bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penanaman Nilai Nasionalisme melalui Literasi Fikih Kebangsaan di Ma’had Aly Lirboyo Kota Kediri
Authors: Naim Ainun , Taulabi Imam , Ubaidilla Syafik
Published: February 2025

This research aims to understand the process of instilling nationalist values ​​through nationalism fiqh literacy at the Ma'had Aly Lirboyo, Kediri City. This study employs qualitative research methods. The main data source is interviews with mudir, mustahiq, munawwib, administrators, the graduates, and mahasantri Ma'had Aly Lirboyo. This research had three findings. First, the genealogy of nationalist values ​​in nationalism fiqh literacy in Ma'had Aly Lirboyo is rooted in the nationalism spirit of the kiais (masyayikh) of Pesantren Lirboyo. Second, the internalization methodology was formulated by studying bahtsul masail and Al-Mahalli deliberation and interpreting national verses and hadith using the ushul fiqh and fiqh rules approach. Third, the impact of internalization can be seen from two types of contributions: intellectual contributions in the form of scientific works by mahasantri for each generation (graduate), which are published every year, and practical contributions in the form of mahasantri's work in a society with a tolerant attitude, particularly while coexisting with adherents of different faiths or religions.
The Use of Differentiated Instruction in Achieving Learning Objectives of Islamic Religious Education in the Merdeka Curriculum
Authors: Dinana Muhammad Fahim , Makhfud Makhfud , Mukhlison Moch.
Published: February 2025

This paper explores and describes the concept of differentiated instruction according to Carol Tomlinson and the Concept of the Merdeka Curriculum. This paper is based on library research, uses secondary data collected using documentation techniques, and is qualitative-descriptive. The results: the Merdeka Curriculum is the Indonesian curriculum characterized by three things: which are emphasizing the main (essential) material, adding material of character building for the project called building 'Pelajar Pancasila,' and teacher flexibility in conducting learning to fulfill the needs and interests of students. Differentiated instruction, as one of the methods suitable for the Merdeka Curriculum, is a teaching philosophy based on the premise that students learn best when their teachers accommodate their different readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. Teachers can distinguish at least four classroom elements: content, process, product, and learning environment. Thus, in learning Islamic Education, teachers need to understand the diverse backgrounds of learners in terms of readiness, interests, and learning profiles. Furthermore, teachers differentiate Islamic education in content, process, product, and learning environment.
Inovasi Kelembagaan Pendidikan Islam Perspektif KH. Ahmad Dahlan dan Relevansinya di Era Modern
Authors: Al Fithri Qurrota A'yun , Maula Aris Rohmatul , Azizah Nur Amalina Wafi’ , Diana Alfi Elma
Published: February 2025

Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia continue to develop as education distributors. That proves that Islamic education is continuously developing and educating the nation's children. KH. Ahmad Dahlan was a prominent Indonesian figure who had ideas about renewing Islamic education and became a milestone in Indonesia's revival of Islamic education. This research aims to discover how institutional innovation in Islamic education, according to KH. Ahmad Dahlan, and its relevance in the modern era. This research uses a qualitative approach with a library study type of research. This research shows that KH. Ahmad Dahlan founded many educational institutions that integrated religious and general knowledge. He also implemented a modern education management system from Western schools guided by Islamic teachings. KH. Ahmad Dahlan's thoughts on education are relevant in modern life. KH. Ahmad Dahlan's thoughts on the education system have significantly contributed to the quality of education in Indonesia and its relevance in a global context.
Transmission Expansion for a Decarbonised Power System: A Stocktake of British Policies for Reform
Authors: Niedenthal Camilla
Published: February 2025

The transmission grid is becoming a bottleneck in the British energy transition. It is simultaneously stalling the connection of new generation, wasting renewable energy through curtailment, and increasing consumers’ energy bills. To meet the Government’s 2030 target for a decarbonised power system, the transmission grid must be expanded and upgraded immediately to enable a transition to a renewables-based power system. Scotland has the potential to become a renewable energy hub, supporting demand in Southeast England, but only if the chronic congestion at the Scotland-England border is relieved. This article seeks to examine the underlying challenges and evaluate the proposed reforms of the transmission grid development process, to act as a foundation for further research. Current policies focus on three key problem areas: i) the growing queue for connecting new generation to the grid, ii) strategically planning and investing in transmission grid expansion, iii) reducing delays caused by permitting procedures and public opposition. The reforms demonstrate a shift away from the traditional reactive approach to transmission development, towards a bold, strategic approach directed by Government policy. There is potential for the reforms to successfully accelerate development for this once-in-a-generation transmission buildout. However, there is a risk that consumers, local communities, and the environment will be neglected in the process.
Comparative analysis of capillary threshold pressure measurement techniques: mercury intrusion porosimetry vs. innovative measuring tool for carbon storage
Authors: Soomro Ahsan Nabi , Anioł Łukasz , Kudasik Mateusz , Dąbrowski Karol , Nagy Stanisław
Published: February 2025

Threshold pressure is a critical parameter in evaluating the capillary sealing capacity of rocks, especially in reservoir and caprock studies related to CO2 storage and hydrocarbon recovery. In this research, we conducted a comparative analysis of two methods for measuring threshold pressure: the traditional mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), which operates under different fluid dynamics, and a new gas-water/brine system (e.g., CO2-water) using novel equipment. The new apparatus employs techniques to directly measure the threshold pressure by monitoring the displacement of water by gas, such as CO2, in core samples. This system is designed to more accurately replicate in-situ subsurface reservoir conditions by accounting for key parameters such as CO2-brine interfacial tension, and pressure. By directly measuring the point at which gas begins to displace water from rock pores, it provides a more realistic assessment of the threshold pressure for CO2 sequestration projects. For example, in the case of Sample 1, the direct measurement under a confining pressure of 15 MPa resulted in a threshold pressure of 0.4 MPa. In contrast, mercury intrusion data converted for CO2 drainage estimated the threshold pressure at only 0.1 MPa. Similarly, for Sample 2, the direct measurement yielded a threshold pressure of 0.24 MPa, while the MIP method indicated a significantly lower threshold of 0.05 MPa. These discrepancies underscore the limitations of mercury intrusion when applied to CO2-water/brine systems. Underestimation of threshold pressure can have significant consequences for the design and safety of CO2 storage projects, as this parameter is essential to assess the sealing efficiency of the caprocks and determine the storage capacity.
Key Neuropeptides Regulating Molting in Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei): Insights from Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Li Xianliang , Li Yunjiao , Li Zecheng , Chen Hu
Published: February 2025

Molting is a vital physiological process essential for the growth and development of Penaeus vannamei, with significant implications for aquaculture productivity. This study aimed to identify neuropeptide-related genes involved in molting through transcriptomic analysis. RNA sequencing of pre-molt and post-molt samples revealed 1203 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes play significant roles in cuticle formation and molting regulation. Among the DEGs, 243 were predicted to be neuropeptides based on the presence of signal peptides and the absence of transmembrane domains. Five key neuropeptide genes—PvCHH, PvMIH, PvEH I, PvCDA I, and PvCDA II—were identified as critical regulators of molting. Their role was further validated through RT-qPCR analysis, confirming their close association with the molting process. These genes were highlighted in this study as pivotal factors driving molting in P. vannamei. The neuropeptides identified in this research are anticipated to offer valuable insights into the regulation of molting. Additionally, their synthetic products hold promise for improving molting consistency in shrimp aquaculture.
The Impact of Knee Orthoses on Lameness and Weight Distribution in Canine After Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Muršec Aljaž , Pavlović Monika , Lampe Tomaž , Erjavec Vladimira
Published: February 2025

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most prevalent orthopedic injuries in veterinary medicine, significantly impacting canine stifle joint stability and biomechanics, and subsequently, the animal’s quality of life. This study investigates the effectiveness of custom-made knee orthoses as a conservative treatment for recent cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs. Two dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries were fitted with individualized orthoses, and their rehabilitation progress was monitored over 32 days. This study employed a four-scale method to measure body weight distribution across limbs and utilized owner questionnaires to evaluate lameness, gait, mobility, and physical activity. The results indicated substantial improvements in both dogs when they wore orthoses. Weight-bearing measurements demonstrated increased load on the injured limb by 0.97 kg and 2.23 kg for Dog 1 and Dog 2, respectively. Dog 2 achieved nearly symmetrical weight distribution by the end of the observation period. Shifts in body weight distribution between forelimbs and hindlimbs highlighted improved functionality; for instance, Dog 1 adjusted from 70% forelimb loading on day 1 to 62% on day 32, while Dog 2 improved from 60% to 55%. Similarly, shifts in lateral weight distribution showed notable reductions in asymmetry, especially in Dog 2, where contralateral load decreased from 59% to 52%. Owner-reported outcomes corroborated these findings, showing enhanced lameness scores, gait quality, and overall mobility. These results underline the potential of custom-manufactured orthoses as a valuable non-surgical approach for cranial cruciate ligament rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for further research in veterinary orthotics to optimize treatment strategies.
Global Optimal Automatic Generation Control of a Multimachine Power System Using Hybrid NLMPC and Data-Driven Methods
Authors: Khamees Ahmed , Altınkaya Hüseyin
Published: February 2025

Real-world power systems face challenges from demand fluctuations, system constraints, communication delays, and unmeasurable disturbances. This paper presents a real-time hybrid approach integrating Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NLMPC) and data-driven methods for automatic generation control (AGC) of synchronous generators, particularly under cyber-physical attacks. Unlike previous studies, this work considers both technical and economic aspects of power system management. A key innovation is the incorporation of a detailed thermo-mechanical model of turbine and governor dynamics, enabling optimized control and effective management of power oscillations. The proposed NLMPC-based AGC strategy addresses governor saturation and generation rate constraints, ensuring stability. Extensive simulations in MATLAB/Simulink, including IEEE 11-bus and 9-bus test systems, validate the controller’s effectiveness in enhancing power system performance under various challenging conditions.
CFD Numerical Simulation of Slurry Flow Characteristics Under the Clogged Form of Coal Gangue Slurry Transportation Pipeline
Authors: Zhu Lei , Li Zhi , Wu Yuyi , Liu Chengyong , Zhang Dingding , Chai Jing , Gu Wenzhe , Ding Ziwei , Gao Lei , Qiu Fengqi , Ma Chenyang
Published: February 2025

Slurry filling technology has been increasingly adopted in coal mines in the northwest region. However, due to the complexity of slurry transport pipelines, blockages remain a frequent issue. These blockages can reduce operational efficiency, with different blockage types causing varying levels of damage. Despite the significance of this issue, there is limited in-depth analysis in the literature, especially regarding the role of pressure in pipeline blockages. This study utilizes FLUENT 2020R2 (the fluid simulation software) for computational fluid dynamics simulations of slurry pipeline blockages, focusing on the impact of blockage morphology, location, and extent on slurry transport pressure distribution. The results indicate that the greater the blockage extent, the more pronounced the pressure loss along the pipeline. Furthermore, blockage morphology also has a varying effect on pressure drop. At lower blockage levels, the pressure drop variation across the three blockage types is relatively minor. However, when the blockage exceeds 50%, sedimentation-type blockages (B-blockage) cause the most significant harm. The study identifies the underlying causes of this and provides recommendations to mitigate sedimentation-type blockages. Within 1 m downstream of the blockage, the flow velocity rapidly decreases to near zero, creating a stagnant zone that accelerates the deposition of gangue particles, thereby worsening the blockage. After a sudden blockage, the location of the blockage has minimal impact on pressure drop. The influence on slurry pressure is ranked as follows: sedimentation-type blockage (B-blockage) > composite blockage (C-blockage) > attachment-type blockage (A-blockage).
Validation of Computational Methods for Free-Water Jet Diffusion and Pressure Dynamics in a Plunge Pool
Authors: Muralha António , Melo José F. , Ramos Helena M.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the numerical modeling of a high-velocity circular free-water jet impinging into a plunge pool, focusing on the simulation and validation of mean and fluctuating dynamic pressures on the pool floor. Numerical simulations were performed using two different computation methods, two-phase volume-of-fluid and Euler–Euler, under conditions replicating experimental data obtained at a jet velocity of 7.4 m/s and plunge pool depth of 0.8 m. The models, based respectively on the Volume of Fluid (VoF) and Euler–Euler methods, were evaluated for accuracy in replicating experimentally measured pressures and air concentration values. The Euler–Euler solver, coupled with the k-Omega SST turbulence model, demonstrated mesh independence for mean dynamic pressures with a mesh resolution of 24 cells across the jet diameter. In contrast, two-phase volume-of-fluid exhibited mesh dependency, particularly near the jet stagnation point and pressure values higher than the experimental ones. While the Euler–Euler accurately captured mean pressures and air concentration in close agreement with experimental data, its Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) formulation limited its ability to simulate pressure fluctuations directly. To approximate these fluctuations, turbulent kinetic energy values were used to derive empirical estimates, yielding results consistent with experimental measurements. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the Euler–Euler method with the k-Omega SST model in accurately capturing key dynamic pressures and air entrainment in plunge pools while highlighting opportunities for future work on pressure fluctuation modeling across a broader range of jet conditions.
Implementing Deep Neural Networks on ARM-Based Microcontrollers: Application for Ventricular Fibrillation Detection
Authors: Krasteva Vessela , Stoyanov Todor , Jekova Irena
Published: February 2025

GPU-based deep neural networks (DNNs) are powerful for electrocardiogram (ECG) processing and rhythm classification. Although questions often arise about their practical application in embedded systems with low computational resources, few studies have investigated the associated challenges. This study aims to show a useful workflow for deploying a pre-trained DNN model from a GPU-based development platform to two popular ARM-based microcontrollers: Raspberry Pi 4 and ARM Cortex-M7. Specifically, a five-layer convolutional neural network pre-trained in TensorFlow (TF) for the detection of ventricular fibrillation is converted to Lite Runtime (LiteRT) format and subjected to post-training quantization to reduce model size and computational complexity. Using a test dataset of 7482 10 s cardiac arrest ECGs, the inference of LiteRT DNN in Raspberry Pi 4 takes about 1 ms with a sensitivity of 98.6% and specificity of 99.5%, reproducing the TF DNN performance. An optimization study with 1300 representative datasets (RDSs), including 10 to 4000 calibration ECG signals selected by random, rhythm, or amplitude-based criteria, showed that choosing a random RDS with a relatively small size of 80 resulted in a quantized integer LiteRT DNN with minimal quantization error. The inference of both non-quantized and quantized LiteRT DNNs on a low-resource ARM Cortex-M7 microcontroller (STM32F7) shows rhythm accuracy deviation of <0.4%. Quantization reduces internal computation latency from 4.8 s to 0.6 s, flash memory usage from 40 kB to 20 kB, and energy consumption by 7.85 times. This study ensures that DNN models retain their functionality while being optimized for real-time execution on resource-constrained hardware, demonstrating application in automated external defibrillators.
Cross-Domain Feature Fusion Network: A Lightweight Road Extraction Model Based on Multi-Scale Spatial-Frequency Feature Fusion
Authors: Gao Lin , Shi Tianyang , Zhang Lincong
Published: February 2025

Road extraction is a key task in the field of remote sensing image processing. Existing road extraction methods primarily leverage spatial domain features of remote sensing images, often neglecting the valuable information contained in the frequency domain. Spatial domain features capture semantic information and accurate spatial details for different categories within the image, while frequency domain features are more sensitive to areas with significant gray-scale variations, such as road edges and shadows caused by tree occlusions. To fully extract and effectively fuse spatial and frequency domain features, we propose a Cross-Domain Feature Fusion Network (CDFFNet). The framework consists of three main components: the Atrous Bottleneck Pyramid Module (ABPM), the Frequency Band Feature Separator (FBFS), and the Domain Fusion Module(DFM). First, the FBFS is used to decompose image features into low-frequency and high-frequency components. These components are then integrated with shallow spatial features and deep features extracted through the ABPM. Finally, the DFM is employed to perform spatial–frequency feature selection, ensuring consistency and complementarity between the spatial and frequency domain features. The experimental results on the CHN6_CUG and Massachusetts datasets confirm the effectiveness of CDFFNet.
Optimizing Herbicide Use in Fodder Crops with Low-Cost Remote Sensing and Variable Rate Technology
Authors: Conceição Luís Alcino , Silva Luís , Dias Susana , Maçãs Benvindo , Sousa Adélia M. O. , Fiorentino Costanza , D’Antonio Paola , Barbosa Sofia , Faugno Salvatore
Published: February 2025

The current Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) foresees a reduction of 50% in the use of herbicides by 2030. This study investigates the potential of integrating remote sensing with a low-cost RGB sensor and variable-rate technology (VRT) to optimize herbicide application in a ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) fodder crop. The trial was conducted on three 7.5-hectare plots, comparing a variable-rate application (VRA) of herbicide guided by a prescription map generated from segmented digital images, with a fixed-rate application (FRA) and a control (no herbicide applied). The weed population and crop biomass were assessed to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method. Results revealed that the VRA method reduced herbicide usage by 30% (0.22 l ha−1) compared to the FRA method, while maintaining comparable crop production. These findings demonstrate that smart weed management techniques can contribute to the CAP’s sustainability goals by reducing chemical inputs and promoting efficient crop production. Future research will focus on improving weed recognition accuracy and expanding this methodology to other cropping systems.
Rejuvenation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Mechanisms and Their Application in Senile Osteoporosis Treatment
Authors: Tian Rui-Chuan , Zhang Ru-Ya , Ma Chu-Fan
Published: February 2025

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells present in bone marrow; they play a crucial role in the process of bone formation. Cellular senescence is defined as a stable state of cell cycle arrest that impairs the functioning of cells. Research has shown that aging triggers a state of senescence in BM-MSCs, leading to a reduced capacity for osteogenic differentiation and the accumulation of senescent cells, which can accelerate the onset of various diseases. Therefore, it is essential to explore mechanisms and strategies for the rejuvenation of senescent BM-MSCs. Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone formation. The senescence of BM-MSCs is considered one of the most important factors in the occurrence and development of SOP. Therefore, the rejuvenation of BM-MSCs for the treatment of SOP represents a promising strategy. This work provides a summary of the functional alterations observed in senescent BM-MSCs and a systematic review of the mechanisms that facilitate the rejuvenation of senescent BM-MSCs. Additionally, we analyze the progress in and the limitations associated with the application of rejuvenated senescent BM-MSCs to treat SOP, with the aim of providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of SOP.
Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies
Authors: Gondil Vijay Singh
Published: February 2025

The introduction of antibiotics in clinical use has revolutionized modern medicine practices and significantly contributed to the control of bacterial infections, which were the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout human history [...]
High-Throughput Whole-Exome Sequencing and Large-Scale Computational Analysis to Identify the Genetic Biomarkers to Predict the Vedolizumab Response Status in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljohani Hanin , Anbarserry Doaa , Mosli Mahmoud , Ujaimi Amani , Bakhshwin Duaa , Elango Ramu , Alharthi Sameer
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Vedolizumab (VDZ) is the new monoclonal drug targeting α4β7 integrin for patients with moderate/severe IBD. Between 30 and 45% of patients fail to respond to VDZ after 14–16 weeks of treatment. The aim of the study was to explore the genetic profile of vedolizumab-treated Arab IBD patients in Saudi Arabia to identify the potential biomarkers to differentiate the responders from non-responders. Methods: A cohort of 16 patients with IBD, including 4 with Crohn’s disease and 12 with ulcerative colitis, were recruited. Following 16 weeks of VDZ treatment, nine were found to be responders and seven non-responders. Blood samples were collected for the whole exome sequencing of DNA from all patients. The variants in the whole-exome sequencing data were analyzed with a variety of bioinformatics tools and databases, such as Polyphen2, Mutation Taster, CADD, FATHMM, Open Target Platform, TOPPFun, STRING, and GTEx. Results: More than 1.6 million variants from 16 samples were analyzed. The rare variant analysis prioritized NOD2, IL23, IL10, IL27, and TRAF1 genes in non-responders. NOD2, IL23, IL10, IL27, and TRAF1 were found to be the significant IBD risk factors in multiple genome-wide association studies, and their pro-inflammatory activity might contribute to the inherent resistance to VDZ. Rare variants of CARD9, TYK2, IL4, and NLRP1 genes present in VDZ responders enhance the anti-inflammatory/immune modulation effects. Conclusions: This investigation is the first to apply whole-exome sequencing to identify the potential drug response biomarkers for the IBD drug VDZ in Saudi Arabia.
Data Augmentation Approaches for Estimating Curtain Wall Construction Duration in High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Park Sang-Jun , Im Jin-Bin , Yoon Hye-Soon , Kim Ju-Hyung
Published: February 2025

Reliable project management during planning stages of a building project is a meticulous process typically requiring sufficient precedencies. Typical construction duration estimation is based on previous cases of similar projects used to validate construction duration proposals from contractors, plan overall project duration, and set a standard for project success or failure. In cases of high-rise buildings exceeding 200 m, insufficient data commonly arise from the rarity of such projects, leading to a rough estimation of construction duration. Therefore, in this study, oversampling and data augmentation techniques derived from engineering principles, such as parametric optimization and data imbalance problems, are explored for curtain wall construction for high-rise buildings. The study was conducted in two phases. First, oversampling and data augmentation techniques, including Latin Hypercube, optimal Latin Hypercube, simple Monte Carlo, descriptive Monte Carlo, Sobol Monte Carlo, synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), and SMOTE–Tomek, were applied to 15 raw datasets collected from previous projects. The dataset was split into 8:2 for training and testing, where the mentioned techniques were applied to generate 500 virtual samples from the training data. Second, support vector regression was applied to forecast construction duration, where statistical performance criteria were applied for evaluation. The results showed that SMOTE and SMOTE–Tomek best represented the original dataset based on box plot analysis showcasing data distribution. Moreover, according to statistical performance criteria, it was found that the oversampling techniques improved the prediction performance, where Pearson correlation for linear, polynomial, and RBF increased by 0.611%, 4.232%, and 0.594%, respectively, for the best-performing sampling method. Finally, for the prediction models, probabilistic oversampling methods outperformed other methods according to the statistical performance criteria.
Growth Regularity and Performance of Steel Reinforcement Passive Film Under Electric Field
Authors: Sun Lianfang , Wu Pangang , Peng Wenshan , Fan Hong , Li Jinze , Ma Li , Wei Zihao
Published: February 2025

Steel reinforcement undergoes passivation in the alkaline environment of concrete, resulting in the spontaneous formation and growth of a protective passive film. Understanding the growth pattern of passive films is crucial for enhancing the corrosion resistance of steel bars. This study investigates the impact of various electric potentials on passive film growth and its dynamic interaction with chloride ions. Furthermore, the behavior of the passive film after removal from the solution under different conditions is also examined. This study visually demonstrates the process of increasing the passivation potential of the passivation film and the degradation and thinning of the over-passivation potential. Chloride ions can significantly reduce the polarization potential and increase the degree of over-passivation degradation. After prolonged detachment from the solution, the integrity of the passivation film decreases. This study comprehensively evaluates the combined effects of external electric fields, the presence of chloride ions, and separation from an alkaline solution on the growth characteristics of the passive film.
Perceived Impact of Epilepsy and Its Treatment on Pediatric Patients and Their Families
Authors: Al-Ghawanmeh Redab , Al-Shaikh Ala’a F. , Burayzat Salma , Jaber Ruba M. , Al-Tamimi Mohammad , Zidan Osama , Aburahmeh Samah
Published: February 2025

Background: Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological condition in children, with a prevalence of 0.3% in Jordan. It significantly impacts patients’ and their families’ lives, shaped by cultural and socioeconomic factors. This study assessed the perceived impact of epilepsy on children and their families in Jordan. Method: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study recruiting 184 children under 18 years with epilepsy using a custom-designed questionnaire. Results: Nearly half of the patients experienced epilepsy onset before age three, and seizures were controlled in 73%. Around 60% of parents were satisfied with their understanding of the disease. Male gender and older age at diagnosis were associated with greater perceived severity, while older age at diagnosis correlated with a negative impact on caregivers’ earning potential. Patients with more anti-epileptic drugs reported more social constraints and older children expressed concerns about medication and seizure-related injuries. Cultural factors, such as family size and history, were associated with higher caregiver burden, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive assessment tools. Conclusions: Effective seizure control and quality of life improvements should be priorities in managing epilepsy in children. Cultural factors are strongly linked to caregiver burden, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive assessment tools for enhancing support and care outcomes across diverse populations.
Perceptions of the Barriers to the Implementation of a Successful Climate Change Policy in Bulgaria
Authors: Atanasova Antonina , Naydenov Kliment
Published: February 2025

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant issue facing humanity. The World Health Organization (WHO) designates climate change as the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. Bulgaria is under imminent threat from climate change. The country is projected to experience a temperature increase of up to 4 °C by 2100. This will lead to changes in precipitation patterns, resulting in numerous consequences. These include reduced water storage, impacts on public health, disruptions in agricultural production, stress on the country’s biodiversity and forests, damage to infrastructure and private property, changes in tourism patterns, and many other potential issues. Climate change has recently become a significant concern in Bulgaria due to its impact on ecosystems, the economy, society, and infrastructure. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the barriers to climate adaptation in Bulgaria, integrating sources from the literature with empirical data gathered from a survey. By employing cluster analysis, this research identifies five primary groups of barriers, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities involved in this process. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on climate adaptation and hold the potential to guide policy development aimed at addressing these challenges.
Deposition and Characterization of Zinc–Tin Oxide Thin Films with Varying Material Compositions
Authors: Spasova Stanka , Dulev Vladimir , Benkovsky Alexander , Palankovski Vassil , Radeva Ekaterina , Stoykov Rumen , Nenova Zoya , Dikov Hristosko , Katerski Atanas , Volobujeva Olga , Lilova Daniela , Ganchev Maxim
Published: February 2025

Zinc–tin oxide (ZTO) thin films (ZnO)x(SnO2)1−x with different material composition x (0 < x < 1) are deposited by spin coating on glass substrates at room temperature. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data of the precursor compounds show gradual phase transitions up to 480 °C. These data are used for an appropriate regime for thermal annealing of the layers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data show mixed oxide compound formation in states Zn2+, Sn4+ and O2− of the constituents. Optical investigation manifests high transmittance above 80% in the visible spectral range and an optical band gap of 3.3–3.7 eV. The work functions vary between 4.1 eV and 5 eV, depending on the annealing, with deviations less than 1% for surface 1 mm2 scans. Stack devices ITO/ZTO/metal with different metal contacts are formed. The I–V (current–voltage) measurements of the fabricated stacks exhibit Ohmic or nonlinear behavior, depending on the material composition and the work function levels.
Advancing Cyber Incident Timeline Analysis Through Retrieval-Augmented Generation and Large Language Models
Authors: Loumachi Fatma Yasmine , Ghanem Mohamed Chahine , Ferrag Mohamed Amine
Published: February 2025

Cyber timeline analysis or forensic timeline analysis is critical in digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) investigations. It involves examining artefacts and events—particularly their timestamps and associated metadata—to detect anomalies, establish correlations, and reconstruct a detailed sequence of the incident. Traditional approaches rely on processing structured artefacts, such as logs and filesystem metadata, using multiple specialised tools for evidence identification, feature extraction, and timeline reconstruction. This paper introduces an innovative framework, GenDFIR, a context-specific approach powered via large language model (LLM) capabilities. Specifically, it proposes the use of Llama 3.1 8B in zero-shot, selected for its ability to understand cyber threat nuances, integrated with a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) agent. Our approach comprises two main stages: (1) Data preprocessing and structuring: incident events, represented as textual data, are transformed into a well-structured document, forming a comprehensive knowledge base of the incident. (2) Context retrieval and semantic enrichment: a RAG agent retrieves relevant incident events from the knowledge base based on user prompts. The LLM processes the pertinent retrieved context, enabling a detailed interpretation and semantic enhancement. The proposed framework was tested on synthetic cyber incident events in a controlled environment, with results assessed using DFIR-tailored, context-specific metrics designed to evaluate the framework’s performance, reliability, and robustness, supported by human evaluation to validate the accuracy and reliability of the outcomes. Our findings demonstrate the practical power of LLMs in advancing the automation of cyber-incident timeline analysis, a subfield within DFIR. This research also highlights the potential of generative AI, particularly LLMs, and opens new possibilities for advanced threat detection and incident reconstruction.
Integrating Coastal Sámi Traditional Knowledge in Science Education: Challenges, Approaches, and the Path Forward
Authors: Lange Birgitte Mari Midtervoll , Pedersen Julie Marie , Kristiansen Gunnar , Mackisack Vivienne , Killengreen Siw Turid
Published: February 2025

This study explores the integration of Sámi traditional knowledge in Norwegian science education, addressing the challenges that are faced by teachers who are unfamiliar with Sámi culture. The research employs action research methods, involving student teachers and teacher educators, to develop teaching units focused on Coastal Sámi topics. The study highlights the use of Banks’s multicultural curriculum reform approaches to analyze how Indigenous perspectives were incorporated. The key findings reveal that while efforts were made to include Coastal Sámi concepts, the integration often remained superficial. This study underscores the need for comprehensive teacher training and resources to effectively teach Indigenous topics. The conclusions emphasize the importance of a transformative approach to education that authentically incorporates diverse perspectives, advocating for systemic support to enhance teachers’ ability to deliver culturally relevant education. The research calls for collaboration among policymakers, teacher educators, and the Sámi community to ensure meaningful integration of Indigenous knowledge in curricula, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Sámi culture and sustainability practices.
Comparative Analysis of Pretreatment Methods for Processing Bulk Flax and Hemp Oilseeds Under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Kabutey Abraham , Kibret Sonia Habtamu , Kiros Asmerom Woldemichael , Afework Meseret Abraham , Onwuka Michael , Raj Akshay
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of oven and vacuum pretreatment techniques at drying temperatures between 40 °C and 90 °C and a constant heating time of 60 min on the oil yield, energy output, and compressive stress of bulk flax and hemp oilseeds samples. The results showed that heating temperatures linearly increased the amounts of oil yield but did not correlate linearly with energy requirement. The oven pretreatment slightly increased the oil yield and energy compared to the vacuum pretreatment. Higher compressive stress values were observed for hemp oilseeds than flax oilseeds which could be attributed to the inherent structure of the oilseeds. Hemp oilseeds showed more toughness to compress than flax oilseeds which tend to have a softer texture. The lack-of-fit p-values > 0.05 of the linear regression models dependent on the heating temperature under both drying conditions indicate adequacy for predicting the calculated parameters. Tukey’s significance test showed that the means of oil yield and energy of bulk flax and hemp oilseeds under the oven and vacuum pretreatments revealed no significant difference implying that both pretreatment methods can initiate the same heat treatment effect on oil extraction efficiency with the corresponding energy requirement.
Numerical Study of Rice Grain Milling Uniformity in the Abrasive Milling Process
Authors: Sun Ze , Li Anqi , Ji Shouyu , Li Hao , Li Zhuozhuang , Gao Haonan , Wang Xinlei , Li Xianle , Han Yanlong , Zhao Dan
Published: February 2025

The uniform removal of the bran layer significantly enhances the nutritional and economic benefits of rice. However, the influence of parameter conditions on the uniformity of milling in the abrasive milling process remains unclear. This is not conducive to improving the quality of rice milling. In this study, the effects of rotational speed and filling volume on milling uniformity in abrasive milling were investigated by combining experimental methods and simulation. The results showed that the higher the rotational speed, the more uniform the milling. The higher the filling volume, the more non-uniform the milling. The main reason for the variation in milling uniformity is the axial and radial position exchange of the rice particles in the milling chamber. The more frequent the exchange, the higher the milling uniformity. Subsequently, the frequency of position exchange was quantitatively characterised using axial and radial exchange rates, respectively. The rotational speed and filling volume change the position exchange frequency by affecting the rotational kinetic energy of the rice particles and the degree of dense rice population, respectively. These findings are useful in promoting rice loss reduction and nutritional balance.
The Socio-Economic Burden of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Cost-of-Illness Study in Bulgaria
Authors: Dzhambazova Elizabet , Kostadinov Kostadin , Tsenkova-Toncheva Lilia , Galabova Fani , Ezeldin Fares , Iskrov Georgi , Stefanov Rumen
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The objective of our study was to quantify the annual costs, from a societal perspective, encompassing direct health care costs, direct non-health care costs, and labor productivity losses associated with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients in Bulgaria and their caregivers. Methods: We applied a prevalence-based, bottom-up costing methodology to assess the socio-economic burden of SMA from a societal perspective. We evaluated and summed up all costs for health services (diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and rehabilitation), educational and social services, and formal and informal care in the community, as well as indirect costs due to the loss of productivity and work capacity of the SMA patients’ caregivers. Results: Nine parents of SMA patients provided consent and completed the study’s questionnaire. Two children had SMA type III, and seven had SMA type II. The median annual socio-economic burden per SMA patient was EUR 254,968.80. The high direct costs, primarily driven by drug expenses, and the substantial indirect costs resulting from the loss of productivity among informal caregivers were the primary causes. We found no utilization of social care and educational services. Conclusions: We emphasize the need for careful consideration of long-term outcomes, real-world data collection, and performance-based reimbursement. An ideal scenario could achieve these objectives in synergy. A second layer of policy actions and measures must address the unmet needs of SMA patients and their families using a holistic approach. The indirect costs associated with SMA, particularly the productivity loss of informal caregivers, underscore the need for comprehensive support programs.
Acylcarnitine Profiling in Meningiomas with Different NF2 Mutation Statuses
Authors: Bogusiewicz Joanna , Furtak Jacek , Birski Marcin , Soszyńska Krystyna , Majdańska Anna , Ryfa Agata , Harat Marek , Bojko Barbara
Published: February 2025

The mutation in NF2 is the most common alteration associated with meningioma oncogenesis, and it is related to the loss of a suppressing protein called merlin. At the same time, alterations in energy production are visible in cancer cells, where increased demands for energy are observed. Fatty acid oxidation could be one of the ways cancer cells obtain energy. This metabolic pathway uses the acylcarnitine shuttle system, which is responsible for the acylation of fatty acids and their transport through the mitochondria. Therefore, this study aimed to profile acylcarnitines with short, medium, and long acyl chain lengths in meningiomas to assess their changes in tumors with different NF2 mutation statuses. For the analysis, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was used. The presented sampling method enabled less invasive and easy collection of the analytes from the studied lesions, which can be crucial for future analysis of potential biomarkers in the surgery room. It was observed that higher levels of these analytes characterized meningiomas with NF2 mutations. Moreover, the increased energy consumption and elevated levels of acylcarnitines show that these analytes can be considered markers of increased fatty acid oxidation in NF2 mutated cells.
Regulation of NO-Generating System Activity in Cucumber Root Response to Cold
Authors: Reda Małgorzata , Kabała Katarzyna , Stanisławski Jan , Szczepski Kacper , Janicka Małgorzata
Published: February 2025

Nitric oxide (NO) functions as a signaling molecule in plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. NO levels were found to increase in plants in response to low temperatures (LTs). However, knowledge of the pathways involved in enhanced NO production under cold stress is still limited. For this reason, we aimed to determine the role of different NO sources in NO generation in cucumber roots exposed to 10 °C for short (1 d) and long (6 d) periods. The short-term treatment of seedlings with LT markedly increased plasma membrane-bound nitrate reductase (PM-NR) activity and induced the expression of three genes encoding NR in cucumber (CsNR1-3). On the other hand, long-term exposure was related to both increased cytoplasmic NR (cNR) activity and induced expression of the CsARC gene, encoding the amidoxime-reducing component (ARC) protein. The decrease in nitrite reductase (NiR) activity and the higher NO2−/NO3− ratio in the roots of plants exposed to LTs for 1 d suggest that tissue conditions may favor NR-dependent NO production. Regardless of NR stimulation, a significant increase in NOS-like activity was observed in the roots, especially during the long-term treatment of plants with LT. These results indicate that diverse NO-producing routes, both reductive and oxidative, are activated in cucumber tissues at different stages of cold stress.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Nature-Derived Polyphenols Studied by Mass Spectrometry Based Multi-OMICS Approach
Authors: Brzhozovskiy Alexander G. , Semenov Savva D. , Zherebker Alexander Y. , Bugrova Anna E. , Yurova Maria N. , Zhernov Yury V. , Kovaleva Oxana A. , Semenov Alexander L. , Abroskin Dmitry P. , Kruglov Stepan S. , Fedoros Elena I. , Kononikhin Alexey S. , Nikolaev Evgeniy N.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to examine the hepatoprotective activity of multicomponent mixtures of natural origin in the BALB/C mouse model, with subacute liver failure (SALF) induced by the administration of toxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The hepatoprotective activity of activated hydrolytic lignin (BP-Cx-1), humic acid peloids (HA), and isoflavones from kudzu Pueraria lobata roots (IFL) was evaluated using mass spectrometry (MS)-based omics technologies. Our MS-based approach revealed new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the hepatoprotective activity of multicomponent mixtures of natural origin. Significant differences were observed in the proteome and metabolome profiles of the urine and liver of BALB/c mice with SALF between a control group with CCl4 administration, intact controls, and groups receiving potential hepatoprotectors of natural origin (BP-Cx-1, HA, IFL). Proteomic and metabolomics analyses demonstrated that among the hepatoprotectors, IFL possessed the highest hepatoprotective potential, which correlated well with the relative effectiveness of the drugs recorded during in vitro studies. These results correlate with the relative effectiveness of the drugs recorded in previous in vitro and in vivo studies. The leading IFL activity may be attributed to a higher content of active polyphenolic components compared to heterogeneous HA and BP-Cx-1. Enrichment with active components by fractionation is a direction that can be explored for developing hepatoprotective agents based on natural complex polyphenols.
Impacts of Milled Aggregate Gradations and Foamed Asphalt Contents of Cold In-Place Recycling Layer on the Performance of Asphalt Overlays
Authors: Lee Hosin , Moon Byungkyu , Buss Ashley , Jahren Charles T.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents gradations of both Hot In-place Recycling (HIR) and Cold In-place Recycling (CIR) and analysis of cores collected from CIR/Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlay sections in Iowa. Milling samples were obtained from an HIR recycling project on IA 22 in Wellman, Iowa. It was concluded that the average gradation of HIR millings was coarser than that of CIR millings by retaining the original aggregate gradations. Cores were then extracted from CIR pavement with foamed asphalt overlaid by HMA at the right wheel path and between wheel paths at eight locations on US 34 in Mills and Wapello Counties. The cores were cut into discs to isolate the pavement layers, and the discs were fabricated into semicircular bending test specimens. Based on the Semicircular Bending (SCB) tests performed on both CIR and HMA specimens, CIR specimens with higher asphalt binder contents exhibited higher flexibility index values. Since CIR pavement layers were found to be more flexible than the HMA overlay layers, it can be speculated that CIR layers may serve as a stress-relieving layer and mitigate reflective cracking.