bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Primary School Principals’ Instructional Leadership Practices: A Case Study on Curriculum Reform and Implementation
Authors: Ralebese Moeketsi David , Jita Loyiso , Badmus Olalekan Taofeek
Published: January 2025

This study examines how primary school principals navigate and influence curriculum reform through instructional leadership. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered from semi-structured interviews and structured observations with three purposefully selected principals, guided by the Principal Instructional Management model. Interview questions focused on three core areas—developing the school mission, managing the instructional program, and fostering a positive school climate—allowing principals to share insights on their leadership strategies, challenges, and engagement in curriculum reform. Observations captured real-time practices, such as classroom visits, teacher interactions, and feedback sessions, to provide a comprehensive view of their instructional leadership roles. Thematic analysis revealed that principals actively shape school missions by integrating personal beliefs, educational agendas, and curriculum policy knowledge. They engage in reflective practices such as meetings and retreats to reinforce the school’s vision among teachers, manage instructional programs through routine and random checks, motivate teachers with positive feedback, and promote a positive climate by supporting social cohesion and addressing teachers’ personal needs. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of instructional leadership, where principals balance personal convictions with policy-driven mandates. Recommendations include targeted professional development and formal policy recognition of instructional leadership to empower principals in leading reform efforts.
Inclusion of Students with ADHD in Secondary School Through an Innovative Motor Science Educational Curriculum
Authors: Tafuri Domenico , Di Palma Davide
Published: January 2025

This experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative motor science teaching program aimed at promoting the inclusion and involvement of students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in secondary school. Sixty students (30 in the sample group and 30 in the control group) participated in the program, while 10 specially trained motor education teachers implemented the activities. The quantitative analysis showed a significant improvement in school inclusion scores (as measured by the Ainscow Inclusion Scale) and school engagement scores (Student Engagement Scale), with a strong positive correlation between the two parameters (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). The qualitative analysis, based on interviews with teachers, revealed positive perceptions of the program and emphasized the importance of training to address behavioral difficulties and ensure an inclusive school environment. The results suggest that customized motor education programs, combined with targeted training for teachers, can foster greater inclusion of students with ADHD in the school setting.
Two-Stage Isolated Bidirectional DC-DC Converter with Low Profile and Double Heat Sink for Battery Charging/Discharging System
Authors: Hong Seong-Yong , Ryu Sang-Gyun , Park Chan-Bae , Lee Hyung-Woo , Lee Jae-Bum
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes an isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter (IBDC) without a cooling fan with a low profile for a direct connection between a battery and the IBDC. To implement the low-profile IBDC, a dual active bridge (DAB) and two interleaved buck/boost converters are adopted in the proposed system. For the IBDC with a low profile and high efficiency, two transformers in the DAB converter are separated in series on their primary side and in parallel on their secondary side. In addition, in two interleaved buck/boost converters, their inputs and outputs are connected in parallel, and interleaving control is applied for a small total of inductor current ripple. Finally, a double heat sink is designed for excellent heat dissipation performance. A 500 W low-profile and fanless prototype with 650 V input and 1 (60 W)~5 V (500 W) output was made to verify its performance of operation, efficiency, and saturation temperature.
Class-Patch Similarity Weighted Embedding for Few-Shot Infrared Image Classification
Authors: Huang Zhen , Gong Jinfu , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Dongjie , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2025

Infrared imaging plays a vital role in critical surveillance, military reconnaissance, and industrial inspection applications due to its advantages such as strong concealment and the ability to operate around the clock. However, the combination of low infrared image resolution and complex background scenarios poses significant challenges for traditional deep learning models in accurately extracting the most discriminative features for classification. These models are often disrupted by irrelevant features, especially when data for new classes is scarce. Current few-shot learning approaches heavily rely on comparing image patches, but the scarcity of data can significantly degrade the performance of recognition algorithms. To address these challenges, we propose the Class Patch Similarity Weighted Embedding (CPSWE) framework for few-shot infrared target classification. The CPSWE framework employs a ViT architecture for feature extraction. By introducing class embeddings and calculating similarity-based weights for each patch, CPSWE reweights the patch features to enhance their relevance to the target class. This approach improves the discriminability of class-related features, leading to better generalization in few-shot settings. Furthermore, we introduce an infrared dataset specifically designed for few-shot learning, combining multiple open-source datasets to support research in this area. Extensive experiments on the few-shot learning benchmark dataset miniImageNet and the infrared dataset miniIRNet show that CPSWE outperforms existing few-shot learning methods, achieving significant improvements in classification accuracy on infrared image datasets with limited labeled samples.
Variable-Step-Size Generalized Maximum Correntropy Affine Projection Algorithm with Sparse Regularization Term
Authors: Li Haorui , Gao Ying , Guo Xinyu , Ou Shifeng
Published: January 2025

Adaptive filtering plays a pivotal role in modern electronic information and communication systems, particularly in dynamic and complex environments. While traditional adaptive algorithms work well in many scenarios, they do not fully exploit the sparsity of the system, which restricts their performance in the presence of varying noise conditions. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a variable-step-size generalized maximum correntropy affine projection algorithm (C-APGMC) with a sparse regularization term. The algorithm leverages the system’s sparsity by using a correlated entropy-inducing metric (CIM), which approximates the l0 norm of the norms, assigning stronger zero-attraction to smaller coefficients at each iteration. Moreover, the algorithm employs a variable-step-size approach guided by the mean square deviation (MSD) criterion. This design seeks to optimize both convergence speed and steady-state performance, improving its adaptability in dynamic environments. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm outperforms others in echo cancellation tasks, even in the presence of various noise disturbances.
Secrecy Analysis of LEO Satellite-to-Ground Station Communication System Influenced by Gamma-Shadowed Ricean Fading
Authors: Radojkovic Ivan , Anastasov Jelena , Milic Dejan N. , Ivaniš Predrag , Djordjevic Goran T.
Published: January 2025

The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellites are extensively used for global connectivity to enable services in underpopulated, remote or underdeveloped areas. Their inherent broadcast nature exposes LEO–terrestrial communication links to severe security threats, which always reveal new challenges. The secrecy performance of the satellite-to-ground user link in the presence of a ground eavesdropper is studied in this paper. We observe both scenarios of the eavesdropper’s channel state information (CSI) being known or unknown to the satellite. Throughout the analysis, we consider that locations of the intended and unauthorized user are both arbitrary in the satellite’s footprint. On the other hand, we analyze the case when the user is in the center of the satellite’s central beam. In order to achieve realistic physical layer security features of the system, the satellite channels are assumed to undergo Gamma-shadowed Ricean fading, where both line-of-site and scattering components are influenced by shadowing effect. In addition, some practical effects, such as satellite multi-beam pattern and free space loss, are considered in the analysis. Capitalizing on the aforementioned scenarios, we derive the novel analytical expressions for the average secrecy capacity, secrecy outage probability, probability of non-zero secrecy capacity, and probability of intercept events in the form of Meijer’s G functions. In addition, novel asymptotic expressions are derived from previously mentioned metrics. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the effects of beam radius, satellite altitude, receivers’ position, as well as the interplay of the fading or/and shadowing impacts over main and wiretap channels on the system security. Analytical results are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations.
Distributed Data Privacy Protection via Collaborative Anomaly Detection
Authors: Zeng Fei , Wang Mingshen , Pan Yi , Lv Shukang , Miao Huiyu , Han Huachun , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

Current anomaly detection methods for charging stations primarily rely on centralized network architectures with federated learning frameworks. However, the rapid increase in the number of charging stations and the expanding scale of these networks impose significant communication traffic loads. Consequently, it is essential to explore the relationship between data aggregation among charging stations and the anomaly detection accuracy at individual stations. In this paper, we address efficient anomaly detection in charging stations and propose a distributed anomaly detection algorithm powered by federated learning. To be specific, we introduce a distributed privacy-preserving data aggregation scheme, where a Transformer model is adopted to effectively smooth abnormal data fluctuations, minimizing disruptions to network aggregation nodes. Furthermore, we develop a distributed federated learning framework incorporating an efficient parameter update method without requiring prior knowledge or a central node. Compared with some existing detection solutions, the proposed approach significantly reduces communication bandwidth requirements while maintaining anomaly detection accuracy and mitigating data isolation issues. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm not only achieves high accuracy in detecting anomalies in electric vehicle charging stations but also ensures robust user data privacy protection.
Numerical Simulation of Static Ammonia Mixer in Denox Unit of Flue Gas Purification Plant
Authors: Esipovich Anton L. , Vorotyntsev Andrey V. , Roslyakov Andrey A. , Sykhanov Dmitry E. , Demchenko Olga A. , Stepykin Anton V. , Shirshin Konstantin K.
Published: January 2025

The modeling of a mixer used for mixing ammonia and flue gasses is considered. Simulations were performed using Flow Vision 3.14 (TESIS LLC). As a result of the simulation, the distribution of concentrations along the mixer length was obtained at 50%, 65%, 85%, and full flue gas loading. It was found that operations at 100% and 85% gas loads are accompanied by an acceptable distribution of ammonia in the mixer volume (Cov = 0.05). The development and creation of an experimental model in real production was carried out according to the results of the numerical simulation. The simulation results were compared with experimental data on the speed and concentration of ammonia in the control section. The discrepancy, in general, did not exceed 15%. The developed mixer corresponds to modern developments in terms of mixing quality but is simpler in design and more compact.
Techno-Economic Design Analysis of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Powered by Photovoltaic Technology on the Highways of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhazmi Yassir
Published: January 2025

The globalization of electric vehicle development and production is a significant goal. The availability of charging stations helps to encourage the global transition to electric vehicles, which may lead to a decrease in traditional fuel consumption. Nevertheless, the rise in the number of electric vehicles is accompanied by sustainability issues, such as managing the grid’s electrical demand, building more charging stations, and providing electricity from renewable resources in an efficient and sustainable manner, especially in Saudi Arabia. This work focused on three challenges regarding the installation of fast charging stations (FCSs) for electric vehicles (EVs) on highways. The first challenge is choosing optimal locations on highways to address the range of anxiety of EV drivers. The second challenge is to fuel these FCSs using renewable resources, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels, to make FCSs sustainable. The last challenge is to design FCSs by considering both highway driving behavior and the available renewable energy resources in order to cover charging demand. All of these challenges should be considered while planning the EV charging infrastructure of Saudi highways from both technical and economic perspectives. Thus, using the HOMER® Grid software (version 1.10.1 June 2023), locations on Saudi Arabian highways were selected based on the renewable resources of several roads that support a large number of vehicles traveling on them. These roads were the Makkah to Riyadh, Makkah to Abha, Riyadh to Dammam, Riyadh to NEOM, and Jeddah to NEOM roads. Electric vehicle charging stations with a capacity of 200 kW, 300 kW, and 500 kW were designed on these roads based on their natural renewable resources, which is PV energy. These roads are the most important roads in the Kingdom and witness heavy traffic. An economic study of these stations was carried out in addition to considering their efficiency. This study revealed that the 500 kW station is ideal for charging electric vehicles, with an annual energy production of 3,212,000 kWh. The 300 kW station had better efficiency but higher capital expenses. The 200 kW station could charge 6100 vehicles annually. The three stations on the Makkah to Riyadh, Makkah to Abha, and Riyadh to Dammam roads can charge 65,758 vehicles annually. The total cost of the project was USD 2,786,621, with the 300 kW plant having the highest initial investment, which can be potentially justified due to its higher power output. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the project costs and the potential returns of using solar power plants for charging electric vehicles.
Residual, Enrichment and Health Risk Assessment of Hexachlorocyclohexane and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in Muscle of Cultured Common Carp
Authors: Huang Li , Gao Lei , Wu Song , Wang Peng , Chen Zhongxiang , Hao Qirui , Qin Dongli , Huang Xiaoli
Published: January 2025

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is extensively cultured and widely consumed in Heilongjiang Province, China. Due to the proximity of freshwater ponds to agricultural cultivated areas, these aquatic systems are inevitably influenced by the historical application of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), due to their prolonged half-life and resistance to degradation. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was utilized to quantify the levels of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) in the muscle tissue of cultured common carp. This study examined the enrichment characteristics of HCHs and DDTs in fish muscle, as well as their correlation with sediment and associated risk assessments. The results showed that the residual levels of HCHs and DDTs in fish muscle ranged from 0.387 μg·kg−1 to 3.418 μg·kg−1 and from 0.114 μg·kg−1 to 0.420 μg·kg−1, respectively. They were all below the maximum residue limits specified in GB 2763-2021 (HCHs: 100 μg·kg−1, DDTs: 500 μg·kg−1). The concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in sediment were found to be lower than those in muscle tissue. Notably, the concentrations of HCHs were higher than those of DDTs in both muscle and sediment. Among the HCHs, γ-HCH was the predominant residual substance, contributing a significant proportion of 42.16% to 86.47%. No significant residues of DDT derivatives were detected. A significant correlation was observed between the concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in the muscle tissue and those present in the sediment (p < 0.01). The health risk assessment indicated that both the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with OCPs from common carp muscle and sediment were within acceptable limits. Therefore, it was recommended to regulate fish consumption during the breeding period.
Conservation Analysis and Colorimetric Characterization of Betalain Extracts from the Peel of Red Beetroot, Golden Beetroot, and Prickly Pear Applied to Cottage Cheese
Authors: López-Solórzano Elizabeth , Muro Claudia , Perez Yolanda Alvarado , Guadarrama-Lezama Andrea Y. , Gutiérrez-Cortez Elsa , Urrieta Juan Manuel
Published: January 2025

The maintenance of betalains and the color of extracts from the peel of red beetroot (RBAC), golden beetroot (YBAC), and purple prickly pear (PBAC) were evaluated, describing the capacity of their use as natural pigments and in the formulation of attractive and functional foods. Betalain extracts were prepared as juices from frozen and dehydrated peel, adding organic acids and concentrating for water reduction. Extracts were evaluated and applied on cottage cheese, measuring the capacity of betalains retention and pigmentation, during 10 days of storage of closed and opened products. Extracts of RBAC showed the highest betacyanin concentration, followed by YBAC with betaxanthins and PBAC with less betacyanin content. The pH stability for the extracts was pH4–7; RBAC and PBAC were stables at <90 °C, whereas YBAC exposed >125 °C. Extracts were constant during 10 days under oxygen and light exposure; however, YBAC exhibited low resistance in this environment. With cottage cheese, extracts exposed no changes in betalains and color on closed products (10 days of storage at 4 °C). In opened products, PBAC maintained the maximum betalains and color at 90%, PBAC at 75%, and YBAC at 60%. The obtained data contributed to use of agro-industrial residues, betalain extraction and conservation, and their potential use in food coloration and stabilization.
Hyperbolic Sine Function Control-Based Finite-Time Bipartite Synchronization of Fractional-Order Spatiotemporal Networks and Its Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Liu Lvming , Jiang Haijun , Hu Cheng , Yu Haizheng , Chen Siyu , Ren Yue , Chen Shenglong , Shi Tingting
Published: January 2025

This work is devoted to the hyperbolic sine function (HSF) control-based finite-time bipartite synchronization of fractional-order spatiotemporal networks and its application in image encryption. Initially, the addressed networks adequately take into account the nature of anisotropic diffusion, i.e., the diffusion matrix can be not only non-diagonal but also non-square, without the conservative requirements in plenty of the existing literature. Next, an equation transformation and an inequality estimate for the anisotropic diffusion term are established, which are fundamental for analyzing the diffusion phenomenon in network dynamics. Subsequently, three control laws are devised to offer a detailed discussion for HSF control law’s outstanding performances, including the swifter convergence rate, the tighter bound of the settling time and the suppression of chattering. Following this, by a designed chaotic system with multi-scroll chaotic attractors tested with bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré map, and Turing pattern, several simulations are pvorided to attest the correctness of our developed findings. Finally, a formulated image encryption algorithm, which is evaluated through imperative security tests, reveals the effectiveness and superiority of the obtained results.
The X-Linked Tumor Suppressor TSPX Regulates Genes Involved in the EGFR Signaling Pathway and Cell Viability to Suppress Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kido Tatsuo , Kong Hui , Lau Yun-Fai Chris
Published: January 2025

Background: TSPX is an X-linked tumor suppressor that was initially identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. However, its expression patterns and downstream mechanisms in NSCLC remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions of TSPX in NSCLC by identifying its potential downstream targets and their correlation with clinical outcomes. Methods: RNA-seq transcriptome and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the TSPX-overexpressing NSCLC cell lines, A549 and SK-MES-1, originating from lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma subtypes, respectively. In addition, comparative analyses were performed using the data from clinical NSCLC specimens (515 lung adenocarcinomas and 502 lung squamous cell carcinomas) in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Results: TCGA data analysis revealed significant downregulation of TSPX in NSCLC tumors compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test p < 0.0001). Notably, the TSPX expression levels were inversely correlated with the cancer stage, and higher TSPX levels were associated with better clinical outcomes and improved survival in lung adenocarcinoma, a subtype of NSCLC (median survival extended by 510 days; log-rank test, p = 0.0025). RNA-seq analysis of the TSPX-overexpressing NSCLC cell lines revealed that TSPX regulates various genes involved in the cancer-related signaling pathways and cell viability, consistent with the suppression of cell proliferation in cell culture assays. Notably, various potential downstream targets of TSPX that correlated with patient survival (log-rank test, p = 0.016 to 4.3 × 10−10) were identified, including EGFR pathway-related genes AREG, EREG, FOSL1, and MYC, which were downregulated. Conclusions: Our results suggest that TSPX plays a critical role in suppressing NSCLC progression by downregulating pro-oncogenic genes, particularly those in the EGFR signaling pathway, and upregulating the tumor suppressors, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. These findings suggest that TSPX is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC management.
ADAR Therapeutics as a New Tool for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Bertoli Matteo , La Via Luca , Barbon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

In the field of RNA therapy, innovative approaches based on adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR)-mediated site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) have been established, providing an exciting opportunity for RNA therapeutics. ADAR1 and ADAR2 enzymes are accountable for the predominant form of RNA editing in humans, which involves the hydrolytic deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I). This inosine is subsequently interpreted as guanosine (G) by the translational and splicing machinery because of their structural similarity. Intriguingly, the novel SDRE system leverages this recoding ability of ADAR proteins to correct the pathogenic G to A nucleotide mutations through a short, engineered guide RNA (gRNA). Thus, ADAR-mediated SDRE is emerging as a powerful tool to manipulate the genetic information at the RNA level and correct disease-causing mutations without causing damage to the genome. Further it is emerging as a new instrument for personalized medicine, since treatments can be tailored to the unique genetic mutations present in an individual patient. In this short review, we aimed to described the main approached bases on ADARs activity, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.
Crustal and Upper Mantle Structure of the Assam Valley Region, NE India: A Review of Geophysical Findings
Authors: Lozovsky Ilya , Varentsov Ivan , Walia Devesh
Published: January 2025

The northeastern region of India is one of the six most seismically active convergent plate tectonic areas in the world. The north–south convergence along the Indo-Tibetan Himalayan Ranges and the east–west subduction within the Indo-Burma Ranges create a complex stress regime, resulting in significant seismic activity and a history of great/large earthquakes. The region’s intricate strain patterns, active faults, and potential seismic gaps underscore the need for detailed subsurface studies to effectively assess seismic hazards and impending seismicity. Geophysical research is essential for understanding the region’s geodynamic evolution, seismotectonics, and mineral resources. This manuscript reviews the geological and tectonic settings of the region and summarizes recent geophysical studies, including seismic, gravity, magnetic, and magnetotelluric surveys conducted in the Assam Valley and adjacent areas (within latitudes 24.5–28.5° N and longitudes 89–97.5° E). The review highlights key findings on hydrocarbon-bearing sediments, the configuration of the crystalline basement, the heterogeneous structures of the crust and upper mantle, and seismic discontinuities. By synthesizing these results, the review aims to enhance the understanding of seismic hazards in Northeast India, guide mitigation strategies, and identify key knowledge gaps to direct future research efforts.
Effects of Aquatic Exercise in Older People with Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ayán-Pérez Carlos , González-Devesa Daniel , Montero-García Beatriz , Varela Silvia
Published: January 2025

Objective: In this study, the objective is to analyze the efficacy of different aquatic physical exercise programs in the treatment of osteoarthritis in older people. Material and Methods: The systematic review was conducted until April 2024 and updated in November 2024 in five electronic databases. Randomized controlled studies in people over 60 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis were included. Water-based exercise interventions were assessed for their impact on osteoarthritis symptoms, walking ability, muscle strength, depressive symptoms, range of motion, body composition, fear of falling, fall risk, quality of life, range of motion, and dual task function. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Results: A total of 12 studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 35 to 312 participants. The presence of osteoarthritis in the sample was manifested in different joints. The methodological quality of the included studies varied from fair to good. Based on the results of this review, aquatic exercise significantly improved balance, stiffness, pain, and walking ability compared to non-exercise controls (p < 0.05). Compared with land-based exercise groups, only one study found significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: Water-based exercise programs do not provide significantly superior benefits compared to other exercise modalities and appear to have limited effectiveness in the management of OA. However, the feasibility and high adherence make these programs a recommendable option for older people with OA. Future studies should investigate the impact of exercise intensity on the short- and long-term efficacy of aquatic therapy.
Towards a European End-of-Life Regulation: A Necessary Analysis
Authors: Orsini Francesco , Cioffi Andrea , Cipolloni Luigi , Bosco Maria Antonella , Fabrello Chiara , Cecannecchia Camilla , De Simone Stefania
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Biomedical progress has extended the lifespan of patients with incurable diseases, sparking debates about their desire to live under certain conditions. This study examines the ethical and legal challenges surrounding end-of-life issues in Europe, including informed consent, the refusal of treatment, the right to health, self-determination, advance directives, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. European countries exhibit different interpretations and regulations of these practices, leading to patient “migrations” seeking favorable legal environments. Methods: This study analyzes end-of-life legislation across European countries in a comparative and qualitative way, highlighting differences, commonalities, and the potential for uniform regulation. The data were collected from the literature published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on the EU member states, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Results: The examination of the norms governing end-of-life practices in various European countries revealed significant differences in legislative frameworks, reflecting diverse cultural, ethical, and legal perspectives. These variations have led to patient migrations in search of suitable legal environments to end their lives with dignity. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for a harmonized approach to end-of-life legislation in Europe to ensure equitable access to end-of-life care and to uphold human dignity. Continuous legal updates and comparative studies are essential to balance medical advancements with ethical considerations. The findings emphasize the importance of autonomy and self-determination, which are fundamental human rights that should be respected in the context of end-of-life decisions.
From Online Learning to Clinical Practice: An Investigation on the Factors Influencing Training Transfer Among Physicians
Authors: Schettino Giovanni , Capone Vincenza
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are an agile context for workplace training, which can provide physicians with needed knowledge and skills related to their clinical practice. From an organisational standpoint, their effectiveness can be assessed on physicians’ intention to transfer what they learn through them in the workplace. Despite the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) standing among the more solid models in explaining individuals’ behavioural intention, its adoption in investigating the training transfer process among physicians is notably underdeveloped, limiting its contribution to enhancing the transfer rates of MOOCs content. Method: Based on such a consideration, the present study adopted an extended TPB model to investigate the potential psychosocial factors affecting the intention to transfer knowledge and skills learned through MOOCs in the workplace among 217 Italian physicians who completed an online self-report questionnaire. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses were performed, showing that among the TPB variables, perceived behavioural control and attitude significantly predicted transfer intention. The inclusion of training satisfaction and job autonomy in the model significantly increased the explained variance in intention. Conclusions: These findings have valuable implications for human resource development (HRD) in healthcare as they suggest the need to design MOOCs based on a flexible competency model in order to promote physicians’ engagement and commitment to adopting new knowledge and skills. Finally, interventions aimed at recognising physicians’ efforts in transferring learned content as well as empowering their ability to shape how they perform their professional duties could further enhance the impact of workplace training.
Emergency Care for Refugee Patients at Suceava Hospital, Romania: Challenges and Insights from the First Year of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict
Authors: Tătăranu Elena , Ion Laura , Nemțoi Alexandru , Filip Florin , Axinte Sorin , Axinte Roxana , Terteliu Monica , Anchidin-Norocel Liliana , Diaconescu Smaranda
Published: January 2025

Background: The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on children’s health, exposing them to a range of illnesses. The aim of this study was to analyze the most common medical conditions among Ukrainian children since the beginning of the conflict, with a focus on identifying and understanding these problems in a wartime setting. Method: To assess the health status of affected children, we collected data from 422 pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department. The analysis included reviewing medical records, documenting the nature of illness, treatments administered, and the need for hospitalization. Results: Preliminary results indicate that interstitial pneumonia, contusions, gastroenterocolitis, and traumatic brain injury were the most common conditions. Of the 422 children studied, 80% received appropriate care without hospitalization, while 20% were admitted for further evaluation. Conclusions: Interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed in 23% of patients, highlighting the vulnerability of the respiratory system under conflict conditions. Contusions were predominant among musculoskeletal injuries, accounting for 81% of cases, and gastroenterocolitis was diagnosed in 46% of patients, reflecting the impact of poor living conditions.
Impact of Indices on Stock Price Volatility of BRICS Countries During Crises: Comparative Study
Authors: Ruzgar Nursel Selver
Published: January 2025

This study aims to identify the common indices having an impact on the SPV of BRICS countries during crises. To address this, the monthly data retrieved from the database of the Global Economic Monitor (GEM), World Bank, IMF International Financial Statistics data, and OECD in the period of January 2000 to December 2023 are analyzed in two phases. In the first phase, DM classification techniques are applied to the data to identify the best common classification technique in order to use this technique in the second phase to compare the results with Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) results. In the second phase, to account for the global financial crisis and COVID-19 crisis, the sample period is divided into two sub-periods. For those sub-periods, MLR and the best classification technique that was found in the first phase are utilized to find the common indices that have an impact on the stock price volatility during individual and both crises. The findings indicate that the Random Tree method commonly classified the data among the seven classification techniques. Regarding MLR results, no common indices were identified during the global financial crisis or the COVID-19 crisis. However, based on Random Tree classifications, the CPI price percent, National Currency, and CPI index for all items were common during the global financial crisis, whereas only the CPI price percent was common during the COVID-19 crisis. While some common indices were observed in individual crises for specific countries, no indices were consistently found across both crises. This variation is attributed to the unique nature of each crisis and the diverse economic and socio-political structures of different countries. These findings provide valuable insights for financial institutions and investors to refine financial and policy decisions based on the specific characteristics of each crisis and the indices affecting each country.
POI Data Fusion Method Based on Multi-Feature Matching and Optimization
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Cailin , Zhang Hongjun , Guo Baoyun , Wei Xianlong , Hai Zhao
Published: January 2025

The key to geospatial data integration lies in identifying corresponding objects from different sources. Aiming at the problem of the low matching accuracy of geospatial entities under a single feature attribute, a geospatial entity matching method based on multi-feature value calculation is proposed. Firstly, when dealing with POI (point of interest) data, the similarity of POI data in terms of name, address, and distance is calculated by combining the improved hybrid similarity method, the Jaccard method, and the Euclidean metric method. Secondly, the random forest algorithm is utilized to dynamically determine the information weights of each attribute and calculate the comprehensive similarity. Finally, taking the area within the Second Ring Road in Beijing as the experimental area, the POI data of Tencent Maps and Amap are collected to verify the method proposed in this paper. The experimental results show that, compared with the existing POI matching methods, the accuracy and recall rate of the results obtained by the POI matching and fusion method proposed in this paper are significantly improved, which verifies the accuracy and feasibility of the matching.
Construction of 3D Indoor Topological Models Based on Improved Face Sorting
Authors: Sun Qun , Zhan Xinwu , Tang Pu
Published: January 2025

Indoor location-based services and applications need to obtain information about the indoor spatial layouts and topological relationships of indoor spaces. The 3D city modeling data standard CityGML describes the indoor geometric and semantic information of buildings, but the surfaces composing a volume are discrete, leading to invalid volumes. Moreover, the topological adjacency relationships of adjacent indoor spaces have not yet been described, which makes it difficult to realize effective queries and analyses for indoor applications. In this paper, we present a 3D topological data model for indoor spaces that adopts five topological primitives, namely, node, edge, loop, face, and solid, to describe the topological relationships of indoor spaces. Then, by improving the existing face-sorting method according to vector products in 3D space, a method for constructing 3D topological relationships for indoor spaces is proposed, which successively constructs the topological hierarchical combination of volume and the topological adjacency relationships of adjacent volumes. The experimental results show that by using the improved face-sorting method proposed in this work, the relative positions of faces are directly determined to sort the faces set, which avoids relatively cumbersome calculations and improves the efficiency of constructing 3D topological relationships for indoor spaces.
Modelling Endometriosis Using In Vitro and In Vivo Systems
Authors: Black Verity , Bafligil Cemsel , Greaves Erin , Zondervan Krina T. , Becker Christian M. , Hellner Karin
Published: January 2025

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus. Despite its high prevalence and recent advances in molecular science, many aspects of endometriosis and its pathophysiology are still poorly understood. Previously, in vitro and in vivo modelling have been instrumental in establishing our current understanding of endometriosis. As the field of molecular science and the advance towards personalised medicine is ever increasing, more sophisticated models are continually being developed. These hold great potential to provide more intricate knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology and facilitate investigations into potential future approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This review provides an overview of different in vitro and in vivo models of endometriosis that are pertinent to establishing our current understanding. Moreover, we discuss new cross-cutting approaches to endometriosis modelling, such as the use of microfluidic cultures and 3D printing, which have the potential to shape the future of endometriosis research.
Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Natural Products of Tortoiseshell and Antler in Alleviating Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chung Kou-Toung , Wu Hsuan-Mei , Lee Ming-Chung , Chuang Wu-Chang , Wu Chung-Hsin
Published: January 2025

Tortoiseshell and antler, the main components of Guilu Erxian Jiao, are natural products that can be used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to alleviate osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, research on the active ingredients in tortoiseshell and antler for alleviating osteoporosis and osteoarthritis remains insufficient. This study primarily compares the antioxidant capacity of tortoiseshell gelatin and antler gelatin and their bioactive peptides, as well as their effects on the cell viability of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and HIG-82 chondrocytes. Our results indicate that when tortoiseshell and antler are combined with their respective bioactive peptides, the antioxidant capacity and cell viability of osteoblasts and chondrocytes are superior to the effects of either used alone. Comparing the antioxidant capacity and cell viability of osteoblasts and chondrocytes of tortoiseshell and antler and their respective bioactive peptides when used alone, we found that tortoiseshell and its bioactive peptides have better cell viability and calcium deposition for osteoblasts compared to the antler and its bioactive peptides. Conversely, antler and its bioactive peptides exhibit stronger antioxidant capacity and better cell viability for chondrocytes than tortoiseshell and its bioactive peptides. These results suggest that the alleviation of osteoporosis may mainly be attributed to tortoiseshell and its bioactive peptides, while the alleviation of osteoarthritis may mainly be attributed to antler and its bioactive peptides. When tortoiseshell and antler are used together, they can provide the best therapeutic effects for both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Integrated Physiological, Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Response of Rice to Aniline Toxicity
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wang Ruixin , Liu Lei , Zhang Wenrui , Yin Zhonghuan , Guo Rui , Wang Dan , Guo Changhong
Published: January 2025

The accumulation of aniline in the natural environment poses a potential threat to crops, and thus, investigating the effects of aniline on plants holds practical implications for agricultural engineering and its affiliated industries. This study combined physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods to investigate the growth status and molecular-level response mechanisms of rice under stress from varying concentrations of aniline. At a concentration of 1 mg/L, aniline exhibited a slight growth-promoting effect on rice. However, higher concentrations of aniline significantly inhibited rice growth and even caused notable damage to the rice seedlings. Physiological data indicated that under aniline stress, the membrane of rice underwent oxidative damage. Furthermore, when the concentration of aniline was excessively high, the cells suffered severe damage, resulting in the inhibition of antioxidant enzyme synthesis and activity. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway became quite active under aniline stress, with alterations in various enzymes and metabolites related to lignin synthesis. In addition to the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and purine metabolism were also critical pathways related to rice’s response to aniline stress. Significant changes occurred in the expression levels of multiple genes (e.g., PRX, C4H, GST, and ilvH, among others) associated with functions such as antioxidant activity, membrane remodeling, signal transduction, and nitrogen supply. Similarly, notable alterations were observed in the accumulation of various metabolites (for instance, glutamic acid, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, and asparagine, etc.) related to these functions. Our research findings have unveiled the potential of compounds such as phenylpropanoids and amino acids in assisting rice to cope with aniline stress. A more in-depth and detailed exploration of the specific mechanisms by which these substances function in the process of plant resistance to aniline stress (for instance, utilizing carbon-14 isotope tracing to monitor the metabolic pathway of aniline within plants) will facilitate the cultivation of plant varieties that are resistant to aniline. This will undoubtedly benefit activities such as ensuring food production and quality in aniline-contaminated environments, as well as utilizing plants for the remediation of aniline-polluted environments.
Structure-Based Discovery of MolPort-137: A Novel Autotaxin Inhibitor That Improves Paclitaxel Efficacy
Authors: Rai Prateek , Clark Christopher J. , Kardam Vandana , Womack Carl B. , Thammathong Joshua , Norman Derek D. , Tigyi Gábor J. , Bicker Kevin , Weissmiller April M. , Dubey Kshatresh Dutta , Banerjee Souvik
Published: January 2025

The autotaxin–lysophosphatidic acid receptor (ATX-LPAR) signaling axis is pivotal in various clinical conditions, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. This axis promotes tumorigenicity by interacting with the tumor microenvironment, facilitating metastasis, and conceding antitumor immunity, thereby fostering resistance to conventional cancer therapies. Recent studies highlight the promise of ATX/LPAR inhibitors in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs to overcome some forms of this resistance, representing a novel therapeutic strategy. In the current study, we employed structure-based virtual screening, integrating pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking, to identify MolPort-137 as a novel ATX inhibitor with an IC50 value of 1.6 ± 0.2 μM in an autotaxin enzyme inhibition assay. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations elucidated the binding mode of MolPort-137 and its critical amino acid interactions. Remarkably, MolPort-137 exhibited no cytotoxicity as a single agent but enhanced the effectiveness of paclitaxel in 4T1 murine breast carcinoma cells and resensitized taxol-resistant cells to paclitaxel treatment, which highlights its potential in combination therapy.
Correction: Nascimben et al. Extracellular Vesicle Protein Expression in Doped Bioactive Glasses: Further Insights Applying Anomaly Detection. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 3560
Authors: Nascimben Mauro , Abreu Hugo , Manfredi Marcello , Cappellano Giuseppe , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Rimondini Lia
Published: January 2025

In the original publication [...]
Critical Review of the Cross-Links Between Dietary Components, the Gut Microbiome, and Depression
Authors: Randeni Nidesha , Xu Baojun
Published: January 2025

The complex relationship between diet, the gut microbiota, and mental health, particularly depression, has become a focal point of contemporary research. This critical review examines how specific dietary components, such as fiber, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, shape the gut microbiome and influence microbial metabolism in order to regulate depressive outcomes. These dietary-induced changes in the gut microbiota can modulate the production of microbial metabolites, which play vital roles in gut–brain communication. The gut–brain axis facilitates this communication through neural, immune, and endocrine pathways. Alterations in microbial metabolites can influence central nervous system (CNS) functions by impacting neuroplasticity, inflammatory responses, and neurotransmitter levels—all of which are linked to the onset and course of depression. This review highlights recent findings linking dietary components with beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition and reduced depressive symptoms. We also explore the challenges of individual variability in responses to dietary interventions and the long-term sustainability of these strategies. The review underscores the necessity for further longitudinal and mechanistic studies to elucidate the precise mechanisms through which diet and gut microbiota interactions can be leveraged to mitigate depression, paving the way for personalized nutritional therapies.