bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering Subclinical Cardiac Involvement in Vedoss: An Echocardiographic Driven Study
Authors: Capparelli Eugenio , Zaccara Eleonora , Suardi Ilaria , Laria Antonella , Castelnovo Laura , Mauric Eleonora , Bompane Daniela , Tamburello Antonio , Iacovantuono Maria , Chimenti Maria Sole , Mazzone Antonino , Faggioli Paola
Published: February 2025

Background: The 2011 Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis (VEDOSS) criteria include patients at risk of progression and those with mild non-progressive forms of SSc. Early diastolic and systolic dysfunction can indicate myocardial fibrosis in SSc patients, yet data on myocardial impairment in the VEDOSS population are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to identify subclinical echocardiographic changes and predictive markers of cardiac dysfunction in both very early and mild-longstanding forms of VEDOSS. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 61 patients meeting VEDOSS criteria followed up regularly within our Scleroderma referral center. Patients were categorized as early VEDOSS (e-VEDOSS) or mild-longstanding VEDOSS (ml-VEDOSS) based on disease duration (≥10 years). We analyzed clinical and demographic data, focusing on echocardiographic parameters such as the E/A ratio and left ventricular (LV) thickness. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fischer exact, and Student's T tests, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: ml-VEDOSS patients were older and reported a higher burden of comorbidities. Autoantibody-positive patients exhibited lower E/A ratios and increased left atrial size. Late nailfold videocapillaroscopic pattern patients exhibited increased PWED thickening and aortic valve insufficiency. Notably, patients undergoing vasodilators experienced larger right atrial volume, while patient receiving Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) inhibitors reported reduced E/A ratio. Multivariable analysis confirmed DLCO% as the sole predictor of both diastolic and systolic impairment in VEDOSS population. Conclusion: Careful monitoring of cardiac function in VEDOSS patients is crucial as subclinical alterations may occur even in the absence of symptoms. DLCO% emerged as an important predictor of LV diastolic dysfunction.
Newtonian Theory of Orbit Perturbation and Revalued Mass of Sgr A*
Authors: Zhu Yin
Published: February 2025

It is a famous old problem: Why the orbit of the Moon around the Earth is stable under the condition that, calculated with F=GMm/R2, the force of the Sun on the orbit is almost 2.2 times that of the Earth? We find, the calculated force of the Sgr A* on the orbit of the Oort cloud around the Sun is larger than that of the Sun; and, the force of the Sgr A* on the orbits on the edge of the ω Centauri is larger than that of the black hole at the center of the ω Centauri. It is known that the old problem about the Moon around the Earth can be understood with the Newtonian theory of orbit perturbation. Here, we find, the problem about the Oort cloud and the ω Centauri also can be understood with the Newtonian theory of orbit perturbation. And, we conclude that the mass of the Sgr A* should be MSgrA*∼1.8×1011MSun ; and, at the center of every stellar cluster there should be a black hole or other massive body which can be easily measured with any one of the orbits in the cluster or with the Hill sphere.
Exploring the Role of Duddingtonia flagrans in Integrated Parasite Management: A Systematic Review of Current Research and Applications
Authors: Siddique Aftab , Whitley Niki , Samples Oreta Marie , Burke Joan M , Terrill Thomas H , Miller James E , Connell Tyler
Published: February 2025

Nematophagous fungi, particularly Duddingtonia flagrans, provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical anthelmintics for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in livestock. With the increasing prevalence of GIN resistance to anthelmintic drugs, alternative control strategies are essential for maintaining livestock health and productivity. Duddingtonia flagrans has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pasture contamination by trapping and eliminating nematode larvae in feces, thereby interrupting the reinfection cycle. This systematic review consolidates existing research on the biological control potential of D. flagrans, evaluating its efficacy across various livestock species, administration methods, and environmental conditions. While research highlights its ability to reduce nematode burdens, challenges persist in optimizing fungal formulation, improving field efficacy, and assessing economic feasibility. The review identifies critical research gaps, including the need for long-term field trials across diverse climatic conditions, development of bio-encapsulated formulations to enhance spore persistence, and economic assessments comparing the cost-effectiveness of D. flagrans to conventional dewormers. Additionally, integration with sustainable livestock management practices such as rotational grazing and selective breeding requires further exploration. Addressing these challenges through multi-disciplinary research will be crucial in scaling up the application of D. flagrans as a practical and farmer-friendly solution to GIN control. By synthesizing current literature using the Kitchenham framework, this study aims to inform best practices for integrating D. flagrans into sustainable parasite management programs, ensuring its long-term viability as a tool for livestock producers worldwide.
Development of surveillance robot based on Face Recognition using High Order Statistical Features and Evidence Theory
Authors: Harrabi Rafika , Ben Chaabane Slim , Seddik Hassene
Published: February 2025

The recent advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision (CV), and Internet of Things (IoT) have significantly extended various fields, particularly in surveillance systems. These innovations enable real-time facial recognition processing, enhancing security and ensuring safety. However, mobile robots are commonly employed in surveillance systems to handle risky tasks that are beyond human capability. In this context, we present a prototype of a cost-effective mobile surveillance robot built on the Raspberry PI 4, designed for integration into various industrial environments. This smart robot detects intruders using IoT and face recognition technology. The proposed system is equipped with passive infrared (PIR) sensor and a camera for capturing live-streaming video and photos, which are sent to the control room through IoT technology. Additionally, the system uses the face recognition algorithms to differentiate between company staff and potential intruders. The face recognition method combines high-order statistical features and evidence theory to improve facial recognition accuracy and robustness. High-order statistical features are used to capture complex patterns in facial images, enhancing discrimination between individuals. Evidence theory is employed to integrate multiple information sources, allowing for better decision-making under uncertainty. This approach effectively addresses challenges such as variations in lighting, facial expressions, and occlusions, resulting in a more reliable and accurate face recognition system. Upon detecting an unfamiliar individual, the system sends alert notifications and an email with the captured image to the control room through IoT. Additionally, a web interface was created to remotely operate the robot via a WiFi connection. The proposed method for human face recognition is evaluated, and a comparative analysis with existing techniques is conducted. Experimental results with 400 test images of 40 individuals demonstrates the effectiveness of combining various attribute images in improving human face recognition performance. Experimental results shows that the algorithm achieves an accuracy of 98.63% in identifying human faces.
A Novel Colorectal Cancer Profile in a Large Population of Romania: The Coexistence of MSI Status with KRAS or NRAS Mutations in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Abrudan Ramona , Abrudan Luca , Cămărășan Andreea , Cămărășan Ovidiu , Burtă Ovidiu , Pop Ovidiu
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, ranking third globally and second in Romania. This study aimed to investigate the coexist-ence of microsatellite instability (MSI) status with KRAS and NRAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: We analyzed clinicopathological characteristics in 120 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. PCR techniques were used to assess MSI status and detect KRAS and NRAS mutations. Results: Among the 120 patients, KRAS mutations were detected in 86.7%, while NRAS mutations were identified in 12.5% of cases. Mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR)/microsatellite stable (MSS) sta-tus was observed in 95% of cases, coexisting with KRAS or NRAS mutations. A sig-nificant association was found between tumor localization and the presence of KRAS or NRAS mutations in MSS cases, with a predisposition for rectal cancer (p = 0.015). Given the high frequency of KRAS mutations and the predominance of MSS status, we evaluated their statistical association, yielding a highly significant result (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that KRAS mutations, in combina-tion with pMMR status, may define a distinct molecular subtype of colorectal cancer with unique clinicopathological features. Further research is essential to understand its impact on tumor biology, therapeutic response, and survival outcomes.
An Approach for Detecting Mangrove Areas and Mapping Species Using Multispectral Drone Imagery and Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Zhang Xiuyu , Zhuang Changwei , Dai Xuejiao , Kong Lingling , Xie Zixia , Hu Xibang
Published: February 2025

Mangrove ecosystems are important in tropical and subtropical coastal zones, contributing to marine biodiversity and maintaining marine ecological balance. It is cru-cial to develop more efficient, intelligent, and accurate monitoring methods for mangroves to understand better and protect mangrove ecosystems. This study promoted a novel model, MangroveNet, for integrating multi-scale spectral and spatial information and de-tecting mangrove area. In addition, we also presented an improved model—AttCloudNet+ to identify distribution of mangroves species based on high-resolution multispectral drone images. These models incorporate spectral and spatial attention mechanisms and have been shown to effectively address the limitations of traditional methods, which have been prone to inaccuracy and low efficiency in mangrove species identification. In this study, we compare the results from MangroveNet with the SegNet, UNet, and DeepUNet models. The findings demonstrate that the MangroveNet exhibits superior generalization learning capabilities and more accurate extraction outcomes than other deep learning models. The accuracy, F1_Score, mIoU, and precision of MangroveNet were 99.13%, 98.84%, 98.11%, and 99.14%, respectively. In terms of identifying mangrove species, the prediction results from AttCloudNet+ were compared with those obtained from traditional supervised and unsupervised classifications and various machine learning and deep learning methods. These included K-means clustering, ISODATA cluster analysis, random forest (RF), sup-port vector machines (SVM), and others. The comparison demonstrated that the mangrove species identification results obtained using AttCloudNet+ exhibited the most optimal performance in terms of the Kappa coefficient and the overall accuracy (OA) index, reach-ing 0.81 and 0.87, respectively. The two comparison results confirm the effectiveness of the two models developed in this study for identifying mangroves and their species. Overall, we provided an efficient solution based on deep learning with a dual attention mecha-nism in the acceptable real-time monitoring of mangroves and their species using high-resolution multispectral drone imagery.
Dimensional and Surface Roughness Analysis of 3D Printed Impeller Pattern for Investment Casting
Authors: Shah Margi , Patel Dhiren , Pande Sarang , Abidi Mustafa Haider , Alasim Fahad , Mahajan Kuldeep A
Published: February 2025

Impellers are critical components in industrial applications, requiring smooth surfaces and precise di-mensions. Traditional investment casting methods are often time-consuming and costly. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, offers a faster, more cost-effective alter-native. FDM produces 3D-printed sacrificial patterns directly from a CAD file, making it ideal for low-volume and complex patterns. Unlike wax patterns, which can shrink or distort, 3D-printed patterns offer precise tolerances and allow for thin-walled geometries. FDM also eliminates the need for tooling, reducing capital investment. However, achieving the desired surface finish and accuracy remains a challenge. In this study, a semi-open impeller for a centrifugal pump was printed using FDM with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. The Taguchi Design of Experiment (DoE) method was used to evaluate the impact of printing parameters layer thickness, extrusion temperature, and infill density on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. Dimensional accuracy was assessed for features like inner and outer diameters, blade thickness, and height. Surface quality was evaluated across geometries like thin sections, curvatures, and surfaces (parallel to the XY/XZ, and YZ planes). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to provide a comprehensive overview of the results, aiding further decision-making in the research.
The Role of Digital Platforms in Enhancing the Market Reach of Small Businesses in Rural America
Authors: Luz Ayuns
Published: February 2025

Small businesses in rural America face unique challenges in expanding their market reach due to limited access to customers, infrastructure, and marketing resources. However, digital platforms have emerged as powerful tools for overcoming these barriers, offering businesses the ability to access a global customer base and implement cost-effective marketing strategies. This paper explores the role of digital platforms, such as e-commerce websites, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO), in enhancing the market reach of small businesses in rural areas. Through case studies and examples, it highlights how rural entrepreneurs have successfully leveraged these platforms to increase visibility, build customer relationships, and drive sales. Additionally, the paper discusses the barriers to adopting digital tools, including limited internet access, digital literacy, and initial setup costs, while also proposing strategies to overcome these challenges, such as government initiatives and training programs. Ultimately, this paper underscores the transformative potential of digital platforms in helping small businesses in rural America compete in an increasingly digital and globalized marketplace.
The New CAP Theorem on Blockchain Consensus Systems
Authors: Anagnostakis Aristidis G. , Glavas Euripidis
Published: February 2025

One of the most emblematic theorems in the theory of distributed databases is the Eric Brewer’s CAP theorem. It stresses the tradeoffs between Consistency, Availability and Partition and states that it is impossible to guarantee all three of them simultaneously. Inspired by this, we introduce the new CAP theorem for autonomous consensus systems, and we demonstrate that of the three elementary properties, Consensus achievement (C), Autonomy (A) and entropic Performance (P), two at the most can be optimized at any given time. To formalize and analyze this tradeoff, we utilize the IoT micro-Blockchain as a universal, minimal, consensus-enabling framework. We define a set of quantitative functions relating each of the properties to the number of event-witnesses in the system. We identify the existing mutual exclusions, and we demonstrate that (A), (C), and (P) cannot be optimized simultaneously. This imposes an intrinsic limitation on the design and the optimization of distributed Blockchain consensus mechanisms.
Recent Developments in Automated Reactors for Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: He Shan , Luo Tong , Chen Xiaoe , Young David James , Jellicoe Matt
Published: February 2025

Automated reactors are revolutionizing nanomaterial synthesis, streamlining processes through advanced machine-driven execution and data collection. By delegating repetitive tasks—such as experimental execution and data acquisition—to automation, researchers can focus more on critical analysis and creative problem-solving. Unlike traditional approaches that primarily manipulate starting materials, autonomous systems now enable precise control over morphology at various growth stages. This capability is crucial for applications such as efficient chemical space exploration and adaptive manufacturing. Despite these advancements, transitioning from single-step automation to complex, multistep syntheses remains a major challenge due to the intricate structural diversity of nanomaterials and the interdependent chemical and physical processes involved. Robotic batch and continuous-flow platforms are progressively evolving into more versatile systems, expanding access to a broader range of chemistries required for autonomous multistep fabrication. Advancements in process analytical technologies have significantly improved real-time monitoring of interconnected reactions, accelerating data collection while ensuring stringent safety standards and high product quality. The integration of these monitoring tools with advanced control software establishes adaptive feedback loops, enabling flexible multistep screening and self-optimizing synthesis strategies.
This mini review explores recent developments in automated reactor technologies for plasmonic nanomaterial synthesis, focusing on both batch and continuous-flow platforms and giving an outlook on what’s next for the field.
Plea for Statistical Modeling in Mountain Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Covaci Mihai , Covaci Brindusa
Published: February 2025

The paper is a plea in favor of statistical quantitative analyzes in the modeling of the mountain economic development. The arguments in favor of the use of statistics in the modeling of mountain businesses reside in the need to map the present to establish future trends. The future is built through constructs, and abstractions made only conceptually intuitively - without quantitative data validation - can ensure sustainability or failure in predicting the trends of the current society. Science and reality in the 21st century are metamorphosing more rapidly and chaotically than until now, especially against the background of the insertion of new technologies in contemporary society, the dynamics of various phenomena being difficult to predict without applicative substantiation. As a model, the paper presents statistical analyzes and econometric models carried out at the European and national level for mountain entrepreneurship in the EU, related to the supporting sectors of mountain agriculture, respectively industry, services, and the quaternary sector. The authors of the study carried out the analysis for the indicators Population of active enterprises in t - number, Establishments of enterprises in t - number, Dissolutions of enterprises in t - number, Newly established enterprises in t-3 that survived until t - number. The indicators presented, analyzed for the period 2008-2018, and forecasted for the period 2019-2026, integrate the mountain business environment into the considerable development of the demographics of European businesses. The results of the paper demonstrate the importance of using statistical analyzes and econometric models in establishing the reality and forecasting mountain economic phenomena. Specific to the European business environment, the results of the paper present a general picture favorable to mountain entrepreneurship.
Smart Police Systems: Enhancing Urban Safety Through AI-Powered Surveillance and Edge Computing
Authors: Songthai Methinee , Yanyong Sarucha , Konghuayrob Poom , Saengmanee Phakpong , Kaitwanidvilai Somyot
Published: February 2025

The development of sustainable smart cities and smart police systems is crucial for advancing urban environments, where success depends not only on technological innovation but also on the effective collaboration between key local organizations. This paper proposes a platform that integrates contributions from police departments, universities, provincial authorities, and social associations to implement a high-resolution smart vision system for license plate recognition, edge AI for local vision processing, and cloud-based software for urban cameras. By combining general-purpose cameras with advanced edge AI cameras, the platform reduces data charges by over 90% and crime investigation times by more than 70%. The system includes four license plate cameras, 20 edge AI cameras, and over 100 general cameras, all supported by AI software to reduce software licensing costs across the platform. This collaborative approach enhances law enforcement efficiency and provides a cost-effective, scalable solution for sustainable smart police development.
Exploring Patient Experiences: A Qualitative Analysis of Follow-up Radiology in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Iacorossi Laura , Molinaro Simona , Francesca Gambalunga , Desiderio Flora , Piacentini Francesca , Guerrisi Antonino , Elia Fulvia , Caterino Mauro
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Diagnostic examinations that cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients undergo during follow-up can generate various emotional states related to the possibility of recurrence or disease progression. Understanding the emotions and perceptions of patients during the wait for diagnostic exams is crucial for improving care. This study aims to explore the experiences of CM patients awaiting follow-up diagnostic investigations. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive inductive, single-center study, structured according to COREQ criteria. The sample of CM patients was recruited at the UOSD of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging ISG of the IFO in Rome. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Framework Analysis, as described by Ritchie and Spencer. Results: A total of 30 patients with an average age of 57.4 were recruited. The interviews revealed the following four themes: waiting influences the emotional experience; the double face of family support; strategies of support during the waiting period; waiting requires attention to the person and the environment. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals need to recognize and address patients' emotional dynamics to improve care. Training healthcare staff, psychological intervention, and technological innovation can improve the waiting experience, foster a more welcoming and reassuring environment, and enhance patients' psychological well-being and satisfaction with care pathways.
HERV Dysregulation in a Case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis Responsive to Rituximab
Authors: Martín-Martínez Eva , Gil-Perotin Sara , Giménez-Orenga Karen , Barea-Moya Lucas , Oltra Elisa
Published: February 2025

This article summarizes the case of 30-year-old male diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and its longitudinal follow up that provided a secondary diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) eight years after. The most impactful result being his response to rituximab treatment after the systematic failure of prior treatments. Although the expression of endogenous retroviral proteins has been associated with autoimmunity, the patient did not show increased expression of the toxic protein HERV (human endogenous retrovirus)-W ENV, a target of the ongoing clinical trials with temelimab in MS and long COVID-19 cases. However, genome-wide HERV transcriptome analysis by high density microarrays clearly revealed a distinct profile in patient´s blood supportive of an altered immune system. Limitations of the study include MRI imaging follow up to monitor lesion progression and reassessment of HERV profiles after rituximab. As an overall, the coincidence of HERV alterations and the impactful response to rituximab presents the possibility of additional, more specific, therapeutic targets encoded by other HERV elements yet to be discovered.
Mitigating Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in UEFI Capsule Updates
Authors: Olaoye Godwin
Published: February 2025

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a critical component in the boot process of modern computing systems, responsible for initializing hardware and loading the operating system. UEFI firmware updates, typically delivered in the form of "capsules," are essential for ensuring that a system operates with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. However, as these updates are often transmitted over untrusted communication channels, they are vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. In such attacks, a malicious actor can intercept, modify, or inject harmful code into the firmware update, potentially compromising system security and integrity.This paper investigates the potential security risks associated with MitM attacks on UEFI capsule updates and proposes a set of robust countermeasures. We begin by analyzing the typical attack vectors, focusing on the vulnerabilities inherent in the process of transmitting update data between the system and update servers. Drawing from existing cryptographic protocols, we propose the use of strong encryption, digital signatures, and public-key infrastructures (PKIs) to ensure the authenticity, confidentiality, and integrity of UEFI capsule updates. These measures help verify that updates have not been tampered with during transit, preventing unauthorized code injection by attackers.Furthermore, we explore the role of Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technologies in providing an additional layer of defense. By using secure boot processes, systems can verify that only authorized firmware updates are executed, thus preventing malicious code from being activated. Similarly, TPM can be employed to securely store cryptographic keys and validation certificates, reducing the risk of key compromise during the update process.We also delve into the concept of certificate pinning, where specific trusted certificate authorities are hardcoded into the UEFI firmware, making it more difficult for attackers to present fraudulent certificates during the update process. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of MitM attacks exploiting misconfigured or compromised certificate chains.
Assembly Formation of P65, an Intrinsically Disordered Protein Involved in Gliding Machinery of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Yabe Masaru , Toyonaga Takuma , Kinoshita Miki , Furukawa Yukio , Hamaguchi Tasuku , Tahara Yuhei O , Arai Munehito , Imada Katsumi , Miyata Makoto
Published: February 2025

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a human pathogen that glides on host cell surfaces by a repeated catch and release mechanism using sialylated oligosaccharides. At a pole, this organism forms a protrusion called an attachment organelle composed of surface structures, including an adhesin complex and an internal core structure. To clarify the structure and function of the attachment organelle, we focused on a core component, P65, which is essential for stabilization of the adjacent surface and core proteins P30 and HMW2, respectively. Analysis of its amino acid sequence (405 residues) suggested that P65 contains an intrinsically disordered region (residues 1-217) and coiled-coil regions (residues 226-247, 255-283, and 286-320). Four protein fragments and the full-length P65 were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, analytical centrifugation, circular dichroism spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, limited proteolysis, and negative staining electron microscopy. The results showed that P65 formed a multimer composed of a central globule with 30 and 23 nm axes and 4 to 6 projections 14 nm in length. Our data suggest that the C-terminal region of P65 is responsible for multimerization, while the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region forms a filament. These assignments and roles of P65 in the attachment organelle are discussed.
Mental Health Continuum—Short Form: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of Competing Models with Adolescents from Portugal
Authors: Loureiro Luís , Santos José , Loureiro Cândida
Published: February 2025

The concept of positive mental health (PMH) and therefore mental wellbeing (MWB) have taken center stage over the last few decades. The Mental Health Continuum - Short Form (MHC-SF) is one of the most important tools for assessing mental well-being MWB. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties and dimen-sionality of the Portuguese version of the MHC-SF by comparing three competing models. Methods: In 2021, a survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 495 Portuguese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, enrolled in 7th to 12th grades. Descriptive statistics and bivariate statistical tests and measures associated with Confirmatory Factor Analysis were calculated. Results: The results of the CFA support the idea that the bifactor model fits the data better than the other competing models. The indices support unidimensionality, namely the Explained Common Variance (ECV = 0.81), the Percentage of Uncontaminated Correlations (PUC = 0.69), and omega hierarchical (ωH=0.89), and point to the existence of a general MHC-SF factor. The scale showed high reliability (ω = 0.95) in the general factor. The MHC-SF has concurrent validity, correlating with other scales that assess aspects related to mental health and well-being. Conclusion: The results point to the adequacy of the bifactor model and suggest the existence of a general factor of PMH, which is why the total score of the scale can be used.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Dermatoscopic Diagnostic Clues in Dark-Skinned Mexican Individuals
Authors: Sanchez Moreno Esli Camila , Machado Sulbaran Andrea Carolina , Leal Lizbeth Riera , Ortiz Garcia Yveth Marlene , Olivas Roman Luis Roberto , Riera Leal Annie
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Skin cancer is increasingly prevalent. Non-melanoma skin cancers pose a challenge, as most lesions are diagnosed at later stages and often lead to complications. Although dermatoscopy has emerged as a valuable tool that enhances the confidence of dermatologists, specific patterns for accurately identifying various subtypes of non-melanoma skin cancer have yet to be detailed. This study aimed to investigate dermatoscopic clues that facilitate accurate diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer among dark-skinned Mexican individuals. There is insufficient acknowledgment of high skin cancer rates among non-Whites. Methods: The study included fifty-three patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, aged 39 to 89, who visited an academic dermatology department for skin examinations. Two certified dermatologists evaluated at least three dermatoscopy images for each lesion. A biopsy was taken to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism v8.0, considering a probability (p) value of less than 0.05 as significant. Results: Most patients were classified as phototype III. Patients with phototype IV were younger at the time of diagnosis. Basal cell carcinomas were the most common cancer subtype. Nodular and ulcerated tumors were the most prevalent morphology. The dermatoscopic examination revealed that 60% of the lesions were pigmented, with a predominance of polymorphic vascular patterns. Squamous cell carcinomas exhibited monomorphic vascular structures. Both groups' blood vessel arrangements and specific patterns were primarily radial. Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate the effectiveness of the non-melanoma skin cancer dermatoscopy criteria in distinguishing basal cell carcinomas from squamous cell carcinomas. However, certain factors, such as pigmentation and linear vessels, seem to occur more frequently in nodular basal cell carcinomas.
Understanding UEFI Capsule Update Mechanisms
Authors: Iseal Sheed
Published: February 2025

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) Capsule Update Mechanisms play a pivotal role in modern system firmware updates by providing a standardized method for applying firmware patches and updates. These mechanisms enable the installation of new firmware versions on devices that rely on UEFI, improving system functionality, security, and stability. A UEFI Capsule is a structured binary package containing update data and metadata, which is used to modify the firmware environment of a system. The Capsule Update process involves securely verifying the update's integrity and authenticity, ensuring that only trusted, non-tampered updates are installed.This abstract outlines the key components of UEFI Capsule updates, including the update format, the encapsulation of firmware data, and the critical role of security measures like authentication and integrity checks. Through a detailed review of the process, we examine how UEFI Capsule updates contribute to streamlined firmware management while mitigating security risks such as firmware compromise or unauthorized updates. Additionally, this paper highlights the integration of advanced technologies, such as digital signatures and secure boot mechanisms, to ensure a trusted and reliable update procedure. The discussion further emphasizes the importance of secure update practices in addressing the challenges faced in maintaining the security and reliability of modern computing platforms.By understanding UEFI Capsule Update Mechanisms, this work aims to provide insights into their essential role in the evolution of firmware management, addressing both technical challenges and security concerns associated with the update process.
Quark Confinement as Charged Micro-Universes
Authors: Salih Mahgoub
Published: February 2025

This study explores the significant influence of charge Q on the discreet energy spectrum and interactions of particles within a confined system. We analyze how variations in Q, particularly as it transitions from zero to non-zero values, reveal critical insights into particle behavior at the quantum level. Central to our findings is the strong coupling factor κ, which underscores the intricate relationship between intrinsic system energies and those generated through particle interactions. Our results demonstrate the inverse proportionality of κ to energy density and its direct relationship with the confinement radius, reflecting the principles of confinement theory in hadrons. Additionally, we elucidate the connection between the energy of a free particle and the energy resulting from strong interactions, as governed by κ. This framework enhances our understanding of the energetic dynamics in particle physics, highlighting the complex interplay between charge and confinement.
Transient-Absorption Pump-Probe Spectra as Information-Rich Observables: Case Study of Fulvene
Authors: Li Zhaofa , Peng Jiawei , Zhu Yifei , Xu Chao , Gelin Maxim F. , Gu Feng Long , Lan Zhenggang
Published: February 2025

Conical intersections (CIs) are the most efficient channels of photodeactivation and energy transfer, while femtosecond spectroscopy is the main experimental tool delivering information on molecular CI-driven photoinduced processes. In this work, we undertake comprehensive ab initio investigation of the CI-mediated internal conversion in fulvene by simulating evolutions of electronic populations, bond lengths and angles, and time-resolved transient absorption (TA) pump-probe (PP) spectra. TA PP spectra are evaluated on-the-fly, by combining the symmetrical quasi-classical/Meyer-Miller-Stock-Thoss (SQC/MMST) dynamics and the doorway-window representation of spectroscopic signals. We show that the simulated time-resolved TA PP spectra reveal not only the population dynamics but also the key nuclear motions as well as mode-mode couplings. We also demonstrate that TA PP signals are not only experimental observables: They can also be considered as information-rich purely theoretical observables, which deliver more information on the CI-driven dynamics than conventional electronic populations. This information can be extracted by the appropriate theoretical analyses of time-resolved TA PP signals.
The Effect of Fusion Temperature, Aging Time and Aging Temperature to the Water Adsorbent Synthesized from Spent Bleaching Earth to Purify Ethanol-Water Mixture
Authors: Abdul Kadir Norshida
Published: February 2025

Water adsorbent to dehydrate water ethanol mixture was synthesized from spent bleaching earth (SBE) using modified fusion method. The SBE was regenerated by heat at 750C. Alumina (Al2O3) was added to SBE with 80 g alumina per 100 g SBE. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) was added to SBE with stoichiometry ratio of KOH: SBE of 1.1 then mixed and fused at temperature 650C and 550C for 12 hours in a furnace. The fused mixture was grounded and mixed with water at 65 g H2O per 100 g SBE. This mixture was aged at 60C and 80C in an oven before crystallization took place in 5 parts by weight 5% KOH for 48 hours. The product obtained was washed 3 times with distilled water using filtration set and dried in oven at 220C for 20 hours. Full multilevel factorial experiments were carried out. Analysis of the results by using Minitab Release 14 Statistical software revealed that the main effect of fusion temperature and aging time was significant. The analysis also showed that there was significant interaction effect of fusion temperature to aging time and aging temperature. The best conditions to synthesize the water adsorbent were: 550°C of fusion temperature, 80°C of aging temperature and 3 days of aging time with water uptake of 0.0353 g H2O / g water adsorbent, approximately to 84% of commercialized of zeolite 3A.
Poor Emergence of Brassica Species in Saline-Sodic Soil Was Improved by Biochar Addition
Authors: Nleya Thandiwe , Clay Sharon A. , Arinaitwe Unius
Published: February 2025

Salt-affected soil areas are increasing in the Northern Great Plains (NGP) with patches occurring in some of the most productive croplands. High electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium and/or sulfate concentrations of saline-sodic areas impede growth and yield of ‘normal’ [corn (Zea mays)/soybean (Glycine max)] rotational crops and more appropriate management systems are needed. Brassica sp. and amendment application, such as biochar, may provide management alternatives for these areas. In two greenhouse studies, 1) 10 canola (Brassica napus) genotypes were evaluated for emergence in non-saline (EC1:1 = 0.62 dS m-1), moderately saline-sodic (EC = 5.17 dS m-1), and highly saline-sodic (EC1:1 = 8.47 dS m-1) soils and 2) 10 canola genotypes and three other brassicas (Brassica juncea/B. oleracea) were evaluated for emergence and biomass in non-saline or highly saline-sodic soils with or without two 5% biochar (hardwood or softwood) amendments. Canola emergence at 28 days after planting (DAP) in moderately and highly saline-sodic soils was less than 12% for most genotypes, although one had 37% emergence. The hardwood biochar improved Brassica sp. emergence (42%) from the saline-sodic soil compared to nonamended soil (29%), although shoot biomass was similar among treatments 60 DAP. These findings suggest that specific salt-tolerant canola genotypes may be an alternative crop for NGP saline-sodic areas. Florida broadleaf mustard, typically used for forage, had the greatest emergence (52%) in the saline-sodic soil and may be a suitable cover crop for these areas. In addition, hardwood biochar application may aid in plant establishment.
On Superposition and Entanglement of Polarized Photons Without Hidden Variables
Authors: Muchowski Eugen
Published: February 2025

Polarized photons have properties that can be explained, among others, by their indistinguishability. This includes superposition and entanglement. We propose that the superposition state can be understood as the entirety of all mixtures of indistinguishable perpendicularly polarized photon beams. The photon beams, whose polarization correspond to the position of the polarizer, are filtered out by selection using a polarizer. There are no nonlocal effects with the entangled photons. This is because the physical states of the photons are defined before each measurement. The model replicates the predictions of quantum mechanics for entangled photons and also explains entanglement swapping and teleportation. The superposition of indistinguishable photon beams can be experimentally demonstrated using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This explains how the polarization of the input state reappears at the output of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Boosting Food Packaging Sustainability Through the Valorization of Agri-Food Waste and By-Products
Authors: Marotta Angela , Borriello Angela , Khan Muhammad Rehan , Cavella Silvana , Ambrogi Veronica , Torrieri Elena
Published: February 2025

Natural and biodegradable polymers have gained significant attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic materials, especially in food packaging. These materials offer several benefits, such as reduced environmental impact, biodegradability, and the use of renewable resources. In this context, agri-food waste and by-products have attracted huge attention as an effective strategy to valorize biomasses as renewable sources for the generation of polymeric materials. This review examines biopolymers from plant, animal, and microbial sources, focusing on their physical and chemical properties and application in food packaging. Results highlighted how the characteristics of the biopolymers extracted from plant and animal waste and by-products depend on source material and extraction techniques. In addition, a significant lack in the literature has been observed on microbial biopolymers' physical and chemical characteristics, for which the research is still focused on optimizing the production process. Despite this gap, microbial biopolymers have been successfully used in composite films and fillers. By comprehensively examining the properties of the biopolymer extracted from agri-food waste and by-products that play a crucial role in defining their success in producing food packaging material, we contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.
A Complete Proof of the Collatz Conjecture Using Generator Functions
Authors: Diedrich Eduardo
Published: February 2025

We present a complete proof of the Collatz conjecture using a novel approach based on generator functions. By analyzing the inverse mappings of the Collatz function through carefully defined generator operations, we establish that all natural numbers must eventually reach 1 under the Collatz iteration. The proof relies on demonstrating fundamental incompatibilities between the requirements for divergent sequences and the constraints imposed by even-odd patterns in the natural numbers.
Characterization of the Cellulose from Gagome Kelp and Its Ef-Fect on the Dough, Gluten and Starch as Novel Bread Improvers
Authors: Li Xiang , Yang Heqi , Yu Xiaohui , Tuo Ying , Zhou Hui , Cai Yidi , Wu Long
Published: February 2025

Novel bread formulation with natural improvers has become an essential part of improving the quality of bakery products. In the present study, the novel bread improvers of the Gagome kelp cellulose (GC) was systemic evaluated, while the Gagome kelp cellulose-improved dough (GC-dough), gluten (GC-gluten), gluten protein and the starch (GC-starch) were all studied. The results indicated that the water and oil holding capacity, cholesterol adsorptive, unsaturated fat and saturated fat adsorptive capacity of the GC were significantly (p< 0.05) increase. The current GC also showed high glucose adsorptive capacity, antiox-idant activity, α-amylase inhibition and glucose diffusion inhibition activity. Furthermore, color of the GC-dough was obvious improved with the addition of the GC, which also significantly (p< 0.05) effect the content of glutenin, water holding capacity in GC-gluten and solubility the GC-starch. In addition, cross-linked network formed by GC could be observed in the GC-bread, and indicating the improved of texture and sensory evaluation. The bread added 1% (m/m) of GC provided the highest sensory character-ization and best cold-stored stability, which were suggesting the best strategy for the further study. The re-sults might show a potential application of the by-product devised from marine origin on the commercial bakery production.
Sky Runner Game
Authors: Ahmed Algaafari Hatem , Faisal Ghaleb Ahmed Abdullah , Amin Noor , Mushtaq Mohsin , Islam Rafeen Ariffin , Habeb Waed Awad Al-Hamza
Published: February 2025

The Sky Runner Project is an endless runner-style game based on Java, set in a futuristic 2077 Dubai. Players control one of the flying cars through the sky, dodging obstacles while gathering points to purchase new vehicles. The game is designed with a heavy emphasis on entertainment, with simple but engaging gameplay throughout. It will incorporate OOP principles and have a well-defined package organization for UI management, game logic, media handling, and data storage through binary-based files. The Sky Runner game will incorporate a dynamic scoring system that adjusts the difficulty level and has a structure that saves player progress, settings, and purchases. Some testing was done to check if the UI interacts with the rest of the application correctly if game states transition correctly, and if the difficulty adjustments functioned properly. The game has been inspired by the simplicity of the way that Google Chrome Dinosaur Game has put out, giving it an advanced futuristic setting while also expanding the views, immersive sound design, and progression system. The project demonstrates high software engineering principles, being modular coded, and maintainable. The future scopes entail saving progress on an account basis, providing options for changing backgrounds, and allowing for alternative gameplay modes.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrogen Transport via Truck Using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers
Authors: Cava Carmine , Gagliardi Gabriele Guglielmo , Piscolla Enrica , Borello Domenico
Published: February 2025

This study presents a techno-economic feasibility of hydrogen transportation via liquid organic hydrogen carriers by road, making a comparison with compressed hydrogen (350 bar) and liquefied hydrogen. The analysis includes the simulation of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactors for the dibenzyltoluene/perhydro-dibenzyltoluene system using ASPEN Plus, along with a cost assessment of compression, liquefaction, and trucking. A sensitivity analysis evaluates hydrogen transport at varying daily demand (1 t/d, 2 t/d, and 4 t/d) and transport distances (50, 150, and 300 km). Results indicate that compressed hydrogen is the most cost-effective solution for short distances up to 150 km, with a levelized cost of transported hydrogen ranging from 0.63 to 1.55 €/kg. However, liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology becomes more competitive as transport distance increases, reaching values of 1.37–1.93 €/kg at 300 km for all hydrogen demand levels. Liquefied hydrogen remains the least competitive option, with costs reaching up to 6.48 €/kg, although it requires fewer annual trips by maintaining a fixed annual hydrogen demand.