bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proprioception and Multimodality: Integrating Continuity and Discreteness in Language and Gesture
Authors: Sanna Marco
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Numerous studies on the ontogenetic development of human language have highlighted the importance of multimodal interactions in learning and communication. This study approaches the topic from a novel perspective, grounded in a fundamental theoretical premise: the multimodality of languages is essential for learning and semiosis, emerging in cognition through proprioceptive awareness. Methodology: The semiotic and communicative activity of different languages is analyzed across two dimensions: continuity and discreteness. These dimensions are shaped by the specialized processes of each cerebral hemisphere and their integration. This study explores these dynamics through an extensive interdisciplinary review of literature from cognitive sciences, semiotics, developmental psychology, and linguistics. Multimodal interactions between mother and infant are analyzed as primary examples, where continuous flows, such as prosody and facial expressions, integrate with discrete elements, such as first words and tactile or visual stimuli. Results: The integrated processing emerging from the right hemisphere (semantic continuity) and the left hemisphere (syntactic discreteness) transcends the mere sum of their specialized information. Instead, this integration operates at a metalevel enabled by multimodal metaphors. This creative process is facilitated by the proprioceptive-kinesthetic system, which also involves the cerebellum and limbic areas. This system, aware of the body’s action space and its parts, organizes external stimuli (perceptual, exteroceptive) and internal stimuli (emotional, interoceptive) into configurations built upon natural axial coordinates. These coordinates are rooted in brain-body lateralization and the vertical axis associated with upright posture and balance. Moment by moment, in readiness for action, the sensory, emotional, and other properties of elements within proprioceptive awareness form “configurations of meaning” that simultaneously embody semantic and syntactic programming features. Conclusion: The findings of this study aim to deepen our understanding of multimodal communication and offer insights for further research into language and communication disorders in children. Proprioception is proposed as fundamental to a comprehensive understanding of semiotic and cognitive systems. The multimodal integration paradigm of continuity-discreteness aspires to transcend the traditional conception of modal languages as autonomous in their expressive and functional domains.
The Role of Prenatal and Postnatal Counseling in The Management on Disorders of Sex Development: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gualberto Igor Jose Nogueira , Gualberto Ianna Dayse Nogueira , Guerra Junior Gil , Ruano Rodrigo , Liberatore Júnior Raphael Del Roio , Sbragia Lourenço MD
Published: January 2025

This study aims to review the literature and to investigate how prenatal and postnatal counseling interfere in subjects with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). The articles were obtained through search on bibliographic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, MEDLINE, and LILACS and selected using the guideline following the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review protocol and answering. The search identified 181 articles. After the methodological screening, 7 studies were eligible for this narrative review. 16 cases of different types of DSD were evaluated in the studies. In this case, different types of prenatal and postnatal counseling were carried out to address the diagnosis. In most cases, prenatal counseling was based on a genetic point of view and postnatal was based on psychological and educational follow-up of the family. There are different manners to conduct prenatal and postnatal counseling in cases of DSD. However, the data shows that there is a lack of specific protocols for adequate counseling of patients and families in the context of DSD. In addition, previous studies have only described this aspect in superficial forms. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to establish a scientific protocol for this matter.
The Influence of Microorganisms on the Onset and Development of Colorectal Cancer in Humans, a Descriptive Cross-Reference Study
Authors: Nikolic Dragan M , Latincic Stojan , Jevtovic Jelena , Gostiljac Drasko , Stojiljkovic Vesna , Jovanovic Snezana , Soldatovic Ivan
Published: January 2025

Background: The aim of this study is to determine which types of microorganisms influence on the onset and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans. Methods: In patients with CRC, three swabs were taken for microbiological analysis during surgical removal of cancer: first swab from the surface of the healthy intestinal mucosa, the second from the surface of the tumor and the third from the middle of the tumor tissue. Results: In the healthy mucosa of the colon, the most prevalent was Escherichia coli at 70.5%, followed by Enterococcus spp. (47.7%) and Klebsiella/Enterobacter (20.5%). Microbiological analysis of the swabs from the surface of tumor tissue showed that E. coli was the most prevalent at 72.7%, followed by Enterococcus spp. 40.9%, Klebsiella/Enterobacter 25%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20%. In the center of tumor tissue, E. coli was the most prevalent in 77.3% of samples, followed by Enterococcus spp. 47.7%, Klebsiella 27%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18.2%. Conclusion: Certain types of bacteria can influence the emergence and development of cancer, while other types can suppress the development of tumor tissue. Microbiological analysis of human stool samples can be a prevention of the development of CRC.
Predictive Models to Reduce Late Payments: The Role of SXI in Transforming Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
Authors: Joseph Alan , Yadav Prashant , Kumar Reeshabh , Kilambi Srinivas
Published: January 2025

The inability of borrowers to repay loans poses a significant challenge to the sustainability of the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending sector. This study leverages predictive modelling techniques to analyze historical applicant data from Lending Club, focusing on reducing late payments through the proprietary Sriya Expert Index (SXI) AI-ML algorithm. SXI serves as a super feature, synthesizing the outputs of 5-10 machine learning algorithms into a simplified score/index, enabling accurate prediction of late payments. The model dynamically adjusts algorithmic weights to optimize precision, considering critical features such as credit history, income, and repayment behavior. In comparison to traditional machine learning models, the Sriya Expert Index (SXI) algorithm significantly outperforms established approaches in predicting late payments. Models such as Random Forest and XGBoost achieved accuracies of 78.80% and 84.52%, respectively, while the Mixture of Experts (MOE) neural network reached 92.10%. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a linear kernel delivered an AUC of 0.935, slightly higher than the 0.92 AUC of XGBoost. However, SXI surpasses all these models with a near flawless accuracy of 99.80% and an AUC score of 0.998. This demonstrates the model's superiority in identifying late payment risks and its potential to guide effective intervention strategies. One of the standout features of SXI enabled AI-ML is to improve business outcomes with actionable insights. The study outlines a phased methodology for reducing late payments (desired business outcome), achieving an initial 20% reduction and further improvements to 50% and 80% in the mid-term and long-term, respectively. These findings highlight the transformative potential of SXI in enhancing risk management in P2P lending, offering a scalable, data-driven solution to improve the financial health of the sector.
Human Trophic Level and Trade Openness: Insights from Global Seafood Consumption Patterns
Authors: Lee Kyu Sung , Kim Dae Eui , Lim Song Soo
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the relationship between Human Trophic Level (HTL) and trade openness within the context of seafood consumption patterns. Utilizing a comprehensive panel dataset spanning 1990 to 2019 and covering 168 countries, the study applies fixed effects and random effects models to uncover the dynamics between trade openness, seafood diversity, and socioeconomic factors. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between trade openness and HTL, demonstrating that increased access to diverse and high-trophic-level seafood products fosters improvements in national HTL. Additionally, economic development exhibits a non-linear relationship with HTL, where higher income initially drives a preference for high-trophic-level species, but dietary patterns diversify at advanced income levels. The study also highlights geographic disparities, with landlocked countries benefiting most from trade openness, while island and peninsula nations are influenced more by geographic and economic factors. These insights underscore the pivotal role of trade in shaping sustainable seafood consumption and provide actionable guidance for policymakers aiming to align economic growth with ecological sustainability.
Alien Birds in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Overview
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz
Published: January 2025

Introduced species may pose one of the biggest threat to the biodiversity conservation. Monitoring their status, distribution and abundance constitute today an important part of ecological and conservation studies throughout the world. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa) avian introductions attract attention of many researchers, but there is a lack of comprehensive review of this subject on a continental scale. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution, threats and control measures of bird introduced in sub-Saharan Africa in the last 200 years. This review lists 150 bird species introduced in sub-Saharan Africa. Only 49 (32.7%) of them have developed viable populations and only 7 (4.7%) became invasive species, namely Passer domesticus, Sturnus vulgaris, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Columba livia var. domestica, Psittacula krameria and Pycnonotus jocosus. Data on distribution of most introduced species are provided together with information on the place and year of their first introductions. For Passer domesticus and Columba livia var. domesticus data on population densities are also provided from several southern African towns. The most specious groups of introduced species were parrots (Psittaciformes) comprising 33.3% (including Pisittacidae: 14%, and Psittaculidae: 16%), Anatidae: 11.3%, Phasianidae: 11.3%, and Passeriformes: 29.3%. Most avian introductions in sub-Saharan Africa took place in Southern Africa (mainly Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg areas) and in Madagascar and surrounding islands (mostly Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles). Most introduced species which have developed viable populations originate from Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions (altogether 78%), with only 2% from the New World. The proportions among introduced species which have not established viable populations are quite different: 30% from the New World, and only 56% from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions (Figure 4). Main factors affecting successful avian introductions and introduction pathways have been identified. A review of control measurers undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa (mainly in small oceanic islands) is outlined for the following species: Passer domesticus, Acridotere tristis, Corvus splendens, Pyconotus jocosus, Foudia madagascarensis, Psittacula krameiri and Agapornis roseicollis.
Evaluating the Role of Food Security within the Framework of Sustainability and Quality of Life: A Best-Worst Scaling Approach
Authors: Thomas Terrence , Cankurt Murat
Published: January 2025

Quality of Life (QOL) is a multifaceted concept encompassing a variety of factors that affect the overall well-being of individuals. The interrelationship between QOL and sustainable development is essential for promoting long-term social well-being and environmental protection given that QOL is the ultimate goal of sustainable development. This study aims to examine the impact of food security, spiritual well-being, access to health care, economic opportunities, social connections, and community assets on QOL. Data was collected through telephone surveys conducted in Guilford County, North Carolina in 2023. The ISAC Analysis Procedure and Best-Worst Scaling methods were used to identify and rank these factors in terms of their impact on QOL. The analysis revealed that spiritual well-being is the most important contributor to QOL, followed by access to health services and economic opportunities, while food security has a moderate impact. Social connections and community assets were identified as the least influential factors. The study also identified four distinct personalities representing different demographic groups, each with unique priorities and needs related to QOL factors. These findings emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions that consider the specific needs of different demographic segments to effectively improve QOL. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to efficiently allocate resources and design tailored strategies that promote social well-being through sustainable development practices.
Growth Associated Protein-43 Loss Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy Through Ca2+ and ROS Imbalance
Authors: Bevere Michele , Morabito Caterina , Verucci Delia , Di Sinno Noemi , Mariggiò Maria Addolorata , Guarnieri Simone
Published: January 2025

Growth Associated Protein-43 (GAP-43) is a calmodulin-binding protein, originally found in neurons, that in skeletal muscle regulates handlings of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. According to its role in Ca2+ regulation, myotubes from GAP-43-null mice display alterations in spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and evoked Ca2+ release. Emerging hypothesis is that GAP-43 regulates CaM interac-tions with RyR and DHPR Ca2+ channels. Loss of GAP-43 promotes cardiac hypertrophy in new-born knockout mice, extending the physiological role of GAP43 in cardiac muscle. We investigated the role of GAP-43 in cardiomyocytes deriving from GAP-43 knockout (GAP-43-/-) mice, evaluating intracellular Ca2+ variation and its correlation with the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), considering their importance in cardiovascular physiology. In GAP-43-/- cardiomyocytes we found increased expression of markers of cardiac hypertrophy, Ca2+ alterations and high mitochondria ROS levels (O2.¯) together with increased oxidized functional proteins. The treatment with a CaM inhibitor (W7) restored Ca2+ and ROS alterations possibly due to high mitochondrial Ca2+ entry by mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. Indeed, Ru360 was able to abolish the O2.¯ mitochondrial production. Our results suggest that GAP-43 has a key role in the regulation of Ca2+ and ROS homeostasis, whose alterations could trigger heart disease.
Optimizing Oil Recovery: A Sector Model Study of CO₂-WAG and Continuous Injection Techniques
Authors: Hussain Majid , Boukadi Fathi
Published: January 2025

Significant amounts of oil often remain in reservoirs after traditional waterflooding. Water-Alternating-CO₂ (CO₂-WAG) injection has shown to be a more efficient technique for recovering residual oil, leveraging successive imbibition and drainage cycles. Effective simulation of WAG injection requires a thorough understanding of three-phase relative permeability. In this study, a sector model of the X Oil field reservoir was developed to assess the potential of WAG injection, compared to continuous water and CO₂ flooding. The model area was selected to represent the field's geological and material-balance regions, with a natural closed boundary around its exterior surfaces. Simulations were conducted using the GEM simulator for different wettability characteristics (water-wet and mixed-wet) to evaluate oil recovery across three injection methods: CO₂-WAG, continuous water, and continuous CO₂ injection.The results indicate that continuous CO₂ injection yields a higher oil recovery factor than other methods in both water-wet and mixed-wet systems. However, the water-wet system outperformed the mixed-wet system in terms of overall recovery efficiency, highlighting the significant impact of wettability on EOR performance. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing injection strategies for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
The Collatz Infinite Tree: Inclusion of Natural Numbers and Nonexistence of Nontrivial Cycles
Authors: Getachew Eyob Solomon
Published: January 2025

The complete proof of the Collatz Conjecture is presented by constructing the Collatz infinite tree through inverse transformations of the Collatz equation. The inclusion of all natural numbers in the tree and the nonexistence of cycles other than the trivial 1-2-4-1 cycle are shown. For any given natural number N, specific branches of the tree are shown to contain all natural numbers up to N. This result is generalized for all N using mathematical induction, confirming the completeness of the tree. Analysis of the tree's structure demonstrates that the only cycle present is the trivial 1-2-4-1 cycle in the backbone. All conditions necessary for the existence of nontrivial cycles are shown to be unsatisfiable, affirming the conjecture's validity. An algorithm is also designed to construct the subtree containing all natural numbers up to any specified N, offering a practical complement to the theoretical proof.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Fatty Acids Derived from Wheat Germ Bran as Precursor for the Synthesis of Biodegradable Surfactants
Authors: De Soricellis Giulia , Brusotti Gloria , Marrubini Giorgio , Rinaldi Francesca , Argentieri Maria Pia , Mandracchia Delia , Calleri Enrica
Published: January 2025

This study introduces an optimized microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for the recovery of fatty acids from wheat bran, strategically implemented to maximize efficiency while fully adhering to sustainability practices. For an environmentally friendly approach, ethanol was selected as solvent, used alongside potassium hydroxide (KOH) to facilitate the extraction. The effect of water content on extraction yields was investigated, with results confirming that water negatively affects ethanolysis. The method was systematically refined to reduce solvent consumption and streamline the process, resulting in consistent fatty acid recovery yields and demonstrating the reproducibility of the approach. To ensure the efficiency of the implemented extraction protocol, nonadecanoic acid (C19) was used as an internal standard, thus further validating the method’s precision. The recovered fatty acids will serve as a hydrophobic component in the synthesis of biodegradable surfactants when conjugated with inulin, a renewable polysaccharide. Overall, this optimized MAE method offers a sustainable and reproducible approach for the recovery of fatty acids from agrifood waste, contributing to the circular economy. agri-food byproducts, microwave, extraction, fatty acids, GC-MS.
The Oncological Impact of Low Vascular Tie After Surgery for Upper and Middle Rectal Cancer: Is a Low Vascular Tie Enough? Seven-Year Follow-Up in a Single Centre Slovakian Cohort
Authors: Danihel Ľudovít , Cerny Marian , Gulbisova Karin , Schnorrer Milan , Danko Jan , Smolár Marek , Dyttert Daniel , Durdik Stefan , Danihel sr. Ludovit
Published: January 2025

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of low vascular ligation on oncological outcomes in upper and middle rectal cancer surgery.
Despite significant progress in colorectal surgery, many questions remain unanswered, and there is ongoing debate about optimal management. One of the key issues is the height of vascular ligation of arteria mesenterica inferior (IMA) during rectal resection. Many believe that high vascular ligation is beneficial from an oncological point of view in terms of survival. However, the available data indicate that the height of ligation is not decisive in terms of its oncological impact, as the number of lymph nodes harvested (minimum are 12 lymph nodes) with high vascular ligation is not significantly greater than the number harvested with low vascular ligation.
Methods:
This study identified and followed all stage I–III/b rectal cancer patients with a tumor in the upper or middle rectum who underwent abdominal surgery with curative intent between 2013 and 2017 at the 3rd Surgical Clinic of Comenius University in Bratislava. In this study we included 96 patient, consisting of 44 females and 52 males and they were subdivided into two groups based on the tumor's distance from the anus: the first group included upper rectal tumors (12-16 cm from the anus), and the second group included middle rectal tumors (6-12 cm from the anus). Preoperative tumor evaluation included a physical examination with a digital rectal exam and anoscopy, serum CEA and CA19-9, total colonoscopy with biopsy, pelvic MRI, and CT. The primary outcome was cancer-specific survival, while the secondary outcomes included overall and relative survival, locoregional and distant recurrence, and lymph node harvest.
Results:
The study evaluated 96 patients with rectal tumors located in the upper and middle parts of the rectum who underwent MRI examination followed by surgical resection. In all the patients, due to anatomical conditions, a low vascular ligation was performed with subsequent anastomosis.
Conclusion:
In this study, low ligation did not influence any patient-oriented oncological outcomes in comparison with the literature. The literature suggests that high vascular ligation can harvest more lymph nodes (1-2), but it does not affect survival. Therefore, the height of the ligation should be determined during surgery.
Differential Protein Expression in Dengue Patients with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies: Implications of Disease Severity and Antibody Dependent Enhancement
Authors: Cruz-Altamirano Elizabeth , Mayoral-Chávez Miguel Angel , Ramirez-Palacios Luis , Alpuche Juan
Published: January 2025

Dengue is the most prevalent arthropod-borne disease, causing 100-400 million infections annually. The clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic to severe, involving hemorrhage and organ failure. Severe dengue often occurs in secondary infections with different serotypes due to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, cross-reactions between dengue and SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests have been reported, due to antibody cross-reactivity between the dengue envelope protein and SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD protein. This study analyzed the serum proteome of dengue patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. We conducted a bottom-up label-free proteomic analysis of whole serum samples from healthy donors and dengue patients, with or without SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. We identified 1,122 protein sequences, 296 of which were gene-associated. Gene ontology analysis revealed that dengue patients with both SARS-CoV-2 and dengue IgG antibodies had more genes involved in immune regulation, humoral response, blood coagulation, and platelet degranulation, which may increase severe dengue risk. Unique proteins linked to platelet activation, such as coagulation factor XIII B chain, thrombospondin, Antigen KI-67, bone marrow proteoglycan, and colorectal cancer mutant protein may explain thrombocytopenia mechanisms. Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in dengue infection cause differential protein expression compared with healthy donors or other groups.
Enabling Collaborative Forensic-by-Design for the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Elmisery Ahmed M. , Sertovic Mirela
Published: January 2025

The progress in automotive technology, communication protocols, and embedded systems has propelled the development of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). In this system, each vehicle functions as a sophisticated sensing platform that collects environmental and vehicular data. This data assists drivers and infrastructure engineers in improving navigation safety, pollution control, and traffic management. Digital artefacts stored within vehicles can serve as critical evidence in road crime investigations. Given the interconnected and autonomous nature of intelligent vehicles, effective identification of road crimes and the secure collection and preservation of evidence from these vehicles are essential for the successful implementation of the IoV ecosystem. Traditional digital forensics has primarily focused on in-vehicle investigations. This paper addresses the challenges of extending artefact identification to an IoV framework and introduces the Collaborative Forensic Platform for Electronic Artefacts (CFPEA). The CFPEA framework implents a collaborative forensic-by-design mechanism that is designed to securely collect, store, and share artefacts from the IoV environment. It enables individuals and groups to manage artefacts collected by their intelligent vehicles and stores them in a non-proprietary format. This approach allows crime investigators and law enforcement agencies to gain access to real-time and highly relevant road crime artefacts that have been previously unknown to them or out of their reach, while enabling vehicle owners to monetise the use of their sensed artefacts. The CFPEA framework assists in identifying pertinent roadside units and evaluating their datasets, enabling the autonomous extraction of evidence for ongoing investigations. Leveraging CFPEA for artefact collection in road crime cases offers significant benefits for solving crimes and conducting thorough investigations.
Spatial Secrecy Outage Probability Design Under Nakagami-m Wiretap Channel in the Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Liu Xiaokai , Xu Fangmin , Ning Lina , Li Qiguang , Zhao Chenglin
Published: January 2025

The rapid evolution of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has created significant opportunities for industrial transformation, while simultaneously presenting substantial challenges to network security. Among these challenges, physical layer security emerges as a critical factor in ensuring the integrity and reliability of message transmission across interconnected devices and sensors within complex industrial environments. In our previous work, we proposed a mechanism for assessing the Spatial Secrecy Outage Probability (SSOP) in a Rayleigh Channel with a single eavesdropper, achieving promising simulation results. This paper focuses on the Nakagami-m Wiretap Channel and multiple eavesdroppers assuming that the location of legitimate devices is known, while the eavesdropper devices have a spatially homogeneous Poisson point process distribution of locations, forming the SSOP models related to the device locations from the perspective of insecure regions (ISRs) and secure regions (SRs), and the closed-form expression for its upper bound is derived. Subsequently, under the constraints imposed by SSOP conditions, we establish an optimization model aimed at maximizing system secrecy throughput. Finally,we analyze ISRs and SRs based on geographical location information through the lens of Secrecy Outage Probability (SOP), evaluating the security performance of our system. Through advanced modeling and simulation in MATLAB, we validated the accuracy of the proposed definition and derived the upper bound for the SSOP under Nakagami-m Channel. The experimental results further demonstrate the deep relationship between Secrecy Rate and Throughput. Additionally, it was observed that as the secrecy rate increases, the secrecy outage probability also rises, necessitating careful consideration of the trade-off. These insights are crucial for understanding and enhancing the security performance of IIoT communication systems.
BODIPY Dyes: A New Frontier in Cellular Imaging and Theragnostic Applications
Authors: Kumar Panangattukara Prabhakaran Praveen , Saxena Shivanjali , Joshi Rakesh
Published: January 2025

BODIPY (Boron-Dipyrromethene) dyes have emerged as versatile fluorescent probes in cellular imaging and therapeutic applications, owing to their unique chemical properties, including high fluorescence quantum yield, strong extinction coefficients, and remarkable photostability. This review synthesizes the recent advancements in BODIPY dyes, focusing on their deployment in biological imaging and therapy. The exceptional ability of BODIPY dyes to selectively stain cellular structures enables precise visualization of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids within live and tumor cells, thereby facilitating enhanced understanding of biochemical processes. Moreover, BODIPY derivatives are increasingly utilized in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and for Photothermal therapies (PTT) for targeting cancer cells, where their capability to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species upon light activation offers a promising approach to tumor treatment. Recently BODIPY derivatives has been used for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for various tumor, and it is a growing research field. The advancement in nanotechnology allowed fabrication of BODIPY dye-based nanomedicines either alone or with use of metallic nanoparticles as a matrix, offers the development of new class of bioimaging and theragnostic agents. This review also discusses innovative BODIPY-based formulations and strategies that amplify therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects, underscoring the potential of these dyes as integral components in next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. By summarizing current research and future perspectives, this review highlights the critical importance of BODIPY dyes in advancing the fields of cellular imaging and treatment methodologies.
Route Optimization of Hazardous Materials Railway Transportation Based on Conditional Value-at-Risk Considering Risk Equity
Authors: Liu Liping , Sun Shilei , Li Shuxia
Published: January 2025

Hazardous materials events by rail have the characteristics of small probability and even higher consequence than other modes. In response to these characteristics, we have adopted conditional value-at-risk into the risk assessment of hazardous materials railway transportation, which can flexibly realize the configuration decisions from risk neutrality to risk aversion. Moreover, this paper not only focus on risk reduction, but also pay more attention to reasonable risk distribution, which means risk equity for people in the entire environment. In this paper, a new model is proposed by adding risk equity goal to the traditional conditional value-at-risk assessment, and route decision-making can be optimized through this model, then an algorithm based on k-shortest path algorithm is given to solve the problem. Finally, the validity of the model and algorithm is verified based on the example of hazardous materials railway transportation network in the Yangtze River Delta. This research can provide decision support for enterprises to optimize the route of railway transportation of hazardous materials, and can also provide decision support for the government to carry out detailed safety management of railway transportation of hazardous materials.
A Reliable Molecular Diagnostic Tool for CA90 Hybrid Identification Through SSR
Authors: Yussif Toufiq Soale , Evora da Cruz Nadine , Coelho Valentim , Gouveia Eugénia , Choupina Altino Branco
Published: January 2025

Chestnut trees are an essential source of both food and timber. However, the severe threats from invasive pests and diseases compromise their existence and productivity. In Europe, chestnut hybridization programs have been initiated to produce resilient rootstocks in response to ink disease. However, there remains a gap in the identification of these hybrid plants. Our study presents a methodology for distinguishing between chestnut hybrids and varieties using microsatellite (SSR) markers and bioinformatics tools. This tool is essential for identifying CA90 (Castanea sativa × Castanea crenata), a hybrid with demonstrated resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi. We used 35 chestnut samples, including three CA90 controls, hybrids sampled within Portugal. Nine modified distinct SSR primers from the already developed 43 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs). PCR amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to visualize the DNA bands, and the PCR products were sequenced to confirm genetic variations. We aimed to define the SSR motifs in the chestnut varieties used in this study to improve the use of chestnut hybrids. Twenty-seven amplified bands were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. This analysis identified 31 SSRs across 22 SSR-containing sequences, with trinucleotide (67.74%) repeats being the most common, (22.58%) dinucleotide, (6.45%) mononucleotide, and hexanucleotide (3.23%). A total of 18 alleles were observed for the nine loci. The alleles ranged from 1 to 3 per locus for the 35 samples. It was also observed that primer locus CP4 could only be found in CA90 hybrids. This tool can aid in identifying and selecting disease-resistant hybrids, thereby contributing to chestnut production and management strategies.
Identification of POU1F1 Variants in Vietnamese Patients with Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thu , Nguyen Khanh Ngoc , Dien Tran Minh , Can Thi Bich Ngoc , Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngan , Lien Nguyen Thi Kim , Tung Nguyen Van , Xuan Nguyen Thi , Tao Nguyen Thien , Nguyen Ngoc Lan , Tran Van Khanh , Mai Tran Thi Chi , Tran Van Anh , Nguyen Huy Hoang , Vu Chi Dung
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Hypopituitarism is a condition characterized by the deficiency of several hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Genetic factors play an important role. Variants in the POU1F1 gene are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency-1 (CPHD1), which manifests as deficiencies in growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin (PRL). This study aimed to analyze the phenotype, genotype, treatment, and outcomes of Vietnamese patients with deficiency. Methods: Six patients from five unrelated families, initially diagnosed with hypopituitarism, were enrolled in this study. Data on physical characteristics, biochemical tests, treatment, outcomes, and follow-up were collected. Exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were conducted to identify disease-causing variants in five probands and their families. Results: All six patients exhibited anterior pituitary hypoplasia on brain magnetic resonance imaging and presented with TSH, GH, and PRL deficiencies. Exome sequencing identified three variants in the POU1F1 gene: c.428G>A p.(Arg143Gln), c.557T>G p.(Leu186Arg), and c.811C>T p.(Arg271Trp). The c.811C>T p.(Arg271Trp) variant was found in three patients, while c.557T>G p.(Leu186Arg) is a novel variant. Based on the ACMG classification, these variants were categorized as likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants. All patients were definitively diagnosed with CPHD1 caused by POU1F1 variants. All patients received levothyroxine and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy, leading to considerable growth. During the first year of treatment, all patients showed excellent growth response, with height increases ranging from 11 to 24 cm. After three years of treatment, two patients achieved normal height. One of the six patients developed scoliosis during treatment, which resolved after a one-year pause in rhGH therapy. Upon resuming treatment, no recurrence of scoliosis was observed. Conclusions: Our findings reveal the importance of early hormone testing and genetic analysis in improving the care and outcomes for patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency.
Experiences and Perceptions of Adolescents with OCD Amongst a Sample of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland
Authors: Malone Sorcha , McVeigh Joanne
Published: January 2025

OCD is a prevalent mental disorder, particularly amongst adolescents, with prevalence rates between 1 and 3 percent globally. This study aimed to explore experiences and perceptions of adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) amongst a sample of teachers living in Ireland. Interviews were conducted with 15 secondary school (middle school/high school) teachers (4 male, 11 female). The data were analysed using Constant Comparison Analysis. In total, 35 themes emerged, from which 10 overarching themes were identified: Manifestations of OCD; portrayal of OCD in the media; comorbidity; prevalence and impact; OCD in the classroom; teacher training; role as teachers; perceived ability to identify and support; barriers to identification and support; and importance of awareness and education. Further research on teachers’ understanding of OCD is recommended to inform the design of teacher training programmes to support students affected by OCD.
Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss in Shallow Anterior Chamber Eyes after Phacoemulsification Using the Eight-Chop Technique
Authors: Sato Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2025

Objectives: This study evaluated the correlation between anterior chamber depth (ACD) and corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) loss and assessed the safety and efficacy of the eight-chop technique in cataract surgery for patients with shallow anterior chamber (SAC) depth. Mehods: The technique was applied to patients with SAC depht and normal ACD, defined as < 3 mm and > 3 mm, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), CECD, coefficient of variation, percentage of hexagonal cells, and central corneal thickness were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Operative time, phaco time, aspiration time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and volume of fluid used were recorded intraoperatively. Results: A total of 180 eyes from 99 patients (mean age, 74.8 ± 5.1 years; 28 men, 71 women) were analyzed. In the SAC group, the mean operative time, phaco time, aspiration time, CDE, and volume of fluid used were 4.7 min, 15.4 s, 65.6 s, 5.87, and 26.6 mL, respectively, demonstrating favorable surgical metrics. CECD loss was 1.3% at 7 weeks, 1.1% at 19 weeks, and 0.9% at 1 year, with no significant difference between groups. No correlation was observed between CECD loss and ACD in either group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the eight-chop technique is a minimally invasive and effective approach that preserves corneal endothelial integrity, even in patients with SAC depth.
Pea Dietary Fibre Improves Obesity, Intestinal Barrier, Reproductive Performance of Parent Mice Deprived of Dietary Fibre, and Health of Offspring
Authors: Tian Siqi , Zhang Mi , Chen Yanhong , Sun Hanqing , Li Qingqing , Yang Yajin , Guo Aiwei
Published: January 2025

As a potential high-quality protein food, peas are enriched in protein and fibre. This study investigated the judicious utilisation of pea fibre and the impact of maternal diet on offspring health in mice. Thirty-six eight-week-old, female, healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 per group): deprived fibre diet (DFD), 5% pea fibre diet (LFD), and 10% pea fibre (HFD) diet. After weaning, the offspring mice were fed the same diet as their parents; the respective corresponding groups were DFDO, LFDO, and HFDO. Fibre-deprived mice exhibited decreased average litter size, diminished reproductive performance, increased body weight, and intestinal barrier damage. Mice fed pea fibre showed increased litter size, improved fertility rate of parental mice, regulated body weight, and maintained a normal intestinal barrier morphology without inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis revealed that pea fibres enhanced the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota and altered microbial composition. Notably, changes in Lactobacillus and Parabacteroides in fibre-deprived mice suggest that pea fibres might be a potentially beneficial option for neuropsychiatric diseases. In conclusion, supplementing the diet of maternal mice with pea fibres can mitigate the aforementioned issues in their offspring. This study emphasised the crucial role of maternal fibre consumption in increasing litter size, promoting gut health in offspring, and reducing susceptibility to obesity.
Secondary Metabolites Accumulation in Ethnic Turmeric Planted in Northern Mountain of Vietnam
Authors: Minh Tu Nguyen Thi , Thanh Phuong Nguyen
Published: January 2025

The traditional turmeric grown in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam could be a valuable source of natural compounds, especially of curcuminoid with potential applications in functional foods and biotherapeutic products. Leveraging the cultural significance and unique phytochemical attributes of this traditional turmeric could help promote the sustainable development and preservation of the ethnic minority communities' agricultural heritage in the Northern Mountain region of Vietnam.
Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated of Musa paradisiaca: Part II
Authors: RuizMedina MaritzaD. , Ruales Jenny
Published: January 2025

Essential oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium ar-omaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum) possess antifungal properties. This study aimed to evaluate their ability to inhibit the growth of fungi isolated from the rot of banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) to control or reduce fungal growth in ba-nanas. The methodology involved preparing dilutions of essential oils and inoculating them onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium amended with chloramphenicol to prevent bacterial con-tamination. Fungal species, including Trichoderma spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp., were isolated, purified, and characterized both macroscopically and microscopically. Their growth was assessed ex vivo and the inhibition percentage was measured in vitro. The ex vivo analysis revealed that the severity of fungal infection, ranked from highest to lowest, was as follows: Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp. The results showed that rosemary and basil oils did not inhibit fungal growth, while clove oil was effective at 800 ppm, cinnamon at 400 ppm, and oregano at 200 ppm against all four fungi. These findings suggest that certain essential oils, particularly clove, cinnamon, and oregano, have strong antifungal potential and could serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides in banana postharvest disease management.
Privacy-Preserving Data Analytics in 5G-Enabled IoT for the Financial Industry
Authors: Wayz Wang
Published: January 2025

The rapid expansion of 5G networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized data analytics, particularly in the financial industry. The convergence of these technologies promises enhanced connectivity, real-time insights, and unprecedented data processing capabilities. However, as the volume and sensitivity of data exchanged between IoT devices grow, the need for privacy-preserving techniques becomes paramount. This paper explores privacy-preserving data analytics in the context of 5G-enabled IoT within the financial sector, addressing key challenges and solutions. It discusses the vulnerabilities inherent in real-time financial data streams and proposes novel privacy-preserving methodologies, such as homomorphic encryption, federated learning, and differential privacy, to safeguard sensitive information. Furthermore, the paper examines regulatory compliance issues, the trade-off between data utility and privacy, and the role of edge computing in mitigating privacy risks. The findings suggest that leveraging advanced privacy-preserving technologies in 5G-enabled IoT ecosystems can significantly enhance data security, maintain trust, and foster innovation in financial services while adhering to stringent privacy regulations.
Analysis of the Environmental and Safety Aspects of a Routine Utility Flare Using CFD
Authors: Zangana Mohammed H.S.
Published: January 2025

The CFD code C3d was used to investigate the operation of a routine utility flare at low and high gas firing rates in an oil field in Iraq. This code was developed for analysis of transient flares, enables the simulation of flare operation, and offers detailed estimates of the flame shape and the emissions produced. In this work, the numerical simulations included two flare gas rates, 9 t/h (2.5 kg/s) and 45 t/h (12.5 kg/s), under three crosswind conditions (4 m/s, 8 m/s and 14 m/ s) and using three stack heights (35 m, 45 m, and 55 m). The results of this work provided insights into flame shape and size, pollutant types and dispersion, and ground heat radiation levels from the flare. The safety analysis found that ground-level heat increases with higher flare gas rates and decreases with higher stack heights. The stack height of 55 m and the lower gas firing rate of 9 t/h were identified as the safest operating conditions as they provide lower ground level heat compared to the higher flare gas rate of 45 t/h. Likewise, environmental analysis showed that plume size increases with increasing flare gas rate, while pollutant dispersion intensifies with stronger crosswinds. When comparing the two gas firing rates, in the case of 9 t/h there was a smaller plume and less pollutant dispersion which illustrates the relatively lower impact on the environment.
Operational Conditions for an Internal Combustion Engine in a SOFC-ICE Hybrid Power Generation System
Authors: Reyes-Flores Victor Alejandro , Swartwout Zachary , Garland Shane , Olsen Daniel B , Windom Bret , Braun Robert , Bandhauer Todd
Published: January 2025

Hybrid power generation systems utilizing pressurized solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have gained considerable attention recently as an effective solution to the increasing demand for cleaner electricity sources. Among the various hybridization options, gas turbines (GT) and internal combustion engines (ICE) running off SOFC tail gas have been prominent. Although spark ignition (SI) tail gas engines have received less focus, they show significant potential for stationary power generation, particularly due to their ability to control combustion. This research experimentally characterized an SI engine fueled by SOFC anode gas across a range of fuel cell load variations. The study aimed to optimize the engine for each fuel blend and establish operational conditions that would sustain maximum performance. The results showed efficiencies as high as 31.4% at 1600 rpm, with a 17:1 compression ratio, equivalence ratio (φ) = 0.75, and a boost pressure of 165 kPa with low NOx emissions. The study also emphasizes the benefits of optimizing boost supply to minimize parasitic loads and improve brake thermal efficiency (BTE). Additionally, installing a catalytic oxidizer would enable the system to comply with new engine emission regulations. A proposed control scheme for automation includes regulating engine power by controlling the boost of the supercharger at a fixed throttle position.
Monthly and Seasonal Dryness and Wetness Assessments Based on Rainy Days and Its Magnitude
Authors: Suribabu Conety Ravi , K Priyanka
Published: January 2025

Drought is a natural phenomenon which occurs often unpredictably. It affects larger communities mainly who depends more on rainwater for their crop cultivation. It is a natural that it occurs at different magnitude over a year. The number of rainy days in each month usually have large variations among them as it depends on the seasons. Indian meteorological department (IMD) has provided a categorization of rainfall based on amount of daily rainfall amount. The number of rainy days in each categorization will have an impact in addressing varying intensity of dryness and wetness. As the number of rainy days in each categorization is important over the year apart from annual rainfall amount, the index based on this could help to understand the climate of the region in better way. In the present study, a new index for drought or wet year assessment is presented based on IMD’s rainfall categorization. The proposed index is applied to Thanjavur city rainfall data and drought categorization is carried out as per the new index. The results of the study indicate that the proposed index is found to be effective in assessing drought conditions by simple calculation.