bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Performance Screen-Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on BaTiO3-Enhanced Copy Paper for Sustainable Energy Harvesting
Authors: Patil Omkar A. , Cheong Jun Young , Lu Baoyang , Hwang Byungil , Lim Sooman
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the triboelectric performance of nanogenerators based on copy paper (CP) and barium titanate (BTO) with varying concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). BTO was coated onto the paper surface via screen-printing, significantly enhancing the triboelectric properties. Results showed that as the BTO concentration increased, the output performance improved, with optimal performance observed at 15% BTO. At this concentration, the nanogenerator produced an output of 103 V and 3.6 µA. The CP/BTO nanogenerator demonstrated stable performance over 57,600 cycles at 4 Hz frequency and 40 N applied force, indicating excellent durability. The device attained a maximum power density of 32.4 µWcm2, highlighting the efficiency improvement through BTO integration. Various parameters including BTO concentration, applied force, and frequency were studied to optimize device performance. The CP/BTO device successfully powered 60 LEDs and a calculator, demonstrating its potential for practical energy harvesting applications. This research presents a promising approach for developing low-cost, environmentally friendly power-generating systems for wearable and portable devices.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Novel Lightweight and Heat-Resistant Al-3.0Ce-0.9Ca-1.9Mn-1.2Zr Alloy Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Zhang Wanwen , Wang Mengmeng , Yu Xiaodan , Zhang Zhigang , Cai Dongting , Shen Baoxiang , Long Jianzhou , Sun Yufeng
Published: February 2025

This article discusses the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al-3.0Ce-0.9Ca-1.9Mn-1.2Zr alloy produced by selective laser melting (SLM) technology. The new alloy leverages the excellent heat resistance of Al-Ce alloys, incorporating Ca to lower both the cost and density, while the addition of Mn and Zr enhances formability and provides additional precipitation strengthening. Through the optimization of heat-treatment parameters, the optimal conditions were determined, with an annealing temperature of 375 °C and a holding time of 8 h. After annealing, the alloy’s tensile strength increased from 333 MPa to 412 MPa, yield strength rose from 246 MPa to 359 MPa, and elongation decreased from 24.4% to 16.4%. Compared to the as-built state, tensile strength and yield strength increased by 23.6% and 46.1%, respectively, while elongation decreased by 32.7%. The alloy demonstrates excellent heat resistance, with yield strengths at test temperatures of 200 °C, 250 °C, 300 °C, and 350 °C at 167 ± 17 MPa, 144 ± 8 MPa, 84 ± 4 MPa, and 57 ± 5 MPa, respectively. Notably, alloying imparts a degree of superplasticity, likely due to the synergistic effects of the Ca, Mn, and Zr elements.
Development of Eco-Friendly Hydrogel for the Adsorption of Indigo Carmine Dye
Authors: Bitelo Bibiana , Schneider Daniela E. , Petzhold Cesar L. , Gamba Douglas , Daitx Tales S.
Published: February 2025

The use of indigo carmine dye in the textile industry, particularly in denim production, presents a significant sustainability challenge due to the large amounts of wastewater generated by this process, since this fabric is one of the most produced around the world. In order to face challenges like this, effluent treatment using polymeric materials has become an area of intense research. In this study, we developed an eco-friendly hydrogel based on oligoglycerol-malic acid polyester crosslinked with citric acid, which was applied to adsorb indigo carmine. The properties of the hydrogel and its precursors were analyzed using spectroscopic, thermal, and morphologic techniques. The hydrogel demonstrated water uptake capacity up to 187% of its own mass and adsorbed approximately 73% of the dye after 24 h of contact. Tests were conducted in the presence of sodium chloride and indicated that the presence of salt impairs the adsorption process. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics and isotherms were evaluated and demonstrated that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating a chemisorption process, and a Langmuir isotherm, consistent with a monolayer adsorption. These results emphasize the potential of this hydrogel for removing dye and its application in textile industry wastewater treatment, aiming to minimize environmental impacts.
Improving Surgical Site Infection Prediction Using Machine Learning: Addressing Challenges of Highly Imbalanced Data
Authors: Al-Ahmari Salha , Nadeem Farrukh
Published: February 2025

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) lead to higher hospital readmission rates and healthcare costs, representing a significant global healthcare burden. Machine learning (ML) has demonstrated potential in predicting SSIs; however, the challenge of addressing imbalanced class ratios remains. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate and enhance the predictive capabilities of machine learning models for SSIs by assessing the effects of feature selection, resampling techniques, and hyperparameter optimization. Methods: Using routine SSI surveillance data from multiple hospitals in Saudi Arabia, we analyzed a dataset of 64,793 surgical patients, of whom 1632 developed SSI. Seven machine learning algorithms were created and tested: Decision Tree (DT), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). We also improved several resampling strategies, such as undersampling and oversampling. Grid search five-fold cross-validation was employed for comprehensive hyperparameter optimization, in conjunction with balanced sampling techniques. Features were selected using a filter method based on their relationships with the target variable. Results: Our findings revealed that RF achieves the highest performance, with an MCC of 0.72. The synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) is the best-performing resampling technique, consistently enhancing the performance of most machine learning models, except for LR and GNB. LR struggles with class imbalance due to its linear assumptions and bias toward the majority class, while GNB’s reliance on feature independence and Gaussian distribution make it unreliable for under-represented minority classes. For computational efficiency, the Instance Hardness Threshold (IHT) offers a viable alternative undersampling technique, though it may compromise performance to some extent. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of ML models as effective tools for assessing SSI risk, warranting further clinical exploration to improve patient outcomes. By employing advanced ML techniques and robust validation methods, these models demonstrate promising accuracy and reliability in predicting SSI events, even in the face of significant class imbalances. In addition, using MCC in this study ensures a more reliable and robust evaluation of the model’s predictive performance, particularly in the presence of an imbalanced dataset, where other metrics may fail to provide an accurate evaluation.
Trends in Clinical Cardiac Photon-Counting Detector CT Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Perera Molligoda Arachchige Arosh S. , Catapano Federica , Lisi Costanza , El Choueiri Jad , Pellicanò Francesca , Figliozzi Stefano , Politi Letterio S. , Francone Marco
Published: February 2025

Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) represents a significant advancement in radiological imaging, offering substantial potential for cardiac applications that remain partially underexplored. This bibliometric analysis investigates the evolution and current clinical application of cardiac PCD-CT by examining research trends from 2019 to 2024. The analysis aims to understand the development of this technology, its clinical implications, and future directions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, yielding 984 records. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, 81 studies were included in the final analysis. These studies primarily focused on coronary artery calcium scoring, coronary atherosclerotic plaque assessment, and coronary artery stenosis quantification. The findings indicate a significant upward trend in the number of publications, peaking in 2023. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the USA, Germany, and Switzerland are the leading contributors to PCD-CT research, with prominent institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the University of Zurich driving advancements in the field. The NAEOTOM Alpha by Siemens Healthineers, being the only commercially available PCD-CT model, highlights its central role in cardiac imaging studies. Funding for PCD-CT research came from various sources, including industry leaders like Siemens and Bayer, as well as governmental and academic institutions. The analysis also identified several challenges that PCD-CT research faces, including the need for larger patient cohorts and broader geographical representation. In conclusion, the rapid growth of cardiac PCD-CT research underscores its transformative potential in clinical practice. Continued investment, collaboration, and extensive research are essential to fully harness the benefits of PCD-CT.
Exploring Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation in Transthyretin-Mediated Hereditary Amyloidosis (ATTRv): Insights from 123I-mIBG Scintigraphy
Authors: Feo Maria Silvia De , Cambieri Chiara , Galosi Eleonora , Frantellizzi Viviana , Chimenti Cristina , Luigetti Marco , Sciarrone Maria Ausilia , Graziani Francesca , Leonardi Luca , Musumeci Beatrice , Libonati Laura , Moret Federica , D’Andrea Edoardo , Di Giulio Matteo , Garibaldi Matteo , Forcina Francesca , Truini Andrea , De Vincentis Giuseppe , Inghilleri Maurizio , Ceccanti Marco
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid in the heart and peripheral nerves, particularly affecting small fibers. This study aims to evaluate autonomic cardiac involvement in ATTRv. Methods: Twelve patients with ATTRv and twelve sex- and age-matched healthy subjects underwent 123I-mIBG scintigraphy to evaluate the early and late heart-to-mediastinum ratio (eH/M and lH/M), 99mTc-HDP bone scan scintigraphy, and neurophysiological assessments. Data were analyzed in relation to functional cardiac and neurologic scales (NYHA and FAP scales). Results: Patients with ATTRv exhibited significant cardiac denervation, as demonstrated by the reduction in early and late H/M ratios compared to the control group (eH/M: 1.48 ± 0.08 vs. 1.89 ± 0.05, p < 0.001; lH/M: 1.39 ± 0.08 vs. 2.01 ± 0.05, p < 0.001). Values of eH/M and lH/M < 1.6 effectively differentiated patients with ATTRv from the healthy controls. Cardiac denervation correlated with interventricular septal thickness and the Perugini score but was not related to neurophysiological assessments or NYHA and FAP scales. Conclusions: Ultimately, 123I-mIBG scintigraphy is an effective tool for assessing cardiac denervation in patients with ATTRv.
Interstitial Lung Abnormalities: Unraveling the Journey from Incidental Discovery to Clinical Significance
Authors: Gogali Athena , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Kostikas Konstantinos
Published: February 2025

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are incidental radiologic abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT) examination performed on people in whom interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not suspected. Despite the fact that most of these individuals are asymptomatic, ILAs are not synonymous with subclinical ILD, as a subset of them have symptoms and lung function impairment. On the other hand, not all ILAs progress to clinically significant ILD. Specific imaging features and patterns have been proven more likely to progress, while some individuals may comprise a higher risk group for progression. Numerous studies have demonstrated that ILAs are not only associated with an increased risk of progression toward pulmonary fibrosis and fibrosis-related mortality but are also linked to a greater incidence of lung cancer and a higher rate of all-cause mortality. Considering that the systematic evaluation of large cohorts has shown a prevalence of ILAs up to 7% and that the natural history of ILAs is unclear, successful screening and appropriate monitoring of ILAs is of particular significance for earlier diagnosis, risk factor modification, and treatment. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge on ILAs and highlight the need to define those at greatest risk of progression to ILD and worse clinical outcomes.
Control of Inhibition-Stabilized Oscillations in Wilson-Cowan Networks with Homeostatic Plasticity
Authors: Godin Camille , Krause Matthew R. , Vieira Pedro G. , Pack Christopher C. , Thivierge Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2025

Interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex give rise to different regimes of activity and modulate brain oscillations. A prominent regime in the cortex is the inhibition-stabilized network (ISN), defined by strong recurrent excitation balanced by inhibition. While theoretical models have captured the response of brain circuits in the ISN state, their connectivity is typically hard-wired, leaving unanswered how a network may self-organize to an ISN state and dynamically switch between ISN and non-ISN states to modulate oscillations. Here, we introduce a mean-rate model of coupled Wilson-Cowan equations, link ISN and non-ISN states to Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy, and demonstrate how homeostatic plasticity (HP) allows the network to express both states depending on its level of tonic activity. This mechanism enables the model to capture a broad range of experimental effects, including (i) a paradoxical decrease in inhibitory activity, (ii) a phase offset between excitation and inhibition, and (iii) damped gamma oscillations. Further, the model accounts for experimental work on asynchronous quenching, where an external input suppresses intrinsic oscillations. Together, findings show that oscillatory activity is modulated by the dynamical regime of the network under the control of HP, thus advancing a framework that bridges neural dynamics, entropy, oscillations, and synaptic plasticity.
Harnessing Theory to Make Sense of Large-Scale Secondary Data in Education: Applying the Academic Demands–Resources Framework
Authors: Martin Andrew J. , Sudimantara Lala B. , Dewi Ema W.
Published: February 2025

Large-scale secondary datasets such as PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS, and TALIS present valuable opportunities for researchers to investigate diverse issues of educational significance. However, one challenge when analyzing these datasets is to navigate the diffuse constructs that comprise them so that cohesive and coherent research can be conducted. Failure to do so can lead to research that is fragmented, ad hoc, and idiosyncratic, limiting the validity and generalizability of what can be concluded. The present discussion explores how theory can be harnessed as an organizing device for selecting and modeling constructs in large-scale secondary datasets. With a focus on the academic demands–resources (AD-R) framework, we look at recent research using large-scale secondary data that has drawn on this conceptual lens to bring cohesion and coherence to research and which has considerable implications for future educational research and practice. We also look at how the AD-R has been extended (by way of the academic and cultural demands–resources [ACD-R] framework) to analyze large-scale secondary data to better understand the academic development of immigrant students at school.
The Importance of Social and Emotional Skills During Adolescence to Promote a Positive Social Identity: A Systematic Literature Review and Reflection Using Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory
Authors: Main Katherine , Bouton Bobette D. , Pendergast Donna , Whitaker Nicole
Published: February 2025

Social identity in adolescence refers to the way young people define themselves in relation to the social groups they belong to, such as their peers, family, cultural or ethnic communities, gender, and sometimes subcultures. All of these areas of a person’s identity are also influenced by the different contexts and the social discourses and expectations that are experienced. Social and emotional skills, competencies, or capacities are internal assets that can be learned and are linked to prosocial behavior and positive social identities. Developing strong social and emotional capabilities is particularly pertinent for young adolescents due to the convergence of developmental effects as they begin to form their sense of personal identity and shift to having a greater sense of independence. This paper presents the findings from a systematic literature review using PRISMA reporting guidelines of studies conducted between 2014 and 2024 that examined the links between social and emotional competencies and a young adolescent’s social identity formation. Four education-focused databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English. Results were mapped against CASEL’s social and emotional skill sets. Very limited literature was found (n = 6) that explicitly addressed young adolescent identity formation and the need for social and emotional skills; however, key findings show that young adolescents utilize all five of CASEL’s social and emotional skill sets to support the development of their social identity. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory is applied to the findings to consider the systemic influences. Questions for future research are also proposed.
Hierarchical Vision–Language Pre-Training with Freezing Strategy for Multi-Level Semantic Alignment
Authors: Xie Huiming , Qin Yang , Ding Shuxue
Published: February 2025

Vision–language pre-training (VLP) faces challenges in aligning hierarchical textual semantics (words/phrases/sentences) with multi-scale visual features (objects/relations/global context). We propose a hierarchical VLP model (HieVLP) that addresses such challenges through semantic decomposition and progressive alignment. Textually, a semantic parser deconstructs captions into word-, phrase-, and sentence-level components, which are encoded via hierarchical BERT layers. Visually, a Swin Transformer extracts object- (local), relation- (mid-scale), and global-level features through shifted window hierarchies. During pre-training, a freezing strategy sequentially activates text layers (sentence→phrase→word), aligning each with the corresponding visual scales via contrastive and language modeling losses. The experimental evaluations demonstrate that HieVLP outperforms hierarchical baselines across various tasks, with the performance improvements ranging from approximately 3.2% to 11.2%. In the image captioning task, HieVLP exhibits an average CIDEr improvement of around 7.2% and a 2.1% improvement in the SPICE metric. For image–text retrieval, it achieves recall increases of 4.7–6.8%. In reasoning tasks, HieVLP boosts accuracy by 2.96–5.8%. These results validate that explicit multi-level alignment enables contextually coherent caption generation and precise cross-modal reasoning.
Smart Grid Fault Mitigation and Cybersecurity with Wide-Area Measurement Systems: A Review
Authors: Ogbogu Chisom E. , Thornburg Jesse , Okozi Samuel O.
Published: February 2025

Smart grid reliability and efficiency are critical for uninterrupted service, especially amidst growing demand and network complexity. Wide-Area Measurement Systems (WAMS) are valuable tools for mitigating faults and reducing fault-clearing time while simultaneously prioritizing cybersecurity. This review looks at smart grid WAMS implementation and its potential for cyber-physical power system (CPPS) development and compares it to traditional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) infrastructure. While traditionally used in smart grids, SCADA has become insufficient in handling modern grid dynamics. WAMS differ through utilizing phasor measurement units (PMUs) to provide real-time monitoring and enhance situational awareness. This review explores PMU deployment models and their integration into existing grid infrastructure for CPPS and smart grid development. The review discusses PMU configurations that enable precise measurements across the grid for quicker, more accurate decisions. This study highlights models of PMU and WAMS deployment for conventional grids to convert them into smart grids in terms of the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM). Examples from developing nations illustrate cybersecurity benefits in cyber-physical frameworks and improvements in grid stability and efficiency. Further incorporating machine learning, multi-level optimization, and predictive analytics can enhance WAMS capabilities by enabling advanced fault prediction, automated response, and multilayer cybersecurity.
Agrivoltaics, Opportunities for Hydrogen Generation, and Market Developments
Authors: Clemens Torsten , Lunzer Andreas , Hunyadi-Gall Martin , Gil Pablo
Published: February 2025

To achieve deep decarbonization, renewable energy generation must be substantially increased. The technologies with the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are land-based photovoltaics (PVs) and wind energy. Agri-PVs offer the potential for dual land use, combining energy generation with agricultural activities. However, the costs of agri-PVs are higher than those of ground-mounted PV. To enhance the competitiveness of agri-PV, we investigate the synergies between agri-PVs and hydrogen electrolysis through process simulation. Additionally, we analyse current technological developments in agri-PVs based on a market analysis of start-up companies. Our results indicate that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) can be comparable for agri-PVs and ground-mounted PVs due to the somewhat smoother electricity generation for the same installed capacity. The market analysis reveals the emergence of a technology ecosystem that integrates agri-PVs with next-generation agricultural technologies, such as sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) agents, along with localized electricity generation forecasting. The integrated agri-PV and hydrogen generation system has significant global scaling potential for renewable energy generation. Furthermore, it positively impacts local economies and energy resilience, may reduce water scarcity in agriculture, and leverages advancements in AI, robotics, PV, and hydrogen generation technologies.
Production Efficiency of Advanced Liquid Biofuels: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Mizik Tamás , Igbeghe Christian Barika , Deák Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2025

Renewable sources are becoming more critical in light of global warming and the recent energy crisis. As a renewable energy source, biofuels may play an essential role in this process, especially in the transport sector. Advanced biofuels provide a great opportunity, as their potential feedstocks do not compete with food production. Based on a systematic literature review, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prospects and challenges of advanced liquid biofuels. Out of the identified 508 articles, 188 were abstract-screened, providing 67 articles for in-depth screening. Finally, 57 articles were reviewed. Although advanced biofuels are not yet economically viable, it is evident that every step of the production process can be optimized. Moreover, technological advancements, such as the use of novel catalysts and co-catalysts, nanotechnology, and genetic and metabolic engineering, offer great opportunities for enhanced production efficiency, which is key for their production to be profitable.
Numerical Simulation of CO2 Immiscible Displacement Based on Three-Dimensional Pore Structure
Authors: Shi Feng , Li Xiaoshan , Kou Gen , Liu Huan , Liu Sai , Liu Zhen , Zhao Ziheng , Jiang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2025

CO2-enhanced tight oil production can increase crude oil recovery while part of the injected CO2 is geologically sequestered. This process is influenced by factors such as gas injection rate, oil/gas viscosity ratio, and contact angle. Understanding how these factors affect recovery during CO2 non-mixed-phase substitution is essential for improving CO2-enhanced tight oil production technology. In this study, three-dimensional pore structure was numerically simulated using physical simulation software. The effects of three key parameters—the gas injection rate, contact angle and viscosity slope—on flow displacement during a CO2 non-mixed-phase drive were analyzed. In addition, the study compares the fluid transport behavior under mixed-phase and non-mixed-phase conditions at the pore scale. The simulation results show that increasing the replacement velocity significantly expands the diffusion range of CO2 and reduces the capillary fingering phenomenon. In addition, the saturation of CO2 increases with the increase in the viscosity ratio, which further improves the diffusion range of CO2. The wetting angle is not simply linearly related to the drive recovery, and the recovery is closely related to the interfacial tension and capillary force under the influence of wettability. The recoveries under mixed-phase conditions were slightly higher than those under unmixed-phase conditions. During the mixed-phase replacement process, CO2 is dissolved into the crude oil, resulting in oil volume expansion, which improves the distance and extent of CO2 permeation.
Application of Systems Analysis Methods to Construct a Virtual Model of the Field
Authors: Ilyushin Yury , Nosova Victoria , Krauze Andrei
Published: February 2025

Recently, the rate of offshore oil production has increased, which creates a need to develop technical solutions for the implementation of more efficient processes on offshore platforms. A relevant solution is the development and application of digital twins. Offshore production platforms are specially protected objects due to the high risk of environmental pollution. Therefore, such objects are especially distinguished for the implementation of advanced technological solutions. In this study, the authors conduct a study of the input, output, and resulting parameters that affect the production process. Using the theory of systems analysis, they determine the list of critical factors and build a conceptual and then a mathematical model of the field. It differs from existing analogues by the introduction of additional parameters that provide higher modeling accuracy. Based on the resulting mathematical model, a neural network is trained to identify the optimal operating mode. An assessment of the economic feasibility of the provided development is carried out.
Riparian Forest Health Assessment in the Valley Area of the Irtysh River Basin
Authors: Yuan Ye , Li Hongbin , Wang Hanyue , Liu Tong , Xue Zhifang , Song Jihu , Xu Ling
Published: February 2025

Riparian forests in the valley area of the Irtysh River Basin are capable of providing a variety of ecosystem services such as water conservation and biodiversity maintenance. Their health condition is an important reflection of their ability to maintain the stability of ecosystem structure and perform ecosystem functions. In this study, a comprehensive survey was conducted to observe the typical distribution areas of riparian forests in the valley of six tributaries and one main stream of the Irtysh River Basin. Twelve indicators were chosen from the three categories of vigor (i.e., productivity), organization (i.e., species diversity and structure complexity), and resistance (i.e., harmful factors and disturbances) to form an evaluation system. Expert-based and statistical weighting were applied to calculate the health scores of riparian forests in the valley and prioritized the health grades of seven rivers. Several criteria were used to further classify the unhealthy level of each river individually. The results of this study can be used as a foundation for future conservation and orderly development of riparian forests in the valley area. The results show that (1) the Kuyertes River was classified as healthy, while the Haba and Berezek Rivers were classified as unhealthy. (2) Among the three evaluation categories, the organization consistently achieved higher scores compared to vigor and resistance. (3) Unhealthy conditions were consistently observed in the midstream sections of each river. (4) Forest types such as Salix alba L. forests, Populus euphratica Oliv. forests, and Betula pendula Roth forests were particularly prone to poor health outcomes. The health of the riparian forests was relatively unsatisfactory due to the conflicting water resource allocation. The protection and restoration of riparian forests in the valley area of the Haba and Berezek Rivers should be prioritized in the future, as well as the middle reaches of each tributary. Additionally, it is necessary to pay attention to three key indicators: stand volume per unit area, stand density, and diameter at breast high (dbh) class structure to improve the health condition of riparian forests.
Latitudinal Gradients in Negative Density Dependence of Broad-Leaved Korean Pine Forests in Northeastern China
Authors: Liu Yue , Jiang Yuxi , Jiao Chunjing , Feng Wanju , Yang Bing , Wang Jun , Yang Lixue , Yang Yuchun , Wang Fang
Published: February 2025

Biodiversity maintenance mechanisms have been central to the study of community ecology, and the negative density dependence effect plays an important role in maintaining species diversity in forest communities. However, the strength and direction of the negative density dependence effect may change at different latitudinal gradients, and theory predicts that the negative density dependence effect increases with decreasing latitude. Using three provinces in northeastern China as the study target, we selected forest ecosystems in 15 locations according to the latitude gradient and analyzed the mixing of large- and small-diameter trees and adjacent tree species at different latitudinal gradients by the second-order characteristic function of mark mingling (The species mingling was used as “constructed marks” and we developed a second-order characteristic function of mark mingling useful for comparing spatial species mingling via random assignment of species patterns at specific ecological scales). It was found that the tree species mixed level of the large trees was higher, that of the small trees was lower in the stands at the middle and low latitudes (40, 41, and 43), and the tree species mixed level of the large or small trees was lower in the stands at high latitudes (45 and 46). Also, the level of mixing of large trees with surrounding tree species was significantly different among latitudes within the small scale (0–5 m). More importantly, the peak value of the difference in the second-order characteristic function of mark mingling (Δv(r)) of the stand increased gradually with decreasing latitude. The results indicated that the difference in tree species mixing degree between large and small trees was increasing, and this phenomenon was more obvious at the small scale (0–10 m). In general, we found that the negative density dependence effect in the late successional forest system showed a variation trend with latitude gradient, which showed that with the decrease in latitude, the negative density dependence effect in the stands was increasing. The results showed that in temperate forests, in low-latitude stands (40–43° N), there is significant peak in species mingling differences at small scales (0–10 m). Spatial heterogeneity thinning should be prioritized, and rare tree species should be replanted within a 10 m radius to alleviate intraspecific competition. In contrast, in high-latitude stands (45–46° N), human disturbance should be reduced to maintain the natural community structure. These measures can provide precise management strategies for regional biodiversity conservation. This study revealed the response of the intensity of the negative density dependence effect to changes in latitudinal gradients, and provides new ideas for maintaining and controlling regional species diversity.
Microbial Dynamics and Volatile Compound Profiles in Artisanal Kefir During Storage
Authors: Ströher Jeferson Aloísio , Oliveira Wemerson de Castro , Freitas Anderson Santos de , Salazar Marcela Mendes , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Malheiros Patrícia da Silva
Published: February 2025

Artisanal kefir is produced by fermenting milk with kefir grains, resulting in a lightly carbonated drink with health-promoting bioactive compounds. However, sensory variability and fermentation conditions challenge its standardization, limiting commercialization in Brazil due to regulatory requirements. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, volatile compounds, and microbiological stability of artisanal kefir produced in southern Brazil during 30 days of storage. Metabarcoding analysis, carried out by sequencing the V3/V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene (bacteria) and the ITS region (fungi), revealed an increase in bacterial diversity, with a predominance of Enterococcus and Acetobacter, while fungal diversity decreased, with a predominance of Kazachstania. The physicochemical parameters remained stable. The concentration of volatile compounds, analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer, decreased, except for an increase in 2-heptanol. The aromatic profile was enriched with alcohols and ketones, possibly influenced by Enterococcus and Acetobacter. These findings show that kefir maintained microbiological stability and adequate sensory characteristics throughout the period analyzed. The study provides subsidies for the standardization of artisanal kefir and compliance with Brazilian quality standards, as well as guiding future research into durability, quality, and consumer perception.
Automated GC-FID Analysis of Brominated Flame Retardants in Polyester Resins with Hydrogen Carrier Gas
Authors: Mucci Nicola , Venturini Lorenzo , Fanfani Niccolò , Cappelli Giovanni , Rapi Ilaria , Squillaci Donato , Ceccarelli Jacopo , Baldassarre Antonio , Traversini Veronica , Dugheri Stefano
Published: February 2025

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and dibromoneopentyl glycol (DBNPG), are present in both saturated and unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs). Given their toxicity, it is imperative to assess the content of this group of chemicals to ensure product safety and environmental sustainability, considering the paucity in the literature of analytical methods to evaluate them, particularly in solid matrices as UPRs. This study aimed to develop a fully automated gas chromatographic analysis of these BFRs, utilizing a flame ionization detector (FID), with prior derivatization of TBBPA and DBNPG with acetic anhydride. A chemometric evaluation was conducted for the derivatization step to enhance the yield of the procedure. The optimized method met the desired requirements for specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity, showing limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ), respectively, of 1.1 µg/mL and 3.3 µg/mL for DBNPG and 3.6 µg/mL and 10.8 µg/mL for TBBPA. Other conventional detectors, i.e., an Electron Capture Detector (ECD) and a Mass Spectrometer (MS), were tested. The ECD showed a higher sensitivity than the FID and MS; however, its linearity proved to be more limited, making it unsuitable for higher concentration scenarios. The MS detector yielded results comparable with those of the FID, yet the latter is a cheaper and more sensitive alternative.
Investigating the Latency of Lightning-Caused Fires in Boreal Coniferous Forests Using Random Forest Methodology
Authors: Li Wei , Shu Lifu , Wang Mingyu , Si Liqing , Li Weike , Song Jiajun , Yuan Shangbo , Wang Yahui , Zhao Fengjun
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the latency of lightning-caused fires in the boreal coniferous forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains, employing advanced machine learning techniques to analyze the relationship between meteorological factors, lightning characteristics, and fire ignition and smoldering processes. Using the Random Forest Model (RFM) combined with Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), the study identifies key factors influencing fire latency. Two methods, Min distance and Min latency, were used to determine ignition lightning, with the Min distance method proving more reliable. The results show that lightning-caused fires cluster spatially and peak temporally between May and July, aligning with lightning activity. The Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) and precipitation were identified as the most influential factors. This study underscores the importance of fuel moisture and weather conditions in determining latency of lightning-caused fire, offering valuable insights for enhancing early warning systems. Despite limitations in data resolution and the exclusion of topographic factors, this study advances our understanding of lightning-fire latency mechanisms and provides a foundation for more effective wildfire management strategies under climate change.
Investigating the Benefits of Integrating Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Cultivation in California
Authors: Gwynne Duncan , Sarker Pallab K. , Kapuscinski Anne R. , Schoffstall Benjamin V. , Fitzgerald Devin , Deevy Megan , Muramoto Joji , Sarker Uchasha , Boutris Stavros , Sutter Catalina , Thompson Emily , Raymond Lucas
Published: February 2025

Global food production, both aquatic and terrestrial, is rife with sustainability issues. Aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry that is on track to surpass wild-caught fishery production by 2030. The integration of aquaculture and agriculture systems could help to reduce some of their respective and shared environmental issues. Integrated Aquaculture–Agriculture (IAA) has been shown to provide a variety of benefits to both aquaculture and agriculture including increased system water use efficiency (WUE), a reduction in fertilizer use, and increases in total farm yield and resilience. This study was performed to examine the potential for rainbow trout aquaculture effluent to improve the yield, nutrient composition, and WUE of lettuce, as well as act as a partial fertilizer replacement. We used four irrigation treatments throughout the experiment: city water, aquaculture effluent, city water with added organic fertilizer, and aquaculture effluent with added organic fertilizer. Throughout the trial, there were some issues of herbivory in the growing plot, but overall, the lettuce receiving city water with organic fertilizer (30. ± 3.4 g/plant) showed significantly higher fresh biomass than effluent treatments (18 ± 1.4 g/plant and 17 ± 2.9 g/plant) at the end of the trial. We did not detect any significant differences among treatments in the macro- and micronutrients of the lettuce shoots and roots. However, the WUE of effluent treatments (4.4 ± 0.030 kg/m3 and 1.0 ± 0.070 kg/m3) was greater than that of organic fertilizer (0.28 ± 0.050 kg/m3) and control treatments (0.23 ± 0.040 kg/m3). The results indicate that adopting IAA in California could improve statewide WUE and conserve water for sustainable agricultural production.
Promoting Circular Economy by Leveraging Annatto Byproducts from Bixa orellana L. into Sustainable Antioxidant Food Packaging
Authors: Arruda-Peixoto Vanilda Aparecida Soares de , Vera Estacho Paula , Wrona Magdalena , Nogueira Carvalho Paulo Roberto , Aparecida Ferrari Roseli , Nerin Cristina , Canellas Elena
Published: February 2025

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is cultivated primarily for the extraction of bixin, a natural dye with substantial industrial importance, resulting in the generation of large quantities of residues that remain underutilized. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of annatto byproducts derived through molecular distillation, highlighting their untapped potential for sustainable innovation. Employing state-of-the-art techniques—HS-SPME-GC-MS for volatile compounds and UPLC-MS/QTOF for non-volatile ones—the research identified a remarkable array of bioactive constituents. Over thirty pharmacologically significant compounds were unveiled, many appearing for the first time in annatto byproducts. Notable discoveries include diterpenoid alcohols, oleamide, δ-tocotrienol, n-alkanes, fatty acid methyl esters, and springene among the volatiles. Among the non-volatiles, groundbreaking identifications such as dihydroactinidiolide, dihydrochalcone, 3-phenyl propiofenone, novel tetracosan amides, halisphingosine A, kauranetriols, and phytoene derivatives redefine the chemical profile of this residue. Further amplifying the value of these findings, the study successfully transformed these byproducts into innovative antioxidant packaging materials, demonstrating their high potential for food preservation and sustainable applications. The packaging films, developed from samples devoid of vegetable oil, exhibited robust antioxidant properties, offering a compelling solution to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. This work underscores the importance of revalorizing agricultural residues like annatto byproducts, turning waste into high-value resources that align with the principles of the circular economy.
Genome-Wide Analyses of the Soybean GmABCB Gene Family in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Zou Hui , Fan Caiyun , Chen Xiulin , Chen Ruifeng , Sun Zhihui , Wan Xiaorong
Published: February 2025

Background: Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a significant economic oilseed crop, and saline-alkali soils restrict soybean yield. Identifying salt-tolerant genes is a key strategy for enhancing soybean productivity under saline-alkali conditions. The roles of the GmABCB gene family in growth, development, and stress resistance remain incompletely understood. Methods: Bioinformatics approaches were employed to identify and analyze GmABCB genes. A total of 39 GmABCB genes were identified and analyzed in the soybean genome, focusing on their phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, cis-acting elements, evolutionary history, and expression patterns under salt stress. Results: A total of 39 GmABCB genes were identified. These genes are unevenly distributed across the soybean genome, with 21 segmental duplication events identified. Several cis-acting elements associated with abiotic stress responses were identified. Conclusions: The GmABCB gene family likely regulates growth, development, and stress tolerance in soybean.
Variscan Plutonism in the Geodynamic Evolution of the Central Iberian Zone of Portugal: Castelo Branco Pluton as Another Piece of the Puzzle
Authors: Cruz Cláudia , Sant’Ovaia Helena , Martins Helena C. B. , Antunes Isabel M. H. R. , Rocha Armando , Noronha Fernando
Published: February 2025

A multidisciplinary analysis of the Pennsylvanian Castelo Branco pluton of Central Iberian Zone (Iberian Variscan belt) was made, focusing on its magnetic behavior and fabric, microstructures, microfractures, and radiometric and gravimetric anomalies. The findings reveal that the Castelo Branco pluton is an ilmenite-type granite, characterized by low magnetic susceptibility values. The petrographic observations and high-temperature solid-state deformation indicate that pluton was emplaced during the latest compression phase (D3) of the Variscan tectonic regime. Magnetic fabric and gravimetric data show that the Castelo Brano pluton has a flat-shaped geometry with a depth of approximately 2–3 km, a feeding zone corresponding to NE-SW-trending regional faults, and that its fabric is oriented parallel to the NW-SE-trending regional foliation of the host rocks. The concentric magnetic foliation in the Alcains granite suggests an earlier ascent and emplacement compared to the Rio de Moinhos and S. Miguel da Acha granites, with Alcains demonstrating a laccolithic shape indicative of significant upward force. The ascent pathways of the different granites seem to have occurred along pre-existing NE-SW faults. The Castelo Branco pluton displays zoned nesting, with fluid inclusion planes indicating NNE-SSW to NE-SW and ENE-WSW trends in biotite-rich granites, and NNE-SSW to NE-SW and ESE-WNW trends in two-mica granites. Structural alignments in the study area show both NE-SW and NW-SE trends. The NE-SW faults and thrust faults are supported by residual gravimetric anomaly data, and NW-SE alignments are evident in magnetic fabric and regional folded structures. These findings enhance our understanding of the geodynamic processes influencing the Variscan plutonism in the Central Iberian Zone, positioning the Castelo Branco pluton as a key component in this geological puzzle.
Causes of Slope Deformations in Built-Up Areas and the Elimination of Emergencies with Regard to Population Protection
Authors: Betuš Miroslav , Konček Martin , Šofranko Marian , Rosová Andrea , Szücs Marek , Horizralová Kristína
Published: February 2025

The presented article discusses the possibilities and methods of carrying out evacuation works in the event of an emergency associated with slope deformation in the built-up area of Šalgovík, Slovak Republic. From the point of view of extraordinary events, slope deformations are a negative phenomenon for every country. Besides the most serious natural disasters such as floods, landslides and earthquakes, slope deformations are in third place in terms of the extent of direct or indirect damage. Moreover, for the above reasons, the presented article discusses the possibilities of area evacuation in the event of an emergency in a given built-up area, where, as described in the article, it is a location that is susceptible to slope deformation. Given that it is a built-up area that is not stabilized for slope deformations and is also active, the article explains the activities of the Integrated Rescue System components in the event of an emergency in the said area. The aim was also to carry out a widespread evacuation, which has different characteristics than normal evacuations in the case of other emergencies since a large part of the territory with a certain number of inhabitants is affected. It should be noted that the evacuation of the said territory must be carried out in a rapid time frame so that the consequences for health and human life are minimal, which is explained in the present article. The activities the individual rescue services perform to carry out the evacuation will have to be conducted in a different way than normal, and for this reason, the cooperation and activities required are different from the activities normally carried out.