 online session with 5 interdisciplinary experts. Results: Six key priorities for healthcare policies emerged: addressing cultural factors, such as the glorification of tanned skin; enhancing professional training for accurate diagnosis; balancing the risks of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis; promoting patient autonomy through transparent communication; reducing inequalities to ensure equitable access to care; and making ethical and legal use of AI in healthcare. Conclusion: These priorities provide a comprehensive framework for advancing the prevention and diagnosis of melanoma in children, adolescents, and young adults, leveraging AI technologies while prioritizing equitable and patient-centered healthcare delivery.
Coupling HEC-RAS and AI for River Morphodynamics Assessment Under Changing Flow Regimes: Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for the Ottawa River
Authors: Qureshi Mohammad Uzair Anwar , Amiri Afshin , Ebtehaj Isa , Guimere Silvio José , Cunderlik Juraj , Bonakdari Hossein
Published: February 2025

Despite significant advancements in flood forecasting using machine learning (ML) algorithms, recent events have revealed hydrological behaviors deviating from historical model development trends. The record-breaking 2019 flood in the Ottawa River basin, which exceeded the 100-year flood threshold, underscores the escalating impact of climate change on hydrological extremes. These unprecedented events highlight the limitations of traditional ML models, which rely heavily on historical data and often struggle to predict extreme floods that lack representation in past records. This calls for integrating more comprehensive datasets and innovative approaches to enhance model robustness and adaptability to changing climatic conditions. This study introduces the Next-Gen Group Method of Data Handling (Next-Gen GMDH), an innovative ML model leveraging second- and third-order polynomials to address the limitations of traditional ML models in predicting extreme flood events. Using HEC-RAS simulations, a synthetic dataset of river flow discharges was created, covering a wide range of potential future floods with return periods of up to 10,000 years, to enhance the accuracy and generalization of flood predictions under evolving climatic conditions. The Next-Gen GMDH addresses the complexity and limitations of standard GMDH by incorporating non-adjacent connections and optimizing intermediate layers, significantly reducing computational overhead while enhancing performance. The Gen GMDH demonstrated improved stability and tighter clustering of predictions, particularly for extreme flood scenarios. Testing results revealed exceptional predictive accuracy, with Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values of 4.72% for channel width, 1.80% for channel depth, and 0.06% for water surface elevation. These results vastly outperformed the standard GMDH, which yielded MAPE values of 25.00%, 8.30%, and 0.11%, respectively. Additionally, computational complexity was reduced by approximately 40%, with a 33.88% decrease in the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) for channel width and an impressive 581.82% improvement for channel depth. This methodology integrates hydrodynamic modeling with advanced ML, providing a robust framework for accurate flood prediction and adaptive floodplain management in a changing climate.
Placental Adaptation to Hypoxia: The Case of High-Altitude Pregnancies
Authors: Ahrens Sofia , Singer Dominique
Published: February 2025

Even in the highest inhabited regions of the world, well above 2500 m altitude, women become pregnant and give birth to healthy children. The underlying adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia provides interesting insights into the physio(patho)logy of the human placenta. Although increasing altitude is regularly associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), oxygen deficiency does not appear to be a direct cause. Rather, placental oxygen consumption is reduced to maintain the oxygen supply to the fetus. This comes at the expense of placental synthesis and transport functions, resulting in inappropriate nutrient supply. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), which modulates the mitochondrial electron transport chain to protect placental tissue from reactive oxygen species, plays a key role here. Reduced oxygen consumption also reflects decreased placental vascularization and perfusion, which is accompanied by an increased risk of maternal pre-eclampsia at high altitude. In native highlanders, the latter seems to be attenuated, partly due to a lower release of HIF-1α. In addition, metabolic peculiarities have been described in indigenous people that enhance glucose availability and thus reduce the extent of FGR. This review attempts to revisit the (albeit incomplete) knowledge in this area to draw the clinical reader’s attention to the crucial role of the placenta in defending the fetus against hypoxia.
Using Intervention Mapping and Behavior Change Techniques to Develop a Health Promotion Intervention on Endocrine Disruptors: Development Study
Authors: Lassalle Camille , Régnier Véronique , Marcucci Laetitia , Masson Julien
Published: February 2025

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are substances that interfere with the endocrine system, posing risks to health across various life stages, particularly during adolescence when hormonal changes are pronounced. Despite the recognition of adolescents as vulnerable, there have been few interventions targeting their exposure to EDs. This study developed the COPE ADOS program using the intervention mapping (IM) framework to enhance adolescents’ knowledge and skills in identifying and mitigating exposure to EDs. The IM framework guided the creation of the program through four steps: conducting a needs assessment, formulating program objectives, selecting relevant behavioral theories, and developing a logical model. The need assessment conducted through focus groups revealed significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions about EDs among adolescents, leading to the establishment of six performance objectives aimed at addressing attitude, knowledge, risk perception, self-efficacy, and skills. As a result, 15 educational tools were created. The COPE ADOS program represents a novel, collaborative effort tailored to the needs of students and demonstrates the potential of the IM framework in developing effective health interventions for adolescents. Future research should evaluate the impact of this program on reducing ED exposure among high school students.
Factors That Influence Maternal Child Health Nurses’ Identification of Risk of Family Violence to First Nations Women in Australia
Authors: Austin Catherine Louise
Published: February 2025

Aim: To understand the factors that influence family violence towards First Nations women, to inform practises and policies to support these women and improve their engagement in maternal child health services. Design: A qualitative study, using narrative inquiry integrated with the Indigenous philosophy ‘Dadirri’, and thematic analysis of the data. Materials and Methods: Survey of 10 Maternal Child Health nurses in 2019, and interviews of 35 Aboriginal mothers in 2021. Results: The nurses identified drugs, alcohol, socio-economic issues, the history of effects of colonisation on First Nations peoples, and stress as perceived factors influencing family violence, and acceptance, fear, cultural beliefs, and mistrust, for women’s low reporting of violence. Factors that influenced nurses’ ability to identify family violence were mistrust and understanding of Aboriginal culture. Low self-esteem, lack of belonging, and not being heard were identified by the mothers as factors that influence family violence. Fear of child protective services, shame, mistrust, and poor rapport with the nurses contributed to their low reporting of violence. The most significant factor for the mothers to disclose violence is fear of losing her child, mistrust, and the questioning process. Conclusions: Nurses’ understanding of Indigenous culture is critical to develop trust and improve the engagement of First Nations women. A significant difference in the synthesis of data between the nurses and their First Nations consumers was conspicuous. Research regarding the benefit of models and interventions that recognise the social determinants of health and well-being on health outcomes as well as the value of culturally strong health services aimed to encourage an earlier identification of risk, ideally from the antenatal period to the child’s fifth birthday, is imperative. The implications of this research are of international importance for First Nations families and challenge current nursing practises to address the human rights challenge of the inequity in health outcomes between First Nation and non-First Nation children, their exposure to family violence, and their over-representation in child protection services.
Assisted Suicide in Austria: Nurses’ Understanding of Patients’ Requests and the Role of Patient Symptoms
Authors: Unseld Matthias , Meyer Alexa L. , Vielgrader Tamina-Laetitia , Wagner Theresa , König Dorothea , Popinger Chiara , Sturtzel Bärbel , Kreye Gudrun , Zeilinger Elisabeth L.
Published: February 2025

This study explores Austrian palliative and hospice care nurses’ experiences regarding assisted suicide (AS). Following its legalization in 2022, occupational groups affected by the legislation, such as nurses, have been left without clear guidance or instructions on how to navigate this new landscape. This study aimed to explore how nurses perceive their patients’ desire to die and its connection to the symptoms experienced by the patients. A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was disseminated to all palliative and hospice care facilities in Austria and was eventually completed by 145 nurses, focusing on their understanding of patients’ requests for AS and the severity of patients’ symptoms. Factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters, and Spearman rank correlations were employed to explore associations between nurses’ understanding of AS and factors such as patient symptoms, nurse demographics, and attitudes toward AS. The results indicate that psychosocial factors, particularly loss of dignity (63.6%) and autonomy (76.4%), were the most frequently reported severe symptoms. Understanding patients’ decisions was significantly associated with nurses’ general support for AS (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) but not with age, work experience, or religious beliefs. Factor analysis revealed four symptom clusters, with ’loss of dignity’ showing a small but significant correlation with nurses’ understanding of patients’ requests (r = 0.17, p = 0.044). The present findings highlight the importance of integrating psychosocial support into palliative care and emphasize the need for clear guidelines and training to better support nurses in managing AS-related challenges.