bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Mobility All-Transparent TFTs with Dual-Functional Amorphous IZTO for Channel and Transparent Conductive Electrodes
Authors: Park Min-Woo , Kim Sohyeon , Son Su-Yeon , Kim Si-Won , Moon Tae-Kyun , Su Pei-Chen , Kim Kyoung-Kook
Published: January 2025

The increasing demand for advanced transparent and flexible display technologies has led to significant research in thin-film transistors (TFTs) with high mobility, transparency, and mechanical robustness. In this study, we fabricated all-transparent TFTs (AT-TFTs) utilizing amorphous indium-zinc-tin-oxide (a-IZTO) as a dual-functional material for both the channel layer and transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). The a-IZTO was deposited using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, with its composition adjusted for both channel and electrode functionality. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of the a-IZTO layers, ensuring structural stability post-thermal annealing. The a-IZTO TCEs demonstrated high optical transparency (89.57% in the visible range) and excellent flexibility, maintaining a low sheet resistance with minimal degradation even after 100,000 bending cycles. The fabricated AT-TFTs exhibit superior field-effect mobility (30.12 cm2/V·s), an on/off current ratio exceeding 108, and a subthreshold swing of 0.36 V/dec. The AT-TFT device demonstrated a minimum transmittance of 75.46% in the visible light range, confirming its suitability for next-generation flexible and transparent displays.
Fatigue Life Analysis of Titanium Torsion Spring Based on Continuous Damage Mechanics
Authors: Meng Dehai , Zhang Changming , Yang Fan , Duan Feixiang
Published: January 2025

In this study, a titanium alloy torsional spring used in aviation was taken as the research subject. Aiming at the fatigue life prediction problem of this spring, the life analysis of the titanium alloy torsional spring was performed using a customized UMAT subroutine based on the theory of continuous damage mechanics. Several sets of life prediction models and tests were compared. The fatigue lives of the springs at 60, 80, 100, and 120 degrees were 45,070, 65,067, 99,677, and 181,322 cycles, respectively. Compared with other fatigue life prediction methods, the fatigue life calculated by the customized subroutine was the most consistent with the fatigue life of the titanium alloy torsion spring tests. The average relative error between the measured experimental life value and the predicted value was 2.04%, which is less than 5%, meeting engineering measurement requirements. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model and method were verified, and the time and economic cost caused by excessively long experimental cycles were reduced. This helps improve the accuracy of fatigue life prediction for this titanium alloy torsional spring and provides analysis support for subsequent structural optimization and improvement.
Effect of Elemental Iron Containing Bauxite Residue Obtained After Electroreduction on High-Pressure Alkaline Leaching of Boehmitic Bauxite and Subsequent Thickening Rate
Authors: Shoppert Andrei , Loginova Irina , Diallo Malal Mamodou , Valeev Dmitrii
Published: January 2025

The use of reduction leaching in the production of alumina from bauxite by the Bayer process in order to decrease the amount of waste (bauxite residue) by adding elemental iron or aluminum, as well as Fe2+ salts and organic compounds in the stage of high-pressure leaching, requires the purchase of relatively expensive reagents in large quantities. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of the use of electrolytically reduced bauxite residue (BR) as a substitute for these reagents. Reduced BR was obtained from Al-goethite containing BR using a bulk cathode in alkaline suspension. The degree of deoxidation of Fe3+ compounds was 55% after 2 h of electrolysis with a current yield of more than 73%. The addition of reduced BR according to the shrinking core model leads to a change in the limiting stage of the high-pressure boehmitic bauxite leaching from a surface chemical reaction to internal diffusion. The activation energy decreased from 32.9 to 17.2 kJ/mol by adding reduced red mud. It was also shown that the addition of reduced BR increased the rate of thickening of the slurry after leaching by a factor of 1.5 and decreased the Na2O losses by 15% without the addition of lime. The solid residue was examined by means of X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the presence of magnetite and elemental iron. A preliminary techno-economic analysis was carried out to assess the applicability of the proposed process.
A Hybrid Gradient Boosting and Neural Network Model for Predicting Urban Happiness: Integrating Ensemble Learning with Deep Representation for Enhanced Accuracy
Authors: Airlangga Gregorius , Liu Alan
Published: January 2025

Urban happiness prediction presents a complex challenge, due to the nonlinear and multifaceted relationships among socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural factors. This study introduces an advanced hybrid model combining a gradient boosting machine (GBM) and neural network (NN) to address these complexities. Unlike traditional approaches, this hybrid leverages a GBM to handle structured data features and an NN to extract deeper nonlinear relationships. The model was evaluated against various baseline machine learning and deep learning models, including a random forest, CNN, LSTM, CatBoost, and TabNet, using metrics such as RMSE, MAE, R2, and MAPE. The GBM + NN hybrid achieved superior performance, with the lowest RMSE of 0.3332, an R2 of 0.9673, and an MAPE of 7.0082%. The model also revealed significant insights into urban indicators, such as a 10% improvement in air quality correlating to a 5% increase in happiness. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid models in urban analytics, offering both predictive accuracy and actionable insights for urban planners.
Higher-Order Expansions for Estimators in the Presence of Nuisance Parameters
Authors: Rilstone Paul
Published: January 2025

Higher-order asymptotic methods for nonlinear models with nuisance parameters are developed. We allow for both one-step estimators, in which the nuisance and parameters of interest are jointly estimated; and also two-step (or iterated) estimators, in which the nuisance parameters are first estimated. The properties of the former, although in principle simpler to conceptualize, are more difficult to establish explicitly. The iterated estimators allow for a variety of scenarios. The results indicate when second-order considerations should be taken into account when conducting inferences with two-step estimators. The results in the paper accomplish three objectives: (i) provide simpler methods for deriving higher-order moments when nuisance parameters are present; (ii) indicate more explicitly the sources of deviations of estimators’ sampling distributions from that given by standard first-order asymptotic theory; and, in turn, (iii) indicate in which situations the corrections (either analytically or by a resampling method such as bootstrap or jackknife) should be made when making inferences. We illustrate using several popular examples in econometrics. We also provide a numerical example which highlights how a simple analytical bias correction can improve inferences.
Economic Peaks and Value-at-Risk Analysis: A Novel Approach Using the Laplace Distribution for House Prices
Authors: Das Jondeep , Hazarika Partha Jyoti , Alizadeh Morad , Contreras-Reyes Javier E. , Mohammad Hebatallah H. , Yousof Haitham M.
Published: January 2025

In this article, a new extension of the standard Laplace distribution is introduced for house price modeling. Certain important properties of the new distribution are deducted throughout this study. We used the new extension of the Laplace model to conduct a thorough economic risk assessment utilizing several metrics, including the value-at-risk (VaR), the peaks over a random threshold value-at-risk (PORT-VaR), the tail value-at-risk (TVaR), the mean of order-P (MOP), and the peaks over a random threshold based on the mean of order-P (PORT-MOP). These metrics capture different facets of the tail behavior, which is essential for comprehending the extreme median values in the Boston house price data. Notably, PORT-VaR improves the risk evaluations by incorporating randomness into the selection of the thresholds, whereas VaR and TVaR focus on measuring the potential losses at specific confidence levels, with TVaR offering insights into significant tail risks. The MOP method aids in balancing the reliability goals while optimizing the performance in the face of uncertainty.
A Comparative Review of Alternative Fucoidan Extraction Techniques from Seaweed
Authors: Chadwick Matthew , Carvalho Loïc G. , Vanegas Carlos , Dimartino Simone
Published: January 2025

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown seaweed. Due to its reported biological activities, including antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, it has garnered significant attention for potential biomedical applications. However, the direct relationship between fucoidan extracts’ chemical structures and bioactivities is unclear, making it extremely challenging to predict whether an extract will possess a given bioactivity. This relationship is further complicated by a lack of uniformity in the recent literature in terms of the assessment and reporting of extract properties, yield and chemical composition (e.g., sulfate, fucose, uronic acid and monosaccharide contents). These inconsistencies pose significant challenges when directly comparing extraction techniques across studies. This review collected data on extract contents and properties from a selection of available studies. Where information was unavailable directly, efforts were made to extrapolate data. This approach enabled a comprehensive examination of the correlation between extraction techniques and the characteristics of the resulting extracts. A holistic framework is presented for the selection of fucoidan extraction methods, outlining key heuristics to consider when capturing the broader context of a seaweed bioprocess. Future work should focus on developing knowledge within these heuristic categories, such as the creation of technoeconomic models of each extraction process. This framework should allow for a robust extraction selection process that integrates process scale, cost and constraints into decision making. Key quality attributes for biologically active fucoidan are proposed, and areas for future research are identified, such as studies for specific bioactivities aimed at elucidating fucoidan’s mechanism of action. This review also sets out future work required to standardize the reporting of fucoidan extract data. Standardization could positively enhance the quality and depth of data on fucoidan extracts, enabling the relationships between physical, chemical and bioactive properties to be identified. Recommendations on best practices for the production of high-quality fucoidan with desirable yield, characteristics and bioactivity are highlighted.
Tracheostomy Practice in the Italian Intensive Care Units: A Point-Prevalence Survey
Authors: Merola Raffaele , Vargas Maria , Sanfilippo Filippo , Vergano Marco , Mistraletti Giovanni , Vetrugno Luigi , De Pascale Gennaro , Bignami Elena Giovanna , Servillo Giuseppe , Battaglini Denise
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: A tracheostomy is a frequently performed surgical intervention in intensive care units (ICUs) for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. This procedure can offer significant benefits, including reduced sedation requirements, improved patient comfort, and enhanced airway management. However, it is also associated with various risks, and the absence of standardized clinical guidelines complicates its implementation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tracheostomy among ICU patients, while also evaluating patient characteristics, complication rates, and overall outcomes related to the procedure. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, point-prevalence survey across eight ICUs in Italy. Data were collected over two 24 h periods in March and April 2024, with a focus on ICU characteristics, patient demographics, the details of tracheostomy procedures, and associated complications. Results: Among the 92 patients surveyed in the ICUs, 31 (33.7%) had undergone tracheostomy. The overall prevalence of tracheostomy was found to be 9.1%, translating to a rate of 1.8 per 1000 admission days. The mean age of patients with a tracheostomy was 59.5 years (SD = 13.8), with a notable predominance of male patients (67.7%). Neurological conditions were identified as the most common reason for ICU admission, accounting for 48.4% of cases. Tracheostomy procedures were typically performed after a mean duration of 12.9 days of mechanical ventilation, primarily due to difficulties related to prolonged weaning (64.5%). Both early and late complications were observed, and 19.35% of tracheostomized patients did not survive beyond one month following the procedure. The average length of stay in the ICU for these patients was significantly extended, averaging 43.0 days (SD = 34.3). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of tracheostomy in the management of critically ill patients within Italian ICUs. The high prevalence and notable complication rates emphasize the urgent need for standardized clinical protocols aimed at optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing adverse events. Further research is essential to refine current practices and develop comprehensive guidelines for the management of tracheostomy in critically ill patients.
Investigating Fracture Behavior in Titanium Aluminides: Surface Roughness as an Indicator of Fracture Mechanisms in Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb Alloys
Authors: Perna Alessia Serena , Savio Lorenzo , Coppola Michele , Scherillo Fabio
Published: January 2025

Titanium aluminides, particularly the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy, have drawn significant attention for their potential in high-temperature aerospace and automotive applications due to their exceptional performances and reduced density compared to nickel-based superalloys. However, their intermetallic nature poses challenges such as limited room-temperature ductility and fracture toughness, limiting their widespread application. Additive manufacturing, specifically Electron Beam Melting (EBM), has emerged as a promising method for producing complex-shaped components of titanium aluminides, overcoming challenges associated with conventional production methods. This work investigates the fracture behavior of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb specimens with different microstructures, including duplex and equiaxed, under tensile and high-cycle fatigue at elevated temperatures. Fracture surfaces were analyzed to distinguish between static and dynamic fracture modes. A novel method, employing confocal microscopy acquisitions, is proposed to correlate surface roughness parameters with the causes of failure, offering new insights into the fracture mechanisms of titanium aluminides. The results reveal significant differences in roughness values between the propagation and fracture zones for all the temperatures and microstructure tested. At 650 °C, the crack propagation zone exhibits lower Sq values than the fracture zone, with the fracture zone showing more pronounced roughness, particularly for the equiaxed microstructure. However, at 760 °C, the difference in Sq values between the propagation and fracture zones becomes more pronounced, with a more substantial increase in Sq values in the fracture zone. These findings contribute to understanding fracture behavior in titanium aluminides and provide a predictive framework for assessing structural integrity based on surface characteristics.
Lipid Deposition in Skeletal Muscle Tissues and Its Correlation with Intra-Abdominal Fat: A Pilot Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sarma Manoj Kumar , Saucedo Andres , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Darwin Christine Hema , Felker Ely Richard , Raman Steve , Velan S. Sendhil , Thomas Michael Albert
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated metabolites and lipid composition in the calf muscles of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and age-matched healthy controls using multi-dimensional MR spectroscopic imaging. We also explored the association between muscle metabolites, lipids, and intra-abdominal fat in T2DM. Methods: Participants included 12 T2DM patients (60.3 ± 8.6 years), 9 age-matched healthy controls (AMHC) (60.9 ± 7.8 years), and 10 young healthy controls (YHC) (28.3 ± 1.8 years). We acquired the 2D MR spectra of calf muscles using an enhanced accelerated 5D echo-planar correlated spectroscopic imaging (EP-COSI) technique and abdominal MRI with breath-hold 6-point Dixon sequence. Results: In YHC, choline levels were lower in the gastrocnemius (GAS) and soleus (SOL) muscles but higher in the tibialis anterior (TA) compared to AMHC. YHC also showed a higher unsaturation index (U.I.) of extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) in TA, intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) in GAS, carnosine in SOL, and taurine and creatine in TA. T2DM patients exhibited higher choline in TA and myo-inositol in SOL than AMHC, while triglyceride fat (TGFR2) levels in TA were lower. Correlation analyses indicated associations between IMCL U.I. and various metabolites in muscles with liver, pancreas, and abdominal fat estimates in T2DM. Conclusions: This study highlights distinct muscle metabolite and lipid composition patterns across YHC, AMHC, and T2DM subjects. Associations between IMCL U.I. and abdominal fat depots underscore the interplay between muscle metabolism and adiposity in T2DM. These findings provide new insights into metabolic changes in T2DM and emphasize the utility of advanced MR spectroscopic imaging in characterizing muscle-lipid interactions.
A DFT Study of the Mechanical Properties of a Lizardite Slab Reinforced by Graphene and Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Monteiro Anne Karollynne Castro , Frota Consuelo Alves da , Mota Cicero , Ghosh Angsula , Frota Hidembergue Ordozgoith da
Published: January 2025

The stacking of two-dimensional atomic-level thickness materials onto hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene (Gr) not only significantly enhances their properties, but also exhibits a multitude of exceptional characteristics, promising widespread applications across various fields. Clay minerals hold profound significance in scientific research not only because of their abundance but also because of their application in geology, environmental science, materials science, and biotechnology. We present a study that uses density functional theory (DFT) to analyze the effect on the mechanical properties of lizardite slab-reinforced Gr or h-BN monolayers. In addition to the reference lizardite slab (Liza-2D), six composites were studied: a monolayer of Gr (h-BN) over the octahedral face of a pristine lizardite slab (Liza-Gr1 (Liza-BN1)), a monolayer of Gr (h-BN) under the tetrahedral face of a pristine lizardite slab (Liza-Gr2(Liza-BN2)), and a pristine lizardite slab sandwiched between two Gr (h-BN) monolayers (Liza-Gr3(Liza-BN3)). We observed that reinforcement by Gr or h-BN significantly increased the bulk, Young’s and shear moduli of the composites. Taking into account that the Gr and h-BN sheets interact weakly by van der Waals interactions with the lizardite slab surface, we estimated the Young’s and shear moduli of the composites by the Rule of Mixtures and obtained a reasonable agreement with those from DFT calculations.
Depositional Environment Conditions and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the First Member of Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Heiyupao Depression, Northern Songliao Basin
Authors: Liu Yali , Li Wangpeng , Huang Botao , Li Pei , Ge Xiaotong , Ge Xun , Yuan Jiapeng , Liu Pengfei , Yu Xuntao , Wu Haiguang
Published: January 2025

The first member of the Qingshankou Formation (Qing Member 1) is rich in oil and gas resources and represents the first lacustrine transgression period, during which the lake basin area reached its maximum. This study utilizes major and trace element analyses, along with pyrolysis, to investigate the sedimentary environment and mechanisms of organic matter enrichment in the hydrocarbon source rocks of the Heiyupao Depression Qing Member 1. The results indicate that the hydrocarbon source rocks in this area exhibit good to excellent organic richness, mainly comprising Type I and Type II1 organic matter, and are at a high stage of maturity. Furthermore, the paleoclimate conditions during the Qing Member 1 period in the study area were characterized by a warm and humid climate, with an open lake basin and freshwater to brackish water conditions. The water was low in oxygen, suboxic to anoxic, and had relatively high primary productivity. Multiple marine transgressions occurred during the Qing Member 1, transporting substantial nutrients into the lake, which promoted algal blooms in the water. The correlation analysis of TOC content in the Qing Member 1 shale and various indicators shows that the enrichment of organic matter in the study area is primarily influenced by paleoproductivity and paleosalinity, while paleoclimate, paleoredox conditions, and paleowater are not the main controlling factors for organic matter enrichment in the area. Organic matter only accumulates under relatively high salinity and paleoproductivity conditions. Event-driven marine transgressions also play an essential role in enhancing paleoproductivity. Therefore, the organic matter enrichment model in the study area is more aligned with a productivity-driven model. Finally, a comprehensive organic matter enrichment model of hydrocarbon source rocks in the Qing Member 1 of the Heiyupao Depression is proposed.
Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Waste from Abandoned Copper and Manganese Mines in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal: A First Step Towards the Waste-to-Value Recycling Process
Authors: de Oliveira Daniel , Silva Teresa , Morais Igor , Fernandes João
Published: January 2025

This study examines the chemical and mineralogical composition of waste materials from abandoned copper and manganese mines in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal, as a first step toward their potential recycling for critical and strategic raw materials (CRM and SRM). Using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and other analytical techniques, this research highlights the presence of valuable elements, including copper, manganese, and rare earth elements, in concentrations significantly above their crustal abundance. The findings underscore the dual potential of these wastes: as sources of secondary raw materials and for mitigating environmental hazards such as acid mine drainage (AMD). Recovered materials include chalcopyrite, pyrolusite, and rhodochrosite, with critical elements like cobalt, lithium, and tungsten identified. pXRF proved to be a reliable, cost-effective tool for rapid field and laboratory analyses, demonstrating high precision and good correlation with standard laboratory methods. The study emphasizes the importance of characterizing historical mining waste to support a circular economy, reduce reliance on foreign material imports, and address environmental challenges. This approach aligns with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, promoting sustainable resource use and the recovery of strategic resources from historical mining sites.
Physicochemical Characterization and Asymmetric Catalytic Properties of New Biobased Organocatalytic Surfactants
Authors: Calbrix Elliot , de Caro Pascale , Thiebaud-Roux Sophie , Cecutti Christine , Vedrenne Emeline
Published: January 2025

In organic synthesis, the solvent is the chemical compound that represents the largest proportion of the process. However, conventional solvents are often toxic and dangerous for the environment, and an interesting alternative is to replace them by water. In this context, catalyst surfactants allow both organic reagents in water to be solubilized and organic reactions to be catalyzed. This article describes the synthesis of new biobased organocatalytic surfactants soluble in water, composed of a hydrocarbon chain grafted onto an imidazolidinone moiety. The imidazolidinone moiety acts as catalyst, but also as the polar head of the surfactant, while the fatty chain constitutes the hydrophobic tail. The five steps of the synthesis were optimized, respecting the principles of green chemistry, and two organocatalytic surfactants were obtained with a good selectivity. Surface properties in an aqueous medium were then evaluated with the use of tensiometric analysis. Their molecular organization in vesicles was characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering. The presence of vesicles allows reactions to be carried out in an organized aqueous medium. Model catalytic reactions performed in aqueous medium validated the feasibility of replacing conventional hazardous organic solvents. The newly synthesized biobased surfactants showed satisfactory catalytic activity and allowed the expected products to be obtained with good enantioselectivity.
Well-Characterized Polyethyleneimine-/Carboxylated-Polyethylene-Glycol-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles as Prospective Nanoscale Control Materials for In Vitro Cell Viability Assays: Particle Characterization and Toxicity Tests in Eight Mammalian Cell Lines
Authors: Reipa Vytas , Hackley Vincent A. , Tona Alessandro , Heo Min Beom , Lee Ye Ryeong , Lee Tae Geol , Johnston-Peck Aaron , Cho Tae Joon
Published: January 2025

The safety screening of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) is essential for their adoption by consumers and the marketplace. Lately, animal-based testing has been replaced by mechanistically informative in vitro assays due to the requirements of regulatory agencies. Cell viability assays are widely employed for manufactured nanomaterial hazard screening as a first-tier approach. Critical parts of such assays are positive and negative controls that serve as measurement benchmarks. We present the cellular viability and corresponding particle characterization obtained with eight different cell lines that were exposed to Au-PEI and Au-PEG-COOH nanoparticles. We showed that polyethyleneimine- and carboxylate-polyethylene-glycol-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuPEI and Au-PEG-COOH) qualified for positive and negative controls in the in vitro cell viability assays used for MNM toxicological screening.
Plant-Based Functional Foods from Borneo
Authors: John Oliver Dean , Surugau Noumie , Kansedo Jibrail , Panchal Sunil K. , Brown Lindsay
Published: January 2025

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is shared between Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan) and Brunei. As a biodiversity hotspot, it is home to about 15,000 flowering plants and 3000 tree species, of which many are endemic to the region. Locally derived plant-based foods are gaining popularity due to their lower environmental impact, contribution to food sustainability and health benefits. The local fruits and vegetables of Borneo have been used traditionally by the indigenous community for medicinal purposes. This community knowledge can provide a valuable guide to their potential for use as functional foods. This review explores the contemporary foods from Borneo, including fruit, vegetables, seaweeds and plant-derived food products that are locally consumed. The findings show that the unique tropical food groups have a wide diversity of phytochemical compositions that possess a wide array of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative, anti-fungal, wound healing and expectorant properties. The wide range of plant-based foods in Borneo deserves further development for wider applications as functional foods.
Associations of the Intake of Individual and Multiple Flavonoids with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in the United States
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Mengchu , Zhang Jiali , Li Hongguang , Li Yue , Huang Siyu , Zhu Huilian , Liu Zhaoyan
Published: January 2025

Background: Evidence regarding the individual and combined impact of dietary flavonoids on the risk of metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains scarce. Our objective is to evaluate the association between individual and multiple dietary flavonoids with MASLD in adults. Methods: Data sets were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2017–2018. In total, 2581 participants aged over 18 years, with complete information on dietary flavonoid intake, MASLD, and covariates, were included. Flavonoid intake was energy-adjusted using the residual method. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of total flavonoid intake on MASLD. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) analyses were used to evaluate the combined and individual effects of flavonoids on MASLD and to identify the predominant types with the most significant contribution to MASLD prevention. Results: The highest tertile of total flavonoid intake was associated with a 29% reduction in the risk of MASLD compared to the lowest tertile after multivariable adjustments (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51–0.97). The WQS analysis revealed that anthocyanidins, flavones, and flavanones were the most critical contributors among six subclasses (weights = 0.317, 0.279, and 0.227, respectively) and naringenin, apigenin, and delphinidin were the most critical contributors among 29 monomers. (weights = 0.240, 0.231, and 0.114, respectively). Also, a higher intake of anthocyanidins, flavones, naringenin, apigenin, and delphinidin was linked to a reduced risk of MASLD (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our findings suggested that a higher flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of MASLD, with anthocyanidins, flavones, flavanones, naringenin, apigenin, delphinidin, and myricetin contributing most to the protective effects of flavonoids.
A Preliminary Study of Nutrients Related to the Risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in Top-Performing Female Amateur Triathletes: Results from a Nutritional Assessment
Authors: Langa Dorota , Naczyk Marta , Szymczak Robert K. , Karbowska Joanna , Kochan Zdzislaw
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: As an endurance multi-sport race, triathlon places significant energy demands on athletes during performance and training. Insufficient energy intake from food can lead to low energy availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). We aimed to measure symptoms related to LEA, examine the risk of RED-S, and find how diet relates to the risk of RED-S in highly trained female amateur triathletes. Methods: Our sample was 20 top-performing female triathletes competing in Quarter Ironman (IM), Half IM, IM, or Double IM triathlons for 5.5 ± 2.5 y who were during the preparatory phase of training (training load 11 ± 3.76 h/week, a single workout 84 ± 25 min). Triathletes completed 3-day food diaries, training diaries, and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). Exercise energy expenditure was estimated using wrist-worn activity trackers. To examine dietary patterns related to the first signs of LEA, predating RED-S, we created two groups: the L-LEA group (LEAF-Q score 0–5, no symptoms related to LEA, low risk of RED-S, n = 10) and the H-LEA group (LEAF-Q ≥ 6, at least one LEA-related symptom, high risk of RED-S, n = 10). Results: The risk of RED-S was prevalent in 30% of female triathletes, and 50% showed at least one symptom related to LEA. Macronutrient intake was similar in all participants, but triathletes from the H-LEA group tended to eat more plant-sourced protein and fiber. They consumed less saturated fatty acids but ingested more significant amounts of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAn6). Conclusions: We conclude that foods higher in plant proteins, fiber, and PUFAn6 might predispose female triathletes to LEA by reducing the diet’s energy density.
Economic Impacts of Disasters and Economic Events on Commercial Fishery—The Case of Mississippi Blue Crabs
Authors: Posadas Benedict C.
Published: January 2025

Impact assessments are necessary for supporting fisheries’ disaster applications and management options for states affected by disasters. This paper measures the joint and individual impacts of man-made and natural disasters, global pandemics and recessions, the U.S.-China trade war, and recent increases in fuel prices on commercial dockside values of the Mississippi blue crab fishery. The mean-difference model estimates the direct impacts when the current dockside values fall below the benchmark values. The marine economic recovery model identifies the significant determinants of the variations in the dockside values. Mean-difference model results indicate that the Mississippi blue crab fishery sustained direct losses due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, and the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway in 2011. The estimated marine economic recovery model explained 93 percent of the variations in real dockside values. Two independent variables are statistically significant, including blue crab landings and time. The disaster variables have the expected signs but are not statistically significant. These methodologies’ usefulness is applicable in assessing the direct impacts on fisheries and other economic sectors affected by disasters such as major hurricanes, oil spills, massive freshwater intrusion, and harmful algal blooms.
Optimization of the Antibacterial Activity of a Three-Component Essential Oil Mixture from Moroccan Thymus satureioides, Lavandula angustifolia, and Origanum majorana Using a Simplex–Centroid Design
Authors: Elbouzidi Amine , Taibi Mohamed , El Hachlafi Naoufal , Haddou Mounir , Jeddi Mohamed , Baraich Abdellah , Bougrine Saad , Mothana Ramzi A. , Hawwal Mohammed F. , Alobaid Waleed A. , Asehraou Abdeslam , El Guerrouj Bouchra , Mrabti Hanae Naceiri , Mesnard Francois , Addi Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has become a global health crisis, necessitating the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study aimed to optimize the antibacterial effects of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus satureioides, Lavandula angustifolia, and Origanum majorana, enhancing their efficacy through optimized mixtures. Methods: This study utilized a simplex–centroid design to optimize the mixture ratios of EOs for maximal antibacterial and antioxidant effectiveness. The chemical profiles of the EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests, while antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assays. Results: The optimized essential oil mixtures demonstrated potent antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 0.097% (v/v) for E. coli, 0.058% (v/v) for S. aureus, and 0.250% (v/v) for P. aeruginosa. The mixture ratios achieving these results included 76% T. satureioides, and 24% O. majorana for E. coli, and varying proportions for other strains. Additionally, L. angustifolia essential oil exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 84.36 µg/mL (DPPH), and 139.61 µg/mL (ABTS), surpassing both the other EOs and standard antioxidants like BHT and ascorbic acid in the ABTS assay. Conclusions: The study successfully demonstrates that optimized mixtures of EOs can serve as effective natural antibacterial agents. The findings highlight a novel approach to enhance the applications of essential oils, suggesting their potential use in food preservation and biopharmaceutical formulations. This optimization strategy offers a promising avenue to combat antibiotic resistance and enhance food safety using natural products.
Preliminary Study by Differential Scanning Calorimetric Analysis of Red Blood Cells in Peripheral Artery Disease Patients Treated with Cilostazol: Correlation with Improvements in Walking Distance
Authors: Lőrinczy Dénes , Szabó Dorottya , Benkő László
Published: January 2025

Objective: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a prevalent vascular condition characterized by arterial narrowing, which impairs blood flow and manifests as intermittent claudication, a pain or cramping sensation induced by physical activity or ambulation. Walking distance is a crucial clinical indicator of peripheral artery disease, and it correlates with the disease severity and risk of mortality. It reflects the severity of the disease, with reduced mobility indicating an increased risk of morbidity. It can also inform on the efficacy of the treatment. Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, has been demonstrated to enhance walking distance in patients with peripheral artery disease through the dilation of blood vessels and the inhibition of platelet aggregation. With this preliminary study, we aimed to elucidate other possible effects of cilostazol, specifically its influence on the structural properties of red blood cells. Methods: 10 patients (5 men, 5 women) with PAD were treated with cilostazol over a three-month period. Its biochemical effects on RBCs were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Patient’s blood samples were collected at the start of treatment, then after two weeks, one month, two months, and three months of therapy. Results: The DSC analysis revealed shifts in thermal properties, including change in peak (melting or denaturation) temperature (Tp) and calorimetric enthalpy (ΔHcal), which indicate significant structural changes in red blood cells. These thermal property changes correlated with clinical improvements in walking distance reported by patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cilostazol induces substantial biochemical modifications in red blood cells, enhancing their functional properties and contributing to improved clinical outcomes. This study highlights the potential of differential scanning calorimetry as an adjunctive method for assessing the effectiveness of treatments for peripheral artery disease at the cellular level. However, further investigation with larger patient cohorts is required to confirm these initial results.
The Development of a Large-Area Microchannel Plate Photomultiplier Tube with a Gate Function
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Liu Hulin , Chen Ping , Li Kuinian , Wei Yonglin , He Luanxuan , Zhao Xinnan , Zhao Wei , Tian Jinshou
Published: January 2025

To meet the application requirements of neutron detectors, a novel large-area microchannel plate photomultiplier tube with a gate function (G-MCP-PMT) was developed in this study. A kind of regular hexagonal mesh electrode as the gated electrode was designed to achieve excellent gating functions for target pulse signals. The photoelectron transmittances for different mesh electrode sizes and voltages were studied via numerical simulations. To increase the effective detection area of the photocathode, an electrostatic-focusing electrode was designed in the G-MCP-PMT. By optimizing the structure of the focusing electrode, an effective photocathode detection surface diameter of 80 mm was achieved based on commercially available MCPs with a diameter of 56 mm. By adjusting the channel diameter configurations of the dual MCPs, the output pulse peak and time response of the large-area G-MCP-PMT can be flexibly adjusted. The experimental results indicate that when the large-area G-MCP-PMT is operated at −2700 V, the gate establishment time is approximately 50 ns. The extinction ratio of the large-area G-MCP-PMT is higher than 3000:1, and the maximum linear output current is greater than 300 mA at 250 ns FWHM, meeting application needs in various fields such as white neutron detection and laser radar.
Spatial Distribution of Genetic, Ploidy, and Morphological Variation of the Edaphic Steno-Endemic Alyssum moellendorfianum (Brassicaceae) from the Western Balkans
Authors: Hanjalić Kurtović Jasna , Kalamujić Stroil Belma , Siljak-Yakovlev Sonja , Pojskić Naris , Durmić-Pašić Adaleta , Hajrudinović-Bogunić Alma , Lasić Lejla , Ušanović Lejla , Bogunić Faruk
Published: January 2025

Polyploidy is a powerful mechanism driving genetic, physiological, and phenotypic changes among cytotypes of the same species across both large and small geographic scales. These changes can significantly shape population structure and increase the evolutionary and adaptation potential of cytotypes. Alyssum moellendorfianum, an edaphic steno-endemic species with a narrow distribution in the Balkan Peninsula, serves as an intriguing case study. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and population structure across the species’ range, employing an array of genetic techniques (nuclear microsatellites, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, and plastid DNA sequences), flow cytometry (FCM), morphometry, and pollen analysis. The study reveals two genetic lineages: spatially distributed diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Clear divergence between diploids and tetraploids was shown by AFLP, while plastid DNA sequences confirmed private haplotypes in each of the studied populations. Higher genetic diversity and allelic richness following the north-south pattern were documented in tetraploids compared to diploids, as indicated by nuclear microsatellites. Morphometric analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) did not reveal any divergence between diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Nonetheless, a distinction in pollen size was clearly observed. The results suggest an autopolyploid origin of tetraploids from diploid ancestors. Despite the population fragmentation in a very small geographic range, these populations harbour high genetic diversity, which would allow them to remain stable if natural processes remain undisturbed.
Natural Enemies Acquire More Prey Aphids from Hormone-Treated Insect-Attracting Plants
Authors: Jiang Xiaosheng , Zhang Xingrui , Han Guodong , Sarkar Shovon Chandra , Ge Feng
Published: January 2025

Exogenous plant hormones regulate the agronomic and physiological performance of plants and thus can influence the abundance of insect groups. We surveyed the arthropods on flowering plants Cnidium monnieri and found that the abundance of natural enemies Propylaea japonica and Orius minutus in the plots treated with salicylic acid (SA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) was significantly increased compared with those in the clean water (control) plots. Then, we investigated the effects of spraying SA, IAA, and clean water on the population parameters of Semiaphis heraclei reared on C. monnieri. Our results from the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis revealed a significantly shorter pre-adult duration for aphids reared on SA-treated C. monnieri compared to those reared on the other two treatments. The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and net reproductive rate of aphids reared on SA- and IAA-treated C. monnieri were significantly higher than those of aphids reared on clean water-treated C. monnieri. The fecundity rate was higher under the SA and IAA treatments than in the control, but the difference was not significant. This improved the ability of flowering plants to attract natural enemies by providing a larger food source.
Establishment of a Virus-Induced Gene Silencing System in Abelmoschus manihot L.
Authors: Zhang Ting , Hou Jiaqi , Chu Hongtao , Guo Pengyu , Sang Qianzi , Liu Zhongxu , Cao Li
Published: January 2025

Abelmoschus manihot L. (Jinhuakui, JHK) is widely cultivated for its pharmacological properties owing to its high flavonoid content and is commonly used as a garden landscape plant. However, the absence of an efficient genetic transformation system poses significant challenges for functional gene studies in this species. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a well-established technique for exploring plant gene functions; however, this technique has not been applied to JHK. Here, a tobacco rattle virus (TRV)–VIGS system was successfully developed for the first time in JHK using the gene encoding phytoene desaturase (AmPDS) as a marker gene. This study investigated the impact of various Agrobacterium infection methods on the efficiency of AmPDS silencing. The results demonstrated that administering two injections—the first on the day of complete cotyledon expansion and the second 14 days later—using pTRV1 and pTRV2–AmPDS cultures resuspended to an OD600 of 1.0 and via the backside of the blade—led to significant photobleaching in the cotyledons 2 days after the second injection. Subsequent analyses revealed a marked reduction in both chlorophyll content and AmPDS expression. These findings suggest that a VIGS system was successfully developed in JHK, thus providing a rapid and effective method for studying gene function in this species and facilitating future research in JHK genetics.
Antifungal Activity of Nanochitosan in Colletotrichum musae and Colletotrichum chrysophillum
Authors: Hernández-López Nixe Adriana , Plascencia-Jatomea Maribel , Del-Toro-Sánchez Carmen Lizette , López-Saiz Carmen María , Morales-Rodríguez Simón , Martínez-Téllez Miguel Ángel , Quintana-Obregón Eber Addí
Published: January 2025

The search for developing materials of natural origin has become imperative due to the resistance shown by phytopathogenic microorganisms to traditional antimicrobial agents. Natural polymers such as chitosan offer a new alternative to fungal infections because, in most cases, these polymers are biocompatible, nontoxic, and natural. This study aimed to synthesize nanochitosan using ultrasonication and evaluate its antifungal activity on Colletotrichum chrysophillum and Colletotrichum musae. Nanochitosan of 302.4 ± 92.3 nm and a zeta potential of +35.9 ± 2.3 Mv, amorphous in shape, and a rough surface, was obtained. Nanochitosan reduced the radial growth 21%, for C. chrysophillum while C. musae showed a maximum inhibition of 26% at a concentration of 1.5 mg mL−1 of nanochitosan. C. musae was the species most affected, with a 38% increase in hyphal diameter to 12 h. Also, nanochitosan affected the integrity of the fungi cell walls, plasma membrane, and generated low oxidative stress level. Our findings indicate that nanochitosan induces notable changes in the intracellular structures of the tested phytopathogens. Nevertheless, additional investigations are required to clarify the mechanisms underlying adaptability or resistance in fungal strains that exhibit reduced sensitivity to this biopolymer.