bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper Tolerance of Trichoderma koningii Tk10
Authors: Fu Kehe , Fan Lili , Ji Jiaming , Qiu Xiayu
Published: January 2025

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms, serving as a cofactor for numerous enzymes. However, excessive copper concentrations can be harmful. To investigate copper tolerance in fungi, a copper-tolerant strain was isolated from soil and identified as Trichoderma koningii Tk10, with optimized culture conditions being established. Additionally, copper-related genes were analyzed through whole-genome sequencing. The results indicated that Tk10 exhibits a maximum copper tolerance of 5.4 mmol/L and a maximum adsorption rate of 51.5% under optimal cultivation conditions. Whole-genome sequencing revealed six genes associated with copper tolerance, including one superoxide dismutase gene, one peroxidase gene, and three catalase genes linked to copper stress. Furthermore, the enzyme activities of the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase significantly increased, reaching levels that were 8.02, 4.12, and 3.88 times higher than those observed in the control group, respectively. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that three of these genes were significantly upregulated in response to copper stress. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into copper tolerance in filamentous fungi.
Microbial Contamination and Food Safety Aspects of Cassava Roasted Flour (“Rale”) in Mozambique
Authors: Massamby Andreia , Leong Su-lin L. , Müller Bettina , Tivana Lucas , Passoth Volkmar , Macuamule Custódia , Sandgren Mats
Published: January 2025

Cassava is an important staple food that contributes to the food security of small-scale Mozambican farmers. In southern Mozambique, cassava roots are usually processed into cassava roasted flour, locally known as “rale”. The handling and processing practices connected to “rale” production may introduce microbial contamination. We assessed the microbial contamination of “rale” processed in local farmers’ associations and consumed either locally or sold in rural markets. Microbial sampling was carried out both during the warmer rainy and cooler dry seasons, and microorganisms of relevance for food safety and fermentation were enumerated. The results revealed variation in terms of microbial diversity in all stages of cassava root processing. In samples collected in the warmer rainy season, molds, lactic acid bacteria, general aerobic bacteria and Bacillus spp. were isolated, whereas in samples collected in the cooler dry season, other groups of microorganisms such as yeasts and Staphylococcus aureus were present. Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Pichia exigua, Meyerozyma caribbica and Torulaspora delbrueckii were the most frequent yeast species found within the cassava processing stages. Aflatoxin-producing molds were observed infrequently in this study, and only at low counts, thus, the risk for aflatoxin contamination appears to be low. The results obtained from the Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing can be considered a complementary technique to the plating methods relied on in this study. From a food quality and safety point of view, this staple food does not appear to pose a high risk for foodborne disease.
Evidence in Lager Yeasts of β-Lyase Activity Breaking Down γ-GluCys-Conjugates More Efficiently Than Cys-Conjugates to Odorant Beer Polyfunctional Thiols
Authors: Christiaens Romain , Simon Margaux , Robiette Raphaël , Collin Sonia
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of glutathionylated (G-) precursors of polyfunctional thiols (PFTs) over their free forms has prompted investigating how to optimize the enzymatic breakdown of these precursors with yeast during lager, ale, and non-alcoholic/low-alcoholic beer (NABLAB) fermentation trials. Some Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts have been selected for their higher β-lyase activity on the cysteinylated (Cys-) conjugates (up to 0.54% for SafAleTM K-97), yet some S. pastorianus strains and one maltose-negative S. cerevisiae var. chevalieri yeast have proved to release PFTs more efficiently from G-precursors (up to 0.21% for BRAS-45 and 0.19% for SafBrewTM LA-01). The present study aimed to explore the possibility and extent of direct release in the beer of 3-sulfanylhexanol from its synthetic γ-glutamylcysteinylated (γ-GluCys-) precursor. Release efficiency was determined by GC-PFPD after the fermentation (7 days at 24 °C and 3 days at 4 °C) of a 15 °Plato (°P) wort enriched with 15 mg/L of synthesized γ-GluCys-3SHol. Up to a 0.28–0.35% release was measured with S. pastorianus strains BRAS-45 and SafLagerTM E-30, while much lower activities (≤0.16%) were observed with S. cerevisiae yeasts, including the maltose-negative chevalieri variety. This β-lyase activity on γ-GluCys-3SHol has never been described before. Under our experimental conditions, the efficiency of release from γ-GluCys-3SHol was drastically reduced in low-density worts. A strongly strain-dependent impact of temperature was also observed.
An “Engram-Centric” Approach to Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) and Other Acute-Onset Amnesias
Authors: Larner Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

The differential diagnosis of acute-onset amnesia includes transient global amnesia (TGA), transient epileptic amnesia (TEA), and functional (or psychogenic) amnesia. The most common of these, TGA, is a rare but well-described condition characterised by a self-limited episode of dense anterograde amnesia with variable retrograde amnesia. Although the clinical phenomenology of TGA is well described, its pathogenesis is not currently understood, thus preventing the development of evidence-based therapeutic recommendations. Here, TGA, TEA, and functional amnesia are considered in light of the historical engram conception of memory, now informed by recent experimental research, as disturbances in distributed ensembles of engram neurones active during memory formation and recall. This analysis affords therapeutic implications for these conditions, should interventions to reactivate latent or silent engrams become available.
Effect of Ficus pumila L. on Improving Insulin Secretory Capacity and Resistance in Elderly Patients Aged 80 Years Old or Older Who Develop Diabetes After COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Gonda Kenji , Hai Takeshi , Suzuki Kouichi , Ozaki Akihiko , Shibusa Takashi , Takenoshita Seiichi , Maejima Yuko , Shimomura Kenjyu
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: It has been reported that people affected by COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, suffer from various diseases, after infection. One of the most serious problems is the increased risk of developing diabetes after COVID-19 infection. However, a treatment for post-COVID-19 infection diabetes has not yet been established. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ficus pumila L. extract, which has traditionally been used to reduce blood glucose levels in Okinawa, on patients who developed diabetes after COVID-19 infection. (2) Methods: In total, 128 rehabilitation patients aged 80 years old or older who developed diabetes after COVID-19 infection were included. The HOMA-β (Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function) and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) were assessed to evaluate the glucose tolerance. (3) Results: The HOMA-β decreased and HOMA-IR increased in patients who developed after diabetes after COVID-19 infection. Subsequently, 59 patients were given Ficus pumila L. extract and their HOMA-β and HOMA-IR improved after ingestion. On the other hand, the control group of patients who did not consume Ficus pumila L. showed no improvement in both HOMA-β and HOMA-IR. (4) Conclusions: Ficus pumila L. extract, ingested by patients who developed diabetes after COVID-19 infection, stimulated insulin secretion capacity and improved insulin resistance.
Potential Effect of Cinnamaldehyde on Insulin Resistance Is Mediated by Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Frederico Marisa Jadna Silva , Sulis Paola Miranda , Pereira Landerson Lopes , Rey Diana , Aragón Marcela , Silva Fátima Regina Mena Barreto
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome that has grown globally to become a significant public health challenge. Hypothesizing that the plasma membrane protein, transient receptor potential ankyrin-1, is a pivotal target in insulin resistance, we investigated the mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde (CIN), an electrophilic TRPA1 agonist, in skeletal muscle, a primary insulin target. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of CIN on insulin resistance, hepatic glycogen accumulation and muscle and adipose tissue glucose uptake. Furthermore, the in vitro role of CIN in glucose uptake and intracellular signaling was determined in insulin-resistant rats whose calcium influx was analyzed. Moreover, the serum lipid profile was assessed following short-term CIN treatment in rats, and lipid tolerance was analyzed. The effects of CIN on insulin resistance were mediated by TRPA1, with downstream signaling involving the activation of PI3-K, MAPK, PKC, as well as extracellular calcium and calcium release from intracellular stores. Additionally, cytoskeleton integrity was required for the complete action of CIN on glucose uptake in muscle. CIN also ameliorated the serum lipid profile and improved triglyceride tolerance following acute vivo exposure.
Obesity Aggravates the Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in the North of Mato Grosso, Brazil: A Cohort Study
Authors: Santos Karla Kelly Paniago Miranda dos , Cabral Mauro André Azevedo Silva Kaiser , Mattar Vinícius Tadeu Ribeiro , Costa Felipe Cézar de Oliveira , Garcia Rayane Manoel , Valle Breno Marcos Brito do , Queiroz Diogo Albino de , Nascimento André Ferreira do , Luvizotto Renata de Azevedo Melo , Queiroz Eveline Aparecida Isquierdo Fonseca de
Published: January 2025

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has significantly impacted global health, particularly among patients with obesity. This study evaluates the prevalence and effects of overweight and obesity on the clinical profiles and complications of COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in Northern Mato Grosso. We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing medical records of COVID-19 patients hospitalized from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients were classified into normal body weight, overweight, and obesity groups. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis’s test and Dunn’s post-test (continuous variables) or by the chi-square test (χ2) (categorical variables). Among 145 ward records, 24.1% were normal body weight, 46.2% were overweight, and 29.7% were obese. In the intensive care unit, data from 243 patients indicated that 17.3% were normal body weight, 37.9% were overweight, and 44.9% were obese, highlighting a concerning prevalence of overweight/obesity. Chest computed tomography revealed that moderate pulmonary involvement (25–50%) was most frequent in the overweight group, while severe involvement (>50%) was predominant in the obesity group. The obesity group experienced more complications, including increased use of mechanical ventilation. Notably, in both settings, mortality rates were higher among patients with overweight and obesity. This study concludes that overweight and obesity significantly worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
New Evidence for Cotinus coggygria Scop. Extracts Application in Gastrointestinal Ailments
Authors: Stojković Dejan , Dragičević Nina , Ivanov Marija , Gajović Nevena , Jurišević Milena , Jovanović Ivan , Tomović Marina , Živković Jelena
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Cotinus coggygria Scop. is traditionally used for treatment of various gastrointestinal ailments. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical profile and biological activities of leaves, bark and flowers extracts of C. coggygria. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was performed using HPLC. The antimicrobial activity of water and methanolic extracts of C. coggygria leaves, bark and flowers towards various oral fungal and bacterial strains of clinical origin was tested by use of a microdilution assay. Additionally, their cytotoxic activity was determined against different gastrointestinal carcinoma cell lines (CAL27, FaDu, SW480, HCT116 and MRC-5) in concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 400 µg/mL for 48 and 72 h. Results: The presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as sulfuretin, gallic acid, rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrine was detected. Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus parasanguinis, and Candida tropicalis were the most sensitive microbiological species, with MICs of 0.12 mg/mL for the most effective extracts. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity of the samples against different gastrointestinal carcinoma cell lines (CAL27, FaDu, SW480, HCT116, and MRC-5) was determined in concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 400 µg/mL. Among the tested samples, the methanolic leaf extract exhibited the highest cytotoxic capacity, and the possible mechanism could be related to its inhibitory effect on the release of proinflammatory cytokine in CD4+ cells. Conclusions: The traditional use of C. coggygria for gastrointestinal diseases may be substantiated by its ability to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and its promising cytotoxic properties. The methanolic leaf and flower extracts show significant potential for future clinical applications, and further studies are warranted to explore their mechanisms and applications in medical treatments.
Revisiting the Metabolism of Donepezil in Rats Using Non-Targeted Metabolomics and Molecular Networking
Authors: Park Eun-Ji , Kim Eui-Hyeon , Kim Ki-Young , Jeon Ji-Hyeon , Song Im-Sook , Park So-Young , Liu Kwang-Hyeon
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Although donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has been in use since 1996, its metabolic characteristics remain poorly characterized. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the in vivo metabolism of donepezil using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) based on a molecular networking (MN) approach integrated with a non-targeted metabolomics approach. Methods: After the oral administration of donepezil (30 mg/kg) in rats, urine, feces, and liver samples were collected for LC-HRMS analysis. Chromatographic and spectrometric data were processed through MN and multivariate data analysis to identify the in vivo metabolites of donepezil. Results: A total of 50 metabolites were characterized, including 23 newly identified metabolites. Donepezil was biotransformed by O-demethylation, N-debenzylation, and hydroxylation, and these metabolites are further conjugated with glucuronic acid and sulfurous acid. N-Desbenzyldonepezil (M4), didesmethyldonepezil (M5), and N-desbenzyldonepezil (M4) were identified as the most abundant metabolites in urine, feces, and liver samples, respectively. Conclusions: The metabolic characteristics of donepezil in rats were comparable to those in humans, indicating that a rat is a reliable model for studying donepezil metabolism. This study indicates that a MN approach combined with a metabolomics approach is a reliable tool to identify unknown metabolites of drugs and drug candidates.
Unveiling the Role of GhP5CS1 in Cotton Salt Stress Tolerance: A Comprehensive Genomic and Functional Analysis of P5CS Genes
Authors: Fang Hui , Gao Xin , Wu Yunhao , Zhang Ke , Wu Ying , Li Junyi , Qian Dongmei , Li Ruochen , Gu Haijing , Mehari Teame Gereziher , Shen Xinlian , Wang Baohua
Published: January 2025

Proline, a critical osmoregulatory compound, is integral to various plant stress responses. The P5CS gene, which encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in proline biosynthesis, known as ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase, is fundamental to these stress response pathways. While the functions of P5CS genes in plants have been extensively documented, their specific roles in cotton remain inadequately characterized. In this study, we identified 40 P5CS genes across four cotton species with diverse sequence lengths and molecular weights. Phylogenetic analysis of 100 P5CS genes from nine species revealed three subgroups, with Gossypium hirsutum closely related to Gossypium barbadense. Collinearity analysis highlighted significant differences in collinear gene pairs, indicating evolutionary divergence among P5CS genes in tetraploid and diploid cotton. Exon–intron structures and conserved motifs correlated with phylogenetic relationships, suggesting functional differentiation. Stress-responsive elements in P5CS promoters suggest involvement in abiotic stress. Expression analysis under salt stress revealed differential expressions of GhP5CS genes, with GhP5CS1 emerging as a potential key regulator. Virus-induced gene silencing confirmed the pivotal role of GhP5CS1 in cotton’s salt stress response, as evidenced by increased salt sensitivity in the silenced plants. This study enhances our understanding of the functional diversity and roles of P5CS genes in cotton under stress conditions.
Evaluation of Fitting Accuracy of Light- and Auto-Polymerizing Reline Materials Using Three-Dimensional Measurement Techniques
Authors: Utsumi Miona , Murakami Natsuko , Yamazaki Toshiki , Hirata Asuka , Komine Kohei , Li Bin , Takakusaki Kensuke , Wada Junichiro , Wakabayashi Noriyuki
Published: January 2025

Light-polymerizing reline materials offer improved chairside workability compared to conventional auto-polymerizing reline materials, addressing the partial denture (RPD) incompatibility caused by residual ridge resorption owing to long-term use. This study evaluates the fitting accuracy of relined materials by combining conventional fitting tests with three-dimensional (3D) measurements for detailed analysis. Light-polymerizing reline material (HikariLiner®, Tokuyama, Tokyo, Japan, LP) and auto-polymerizing material (Rebase III®, Tokuyama, AP) were used. The gaps formed between the relined denture base and the simplified edentulous model were evaluated. The displacement and deviation of the experimentally relined RPDs on the partially edentulous models were analyzed using 3D data superimposition. In the edentulous model, the gaps at all measurement points were significantly smaller for the AP than in the LP. Moreover, the alveolar ridge crest gap was significantly larger than that at other sites. In the partial denture model, the RMS values at the residual ridge crest were significantly lower for the AP. The evaluation method using 3D scanning and comparison was suitable for a detailed fit analysis. Further improvements in the scanning accuracy may enhance future assessments. Therefore, the evaluation method using 3D scanning and comparison was suitable for effectively analyzing the fit of relines, necessitating further accuracy improvements.
Silicone Composites with Electrically Oriented Boron Nitride Platelets and Carbon Microfibers for Thermal Management of Electronics
Authors: Ciobanu Romeo Cristian , Aflori Magdalena , Scheiner Cristina Mihaela , Aradoaei Mihaela , Buncianu Dorel
Published: January 2025

This study investigated silicone composites with distributed boron nitride platelets and carbon microfibers that are oriented electrically. The process involved homogenizing and dispersing nano/microparticles in the liquid polymer, aligning the particles with DC and AC electric fields, and curing the composite with IR radiation to trap particles within chains. This innovative concept utilized two fields to align particles, improving the even distribution of carbon microfibers among BN in the chains. Based on SEM images, the chains are uniformly distributed on the surface of the sample, fully formed and mature, but their architecture critically depends on composition. The physical and electrical characteristics of composites were extensively studied with regard to the composition and orientation of particles. The higher the concentration of BN platelets, the greater the enhancement of dielectric permittivity, but the effect decreases gradually after reaching a concentration of 15%. The impact of incorporating carbon microfibers into the dielectric permittivity of composites is clearly beneficial, especially when the BN content surpasses 12%. Thermal conductivity showed a significant improvement in all samples with aligned particles, regardless of their composition. For homogeneous materials, the thermal conductivity is significantly enhanced by the inclusion of carbon microfibers, particularly when the boron nitride content exceeds 12%. The biggest increase happened when carbon microfibers were added at a rate of 2%, while the BN content surpassed 15.5%. The thermal conductivity of composites is greatly improved by adding carbon microfibers when oriented particles are present, even at BN content over 12%. When the BN content surpasses 15.5%, the effect diminishes as the fibers within chains are only partly vertically oriented, with BN platelets prioritizing vertical alignment. The outcomes of this study showed improved results for composites with BN platelets and carbon microfibers compared to prior findings in the literature, all while utilizing a more straightforward approach for processing the polymer matrix and aligning particles. In contrast to current technologies, utilizing homologous materials with uniformly dispersed particles, the presented technology reduces ingredient consumption by 5–10 times due to the arrangement in chains, which enhances heat transfer efficiency in the desired direction. The present technology can be used in a variety of industrial settings, accommodating different ingredients and film thicknesses, and can be customized for various applications in electronics thermal management.
Electrochemical Performance of Guanidinium Salt-Added PVP/PEO Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Superior Power Density
Authors: Murugan Anbazhagan , Siva Vadivel , Shameem Abdul Samad , Vijayakumar Paranthaman , Viji Arangarajan , Lee Jintae , Palanisamy Govindasamy
Published: January 2025

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for symmetrical supercapacitors are proposed herein with activated carbon as electrodes and optimized solid polymer electrolyte membranes, which serve as the separators and electrolytes. We propose the design of a low-cost solid polymer electrolyte consisting of guanidinium nitrate (GuN) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Using the solution casting approach, blended polymer electrolytes with varying GuN weight percentage ratios of PVP and PEO are prepared. On the blended polymer electrolytes, structural, morphological, vibrational, and ionic conductivity are investigated. The solid polymer electrolytes’ morphology and level of roughness are examined using an FESEM. The interlinking bond formation between the blended polymers and the GuN salt is verified by FTIR measurements, indicating that the ligands are chemically complex. We found that, up to 20 wt.% GuN, the conductivity value increased (1.84 × 10−6 S/cm) with an increase in mobile charge carriers. Notably, the optimized PVP/PEO/20 wt.% solid polymer electrolyte was fabricated into a solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor device, which delivered a potential window of 0 to 2 V, a superior energy density of 3.88 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 1132 W kg−1.
Polysaccharides: New Frontiers for Nasal Administration of Medicines
Authors: Clementino Adryana , Climani Giulia , Bianchera Annalisa , Buttini Francesca , Sonvico Fabio
Published: January 2025

The nasal cavity has become a focal point for drug delivery research. Beyond its use in treating local diseases, the nasal route is appealing due its ability to deliver systemically potent drugs with low oral bioavailability. Recent interest in nasal vaccination has driven significant pre-clinical and clinical advancements. Further R&D holds promise for expanding nasal medications, offering innovative healthcare solutions. This review explores strategies using polysaccharides to enhance nasal delivery of hydrophilic drugs, peptides, proteins, genes, and other active compounds that typically struggle to permeate the nasal epithelium. Polysaccharides are attractive excipients due to their potential to enhance nasal absorption, regulate drug release, and extend residence time in the nasal cavity through bioadhesive properties. Studies on their mechanisms affecting drug absorption, potential toxicities, and applications will also be reviewed considering the particularities of nasal epithelium anatomy and physiology. Most products with these excipients are in pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, but PecFent, a pectin-based formulation, is approved for nasal administration of opioids for breakthrough cancer pain, offering faster pain relief and a better benefit–risk ratio due to pectin. Other polysaccharides like chitosan, cyclodextrins, hyaluronic acid, and alginate have shown potential in enhancing nasal drug absorption. This approach also holds promise for enhancing drug transport from the nasal cavity to the CNS (nose-to-brain), potentially advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Effect of Exogenous Inoculation on Dark Fermentation of Food Waste Priorly Stored in Lactic Acid Fermentation
Authors: Roslan Eqwan , Mohamed Hassan , Abu Hassan Saiful Hasmady , Carrere Hélène , Trably Eric
Published: January 2025

Lactic acid fermentation has recently been shown to be a robust storage strategy for food waste prior to conversion to biohydrogen through dark fermentation. However, the importance of initial microbial communities and, more particularly, exogenous microorganisms on the conversion of lactic acid-rich stored substrate is not yet fully elucidated. This study investigates the impact of introducing exogenous inoculum to lactic acid-rich stored food waste prior to biohydrogen production in dark fermentation. Results showed exogenous inoculation produced a statistically significant increase in biohydrogen production rate (Rm) by 199%, 250%, 137%, 130%, 19%, and 10% compared to non-inoculated stored food waste after food waste storage at 4 °C, 10 °C, 23 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C, and 55 °C, respectively. Interestingly, no impact on the maximum production yield (Pm) was observed, but exogenous inoculation increased the accumulation of acetate, up to 160% more compared to endogenous inoculum. The main hydrogen-producing bacteria (HPB) were affiliated with Clostridium sp., while Prevotella_9 sp., another known HPB, was found after the fermentation of the food waste stored at 23 °C. In this study, the interest of exogenous inoculation to convert food waste stored by lactic acid fermentation was demonstrated through an increase in production rate along with higher accumulation of co-products, e.g., acetate. Such findings are promising for further development of process coupling, combining storage and conversion by fermentation of complex food waste.
Mapping the Green Urban: A Comprehensive Review of Materials and Learning Methods for Green Infrastructure Mapping
Authors: Dobrinić Dino , Miler Mario , Medak Damir
Published: January 2025

Green infrastructure (GI) plays a crucial role in sustainable urban development, but effective mapping and analysis of such features requires a detailed understanding of the materials and state-of-the-art methods. This review presents the current landscape of green infrastructure mapping, focusing on the various sensors and image data, as well as the application of machine learning and deep learning techniques for classification or segmentation tasks. After finding articles with relevant keywords, the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) method was used as a general workflow, but some parts were automated (e.g., screening) by using natural language processing and large language models. In total, this review analyzed 55 papers that included keywords related to GI mapping and provided materials and learning methods (i.e., machine or deep learning) essential for effective green infrastructure mapping. A shift towards deep learning methods can be observed in the mapping of GIs as 33 articles use various deep learning methods, while 22 articles use machine learning methods. In addition, this article presents a novel methodology for automated verification methods, demonstrating their potential effectiveness and highlighting areas for improvement.
Compact High-Zoom-Ratio Mid-Wavelength Infrared Zoom Lens Design Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Liu Zhenhao , Zhang Jipeng , Huang Yuqi , Zhang Xin , Wu Hongbo , Zhang Jianping
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an automated method for solving the initial structure of compact, high-zoom-ratio mid-wave infrared (MWIR) zoom lenses. Using differential analysis, the focal length variation process of zoom lenses under paraxial conditions is investigated, and a model for the focal power distribution and relative motion of three movable lens groups is established. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is introduced into the zooming process analysis, and a program is developed in MATLAB to solve for the initial structure. This algorithm integrates physical constraints from lens analysis and evaluates candidate solutions based on key design parameters, such as total lens length, zoom ratio, Petzval field curvature, and focal length at tele end. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently and accurately determine the initial structure of compact MWIR zoom lenses. Using this method, a mid-wave infrared zoom lens with a zoom ratio of 50×, a total length of less than 530 mm, and the ratio of focal length to total length approximately 2:1 was successfully designed. The design validates the effectiveness and practicality of this method in solving the initial structure of zoom lenses that meet complex design requirements.
Gesture Recognition with Residual LSTM Attention Using Millimeter-Wave Radar
Authors: Bai Weiqing , Chen Siyu , Ma Jialiang , Wang Ying , Han Chong
Published: January 2025

Gesture recognition technology based on millimeter-wave radar can recognize and classify user gestures in non-contact scenarios. To address the complexity of data processing with multi-feature inputs in neural networks and the poor recognition performance with single-feature inputs, this paper proposes a gesture recognition algorithm based on ResNet Long Short-Term Memory with an Attention Mechanism (RLA). In the aspect of signal processing in RLA, a range–Doppler map is obtained through the extraction of the range and velocity features in the original mmWave radar signal. Regarding the network architecture in RLA, the relevant features of the residual network with channel and spatial attention modules are combined to prevent some useful information from being neglected. We introduce a residual attention mechanism to enhance the network’s focus on gesture features and avoid the impact of irrelevant features on recognition accuracy. Additionally, we use a long short-term memory network to process temporal features, ensuring high recognition accuracy even with single-feature inputs. A series of experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper has higher recognition performance.
Research on Lateral Stability Control of Four-Wheel Independent Drive Electric Vehicle Based on State Estimation
Authors: Ma Yu-Jie , Chen Chih-Keng , Ren Hongbin
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a hierarchical framework-based solution to address the challenges of vehicle state estimation and lateral stability control in four-wheel independent drive electric vehicles. First, based on a three-degrees-of-freedom four-wheel vehicle model combined with the Magic Formula Tire model (MF-T), a hierarchical estimation method is designed. The upper layer employs the Kalman Filter (KF) and Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to estimate the vertical load of the wheels, while the lower layer utilizes EKF in conjunction with the upper-layer results to further estimate the lateral forces, longitudinal velocity, and lateral velocity, achieving accurate vehicle state estimation. On this basis, a hierarchical lateral stability control system is developed. The upper controller determines stability requirements based on driver inputs and vehicle states, switches between handling assistance mode and stability control mode, and generates yaw moment and speed control torques transmitted to the lower controller. The lower controller optimally distributes these torques to the four wheels. Through closed-loop Double Lane Change (DLC) tests under low-, medium-, and high-road-adhesion conditions, the results demonstrate that the proposed hierarchical estimation method offers high computational efficiency and superior estimation accuracy. The hierarchical control system significantly enhances vehicle handling and stability under low and medium road adhesion conditions.
Exercise as Medicine: Tackling Chronic Pain and Depression to Boost Quality of Life—A Narrative Review
Authors: Hanney William J. , Anderson Abigail W. , Kolber Morey J. , Gibbs Violette , Hanney William J.
Published: January 2025

Depression and chronic pain are prevalent and often co-occurring conditions that pose substantial treatment challenges and economic burdens in the developed world. Research suggests that depression and chronic pain share overlapping pathways, particularly within the anterior cingulate cortex, which plays a critical role in emotional regulation and pain perception. Research indicates that exercise may alleviate depression. Given the shared neurobiology between depression and chronic pain, it is plausible that exercise could improve outcomes for individuals experiencing depression and chronic pain. Therefore, this review aims to provide clinicians with evidence-based tools to assess the role of exercise in the management of patients with coexistent pain and depression.
Relationships Between Floodplain Topography, Peat, Soil Moisture, and Alder Growth over a Decade After River Meandering Restoration in the Kushiro Wetlands, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Nemoto Yudai , Yamaguchi Takumi , Oishi Tetsuya , Miyamoto Hitoshi
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to identify the predominant factors that are important for environmental sustainability in wetland restoration in the Kushiro Wetlands, Hokkaido, Japan, where a nature restoration project was implemented over a decade ago. Field surveys of topography and vegetation, as well as laboratory soil tests, were conducted in the meandering-restored section of the Kushiro River, where alder trees have flourished, and in the reference section, where wetland grasslands have been maintained. We then applied correlation analysis to the data to examine the relationship between the peat soil characteristics and alder tree size. The results showed a significant positive correlation between organic matter and the water content ratio in all the survey sections (correlation coefficient: 0.88; p-value < 0.05). The reference section had 24.1 ± 11.1% organic matter, indicating well-developed peat with sufficient moisture retention, while the re-meandering section had 13.1 ± 3.8%, indicating underdeveloped peat with limited moisture retention. Furthermore, no correlation was found between the relative elevation and water content ratio (correlation coefficient: −0.01; p-value > 0.05), nor was there any difference in nutrient concentrations between the survey sections. Therefore, it is possible that the difference in alder tree sizes between the sections depended on the soil moisture retention capacity based on the degree of peat soil development. These results suggest that peat soil restoration is crucial in human sustainable development for suppressing alder proliferation and restoring original peat grasslands.
The Evaluation of Shared Prosperity: A Case from China
Authors: Xing Xiufeng , Wang Yu
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the disparities, trends and spillovers of shared prosperity for all in China during the period of 2012–2021. Taking a representative region consisting of 18 urban and rural areas as a case study, using 10 indicators such as economic development, population density and education level, along with the spatial lag model, we explore the impact of social and economic factors on common prosperity as well as the associated spillovers. Results revealed that there existed huge regional disparities in common prosperity in the short term, namely the unbalanced level of prosperity across China’s mainland, while in the long term, the common prosperity level appears to be gradually enhanced with the convergence of income ratio lines. Meanwhile, common prosperity is spatially correlated with each other, with the spatial distribution features of high–high and low–low agglomerations. Based on the model analysis, there are mixed spillovers in the evolution of common prosperity: factors like education level and population density have positive spillovers while the rest of the factors have negative spillovers. To recap, population density and education level can significantly abridge the disparities in urban and rural areas.
Life Cycle Assessment of Green Methanol Production Based on Multi-Seasonal Modeling of Hybrid Renewable Energy and Storage Systems
Authors: Güleroğlu Hüseyin , Yumurtacı Zehra
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the environmental implications of green methanol production under seasonal energy variability through a dual-comparative analytical framework. The research employs ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint (H) methodology to assess four seasonal renewable energy configurations (with varying solar–wind ratios across seasons) against conventional grid-based production, utilizing a hybrid battery storage system combining lithium-ion and vanadium redox flow technologies. The findings reveal significant environmental benefits, with seasonal renewable configurations achieving 24.38% to 28.26% reductions in global warming potential compared to conventional methods. Monte Carlo simulation (n = 20,000) confirms these improvements across all impact categories. Our process analysis identifies hydrogen production as the primary environmental impact contributor (74–94%), followed by carbon capture (5–13%) and methanol synthesis (0.5–4.5%). Water consumption impacts show seasonal variation, ranging from 16.55% in summer to 11.62% in winter. There is a strong positive correlation between hydrogen production efficiency and solar energy availability, suggesting that higher solar energy input contributes to improved production outcomes. This research provides a framework for optimizing sustainable methanol production through seasonal renewable energy integration, offering practical insights for industrial implementation while maintaining production stability through effective energy storage solutions.
Delivering Extraordinary Adventure Experiences During the “Chthulucene”: Circular Economy Challenges and Digital Solutions for the Environmentally Conscious Visitor
Authors: Allkins Michael Edward , Chauke Tshepo Johannes , Sifolo Portia Pearl Siyanda
Published: January 2025

Adventure tourism offers unique experiences while presenting environmental concerns related to resource consumption and waste generation. Studies integrating circular economy (CE) principles in adventure tourism, particularly in South Africa, are limited. This research investigates the perspectives of managers and owners of adventure Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) on challenges hindering the implementation of a CE model and explores how digital technologies can be leveraged to overcome these challenges. The purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of the specific barriers faced by adventure companies in adopting CE principles. The study is rooted in an interpretivist epistemological stance. This study adopts qualitative methodology whereby netnographic tools were used for data collection through 12 online interviews with owners and managers in Mpumalanga. The results present the solutions provided by digital technologies towards advancing resource efficiency in a sustainable and resilient pathway in the adventure tourism industry. By focusing on the perspectives of stakeholders within adventure tourism SMMEs, this research provides valuable insights for a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry in South Africa. The Mpumalanga case study of successful CE implementation and investigation of the environmental impact reduction potential of CE practices in adventure tourism could be beneficial to practitioners and researchers.
Drivers of Purchase Intentions of Generation Z on Eco-Products
Authors: Filip Alina , Stancu Alin , Onișor Lucian-Florin , Mogoș Oana Cristina , Catană Ștefan-Alexandru , Goldbach Dumitru
Published: January 2025

Concerns about environmental protection and sustainable consumption increased among Generation Z, as a consequence of more perceived risks emerging in the context of climate change and depletion of natural resources. The aim of the present research was to identify the main factors that influence the intention to purchase eco-products among the young generation. Quantitative marketing research was carried out on a sample of 269 Gen Z. The research results proved that purchasing intention for eco-products is strongly influenced by the perceived quality of environmentally friendly products, consumer consciousness about eco-products, perceived value of green products, and consumer trust in ecological products. Lower influences were recorded in terms of perceived price and perceived availability of eco-products, with improved total effects when considering the mediating role of eco-trust. Consequently, the provision of eco-products could lead to image benefits for organizations.
Opportunities, Technological Challenges and Monitoring Approaches in Agrivoltaic Systems for Sustainable Management
Authors: De Francesco Carmine , Centorame Luana , Toscano Giuseppe , Duca Daniele
Published: January 2025

In the context of climate change and the increasing demand for innovative solutions in agriculture and energy, agrivoltaic systems (AVSs) have emerged as promising technologies. These systems integrate photovoltaic panels with agricultural practices, optimizing both food and energy production. This study provides a comprehensive review focused on monitoring techniques applicable to AVS, including fixed sensors and remote monitoring tools. Bibliographic analysis revealed a significant increase in scientific interest in AVSs since 2019, with most publications focusing on technological, agronomic, and environmental aspects. Key findings highlight environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved water efficiency, and enhanced soil quality. Otherwise, challenges including high initial costs and the persistence of technical complexities. Innovative configurations such as semi-transparent or vertically bifacial panels enable resource optimization and improved agricultural yields if combined with advanced monitoring systems. This study highlights the importance of incentive policies and further research to maximize the potential of AVSs in promoting sustainable land management.
Circular Industrialised Housing: Insights from Solar Decathlon Europe 2022
Authors: Davis Annette , Bortel Gerard van , Martí Audí Núria
Published: January 2025

The latest policy and research recommendations focus on advancing transition of housing to the circular economy framework to tackle environmental and affordability challenges. A key strategy for this is industrialised construction, which combines controlled manufacturing methods with strategies that facilitate future disassembly, allowing for adaptations, maintenance, and material reuse. Despite its importance, long-term housing solutions that integrate both industrialised construction and disassembly remain rare. This study obtained insights into circular industrialised housing from the Solar Decathlon Europe competition through interviews and observations with fifteen participating teams in Wuppertal, Germany, in 2022. The competition’s build challenge provided a unique opportunity to examine the practical application of both industrialised and disassembly approaches, where teams developed highly energy-efficient, affordability-conscious, and scalable housing systems. On-site interviews with team members from diverse disciplines took place midway through the competition’s assembly phase. These were further informed by observing team Azalea’s housing disassembly in Spain, which took place shortly before reassembly in Germany. Thematic and content analyses were conducted using a predefined framework based on holistic factors and lifecycle processes. Our results reveal the critical impact of Cultural factors, particularly during the (re)design process and provide new data to aid our understanding of the (dis)assembly process. This study contributes towards the development of a circular industrialised housing framework.
Optimization in Symmetric Trees, Unicyclic Graphs, and Bicyclic Graphs with Help of Mappings Using Second Form of Generalized Power-Sum Connectivity Index
Authors: Khan Muhammad Yasin , Ali Gohar , Popa Ioan-Lucian
Published: January 2025

The topological index (TI), sometimes referred to as the connectivity index, is a molecular descriptor calculated based on the molecular graph of a chemical compound. Topological indices (TIs) are numeric parameters of a graph used to characterize its topology and are usually graph-invariant. The generalized power-sum connectivity index (GPSCI) for the graph is ΩYα(Ω)=∑ζϱ∈E(Ω)(dΩ(ζ)dΩ(ζ)+dΩ(ϱ)dΩ(ϱ))α, while the second form of the GPSCI is defined as Yβ(Ω)=∑ζϱ∈E(Ω)(dΩ(ζ)dΩ(ζ)×dΩ(ϱ)dΩ(ϱ))β. In this paper, we investigate Yβ in the family of trees, unicyclic graphs, and bicyclic graphs. We determine optimal graphs in the desired families for Yβ using certain mappings. For graphs with maximal values, two mappings are used, namely A and B, while for graphs with minimal values, mapping C and mapping D are considered.
Proposal of a Correlation Model Integrating FDRM and CLSCM Practices and Performance Measures: A Case Study from the Automotive Battery Industry in Brazil
Authors: Marco-Ferreira Antonio , Fidelis Reginaldo , Fenerich Francielle Cristina , Lima Rafael Henrique Palma , De Andrade Junior Pedro Paulo , Horst Diogo José
Published: January 2025

The field of closed-loop supply chain management (CLSCM) seeks to replace the linear flow of materials and energy with a cyclical model in which the outputs of the production system become inputs to the same system, thus closing the cycle of materials and energy within the supply chain. Current literature on CLSCM reports a wide variety of practices, and combining these practices with environmental performance measures is an ongoing challenge, mainly because results from these practices are often diffuse and linking them with performance results is not a straightforward task. This paper addresses this problem by proposing a model to prioritize CLSCM practices and performance measures. The correlation model integrating the fuzzy direct rating method (FDRM) and CLSCM practices and performance measures was tested in a real company that is part of a closed-loop supply chain that recycles lead obtained from automotive batteries in Brazil. The results allowed the identification of which management practices are more relevant to the organization by correlating their impact with performance measures. The most relevant practices for the company under study were demand forecasting, with 21.68% of relative importance, followed by reverse logistics practices (21.15%) and production planning and control (18.16%). Another relevant finding is that upstream performance measures account for 77.72% of the company’s CLSCM performance.