bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Strategies for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Focus on Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Novel Treatment Pathways
Authors: Mansoor Masab , Ibrahim Andrew
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disorder characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular dysfunction, and high mortality rates. Despite advancements in vasodilatory therapies, PAH remains a life-threatening condition with limited curative options. This review aims to explore emerging molecular mechanisms, novel therapeutic targets, and future research directions in PAH treatment, focusing on strategies to improve long-term patient outcomes.
Methods: This systematic review synthesizes recent advancements in PAH pathophysiology and therapeutic development. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov using keywords such as “Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension,” “vascular remodeling,” “metabolic dysfunction,” and “emerging therapies.” Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, with a focus on preclinical models, clinical trials, and translational research. Key areas of investigation include vascular remodeling, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and right ventricular dysfunction. The review also evaluates the potential of novel pharmacological agents, gene-based therapies, and AI-driven diagnostics for PAH management.
Results: Recent studies highlight dysregulated BMPR2 signaling, epigenetic modifications, and inflammatory cytokine pathways as critical contributors to PAH progression. Emerging therapies such as JAK-STAT inhibitors, metabolic reprogramming agents, and mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise in preclinical and early clinical trials. Additionally, AI-enhanced imaging and non-invasive biomarkers are improving PAH diagnostics. Future research directions emphasize precision medicine approaches and the development of RV-targeted therapies.
Conclusions: PAH remains a complex and fatal disease requiring multifaceted therapeutic strategies beyond traditional vasodilation. Advances in molecular-targeted treatments, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalized medicine offer new hope for disease-modifying interventions. Future research must bridge translational gaps to bring novel therapies from bench to bedside, improving survival and quality of life in PAH patients.
Evaluation of Hologic LOCalizer RFID Tags for Preoperative Localization of Breast Lesions: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Munday Charlotte , Malhotra Anmol , Taif Sawsan , Omotade Adeola , Menon Arathi , Mokbel Kefah
Published: February 2025

Background: The increasing detection of non-palpable breast lesions necessitates accurate preoperative localization to ensure complete excision while preserving healthy tissue and optimizing cosmetic outcomes. Traditional wire-guided localization (WL) has been the gold standard; however, it has several drawbacks, including patient discomfort and scheduling challenges. This study evaluates the accuracy and feasibility of radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag localization using the Hologic LOCalizer system as an alternative technique.

Methods: This retrospective study included 258 consecutive patients who underwent image-guided RFID tag localization from March 2021 to February 2023. The primary outcome measured was the accuracy of tag placement, defined as within 10 mm of the target lesion on post-clip mammograms. Secondary outcomes included patient demographics, type and size of lesions, and re-excision rates.

Results: A total of 297 RFID tags were placed, with 95.6% accurately positioned within the target range. The median target size was 29mm, with the most common abnormalities being mass lesions (64%). Among the 13 inaccurately placed tags (4.4%), all were identified preoperatively, with two requiring additional wire placements. Tags were successfully identified in 92% of specimen radiographs, and 8% of patients required re-excision due to positive or close margins. Notably, patients with multiple tags showed a higher incidence of re-excision.

Conclusion: The LOCalizer RFID system demonstrated a high accuracy rate for preoperative localization of breast lesions, presenting a viable alternative to WL. This technique improves surgical scheduling flexibility and enhances patient comfort. Comparative studies with other wire-free localization technologies, such as magnetic seeds and radar reflectors, are needed to determine the optimal approach for clinical practice.
Dynamic FTIR Spectroscopy for Assessing the Changing Biomolecular Composition of Bacterial Cells During Growth
Authors: Hastings Gary , Nelson Michael , Taylor Caroline , Marchesani Alex , Hudson Wilbur , Jiang Yi , Gilbert Eric
Published: February 2025

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy can detect biomolecular changes in bacterial cells in response to drugs or other stimuli. To fully develop that area requires an understanding of IR spectral changes associated with the growth of unperturbed cells. Such an understanding is still lacking, however. To address this issue, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy has been used to probe changes in the composition of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 cells during exponential growth, with 30-minute time resolution. We find prominent spectral changes associated with proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates on evolving from the early (30-120 min) to the late (240-360 min) log phase of growth. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that spectra obtained for cells during the early and late log phases of growth can be discriminated against with 100% accuracy. Protein-related spectral features are most significant in spectra collected at 30- and 90-minutes post-inoculation and provide a robust basis for temporal differentiation. Spectral changes that occur during the first 30 minutes after inoculation are shown to reverse over the next 30-120 minutes, indicating dynamic adaptations during cellular growth. Overall, we demonstrate a band assignment strategy based on time resolution, underscoring the utility of FTIR spectroscopy in dynamic studies of bacterial cells.
Auto-SleepNet: A CPU-Driven Deep Learning Approach for Sleep Stage Classification using Single-Lead Electroencephalography Signals
Authors: Wang Xiuyuan , Wang Liwen , Dong Hanjiang , Wang Qing , Lyu Weimin , Ma Tongyu , Yu Changyuan
Published: February 2025

A large group of people, nowadays, has been suffering from chronic sleep disorders and diseases, resulting in wide attention on sleep quality assessment. Conventional sleep-staging networks frequently consider multiple channel inputs, hindering the feasibility of the network to single-channel input or other sensor data input. In this paper, we proposed an Auto-SleepNet: a CPU-driven and end-to-end deep learning network for sleep stage classification using single-lead electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The network is composed of a tailored Auto-Encoder for feature extraction and correction, and an LSTM network for temporal-signal classification. Compared with multi-lead connections, our design renders a higher accuracy in comparison to state-of-the-art, provides a meaningful reference for simplifying the hardware requirements of the EEG measurement device, and simultaneously lowers the computational loads significantly. We used the Per-Class precision (PR), Recall (RE), Per-Class F1 Score, overall accuracy, confusion matrix, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) to evaluate the performance. The overall accuracy, RE, and Cohen’s Kappa of our model are 95.7%, 95.19% and 0.91, respectively. Compared to state-of-the-art methods mentioned in the paper, Auto-SleepNet outperforms single-channel methods by 13.97%, and multiple-channel methods by 15.97% on average. Furthermore, it is not compulsory to use a GPU to train our Auto-SleepNet. Experiments show that our model can converge in 15.6 minutes using a CPU only. The results highlight the practicability of the network to sleep stage classification problems.
Prediction of Pituitary Adenoma Volumetric Response to Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Using Machine Learning-Supported MRI Radiomics
Authors: Speckter Herwin , Radulovic Marko , Lazo Erwin , Hernandez Giancarlo , Bido Jose , Rivera Diones , Suazo Luis , Valenzuela Santiago , Gonzalez-Curi Maria , Stoeter Peter , Vranes Velicko
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is widely performed as an adjuvant management of patients with residual or recurrent pituitary adenoma (PA). However, the variability in tumor volume response to GKRS emphasizes the need for reliable predictors of treatment outcomes. The application of radiomics, an analytical approach for quantitative imaging, remains unexplored in predicting treatment responses for PAs. This study aims to pioneer the use of radiomic MRI analysis to predict the volumetric response of PA to GKRS.
Approach: This retrospective observational cohort study involved 81 patients who underwent GKRS for PA. Pre-treatment 3-Tesla MRI scans were used to extract radiomic features capturing the intensity, shape, and texture of the tumors. Radiomic signatures were generated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for feature selection, in conjunction with several classifiers: random forest, naïve Bayes, kNN, logistic regression, neural network and SVM.
Results: The models demonstrated predictive performance in the test folds with AUC values ranging from 0.759 to 0.928 and R2 values between 0.272 and 0.665. Single-sequence T1w, dual-sequence T1w+CE-T1w and multi-modality including clinicopathological (CP) parameters (CP+T1w+CE-T1w) achieved rather similar prognostic performance in test folds, with respective AUCs of 0.928, 0.899, and 0.909. All these radiomics models significantly outperformed a benchmark model involving only CP features (AUC=0.846).
Conclusion: This study represents a radiomic analysis focused on predicting the volume response of PAs to GKRS to facilitate treatment individualization. The developed MRI-based radiomics models exhibited superior classification performance compared to the benchmark model composed solely of standard clinicopathological parameters.
Antitumor Effects of Quercetin and Luteolin Are Mediated by Up-Regulation of P-Erk, C-Myc, and the Upstream Gper in A375 Melanoma Cell Line
Authors: Hussein Shaymaa A. , Ababneh Nidaa A. , Tarawneh Noor , Ismail Mohammad A. , Awidi Abdalla , Abdalla Shtaywy
Published: February 2025

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most aggressive and fatal malignancy among other skin cancers and its incidence has risen steadily recently around the world. Hormone-related therapy, particularly estrogen (E2) has been used as a prospective strategy for CM treatment. Quercetin and luteolin are flavonoids with antitumor effects against a wide range of cancers including melanoma. However, the underlying mechanism of their actions through GPER in melanoma is not fully understood. We examined the anti-tumor effects of quercetin and luteolin on A375 melanoma cell line through activation of GPER. MTT assay was performed to assess the impact of flavonoids on cell viability. Apoptosis and cell cycle were studied by flow cytometry. Cell migration was evaluated by transwell assay. GPER expression and the effect of the flavonoids on the key signaling proteins were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and by Western blot, respectively. Results showed that quercetin and luteolin inhibited proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis, and blocked the cell cycle at S and G2/M in melanoma cells. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting data demonstrated the presence of GPER in this cell line and the two flavonoids enhanced its expression except at the high concentration of 100µM. Quercetin and luteolin enhanced P-ERK and c-Myc expression, an effect abolished by the GPER antagonist G15, confirming GPER-mediated signaling. In conclusion, quercetin and luteolin exhibited anti-tumor effects on A375 melanoma cells via GPER activation, suggesting their potential as anti-melanoma therapeutics.
Nafion–Trimethylsilyl and Nafion–Trimethylsilyl/Ru-Complex Modified Electrodes for the Electrochemical Detection of Adrenaline
Authors: Aguilar-Sánchez R. , Durán-Tlachino D. A. , Cabrera-Hilerio S. L. , Gárate-Morales J. L.
Published: February 2025

The properties of Naf-TMS (Nafion-trimethylsilyl) and Naf-TMS/Ru-complex modified electrodes are reported for the electrochemical oxidation reaction of adrenaline (AD). The structure of Naf-TMS allows for hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and [Ru(phen)3]2+ complexes in order to form stable Naf-TMS/Ru-complex polymer composites. Electrodes modified with this composite polymer, showed a faster electron transfer and greatly improved kinetic values for the redox reaction of AD in standard solutions, when compared to bare and Naf-TMS modified electrodes. A pH dependence of the electroanalytical parameters indicates that electron transfer reaction occurs in tandem with proton transfer, this allows to find the best analytical conditions for the detection of AD with Naf-TMS/Ru-complex modified electrodes.
Research on the Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Foamy Oil Bubbles in Porous Media
Authors: ZHANG Moxi , Chen Xinglong , Lyu Weifeng
Published: February 2025

Some high-viscosity crude oils have the characteristics of high oil production, low gas production and slow pressure reduction speed during the pressure depletion production process, and the "foamy oil" phenomenon occurs. The coexistence time of the two phases of foamy oil is much longer than that of crude oil with ordinary dissolved gas. Its complex phase change process is an important reason for the high degree of primary oil recovery. In the past, most of the studies focused on the production performance of foamy oil, while there were relatively few studies on the regularity of the molecular phase behavior of microscopic foamy oil and its influencing factors. Taking the foamy oil in Venezuela as the research object, this paper uses an etched glass model with heterogeneous pore characteristics to simulate the pressure reduction process. It discovers an important phenomenon that the growth of bubbles mostly occurs during the migration process. It is speculated that the high content of heavy components in foamy oil leads to the stability of the interface between the oil phase and the gas phase, which is the main reason why foamy oil is not easy to degas and undergoes phase change slowly. And there is always a diffusion phenomenon between bubbles and the oil phase during the movement process. Combined with the experimental phenomena, molecular simulation was employed to calculate the diffusion process of components in the gas phase and oil phase. After taking the diffusion coefficient into account, the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method was adopted to simulate the growth process of bubbles in foamy oil by solving the individual momentum equations and handling the volume ratio of each fluid passing through the region. The influences of conditions such as the content of light components, oil phase viscosity and interfacial tension on the bubble growth process were analyzed. The simulation results show that the bubble growth process is affected by multiple conditions such as oil phase components, oil phase viscosity and interfacial tension. However, the degrees of influence of the above factors vary in different stages. In the initial stage of bubble formation, it is mainly influenced by the change in the content of light components. During the stage when the bubbles have relatively high stability, the oil phase viscosity is the main reason for slowing down the increase in the bubble growth rate. The slight influence of interfacial tension on the bubble growth rate is not a major influencing factor for foamy oil. Based on the above analysis, an empirical formula for bubble growth was obtained through data fitting means, and a reasonable explanation for the development characteristics of foamy oil was provided.
Dental Caries Status in Postmenopausal Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Areal-Quecuty Victoria , Segura-Egea Juan J. , Simón-Soro Aurea , León-López María , Cantiga-Silva Cristiane , Martín-González Jenifer , Sánchez-Domínguez Benito , Cabanillas-Balsera Daniel
Published: February 2025

Background. Dental caries is one of the most common oral infections observed worldwide. It is defined as a multifactorial dynamic disease-causing mineral loss of dental hard tissue, which is identified by the caries lesion. Treatment of caries lesion involves filling the cavity or removing the damaged tooth. Then, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index is the simplest and most commonly used index to assess the dental caries status. Salivary glands are estrogen dependent and, after menopause, the changes in salivary flow and saliva consistency produce xerostomia, hyposiale or dryness, common findings among postmenopausal women. Since saliva plays a fundamental role in caries prevention, the postmenopausal decline in salivary secretion may contribute to increased caries incidence. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to answer the following PICO question: In adult women (P), does the presence of menopause (I), compared to its absence (C), influence dental caries status, assessed as DMFT index (O)? Methods. The study adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. For each study, characteristics and mean difference (MD) with 95% CI were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed using the Revman software (version 5.4) to calculate pooled MD and 95% CI. Random-effects model meta-analysis was performed. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. To estimate variance and heterogeneity between trials, the Higgins I2 test was used. The certainty level of the evidence was determined through the GRADE approach. Results. Seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including 4,396 postmenopausal women and 5,131 control women. Meta-analysis showed an overall MD = 3.13 (95% CI = 2.12 – 4.15; p < 0.00001), which suggest that postmenopausal women had a DMFT index 3 units higher than the control group. Conclusions. Menopause significantly associated to worse dental caries status, probably due to declining estrogen levels affecting salivary function. Further research is needed to confirm mechanisms and evaluate preventive strategies like hormone replacement therapy.
FLPSHARD: A Flexible and Efficient Blockchain Sharding Solution for IIoT
Authors: Zhang HongTao , Xue JingFeng
Published: February 2025

The introduction of blockchain sharding technology in IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) can leverage the scalability, decentralization, and immutability of blockchain to significantly enhance security. However, existing IIoT operations are highly correlated with business and geographical locations, as well as network conditions, making traditional random sharding schemes unsuitable for such scenarios. To address this issue, we propose the FLPShard model, a method that transforms the sharding problem into a single-source capacitated facility location problem (SSCFLP). FLPShard can handle multiple constraints simultaneously and allows multiple nodes to be bundled and allocated as a whole, meeting the demands of IIoT. By constructing neighborhoods during the dynamic adjustment process, we achieve dynamic incremental updates and automatic splitting of blockchain shards. We evaluated FLPShard by building a system prototype, and the results show that, compared to random sharding algorithms, FLPShard significantly increases system throughput and greatly reduces transaction latency.
The Impact of Fat Replacers on the Physicochemical Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Madeleines
Authors: Lee SuYeong , Lim Su Yun , Hwang DaYeon , Jang JayYoon , Kim Mi-Ran
Published: February 2025

Fat replacers contribute to obesity prevention; however, they have limitations in fully replicating the texture and flavor of fat. This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of fat replacers that best mimic the characteristics of butter-based madeleines (control, CON) using a mixture design. Within a 50% replacement range, maltodextrin (MD), whey protein isolate (WPI), and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) were incorporated in single, binary, and ternary combinations. Physicochemical properties, including pH, crust color, and texture profile analysis, were evaluated, and consumer acceptance testing was conducted with 55 subjects to assess liking scores and drivers of (dis)liking. Multiple factor analysis revealed that samples containing WPI were drier and firmer, whereas those with MD exhibited higher moisture and stickiness. Among the tested formulations, MD+MCT and MD+WPI+MCT were the most similar to the CON in terms of physicochemical properties, consumer acceptance, and drivers of (dis)liking, characterized by desirable softness and crispiness. These findings suggest that a strategic combination of carbohydrate-, protein-, and fat-based replacers can effectively replicate the physicochemical and sensory properties of full-fat madeleines, offering a viable approach for fat reduction in baked products without compromising consumer acceptance.
Advances in Drug and Vaccine Delivery for Low- and Middle-Income Healthcare Programs
Authors: Zehrung Darin , Free Michael
Published: February 2025

The transition toward wide scale use of single-dose administration systems such as prefilled syringes has been primarily in high-income countries due to economic considerations. This has resulted in a disparity of access to such technologies in low- and middle-income countries which continue to utilize multi-dose vial-based presentations and syringes for parenteral delivery. Single-dose innovations currently available or in the product development pipeline represent the promise of enhanced access globally and the potential for public health impact. This review discusses the reported benefits of pre-filled single-dose delivery systems compared to multi-dose vials, as well as the higher standards of infection control regulations and practices that resulted in the increasing use of and benefit from single-dose administration systems in high-income countries. We evaluate how these benefits and standards could enhance health initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. Finally, we explore the potential for making pre-filled single-dose delivery methods both accessible and affordable in low- and middle-income countries.
Utilization of Wet Silica Sand Sludge as an Additive in Sustainable Brick Production
Authors: Tabak Yasemin
Published: February 2025

The conversion of waste of Wet Silica Sand Sludge into useful products such as bricks, glassware and ceramics is an alternative solid waste management method. Aim of this study is the deter-mining the effect of silica sand wet sludge additive on the bricks quality. For this purpose labor-atory scale brick manufacturing was implemented by using 10 %, 30 %, 50 % and 100 % of sludge into clay brick. Also original 100 % clay-brick) brick was prepared and compared with the other compositions. The obtained experimental samples were fired at temperatures of 800 ºC, 850 ºC and 900 ºC. For proper brick characterization to understand the quality; the water absorption, shrinkage, bulk density, compressive strength and SEM analysis of sintered samples have been done. At the end of the experimental procedure, any negative effect of sludge addition was de-termined. Experimental studies revealed that a product with the desired color could be obtained when 50% W3S was used in the mixture. In addition, the optimal composition for making bricks was found to be a mixture of 50% W3S and 50% brick clay, fired at 850°C. With this mixture, not only is the preferred color achieved, but also an optimum balance between mechanical strength, durability, and minimization of environmental damage is attained. Such a formulation ensures high compressive strength, low porosity, and low water absorption, making it sustainable and a better choice in construction with industrial byproducts use. The results obtained are useful in showing possibilities for the solution of environmental problems to utilize the waste materials into useful product.
A Novel Approach to Identifying C-Shaped Canals in Mandibular Second Molars by Occlusal Photographs: An Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Authors: Khoshbin Elham , Mahavi Amal , Khotanlou Hassan , Ranjbar Parisa , Tapak Leili , Karkehabadi Hamed
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Accurate identification of root canal morphology, particularly C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars, is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. Current diagnostic methods rely on radiographic imaging, which has limitations including radiation exposure and cost. To date, no studies have investigated the use of intraoral photographs for identifying C-shaped canals. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying C-shaped canals using occlusal photographs, a novel and non-radiographic approach. Methods: Extracted mandibular second molars (n=231) were collected and mounted. Occlusal surface photographs were taken using a wireless oral camera. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images served as the gold standard for canal morphology classification. A deep learning model was developed using various convolutional neural network architectures. The model was trained on 80% of the dataset and tested on the remaining 20%. Results: The best-performing networks achieved an accuracy of 85.1% in distinguishing between C-shaped and non-C-shaped root canal morphologies. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of a novel, radiation-free approach to identify complex root canal anatomies via AI analysis of occlusal photographs, useful for initial screening when radiographic equipment is unavailable or contraindicated.
The Centrality of Engineering Graphics and Design in Studying Technical Subjects: A Case of a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Mlambo Philani , Morudu Koketso
Published: February 2025

This mixed method study investigated the significance of Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) in Technical Subjects. From the inception of the technical stream EGD has always been part of the compulsory subjects that a learner should have in addition to Civil Technology, Mechanical Technology or Electrical Technology. However, recently other teacher training universities have opted for the removal of EGD as part of the mandatory selection for students doing technical stream and this has been met with a lot of mixed views. As a result, this has necessitated the need for this enquiry. Therefore, to respond to the objectives of this study, a purposive sampling was employed to select five (5) lecturers lecturing technical subjects to gauge their insight about the significance of EGD in technical subjects. Data was collected through open-ended questionnaire and document analysis in the form of test written by Civil Technology students to analyze their test scores. Quantitative data in the form of test scores were analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic analysis. The findings of the study suggest that EGD is very significant for students enrolled in either of the technical subjects. This is because students doing EGD performed better compared to their counterparts. Findings further showed that lecturers are also of the view that EGD should be a mandatory selection for students enrolled in technical stream as EGD offers foundational knowledge for drawing related topics done in technical subjects. This study recommends that for all students enrolled in technical stream, EGD should be a mandatory selection during their first year of study so that they can gather the basics of drawing in the context of technical subjects.
Narratives of Divide: The Polarizing Power of Large Language Models in a Turbulent World
Authors: Saqr Khalid
Published: February 2025

Large language models (LLMs) are reshaping information consumption and influencing public discourse, raising concerns over their role in narrative control and polarization. This study applies Wittgenstein’s theory of language games to analyze worldviews embedded in responses from four LLMs. Surface analysis revealed minimal variability in semantic similarity, thematic focus, and sentiment patterns. However, the deep analysis, using zero-shot classification across geopolitical, ideological, and philosophical dimensions, uncovered key divergences: liberalism (H = 12.51, p = 0.006), conservatism (H = 8.76, p = 0.033), and utilitarianism (H = 8.56, p = 0.036). One LLM demonstrated strong pro-globalization and liberal tendencies, while another leaned toward pro-sovereignty and national security frames. Diverging philosophical perspectives, including preferences for utilitarian versus deontological reasoning, further amplified these contrasts. The findings highlight that LLMs, when scaled globally, could serve as covert instruments in narrative warfare, necessitating deeper scrutiny of their societal impact.
Critical Analysis of Operating Procedures for Managing Unsolicited Proposals in Public–Private Partnership (PPP): A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Nyagormey Julius Jubilee , Baiden Bernard Kofi , Nani Gabriel
Published: February 2025

Managing an unsolicited proposal during a pre-construction stage involves a multitude of tasks and activities. These tasks and activities otherwise described as operating procedures for managing a USP, however, did not receive the needed academic attention, leading to a gap in knowledge and practice as far as managing USPs is concerned. The paper employed a systematic literature review of extant literature on a USP management to identify operating procedures to follow in managing USPs. Through a content analysis, a total of 27 operating procedures were identified by systematically reviewing 30 publications. Thirteen identified operating procedures were consistently described in 50% or above publications, suggesting importance and consensus of these operating procedures. The 27 identified operating procedures were also extracted, classified and integrated into a framework of four key categories. The categories were concept origination and review, proposal screening and approval, detailed bid preparation and evaluation, and project procurement. The identified operating procedures and the conceptual framework of this study provide a readily available point of reference for PPP practitioners, decision makers and stakeholders interested in managing a USP. The study will guide and broaden the knowledge-base of USP in PPP, which is essential for enhancing its effective management.
Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Coffee By-Products and Chitosan Incorporated into a Polymeric Matrix on Botrytis sp. and Rhizopus sp.
Authors: Hernández-López Gonzalo , Barrera-Necha Laura Leticia
Published: February 2025

In blueberry commercialization, non-biodegradable synthetic plastic packaging is used for refrigerated storage to maintain the quality of the horticultural product. The fungi Botrytis sp. and Rhizopus sp. can cause significant losses at this stage. Consequently, the formula-tions and production of degradable polymeric based on polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) 60/40 (PP) with coffee parchment (CP), green coffee bean oil (GCBO), chitosan solution (Ch), chitosan nanoparticles (ChNp) and nanostructured coating (NC) were used to develop biodegradable polymer matrix (PM). Caffeine and hexadecanoic acid were identified as major compounds in GCBO, and the major compounds in CP were flavonoids, terpenes and lignans. The 100% of mycelial growth inhibition was observed with 1, 2 and 3% of GCBO, to Botrytis sp. and 20% Ch, 10 and 20% ChNp, 20% NC on Botrytis sp. and Rhizopus sp.; the GCBO inhibited 100% of spore production in both fungi at all evaluated doses. In the in vivo tests, for Botrytis sp. a lower incidence of 30% and a severity of 20% was obtained with the treatment of NC compared to the control. For Rhizopus sp., an incidence of 55% and a severity of 10% were observed with NC. The PM in the culture medium presented a fungistatic effect. The greatest inhibition of mycelial growth (63%) on Botrytis sp. was with PLA/PBAT+Nano coating (PP+NC) and (100%) was observed with PM+CW made with PLA/PBAT+CP+NC (PPCP+NC), PP and PP+NC on Rhizopus sp. Coffee by-products and PM have potential as natural fungicides for the control of postharvest fungi in fruits and vegetables.
Estudos sobre formação docente no âmbito do Difort/CNPq
Authors: Nascimento Ana Clara Prates Gusmão Di Girolamo , Nunes Claudio Pinto , Silva Daniela Oliveira Vidal da
Published: February 2025

O presente estudo objetiva apresentar uma análise das produções realizada por membros do Grupo de Pesquisa em Didática, Formação e Trabalho Docente (Difort/CNPq) veiculadas por meio de publicação em periódicos científicos em que o foco seja a formação docente. A metodologia consiste na realização de quatro procedimentos: a) levantamentos dos nomes de todos os membros do grupo de pesquisa Difort, suas titulações e suas datas de inclusão no grupo; b) consulta no Currículo Lattes de cada pesquisador, para a identificação de artigos completos publicados em periódicos dentro de um recorte temporal de 2014 a 2024, que abordam a temática da formação docente; c) classificações das produções em quatro categorias de análise e d) apresentação do conteúdo dos artigos em torno da formação docente. Após realizar a busca, foram identificados 15 artigos, os quais são apresentados em quatro seções temáticos, assim agrupadas: a) políticas de formação docente; b) prática docente; c) desafios pós formação; e d) outros relacionados.
Comunidades interactivas presenciales para la divulgación de la física
Authors: Tapia Mercado Juan Crisóstomo , Cabazos Marín Alma Rocío , Lerma Aragón Jesús Ramón , López Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: February 2025

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir la experiencia de la realización de talleres y demostraciones experimentales llevadas a cabo por el cuerpo académico de Enseñanza y Divulgación de las Ciencias como parte del Programa Nacional de Divulgación de la Física en Baja California, México. A través de la fabricación de un juguete científico y la participación en actividades interactivas, se busca que los estudiantes adquieran nuevas habilidades de pensamiento, mayor creatividad, capacidad para resolver problemas, así como habilidades de trabajo en equipo. Los resultados relacionan los conceptos utilizados en la construcción de un periscopio, y juguetes equilibristas con fenómenos de la vida diaria, fomentando así comunidades interactivas presenciales en sectores educativos de nuevas áreas de desarrollo urbano en Baja California.
Turmeric extract supplementation for augmenting growth and health of Labeo gonius: A study in the hill conditions of Meghalaya, North-east India
Authors: Debnath Chandan , Prasanta Mahanta  , Sanjay Kumar Das
Published: February 2025

In this study, we evaluated the effects of turmeric extract (TE) supplementation on the growth and health of Labeo gonius (Hamilton, 1822), under Meghalaya conditions using cemented cisterns (each 1 m x 1 m x 1 m). The experimental fish, with an average size of 6.38±0.35 g/6.2±0.32 cm, were stocked at a rate of 30 fish per tank and fed feeds containing TE at concentrations of 0 (control), 2 and 4%, representing 3% of their biomass. Each feed type was assessed in replicates. We monitored water quality parameters fortnightly and assessed fish growth monthly. Fish were sampled (n=10) from each tank on the 15th, 30th and 60th days post-feeding and analysed for growth and blood parameters. The results revealed a significant increase in specific growth rate, with a remarkable 48.1% boost in the group fed with TE. Survival rates ranged from 88.4 to 90% for fish fed with TE compared to 78.4% for the control group. Fish fed with 2% TE demonstrated better condition factor (b = 2.8 to 3.1). Blood analysis showed elevated RBC and WBC counts, increased haemoglobin and total protein levels, reduced glucose and cholesterol content and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity within normal ranges. Overall, optimal outcomes were observed in L. gonius with 2% TE supplementation in the feed. This study concludes that the inclusion of TE in the feed improves fish health and growth under the hill conditions of Meghalaya, North-east India. These findings are valuable for improving aquaculture strategies, particularly in hilly settings.
Keywords: Fish growth, Hill aquaculture, Immunity, Medium carp, Turmeric extract
Pathogenicity of Aeromonas spp. in carp polyculture systems in the central valley zone of Assam, North-east India
Authors: Pabitra Kumar Saharia  , Inam Akhtar Hussain  , Arup Kumar Sarma  , Kaustubh Bhagabati  , Sangipran Baishya  , Naznin Ahmed  , Hemanta Pokhrel  , Joynal Abedin  , Jyotismita Thakuria  , Dipanka Nath
Published: February 2025

The present study was undertaken to find the incidence of motile aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in the freshwater aquaculture system in three districts viz. Nagaon, Morigaon and Sonitpur of Assam. A total of 293 ponds of varying size were surveyed during the disease outbreak and thirteen different diseases were recorded. For the first time, the study of severity of MAS in freshwater aquaculture system of Assam was undertaken and characterisation of Aeromonads was done through biochemical and molecular studies. Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas sobria were detected from diseased fishes, with A. hydrophila being the most dominant species (51.64%) followed by A. veronii (21.97%) and A. sobria (18.68%). Pathogenicity studies through experimental infection of Labeo rohita with these isolates resulted in similar clinical signs as those exhibited by the diseased fishes collected from the farm during the outbreak. LD50 (lethal dose) doses estimated for A. hydrophila, A. veronii and A. sobria through probit analysis indicated that 50% mortality was noticed at 10-7.008, 10-8.034 and10-8.213, respectively for A. hydrophila, A. veroniiand A. sobriawith 95% CI (class interval).
Keywords: Aeromonads, Histopathology, Labeo rohita, LD50, Motile aeromonas septicemia (MAS), Pathogenicity
Morphometric differentiation of bigeye scad Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch, 1793) from South Konkan coast of Maharashtra by truss network analysis
Authors: Bhole Punam , Nirmale Vivek , Pawar Ravindra , Gangan Shardul , Metar Santosh
Published: February 2025

Stock discrimination of bigeye scad, Selar crumenophthalmus along the south Konkan coasts of Maharashtra using truss morphometry was attempted based on the study of 120 individuals collected from Harnai, Ratnagiri and Malvan coasts of the region.A nine point truss network with eighteen truss variables was studied. Truss morphometry showed significant differences in CC (2-3), DD (2-8), EE (2-9), FF (3-4), KK (4-6), LL (4-7) and NN (5-6) distances from the three sampling locations in 18 truss morphometricmeasurements. Truss morphometry being able to cover the entire body in uniform fashion proved to be a robust technique in discriminating the population of S. crumenophthalmus in three distinct stocks within south Konkan region.
Keywords: Bigeye scad, Carangidae, Stock differentiation, Truss morphometry
The Aptian-Albian of the Costa Blanca (SE Spain): Implications for identifying the Aptian/Albian boundary in the neritic zone within the Tethys realm
Authors: Granier Bruno R.C. , Robert Emmanuel , Pérez-Malo Joanaitz
Published: February 2025

The Aptian-Albian interval of the Costa Blanca (SE Spain) has been studied to provide new insights into the evolution of the neritic domain of carbonate platforms in the Tethys. Three areas have been re-examined: Serra Gelada, Puig Campana, and Cabeçó d'Or. The biozonations of large benthic foraminifers (LBF) have been revised based on ammonite biostratigraphy. Updated ammonite datings and stratigraphic revisions reveal that several LBF and calcareous algae (CA) taxa previously attributed to the late Aptian actually originated in the early Albian. These findings correct and refine the calibration of LBF and CA biozones and ranges with standard ammonite zones. Furthermore, the identification of a significant local hiatus during the middle Albian at Cabeçó d'Or is likely linked to halokinesis.
RDW/Albumin ratio (RAR) in premature retinopathy: Evaluation of disease risk and progression
Authors: caliskan busra , yıldırım mustafa , kara mustafa
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To determine the role of the RDW-Albumin ratio (RAR), an integrative biomarker of the multidimensional associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutritional status in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), in the assessment of the risk of disease development and progression.
Methods: A total of 110 preterm infants born before the 34th gestational week were included. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed. All demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. Patients were classified into three groups: those without ROP (No-ROP), those with ROP that regressed without treatment (ROP-reg), and those with ROP requiring treatment (ROP-tx). Blood parameters, including RDW, albumin, and RAR, were analyzed in both the early and late neonatal periods.
Results: Gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower, NICU length of stay, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), mechanical ventilation, sepsis, surfactant therapy, and transfusions were more frequent in ROP cases (p<0.001 for all). Early and late RAR values were highest in the most risky group and there was a significant difference between all groups (p=0.00). Logistic regression analysis identified surfactant therapy (OR: 3.820, p=0.012), blood transfusion (OR: 8.012, p<0.001), and early-period RAR (OR: 2.010, p=0.004) as major risk factors for ROP development. ROC analysis showed that early RAR had a moderate predictive value for ROP (AUC=0.70, 95% CI: 0.601-0.805).
Conclusion: Early RAR appears to be a valuable biomarker for assessing the risk of ROP in preterm infants. Its significant association with the development of ROP may provide a potential clinical benefit in early risk stratification. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.
Antibody responses to equine parapoxvirus reveal a re-emerging pattern
Authors: Virtanen Jenni , Levanov Lev , Tervo Sanna , Hautala Katja , Aaltonen Kirsi , Utriainen Mira , Kareinen Lauri , Gadd Tuija , Sironen Tarja , Vapalahti Olli , Kinnunen Paula
Published: February 2025

Parapoxviruses (PPV) cause skin and mucous membrane signs to several animal species and humans worldwide. Equine parapoxvirus (EqPPV) was first detected in a sick horse in Finland in 2013. It is potentially zoonotic, and a similar virus has been detected in humans in the USA. In winter 2021–2022, EqPPV caused a large-scale pastern dermatitis epidemic in racehorses all over Finland. Field reports suggest that similar epidemics of unverified cause have also occurred in 2015 and 2019. The aim of this study was to develop a serological test and study the immune response, seroprevalence, and history of the virus utilizing serum samples from clinical cases and archived horse samples (2012–2022). A recombinant protein-based immunofluorescent assay was established using envelope proteins B2L and F1L. EqPPV induced a fast immune response within a few days from the onset of the clinical signs. Two horses that were additionally tested a year after the disease still had similar IgG titers as a year prior. Seroprevalences in archived horse samples varied between 1.8–14.6% and peaks were observed in 2015 and 2022. The results suggest that EqPPV is a re-emerging pathogen that has a potential to cause large epidemics, bringing a need for more studies and preparedness.
Cascading effects of soil salinization on agricultural soil biodiversity-multifunctionality relationship
Authors: Hu Shuwen , Zhou Tairan , Zhang Yun , yang Xu , Hu Jiaxin , Kong Lingyu , Lv Qilin , Wang Jie , Ren Xueqin , Ning Chen
Published: February 2025

Soil salinization poses a threat to global food security by deteriorating soil biodiversity and especially various soil functions. However, how soil salinization affects the soil biodiversity-multifunctionality relationship remains largely unknown in agro-ecosystems. Here, we conducted a standardized survey of agro-ecosystems across a typical soil salinization gradient at 115 representative agricultural sites, aiming to investigate the relationships between soil biodiversity (encompassing the diversity of bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and metazoans) and nine soil functions as well as multifunctionality. We found that soil multitrophic biodiversity and multifunctionality declined with increasing soil salinization, and the relationships between multiple functions and the degree of salinization exhibited extensive nonlinear changes and threshold effects. We further demonstrated that soil salinization reduced the general strength of the biodiversity-multifunctionality relationship, by significantly altering soil physicochemical properties and the interplay between microbial communities and soil properties. The inconsistent changes in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships were attributed to the multi-threshold relationships between different soil functions and multitrophic biodiversity, as well as the differential responses of various biological communities to the multifunctionality of the soil. This study highlights the cascading hazards of soil salinization in agro-ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of integrating salinization prevention and control into sustainable agricultural management strategies to maintain soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Impacts of Urbanization on the Protection of Built Heritage in Traditional Villages: A Case Study of 96 Traditional Villages in Guangzhou, China.
Authors: Zheng Yingliang , Wang Zhibo , Ren Peng , Xu Jihang , Tao Jin
Published: February 2025

The rapid urban development has intensified the conflicts between vernacular and modern civilizations. Large-scale urban expansion and development have placed traditional villages at risk of gradual disappearance or decline. As tangible carriers of cultural value, the built heritage of these villages has faced varying degrees of impact from urbanization. This study, which examines 96 traditional villages in Guangzhou City, employs a structural equation model incorporating four dimensions of urbanization and two aspects of built heritage protection to investigate how urbanization affects built heritage conservation. The findings reveal that: (1) the mechanisms through which urbanization negatively affects the spatial patterns and features of suburban and exurban villages differ; (2) favorable economic and locational factors support the protection and development of heritage buildings; and (3) the construction and enhancement of facilities have both positive and negative impacts on built heritage. This research provides an important reference for the conservation and development of built heritage in traditional villages, which is of practical significance in realizing the sustainable development of built heritage.