bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A bibliometric and visualized analysis of heartland virus
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Zhang Leiliang
Published: January 2025

Background

Heartland virus (HRTV) is an emerging tick-borne bunyavirus first detected in 2009. The purpose of this study was to utilize bibliometric analysis to assess the research trends, key foci, and progress of HRTV. This analysis aims to provide valuable references and insights for future basic research and prevention and control of HRTV to promote the progress and development of related fields.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to extract global publications on the HRTV from 2013 to 2024. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, and Bibliometrix were used to process the data and visualize the results.

Results

A stable trend in publication numbers was observed, with 82 articles from 17 countries. The United States led in publications, with significant contributions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-USA. Keywords indicated research emphasis on “Heartland virus” and “severe fever.”

Conclusion

HRTV research is in a phase of continuous and progressive growth, with a steady literature output over the past decade, indicating this field’s wide interest and importance in the research community. Currently, researchers are focusing on pathogenesis, immune response, vector relationships, and epidemiology, providing valuable insights for future studies.
Neuroinflammation mediates the progression of neonate hypoxia-ischemia brain damage to Alzheimer’s disease: a bioinformatics and experimental study
Authors: Zhang Shengjie , Zhang Ruqiu , Chen Zhaoqin , Shao Zihan , Li An , Li Fan , Huang Fang
Published: January 2025

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can generally be divided into focal damage and diffuse damage, and neonate Hypoxia-Ischemia Brain Damage (nHIBD) is one of the causes of diffuse damage. Patients with nHIBD are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the shared pathogenesis of patients affected with both neurological disorders has not been fully elucidated.

Purpose

We here aim to identify the shared molecular signatures between nHIBD and AD. We used an integrated analysis of the cortex gene expression data, targeting differential expression of genes related to the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of Alzheimer’s disease (GSE203206) and that of Neonate Hypoxia-Ischemia Brain Damage (GSE23317) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After identifying the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of Alzheimer’s disease and neonate Hypoxia-Ischemia Brain Damage by limma package analysis, five kinds of analyses were performed on them, namely Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction network, DEG-transcription factor interactions and DEG-microRNA interactions, protein-drug interactions and protein-disease association analysis, and gene-inflammation association analysis and protein-inflammation association analysis.

Results

In total, 12 common DEGs were identified including HSPB1, VIM, MVD, TUBB4A, AACS, ANXA6, DIRAS2, RPH3A, CEND1, KALM, THOP1, AREL1. We also identified 11 hub proteins, three central regulatory transcription factors, and three microRNAs encoded by the DEGs. Protein-drug interaction analysis showed that CYC1 and UQCRFS1 are associated with different drugs. Gene-disease association analysis shows Mammary Neoplasms, Neoplasm Metastasis, Schizophrenia, and Brain Ischemia diseases are the most relevant to the hub proteins we identified. Gene-inflammation association analysis shows that the hub gene AREL1 is related to inflammatory response, while the protein-inflammation association analysis shows that the hub proteins AKT1 and MAPK14 are related to inflammatory response.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the shared molecular mechanisms between AD and nHIBD. These common pathways and hub genes could potentially be used to design therapeutic interventions, reducing the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease development in survivors of neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemia brain injury.
A cross-sectional study exploring the perception of exercise oncology in the Italian population
Authors: Borsati Anita , Giannarelli Diana , Pase Giampaolo , Ciurnelli Christian , Toniolo Linda , Trestini Ilaria , Tregnago Daniela , Belluomini Lorenzo , Sposito Marco , Insolda Jessica , Milella Michele , Schena Federico , Pilotto Sara , Avancini Alice
Published: January 2025

Introduction

We aim to examine the population’s perception of physical exercise in patients with cancer.

Materials and methods

An anonymous survey was conducted to reach a sample of Italian adults. The questionnaire investigated sociodemographic factors, physical exercise levels, and perceptions about the importance, benefits, and safety of exercise, the support from oncologists and family/friends, as well as the capability and ease of patients of exercise.

Results

Overall, 838 persons participated in this survey. The majority of respondents agree that exercise is important (60.5%) and beneficial (61.5%) for patients with cancer during anticancer treatments, whereas 40.2% believed in its safety. Forty-two percent and 51.9% of participants expressed a positive opinion regarding the advice of oncologists and the encouragement of family/friends to exercise, respectively. Only 27.2% of respondents feel that patients are capable of exercising, and 9.0% agree that it is easy for them.

Conclusion

Although the population has a favorable perception of the importance and benefits of physical exercise, they do not still believe that patients are capable of performing it. Increasing awareness of the feasibility of a physical exercise intervention in the context of cancer is crucial to supporting patients.
The role of VANGL2 in glioma oncogenesis and progression: insights into expression profiles and prognostic relevance
Authors: Zhao Mingyu , Chen Shanshuang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway is pivotal in regulating various biological processes such as early embryonic development, neural crest cell migration, and cancer invasion. Despite advances in understanding the role of Wnt/PCP pathway dysregulation in tumorigenesis, numerous unanswered questions remain. Our study focused on VANGL2, a core PCP gene, to elucidate its potential mechanistic involvement in cancer development.

Methods

A systematic analysis was conducted to assess VANGL2 expression patterns at both transcriptional and proteomic levels. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the biological pathways associated with VANGL2 in glioma. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the impact of VANGL2 on glioma cell behaviors. Furthermore, rigorous methodologies were employed in survival analysis to control for confounding factors.

Results

We identified substantial upregulation of VANGL2 gene in both low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM). Functional enrichment analysis of genes positively associated with VANGL2 in glioma underscored their enrichment in Notch signaling and pathway regulating pluripotency of stem cells. In vitro experiments further confirmed that VANGL2 promotes glioma cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and tumor sphere formation. We identified a significant correlation between increased VANGL2 expression and IDH mutation in glioma patients. Elevated VANGL2 expression was identified as a predictor of poor prognosis in glioma.

Conclusion

Our analysis of the expression and prognostic features of the core PCP gene VANGL2 underscored its critical roles in glioma oncogenesis and progression.
Case report: A rare case of delayed drug-induced hyponatremia in recurrent upper tract urothelial carcinoma following GC and Tislelizumab treatment
Authors: Wang Zhi-Jie , Nie Ying-Fang , Liang Shi-Bing , Zhou Jing , Hao Shu-Lan , Liu Li-Kun
Published: January 2025

Drug-induced hyponatremia is an adverse reaction with accelerated electrolyte disturbance. This study reported a rare case of delayed hyponatremia in a 68year-old female with recurrent upper tract urothelial carcinoma after Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (GC) and Tislelizumab treatment. She had left ureter surgery, recurrence a year later with mildly abnormal kidney function (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 54.9 ml/min). After the first cycle of GC plus Tislelizumab, severe hyponatremia leading to life-threatening conditions occurred eight days later. Hypothesizing Cisplatin as the cause, its usage was modified in the second cycle (40mg/day for three days). No severe hyponatremia followed. CT showed partial remission. From the third cycle, due to grade IV bone marrow suppression, she had Tislelizumab alone. Now, she is on 21-day Tislelizumab maintenance with a stable tumor status. Low-dose continuous Cisplatin may suit patients with borderline or mildly abnormal renal function (GFR: 40-60mL/min) better than single full-dose use. Tislelizumab alone for maintenance may be an option for those intolerant of chemotherapy. But Na+ decrease may be related to Tirelizumab or Gemcitabine, needing more clinical observation and experiments.
Pharmacological action of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides: a review
Authors: Ren Chunzhen , Luo Yali , Li Xiaojuan , Ma Like , Wang Chunling , Zhi Xiaodong , Zhao Xinke , Li Yingdong
Published: January 2025

Angelica sinensis, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and food, which has a long history of clinical application, is used to improve health conditions and treat various diseases. Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP), the main active component of this traditional Chinese medicine, have multicomponent, multitarget characteristics and very broad pharmacological activities. They play important roles in the treatment of several diseases. In addition, the effect is significant, which may provide a more comprehensive database and theoretical support for applying ASP in the treatment of disease and could be considered a promising candidate for preventing disease. This review summarizes the research progress on the extraction, chemical structure, pharmacological effects, and mechanisms of ASP and its derivatives by reviewing relevant national and international literature and provides comprehensive information and a reliable basis for the exploration of new treatment strategies involving botanical drugs for disease therapy. Literature information was obtained from scientific ethnobotany and ethnomedicine databases (up to September 2024), mainly from the PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases. The literature has explored the extraction, purification, structure, and pharmacological effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides. The search keywords for such work included “Angelica sinensis” or “Angelica sinensis polysaccharides,” and “pharmacological effects,” “extraction” and “structure.” Multiple studies have shown that ASP has important pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, anemia-improving, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, hypoglycemic, antiradiation, and antiviral effects, the mechanisms of which appear to involve the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and profibrotic signaling pathways. As a natural polysaccharide, ASP has potential applications as a drug. However, further research should be undertaken to clarify the unconfirmed regulatory mechanisms, conduct standard clinical trials, and evaluate the possible side effects. This review establishes a theoretical foundation for future studies on the structure, mechanism, and clinical use of ASP.
From barcodes to genomes: a new era of molecular exploration in bryophyte research
Authors: Dhyani Anshul , Kasana Shruti , Uniyal Prem Lal
Published: January 2025

Bryophytes represent a diverse and species-rich group of plants, characterized by a remarkable array of morphological variations. Due to their significant ecological and economic roles worldwide, accurate identification of bryophyte taxa is crucial. However, the variability in morphological traits often complicates their proper identification and subsequent commercial utilization. DNA barcoding has emerged as a valuable tool for the precise identification of bryophyte taxa, facilitating comparisons at both interspecific and intraspecific levels. Recent research involving plastomes, mitogenomes, and transcriptomes of various bryophyte species has provided insights into molecular changes and gene expression in response to environmental stressors. Advances in molecular phylogenetics have shed light on the origin and evolutionary history of bryophytes, thereby clarifying their phylogenetic relationships. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive understanding of the systematic relationships within bryophytes is still lacking. This review synthesizes current molecular studies that have been instrumental in unraveling the complexity of bryophyte taxonomy and systematics. By highlighting key findings from recent genetic and genomic research, we underscore the importance of integrating molecular data with traditional morphological approaches. Such integration is essential for refining the classification systems of bryophytes and for understanding their adaptive strategies in various ecological niches. Future research should focus on expanding the molecular datasets across underrepresented bryophyte lineages and exploring the functional significance of genetic variations under different environmental conditions. This will not only enhance our knowledge of bryophyte evolution, but also inform conservation strategies and potential applications in biotechnology.
Rice glycosyltransferase OsDUGT1 is involved in heat stress tolerance by glycosylating flavonoids and regulating flavonoid metabolism
Authors: Dong Guang-rui , Zhao Shu-man , Ding Yi , Ma Yu-qing , Ma Xing-mei , Liu Chong-lin , Hou Bing-kai
Published: January 2025

One significant environmental element influencing the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is high temperature. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which rice responds to high temperature is not fully understood. A rice glycosyltransferase gene, OsDUGT1, was identified as a heat-responsive gene in this investigation. Its function was studied by overexpression and knockout methods. The results showed that under heat stress, OsDUGT1 overexpression lines (OsDUGT1-OE) increased the survival rate of rice, while Osdugt1 knockout lines (Osdugt1-ko) decreased the survival rate compared to wild type (ZH11). In addition to rice, heat stress tolerance was also improved by ectopic expression of OsDUGT1 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. We observed that ROS scavenging ability, malondialdehyde accumulation, and the ion leakage are relevant to the expression level of OsDUGT1. Through enzyme activity analysis, we found that OsDUGT1 could glycosylate flavonoid compounds. Correspondingly, the loss of OsDUGT1 function caused a significant decrease in endogenous flavonoid accumulation in rice, which was demonstrated by our metabolomics analysis. Additionally, our transcriptomic analysis of Osdugt1 mutant lines under heat stress condition indicated that mutation of OsDUGT1 can reduce the transcriptional activity of heat response related genes, antioxidant enzyme genes and other genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. In summary, our work revealed that OsDUGT1 plays a crucial role in adjusting and balancing the overall plant metabolism and transcription under heat stress through glycosylation of flavonoids, and offers a key prospect gene for breeding efforts to enhance crop heat tolerance under the trend of climate warming all over the globe.
Decentralized clinical trials are better for the participants and for the planet: the case study of a double-blind randomized controlled trial in Singapore (PROMOTE study)
Authors: Fries Lisa R. , Khaled Nadia , Viveros Santos Ivan , Suniega-Tolentino Elvira , Sesing Motshewa , Toh Melissa P. S. , Yang Chui Yuen , Chan Shiao Yng , Colombo Mottaz Sara
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Novel technologies have enabled the decentralization of many aspects of clinical trials, but little research has been done on the impact of these changes on the participant experience, trial operations, or the environment.

Methods

A fully decentralized clinical trial conducted in Singapore is used as a case study to evaluate the operational outcomes, environmental impact (via life cycle assessment), and participants experience (qualitative interviews) of the decentralized model compared to a traditional study with in-person visits.

Results

The decentralized study achieved high participant retention rates (97%) and high completion rates for clinical data, even for biological samples. Participants found the decentralized model to be convenient and safe, especially during the pandemic. Moreover, the decentralized model was found to be more environmentally friendly and less detrimental to human health compared to traditional face-to-face clinical trials, primarily by reducing participants’ use of cars for site visits.

Discussion

While this study focused on the environmental impact, it is important to consider other factors such as participant safety, convenience, and data quality when evaluating the suitability of a decentralized clinical trial approach. Careful planning of data flow, database structure, and data protection measures is essential. This study contributes to improving the environmental footprint of clinical trials. Environmental sustainability should be among the factors that are evaluated when selecting trial models. Decentralized and hybrid clinical trials offer efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Further research and adoption of these approaches are encouraged.
Questionnaire survey on the clinical application of Hall technique preformed metal crowns in caries of primary molars in China
Authors: Wang Junhui , Zhang Baize , Chen Yujiang , Wang Lulu , Du Yang , Ge Xin , Liu Fen , Gong Jing , Wang Xiaojing
Published: January 2025

Objective

To analyze the clinical application and limiting factors of the Hall technique (HT) preformed metal crowns in caries of primary molars and to provide reference for its clinical application based on a questionnaire survey.

Materials and methods

From June to December 2022, a questionnaire was distributed to pediatric dentists through the WeChat platform using “Questionnaire Star” to analyze the clinical application and influencing factors of the HT preformed metal crowns in caries of primary molars.

Results

A total of 700 survey questionnaires were distributed, and 650 valid questionnaires were recovered, with a effectiveness rate of 92.86%. In terms of the awareness level of the HT, only 11.08% of pediatric dentists fully understood, while 19.85% of those were completely unaware; In terms of the understanding methods, classes study accounted for 47.60%, and 28.79% of pediatric dentists understood through literature; In terms of the application of the HT, 46.15% of pediatric dentists had applied it, only 11.23% had frequently applied it, and 53.85% had never applied it; In terms of the usage time, the highest proportion was between 1 and 3 years, accounting for 40.33%, and only 9.67% were over 5 years; In terms of the choosing of indications, only 26.62% of pediatric dentists could select indications correctly; Regarding the choice of treatment methods for children who do not cooperate, only 19.54% of pediatric dentists chose the HT. The education background and nature of the workplace had a statistically significant difference in the application of the HT, the number of years of application, the selection of indications, and the choice of treatment methods for children who do not cooperate.

Conclusions

The survey showed that the awareness level and application frequency of the HT were relatively low in China. The understanding methods mainly learned through classes study.

Clinical relevance

It is necessary to further promote the development of continuing education projects with the theme of clinical application of the HT and the guidance of clinical operation standards, in order to promote the clinical popularization of it in China.
Soil moisture retrieval over agricultural region through machine learning and sentinel 1 observations
Authors: Lakra Deepanshu , Pipil Shobhit , Srivastava Prashant K. , Singh Suraj Kumar , Gupta Manika , Prasad Rajendra
Published: January 2025

Soil moisture is a fundamental variable in the Earth’s hydrological cycle and vital for development of agricultural water management practices. The present study provided a comprehensive evaluation of a wide range of advanced machine learning algorithms for Soil Moisture (SM) estimation from microwave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) backscatter observations over the wheat fields. From the wheat fields, samplings were performed to collect the in situ datasets on three different dates concurrent to the Sentinel-1 overpasses. The backscattering coefficients were taken as the input variables and SM as the output variable for the training and testing of different models. The performance analysis of RMSE, R-squared, and correlation coefficients revealed that the Random Forest (RF) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models demonstrated superior performance for SM estimation over the wheat field. Specifically, the RF model exhibited outstanding accuracy and robustness in both the training [RMSE (%): 3.44, R-squared: 0.88, correlation: 0.95] and validation phases [RMSE (%): 7.06, R-squared: 0.61, correlation: 0.8], marking it as the most effective model followed by the CNN model with [RMSE (%): 3.9, R-squared: 0.84, correlation: 0.92] during training and [RMSE (%): 8.44, R-squared: 0.43, correlation: 0.67] for validation, highlighting challenges in the model generalisation.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in production efficiency enhancement and sustainable development: a comprehensive bibliometric review
Authors: Bitzenis Aristidis , Koutsoupias Nikos , Nosios Marios
Published: January 2025

This research presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in enhancing production efficiency and fostering sustainable development. With the increasing focus on sustainability, AI and ML technologies have emerged as pivotal tools for optimizing industrial processes, improving resource management and minimizing environmental impacts. The study analyzes key ML algorithms in various production settings. This study conducts systematic bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database and Bibliometrix R package, examining global trends, key collaborations, and thematic focuses on AI and ML applications in production efficiency and sustainable development. Novel contributions include uncovering underexplored ethical dimensions of AI adoption and emphasizing the pivotal role of SMEs and developing economies in advancing sustainable practices. Key research trends identified include the integration of AI with sustainable energy management, circular economy practices, and precision agriculture. Furthermore, the analysis reveals geographical contributions, with countries like China, the United States, and the United Kingdom leading in research output and impact. Despite the promising advancements, the review identifies gaps in ethical considerations, especially in data privacy and labor market implications, and suggests avenues for future research, including the implementation of AI and ML in developing economies and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Szał w epoce rozsądku, czyli o tym, jak wielcy prozaicy XIX wieku używali słowa szał i wyrazów pokrewnych słowotwórczo
Authors: Pawelec Radosław
Published: January 2025

The text employs statistical and semantic analysis to study the use of selected words related to the mental sphere. The analysis focuses on words representing the derivational family of the noun szał ‘frenzy, madness’ in the works of three authors from the second half of the 19th century: Eliza Orzeszkowa, Henryk Sienkiewicz, and Bolesław Prus. For each of the authors, four novels were selected, with word frequencies and meanings closely related to the themes of the texts. Only in two of them do the words in question allude to mental disorders, while in the others they refer, among other things, to love, fighting, and playing, often with positive connotations. Their semantics is fuzzier than today; the authors of that time apparently tended to perceive human behaviour and psyche in terms of a certain continuum.
Defend Against Property Inference Attack for Flight Operations Data Sharing in FedMeta Framework
Authors: Lei Jin , Li Weiyun , Yue Meng , Wu Zhijun
Published: January 2025

Flight operations data play a central role in ensuring flight safety, optimizing operations, and driving innovation. However, these data have become a key target for cyber-attacks, and are especially vulnerable to property inference attacks. Aiming at property inference attacks in shared application model training, we proposed FedMeta-CTGAN, a novel approach that leverages federated meta-learning and conditional tabular generative adversarial networks (CTGANs) to protect flight operations data. Motivated by the need for secure data sharing in aviation, as highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirement for ADS-B Out equipment on aircraft to create a shared situational awareness environment, our method aims to prevent sensitive information leakage while maintaining model performance. FedMeta-CTGAN exploits the natural privacy-preserving properties of a two-stage update in meta-learning, using real data to train the CTGAN model and synthetic fake data as query data during meta-training. Comprehensive experiments using a real flight operation dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method. FedMeta-CTGAN adapts quickly to unbalanced data, achieving a prediction accuracy of 96.33%, while reducing the attacker’s inference AUC score to 0.51 under property inference attacks. Our contribution lies in the development of a secure and efficient data-sharing solution for flight operations data, which has the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry.
Development of a Duplex PCR-NALFIA Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Macrophomina phaseolina and Verticillium dahliae Causal Agents of Crown and Root Rot of Strawberry
Authors: Papini Viola , Meloni Angelo , Pecchia Susanna
Published: January 2025

Strawberry crown and root rot diseases are caused by soil-borne pathogens including Macrophomina phaseolina (Mp) and Verticillium dahliae (Vd). The symptoms caused by these pathogens are very similar and difficult to distinguish, and traditional culture-based detection methods are laborious, time-consuming, and slow in providing results. In this work, we developed a duplex PCR-NALFIA assay using two pairs of species-specific primers labeled at the 5′ end with different molecules for the simultaneous identification of Mp and Vd. For the NALFIA assay, a lateral flow device (LFD) for the detection of two analytes was used. The method was developed by single and duplex PCR (Mp, Vd, Mp + Vd) using increasingly complex biological systems: (i) DNA from pure cultures of the pathogens; (ii) DNA from artificially inoculated cut melon stems; and (iii) DNA from artificially inoculated strawberry plants cv. Aromas. The duplex PCR protocol was effective in detecting the two pathogens within melon tissues and provided good results with strawberry crown tissues only when the DNA samples were purified by removing the PCR inhibitors. The amplicons were used for both agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and NALFIA assays and demonstrated the greater sensitivity of the NALFIA assay (10 pg) for simultaneous detection of the two pathogens.
Development of Genome-Wide Unique Indel Markers for a Heat-Sensitive Genotype in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zhai Huijie , Xu Kunpeng , Wang Meng , Wang Zhenchuang , Cai Ziyang , Li Ao , He Anxin , Xie Xiaoming , Chai Lingling , Liu Mingjiu , Ou Xingqi , Ni Zhongfu
Published: January 2025

A chromosome segment substituted line (CSSL) represents an ideal resource for studying quantitative traits like thermotolerance. To develop wheat inter-varietal CSSLs with E6015-3S (a heat-sensitive genotype) being the recipient parent, genome-wide unique DNA markers are urgently needed for marker-assisted selection. In this study, 11,016 primer pairs targeting 5036 indel sites were successfully designed for E6015-3S, with an average density of 0.36 indels per Mbp. These primer pairs are believed to be unique and polymorphic in the wheat genome; as gathered from the evidence, (i) 76.18 to 99.34% of the 11,016 primer pairs yielded a single hit during sequence alignment with 18 sequenced genomes, (ii) 83.59 to 90.98% of 1042 synthesized primer pairs amplified a single band in 16 wheat accessions, and (iii) 59.69 to 99.81% of the tested 1042 primer pairs were polymorphic between E6015-3S and 15 individual wheat accessions. These primer pairs are also anticipated with excellent resolvability on agarose or polyacrylamide gels, since most of them have indel sizes from 15 to 46 bp, amplicon sizes from 141 to 250 bp, and polymorphism ratios from 6.0 to 25.0%. Collectively, these primer pairs are ideal DNA markers for inter-varietal CSSL development and more broad applications, like germplasm classification, seed purity testing, genetic linkage mapping, and marker-assisted breeding in wheat, owing to their uniqueness, polymorphism, and easy-to-use characteristics.
A Lightweight Model for Shine Muscat Grape Detection in Complex Environments Based on the YOLOv8 Architecture
Authors: Tian Changlei , Liu Zhanchong , Chen Haosen , Dong Fanglong , Liu Xiaoxiang , Lin Cong
Published: January 2025

Automated harvesting of “Sunshine Rose” grapes requires accurate detection and classification of grape clusters under challenging orchard conditions, such as occlusion and variable lighting, while ensuring that the model can be deployed on resource- and computation-constrained edge devices. This study addresses these challenges by proposing a lightweight YOLOv8-based model, incorporating DualConv and the novel C2f-GND module to enhance feature extraction and reduce computational complexity. Evaluated on the newly developed Shine-Muscat-Complex dataset of 4715 images, the proposed model achieved a 2.6% improvement in mean Average Precision (mAP) over YOLOv8n while reducing parameters by 36.8%, FLOPs by 34.1%, and inference time by 15%. Compared with the latest YOLOv11n, our model achieved a 3.3% improvement in mAP, with reductions of 26.4% in parameters, 14.3% in FLOPs, and 14.6% in inference time, demonstrating comprehensive enhancements. These results highlight the potential of our model for accurate and efficient deployment on resource-constrained edge devices, providing an algorithmic foundation for the automated harvesting of “Sunshine Rose” grapes.
Machine Learning-Based Anomaly Prediction for Proactive Monitoring in Data Centers: A Case Study on INFN-CNAF
Authors: Asperti Andrea , Raciti Gabriele , Ronchieri Elisabetta , Cesini Daniele
Published: January 2025

Anomaly prediction in time series is crucial for ensuring the stability and security of data centers, especially in scientific contexts such as INFN-CNAF, the National Center for Research and Development in Information and Communication Technology of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics. At INFN-CNAF, large volumes of heterogeneous data critical to international experiments are managed using dedicated monitoring systems. To ensure continuous availability, artificial intelligence solutions are being explored to detect anomalies and predict potential failures proactively. This work presents a machine learning-based approach for automatic anomaly prediction in the operational metrics of INFN-CNAF’s WebDav service. We evaluate several methods, including Long Short-Term Memory, Random Forest, and various neural networks, assessing their Accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing normal from anomalous behaviors. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods, not only in predicting anomalies but also in pinpointing critical areas within monitored metrics. This contributes to more proactive IT resource monitoring and enhances data center management efficiency.
Polyamine Content of Enteral Nutrition Formulas: Effect of Daily Intake on the Feeding Tolerance of Patients During the First Week in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sánchez Manuel , Rodríguez-Hernández Eva , Suárez Lorena , Cantabrana Begoña , González-García María
Published: January 2025

Enteral nutrition (EN) formulas are necessary for critically ill patients to meet their metabolic requirements. Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) are crucial dietary components, with spermidine being particularly interesting due to its multiple proposed benefits. The requirements for and intake of polyamines have yet to be investigated in adult patients hospitalised in intensive care units (ICUs) who are exclusively fed via commercial EN formulas. The aim of this study was to determine the polyamine content and other biogenic amines of EN formulas and the total intake and gastric residual volume (GRV) in adult ICU patients during their first seven days of hospitalisation. The amines were analysed in 16 EN formulas using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The clinical data of eight patients of both sexes aged 47 to 77 admitted to the ICU were analysed. Differences existed among the analysed EN formulas. The N-acetyl putrescine content was higher than that of the remaining amines. The daily intake of polyamines in the ICU was less than 100 μmol (the dietary intake is above 400 μmol). An inverse correlation existed between total daily polyamine intake and daily GRV, without effects from other biogenic amines being analysed. Polyamine intake in critically ill patients receiving EN is low and could impact these patients’ feeding tolerance. These findings underscore the need for further research to explore the clinical implications of increasing the polyamine content of EN formulas.
Methodology for Measuring Mobility Emissions with High Spatial Resolution: Case Study in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Jiménez García Carlos , Porres de la Haza María Joaquina , Coll Aliaga Eloina , Lerma-Arce Victoria , Lorenzo-Sáez Edgar
Published: January 2025

Climate change is a major global issue because transportation is a major source of pollutants and greenhouse gases that affect human health and air quality. However, to effectively prioritize and fund mitigating actions, decision-makers lack scientific rigor and diagnoses with sufficient spatial resolution. Based on the Origin-Destination Matrix (ODM), this study suggests a methodology to measure and identify mobility emissions (CO2, Nox, PM) at the neighborhood level with high spatial resolution. Testing of the methodology was performed in Valencia, Spain. Even though many studies calculate carbon footprint, few make use of precise geographic information and openly accessible data, and they frequently concentrate on entire cities rather than smaller areas. To determine all potential routes for each Origin-Destination (OD) trip, the process uses geostatistics to estimate daily trip activity data (kilometers traveled). The COPERT calculator methodology from the European Union is used to analyze these routes to calculate the total emissions and the distance traveled per neighborhood. Based on road infrastructure, the methodology determines which neighborhoods receive emissions and creates measures of equitable environmental responsibility. It also identifies short trips that might be replaced by cycling or walking, as well as possible improvements to public transportation.
Optimization of Coating Process Parameters by Analysis of Target Powder Thickness and Regression Modeling
Authors: Šolić Tomislav , Marić Dejan , Peko Ivan , Samardžić Ivan
Published: January 2025

The development of corrosion mechanisms is a major issue that industrial experts are faced with while dealing with all phases of metal exploitation. Damage caused by corrosion affects the increase in both direct and indirect costs of manufacture. With adequate surface protection technology, it is possible to lessen the intensity of corrosion mechanisms’ development. In order for the selected surface protection technology to provide its full protective action, it is necessary to be familiar with its process parameters. This paper deals with a surface protection system that creates a barrier between the aggressive environment and the base material. The tested barrier was created on a base material surface by electrostatic powder spraying. In this experiment, three types of base material (carbon steel, aluminum and galvanized steel) were coated by applying different combinations of operating parameters. Operating parameters, i.e., the voltage and strength of the electric current, were taken as numerical input variables in the experiment. Each experiment design was focused on measuring the thickness of the protective layer. Analysis of the obtained results and statistical data processing confirmed that appropriate parameters (input variables) provided the target thickness of the protective coating on each of the tested materials. Optimization of parameters contributes to the efficiency of production, shortens the processing time and ensures that coating thickness stays within the limits defined either by the manufacturer or the end user.
Breaking New Ground in Monocular Depth Estimation with Dynamic Iterative Refinement and Scale Consistency
Authors: Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Umirzakova Sabina , Shukhratovich Makhkamov Bakhtiyor , Kakhorov Azamat , Cho Young-Im
Published: January 2025

Monocular depth estimation (MDE) is a critical task in computer vision with applications in autonomous driving, robotics, and augmented reality. However, predicting depth from a single image poses significant challenges, especially in dynamic scenes where moving objects introduce scale ambiguity and inaccuracies. In this paper, we propose the Dynamic Iterative Monocular Depth Estimation (DI-MDE) framework, which integrates an iterative refinement process with a novel scale-alignment module to address these issues. Our approach combines elastic depth bins that adjust dynamically based on uncertainty estimates with a scale-alignment mechanism to ensure consistency between static and dynamic regions. Leveraging self-supervised learning, DI-MDE does not require ground truth depth labels, making it scalable and applicable to real-world environments. Experimental results on standard datasets such as SUN RGB-D and KITTI demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance, significantly improving depth prediction accuracy in dynamic scenes. This work contributes a robust and efficient solution to the challenges of monocular depth estimation, offering advancements in both depth refinement and scale consistency.
Acute Effects of the French Contrast Method and Post Activation Potentiation on 3 × 3 Basketball Game Demands and Thermal Asymmetry Responses
Authors: Cengizel Çağdaş Özgür , Şenel Ömer
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to determine the acute effects of the French contrast method (FCM) and post-activation potentiation (PAP) protocols on 3 × 3 basketball game demands and thermal asymmetry in male basketball players and to compare these effects between protocols. Eighteen male basketball players (mean ± SD; age: 21.7 ± 1.5 years, 10.6 ± 1.9 years of experience) visited the laboratory four times, 72 h apart. The players participated in three different protocols (baseline: 3 × 3 game; FCM + 3 × 3 game; PAP + 3 × 3 game; respectively). The players’ internal and external loads were monitored, game profiles were analyzed, and thermography was applied during the protocols. The results revealed that FCM and PAP did not significantly differ in internal load; however, the significant highest total distance and distance in band 2 during the 3 × 3 basketball game was after the FCM. The 1-point attempt was significantly higher after the FCM, and turnover was significantly higher after PAP. Significant thermal asymmetry was observed in the abdominals and lower back after the FCM and PAP. The results of this study provide coaches and practitioners with detailed information regarding the game demands that can be used to improve the playing profile of 3 × 3 basketball players.
Model-Free Speed Control for Pumping Kite Generator Systems Based on Nonlinear Hyperbolic Tangent Tracking Differentiator
Authors: Belguedri Mouaad , Benrabah Abdeldjabar , Khoucha Farid , Delaleau Emmanuel , Benbouzid Mohamed , Benmansour Khelifa
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the emerging field of grid-connected wind-powered pumping kite generator system (PKGS), focusing on the challenges associated with the generator/motor speed control. Conventional use of proportional–integral (PI) controllers faces difficulties in meeting requirements for dynamic response, tracking performance, stability, and disturbance rejection encountered in this technology, notably the periodical variation in the rotational speed reference in maximum power point tracking in generation phases and the dynamic response for the step reference in transient ones. To overcome these limitations, a model-free controller (MFC) approach is introduced, also known as intelligent PID controllers. Unlike traditional methods, MFC does not rely on a control model of the system and adapts to uncertainties and disturbances through online estimation based on the system’s input–output behavior. To further improve the control performances, a tracking differentiator based on a nonlinear hyperbolic tangent function is integrated in the MFC. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is proved through simulations in MATLAB/Simulink. The results highlight the superior performances of the proposed MFC approach in terms of speed control accuracy, response time, and robustness.
Thermal Comfort and Sustainability in University Classrooms: A Study in Mediterranean Climate Zones
Authors: Romero Pilar , Miranda María Teresa , Isidoro Rui , Arranz José Ignacio , Valero-Amaro Víctor
Published: January 2025

Thermal comfort in educational environments affects not only students’ well-being but also their concentration and academic performance. In the context of climate change, university classrooms in Mediterranean climates face particular challenges due to higher and more variable temperatures. This study evaluates thermal comfort in classrooms in southern Portugal, comparing natural ventilation (NV) and air-conditioning (AC) modes. Through environmental measurements and student surveys, thermal perceptions, preferences and factors such as position within the classroom were analysed. The results reveal that NV classrooms offer sustainable benefits, but their effectiveness decreases when outside temperatures exceed 28 °C, increasing thermal discomfort. In contrast, AC classrooms maintain more stable and comfortable conditions, although they have thermal gradients that affect specific zones, such as areas near windows or air vents. This study highlights the need for hybrid strategies that prioritise NV in moderate temperatures and use AC as a support in extreme conditions. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of appropriate architectural design and specific adaptive models for Mediterranean climates, balancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Physico-Chemical Characterization of Sesame/Rapeseed Oil Mixtures
Authors: Marudova Maria , Viraneva Asya , Antova Ginka , Nikolova Krastena , Petkova Zhana , Teneva Olga
Published: January 2025

The production of edible plant seed oil used in the food industry is increasing globally. More than 75% of lipids in the human diet come from edible vegetable oils. Among them, sesame oil has the highest resistance to oxidation, valuable physiological properties, and a unique flavor and aroma. However, sesame oil is more expensive than rapeseed oil, and often both oils are mixed to reduce costs. In this study, we performed a physical and physico-chemical analysis of sesame oil and sesame/rapeseed oil mixtures (5/95, 10/90, 30/70, 50/50, 70/30 and 90/10 w/w). The investigated oils were characterized based on their fatty acid composition, peroxide value, iodine value, phase transitions, refractive indices, color and UV–Vis adsorption. The fatty acid composition of mixtures made from sesame and rapeseed oils depended on the ratio of the two oils. Increasing the content of sesame oil in the mixtures resulted in a decrease in the levels of oleic and linolenic acids, while the levels of linoleic acid increased. A very good linear correlation was observed between the temperatures and enthalpies of crystallization of the mixtures, which could be used to establish the composition of a mixture between sesame and rapeseed oil. Information about these parameters could increase the possibilities for the commercial use of the investigated oils.
Optimization and Experimental Study of Penetration Depth of Pocket Penetrometer
Authors: Liang Yanzhao , Sun Gangchen , Zhao Yunjun
Published: January 2025

The pocket penetrometer has become an ideal tool for the rapid testing of soil parameters in the field due to its portability, ease of use, and cost effectiveness, but there is still room for improvement in its accuracy. In this study, a penetration test on red clay was investigated by increasing the penetration depth and combining the self-designed penetrometer, sample preparation method, and data analysis method. The improved sample preparation technique performs well in improving sample uniformity and preparation efficiency. The quantitative processing of the penetration curves improves the objectivity and accuracy of the test results. The penetration test results of various reshaped soils showed that the relationships between liquidity index, shear strength, and penetration resistance were less affected by the liquid–plastic interface. In addition, the penetration test results of remolded soils and in situ soils showed that the empirical formulas are still informative in evaluating the shear strength of soils despite the differences in the test soils.
Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Maintaining Sustainable Agroecosystems
Authors: Chaudhary Anju , Poudyal Shital , Kaundal Amita
Published: January 2025

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable agroecosystems by forming mutualistic relationships with plant roots, improving soil health, facilitating nutrient uptake, and enhancing resilience to abiotic stresses. The mutualistic relationship between AM fungi and plants promotes a balanced microbial community and improves soil structure by forming stable soil aggregates. Additionally, AM fungi can lower the adverse effects of high soil phosphorus (P) while also enhancing plant tolerance to drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity through osmotic regulation and antioxidant production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi also support beneficial microorganisms, such as potassium (K)-solubilizing microbes and nitrogen (N)-transforming bacteria, which enhance the nutrient dynamics in soil. However, intensive agricultural practices, including heavy tillage and continuous monoculture, disrupt AM fungal networks and reduce microbial diversity, impairing their effectiveness. Adopting conservation practices such as reduced tillage, crop rotation, and organic amendments supports AM fungal growth. Incorporating mycorrhizal crops and utilizing native fungal inoculants can enhance AM fungal colonization and plant growth. These strategies collectively bolster soil health, crop productivity, and resilience, offering a promising solution to the environmental and agricultural challenges posed by intensive farming. By promoting AM fungi growth and colonization, agroecosystems can achieve long-term productivity and increased sustainability.