bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-Based Recreation Therapy (RT) for Mental Health Recovery
Authors: Kaur Ashmeet , Malhotra Abhiraj , Varma Pooja , Khanwelkar C.C. , Majumdar Roshani , Patel Geetika M. , Devi Mohanty Mamata
Published: February 2025

Community-Based Recreation Therapy (RT) is a ground-breaking and successful method that supports people in their mental health rehabilitation by using recreational activities in the community. This treatment method acknowledges the value of social interaction, leisure, and recreation in fostering overall well-being. Medication and psychosocial therapy, such as community-based RT, can help manage the signs of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD), for which there is currently no recognized cure. RT offer services to persons with SSD to advance their standard of life by integrating relaxation activities and particular desires into dealing. By employing clinically validated techniques include the Mental Health Recovery (MHR) framework and suggestion from the Research Team on Patient Outcomes (RTPO), Community-Based RT has the prospect of more useful and successful in providing SSD patients with therapy in a variety of settings. The intention of this research was to examine whether recreational therapists employ clinically proven procedures by conducting a qualitative evaluation, particularly the RTPO guidelines and the principles of the MHR model, into treatment services for SSD patients. 126 RTs who presently treat or have previously treated people with SSD filled out questionnaires that gathered, processed, and reported data. Quantitative information showed that most participants use the RTPO suggestions and the MHR model's guiding principles in their RT. Through community-based recreational activities, community-based RT provides a viable path to mental health treatment. By using examples provided by respondents to show how the concepts and proposals are applied in reality, qualitative data helped to support the quantitative findings.
Mediating Effect of Social Capital on Whatsapp Conversations to Promote Students' Mental Health
Authors: Dash Bibhudatta , Pandey Sakshi , Mishra Abhinav , Thorat Ganesh , KV Jamuna , Singh Ranjana , Patel Devanshu J
Published: February 2025

WhatsApp Messenger (WM) discussions, social capital like bonding and bridging plays a critical role in promoting social support and integration among students and improving their mental health. The aim of the research is to examine the mediating roles of Social Confluence (SC) and Social Unity (SU) in the relationship between WM use and student mental health. Data were collected from 300 college students. To learn more about students' use of WM, socialization, SU and SC, and their mental health, the researchers used survey responses. To ascertain the correlations among variables, the questionnaire answers were analysed using the relevant statistical methods. Research's findings showed that students' mental health was positively impacted by their use of WM. Additionally, the mediated impact of SU among WM use and student mental health was greatly impacted by socialization. The mediation impact of SC in the association among WM use and student mental health was not significantly impacted by socialization. Students' health improves with more WM time, according to the data. Socialization bonding social capital mediates the WM mental health connection. These findings illuminate the relationship between WM use and student health, social capital, and inclusion. Presented are these results' ramifications and additional research.
Employee’s Dilemma – How Meaningfulness in Work Can Influence Gen Z to Stay in Organization
Authors: Azzahra Hurul A'ini Sekar , Ambalika Ni Komang Ayu Diah , Adipratama Yulianto Wahyu Putra
Published: February 2025

Retaining Generation Z (Gen Z) employees is an organizational challenge due to their low loyalty and high expectations for work-life balance. Meaningfulness in work is considered to contribute to increasing their intention to stay in the organization. To examine the influence of knowledge sharing system and job crafting on meaningfulness in work and intention to stay of Gen Z employees. The data was analysed using statistical techniques to test the relationship between variables. The results of the analysis show that all hypotheses in this study are significantly supported. The Knowledge Sharing System plays an important role in improving job crafting, meaningfulness in work, and employee intention to stay. In addition, job crafting not only increases the meaning of work but also contributes directly to employee loyalty to the organization. Effective job crafting and knowledge sharing system management can increase the meaning of work, strengthen Gen Z's loyalty to the organization.
Dimensiones componentes de la vulnerabilidad social en la ciudad de Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa, México – 2020
Authors: Guerrero Rojo Humberto
Published: February 2025

Es conocido que las patologías o problemas sociales frenan el desarrollo de las ciudades Latinoamericanas, por ello, en esta investigación se analizó la vulnerabilidad social mediante la estimación de dimensiones componentes o indicadores sociales de la población, identificando las áreas urbanas de la ciudad de Culiacán con el mayor riesgo social por la alta concentración de personas indefensas y viviendas inseguras. Las dimensiones componentes de la vulnerabilidad social se estimaron utilizando un conjunto de variables características seleccionadas de la base de datos constituida por los resultados del Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, asimismo, utilizando la técnica estadística de reducción de la dimensionalidad denominada Análisis de Componentes Principales. Los valores de vulnerabilidad social se clasificaron en intervalos para definir distintos grados de intensidad; baja, media y alta, aplicando el modelo de distribución normal estándar. Por lo tanto, los resultados se presentan mediante mapas desagregados espacialmente a nivel de área geoestadística básica. En términos generales, las altas concentraciones de población vulnerable constituyeron una baja proporción de la superficie territorial, demostrando que la vivienda precaria y hacinada no es un problema relevante en la ciudad y que la baja concentración de este tipo de viviendas que existe, se localiza en algunas zonas periféricas de la ciudad. Sin embargo, las áreas urbanas con mayor población dependiente, población femenina, población con bajo nivel educativo y población sin empleo formal se ubican espacialmente de manera más dispersa.
Gestión de talento humano y desempeño laboral de trabajadores del Gobierno Autónomo descentralizado (GAD) municipal de Quevedo
Authors: Villavicencio Bailón Jennyfer Cristina , Contreras Barros Michelle Guisella
Published: February 2025

En el contexto de los Gobiernos Autónomo Descentralizado Municipales, existen varias problemáticas asociadas a la gestión de talento humano, entre las cuales incluyen una deficiente gestión de talento humano, evidenciada por procesos empíricos de reclutamiento, selección, capacitación e inducción. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la gestión del talento en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Quevedo y su impacto en el desempeño laboral. La metodología tuvo enfoque mixto la cual utilizó técnicas de entrevista y encuestas para recopilar datos cualitativos y cuantitativos. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que el 67% considera que siempre la gestión de talento humano es buena, asimismo el 52% respondió que siempre en la institución existen oportunidades de desarrollo, mientras que el 51% indica que la institución apoya el aprendizaje continuo laboral; estos valores indican una percepción mayormente positiva, aunque con áreas de mejora significativas en capacitación, incentivos y por sobre todo el ambiente laboral.
Neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica por acinetobacter baumannii multirresistente: impacto del manejo basado en cultivos
Authors: Córdova Loor Francisco Javier , Henríquez Acosta Ninfa Lisset , Córdova Alcívar Bella Johanna , Mora Pinto Jessenia , Menéndez Luisa , Porras Espinoza María José
Published: February 2025

La neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM) representa un desafío crítico en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, especialmente cuando es causada por Acinetobacter baumannii multirresistente (AB-MDR). Este reporte de caso describe a un paciente masculino de 58 años ingresado en la UCI con choque séptico secundario a NAVM por AB-MDR. La terapia antibiótica empírica inicial fue ineficaz, lo que llevó a la realización de un lavado broncoalveolar (BAL) para cultivos y pruebas de sensibilidad. Los cultivos identificaron Acinetobacter baumannii resistente a carbapenémicos, guiando una terapia dirigida con colistina en combinación con meropenem en dosis altas. El curso clínico del paciente se complicó con hipoxemia severa (PaO2/FiO2 < 150), requiriendo ventilación mecánica prolongada. A pesar de estas dificultades, el ajuste oportuno del esquema antimicrobiano basado en datos microbiológicos resultó en una mejoría clínica gradual, con normalización de los marcadores inflamatorios y resolución de las infiltraciones pulmonares en las imágenes de control. El paciente fue exitosamente desconectado de la ventilación mecánica tras 14 días de terapia dirigida. Este caso resalta la importancia del diagnóstico microbiológico oportuno y la implementación de un manejo basado en cultivos para tratar la NAVM por AB-MDR. También subraya la necesidad de programas de control de antibióticos y la investigación de estrategias terapéuticas novedosas para enfrentar la resistencia antimicrobiana en el contexto de cuidados críticos.
Crisis financieras en la historia de Ecuador: lecciones aprendidas (1980 – 2023)
Authors: Martinez Juleixy , Suarez Britany , Rivera Velasco José Luis , Yela Burgos Roger Tomas
Published: February 2025

El presente estudio analiza las crisis financieras en Ecuador durante el período 1980-2023, identificando sus causas, efectos y lecciones aprendidas. El objetivo principal fue comprender los patrones de vulnerabilidad estructural de la economía ecuatoriana y evaluar las respuestas institucionales implementadas en cada caso. La investigación utilizó un enfoque cualitativo con alcance descriptivo-explicativo y diseño no experimental longitudinal. Se recopilaron datos mediante revisión documental sistemática de fuentes primarias, literatura académica revisada por pares e informes de organismos internacionales. Los resultados revelaron que las crisis recurrentes en Ecuador están marcadas por una dependencia significativa de los ingresos petroleros, combinada con limitaciones en diversificación económica y rigideces estructurales derivadas de la dolarización. La crisis bancaria de los años 90 y la posterior dolarización estabilizaron la inflación, pero restringieron las herramientas de política monetaria, mientras que la crisis petrolera de 2014-2016 y la pandemia del COVID-19 destacaron la vulnerabilidad del país a los shocks externos. En promedio, estas crisis ocasionaron contracciones del PIB del 3.2%, incrementos del desempleo de 5.4 puntos porcentuales y reducciones de inversión extranjera del 42%. El estudio concluye que la diversificación económica, el fortalecimiento de las instituciones financieras y la implementación de políticas fiscales más robustas son esenciales para mitigar futuros impactos. Asimismo, se subraya la importancia de establecer mecanismos de protección social para amortiguar los efectos negativos en la población más vulnerable. Estos hallazgos proporcionan una base para formular estrategias que promuevan una mayor resiliencia y estabilidad económica en Ecuador.
Development of standardized mathematics achievement test instruments for measuring senior secondary school students’ learning outcomes
Authors: Ibrahim Bashir Mohammed , Sani Mohammad Ibrahim , Abdallah Ibrahim Maryam
Published: February 2025

This study developed a Standardized Mathematics Achievement Test (SMAT) instrument for measuring senior secondary school students’ learning outcomes in Dala education directorate, Kano State, Nigeria. The study adopted an instrumentation design. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The population of the study comprised all 6,462 SS 3 students of the Dala education directorate. The sample size of the study was 132 SS 3 students drawn from the target population in 7 schools with a total number of 248 students using purposive sampling. Fifty multiple-choice items of the SMAT was developed by the researchers. The content validity of the SMAT was determined using a table of specifications. The reliability of the instrument was calculated using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (KR-20). The result indicated that the content validity as presented in the table of specification of the SMAT items covered the six main sections of the Mathematics scheme. The result indicated that the internal consistency index of the SMAT was found to be a highly reliable instrument with a reliability coefficient of 0.79. The result also indicated that the difficulty index (DifI) of the SMAT items is moderately difficult, and the discriminatory power indicated that the test items distinguish between intelligent and weaker students. The study recommended that mathematics teachers and researchers should always determine the difficulty and discrimination indices of the test items before using such instruments as a tool for measuring students’ learning outcomes.
Mathematical Critical Thinking Skill: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on Vos Viewer Bibliometric
Authors: Nurhasanah Nurhasanah , Tahmir Suradi , Azizah Rifdah , Jufri Hasrini
Published: February 2025

This bibliometric analysis aims to see the opportunities and development of research trends related to mathematical critical thinking skills from 2019 to 2024. Through a bibliometric approach, this research will map publication trends based on the Scopus database by using Vos Viewer to analyze the data. The results of this study show the most publications and citations in 2020 as many as 55 publications and 777 citations, and a decrease in publications and citations from 2021 to 2024. Terms that are often related to mathematical critical thinking skills are students, problems, critical thinking, mathematics, and STEM.
Influence of exoskeleton therapy on gait parameters in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Trzyna Adam , Brachman Anna , Łosień Tomasz , Sobota Grzegorz
Published: February 2025

Objective. The study presents the results of research aimed at assessing the influence of exoskeleton therapy on the basic spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters of gait in patients with cerebral palsy (CP).
Material and methods. Seventeen patients with CP (II GMFCS) participated in the study. The training program lasted 8 weeks with a two-week break in the middle of the entire cycle (3 weeks – 2 weeks off – 3 weeks). The training session lasted 90 minutes. The patients trained wearing an exoskeleton (Ekso GT) under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist. The gait analysis was performed on the Zebris FDM-TDL treadmill for the preferred and maximum tolerated velocity, before and after the entire training program.
Results. When walking at maximum tolerated velocity, participants improved velocity, step rate, step length, gait cycle length, and gait cycle time. Contact times have significantly changed for the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas. The stance phase time for the left and right sides decreased significantly. The above-mentioned parameters for the preferred velocity did not change statistically significantly.
Conclusions. Positive changes were observed for conditions more difficult than the preferred gait. More research is needed in different configurations of intensity, volume and duration of the entire rehabilitation cycle to optimize the rehabilitation program and maximize outcomes.
Long-term results of treatment of different forms of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mankovsky Georgy , Marushko Yevgen
Published: February 2025

The influence of type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure on the course of coronary arteries disease individually is sufficiently studied. However, the influence of the combination of these nosologies (cardio-renal-metabolic syndrome) on coronary atherogenesis and the prognosis of myocardial revascularization requires further research.
Methods: To study the relationship of chronic kidney disease with the frequency of various types of coronary heart disease and the long-term prognosis of its in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials: The study included 63 patients with coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who underwent invasive coronary angiography. The participants were divided into 2 groups: 32 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 31 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2.
How Algorithmic Direction Affects Work Autonomy Within Varying Control Configurations: A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gensler Elisa , Iseke Anja , Abendroth Anja-Kristin
Published: February 2025

Employers are increasingly using algorithmic directions to instruct employees. Algorithmic direction controls work through instructions and recommendations based on algorithms, either substituting or complementing traditional control mechanisms, such as formal input and output control or informal clan control. However, it is unclear how the combination of algorithmic direction and other control mechanisms influences employees’ perceived work autonomy. This empirical study analyses which combinations of algorithmic direction and other control mechanisms ensure employees continue to perceive work autonomy. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was applied to a linked employer-employee dataset of 559 employees in large German workplaces. Results suggest that control configurations that combine algorithmic direction and informal clan control through personal interaction with supervisors or colleagues facilitate method autonomy, provided that organisations refrain from algorithmic monitoring and devaluation of prior skills. To ensure criteria autonomy, employees should also get to develop new skills and interact personally with both supervisors and colleagues.
Sieger, Säbel und Besiegte
Authors: Eppler Christoph
Published: February 2025

Diese Studie illuminiert kritisch die folgen- und verlustreichsten Kriege, die Preußen/Deutschland, England, Frankreich, Amerika und die Sowjetunion – oftmals direkt gegeneinander – führten. Besonderes Augenmerk wird – neben den beiden Weltkriegen – auf den Kalten Krieg sowie seine Heißen Stellvertreterkriege in Korea und Vietnam gelegt, ebenso auf die modernen Kriege im Mittelmeerraum. Ein eigenes Kapitel ist dem namenlosen und offenbar – wie der Krieg selbst – unausrottbaren Grauen gewidmet, das Frauen – nicht allein – im Zuge des unheimlichen Phänomens „Krieg“ über sich ergehen lassen müssen.

Zu Wort kommen u. a. Kriegs-Philosophen (Sun-Tze, C. v. Clausewitz), Soldaten-Schriftsteller (Friedrich der Große, Th. Körner, E. Jünger, E. Hemingway), Reformer (K. Marx, F. Engels), Anthropologen (C. Darwin, S. Pinker) und Abenteurer (J. London, T. Heyerdahl, R. Messner).

Der Autor, Dr. phil. M. A., geb. 1967 in München, beschäftigt sich bereits seit Jahrzehnten mit politisch-pädagogischen sowie historisch-anthropologischen Themen. Die umfangreichen Studien „Erziehung im Nationalsozialismus“ (2012), „Helden“ (2015), „Söldner, Schädel und Soldaten“ (2018) sind Beleg für ein ebenso breit wie tief angelegtes Interesse an diesem Gesamtkontext.
Heilkundige Männer und Frauen und ihre medizinischen Behandlungsmethoden in der altnordischen Überlieferung
Authors: Ledderose Hannelore
Published: February 2025

In der altnordischen Überlieferung finden sich viele Spuren medizinischen Wissens. Man nimmt an, dass die geschilderten fiktionalen Behandlungsmethoden der Heilkundigen weitgehend der damaligen Realität entsprochen haben. Denn trotz seiner abgelegenen geographischen Lage war Island nie vom übrigen Europa isoliert, sondern es herrschte während der Wikingerzeit zwischen Island, Norwegen, den britischen Inseln, Mittel- und Südeuropa bis Byzanz ein reger Handels-, Kultur- und Kenntnisaustausch. So konnten antike medizinische Vorstellungen von dem europäischen Festland nach Island gelangen und Spuren in den Sagas hinterlassen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit stehen aber nicht die Helden im Mittelpunkt, sondern diejenigen, die sich mit Wunden und Krankheiten auseinandersetzen müssen: Die heilkundigen Männer und Frauen.

 

Biographische Informationen

Die Autorin arbeitete als leitende Oberärztin in der Klinik für Anästhesiologie der Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München und wurde mit allen Arten von Notfällen konfrontiert. Nach ihrer Pensionierung begann sie mit dem Studium der Skandinavistik an der Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität und schloss das Studium mit dem Mastergrad ab. Sie ist verheiratet und hat sechs erwachsene Kinder.

 

Reihe

Münchner Nordistische Studien - Band 43
Die Kenntnis vom Steueranspruch und ihr Nachweis in der Rechtsprechung zu § 370 AO
Authors: Reitner Dominic
Published: February 2025

Nach lavierenden obiter dicta entspricht die Steueranspruchstheorie wieder der gefestigten Rechtsprechung des 1. Strafsenates des BGH (zuletzt: BGH, Beschl. v. 1.4.2020 – 1 StR 5/20, BeckRS 2020, 23245). Für den prozessualen Nachweis des Steuerhinterziehungsvorsatzes ist damit erforderlich, dass der Steuerpflichtige auch in rechtlicher Hinsicht den verletzten Steueranspruch kannte. Die vorliegende Rechtsprechungsanalyse zum straf- und finanzgerichtlichen Vorsatznachweis bei § 370 AO zeigt, dass die Judikatur mit diesem Konzept besser umgeht als vielfach unterstellt.

Insoweit wird herausgearbeitet, dass die Rechtsprechung mit einem hinreichend etablierten Kanon an Indizien operiert, welche berechtigterweise den Schluss auf vorsätzliches Handeln zulassen. Zugleich kommt die Untersuchung zu dem Ergebnis, dass die Rechtsprechung ebenfalls konsistent entlastende Umstände würdigt und bei entsprechender Indizienlage einen vorsatzausschließenden Irrtum feststellt. Als weiteres Ergebnis liefert die Untersuchung zugleich eine Leitlinie für den Tatrichter bei der Vorsatzfeststellung im Steuerstrafverfahren.

 

Reihe

Neue Juristische Beiträge - Band 132
Capturing Childhood Thoughts: This COVID Thing Is a Serious Thing – You Can’t Cough or Sneeze in Peace
Authors: Semple-McBean Michelle , Peters Valissa , Edwards Althea , Lashley Lidon , Trotman Ingrid , Vancooten Delicia
Published: February 2025

This chapter captures the thoughts of a seven-year-old Guyanese child, who is keenly aware of and psychologically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but might not have been sufficiently engaged in decisions relating to church attendance and related activities. Evidence drawn from various sources and studies conducted with young children is shared to show the general effects of adult-children engagement practices, which assume young children are dependent and inert recipients of their decisions. The benefits of consulting with children, sharing their views, and allowing them to make choices are outlined. While advocating the importance of listening to children and emphasising the right for children’s voices to be heard, the importance of overriding children’s expressed views and choices at inevitable boundaries is acknowledged. Described too are suitable and workable methods for respecting young children’s opinions and decisions on matters affecting their lives.
Simulation of Virus Propagation in Complex Networks Using NetLogo Multiagent Testbed
Authors: Rodriguez Lucatero Carlos
Published: February 2025

The characteristics of virus propagation, such as the speed with which it spreads, as well as the time in which it reaches its highest level of contagion, or the ability to predict how quickly it will become extinct, depend on many factors, including the structure of the network where the epidemic process is taking place. In this context, it is useful to be able to simulate these epidemic processes in various types of networks using multi-agent system programming tools such as NetLogo and to observe the behaviors in various types of network topologies, as well as under different values of the parameters of a network and mathematical epidemic model.
Recent Advancements in Automotive Engineering by Using Evolutionary Algorithms and Nature-Inspired Heuristic Optimization
Authors: Mollajafari Morteza , Ebrahimi-Nejad Salman
Published: February 2025

The integration of evolutionary algorithms and nature-inspired heuristic optimization has marked a significant advancement in automotive engineering. These methods, drawing inspiration from biological processes, have been instrumental in optimizing complex engineering problems, leading to more efficient, reliable, and high-performing automotive designs. The application of such algorithms has been particularly transformative in areas such as vehicle routing, predictive maintenance, and design optimization. These advancements not only signify a leap in the computational capabilities within the industry but also pave the way for the development of autonomous vehicles and smart transportation systems. The future of automotive engineering is poised to be heavily influenced by the continued evolution and application of these sophisticated algorithms, which promise to bring about even more groundbreaking innovations in the field. The potential for these technologies to revolutionize the automotive industry is immense, as they offer solutions to some of the most pressing challenges faced by engineers today. As these algorithms evolve, they will undoubtedly unlock new possibilities in vehicle efficiency, safety, and performance, marking a new era in automotive engineering.
Enhancing School Climates Using Evidence-Based School-Wide Programs
Authors: Holloway Dreana
Published: February 2025

Students’ lack of psychological health can negatively impact academic performance and school adjustment. Exploring school climate and psychological health is relevant and necessary as school personnel continue to navigate the best way to serve their students. School personnel consist of administrators, school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and teachers responsible for shaping school climates and students adapting to school expectations. Albert Banudra’s social learning theory (SLT) assists with establishing school climates conducive to positive learning outcomes and promoting self-efficacy to improve students’ psychological well-being. Utilizing the tenets of SLT can provide schools with plausible implementation methods for interventions and strategies to promote a positive school climate and psychological well-being, ultimately improving academic achievement and school adjustment. Thus, this chapter will explore how the tenets of SLT can enhance school-wide programs to address students’ psychological well-being, academic performance, and school adjustment. Key findings include aligning program SMART goals and lesson objectives and incorporating the tenets of SLT within lesson delivery.
Decoding Endometriosis: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Symptoms and Impacts
Authors: Emami Ali
Published: February 2025

Up to 10% of all women suffer with endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory gynecological condition, that is dependent on estrogen. This prevalence rises to 30–50% among women who experience infertility and/or severe pelvic pain. Endometriosis is a disease that is remarkably underdiagnosed and undertreated due to a lack of exact knowledge about it. It takes an unreasonable amount of time (8–12 years) between the onset of symptoms and a conclusive diagnosis. This is due to the fact that the majority of the symptoms are non-specific and there are no non-invasive diagnostic procedures that can offer a conclusive diagnosis. These days, assessing all symptoms and indicators that may lead us to question the presence of endometriosis is crucial. We will investigate all symptoms of this disorder in this chapter.
Analysis of the Beef Cattle Chain in the Brazilian Central-West Region: A Contribution to Regional Development
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Adriana , Adrian Cunha Cleyzer , Elenilson Cruz José , Carvalho de Castro Aline , Frederik da Silva Cavalcante David , de Araújo Barbosa Kennedy , Carlos Barros Silva José , das Graças Costa Nery da Silva Maria , Andrade de Oliveira Geraldo , Marc Nacife Jean
Published: February 2025

This study aims to analyse the beef cattle supply chain in the Brazilian Cerrado region, particularly within the states of the Central-West, where the industry has a significant presence. The analysis focuses on identifying key factors that influence the development of the chain, with a particular emphasis on the importance of pasture recovery. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating descriptive and exploratory techniques, complemented by sensitivity analyses of pasture recovery and maintenance costs using Monte Carlo simulations. The findings highlight the need for improvements within the beef cattle supply chain in this region. These improvements include strategic actions such as promoting sustainable practices among producers, diversifying production, enhancing pasture quality and modernising agro-industries. Additionally, the implementation of food quality and safety policies, along with securing funding for the rehabilitation and maintenance of degraded pastures, is crucial for strengthening and decarbonising the beef cattle chain in the Brazilian Cerrado.
Cyanobacterial Mats in Stradline Holocene Carbonate: Evaporite Deposits along the Coast of Southern Arabian Gulf – Potential Sources of Petroleum in Ancient Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Alsharhan Abdulrahman , Kendall Christopher
Published: February 2025

Lining the sheltered inner lagoon behind the barrier islands in the southern Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates coastline are a series of algal flats that are underlain by some 30 cm of compacted, organic, peat-like material derived from the accumulation of the remains of living algae. This algal mat is prograding seaward and is being covered by supratidal wash-over carbonates and displacive evaporites. Both the organic material and interbedded carbonates and evaporites were examined to determine their distribution, petrography, and chemical composition. The chemical analysis of organics will involve the use of GC/MS and Rock-Eval pyrolysis techniques. TOC of these sediments has a wide range of organic enrichment (0.46–8.40%), and whole rock pyrolysis yields moderately high hydrocarbon indices (HI) 389–597, typical of marine Type II kerogens. This association of high concentrations of organic matter interbedded with carbonates and evaporites is unique to the Holocene but is believed to have occurred in the geological past, where such associations may represent potential source rocks for ancient carbonate petroleum reservoirs in some oil fields in the Middle East, United States, and Canada.
Immunogenomics of Dengue Fever and Association to Physiopathology and Disease Control
Authors: da Silva Carvalho Raquel , Gustavo Machado Miranda João , Melo Lima Raísa , Antonucci Viera Morais Arthur , Vieira Sabath Maike , de Oliveira Feitosa Fernanda , Barletto de Sousa Barros Jéssica , Araci Hoffmann Pfrimer Irmtraut
Published: February 2025

Mosquito-borne tropical diseases pose significant global public health challenges, affecting millions annually. Understanding the genotypic epidemiology underlying disease development is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies. This chapter explores the intricate interplay between pathogens and human hosts, emphasizing how genetic variations, such as immune response single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), influence disease development dynamics and clinical outcomes in dengue fever. Through a comprehensive review of current research and case studies, the chapter highlights the role of genomics in elucidating the pathways of host susceptibility. Insights into genotypic epidemiology provide a foundation for targeted interventions, including measures and vaccine development, essential for mitigating the impact of these pervasive diseases on vulnerable populations.
Ecological Interactions and Adaptations of Polychaetes in Coastal Habitats of East Coast of India
Authors: Murugesan Perumal , Swain Sasmita
Published: February 2025

Polychaetes are essential to marine ecosystems, acting as both prey and predators, sustaining food webs, and controlling invertebrate populations. Eunicidae and Nereididae are important predators in benthic habitats. Their digging and feeding activities promote bioturbation, which influences sediment structure, carbon oxidation, and nutrient cycling. Polychaetes have a variety of symbiotic partnerships, including with sea cucumbers and algae, which adds to ecological diversity. They are resistant to environmental stresses, with species such as Capitella capitata surviving in polluted areas, whilst others are more vulnerable to toxins. Adaptations such as bioturbation promote microbial diversity and assist in bioremediation. Human activities, including coastal expansion, pollution, and trawling, have a significant influence on the variety and quantity of polychaetes. Their ecological functions and flexibility emphasize their importance in sustaining healthy marine ecosystems, as well as the necessity for conservation measures to limit human effects.
Blue Carbon: The Underwater and Coastal Alleate of our Uncertain Future
Authors: Gaglioti Martina
Published: February 2025

Blue carbon is the first ally to face a changing climate. Despite its importance, so many people are not enough aware of the importance of these natural defenses’ preservation. Also, there are still so many knowledge gaps in how we can perform a coordinated plan of restoration interventions or meaningful ocean prediction trends. Therefore, the blue education is a precious support in shaping the future of our ocean-related knowledge even in terms of nature-based solution development and new promising strategies to cope even with the most demanding future scenarios. Ranging from the alarming rise in seawater temperatures to the acidification of our oceans, all these phenomena require an integrated approach to be meaningfully addressed. The ocean-climate nexus is among the most significant challenges outlined within the UN Ocean Decade and is among the main urgencies to be addressed through specific EU policies. A healthy ocean is synonym of healthy people: aspects inextricably linked in the “One Health” concept, meaning a strong convergence between human, animal and environmental health. Beside the climate-related issues affecting the ecosystems, heatwaves and soil consumption fuel the spread of vector-borne syndromes or zoonoses, representing to date 60% of emerging infectious diseases globally. Indeed, learning from nature is an asset to raise our comprehensive preparedness capability.
Oxygen Vacancies in Spinels
Authors: Li Jiacheng
Published: February 2025

Spinel oxides, with the general formula AB2O4, are a class of ternary transition metal compounds renowned for their diverse elemental composition and tunable electronic properties. Their cubic crystal structure, belonging to the Fd-3 m space group, features metal ions in both tetrahedral and octahedral coordination centers, which can be manipulated to achieve different catalytic functionalities. This review focuses on the impact of oxygen vacancies on the structural and catalytic properties of spinel oxides and the various strategies to introduce these vacancies. The formation of oxygen vacancies, facilitated through heat treatment, chemical reduction, etching, doping, and composite formation, has been shown to significantly enhance the conductivity, redox potential, and catalytic activity of spinel oxides. These vacancies act as active sites, promote electron/ion transfer, and lower activation energies for various catalytic reactions. Characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide comprehensive insights into the distribution, concentration, and electronic structure modifications due to oxygen vacancies. Theoretical calculations, in particular, underscore the pivotal role of vacancies in stabilizing reaction intermediates and reducing energy barriers. This review synthesizes the current understanding of oxygen vacancies in spinel oxides and highlights the potential for defect engineering as a strategy to optimize catalysts for applications in energy storage, environmental catalysis, and electrochemical reactions.
Approximation of ESD Protection on Automotive Headlight Production Lines
Authors: Sahul Michal , Janiga Peter
Published: February 2025

The use of LED technology in headlights has made the manufacturer susceptible to potential damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD). This chapter focuses on the risks of ESD and ensuring manufacturing compliance with IEC 61340-5-1 or ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards. The first section will provide a theoretical introduction to the protection of ESD-sensitive components. It describes the sources and mechanisms of ESD in the automated production of automotive headlights, the risk situations in production lines, and the protective measures to eliminate this phenomenon. Then, some of the measurement methods used to identify ESD protection parameters performed on-site are described. In the next part of the chapter, a case study based on a typical production line for automotive headlights is described. The case study describes the different workstations within the line in terms of processes and the probability of occurrence of electrostatic potential, together with the design of ESD protective measures for the entire production line, taking into account known sources of ESD risks.
Augmented Radiation Tracking System for Autonomous Fixed Wing Platform with Model-Based Control and Inverse Dynamics and Path Following
Authors: Penev Valentin
Published: February 2025

The demonstrator of a fixed-wing tandem unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for the passive detection of radiation fixed on ground targets. When the target does not emit, the autonomous platform navigates to the target using a proposed navigation and guidance algorithm. A specific approach is used to design the 6D trajectory to the target. Novel combinations of a three-loop autopilot, inverse dynamics control, and model-based control are used to follow the platform’s path to the target. The absence of a permanently radiated signal from the target poses challenges, which have been addressed in this research. Some challenges of the passive radiation tracking, autonomously flying platform, particularly inaccurate trajectory control, have, in certain instances, been avoidable. Until a certain point, the strapped-down radiation seeker passes the elevation and azimuth of the target to the autopilot. Then, the vehicle flies in full autonomous mode to the very close vicinity of the target, where the secondary seeker takes control. A solution in SimuliNK was developed to simulate vehicle dynamics, inertial sensors, and its Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) algorithms. The proposed unconventional approach for determining platform attitude in 6D space enhances guidance accuracy. An original model-based control with specific tuning algorithms is proposed, evaluated, and tested in simulations and some real flights. The results show that the vehicle’s performance in response to excessive and agile roll, pitch, and yaw is extremely sensitive to the quality of guidance. The proposed joint simulation model was almost unaffected by the lack of a radiation signal from the target and precisely followed the discretized positions and altitude, as well as the roll, pitch, and flight path angle of the 6D trajectory.
Redefining Medical Ethics in Esthetic Practice: Balancing Patient Empowerment and Professional Responsibility
Authors: Ramirez Sylvia , Scherz Gunther
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the ethical challenges in esthetic medicine arising from the shift to “user-driven medicine,” where patients influenced by social media seek specific procedures. Practitioners must navigate expectations amid misinformation and unattainable beauty ideals. Key issues include appearance and aging anxiety, subjective beauty measures, limited treatment evidence, social media’s impact, commercialization, conflicts of interest, and non-medical practitioners performing procedures. Applying Beauchamp and Childress’s ethical principles — autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—the authors stress the need for frameworks prioritizing patient safety and well-being. Proposed strategies include shared decision-making, comprehensive consultations, setting ethical boundaries, promoting transparency and education, integrating psychological support, and strengthening ethical and regulatory frameworks. The chapter concludes that balancing patient empowerment with professional responsibility is crucial for the future of the ethical esthetic practice. By aligning medical expertise with ethical principles, practitioners can ensure that esthetic medicine transcends mere physical enhancement, upholding individuality and the moral responsibilities of the medical profession.
Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatitis
Authors: Ziya Bayhan Ahmet
Published: February 2025

Pancreatic cancer is still fatal despite effective treatment. Due to the special anatomy of the pancreas, symptoms do not occur in the early period and metastases occur frequently. The majority of pancreatic cancers have adenocarcinoma histology. Cystic neoplasm and neuroendocrine tumors are primary malignancies with a more indolent course. There is a complicated relationship between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancers. The risk factors, and clinical and radiological appearances of the two entities share common features. Moreover, with the progress in genetic science, it has been revealed that common genetic factors may play a role in the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancers. In this section, common pancreatic malignancies will be defined and their relationship with pancreatitis will be examined.
The Future of Euthanasia in the Netherlands
Authors: Graafland Wim
Published: February 2025

The Netherlands has played a pioneering role in the legalization of euthanasia, which has resulted in both international recognition and criticism of the Netherlands. In other countries, assisted suicide rather than euthanasia was central. The doctor plays a central role in the Netherlands while this is much less the case in countries where assisted suicide is involved. More experience has now been gained through legislation in other countries with another important theme as to whether patients must be in a terminal phase to be eligible for euthanasia. The questions are which is better: the Dutch euthanasia model or assisted suicide and whether the terminal phase is a condition for euthanasia or assisted suicide. In the Netherlands, the call for an amendment to the law is becoming increasingly stronger, the question being whether it is further distancing itself from international practice or whether it is seeking more rapprochements.
Challenges and Innovations in WASH and Disease Surveillance in Conflict Zones: Lessons from the Gaza Strip
Authors: Abuzerr Samer
Published: February 2025

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and disease surveillance systems are fundamental to protecting public health in conflict-affected regions. The Gaza Strip, subjected to prolonged conflict, provides a stark example of the challenges and innovations in managing these systems under extreme conditions. This chapter explores the intersection of WASH and disease surveillance, focusing on the impact of conflict on infrastructure, the barriers to effective service delivery, and the innovative strategies employed to overcome these challenges. The chapter examines the limitations of traditional WASH and surveillance systems, the gaps in data collection, and the integration of WASH data into health surveillance for more effective outbreak management. Through case studies from Gaza, it highlights success stories such as mobile WASH units and solar-powered desalination while also discussing collaborative efforts between local and international actors. Additionally, the chapter discusses the role of technological advancements, including digital tools and syndromic surveillance, in enhancing the efficiency of disease detection and response. Finally, it reflects on the future directions for research and implementation in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of community-centered interventions, cross-sector collaborations, and scalable, sustainable solutions to ensure resilience, and better health outcomes in the face of ongoing crises.
Projecting Event Accrual as a Survival Trial Progresses
Authors: Lakatos Edward
Published: February 2025

A critical piece of information for a survival trial is when it is expected to end. This is essential not only for trial planning and execution, but also for funding. The power of a trial is driven by the number of events, rather than patients. Implementing clinical trials presents problems not typically encountered in other experiments, such as with mice. Consider drug compliance. Initially, essentially all patients take assigned drugs. Over time, some patients continue to take all of their drugs all of the time, some take some drug all of the time, some take all of the drug some of the time, etc. Drug discontinuation can affect the required number of events as well as event accrual. Other factors can also affect event accrual, e.g., loss to follow-up or competing risks, staggered entry, delayed treatment effects, etc. The methods presented here use Markov models, originally developed for calculating sample size, but adapted for projecting event accrual. Pre-trial guesstimates of parameters can be updated during the trial to enhance accrual projections.
Perspective Chapter: Decoding Cancer’s Silent Players – A Comprehensive Guide to LncRNAs
Authors: Mandal Abhijit , Giri Sarbani
Published: February 2025

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are RNAs that do not code for proteins and were thus earlier known as Junk RNAs. Recently, LncRNAs have emerged as critical regulators in the expression of coding genes and various important biological signaling pathways, thus controlling crucial biological and developmental processes. Reports of LncRNAs association with several diseases including cancer have also been implicated. LncRNAs play a crucial diverse role in regulating cancer pathways, thus influencing tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. They can function both as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, modulating key signaling pathways and cellular processes. Mutation or epigenetic-induced aberrant expression of LncRNAs dysregulates different essential biological pathways, leading to malignant phenotype and cancer hallmarks in different types of cancer. Tumor cells secrete specific endogenous LncRNAs into biological fluids depending on the cancer type, giving rise to stable circulating LncRNAs, thus proving to be of great potential as non-invasive or minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers. In this chapter, we explore the multifaceted roles of LncRNAs in various cancer types, highlighting their potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss innovative strategies for targeting LncRNAs in cancer treatment, including RNA interference and CRISPR technology. This chapter will provide a comprehensive overview of LncRNAs’ implications in cancer research and personalized medicine.