bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Connection between Macroscopic Stress and Bond-Breaking Force Enabled by Time-Stamped Mechanochemical Fluorescence
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Wang Zeyu , Sathe Devavrat , Wang Ming-Chi , Zhou Junfeng , Ling Zichen , Zhou Qixin
Published: January 2025

Mechanical stress is ubiquitous in materials, and it is well accepted that stress causes material wear and failure—which, at the molecular level, results from force-induced bond breakage. Understanding the mechanical behavior of materials at the molecular level requires a quantitative relationship between macroscopic stress and bond-breaking force, a connection that remains largely unexplored. Here we report that the macroscopic stress and the bond-breaking force are quantitatively connected through the kinetics of mechanically activated retro-Diels–Alder reaction of an anthracene–maleimide adduct mechanophore, which is embedded within the crosslink of a double-network elastomer. We find that the force required for bond breakage is largely insensitive to the strain applied to the elastomer but increases linearly with the logarithm of the strain rate. These findings provide insights into the mechanical behavior of polymeric materials and offer valuable guidance for the design of mechanically responsive materials.
Short-range order controlled amphoteric behavior of the Si dopant in Al-rich AlGaN
Authors: Tuomisto Filip , Prozheev Igor , Bes Rene , Makkonen Ilja , Schilling Marcel , Mehnke Frank , Wernicke Tim , Kneissl Michael
Published: January 2025

AlGaN alloys with high Al content offer the possibility to create deep ultraviolet (UV) light sources emitting at wavelengths ≤ 240 nm with enhanced quantum efficiency. However, pushing the limits of the band gap energies towards higher values leads to problems with n-type doping of AlGaN alloys with the standard choice of Si donors when the Al content surpasses ∼80 %. This is due to the formation of the so-called negative Si DX center where the Si-N bond is ruptured, followed by a displacement of the N atom. In this paper, we show that the amphoteric nature of the Si dopant in AlGaN alloys is fundamentally controlled by the local environment and the ordering of the Ga and Al atoms in the vicinity of the Si atom. Our conclusions are based on advanced characterization sensitive to the local environment of defects and impurities: positron annihilation spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Electronic structure calculations complete the picture. As our experiments show that the presence of Ga in the vicinity of Si controls the donor character of the latter in high Al content AlGaN, we propose that spatial ordering of these atoms could allow efficient n-type doping at even higher Al contents, including AlN.
Aural Myiasis in a Retroviral-Positive Nigerian Child: A Rare Case of Extensive Ear Infestation
Authors: Blackie Faustina F. , Saka Sulymon A. , Ikhifa Charles E. , Okechukwu Eze J. , Agbonifo Monday
Published: January 2025

Aural myiasis is infestation of the ear by live maggots. It is a rare condition but commonly seen in children with a chronically discharging ear and in adults with mental retardation. It is usually caused by tissue invasion by larvae of dipteran flies. We present 5-year-old Nigerian girl who is a known retroviral disease patient. She presented with right chronic suppurative otitis media and aural myiasis, characterized by mucopurulent discharge with intense ear pain, and maggot infestation of the external auditory canal with cartilage exposure. This rare condition was managed by mechanical removal of the maggot under general anesthesia, intravenous antibiotics, and local wound care.
Estimating present temperature climate in a warming world: probabilistic verification of a model-based approach for years 2008-2023
Authors: Räisänen Jouni , Rantanen Mika , Toropainen Antti
Published: January 2025

When climate changes, statistics derived from past observations become unrepresentative of the true present climate. In 2008, Räisänen and Ruokolainen proposed a model-based method for alleviating this bias. Here, the fidelity of this method in predicting the probability distributions of monthly mean temperatures is evaluated, focusing on the 16 years 2008–2023 that post-date the original study. Compared with the traditional approach in which the distributions are estimated directly from observations, a major improvement is found in both the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) and the logarithmic score (L). The rank histograms that describe the positions of the verifying observations within the predicted distributions also become far more balanced. In addition, the optimal length of the baseline period from which observations are used increases when the observed temperatures are adjusted for climate change. The verification statistics are further improved when augmenting the model-based climate change estimates with information from local observed temperature trends. Conversely, both CRPS and L are degraded when the t-distributions fitted to the climate-change-adjusted observations are replaced with more flexible Stochastically Generated Skewed distributions. However, a blend between the two distributions using the Akaike information criterion yields statistics nearly identical to those for the t-distribution.
Flat-panel Pixel Electrospray Thrusters for Increased Reliability and Efficiency: Preliminary Design and Testing
Authors: Nachtigal Catherine , Lozano Paulo
Published: January 2025

Electrospray thrusters are a promising form of electric propulsion due to their compactness and good performance, making them advantageous in most mission scenarios, especially for small spacecraft. These thrusters operate through the emission of charged particles from an electrically-conductive liquid flowing inside an array of capillaries or sharp permeable structures from applying a potential difference between the liquid and a downstream extractor electrode. Emission is most efficient when operated in the pure ionic regime (PIR), with recent designs utilizing sharp porous structures to transport the liquid and provide electric field enhancement to induce ion evaporation. However, these structures are often difficult to manufacture uniformly at the scales required to ensure stable PIR emission. Existing electrospray thrusters also suffer in reliability due to the monolithic nature of their extractor design, which is prone to induce full array failure upon the shortage of a single emitter structure. These issues can be mitigated by a design that utilizes (1) a flat-panel array configuration, where the geometry and arrangement of each emitter element meets the physical requirements that ensure consistent manufacturing and PIR operation, and (2) a series of fuses interconnecting individual extractor rings for each emitter structure, which would break upon shortage, protecting the rest of the extractors in an array in case of a single emitter shortage. Through this research, a design is properly fabricated with properties that favor PIR emission. The required starting voltage based on this approach is simulated and a preliminary characterization is performed using a non-integrated extractor.
Serum syndecan-1 levels and its relationship to disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis disease
Authors: Assem Nourhan , Fouda Enas Mahmoud , Mohamed Alaa , Mohamed Ahmed Elsaady
Published: January 2025

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon and rectum. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the colon. UC is considered one of the two major types of IBD, with the other being Crohn's disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Serum Syndecan-1 levels and disease activity in patients with UC.
Patients and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 84 participants; those were divided into three groups: Group A (Active Diseased Group), which includes 28 individuals currently experiencing active ulcerative colitis (UC); Group B (Remission Group), consisting of 28 individuals who have UC but are currently in remission; and Group C (Normal Population Control Group), which comprises 28 healthy individuals. This study aims to compare the clinical and biochemical parameters among these groups to better understand the differences between active disease, remission, and healthy controls.
Results: We did clinical assessments, laboratory tests and colonoscopy for all participants, then we collected data and analyzed it using SPSS version 23. Colonoscopy findings further supported these observations, with significant differences in the extent and severity of inflammation among the groups. The Active Diseased Group exhibited moderate to severe inflammation across various colon segments, particularly in the sigmoid, anus, and rectum. In contrast, the Remission Group displayed minimal or no inflammation, and the Control Group showed no signs of inflammation. The strong positive correlations between Serum Syndecan-1 levels and colonoscopy findings, especially in regions often affected by ulcerative colitis, underscore the marker’s reliability in assessing mucosal inflammation and overall disease severity. These results suggest Serum Syndecan-1’s utility in evaluating disease activity and guiding treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis patients
Conclusions: The findings from this study underscore the significant role of Serum Syndecan-1 as a potential biomarker for assessing disease activity and severity in patients with ulcerative colitis. Elevated Serum Syndecan-1 levels were strongly correlated with increased inflammation, as evidenced by both clinical symptoms and objective measures such as fecal calprotectin, ESR, and CRP. Additionally, the strong positive correlations between Serum Syndecan-1 levels and colonoscopy findings across various segments of the colon highlight its potential utility in reflecting the extent and severity of mucosal inflammation. These correlations suggest that Serum Syndecan-1 could serve as a reliable non-invasive marker for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in ulcerative colitis patients.
Synergistic effect of laser irradiation and remineralizing agents on surface microhardness of primary tooth enamel -An in-vitro study
Authors: KL Girish Babu , Hebbar Kavyashree Gururaj , Doddamani Geeta Maruti
Published: January 2025

Purpose
To evaluate the synergistic effect of erbium laser irradiation and remineralizing agents on the surface microhardness of primary tooth enamel.
Methods
A total of 380 primary molars were collected. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin such that only their buccal surface were exposed. The initial surface microhardness (SMH) was measured and the teeth were allocated into 19 groups: Group-1-Positive control, Group-2-Negative control, Group-3-Er: YAG laser, Group-4- Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Group-5-Fluorovil®, Group-6-Fluor Protector® varnish, Group-MI Paste®, Group-8-MI Paste Plus®, Group-9-MI varnish®, Group-10-Er: YAG + Fluorovil®, Group-11-Er: YAG + Fluor Protector® varnish, Group-12-Er: YAG + MI Paste®, Group-13-Er: YAG + MI Paste Plus®, Group-14-Er: YAG + MI Varnish®, Group-15-Er,Cr:YSGG + Fluorovil®, Group-16-Er,Cr:YSGG + Fluor Protector® varnish, Group-17-Er,Cr:YSGG + MI Paste®, Group-18-Er,Cr:YSGG + MI Paste Plus® and Group-19-Er,Cr:YSGG + MI Varnish®. After the planned enamel surface treatments, a second SMH measurement was taken. The samples were then subjected to a demineralization-remineralization cycle, followed by a third SMH measurement.
Results
The highest SMH after the demineralization-remineralization cycle was recorded with the use of Er: YAG laser in combination with Fluor Protector® varnish (Group 11) (418.40 ± 4.17), while the lowest value was seen with the use of Er, Cr: YSGG laser alone (Group 4) (259 ± 15.53).
Conclusion
The results indicate that erbium laser irradiation, followed by the application of remineralizing agents, has a synergistic effect in increasing enamel SMH. This suggests the potential use of such treatments as a preventive measure for dental caries.
Combined True Time Delay System Based on Inductor- less CMOS True-Time-Delay Cell
Authors: Yarahmadi Ahmad
Published: January 2025

A novel true-time delay (TTD) system for 1-5GHz applications is presented in this paper. Conventional TTD systems must be better optimized in low frequencies. Most existing structures use transmission lines (TLs), artificial transmission lines (ATLs), or LC ladder structures, which result in large chip areas due to the size of the inductors. Some systems employ two different delay cells in their topologies, which is not desired for integration purposes. To address these issues, a combined true-time delay cell system (CTTDS) is proposed. This system consists of N-semi-identical building blocks, which can be cascaded to provide sufficient delay. Each block includes nearly identical TTD cells. A 4-bit resolution delay system with a 14 ps delay step and a total delay of 210 ps demonstrates the concept. The delay cells are inverter-based, inductor-less designs with resistive feedback to ensure wideband operation. Single pole dual throw (SPDT) switches are used to select the proper path for each cell in the system. This design is designed in TSMC 180nm CMOS technology.
Trait Development and CRISPR-Enabled Improvement in the African Orphan Crop Fonio (Digitaria exilis)
Authors: Michael Todd , Ozersky Philip , Hartwick Nolan , Colt Kelly , Allsing Nick , Marmerto Allen , Kitony Justine , Carroll Emily , Buren Robert Van , Coquerel Marie de Gracia , Gano Boubacar , Eck Nathaniel , Adams Jessica , Beyene Getu , Taylor Nigel , Villmer Justin , Kane Ndjido , Guèye Mame , Diop Baye , Albert Victor , Mockler Todd , Shakoor Nadia
Published: January 2025

Fonio (Digitaria exilis), known as the "grain of life," is a vital food security crop grown by smallholder farmers across West Africa. Renowned for its short maturity period of 6-8 weeks, fonio provides essential harvests during periods of food scarcity. Its nutritional value, drought resilience, and ability to thrive on marginal soils make it a crucial staple in the region. However, fonio’s yield, averaging less than 0.5 metric tons per hectare, remains significantly lower than major cereals, due to minimal breeding efforts aimed at enhancing agronomic traits. In this study, we generated a high-quality chromosome-resolved, tetraploid (2n=4x=36) genome of a fonio line (PI 349688) available through the United States Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN). Time-of-day (TOD) expression profiling revealed sub-genome dominance in pathways associated with key agronomic traits that were also identified in a selective sweep analysis across a panel of 90 fonio accessions that originated from 21 different villages over five regions of Senegal representing eight distinct ethnic groups. Leveraging phenotyping across 14 key agronomic traits, we identified genotype-trait associations for plant height, tillering and panicle yield with genes involved in the circadian clock, light signaling and plant architecture. We demonstrated that fonio is amenable to transformation and gene editing, as evidenced by successful CRISPR-Cas9 modification of the Green Revolution gene REDUCED HEIGHT 1 (RHT1), resulting in lines with increased height, vegetative area, and enhanced tillering. Collectively, the genomic resources developed here pave new avenues for molecular breeding and trait discovery, laying a robust foundation for accelerating fonio improvement to bolster food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture in West Africa.
Investigation of the Effect of Feeding Gas Flowrate on the Titanium Particle Temperature in Radiofrequency Plasma Torch
Authors: ÜNAL İrfan , ÜNAL Rahmi , ERBAŞ Murat
Published: January 2025

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed for a radio frequency (RF) plasma system designed for powder spheroidization. The electric field is generated analytically by solving the RF coil system, and then the resulting equations are implemented as user-defined functions (UDF) to the CFD model. UDF codes were created and defined in the Fluent program to generate RF plasma. Electromagnetic fields and fluid flow have been modelled in numerical analysis studies, and temperature and velocity distributions were obtained. The effect of this plasma environment on titanium particle temperature is investigated using various particle-feeding gas flow rates. As a result, it is observed that an optimal powder-feeding rate could be determined. It is seen that high particle velocities prevent the attainment of the necessary temperature for melting, while low velocities may cause the temperature to exceed the boiling point. These results conclude that the feeding gas flow rate could be determined for a specific powder size range to obtain the powder temperatures within the melting and boiling temperatures.
Tensile Strength, Cellular Content, and Degradation Properties in Three Generations of Concentrated Growth Factor
Authors: Alshirah¹ Akram , Elnaem² Mohamed , Al-Ani³ Ziad , Hudieb⁴ Malik , Hamilton⁵ Jeremy , Lowry⁶ Deborah , McCarron Paul
Published: January 2025

Background Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) is a biomaterial with regenerative potential, enriched with platelets, leukocytes, growth factors, and fibrin, but it degrades within 2–3 weeks. Albumin extends CGF stability, while silver nanoparticles (SNPs) improve its mechanical and antibacterial properties. This in vitro and ex vivo study investigates the impact of albumin (Alb-CGF) and albumin with SNPs (Alb-CGF-SNP) on CGF’s mechanical properties, degradation rate, and cellular bioactivity.Methods Blood samples were collected from 15 healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria, with the sample size determined using GPower software for power calculation. Three groups were prepared: control CGF, experimental Alb-CGF, and Alb-CGF-SNP. Membranes were produced using a Medifuge MF200 centrifuge and activated plasma albumin gel (APAG) device following standard settings. In experimental groups, the superficial 2.5 ml of plasma layer was heated at 75°C for 10 minutes before combining with the buffy coat layer of CGF. Mechanical properties were tested using a texture analyzer, degradation rates were measured by weight loss percentage, and cellular bioactivity was evaluated with a Sysmex hematology analyzer. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8.0. Group differences were assessed via one-way ANOVA and Welch ANOVA, with Tukey’s HSD test for post hoc paired group comparisons.Results The control (CGF) showed the highest mechanical properties, with Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) (95.6 kPa), Modulus of Toughness (55.55 kJ/m³), and Young’s Modulus (75.73 kPa; P = .00). No significant differences were observed in the strain at break across groups (P > 0.90). Alb-CGF-SNP displayed superior degradation resistance, with 45.2% weight loss at day 60 versus 84.2% in CGF (P = .00). CGF had the highest WBC and platelet levels, with amounts of 2.25 and 3.11-fold (P = .00).Conclusion CGF offers high tensile strength and cellular content, though its rapid degradation limits long-term applications. In contrast, Alb-CGF and Alb-CGF-SNP provide extended degradation resistance, making them effective as barrier membranes. Despite lower elasticity restricting suturing uses, their similar plasticity supports use as fillers or for tissue phenotype alteration, especially when minimizing degradation is vital. Future research on growth factor release, antibacterial efficacy, and in vivo applications is crucial for validation.
Next-Generation Intrusion Detection Systems: A Hybrid Machine Learning Framework for Intelligent Cyber Threat Neutralization
Authors: Kumar Ankit , kumar Abhishek , Raja Rohit , Dewangan Amit Kumar , Kumar Manoj , Soni Aradhana , Agarwal Dheeraj
Published: January 2025

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) face significant challenges in effectively identifying and mitigating sophisticated cyber threats. In this research, we propose an innovative hybrid approach that combines signature-based detection, anomaly-based detection and LSTM model as a substantial solution to the limitations faced in existing intrusion detection methodologies. The hybrid intrusion detection system is a game changer in threat detection capabilities. The research addresses the inherent weaknesses of traditional single-method approaches by combining multiple detection methodologies. Signature-based detection works well for known threats but is ineffective against zero-day attacks, and anomaly-based detection produces high false positive rates. This innovative hybrid model utilizes machine learning as a smart filtering mechanism to fill these crucial voids. Extensive simulations and in depth statistical analysis show impressive performance gains. The system attained a true positive detection rate of 98% which is a significant improvement over previous methods whilst reducing the final false positive rates by approximately 70%. The performance metrics define the efficiency of the system with 98% detection accuracy, significant reduction in false positive rates and increased threat recognition at known and unknown attack surface. The proposed system integrates a variety of detection methods along with refined machine learning approaches to provide an overall intelligent and adaptive network security framework, making it a strong candidate for advanced intrusion detection systems.
Adaptation of a Load Cell for the Precise Assessment of Diverse Karate Punch Techniques
Authors: Santos Willyam Brito Almeida , Bulhões-Correia Alexandre , Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco , Rangel Jonhattan Ferreira , Ribeiro Robival Alves , Bessa Kleiber Lima
Published: January 2025

Background
In sports science, load cells are used to assess biodynamic characteristics of sports techniques. In karate, punches are often practiced using the Makiwara, a Japanese training tool. Adapting a load cell to the Makiwara allows specific analysis of the impact force of karate punches.
Aim
Adapt a load cell to the Makiwara for the analysis of the impact force of karate punches.
Methods
Four male black belt karate practitioners, with over 20 years of experience, performed different punches (Choku Zuki, Kizami Zuki, and Gyaku Zuki) on the Makiwara with an integrated load cell. After 60 minutes, the protocol was repeated to assess reproducibility and repeatability. The load cell consisted of four 50 kgf cells mounted in a Wheatstone bridge, powered by 5V. The signal was amplified, adjusted, and digitized by an Arduino UNO. The system acquired data at 1000 points per second, with a 1 kHz sampling rate, and was calibrated using standard masses.
Results
No significant differences were found between the first and second measurements (p > 0.1) for all punches. High reliability was observed between the measures (CCC > 0.990) across all units of measurement (N, N/Kg, N/WF, and J).
Conclusion
The load cell adaptation for the Makiwara demonstrated high reliability in analyzing the impact force of karate punches and showed both reproducibility and repeatability across measurements taken at different times.
Risk Factors for and a Preliminary Prediction Model of Vascular Calcification in Patients Beginning Hemodialysis
Authors: Xiong Hao , Sun Cuifang , Song Jie , Yu Yan , Wang Chang , Yuan Fang
Published: January 2025

Background and hypothesis.
Vascular calcification (VC) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD); however, there is limited data on VC-related factors in patients beginning hemodialysis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the risk factors of VC and to establish a prediction model for evaluating VC progression in new patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Methods.
This study selected 86 patients who initiated in-center MHD between March 2021 and November 2022. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and laboratory data were collected. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was assessed based on the Agatston vascular score determined via computed tomography. Serum levels of the VC inhibitors fetuin-A was quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors for VC, and a neural network-based approach was adopted to construct a VC prediction model.
Results.
The average age of the patients was 56.74 ± 12.79 years, and 65.1% were male. CAC was observed in 72.09% of patients. Age, body mass index, diabetes, the comorbidity index, and the number of coronary artery branches with calcification were positively correlated with the CAC score, whereas plasma fetuin-A levels was negatively correlated. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age[odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95%CI: 1.00–1.14], the comorbidity index[OR 1.72, 95%CI: 1.16–2.57], diabetes[OR 3.97, 95%CI: 1.16–13.58] were independent risk factors for CAC; these factors were used to establish a simple scoring model to predict VC risk.
Conclusion.
Age, the comorbidity index, diabetes were identified as independent risk factors for CAC in patients beginning hemodialysis, and the new VC prediction model based on these factors may help identify VC in patients undergoing MHD, facilitating clinical interventions.
The comparison of food groups and food expenditures in different socioeconomic statuses of Iranian households
Authors: Gholami Mohammad Saeed , Bagheri Amir , Saber Amir , Rezaei Satar , Nachvak Seyed Mostafa , Mostafai Roghayeh , Najafabadi Maryam Sharifi , Kabiri Seyedeh Sarina , Moludi Jalal , Aghdam Shirin Golabi , Sadeghi Fatemeh
Published: January 2025

Background: The household income level, food prices, and the amount of money spent on food are effective factors in food choices and people's health. Our objective was to determine and compare households’ food patterns based on food prices and their income in different socioeconomic statuses (SES).
Method: 621 households were randomly selected from five of the Kermanshah city districts based on their SES. Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, SES questionnaire, semi-quantitative weekly food purchase registration questionnaire, outdoor food purchase registration questionnaire, and a medium and long-term food purchase reminder questionnaire.
Results: The average total cost of households for food per day was 2.51±0.18 $. The highest and lowest daily food expenditures were related to the protein (39.9%) and the dairy groups (3.8%). Households in the first SES spent 75.2% of their total income on food and there was a direct and significant correlation between SES, education, and income level with energy, macronutrients, and fiber (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Our findings showed that SES can influence the amount and type of nutrients purchased by households. Increasing nutritional knowledge and making the right decisions by food policymakers may reduce food insecurity at the community level.
An Intermediate-Mass Black Hole Candidate in the Globular Cluster GCl 2551
Authors: Rodríguez Elio Quiroga
Published: January 2025

GCl 2551 [RZ2004], an isolated globular cluster situated near M104, exhibits an intriguing X-ray
emission with a luminosity of 3.23 Å~ 1037 erg/s. This emission is significantly higher than what is
typically observed in globular clusters, prompting questions about its origin. One possible
explanation is the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) at the cluster's core. To
explore this hypothesis, the paper examines the characteristics of IMBHs and their expected X-ray
emissions, comparing the observed luminosity of GCl 2551 to the Eddington luminosity for an
IMBH. The findings indicate that the observed luminosity is below the Eddington limit, suggesting
that if an IMBH is present, it is likely accreting at a sub-Eddington rate. The text also considers
alternative sources for the X-ray emission, such as a population of low-mass X-ray binaries
(LMXBs) or supernova remnants. However, the compact nature of the X-ray source and its location
within a globular cluster strengthen the case for an IMBH. Further observations, including X-ray
spectroscopy, variability studies, and multi-wavelength analyses, are recommended to confirm the
presence of an IMBH in GCl 2551.
Characteristics on modified complex of Red Mud and Phosphogypsum and its soil substrates utilization
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Zuyong , Liu Fang , Zhu Jian , Liu Yuansheng
Published: January 2025

Red mud and phosphogypsum are by-products in the production process of aluminum manufacturing and phosphorus chemical industry respectively. PO43−, F−and Cd2+ in phosphogypsum and Na+ plasma in red mud will leach into water and soil after raining, which declines the ecological environment quality. Therefore, it is necessary to research the modification on red mud and phosphogypsum, and technologies of their soil substrates utilization. In this study, ferric chloride and sodium silicate were used to modify the red mud and phosphogypsum, and the control effect and mechanism of the modifiers on relevant pollutants were discussed. The study further explored the optimal ratio of this complex substrates and its growth effect on wheat grass through pot experiment. The results showed that the single modification process of ferric chloride on red mud reduced its pH value from 10.76 to 8.51–10.05, and improved its crystal and pore structure; while the Na2SiO3 treatment on phosphogypsum increased its pH value from 3.38 to 4.48–9.54, and significantly reduced the PO43− (from 205.7 mg/L to 28.9 mg/L) and F−concentration (reduced to 3.77 mg/L) in the extraction. The relevant pollutants (pH, PO43−, F− and heavy metal content) produced from the red mud and phosphogypsum modification complex (Spraying 1 mol/L FeCl3 of 15% mass ratio in red mud and 1.4 mol/L Na2SiO3 of 10% mass ratio in phosphogypsum) with a mass ratio of 7:3 all meet the highest allowable concentration requirements in the comprehensive sewage discharge standard. The pot experiment of ryegrass planting with such modification complex cultivated the dry weight of 18.82g and plant height of 21.63cm at 40 days, which was comparable to the growth effect of ryegrass in fresh soil (dry weight 21.63g and plant height 21.35 cm at 40 days). The modification mechanism realized stable dealkalinization of red mud and stable curing of soluble PO43− and F− in phosphogypsum, which can be used as a soil-based substrate suitable for forage growth. And the optimizing ratio of modification complex even can be applied to soil and ecological remediation.
State Metacognition Inventory: validity and reliability in Arabic Educational Contexts
Authors: Alajlan Sarah M , Boughattas Wissal , Aljohani Obaidalah H , Znazen Hela
Published: January 2025

Background
Metacognition is an important phenomenon in psychological and educational fields. This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the State Metacognitive Inventory (SMI) for assessing metacognitive processes in Arabic educational contexts.
Methods
The study involved 240 Taif University students who completed electronic versions of the SMI and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The research process included rigorous translation procedures, followed by exploratory and confirmatory analyses to test the four-factor structure, internal consistency, and gender measurement invariance, along with examining correlations with personality traits for construct validation.
Results
Analysis confirmed the four-factor structure of metacognition, demonstrated strong internal consistency with alpha coefficients ranging from .87 to .95, established measurement invariance across genders, and showed appropriate correlations with personality traits supporting construct validity.
Conclusions
The Arabic version of the SMI has been validated as a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument for assessing metacognitive processes in Arabic educational settings, providing educators and researchers with a valuable tool for understanding metacognition in Arabic-speaking populations.
HLA-B27 positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis presenting with an acute onset and a chronic course
Authors: Maleki Arash
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The occurrence of Human leukocyte antigen-(HLA-) B27-associated bilateral granulomatous panuveitis in a pediatric patient ultimately diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis JIA.
Methods
A case report.
Case Presentation:
A 10-year-old girl was evaluated for redness, pain, and photophobia in both eyes (OU) with no other ocular or systemic symptoms. Her best-corrected visual acuity was measured at 20/20 and 20/40 right (OD) and 20/40 left (OS) eyes, respectively. A slit lamp examination revealed mutton-fat keratic precipitates OU, anterior chamber reaction 1 + and 4 + cells OD and OS, respectively, and anterior vitreous 2 + cells OU. During dilated fundoscopy, 1 + OS haze was observed. Intravenous fluorescein angiography depicted mild disc OS and peripheral vascular leakage OU. Indocyanine green angiography revealed hypocyanescent lesions in choroid OU indicating of choroiditis. All lab work-up were negative or within the normal limits except positive HLA-B27. She was started on aggressive corticosteroids therapy, followed by a gradual taper. A flare-up occurred while she was on a regimen of 10 mg oral prednisolone and two drops of prednisolone OU. Then, immunomodulatory therapy was initiated with adalimumab and oral methotrexate. The eyes remained in remission with this regimen until she developed arthritis in the left knee and wrist, along with bilateral sacroiliitis. The pediatric rheumatology team decided to transition to golimumab, concurrently increasing the dosage of methotrexate.
Conclusion
Chronic bilateral panuveitis with an acute onset granulomatous anterior uveitis component may be indicative of HLA-B27 associated JIA. It can be coupled with a delayed onset oligoarticular JIA.
Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experiment Validation to Discover the Mechanism of Sophora Japonica Linn against Liver Cancer
Authors: Ren Yahui , Liang Yun , Zhu Tao , Fan Yanru , Zhang Sijin , Zheng Mengmeng , Xiao Xiaoxue , Cheng Qingmin , Liu Yue , Chen Hui , Song Wei
Published: January 2025

Sophora Japonica Linn, a medicinal and food-homologous plant, is commonly used to resist bacterial, inflammatory, tumor, and other effects. This study aimed to elucidate the multi-target mechanism of action of Sophora japonica Linn on liver cancer through network pharmacological analysis and verify its effect through biological experiments. The network pharmacology and molecular docking results showed that there were 152 interactivity targets between Sophora japonica Linn and liver cancer, which were mainly enriched in various biological processes through the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In vitro biological experiments showed that isorhamnetin and quercetin, the main active components of Sophora japonica Linn, had significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells HepG2. In addition, the expression of AKT and MEK proteins was downregulated, which proved that both isorhamnetin and quercetin promoted apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In summary, our findings clarify the inhibitory effect of the active ingredients of Sophora japonica Linn against HepG2 cells and provide inspiration for its clinical application in the treatment of liver cancer.
Neonates With Iodine Contrast Allergy: A Case Report
Authors: Willar Rocky , Rompis Johnny Lambert , Sadeli Ernestine Vivi
Published: January 2025

Introduction: In the modern medical world, contrast media are increasingly being used to help establish a diagnosis. Contrast media has been used over 70 million times annually worldwide. Although it has been proven safe and generally well tolerated by the body, reports of side effects of contrast media still exist, especially hypersensitivity reactions. The rarity and low number of studies on contrast media hypersensitivity in the pediatric niche make it difficult to determine the exact prevalence rate and effective treatments. Of all reactions that occur in contrast media, nearly 70% are hypersensitivity reactions with skin and mucosal involvement.
Case Report: An infant patient aged 1 month and 2 days presented with a chief complaint of black lesions on both hands and feet after undergoing a barium enema examination procedure with contrast one day before. Initially, the patient was hospitalized for six days with suspected Hirschsprung disease. The patient underwent barium enema examination with contrast (iopamidol) without biopsy. However, in monitoring and observation, the next day (> 24 hours) after the patient underwent a barium enema examination procedure with contrast, all four of the patient's extremities experienced discoloration into generalized black purpuric lesions, this reddish rash persisted with emphasis on the morphology of an erythematous maculopapular rash. The lesion progressed to multiple necrotic lesions in all four extremities with palpable pulsations, and bullae appeared in the left lower leg on the third day of evaluation. The necrotic lesions then began to improve starting from the 7th day.
Garlic (Allium sativum) Production Using Aquaculture Effluent and Nitrophosphoric Fertilization
Authors: Preciado-Rangel Pablo , Estrada-González Ángel J. , Romero-Méndez Mauricio J. , Rojas-Velázquez Ángel N. , Loredo-Tovías Marco A. , García-Arreola María E. , Carballo-Méndez Fernando J. , Rodríguez-Ortiz Juan Carlos
Published: January 2025

The effluent from aquaculture activities contains essential elements that can be used in agriculture. In this study, the effluent from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production was used to fertilize garlic with four nitrophosphoric treatments: 1) no fertilization, 2) 40–20, 3) 80–40, and 4) 160–80 (kg·ha−1 of N and P2O5, respectively). Treatment 3 resulted in the highest yield and better plant nitrogen levels. The effluent from tilapia aquaculture is a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus. Hence, it is crucial to calculate the fertilization precisely based on the contributions of the soil and the effluent. However, the effluent did not provide significant levels of K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn, which were adequately provided by the soil. The effluent did contain elevated levels of Ca and S due to the original water contents.
Potassium Sulfate Supplementation with Elevated Electrical Conductivity Was Unproductive for Hydroponic Strawberry at the Original Yamazaki Nutrient Solution Nitrogen Level
Authors: Ries Jonathan , Meng Qingwu , Park Yujin
Published: January 2025

The production of strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) in hydroponic systems has been increasing. In hydroponic systems, precise nutrient management is crucial for optimal plant growth and fruit production. Among essential elements, potassium (K) is a key nutrient that affects fruit yield and quality in fruiting crops. The objective of this study was to investigate whether increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution could enhance plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality in hydroponic strawberries. Bare-root plants of strawberry ‘Monterey’ and ‘San Andreas’ were planted in a deep water culture hydroponic system and grown with initial K concentrations of 117, 194, 271, and 348 mg·L−1 under the same initial nitrogen concentration of 77 mg·L−1. As the K concentration increased from 117 to 348 mg·L−1, the nutrient solution electrical conductivity increased from 1.0 to 1.9 dS·m−1. The experiment was conducted inside an indoor vertical farm at a 23 °C air temperature with an extended photon flux density (400–750 nm) of 350 µmol·m−2·s−1 under an 18-hour photoperiod. Increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 had minimal effects on plant growth characteristics of both cultivars, although root dry mass of ‘Monterey’ increased linearly with increasing K. Increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 did not affect the total fruit number or total fruit fresh mass of ‘Monterey’, but for ‘San Andreas’, it reduced the total fruit number by 34% and total fruit fresh mass by 45%. Additionally, increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 reduced the individual fruit mass, fruit length, and fruit diameter and increased titratable acidity in both cultivars. These results indicate that increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution did not benefit plant growth, fruit yield, or fruit quality of the hydroponically grown strawberries ‘Monterey’ or ‘San Andreas’.
Growth and crystallographic features of interpenetrant twins in natural diamonds
Authors: Kaiyue SUN , Taijin LU , Mingyue HE , Zhonghua SONG , Zhang Jian , Ke Jie
Published: January 2025

The different morphologies of diamond crystals reflect the growth conditions and provide valuable information about the processes that led to the formation of the diamond. Diamond twins only occur during growth and only through reticular merohedry, which has a significant effect on the physical properties of the diamond. However, due to the scarcity of samples, particularly samples with interpenetrant twins, few investigations have been conducted on their morphological features and related formation. In this article, natural diamonds with interpenetrant twins from the Republic of the Congo were analyzed to investigate the crystallographic features and related growth formation through scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography. The results revealed that all of the samples exhibit cubic habits with deformation and have a rough appearance and fibrous growth layers, indicating rapid crystallization under high driving force conditions. Based on the different features of the crystals’ macroscopic morphological properties, three types of theoretical twin models are established. The cathodoluminescence imaging of the samples show that there are two patterns regarding the formation of interpenetrant twins in natural diamonds, including the origination of grains during the nucleation stage of crystals in the form of twinned positions and changes in the orientation of the growth layer arrangement during crystal growth. Moreover, a mixed type of twin structure was observed, indicating the complexity of the diamond twin growth process, involving transformation of the crystallization habit of the crystal.
CTS Project: CO2 transport and storage solutions in the Black Sea
Authors: Dudu Alexandra-Constanța , Demchuk Yuliia , Virshylo Ivan , Kurylo Mariia , Berenblyum Roman , Nermoen Anders , Iordache Gabriel , Dragoș Andrei-Gabriel , Sava Constantin-Ștefan , Avram Corina , Stelea Lia , Anghel Sorin , Bratakh Mykhailo , Melnyk Leonid
Published: January 2025

The CTS project is evaluating the global potential of direct ship injection technology for facilitating permanent CO2 storage offshore. One of the scenarios analyzed within the project is the Black Sea scenario, exploring potential links and synergies between Romania and Ukraine for implementation of CCUS technology. Romanian scenario will analyze the CCS chain focused on Constanța and Călărași emission clusters, different transport options (including direct ship injection) and offshore storage in deep saline aquifers and hydrocarbon fields from Histria Depression. For Ukraine, the CCS chain includes capture of CO2 from Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, onshore and offshore transport and storage in depleted gas and condensate fields from the Black Sea.
The critical width-height ratio of finite soil behind retaining wall considering the compaction degree of fill under RB mode
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Wang Yuxing , Zeng Yongqing , Ye Yasi , Liu Yuchen , Cai Haixing
Published: January 2025

The compaction degree of fill is an important index for quality control of slope support engineering. Aiming at the influence factor of the compaction degree of fill, the effect of the compaction degree of fill on the characteristics of active fracture surface and the critical width-height ratio of finite soil under the RB model was investigated through laboratory model test and numerical simulation. The primary research findings are as follows: (1) Under RB mode, the active fracture surface of fill is an inclined plane that does not pass through the heel of the wall, and there are often multiple nearly parallel fracture planes in the fractured body. The active fracture surface of semi-infinite soil is between the movable retaining wall and the fill surface, and the finite soil is between the movable retaining wall and the fixed retaining wall. (2) For the loose finite soil (λ= 81 %), the upper point of the active fracture surface gradually moves upward from the fixed retaining wall to the fill surface with the increase of the compaction degree of the fill, the active fracture surface gradually becomes steeper, and the finite soil gradually changes into semi-infinite soil. (3) For loose semi-infinite soil (λ= 81 %), with the increase of compaction degree, the active fracture surface gradually becomes steeper, but the soil between the two walls is still semi-infinite. (4) Under the RB model, the critical width-height ratio of actively destroyed finite soil decreases linearly with the increase of compaction degree. After fitting, the empirical equations of the experimental and simulated values of the critical width-height ratio considering the compaction degree of the fill are given respectively. (5) Under the RB model, the active failure mechanism of fill is similar to the push slide of slope, and the development process of active failure surface is top-down sliding layer by layer. The research in this paper shows that the compaction degree of fill is an important factor affecting the characteristics of the fracture surface and the critical width to height ratio of the finite soil, and it is an important index to define the finite or semi-infinite state of the soil behind the wall.
Una aproximación al diseño “The best-fit framework synthesis of qualitative research”. Una revisión de tema
Authors: Laza-Vásquez Celmira , Plazas-Vargas Merideidy , Gea Sánchez Montserrat
Published: January 2025

La necesidad de comprender de forma profunda los fenómenos, explorar estos desde las perspectivas de los actores e identificar las áreas emergentes de la práctica y la investigación han motivado el desarrollo de una amplia gama de metodologías de revisiones sistemáticas de la evidencia cualitativa. Uno de los diseños emergentes es “The best-fit framework synthesis of qualitative research”; el cual se basa en un enfoque “combinado” de métodos de análisis deductivo e inductivo. Este diseño ha sido utilizado con éxito para realizar revisiones rápidas cuando se demandan repuestas para la toma de decisiones sobre las mejores opciones frente a una problemática de salud. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión de tema es proporcionar una aproximación a las características de este diseño, sus propósitos, ventajas y limitaciones; así como las fases o etapas que involucra su utilización.