bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation for and Challenges in Teacher Research in Underdeveloped Areas of Northwest China: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zhou Na , Liu Xin , Jin Xinglin , Li Tongji , Wang Chenjing , Admiraal Wilfried
Published: November 2024

This study explored the motivations and challenges vocational teachers (VTs) face in conducting research in underdeveloped regions of Northwest China. We invited 49 vocational teachers from Qinghai province to participate in the questionnaire survey, with their motivation measured using scale items and their challenges measured using open-ended questions. After data collection, latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore the participants’ motivational profiles, and three types were identified, i.e., high autonomous and controlled motivation, high autonomous and low controlled motivation, and low autonomous motivation. In addition, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the challenges in teacher research. As a result, five categories of challenges that might hinder Chinese vocational teachers in conducting research were observed (i.e., researcher identity, research knowledge and skills, research climate in schools, workload and family care, and resources and financial support). Teachers with the profile of highly autonomous and controlled motivation were more likely to face challenges related to a lack of resources and financial support and the research climate. Workload and family care appeared to be significant challenges for teachers with the profile of highly autonomous but less controlled motivation. In contrast, a lack of research knowledge and skills was a common perceived challenge across all profiles. These results suggest that although vocational teachers express relatively high motivation in conducting research, the significance of institutional development programmes and external research support for research activities remains crucial.
Study of the Stress Distribution and a Calculation Model for the Local Bearing Capacity of Concrete Under Headed Bars
Authors: Miao Tianming , Liu Chenglong , Zhao Shuang , Jiang Deyu , Qie Ruchen , Zhou Ying , Zhan Meiqiu , Wang Bo
Published: November 2024

In order to obtain the calculation model for the local bearing capacity of concrete Fl under two headed bars, six pull-out concrete specimens were prepared. The effect of the net distance between two headed bars c on Fl was mainly investigated. The test results show that the local bearing capacity of concrete would first decrease and then increase with the increase in c, and the boundary point of the two stages was c = 40 mm. It is determined that the stress transformation from the local compression state to the axial compression state in the stress distribution model is characterized by the variation rate of the vertical stress under individual headed bars, which would infinitely approach a constant value. The constant value under individual headed bars is used as the limit value. The height of the vertical stress under two headed bars is modified, and then the height of the tensile region of the specimen with different c values is determined. Combined with the experimental phenomena and the results, two stages of calculation models are established, respectively: the integral calculation model and the individual calculation model. The integral calculation model focuses on the interaction of the compression region under two headed bars. The individual calculation model mainly focuses on the interaction of the tensile region under two headed bars. The calculation equations considering the influence of the height of the tensile region are established. Two groups of similar test data regarding the local bearing capacity were collected and verified as the integral calculation model and the individual calculation model. The average value of the ratio between the test value and the calculated value is 1.057 and 1.061, the standard deviation is 0.153 and 0.091, and the coefficient of variation is 0.055 and 0.086. It is proved that the calculation model proposed in this paper has a certain accuracy. It can provide a reference for calculating the local bearing capacity of concrete under multiple headed bars.
Influencing Factors and Promotion Strategies for the Adoption or Resistance of Prefabricated Buildings by Construction Companies in Botswana
Authors: Morake Otsile , Meng Qingfeng , Sampene Agyemang Kwasi , Kyere Francis
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the challenges and promotion strategies for adopting Prefabricated Buildings (PFBs) by construction companies in Botswana, using the Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT) as the guiding framework. The main research problem addressed is the limited uptake of PFBs within Botswana’s construction industry despite its potential environmental and efficiency benefits. The study aims to understand the reasons for adoption (RFAs) and the reasons against adoption (RAAs) among construction companies. By analyzing responses from 25 participants, the research finds that environmental sustainability, supportive government policies, internal environmental considerations, and time efficiency are key factors driving the adoption of PFB, reflecting a readiness among companies to embrace these technologies. However, significant barriers remain, including industry-specific challenges, technical complexities, transportation issues, and market-related concerns hindering wider adoption. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and construction stakeholders to formulate strategies to address these barriers and promote sustainable building practices.
Paradoxical Improvement in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Outcomes Following Delayed Treatment Initiation
Authors: Kulshrestha Ashwin , Taioli Emanuela , Wolf Andrea , Flores Raja , Tuminello Stephanie
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Time to treatment initiation (TTI) has been identified as a predictor of survival in many cancers, but its impact on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is unknown. This study investigates factors influencing TTI in MPM and its association with overall survival. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to obtain data for MPM patients in the United States. TTI was defined as the number of days from diagnosis to initiation of first treatment, and delayed TTI was defined as exceeding the median TTI. Χ2 tests and t-tests compared sociodemographic and clinical differences between early and delayed TTI groups, while Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated relationships between prognostic factors, TTI, and survival. Results: Among 4879 MPM patients, the median TTI was 39 days. Median survival was 10 months among early TTI patients and 13 months among delayed TTI patients. Patients with epithelioid histology were more likely to have delayed TTI, as were patients who received combination therapy or were diagnosed more recently (p < 0.0001). Adjusting for covariates, delayed TTI status remained associated with better survival (HR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.74–0.84). Conclusions: This study presents an important insight into the management of MPM, demonstrating that delayed time to treatment initiation is positively associated with improved overall survival, contrary to findings in most cancers. This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, as delays due to robust staging evaluations and patient travel to high-volume centers of excellence likely contribute to delays in treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that clinicians should prioritize personalized treatment planning and collaborative care over a push to rapidly initiate treatment to optimize patient outcomes in MPM.
Perioperative Observations and Outcome in Surgical Treatment of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Zipfel Julian , Tellermann Jonas , Ferraris Kevin Paul , Grimm Florian , Bornemann Antje , Bender Benjamin , Dittmann Helmut , Schäfer Jürgen , Nikolaou Konstantin , Ladurner Ruth , Steger Volker , Tatagiba Marcos , Schuhmann Martin U. , Gugel Isabel
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate the perioperative outcome in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) with and without relation to Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and to detect possible influencing factors. Methods: Clinical reports, histopathological evaluations, imaging, and treatment characteristics were reviewed in 35 operated MPNSTs in 33 patients. Possible predictive valuables included disease type, preoperative tumor volume, SUV and MIB-1 proliferation index, resection margins, the presence of metastasis, and whether radio-/chemotherapy was received. Results: Patients with NF1 were younger (mean age: 29 ± 13, 8–54 years) than sporadic cases (mean age: 45 ± 13, 24–67 years) and exhibited significantly larger preoperative tumor volumes (mean 299 vs. 18 cm3, p = 0.048). Most tumors were located in the facial/cervical/neck area (34%, n = 12), followed by the trunk (31%, n = 11), lower extremity (17%, n = 6), upper extremity (14%, n = 5), and intraspinal area (3%, n = 1). NF1-associated MPNSTs appeared predominantly on the trunk (39%) and sporadically in the facial/cervical/neck area (50%). Complete resection was possible in 66% and an improvement in or stability of function was achieved in most cases (motor 69%, sensory 74%), as well as a decrease in pain intensity (63%). NF1-associated MPNSTs exhibited more severe pain scores (median VRS scale 2, p = 0.002) compared to sporadic tumors (median VRS scale 0.5). Sporadic MPNSTs located at the head/facial/brachial plexus and upper extremities exhibited better preoperative functions compared to those on the lower extremities. In 12 cases with available [18F]FDG PET, the mean preoperative SUV (9.8 ± 7.2) positively correlated with the mean maximum MIB-1 index (34 ± 26%, p = 0.005) and the mean preoperative tumor volume (474.7 ± 68.6 cm3, p = 0.047). The overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in tumors with higher resection extents (R0, p = 0.01) and without accompanying metastasis (p = 0.046), and tended to be longer, but not significantly so, in sporadic MPNSTs. In six and seven tumors, with R1/R2 resection margins and present metastasis, respectively, solid or combined neo-/adjuvant radio-/chemotherapy led to a significantly shorter OS (p = 0.014). Conclusions: NF1-associated MPNSTs have larger tumor volumes, higher SUVs and MIB-1 proliferation indices, and a shorter overall survival period. Nevertheless, surgery can improve symptoms, particularly medication-resistant pain, and should also be considered in advanced disease for symptom control/improvement.
Fantastic Frogs and Where to Use Them: Unveiling the Hidden Cinobufagin’s Promise in Combating Lung Cancer Development and Progression Through a Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence
Authors: Barbalho Sandra Maria , Torres Pomini Karina , Lima Enzo Pereira de , da Silva Camarinha Oliveira Jéssica , Boaro Beatriz Leme , Cressoni Araújo Adriano , Landgraf Guiguer Elen , Rici Rose Eli Grassi , Maria Durvanei Augusto , Haber Jesselina Francisco dos Santos , Catharin Virgínia Maria Cavallari Strozze , Cincotto dos Santos Bueno Patrícia , Pereira Eliana de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli , de Alvares Goulart Ricardo , Laurindo Lucas Fornari
Published: November 2024

Cinobufagin (CB), a bufadienolide, has shown promising potential as an anticancer agent, particularly in combating lung cancer. This systematic review synthesizes preclinical evidence on CB’s effects against lung cancer, focusing on its mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential clinical implications. We analyzed data from various preclinical studies involving both in vitro cell line models and in vivo animal models. The reviewed studies indicate that CB effectively reduces cell viability, induces apoptosis, and inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion across multiple lung cancer cell lines and xenograft models. Specifically, CB was found to decrease cell viability and increase apoptosis in lung cancer cells by modulating key molecular pathways, including Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspases, caveolin-1, FLOT2, Akt, STAT3, and FOXO1. In vivo studies further demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth with minimal toxicity. However, limitations include reliance on in vitro models, which may not fully represent in vivo tumor dynamics, and a lack of long-term safety data. The studies also vary in their methodologies and cell line models, which may not accurately encompass all lung cancer subtypes or predict human responses. Despite these limitations, CB’s ability to target specific molecular pathways and its promising results in preclinical models suggest it could be a valuable addition to lung cancer treatment strategies. Our review suggests further clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety in humans. Future research should explore combination therapies and optimize delivery methods to enhance clinical outcomes.
Advancing DNAzyme Technology in Tumor Treatment
Authors: Peng Jiancheng , Wang Nini , Xu Rong , Fan Haiming , He Yuan
Published: November 2024

DNAzyme-based gene therapy has received great interest in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Despite its considerable potential in clinical applications, the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of DNAzymes is still unsatisfactory, mainly due to challenges such as poor stability, inadequate catalytic activity, and insufficient target specificity. With the rapid development of nucleic acid chemistry and nanomedicine, substantial efforts have been dedicated in recent years to designing DNAzyme-based nanoplatforms with enhanced treatment efficacy. In addition, extensive combinations of DNAzymes with other treatment strategies have led to many synergistic therapies with improved therapeutic effects. This review focuses on the advance of DNAzyme-based nanoplatforms in cancer treatment. It first summarizes the solutions proposed in recent years to address each of the key challenges in DNAzyme-based tumor therapy, from the perspectives of DNA sequence design, the construction of organic/inorganic nanosystems, and regulation by environmental factors. Next, it reviews the different categories of combined treatment strategies using DNAzymes in cancer therapy. Finally, future trends as well as suggestions in the field are discussed in detail.
Influence of the Physiological Pacifier on the Development of Malocclusions in Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Caleza-Jiménez Carolina , Rodríguez Romero Inés , Ribas-Perez David , Biedma-Perea María
Published: November 2024

Background: As a result of the dental alterations pacifiers can cause, several designs have been described, differing in the shape and size of the teat. The aim of this review was to compare the influence of the physiological pacifier on the development of malocclusions in children with other types of pacifier. The research question was: does the use of physiological pacifiers cause less dentomaxillary alterations than other designs? Methods: A scoping review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The ROBINS-I risk of bias tool was used for the methodology assessment of the included studies. Results: Of the 122 articles identified in the initial search, 5 articles met all the inclusion criteria. In all of them, in general, the use of the pacifier caused malocclusions such as an anterior open bite, a posterior crossbite, an increased overjet, and an involvement of the overbite. Children who began using the physiological pacifier very early, between 0 and 3 months, were less likely to develop finger sucking/thumb sucking compared to children who started after 3 months. In the prevalence of open anterior bite and overjet, there was a significant difference between the use of conventional pacifiers and anatomical pacifiers compared to the use of physiological pacifiers. Conclusions: the physiological pacifier can cause fewer oral alterations and could be the best option as a pacifier, however, more well-designed and high-quality randomised clinical trials are required.
The Impact of Climate Change on Migration Patterns in Coastal Communities
Authors: Daraz Umar , Bojnec Štefan , Khan Younas
Published: November 2024

Climate change is a major global challenge affecting migration patterns, particularly in coastal communities vulnerable to sea-level rise, flooding, and extreme weather. Pakistan, with its extensive coastline and diverse environmental conditions, faces significant climate-induced migration issues, especially in Karachi, Thatta, Gwadar, Badin, and Muzaffargarh. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on migration patterns in these five selected regions of Pakistan. By analyzing climate variables and socio-economic factors, the research seeks to provide a localized understanding of how climate change drives population movements. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to gather data from 350 participants across these regions. Stratified random sampling ensured representation from each area, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered online. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM). This study found a strong positive relationship between climate change variables (sea level rise, temperature increases, and flooding) and migration patterns. Both direct impacts of climate change and indirect socio-economic factors influenced the likelihood of migration. The SEM analysis revealed that climate awareness partially mediates the relationship between climate change and migration. In conclusion, climate change significantly drives migration in Pakistan’s coastal communities, with both direct environmental impacts and socio-economic conditions playing crucial roles. Enhanced climate awareness and comprehensive adaptation strategies are essential. Policies should focus on climate resilience through infrastructure improvements, early warning systems, and socio-economic support programs. Strengthening education and economic opportunities is vital to build community resilience and effectively manage climate-induced migration.
Advancing Research Alongside Patient Partners: Next-Generation Best Practices for Effective Collaboration in Health Research
Authors: Farrell Ally C. , Lawson Jessica A. ,   Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partners in Research Team, Ross Alison , Tone Alicia A.
Published: November 2024

Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partners in Research (PPiR) is a national volunteer-based program that trains and connects individuals with lived ovarian cancer (OC) experience to diverse research opportunities, to maximize the clinical relevance and real-life impact of OC research in Canada. A steadily increasing demand for patient partners to be involved as research team members and decision-makers led us to co-develop with the PPiR team a series of “best practices” for researcher–patient partnerships. This framework formalizes our evolving approach to patient engagement and begins to address challenges that can arise in research settings focused on less commonly diagnosed yet significant and fatal diseases such as OC: (1) Start early. (2) Foster collaboration among the entire research team. (3) Establish expectations and communicate regularly. (4) Report impact of patient partner contributions. (5) Ensure adequate resources. While there are ongoing challenges associated with patient engagement that need to be addressed, data collected from an anonymous survey of Canadian OC researchers show a marked improvement in perceived benefits of patient engagement over time and validate the best practices presented herein. Developed in the context of OC research, these best practices can be adapted to a variety of health research settings with similar challenges.
Influence of Aflibercept on Choroidal Blood Flow and Thickness in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hashimoto Ryuya , Aso Kenichiro , Yata Keisuke , Tanaka Kazufumi , Fujioka Naoki , Yamazaki Ryo , Moriyama Serika , Kawamura Juri , Hirota Asato , Maeno Takatoshi
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: We intended to investigate choroidal blood flow (CBF) and choroidal thickness (CT) alternations in treatment-naive eyes with non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) following intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA). Methods: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with treatment-naive non-ischemic BRVO, treated with IVA 1+ pro re nata, were included in this study. In the BRVO eyes, CBF and CT were measured in the occlusive region, subfovea, as well as the non-occlusive region, via laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and enhanced depth-imaging optical coherence tomography over a 6-month follow-up period. CBF was analyzed via the mean blur rate using LSFG analysis software (version 3.10.0). Results: CT showed significant reductions in both the occlusive and subfoveal region at 1 week and 1 month after treatment (both p < 0.05). CBF was significantly decreased in the subfovea and the non-occlusive region at 1 week and 1 month from baseline, respectively (both p < 0.05). The mean number of IVA injections during the 6-month period was 1.95 ± 0.6. Conclusions: Aflibercept treatment reduced CBF and CT in addition to a decrease in retinal thickness. These changes at each region might be associated with the improvement of macular edema in BRVO eyes.
Prevalence of Mitral Valve Prolapse Among Individuals with Pectus Excavatum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sonaglioni Andrea , Bruno Antonino , Polymeropoulos Alessio , Nicolosi Gian Luigi , Lombardo Michele , Muti Paola
Published: November 2024

Background: During the last decades, a small number of studies reported a wide range of variability in the estimated prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) among individuals with pectus excavatum (PE). The present systematic review and meta-analysis has been primarily designed to summarize the main findings of these studies and to estimate the overall prevalence of MVP among PE individuals. Methods: All imaging studies assessing the prevalence of MVP in PE individuals vs. healthy controls, selected from PubMed and EMBASE databases, were included. The risk of bias was assessed by using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment of Case–Control Studies. Events (presence of MVP) and nonevents (absence of MVP) in PE individuals and control groups were recorded. The main outcome was the measure of odds ratio (OR) for MVP presence pooled with 95% confidence intervals, using a fixed-effects model. Results: The full texts of eight studies with 303 PE patients (mean age 25.7 yrs) and 498 healthy controls (mean age 31 yrs) were analyzed. Three studies assessed MVP prevalence in children and early adolescents, whereas the remaining five studies examined PE adults. The prevalence of MVP in PE individuals and healthy controls was 40.6% and 12.8%, respectively. In the pooled sample, the OR for MVP presence was significantly higher in PE individuals compared to controls (OR = 5.80, 95%CI = 3.83–8.78, Z = 8.30, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that MVP prevalence was approximately three-fold higher among PE children and early adolescents compared with PE adults. Overall, high consistency was observed in the pooled effect sizes, due to the low statistical heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 = 22.7%, p = 0.25). Egger’s test for a regression intercept gave a p-value of 0.07, indicating no publication bias. The sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of the results. Conclusions: PE individuals are nearly six times more likely to have MVP than controls. MVP prevalence is three-fold higher in PE individuals during childhood and early adolescence, compared to PE adults. Given the strong association between MVP and PE, MVP should be suspected in all individuals with anterior chest wall deformity.
Cervical Mesonephric Adenocarcinoma Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Ishida Hiroaki , Manrai Megumi , Egashira Hiroki , Nonaka Mizuki , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Watanabe Reiko , Takashima Akiko
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Cervical mesonephric ductal adenocarcinoma (MA) is an HPV-independent adenocarcinoma that occurs in middle-aged women. MA originates from remnants of the Wolffian duct that usually regress in females once the induction of sex differentiation is activated. MA is a rare disease that accounts for less than 1% of all cervical adenocarcinomas. Clinical Case: We report a case of MA in which abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) was performed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The patient was a 66-year-old woman with abnormal genital bleeding. A colposcopy examination revealed macroscopic invasive cancer. A pelvic MRI scan revealed a 53 × 26 mm tumor in the cervix, and the histological diagnosis of the cervix was endometrioid carcinoma, with the diagnosis being cervical adenocarcinoma cT1b3N0M0. One course of NAC with paclitaxel-carboplatin (PC) was administered to shrink the tumor and stop the bleeding, and ARH was performed. Postoperative histopathological diagnosis was MA. The surgical margins of the resected specimen were negative, and NAC had been effective, so the patient underwent five courses of PC therapy after surgery. There has been no recurrence 12 months after surgery. Conclusions: There is no established standard treatment, but there are reports that PC therapy is effective. It is necessary to search for effective treatments by following up and accumulating further cases.
A Multimodal Image Registration Method for UAV Visual Navigation Based on Feature Fusion and Transformers
Authors: He Ruofei , Long Shuangxing , Sun Wei , Liu Hongjuan
Published: November 2024

Using images captured by drone cameras and comparing them with known Google satellite maps to obtain the current location of the drone is an important way of UAV navigation in GPS-denied environments. But, due to inherent modality differences and significant geometric deformations, cross-modal image registration is challenging. This paper proposes a CNN-Transformer hybrid network model for feature detection and feature matching. ResNet50 is used as the backbone network for feature extraction. An improved feature fusion module is used to fuse feature maps from different levels, and then a Transformer encoder–decoder structure is used for feature matching to obtain preliminary correspondences. Finally, a geometric outlier removal method (GSM) is used to eliminate mismatched points based on the geometric similarity of inliers, resulting in more robust correspondences. Qualitative and quantitative experiments were conducted on multimodal image datasets captured by UAVs; the correct matching rate was improved by 52%, 21%, and 15%, respectively, and the error was reduced by 36% compared to the 3MRS algorithm. A total of 56 experiments were conducted in actual scenarios, with a localization success rate of 91.1%, and the RMSE of UAV positioning was 4.6 m.
On the Negative Result Experiments in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Konishi Kenichi
Published: November 2024

We comment on the so-called negative result experiments (also known as null measurements, interaction-free measurements, and so on) in quantum mechanics (QM), in the light of the new general understanding of the quantum-measurement processes, proposed recently. All experiments of this kind (null measurements) can be understood as improper measurements with an intentionally biased detector set up, which introduces exclusion or selection of certain events. The prediction on the state of a microscopic system under study based on a null measurement is sometimes dramatically described as “wave-function collapse without any microsystem-detector interactions”. Though certainly correct, such a prediction is just a consequence of the standard QM laws, not different from the situation in the so-called state-preparation procedure. Another closely related concept is the (first-class or) repeatable measurements. The verification of the prediction made by a null measurement requires eventually a standard unbiased measurement involving the microsystem-macroscopic detector interactions, which are nonadiabatic, irreversible processes of signal amplification.
Generalized Gaussian Distribution Improved Permutation Entropy: A New Measure for Complex Time Series Analysis
Authors: Zheng Kun , Gan Hong-Seng , Chaw Jun Kit , Teh Sze-Hong , Chen Zhe
Published: November 2024

To enhance the performance of entropy algorithms in analyzing complex time series, generalized Gaussian distribution improved permutation entropy (GGDIPE) and its multiscale variant (MGGDIPE) are proposed in this paper. First, the generalized Gaussian distribution cumulative distribution function is employed for data normalization to enhance the algorithm’s applicability across time series with diverse distributions. The algorithm further processes the normalized data using improved permutation entropy, which maintains both the absolute magnitude and temporal correlations of the signals, overcoming the equal value issue found in traditional permutation entropy (PE). Simulation results indicate that GGDIPE is less sensitive to parameter variations, exhibits strong noise resistance, accurately reveals the dynamic behavior of chaotic systems, and operates significantly faster than PE. Real-world data analysis shows that MGGDIPE provides markedly better separability for RR interval signals, EEG signals, bearing fault signals, and underwater acoustic signals compared to multiscale PE (MPE) and multiscale dispersion entropy (MDE). Notably, in underwater target recognition tasks, MGGDIPE achieves a classification accuracy of 97.5% across four types of acoustic signals, substantially surpassing the performance of MDE (70.5%) and MPE (62.5%). Thus, the proposed method demonstrates exceptional capability in processing complex time series.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality on Educational Inclusion: A Systematic Review of Technologies Supporting Students with Disabilities
Authors: Chalkiadakis Angelos , Seremetaki Antonia , Kanellou Athanasia , Kallishi Maria , Morfopoulou Anastasia , Moraitaki Marina , Mastrokoukou Sofia
Published: November 2024

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies offers transformative potential for the advancement of inclusive education, particularly for students with disabilities. This systematic review critically evaluates the current state of research to assess the impact of AI and VR on enhancing educational accessibility, personalisation and social inclusion in education. AI-driven adaptive systems can dynamically tailor learning experiences to individual needs, while VR offers immersive, multi-sensory environments that promote experiential learning. Despite these advances, the review also identifies significant challenges, including the high cost of implementation, technical barriers and limited teacher readiness, which hinder widespread adoption. Ethical concerns such as privacy and algorithmic bias are cited as key areas that need careful consideration. The findings underscore the urgent need for further empirical research to explore the long-term impact of these technologies and advocate for more equitable access to AI and VR tools in underserved educational settings. Ultimately, the review highlights the importance of integrating AI and VR as part of a broader strategy to foster genuinely inclusive learning environments that align with the goals of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
A High-Quality and Convenient Camera Calibration Method Using a Single Image
Authors: Qin Xufang , Xia Xiaohua , Xiang Huatao
Published: November 2024

Existing camera calibration methods using a single image have exhibited some limitations. These limitations include relying on large datasets, using inconveniently prepared calibration objects instead of commonly used planar patterns such as checkerboards, and requiring further improvement in accuracy. To address these issues, a high-quality and convenient camera calibration method is proposed, which only requires a single image of the commonly used planar checkerboard pattern. In the proposed method, a nonlinear objective function is derived by leveraging the linear distribution characteristics exhibited among corners. An algorithm based on enumeration theory is designed to minimize this function. It calibrates the first two radial distortion coefficients and principal points. The focal length and extrinsic parameters are linearly calibrated from the constraints provided by the linear projection model and the unit orthogonality of the rotation matrix. Additionally, a guideline is explored through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to ensure calibration quality. The quality of the proposed method is evaluated by both simulated and real experiments, demonstrating its comparability with the well-known multi-image-based method and its superiority over advanced single-image-based methods.
Reflective Dialogues with a Humanoid Robot Integrated with an LLM and a Curated NLU System for Positive Behavioral Change in Older Adults
Authors: Browne Ryan , Alam Mirza Mohtashim , Saleem Qasid , Hyder Abrar , Kudo Tatsuya , D’Agresti Francesca , Maggio Martino , Homma Keiko , Siitonen Eerik-Juhanna , Kounosu Naoko , Jokinen Kristiina , McTear Michael , Napolitano Giulio , Kim Kyoungsook , Tsujii Junichi , Wieching Rainer , Ogawa Toshimi , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: November 2024

We developed an innovative system that combines Natural Language Understanding (NLU), a curated knowledge base, and the efficient management of a Large Language Model (LLM) to support motivational health coaching. Using Rasa as the core framework, we enhanced it by integrating the GPT-3.5-turbo model. Users opt into reflective dialogues during conversations. When they respond to open-ended questions, their input goes directly to the GPT-3.5-turbo model, allowing for more flexible responses. To provide curated trustworthy content, we integrated a knowledge provision component that searches a PDF-based knowledge base and generates user-friendly responses using Retrieval-Augmented Generation. We tested the system in a real-world scenario by deploying it on a Nao robot in seven older adults’ homes for 1–2 weeks, encouraging positive behavioral changes in some users. Our system serves as a valuable foundation for building an even more integrated, personalized system that can connect with other Application Programing Interfaces (APIs) and integrate with home sensors and edge devices.
Open-Source Telemedicine Platform Based on WebSockets for Management of Biosignals
Authors: Ramirez Lopez Leonardo Juan , Jaimes Salazar Norman Eduardo , Duran Juan Sabastian Orozco
Published: November 2024

The main objective of this project was to develop a remote monitoring solution using an open-source platform, the e-health platform V2.0, which served as the foundation for this solution due to its capability to integrate various tools and technologies. The project involved measurements from six sensors including “temperature, electrocardiogram, airflow, beats per minute, blood oxygen saturation”, and focused on finding a method to implement these communications. WebSockets were identified as a suitable solution, facilitating the task of interconnection. Leveraging backend frameworks like Express and frontend frameworks like React allowed for a seamless integration of different components within the project. The integration of these frameworks enhanced project development efficiency and enabled an easy implementation of new functionalities. By utilizing the e-health platform V2.0 and leveraging WebSocket along with backend and frontend frameworks, this project successfully developed a remote monitoring solution for the seamless management of biosignals. The solution’s flexibility and scalability provide a solid foundation for further advancements and the integration of additional features.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Cage-like Co9S8 Microspheres Composed of Nanosheets as High-Capacity Anode Materials
Authors: Yang Haomiao , Liu Lehao , Ma Junfeng , Zhang Jinkui , Zhang Qiaomu
Published: November 2024

Co9S8 is considered to be one of the most promising anode materials because of its high theoretical capacity. In this work, hierarchical cage-like Co9S8 microspheres composed of well-crystallized nanosheets are successfully synthesized at 180 °C by a hydrothermal method using KOH and disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate (Na2EDTA) as a mineralizer and a complexing agent, respectively. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements show that KOH is beneficial in promoting the crystallization and development of Co9S8, avoiding the formation of impurities, while Na2EDTA is conducive to the generation of cage-like microspheres with the micro/nano architecture and better crystallization. The unique hierarchical cage-like micro/nano architecture can effectively relieve the volume change in the cycling process, and the well-crystallized Co9S8 nanosheets in the cage-like microspheres can offer much more active sites for Li+ accommodation, and thus the hierarchical cage-like Co9S8 microspheres composed of well-crystallized nanosheets show superior cycling stability and rate capability, e.g., a high capacity of 303.5 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at a high rate of 1.0 A g−1. This work provides a new approach for improving the electrochemical performance of LIBs by constructing a hierarchical anode material.
Financial Evaluation of Alternatives for Industrial Methanol Production Using Renewable Energy with Heat Pump Technology
Authors: Correa-Quintana Edgar , Muñoz-Maldonado Yecid , Ospino-Castro Adalberto
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic and financial alternatives for industrial methanol (MeOH) production in Colombia, taking advantage of renewable energy and heat pump technology. The main objective was to analyze the feasibility of converting an existing hydrogen production plant into a methanol synthesis plant at a refinery located in the Magdalena Medio region. The approach included the electrification of industrial processes using heat pumps, along with the incorporation of carbon capture technologies, using renewable photovoltaic energy. The study compared this proposal with a conventional fossil fuel-based process, using natural gas for the generation of thermal steam. To carry out the analysis, simulations of the methanol production process were performed using the ASPEN HYSYS V12.1 software, evaluating the mass and energy flows, as well as the investment (CAPEX) and operation (OPEX) costs. The determination and comparison of the levelized cost of methanol production (LCOM) for the different alternatives and market price scenarios reveal that the incorporation of a heat pump in the industrial process can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs associated with energy, water/steam, and fuel gas, and allow for the financial viability of projects that use renewable energy and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. The results show that electrification through heat pumps and renewable energy improves energy performance by 15%, reduces operational costs by up to 25%, and lowers the levelized cost of methanol production (LCOM) to 456–492 USD/ton. These improvements demonstrate the financial viability and sustainability of methanol production in Colombia using this technology.
Single-Loop Triple-Diameter Pulsating Heat Pipes at Reduced Heat Input: A CFD Study on Inner Diameter Optimization
Authors: Fallahzadeh Rasoul , Garousi Masoud Hatami , Pagliarini Luca , Bozzoli Fabio , Cattani Luca
Published: November 2024

The geometric configuration, particularly the inner tube diameter, plays a significant role in the thermal performance of pulsating heat pipes (PHPs). Previous experimental research has demonstrated that single-loop triple-diameter PHPs (TD-PHPs) outperform single-loop single-diameter PHPs (SD-PHPs) and dual-diameter PHPs (DD-PHPs) in terms of thermal performance under moderate heating input powers ranging from 25 W to 75 W. However, a reduction in heat input from 75 W to 25 W leads to a diminished impact of TD-PHPs on the thermal performance. Therefore, to improve the overall performance of TD-PHPs, this study used two-dimensional transient computational fluid dynamics simulations to identify the optimal inner tube diameters for TD-PHPs at a low heat input by evaluating the thermal resistance of five TD-PHPs with various inner diameters. The findings reveal that the TD-PHP configuration exhibits minimum thermal resistance, with inner diameters of 4.5 mm for the upper arch (the condenser section), 4.0 mm for the wide branch, and 2.5 mm for the narrow branch, primarily due to its full circulation flow pattern. Furthermore, the overall heat transfer performance of the optimal TD-PHP was compared with that of an SD-PHP at low heat inputs (10 and 18 W), indicating that although the optimal TD-PHP shows lower thermal resistance, it does not significantly affect the start-up time.
Reduction of Wind Speed Forecast Error in Costa Rica Tejona Wind Farm with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Silva Dias Maria A. F. , Souto Yania Molina , Biazeto Bruno , Todesco Enzo , Mora Jose A. Zuñiga , Navarro Dylana Vargas , Chinchilla Melvin Pérez , Araya Carlos Madrigal , Fernández Dayanna Arce , López Berny Fallas , Cantillano Jose P. , Boscolo Roberta , Bastani Hamid
Published: November 2024

The energy sector relies on numerical model output forecasts for operational purposes on a short-term scale, up to 10 days ahead. Reducing model errors is crucial, particularly given that coarse resolution models often fail to account for complex topography, such as that found in Costa Rica. Local circulations affect wind conditions at the level of wind turbines, thereby impacting wind energy production. This work addresses a specific need of the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) as a public service provider for the energy sector. The developed methodology and implemented product in this study serves as a proof of concept that could be replicated by WMO members. It demonstrates a product for wind speed forecasting at wind power plants by employing a novel strategy for model input selection based on large-scale indicators leveraging artificial intelligence-based forecasting methods. The product is developed and implemented based on the full-value chain framework for weather, water, and climate services for the energy sector introduced by the WMO. The results indicate a reduction in the wind forecast RMSE by approximately 55% compared to the GFS grid values. The conclusion is that combining coarse model outputs with regional climatological knowledge through AI-based downscaling models is an effective approach for obtaining reliable local short-term wind forecasts up to 10 days ahead.
The Impact of War on Heavy Metal Concentrations and the Seasonal Variation of Pollutants in Soils of the Conflict Zone and Adjacent Areas in Mosul City
Authors: Altahaan Zena , Dobslaw Daniel
Published: November 2024

The present study addresses the war-related soil contamination with heavy metals in the urban area of Mosul/Iraq as a result of the war of liberation from ISIS (2014–2017). In order to cover seasonal influences, a total of eight sample sets from soils in the conflict area and adjacent areas were collected over the course of the year in two three-month test series, and the parameters pH, E.C., salinity and the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni were taken as indicators for contamination. Results showed average heavy metal levels in the conflict areas above the global average limits, with some limits also being exceeded in the adjacent areas. All sampling sites were highly contaminated with Cd and moderately contaminated with Pb. The Igeo contamination factors indicated that the sampling sites in the conflict area were moderately to heavily contaminated with Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni, while the pollution load index indicated that all sites in the conflict zone were extremely to heavily contaminated with heavy metals. The study data give cause for concern that heavy metals may be released into other ecosystems.
Sylleptic over Proleptic Type of Free Growth in Young Norway Spruce Plantations: Stem Quality, Tree Height and Phenology Considerations
Authors: Danusevičius Darius , Šilingas Simonas , Šilingienė Gerda
Published: November 2024

It is crucial for northerly Norway spruce to understand how seasonal warming and site conditions influence the intensity of free growth and what the effects of free growth on stem quality and adaptedness are. We studied the intensity of sylleptic and proleptic free growth in 660 6-to-9-year-old Norway spruce trees planted on normally irrigated and temporary overmoistured sites of variable fertility. We focused on the ability of individual trees to retain a type of free growth over three seasons and examined the associations between free growth, stem quality, and phenology traits. The results show that 23% to 50% of trees exhibited free growth, depending on the season. Mild and warm conditions in August and September tended to promote free growth. Among trees aged 6 to 9 years, 82% to 84% of those without free growth maintained this status over the following two seasons. While sylleptic growth decreased with age, proleptic growth increased. Over the seasons, individual trees were more consistent in maintaining proleptic growth than sylleptic growth. Trees on moist site types exhibited significantly more free growth than those in normally irrigated sites across all seasons. Trees with both sylleptic and proleptic free growth were significantly taller than those without free growth; however, sylleptic trees showed a markedly lower frequency of stem defects compared with those with proleptic growth. Free growth intensity was weakly associated with spring phenology and appeared to disrupt the well-established associations between phenology traits within the annual cycle. We conclude that selecting trees for overall height, particularly those with sylleptic free growth, may well exploit the benefits of free growth without significantly increasing the risk of autumn or winter frost damage.