bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the relationship between aquifer heterogeneity and thermal dispersivity using stochastic heat transport simulations
Authors: Molnár Bence , Lenkey László , Pedretti Daniele , Mádl-Szőnyi Judit , Galsa Attila 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Homogeneous parametrization of aquifer properties is conventionally adopted due to data limitations and computational constraints, where the determination of effective model parameters and consideration of heterogeneity remains a key challenge. In this study, numerical simulations were developed to investigate the effect of heterogeneity on groundwater heat transport processes (conduction, dispersion and advection), and elucidate the relationship between aquifer heterogeneity and thermal dispersivity (α
L). A simple finite element model was developed to simulate the operation of a geothermal system within a closed heterogeneous aquifer using stochastic permeability realizations. Sensitivity analysis revealed how the α
L value is affected by (1) the scale of heterogeneity (R), (2) the distance between the well pair (L), and (3) the Darcy flux (q
in). The effective permeability of the medium was found to continuously decrease as R increases; however, cold water reaches the outflow side faster through the high-conducting channels; thus, the thermal breakthrough time decreases in heterogeneous media. Calibrated αL values allowed homogeneous models to accurately fit the breakthrough curves obtained from the heterogeneous simulations. Increase in both R and L corresponded to higher α
L, but R remained the dominant parameter. Modification of the Péclet number revealed that the thermal conduction weakens, yet does not remove, the effect of heterogeneity or α
L. It is concluded that well-calibrated α
L values are necessary for accurate predictions of heat transport processes in groundwater flow systems. This study provides guidance on the estimation of the longitudinal α
L value for use in numerical modelling of practical geothermal problems.
Prolonged time to breast cancer surgery and the risk of metastasis: an explorative simulation analysis using epidemiological data from Germany and the USA
Authors: Hölzel D. , Schlesinger-Raab A. , Schubert-Fritschle G. , Halfter K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Growing breast cancer is associated with an inherent risk of metastasis. If surgical treatment of breast cancer is delayed, the prognosis worsens with increasing tumor size. This justifies the search for a safe time interval between diagnosis and surgery.

Methods
The 2022 population-based data on incidence and the time interval to initial surgery for the United States (U.S.) and Germany are used. Tumor growth and initiation of metastases can be calculated using public data on hormone receptor status, volume doubling time, and tumor size-dependent relative survival. Our assumptions are based on an initial 19.8 mm mean tumor size. 15-year BC-specific mortality in both countries is assumed to be 19.6% without surgical delay. Volume doubling time stratified by hormone receptor status, assumed to be continuous may differ by a factor of 2.4.

Results
The U.S. and Germany report 287,850/71,375 new breast cancers for the year 2022 and 2019. If tumor removal is delayed by 8 weeks, mortality rate increases by 2.25/4.79% (HR + /HR−) as estimated by our model. The currently reported mean delay in the U.S. and Germany of 33.7/26.0 days or 4.8/3.7 weeks, respectively, would lead to an estimated 4,676/918 additional BC deaths or a 1.6/1.2% rise in the 15-year BC-specific mortality rate.

Conclusions
This study offers reasonable evidence that confirmed cases of breast cancer should be prioritized and treated according to hormone receptor status and tumor size as soon as possible. Effective screening measures should be followed by timely treatment.
Evaluation of a Positive Psychological Intervention to Reduce Work Stress among Rural Community Health Workers in India: Results from a Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Bondre Ameya P. , Singh Spriha , Singh Abhishek , Ranjan Aashish , Khan Azaz , Sharma Lochan , Bari Dinesh , Teja G Sai , Verma Laxmi , Jolly Mehak , Pandit Payal , Sharma Radhika , Dangi Ritu , Ahuja Romi , Nayak Sneha Rani , Agrawal Surbhi , Agrawal Jyotsna , Mehrotra Seema , Shidhaye Rahul , Bhan Anant , Naslund John A. , Hollon Steve D. , Tugnawat Deepak 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Efforts to reduce work stress among frontline health workers in India, namely the rural Accredited Social Health Activists or ‘ASHAs’ (resident women, lay health workers) have predominantly emphasized on ‘extrinsic’ variables (e.g., financial incentives, or enhanced supervision), with little consideration of ‘intrinsic’ factors like the wellbeing of ASHAs themselves or building their abilities in managing work stress. ‘Character-strengths’ based positive psychological interventions have shown improvements in work wellbeing and engagement, but these findings have been largely observed in the Global North, with no experimental studies in India. This study is a pilot randomized controlled trial where rural ASHAs were allocated to receive regular supervision by their supervisors appointed by the health system (control arm), or a character-strengths based coaching intervention in addition to regular supervision (intervention arm). The intervention included a residential workshop and follow-on weekly individual telephonic coaching support. We aimed to examine the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on happiness of ASHAs using the Authentic Happiness Inventory (primary outcome). At 3-month follow-up, ASHAs in the intervention arm showed higher total happiness scores (n = 30, Mean = 83.6; SD = 13.32) than ASHAs in the control arm (n = 31, Mean = 76.32; SD = 13.16), with a significant between-arm difference (Cohen’s d: 0.55). Secondary outcomes (e.g., burnout, motivation) showed non-significant between-arm differences at follow-up. We conducted telephone-interviews of ASHAs to gather their experiences of the intervention and used thematic analysis to assess its feasibility and acceptability. This study critically contributes to inform the ways by which rural frontline workers can use character-strengths to improve work wellbeing in low-resource settings.
Effects of gamma ray sources and irradiation doses on the haploidization frequency of citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides)
Authors: Kurtar Ertan Sait , Metin Deniz , Atakul Zeliha , Kal Ünal , Seymen Musa , Takcı Enes , Yılmaz Hatice Nur , Alan Ali Ramazan , Toprak Fevziye Çelebi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Drought is widely regarded as the most significant abiotic stressor affecting modern agricultural production. Sweet watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus), one of the world’s most cultivated vegetable species, lacks drought resistance and must be grown in dry and semi-arid regions by grafting on tolerant rootstocks. Citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) is well known for its high drought tolerance and has excellent potential as a watermelon rootstock. There is a high demand for novel citron watermelon cultivars with rootstock potential. Doubled haploid (DH) technology enables the breeding of genetically uniform and fully homozygous plants in a single generation. However, no research has been conducted on the haploidization of citron watermelon using the irradiated pollen technique. The current study aimed to determine the efficiency of gamma-ray sources (Cobalt: Co60 and Cesium: Cs137), irradiation doses (200, 250, and 300 Gy of Co60; 100, 150, 200, and 250 Gy of Cs137), and genotypes (11 citron watermelon lines) on the production of pure citron lines via the irradiated pollen technique (parthenogenesis). The embryos were grown on MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid. Stomatal observations and flow cytometry were used to conduct ploidy studies on 3–4 weeks old parthenogenic plantlets. The Co60 treatments yielded eight haploid and two mixoploid plants, while the Cs137 treatments yielded 14 haploid and one mixoploid. These findings demonstrated that gamma rays from both radiation sources were effective in parthenogenic embryo induction, and Cs137 was discovered to be a reliable alternative to conventional Co60.
The impact of synchronous online discussions and online flipped learning on student engagement and self-regulation among preliminary undergraduates in a basic math course
Authors: Yorganci Serpil 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Flipped learning has been recognized as a promising pedagogical model for methodological progress in educational environments. Studies have shown the effectiveness of flipped learning when used with appropriate educational technologies and learning strategies. On the other hand, comprehensive guidance is required to combine this pedagogical model with new technologies. The current study investigates how discussion tools integrated into online flipped learning environments affect students’ engagement and self-regulation. Participants targeted for this study consisted of 121 first-year students randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions formed by a 2 (synchronous online discussions vs. asynchronous online discussions) × 2 (online flipped learning vs. online learning) factorial pretest/post-test design. The results revealed that there was a significant interaction effect between the online flipped learning approach and synchronous online discussions on behavioral and cognitive engagement. While no interaction effects on self-regulation between the learning approach and online discussions were found, the results revealed that the online flipped learning approach and synchronous online discussions separately increased self-regulation. The findings contribute to the online flipped learning approach by adding a new perspective, namely synchronous online discussions, and thereby proposing a new interactive learning experience for a more engaging and deeper exploration of online learning. The implications of designing an online flipped learning environment with synchronous online discussion tools are discussed.
Enhanced Pathogen Control Through Thymol and Carvacrol Nanoemulsions: A Microfluidization Approach
Authors: Ozogul Yesim , Karsli Gokcem Tonyali , Yazgan Hatice , Kuley Esmeray , Oztop Halil Mecit , Ozogul Fatih , Esatbeyoglu Tuba 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Nanoemulsions based on bioactive compounds have a lot of potential as antibacterial agents in the food sector due to high solubility and bioavailability. Current research was designed to investigate the impacts of NE containing thymol and carvacrol on foodborne pathogens. NE were developed by emulsifying thymol and/or carvacrol with Tween 80 using microfluidization technique. The NE were characterized to determine their droplet size distribution, zeta potential, and polydispersity index, stability, viscosity, and morphology of NE by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity of the NE was assessed against specific foodborne pathogens (Salmonella Paratyphi A, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis), using agar well diffusion, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. While thymol NE incorporating sunflower oil produced smaller droplet sizes, NE produced spherical droplets that were nanoscale. The NE demonstrated remarkable stability throughout a 60-day period of storage at 4 °C. Carvacrol NE demonstrated the most effective suppression against the pathogenic bacteria tested, with inhibition values greater than 30.00 mm against E. faecalis and C. jejuni. For P. aeruginosa, the MIC value of carvacrol NE was 12.5 mg/mL, while for S. Paratyphi A, E. faecalis, and C. jejuni, it was 50 mg/mL. Apart from C. jejuni and P. aeruginosa, bactericidal concentration was > 100 mg/mL for all bacteria. As a result, carvacrol NE was observed to be more effective as an antimicrobial agent for food preservation and has potential applications in various food products to improve shelf life and safety.
The Affective Semiosis of the Hypoglycemic Symptom in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cleves-Valencia Juan José , Roncancio-Moreno Mónica , Branco Angela Uchoa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) involves a complex treatment because its daily management requires patients to maintain a delicate balance to avoid the symptomatic discomfort of hypoglycemia. Although hypoglycemia has been studied from a biomedical perspective, there is limited research related to the meaning construction and affective regulation processes associated with it. The present study aims to understand the affective-semiotic processes involved in the hypoglycemic symptom of T1DM by analyzing its dynamic organization and affective-semiotic regulation. Methodologically, an idiographic perspective was chosen through the microgenetic analysis of in-depth interviews in a case study. The main results indicate that the initial sensation of physical discomfort is merely the starting point of a wider semiotic network that hyper-generalizes and expands itself towards broader aspects of life and identity. Life projections, whether short- or long-term, are mediated by the fear of the symptom, which, in turn, can shape one´s perception of life priorities in life and involves the potential to shape one’s future in terms of the ability to maintain health. It is proposed that the hypoglycemic symptom, as a set of experiences with the capacity to destabilize the individual, should be considered in order to: (a) Evaluate how each one is affected through affective-semiotic fields of meaning directly linked to the perception of oneself as a subject, (b) Reduce the uncertainty associated with the body’s vulnerability and contingency and, (c) Foster a greater personal empowerment with respect to the disease.
Disparities in Urine Testing Among Febrile Children in US Emergency Departments
Authors: Kyaw Than S. , De La Cueva Carina , Leva Natalia , Goldberg Debbie , Allen Isabel E. , Overland Maya , Washington Sam , Copp Hillary L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the association of race and ethnicity with urine testing for febrile children in the emergency department and to measure trends in urine testing from 2002 to 2021.

Study Design/Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of children aged 2–24 months with a recorded temperature of ≥ 38 °C who presented to an emergency department in the United States from 2002 to 2021 using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We assessed trends in urine testing stratified by sex, race, and ethnicity over two decades and performed univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results
Between 2002 and 2021, there were 31,552,201 estimated emergency department visits by febrile children aged 2–24 months with recorded temperature ≥ 38.0 °C. In 2002–2012, Hispanic females and non-Hispanic Black females had significantly lower frequencies (13–19% vs. 26%; p < 0.001) compared to non-Hispanic White females. However, urine testing frequencies significantly increased over the study period for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black females (coefficients of 1.10 and 0.74, respectively; multivariate linear regression tests for trend, p < 0.05). By 2021, there were no racial and ethnic differences in urine testing (p > 0.05). There were no differences among males (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
Nationally, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black females had disproportionately lower frequencies of receiving urine tests at the beginning of the study period but had equivalent frequencies to non-Hispanic White females by 2021, suggesting that racial and ethnic disparities have decreased over time. Future research will examine the impact of these trends on disparities in health outcomes.
Fast-Developing Dynamic Radiative Thermal Management: Full-Scale Fundamentals, Switching Methods, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Xie Long , Wang Xuechuan , Bai Yageng , Zou Xiaoliang , Liu Xinhua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Rapid population growth in recent decades has intensified both the global energy crisis and the challenges posed by climate change, including global warming. Currently, the increased frequency of extreme weather events and large fluctuations in ambient temperature disrupt thermal comfort and negatively impact health, driving a growing dependence on cooling and heating energy sources. Consequently, efficient thermal management has become a central focus of energy research. Traditional thermal management systems consume substantial energy, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, emergent radiant thermal management technologies that rely on renewable energy have been proposed as sustainable alternatives. However, achieving year-round thermal management without additional energy input remains a formidable challenge. Recently, dynamic radiative thermal management technologies have emerged as the most promising solution, offering the potential for energy-efficient adaptation across seasonal variations. This review systematically presents recent advancements in dynamic radiative thermal management, covering fundamental principles, switching mechanisms, primary materials, and application areas. Additionally, the key challenges hindering the broader adoption of dynamic radiative thermal management technologies are discussed. By highlighting their transformative potential, this review provides insights into the design and industrial scalability of these innovations, with the ultimate aim of promoting renewable energy integration in thermal management applications.
Evaporation of Cu from Molten Steel Containing C and S Under Reduced Pressure at 1650 °C for Developing Refining Process of EAF Steel
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jae , Park Jung-Ho , Seo Jeong-Do , Kim Wook , Kang Soo-Chang , Choi Ja-Yong , Kang Youn-Bae 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The evaporation of Cu from molten steel containing C and S was investigated by employing high-temperature gas–liquid reaction and kinetic mechanism analysis. To continue the development of the tramp element removal process by evaporation, the investigation was extended to reduced pressures in the present study. A systematic study was carried out with well-controlled steel chemistry in order to avoid uncontrolled impurity effects. An electromagnetic levitation technique with a rapid-evacuation chamber was developed. The experiments were carried out under a chemical reaction-controlled regime to elucidate the evaporation mechanism, mostly at 1650 °C. Apart from the previous findings (acceleration of Cu evaporation by increasing temperature, surface blocking of S, simultaneous evaporation of Cu(g) and CuS(g), and coupled effect of C and S), it was found that Cu evaporation was significantly accelerated by decreasing pressure. The previous reaction rate model of Cu evaporation from molten steel surface was extended to take into account the evacuation. The intrinsic rate constants of each gas species were obtained as functions of pressure. It was proposed that the evaporation of Cu via residual sites was accelerated under reduced pressure.

Graphical Abstract
Meta-analysis of the Efficacy of Web-Based Psychological Treatments on Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Vicente-Escudero Jose Luis 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and decreased quality of life are common in patients with multiple sclerosis and web-based psychological treatments may help to improve such symptomatology. Therefore, the aim of this research was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of web-based psychological interventions to improve these symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. We selected randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with adult population diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, treated with web-based psychological treatments, providing a comparative group with similar clinical characteristics to the intervention group, and providing measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, or quality of life. The search was conducted in seven databases in December 2023. Publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test, Hedges’ g effect size was calculated, and meta-regression analyses were performed. Eighteen studies were included, with 25 treatment groups and 14 comparative groups. Effect sizes were of moderate magnitude, and somewhat lower but less heterogeneous when treatments were exclusively cognitive behavioral. Higher effect sizes were found when treatments were of short duration, incorporated relaxation components, goal setting, and physical activity, and were applied early. Cognitive behavioral web-based psychological treatments are a recommended choice for the treatment of these symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
An interpretable DeePMD-kit performance model for emerging supercomputers
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Wang Xun , Li Mingzhen , Tan Guangming , Jia Weile 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Deep potential (DP) scheme has increased the simulation temporal and spatial scales while maintaining the ab initio accuracy of the molecular dynamics. DeePMD-kit is an outstanding application that implements DP scheme efficiently. However, current performance model cannot accurately measure the resource utilization of DeePMD-kit operators and predict the execution time. We introduce DP-perf, an interpretable performance model for DeePMD-kit. DP-perf can accurately measure the resource utilization of the individual DeePMD-kit operators, communication pattern, and the overall application by exploiting physical system properties and machine configurations. It can be easily applied to mainstream supercomputers including Tianhe-3F, the new Sunway, Fugaku, and Summit. With DP-perf, users can select the optimal machine and decide the corresponding configuration for various purposes (e.g., lower cost, less time) without real runs. Evaluation of four top supercomputers shows that DP-perf can fit overall execution time with a low mean absolute percentage error of 5.7 %/8.1%/14.3%/13.1% on Tianhe-3F/new Sunway/Fugaku/Summit. On the prediction scenario, DP-perf can predict the total execution time with a mean absolute percentage error of less than 20%.
Feature fusion of single and orthogonal polarized rock images for intelligent lithology identification
Authors: Ma Wen , Han Tao , Xu Zhenhao , Lin Peng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper presents an intelligent lithology identification method that utilizes the feature fusion of single polarized and orthogonal polarized rock images. The traditional thin section identification method heavily relies on manual expertise, leading to subjective results and requiring significant time and labor. To overcome these limitations, we establish a microscopic feature fusion model using a convolutional neural network (CNN). This model leverages the complementarity information from single polarized and orthogonal polarized features. By extracting features from microscopic rock images using convolutional kernels and integrating multi-feature information at both the input and feature levels, the proposed method enhances the classification accuracy of the model, providing a more efficient and objective solution for lithology identification. To evaluate the identification performance, several metrics including accuracy (Acc), precision (P), recall (R), F1-score, and a confusion matrix are employed. The results demonstrate that the fusion model achieved a maximum accuracy of 98.66% on the testing set, representing a 4.91% improvement over using single polarized images alone and a 1.55% improvement over orthogonal polarized images alone. The integration of advanced deep learning models with microscopic image analysis techniques enables researchers and non-geologists to automate the identification and classification of extensive rock sample datasets efficiently. Moreover, the proposed method proves particularly useful in cases with complex mineral compositions and similar structures, as it provides more reliable and accurate analytical results.