bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing students’ digital literacy skills through their technology use in a course-based research project: a Hong Kong case study
Authors: Chan Alice Yin Wa , Sung Chit Cheung Matthew 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Rapid technological developments in the digital era have led to substantial changes to higher education curricula. This paper reports on a qualitative study which examined students’ perceptions of digital literacy skills development through the completion of a course-based digital research project. Consisting of a digital skills training workshop and assessment tasks including the production of a website and a video, the research-oriented project was designed to be incorporated into a sociolinguistics course offered to undergraduate students at a university in Hong Kong. 57 Students participated in the group project as part of the coursework and wrote a reflective essay on their learning experiences upon the completion of the project. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to analyze students’ written responses in relation to their development of various digital literacy skills, including branching literacy, information literacy, reproduction literacy, photo-visual literacy, socio-emotional literacy, and technical literacy. The findings of the study showed that students considered their use of technology in the project facilitative of their development of digital literacy. While the nature and requirements of the assessment tasks may have limited students’ development of photo-visual literacy, positive experiences with regard to students’ development of the other literacy skills were reported. It is recommended that similar technologically mediated, discovery-enriched assessment tasks be implemented within the existing curricula in the higher education sector. To enhance students’ development of photo-visual literacy, teachers are also recommended to provide students with more opportunities for them to make use of visual graphics in their coursework.
Video Prompts as Scaffolding for Noticing Students’ Mathematical Thinking Using 360-Degree Videos: Comparing What is Noticed with How
Authors: Amador Julie M. , Weston Tracy L. , Kosko Karl 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
360-degree video records a spherical view and allows the viewer to manipulate what is viewable. We incorporated 360-degree video into a teaching mathematics course and used prompts that directed prospective teachers’ attention to students’ mathematical thinking. Results from 173 prospective teachers indicated that when given a focused prompt about student thinking, following a general prompt, prospective teachers attended to and interpreted students’ mathematical thinking. Of notable interest, we found that What prospective teachers noticed had a statistically significant and meaningful effect on How they noticed, a major contribution to research on noticing. The findings show promise for combining 360-degree video and a general and student-focused prompt to support prospective teachers in noticing and describing specifics of students’ thinking.
Current Perspectives in Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Mandibular Advancement Devices: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gunel Elvin , Kurtulmus Huseyin , Bursa Muhammet Caglar , Peker Yuksel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose of Review
This narrative review intends to provide a thorough analysis of the effectiveness, and comparison of the mono-block vs duo-block Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) and the potential side effects of these devices in managing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Recent Findings
MAD therapy is a widely accepted non-invasive treatment option for individuals with OSA, who may not accept positive airway pressure treatment. Both appliances are effective in reducing AHI, however, mono-block MAD is considered to have better short-term outcomes and higher patient tolerance compared to duo-block MAD. While MADs are generally well-tolerated, they can be associated with side effects. Patient education on proper device care and adjustment is crucial for minimizing adverse effects.

Summary
Careful patient selection, thorough monitoring, and addressing potential adverse effects are essential for optimizing treatment outcomes. Future research should focus on refining patient selection criteria, and assessing the long-term effectiveness of MADs in diverse populations.
Enhanced Conductivity of Multilayer Copper–Carbon Nanofilms via Plasma Immersion Deposition
Authors: Weng Haotian , Zhang Xiwu , Liu Xuan , Tang Yunhui , Yuan Hewei , Xu Yang , Li Kun , Huang Xiaolu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Although room-temperature superconductivity is still difficult to achieve, researching materials with electrical conductivity significantly higher than that of copper will be of great importance in improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, lightening equipment weight, and enhancing overall performance. Herein, this study presents a novel copper–carbon nanofilm composite with enhanced conductivity which has great applications in the electronic devices and electrical equipment. Multilayer copper–carbon nanofilms and interfaces with superior electronic structures are formed based on copper materials using plasma immersion nanocarbon layer deposition technology, effectively enhancing conductivity. Experimental results show that for a five-layer copper–carbon nanofilm composite, the conductivity improves significantly when the thickness of the carbon nanofilm increases. When the carbon nanofilm accounts for 16% of the total thickness, the overall conductivity increases up to 30.20% compared to pure copper. The mechanism of the enhanced conductivity is analyzed including roles of copper atom adsorption sites and electron migration pathways by applying effective medium theory, first-principles calculations and density of states analysis. Under an applied electric field, the high-density electrons in the copper film can migrate into the nanocarbon film, forming highly efficient electron transport channels, which significantly enhance the material’s conductivity. Finally, large-area electrode coating equipment is developed based on this study, providing the novel and robust strategy to enhance the conductivity of copper materials, which enables industrial application of copper–carbon nanocomposite films in the field of high conductivity materials.
Quantum adversarial learning for kernel methods
Authors: Montalbano Giuseppe , Banchi Leonardo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We show that hybrid quantum classifiers based on quantum kernel methods and support vector machines are vulnerable against adversarial attacks, namely small engineered perturbations of the input data can deceive the classifier into predicting the wrong result. Nonetheless, we also show that simple defense strategies based on data augmentation with a few crafted perturbations can make the classifier robust against new attacks. Our results find applications in security-critical learning problems and in mitigating the effect of some forms of quantum noise, since the attacker can also be understood as part of the surrounding environment.
A cooperative jamming decision-making method based on multi-agent reinforcement learning
Authors: Cai Bingchen , Li Haoran , Zhang Naimin , Cao Mingyu , Yu Han 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Electromagnetic jamming is a critical countermeasure in defense interception scenarios. This paper addresses the complex electromagnetic game involving multiple active jammers and radar systems by proposing a multi-agent reinforcement learning-based cooperative jamming decision-making method (MA-CJD). The proposed approach achieves high-quality and efficient target allocation, jamming mode selection, and power control. Mathematical models for radar systems and active jamming are developed to represent a multi-jammer and multi-radar electromagnetic confrontation scenario. The cooperative jamming decision-making process is then modeled as a Markov game, where the QMix multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithm is innovatively applied to handle inter-jammer cooperation. To tackle the challenges of a parameterized action space, the MP-DQN network structure is adopted, forming the basis of the MA-CJD algorithm. Simulation experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed MA-CJD algorithm. Results show that MA-CJD significantly reduces the time defense units are detected while minimizing jamming resource consumption. Compared with existing algorithms, MA-CJD achieves better solutions, demonstrating its superiority in cooperative jamming scenarios.
Boosting the synthesis of 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran from N-acetyl-D-glucosamine: understanding the significant role of homogeneous Cl-
Authors: Yang Delong , Dai Jinhang , Du Ziting , Cao Qingya , Chen Gang , Qi Ting , Wang Weilu , Li Fukun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Since 3-acetylamino-5-acetylfuran (3A5AF) has been regarded as a promising nitrogen-containing synthon, the conversion of renewable chitin and its monomer N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) to 3A5AF is of significance. In this paper, we compared the catalytic activity of several Cl-containing compounds and found that LiCl exhibited superior performance. The effects of solvent, catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the synthesis of 3A5AF were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, about 60% yields of 3A5AF were obtained in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) or dimethylacetamide (DMA) medium. The spent LiCl and DMA could be recycled and reused, without obvious decrease of 3A5AF yield. Moreover, the formed 3A5AF could be purified by a facile procedure. Experiment results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that homogeneous Cl− was vital for 3A5AF formation. This study provides an example for the effective conversion of chitin biomass to value-added compounds.
Ripening-dependent changes in antioxidant activities and un-targeted phytochemical fingerprinting of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) cultivar Safaid Chonsa
Authors: Aniqa  , Mannan Abdul , Fatima Rizvi Zarrin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The ripening-dependent changes in antioxidant activities and phytochemical content of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivar Safaid Chonsa at various ripening stages were evaluated. The ripening time period was divided into five stages (RSI-RSV) and the pulp was subjected to proximate analysis, antioxidant potential, and UHPLC/MS-based non-targeted metabolite fingerprinting. Proximate analyses depicted variations in moisture, dry matter, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and energy parameters. Maximum DPPH activity (51%) was observed at stages III, IV, and V while FRSP increased 31% at RS V as compared to stage I. Total antioxidant capacity and total reducing power potential were maximum (295.7 and 345.71 µg AAE/mg extract, respectively at stage V. Total phenolic content increased from 3.57 µg GAE/mg extract to 5.72 µg GAE/mg extract from stage I to RSIII while 19% increase in total flavonoid content was observed at stage V as compared to stage I. UHPLC/MS analysis showed presence of Aconitic acid, methylisocitric acid, 4-O-methyl gallate, beta-glucogallin, xanthenes, sakebiose, Isobergaptene, Fructoselysine 6-phosphate, Citbismine C, and many others at different ripening stages of chonsa mango extracts. The results conclude that during the mango ripening stages, changes in phytochemical composition have positive correlation with antioxidantive potential. These phytochemicals have nutritional and nutraceutical effects on human health therefore ripening stage should be considered for consumption of mango.
Jogendra’s properties in Noakhali: Displacement and the death of hope
Authors: Rahaman Parvez 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The partition of India caused an unprecedented exodus of Hindus and Muslims to the new nations designated for each group. Amid the tempestuous Great Calcutta Killings and the corresponding riots in Noakhali in 1946, many Bengali Hindus living in Noakhali left for Calcutta, leaving their properties behind in what was soon to be the new state of Pakistan. Though many of them longed for home, I argue that displaced Bengali Hindus’ hopes of returning died in the mid-1950s. The article begins by examining the condition of the village of Lamchar in Noakhali at the time of the riots, partition, and afterwards. I then consider Noakhali within the larger historical context of laws relating to properties settlement in East Pakistan and the introduction of passports from 1948 to 1956. Finally, I examine a rare family archive of letters exchanged between Jogendra Roy, a Hindu landowner who fled Noakhali, and Oli Mian, his Muslim neighbour who remained behind. Twenty-six letters sent from Jogendra to Oli document his desire to return home to Noakhali and his later disappointment when this hope was never realized. This dying hope coincided with the East Pakistan government’s decision to take possession of the lands left by those displaced through the East Bengal State Acquisitions and Tenancy Act of 1950. This article concentrates on the complex relationship between Hindus and Muslims, exploring issues of nostalgia, identity, property, and hope, revealing the slow acceptance among displaced Bengali Hindus of the (im)possibility of return.
The Riparian Zone Controls Headwater Hydrology and Biogeochemistry, Doesn't It? Reassessing Linkages Across European Ecoregions
Authors: Ledesma José L. J. , Musolff Andreas , Sponseller Ryan A. , Lupon Anna , Peñarroya Xavier , Jativa Carolina , Bernal Susana 
Published: February 2025

AbstractRiparian zones are known to control the hydrology and biogeochemistry of forest headwater catchments. Some evidence suggests that these riparian‐stream connections are shaped by a relatively small volume of soil, or dominant source layer (DSL), through which most water and solutes are routed laterally. However, the hydrological and biogeochemical significance of the DSL has not been broadly evaluated. We compiled data from four forest headwaters, each from different European sites (boreal, temperate, subhumid Mediterranean, semiarid Mediterranean) to test whether DSL dimensions and biogeochemical characteristics vary predictably across ecoregions based on differences in hydroclimate, topography, and soil features. Boreal DSLs were shallow and thin, whereas small‐scale topographic heterogeneity shaped DSL dimensions at the temperate site. In the Mediterranean sites, DSLs were deeper and thicker, but upper riparian layers that seldomly connected to the streams had a large influence on the overall lateral flux. Contrasting hydroclimates and soils led to high dissolved organic carbon concentrations in riparian solutions in both boreal and Mediterranean sites. By contrast, nitrate concentrations were driven by differences in soil saturation, being orders of magnitude higher in dry Mediterranean than in wet temperate and boreal riparian soils. Notably, stream chemistry did not consistently reflect riparian DSL chemistry across flow conditions and ecoregions. We hypothesize that ecoregion‐specific water sources bypassing the riparian zone, as well as ecoregion‐specific in‐stream biogeochemical processes could explain these discrepancies. Overall, conceptualizing the varied roles of the DSL across diverse systems can aid in both scientific assessments and management of land‐water connectivity in river networks.
Estimated Hydraulic Characteristics and the Entrainment of Fish Eggs and Larvae at a Pumped River‐Water Intake
Authors: Wu Zhonghang , Yan Xiao , Feng Jingjie , Zuo Jingcheng , Li Ran , Cheng Xiaolong , Li Kefeng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWithdrawal of fish eggs and larvae through a river intake (entrainment) may damage the river's early fish resources. To investigate how the hydraulics (flow velocities, directions, and magnitudes) around and within the water intake structure influence entrainment, this study focused on a typical river‐pump intake. A turbulence model was developed based on the Euler‐Lagrange method and the variable of helicity was introduced to define the zone of the river from which water is withdrawn and organisms are entrained. The process of simulated hydraulics on organism withdrawal was validated by physical experiments using artificial fish eggs under various river flow and intake flow conditions. The simulated results indicated that when the intake‐to‐river flow ratio ranged from 3 to 7‰, the width of the planar entrainment area was approximately 1.2 to 1.4 times the width of the intake structure, and the entrainment quantity of fish eggs and larvae accounted for 0.12% to 0.49% of the incoming flux. The entrainment quantity increased with the intake flow to the river flow ratio. The absolute helicity threshold under different conditions ranged from 0.004 to 0.047 m/s2, which was inversely proportional to the intake flow rate and unaffected by river flow and water depth. An optimized intake structure design with stepped side walls was promoted, which can minimize the impact of river sedimentation and reduce the fish entrainment quantity by an average of 11%. This research provides valuable insights for water intake safety and fish resource protection.
STAT6 mutations compensate for CREBBP mutations and hyperactivate IL4/STAT6/RRAGD/mTOR signaling in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Shao Qiangqiang , Bedi Karan , Malek Isabella A. , Shedden Kerby , Malek Sami N. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Activating mutations in STAT6 are common in Follicular Lymphoma (FL) and transformed FL and various other B cell lymphomas. Here, we report RNA-seq based gene expression data on normal human lymph node derived B lymphocytes (NBC; N = 6), and primary human FL WT (N = 11) or mutant (N = 4) for STAT6 before and after ex vivo stimulation with IL4. We found that STAT6 mutants result in broad based augmentation of IL4-induced gene expression. Unexpectedly, in FL with WT STAT6 we measured reduced baseline and IL4-induced gene expression levels when compared with NBC lymphocytes or FL with STAT6 mutations. We tracked the attenuated IL4/JAK/STAT6 response to co-existing CREBBP mutations and experimentally verified that intact CREBBP is required for the induction of many IL4-induced genes. One of the IL4-induced genes here identified is RRAGD, a small G-protein involved in lysosomal mTOR activation. We show that IL4 treatment induced RRAGD expression, that RRAGD is required for mTOR activation in lymphoma cells and that IL4-enhanced BCR signaling induced mTOR activation. The IL4 and BCR-induced mTOR activation was reduced by CREBBP mutants and augmented by mutant STAT6, establishing a link between STAT6 mutations and mTOR regulated pro-growth pathways in lymphoma.
Examining the epigenetic transmission of risk for chronic pain associated with paternal post-traumatic stress disorder: a focus on veteran populations
Authors: Freeman James , Salberg Sabrina , Noel Melanie , Mychasiuk Richelle 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Chronic pain is a public health problem that significantly reduces quality of life. Although the aetiology is often unknown, recent evidence suggests that susceptibility can be transmitted intergenerationally, from parent to child. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological disorder, often associated with chronic pain, that has high prevalence rates in military personnel and Veterans. Therefore, we aimed to characterise the epigenetic mechanisms by which paternal trauma, such as PTSD, is transmitted across generations to confer risk in the next generation, specifically focusing on Veterans where possible. Numerous overlapping neurological pathways are implicated in both PTSD and chronic pain; many of which are susceptible to epigenetic modification, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA regulation. Hence, epigenetic changes related to pain perception, inflammation, and neurotransmission may influence an individual’s predisposition to chronic pain conditions. We also examine the effects of PTSD on parenting behaviours and discuss how these variations could impact the development of chronic pain in children. We highlight the need for further research regarding the interactions between paternal trauma and epigenetic processes to ultimately generate effective prevention and therapeutic strategies for Veterans who have been affected by PTSD and chronic pain.
Identification of mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 as an important therapeutic target of castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Yankui , Chen Anjie , Wu Yufan , Ni Jiang , Wang Rong , Mao Yong , Sun Ning , Mi Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We here investigate the expression of the mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2) and its potential function in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Bioinformatic analyses reveal that MTCH2 overexpression is associated with critical clinical parameters of prostate cancer. Single-cell sequencing data indicate elevated MTCH2 expression in the prostate cancer epithelium. MTCH2 is also upregulated in locally treated CRPC tissue and various primary human CRPC cells. Using genetic silencing via shRNA and knockout (KO) through the CRISPR-sgRNA approach, we showed that the depletion of MTCH2 impaired mitochondrial function, resulting in a reduced oxygen consumption rate, diminished complex I activity, and decreased ATP levels, mitochondrial depolarization, and increased reactive oxygen species production in primary CRPC cells. The silencing or KO of MTCH2 significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and migration, together with a marked increase in apoptosis in the primary CRPC cells. In contrast, ectopic expression of MTCH2 provided CRPC cells with pro-tumorigenic properties, enhancing ATP production and promoting cell proliferation and migration. MTCH2 silencing also markedly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of the primary CRPC cells in nude mice. The MTCH2-silenced xenografts exhibited increased apoptosis, elevated lipid peroxidation, and decreased ATP levels. These results provide new insights into the role of MTCH2 in supporting mitochondrial function and CRPC progression.