bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome and Metabolome Combined Analysis Reveals Key Genes Controlling Soluble Sugar Metabolism in Persimmon Fruit During Development
Authors: Yang Sichao , Zhang Meng , Zeng Ming , Xu Lei , Zhou Chaohua , Hu Xinlong
Published: February 2025

Persimmon as a type of fruit is divided into pollination-constant and non-astringent (PCNA) persimmon, which can lose its astringency naturally during fruit ripening, and non-PCNA persimmon. Its soluble sugars include the essential components that determine the flavor of the persimmon fruit. However, the underlying regulatory networks that modulate the metabolism of soluble sugar in persimmon fruit remain largely unknown. In this work, three stages (10, 15, and 20 weeks after bloom) of Chinese PCNA ‘Luotian tianshi’ fruit growth were used as experimental models to reveal the molecular mechanism of soluble sugar metabolism via the combination of the transcriptome and the metabolome. Here, 21 kinds of soluble sugars were detected, with sucrose, glucose, and fructose verified as the main soluble sugars in the persimmon fruits. We obtained 59.42 Gb of clean data via transcriptome sequencing, and the maximum number of differentially expressed genes (9098) was found in the 20 W vs. 10 W groups, of which 2513 were up-regulated and 3811 were down-regulated. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 37 up-regulated and 71 down-regulated differentially expressed genes were enriched for starch and sucrose metabolism in the 20 W vs. 10 W groups. The metabolome and transcriptome association analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (malZ, INV, SPS, scrK, ISA, β-AMY, TPS, otsB, and TREH) were significantly correlated with the content of differentially accumulated metabolites (such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose), indicating that they may play important roles in the metabolism of the soluble sugars in persimmon. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the metabolism pattern of high sugar accumulation in persimmon fruit.
Transcription Factor RhCUC3 Regulates Petal Numbers in Rose Flowers
Authors: Fang Yan , Zhao Zixin , Shen Yuanji , Ding Zheyuan , Cui Yongyi , Chen Wen
Published: February 2025

Rose is one of the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. The double-flower trait, referring to flowers with extra petals, has been a key focus in rose breeding history. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating petal number in roses are still not fully understood. Here, we identified the CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 3 (RhCUC3) gene in the miniature rose (Rosa hybrida ‘Eclair’). The expression of RhCUC3 was high during the petal and stamen primordium differentiation stages but declined sharply during pistil primordium development. RhCUC3 belongs to the NAM/CUC3 subgroup of NAC transcription factors and is localized in the nucleus. The transcript level of RhCUC3 increased significantly with ABA and GA treatments and was inversely down-regulated with MeJA and 6-BA treatments. Silencing RhCUC3 using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in rose ‘Eclair’ significantly decreased the number of petaloid stamens and normal petals while slightly increasing the number of stamens. Additionally, the expression of RhAG and RhAGL, two MADS-box genes associated with floral organ identity, was significantly higher in TRV-RhCUC3 compared to the TRV control. These findings suggest that RhCUC3 enhances stamen petaloidy and petal number, potentially by modulating the expression of RhAG and RhAGL, providing new insights into the function of NAC transcription factors in plants.
Financial Literacy and Credit Card Payoff Behaviors: Using Generalized Ordered Logit and Partial Proportional Odds Models to Measure American Credit Card Holders’ Likelihood of Repaying Their Credit Cards
Authors: Giannikos Christos I. , Korkou Efstathia D.
Published: February 2025

According to the Federal Reserve of the United States, in the second quarter of 2024, American credit card debt reached USD 1.14 trillion, the highest balance ever recorded. In an age of high-interest, complex credit cards, how does financial literacy affect credit card debt repayment? Also, how could financial literacy and education stop the rise in credit card debt in America? To answer these questions, we use microdata from the latest wave of the Survey of Consumer Finances for 2022. We aim to capture the likelihood of credit card repayment behaviors related to the monthly balances owed by 3865 credit card holders. We consider three categories of self-reported credit card payoff behavior: hardly ever, sometimes, and always or almost always. Given the ordinal nature of our outcome variable, we perform a series of likelihood-ratio and Brant tests to assess the assumption of the proportionality of odds across response categories. Following the failure of the tests, we conclude with the selection of a generalized ordered logit/partial proportional odds model that allows us to relax the parallel lines constraint for those variables for which it is not justified. In our logistic regressions, we account for a comprehensive set of demographic characteristics, and from our results, we highlight the following: For credit card holders with low financial literacy, we find that the odds of moving to a higher category of payoff behavior are 21% and significantly lower than those of high financial literacy respondents. Further, for college-educated card holders, the odds of paying off always or almost always versus sometimes and hardly ever are 2.49 times and significantly greater than the odds for credit card holders without a college education. Credit card holders who are minority group members, female, under 45, have dependents, or earn less than USD 50,000 demonstrate a tendency for poor credit card payoff behavior. In our conclusion, we discuss how to improve credit card repayments. We stress the importance of monitoring people closely. We also aim to provide better financial advice to certain groups. Lastly, we present a more realistic approach to building and sustaining financial literacy.
Vitamins in the Prevention and Support Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Orywal Karolina , Socha Katarzyna , Iwaniuk Piotr , Kaczyński Piotr , Farhan Jakub Ali , Zoń Wojciech , Łozowicka Bożena , Perkowski Maciej , Mroczko Barbara
Published: February 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS), which are a consequence of the progressive loss of neuronal function and structure, cause significant cognitive impairment. The incidence of these diseases in the world’s population is constantly increasing as a result of an aging population. Although genetic and environmental factors are most often mentioned as the pathogenetic factors of these diseases, increasing evidence points to the important role of proper nutrition in the prevention and support of the treatment of these disorders. A healthy, balanced diet can mitigate the risks associated with the risk factors mentioned above and slow the progression of the disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamins B, D, E, C, K, and A have been shown to support cognitive functions and protect the nervous system. This review demonstrates the importance of vitamins in preventing and supporting the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Information regarding the health-promoting properties of these vitamins must be effectively communicated to consumers seeking to protect their health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, this review also examines the authorized health claims under EU food law related to these vitamins, assessing their role in promoting awareness of the vitamins’ potential benefits for neuroprotection and the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Cellular and Molecular Evidence of the Synergistic Antitumour Effects of Hydroxytyrosol and Metformin in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Porcel-Pastrana Francisco , Montero-Hidalgo Antonio J. , G-García Miguel E. , Gil-Duque Ignacio , Prats-Escribano Antonio , Gahete Manuel D. , Sarmento-Cabral André , Luque Raúl M. , León-González Antonio J.
Published: February 2025

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the tumour pathology with the second highest incidence among men worldwide. PCa is strongly influenced by obesity (OB), which increases its aggressiveness. Hence, some metabolic drugs like metformin have emerged as potential anti-tumour agents against several endocrine-related cancers. Likewise, a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower rates of OB and a reduction in PCa aggressiveness since this diet contains phenolic bioactive compounds such as hydroxytyrosol (HT) that is mainly present in extra virgin olive oil. Thus, we decided to analyse the therapeutic potential of the combination of HT + metformin in different PCa cell models. Specifically, combinations of different doses of HT and metformin were evaluated by analysing the proliferation rate of LNCaP, 22Rv1, DU-145, and PC−3 cells using the SynergicFinder method. The results revealed a synergistic effect of HT + metformin in significantly reducing proliferation, especially in LNCaP cells. This anti-tumour effect of HT + metformin was also confirmed in migration and tumoursphere formation assays in LNCaP. The effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis were also assessed by flow-cytometry, and a cycle arrest in the G1 phase and an increase in late apoptosis were observed with the combination of HT + metformin. The phosphorylation levels of critical components of different oncogenic pathways were measured which revealed that the combination of HT + metformin significantly reduced the activity of multiple components of the MAPK, AKT, and TGF-β pathways. Overall, the combination of HT + metformin might represent a new therapeutic avenue for the management of PCa patients, an observation that certainly warrants further investigation through a well-designed clinical trial.
Methanol Extract of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Root and Its Active Ingredient, Puerarin, Induce Apoptosis in HeLa Cells and Attenuates Bacterial Vaginosis in Gardnerella vaginalis-Infected Mice
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Lim Ji-Ye , Jeon Yong-Deok , Kim Dae-Ki , Lee Dong-Hyun
Published: February 2025

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) has been used as food since ancient times, and its roots have been used mainly as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various diseases in East Asia. Puerarin is one of the major active ingredients in the roots of P. lobata. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the methanol extract of P. lobata roots (PRME) and puerarin on apoptosis in cervical cancer and inflammation-relieving effects in vaginitis. First, we prepared the PRME and confirmed the puerarin content of PRME through HPLC analysis. We performed a TUNEL assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, and western blotting using HeLa cells, a human cervical cancer cell line. Both the PRME and puerarin exhibited antiproliferative effects in HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis through the activation of the extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways, thereby demonstrating their anticancer efficacy against human cervical cancer. Next, a mouse model of vaginitis induced by Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) infection was established by inoculating C57BL/6 mice with β-estradiol-3-benzoate and GV (1 × 108 CFU). Histological analysis and PCR confirmed that the administration of PRME or puerarin to GV-infected mice alleviated reproductive tract vaginitis symptoms. Additionally, we confirmed that PRME or puerarin treatment decreased myeloperoxidase activity and reduced inflammation by regulating cytokines through the secretion of inflammatory mediators in mouse vaginal tissue. These results demonstrate that PRME and puerarin can be used as potential adjuvants or therapeutic agents with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties to inhibit the progression of human cervical cancer and alleviate vaginitis.
From Data Silos to Health Records Without Borders: A Systematic Survey on Patient-Centered Data Interoperability
Authors: Saberi Mohammad Ali , Mcheick Hamid , Adda Mehdi
Published: February 2025

The widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare information systems (HISs) has led to isolated data silos across healthcare providers, and current interoperability standards like FHIR cannot address some scenarios. For instance, it cannot retrieve patients’ health records if they are stored by multiple healthcare providers with diverse interoperability standards or the same standard but different implementation guides. FHIR and similar standards prioritize institutional interoperability rather than patient-centered interoperability. We explored the challenges in transforming fragmented data silos into patient-centered data interoperability. This research comprehensively reviewed 56 notable studies to analyze the challenges and approaches in patient-centered interoperability through qualitative and quantitative analyses. We classified the challenges into four domains and categorized common features of the propositions to patient-centered interoperability into six categories: EMR integration, EHR usage, FHIR adaptation, blockchain application, semantic interoperability, and personal data retrieval. Our results indicated that “using blockchain” (48%) and “personal data retrieval” (41%) emerged as the most cited features. The Jaccard similarity analysis revealed a strong synergy between blockchain and personal data retrieval (0.47) and recommends their integration as a robust approach to achieving patient-centered interoperability. Conversely, gaps exist between semantic interoperability and personal data retrieval (0.06) and between FHIR adaptation and personal data retrieval (0.08), depicting research opportunities to develop unique contributions for both combinations. Our data-driven insights provide a roadmap for future research and innovation.
A Systematic Review of CNN Architectures, Databases, Performance Metrics, and Applications in Face Recognition
Authors: Nemavhola Andisani , Chibaya Colin , Viriri Serestina
Published: February 2025

This study provides a comparative evaluation of face recognition databases and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures used in training and testing face recognition systems. The databases span from early datasets like Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL) and Facial Recognition Technology (FERET) to more recent collections such as MegaFace and Ms-Celeb-1M, offering a range of sizes, subject diversity, and image quality. Older databases, such as ORL and FERET, are smaller and cleaner, while newer datasets enable large-scale training with millions of images but pose challenges like inconsistent data quality and high computational costs. The study also examines CNN architectures, including FaceNet and Visual Geometry Group 16 (VGG16), which show strong performance on large datasets like Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW) and VGGFace, achieving accuracy rates above 98%. In contrast, earlier models like Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gabor Wavelets perform well on smaller datasets but lack scalability for larger, more complex datasets. The analysis highlights the growing importance of multi-task learning and ensemble methods, as seen in Multi-Task Cascaded Convolutional Networks (MTCNNs). Overall, the findings emphasize the need for advanced algorithms capable of handling large-scale, real-world challenges while optimizing accuracy and computational efficiency in face recognition systems.
PxDorsal Regulates the Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides and Affects the Bt Susceptibility of Plutella xylostella
Authors: Sun Yan , Wen Haoqi , Xue Wenrui , Xia Xiaofeng
Published: February 2025

The insect NF-κB pathway is primarily constituted by nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and the inhibitor of κB (IκB), which plays a crucial role in the innate immune response. Dorsal and Cactus, as NF-κB and IκB factors, are important downstream regulators of the Toll pathway in Plutella xylostella. In this study, the PxDorsal and PxCactus genes of P. xylostella were cloned, and the molecular docking demonstrated that PxDorsal and PxCactus can interact with each other. RT-qPCR results indicated that PxDorsal and PxCactus were expressed in all stages, and the expression of PxDorsal, PxCactus, and antimicrobial peptides PxGloverin2, PxMoricin3, and PxLysozyme2 were significantly down-regulated under Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt8010) infection. Interestingly, silencing the PxDorsal gene by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly down-regulated the expression of PxGloverin2 and PxMoricin3 and increased the epidermis melanization of P. xylostella larvae fed with Bt8010. Our findings indicate that PxDorsal and PxCactus may interact with each other, and silencing PxDorsal inhibits the expression of downstream antimicrobial peptides, thereby enhance the susceptibility of P. xylostella to Bt8010. This study contributes a theoretical basis for further research on the Toll pathway of P. xylostella to pathogens and offers insights for screening effective biological control targets from the perspective of the immune system.
Feasibility Study of a PET Detector with a Wavelength-Shifting Fiber Readout
Authors: Georgadze Anzori Sh.
Published: February 2025

We designed and evaluated the performance of a high-resolution large-area detector for positron emission tomography (PET) based on a crystal assembly readout using wavelength-shifting (WLS) fibers, offering a cost-effective alternative to the direct readout of monolithic crystals with photodetectors. The considered detector geometries were made up of 4 × 4 assemblies of LuY2SiO5:Ce (LYSO) crystal scintillators, each with surface area of 50 × 50 mm2 and thickness of 7 or 15 mm, which were optically coupled together using optical adhesive. The crystal assembly was coupled with square cross-sections of orthogonal wavelength-shifting (WLS) fibers placed on the top and bottom of the assembly. To evaluate the characteristics of the novel detector, we used GEANT4 to perform optical photon transport in the crystal assembly and WLS fibers. The simulation results show that best position resolution achieved was 1.6 ± 0.4 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) and 4.2 ± 0.6 mm full width at tenth maximum (FWTM) for the crystal thickness of 7 mm and 1.7 ± 0.4 mm FWHM and 6.0 ± 0.6 mm FWTM for the crystal thickness of 15 mm. Compared with a direct photosensor readout, WLS fibers can drastically reduce the number of photosensors required while covering a larger sensitive detection area. In the proposed detector design, 2N photodetectors are used to cover the same image area instead of N2 with a direct readout. This design allows for the development of a compact detector with an expanded effective field of view and reduced cost.
A Self-Adaptive Traffic Signal System Integrating Real-Time Vehicle Detection and License Plate Recognition for Enhanced Traffic Management
Authors: Ashkanani Manar , AlAjmi Alanoud , Alhayyan Aeshah , Esmael Zahraa , AlBedaiwi Mariam , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Traffic management systems play a crucial role in smart cities, especially because increasing urban populations lead to higher traffic volumes on roads. This results in increased congestion at intersections, causing delays and traffic violations. This paper proposes an adaptive traffic control and optimization system that dynamically adjusts signal timings in response to real-time traffic situations and volumes by applying machine learning algorithms to images captured through video surveillance cameras. This system is also able to capture the details of vehicles violating signals, which would be helpful for enforcing traffic rules. Benefiting from advancements in computer vision techniques, we deployed a novel real-time object detection model called YOLOv11 in order to detect vehicles and adjust the duration of green signals. Our system used Tesseract OCR for extracting license plate information, thus ensuring robust traffic monitoring and enforcement. A web-based real-time digital twin complemented the system by visualizing traffic volume and signal timings for the monitoring and optimization of traffic flow. Experimental results demonstrated that YOLOv11 achieved a better overall accuracy, namely 95.1%, and efficiency compared to previous models. The proposed solution reduces congestion and improves traffic flow across intersections while offering a scalable and cost-effective approach for smart traffic and lowering greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.
Stroke in Bangladesh: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Acute Stroke Services
Authors: Aziz Mudasar , Bipasha Naznin , Gupta Udit , Ramnarine Isabela V. P. , Redgrave Jessica , Ali Ali N. , Majid Arshad , Bell Simon M.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. It is one of the foremost non-communicable diseases and the third leading cause of death in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a developing country and as such, the prevalence, risk factors and management of the condition has some differences with more Westernised populations. In this review, we look at the epidemiology of stroke in Bangladesh and what barriers exist to improving stroke care in this country. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database, Mymensingh Medical Journal, Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience and Google Scholar was conducted for articles relating to stroke in Bangladesh. Results: The incidence of stroke in Bangladesh is 3 strokes per 1000 people. The prevalence of haemorrhagic stroke is higher than in Western populations, and novel risk factors such as sitting in a squatting position and betel nut chewing increase a Bangladeshi’s stroke risk. A lack of education on stroke symptoms and a poor internal infrastructure are the main barriers to improving stroke care in this country. Conclusions: Stroke in Bangladesh is associated with traditional risk factors and non-traditional risk factors that are behaviourally ingrained into the local culture. Improved outcomes for these patients will rely on education programmes for the population, a regard for these risk factors and improving the availability of evidence-based treatments. Innovative approaches from policy decision makers to enhance equitable access to stroke services may help in providing stroke care in Bangladesh.
Assessment of Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon-Only Angioplasty for Stent Thrombosis: SPARTAN-ST Study
Authors: Merinopoulos Ioannis , U Bhalraam , Gunawardena Tharusha , Corballis Natasha , Natarajan Rajkumar , Wickramarachchi Upul , Maart Clint , Sreekumar Sulfi , Sawh Chris , Reinhold Johannes , Wistow Trevor , Ryding Alisdair , Gilbert Timothy , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Eccleshall Simon C.
Published: February 2025

Background: There are no data regarding the outcomes of patients with stent thrombosis (ST) being treated with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of patients with ST treated with DCB vs. a drug eluting stent (DES). Methods: In this registry analysis, we identified all patients treated for ST in our institution from June 2011 until November 2019. We excluded patients who died in the cath lab, patients with uncrossable lesions, and patients treated with thrombectomy only. Patient outcomes were obtained from Hospital Episodes Statistics from NHS England. The primary endpoint of this study was the composite of cardiovascular mortality, acute coronary syndrome, or target lesion revascularisation. The data were analysed with Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier estimator plots. Results: A total of 173 patients were identified; 92 treated with DCB-only, 36 with balloon angioplasty (BA), 26 with DES, and 19 with a combination of DES and DCB. We compared the outcomes of 92 patients with DCB versus 20 patients with DES, all of which had presented with late or very late ST. There was no difference between DCB and DES in terms of the primary endpoint (p = 0.06). Multivariate analysis identified diabetes (adverse) and the use of GPIIbIIIa inhibitor (favourable) as the only independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Implantation of a DES was independently associated with worse cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions: This is the first study assessing the outcomes of patients with ST treated with DCB only. It has demonstrated that DCBs are an attractive therapeutic option with a tendency towards favourable outcomes when compared to DESs.
Paraneoplastic Dermatoses: A Clue for Underlying Malignancies
Authors: Didona Dario , Rallo Alessandra , Carugno Andrea , Paolino Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Paraneoplastic dermatoses (PDs) belong to a group of rare and polymorphous dermatoses, and they can often be the first sign of underlying malignancies. Therefore, dermatologists should be able to identify skin features to identify earlier underlying neoplasms. Indeed, lack of familiarity with cutaneous clues of internal malignancies can lead to a delay in the diagnosis and an impairment of the prognosis of the patients. In this review, we described several PDs, including more common and rarer PD. Indeed, while malignant acanthosis nigricans, characterized by velvety, verrucous, hyperpigmented plaques that usually affect intertriginous areas, is a well-known PD, necrolytic migratory erythema is usually misdiagnosed because its clinical features can be similar to seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, we focused on two paradigmatic PDs, namely paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS) and paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. Indeed, PAMS represents a paradigmatic form of obligate PD, which is always associated with an underlying neoplasm, while paraneoplastic dermatomyositis belongs to the facultative PD, which can be associated with neoplasia in a variable percentage of cases.
Advancements in Free-Standing Ferroelectric Films: Paving the Way for Transparent Flexible Electronics
Authors: Pathak Riya , Anoop Gopinathan , Samanta Shibnath
Published: February 2025

Free-standing ferroelectric films have emerged as a transformative technology in the field of flexible electronics, offering unique properties that enable a wide range of applications, including sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices. This review paper explores recent advancements in the fabrication, characterization, and application of free-standing ferroelectric films, highlighting innovative techniques such as multilayer structures and van der Waals epitaxy that enhance their performance while maintaining mechanical flexibility. We discuss the critical role of these films in next-generation devices, emphasizing their potential for integration into multifunctional systems that combine energy harvesting and sensing capabilities. Additionally, we address challenges related to leakage currents, polarization stability, and scalability that must be overcome to facilitate commercialization. By synthesizing current research findings and identifying future directions, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in free-standing ferroelectric films and their impact on the development of sustainable and efficient flexible electronic technologies.
A Bayesian Network Framework to Predict Compressive Strength of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Nguyen Tien-Dung , Cherif Rachid , Mahieux Pierre-Yves , Bastidas-Arteaga Emilio
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the use of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has become a major concern when promoting sustainable development in construction. However, the design of concrete mixes and the prediction of their compressive strength becomes difficult due to the heterogeneity of recycled aggregates (RA). Artificial-intelligence (AI) approaches for the prediction of RAC compressive strength (fc) need a sizable database to have the ability to generalize models. Additionally, not all AI methods may update input values in the model to improve the performance of the algorithms or to identify some model parameters. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a new method based on Bayesian Networks (BNs) to predict the fc of RAC, as well as to identify some parameters of the RAC formulation to achieve a given fc target. The BN approach utilizes the available data from three input variables: water-to-cement ratio, aggregate-to-cement ratio, and RA replacement ratio to calculate the prior and posterior probability of fc. The outcomes demonstrate how BNs may be used to forecast both forward and backward, related to the fc of RAC, and the parameters of the concrete formulation.
Tennis Serve Speed in Relation to Isokinetic Shoulder Strength, Height, and Segmental Body Mass in Junior Players
Authors: Vacek Jan , Vagner Michal , Malecek Jan , Stastny Petr
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The relationship between the isokinetic maximal strength of internal or external shoulder rotation and serve speed in tennis is well established, yet the influence of segmental mass, height, and high-speed shoulder rotation strength on serve performance in junior players remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between concentric or eccentric isokinetic shoulder strength, segmental mass, height, and first-serve speed aimed at the T-target zone. Methods: Fifteen male junior competitive tennis players (mean ± SD: age 15.9 ± 0.9 years; height: 180.1 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 66.1 ± 5.7 kg) were assessed for maximal isokinetic strength during concentric and eccentric internal and external shoulder rotations. Segmental mass (arm, leg, and trunk) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serve speed was recorded using a radar gun. Results: Concentric shoulder rotations at 210°/s demonstrated significant positive correlations with serve speed for both external (ρ = 0.71, p ≤ 0.01) and internal rotation (ρ = 0.61, p ≤ 0.05). Although lean arm mass partially mediated the relationship between shoulder strength and serve speed (indirect effect = 0.502, 95% CI: −0.156 to 1.145), this mediation effect was not statistically significant. Height was moderately correlated with serve speed (ρ = 0.68, p ≤ 0.01) but did not moderate the relationship between shoulder strength and serve speed. Conclusions: Concentric shoulder strength at higher angular velocities and segmental mass contribute to serve speed in junior tennis players. While height provides structural advantages, strength and lean mass play important roles, emphasizing the need for targeted training programs.
Research on Water-Entry Hydrodynamics for a Cross-Wing Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Chen Yunsai , Pang Haozhen , Zhang Dong , Shi Zhang , Jiang Qinghua
Published: February 2025

The optimization of the water-entry strategy for cross-wing underwater vehicles has become a research hotspot in the field of engineering, and its water-entry process is quite different from that of wedges and cylinders. In order to address this problem, a water-entry numerical model for the cross-wing underwater vehicle was first established based on the CFD method. The governing equations and boundary conditions of the dynamic model were defined, along with the basic principles of discretization and turbulent flow of the governing equations. The overset mesh and the VOF multiphase flow model were introduced, and a mesh size independence analysis of the numerical model was conducted. Furthermore, the numerical results were compared with the experimental results to ensure the accuracy of the numerical model. The research focused on the cross-wing underwater vehicle’s impact with calm water and regular waves, respectively. The results show that: (1) the numerical simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results (the maximum predictive error is less than 10%), which verifies the accuracy of the numerical model in this paper; (2) when the cross-wing underwater vehicle impacts calm water, the slamming pressure curve firstly shows a trend of increasing, reaching a peak, and then decreasing sharply, and finally stabilizes. As the water-entry velocity increases, the peak slamming pressure exhibits a gradual increase; (3) during the water entry of the cross-wing underwater vehicle into calm water, the acceleration profile demonstrates a trend of initial increase, followed by a decrease, another increase, and then a subsequent decrease as the entry velocity continues to rise. It should be noted that there are two peaks in the acceleration, with the first peak being significantly smaller than that of the second; (4) when the cross-wing underwater vehicle impacts a regular wave, the slamming pressure is lowest when impacting the crest and highest when impacting the trough.
Nationwide Screening Unveils Endemic Ophidiomyces ophidiicola Presence in Northern Italy, Mainly Affecting Dice Snakes: Evidence from Contemporary and Historical Snake Samples
Authors: Di Nicola Matteo Riccardo , Mulder Kevin P. , Verbrugghe Elin , Storniolo Federico , Terriere Naomi , Colla Luca , Sacchi Roberto , Vanzo Giacomo , Zanfei Giovanni , Marini Daniele , Pasmans Frank , Martel An
Published: February 2025

Ophidiomycosis, caused by the keratinophilic fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo), is an emerging threat to snake populations, yet its epidemiology in Europe remains underexplored. We investigated the distribution of Oo across free-ranging snake populations in Italy, integrating both recent field samples and historical museum specimens. Our survey involved 423 snakes representing 17 species from 17 regions, with Oo detected in 32 snakes from five different species. Additional molecular detection for Parananniziopsis spp. on a subset of 13 Oo-negative samples from snakes that exhibited clinical signs yielded negative results. Acknowledging the non-standardised sampling and the limited sample size, our findings highlight Oo’s persistent and widespread presence across diverse ecological zones, particularly affecting semi-aquatic species like Natrix tessellata. While Oo Clade I was primarily found in museum specimens, indicating a historical presence, Clade II prevailed in recent samples. This highlights a complex epidemiological landscape where different clades may influence the current disease dynamics. Our results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and highlight the need for standardised sampling to better understand snake fungal disease ecology and epidemiology in Italy.
Improving the Proteome-Mining of Schizophyllum commune to Enhance Medicinal Mushroom Applications
Authors: Desiderio Anthea , Goppa Lorenzo , Santambrogio Carlo , Brocca Stefania , Buratti Simone , Girometta Carolina Elena , Sarkar Meghma , Venuti Maria Teresa , Savino Elena , Rossi Paola , Ferrari Emanuele
Published: February 2025

This study presents the first comprehensive proteomic profile of an Italian strain of Schizophyllum commune, a highly heterogeneous white-rot fungal species with significant potential for industrial, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and clinical applications. Three protein extraction methods and their impact on yield and resulting protein composition have been compared. Results revealed that the combination of Tris–Cl and urea increases the total protein yield and the variety of enzymatic species related to pivotal pathways. Notably, over 2000 proteins were identified, including enzymes involved in the growth and development of mycelium, trehalose biosynthesis, and different types of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). These enzymes are crucial for nutraceutical and agro-industrial applications of S. commune. The multiple-step proteomic approach used could be a model for investigating other fungal species.
Financial Strategies Driving Market Performance During Recession in Nigerian Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Njoku Okechukwu Enyeribe , Lee Younghwan
Published: February 2025

This study examines the interplay between leverage, dividend policy, and market performance in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector during the economic downturn of 2016–2020. Drawing on signaling and trade-off theories, we investigate how firms balanced leverage and dividend payouts to sustain performance amidst macroeconomic shocks, including currency depreciation, inflation, and weakened consumer demand. Using panel data from 26 Nigerian Stock Exchange-listed firms, the study applies pooled ordinary least squares (POLS) and fixed-effect models (FEM) to analyze the direct and interactive effects of leverage and dividend policy on market performance, controlling for profitability, firm size, and taxation. The findings reveal that leverage generally exerts a negative effect on firm value, particularly long-term debt, which increases financial distress risks. However, the interaction between leverage and dividend payouts positively moderates this relationship, suggesting that firms use dividends strategically to signal stability and mitigate leverage-related risks. Profitability emerges as a key determinant of firm value, while short-term debt provides operational flexibility, and taxation imposes significant financial strain. Larger firms demonstrate greater resilience, benefiting from scale economies and diversified funding sources. This research highlights the importance of an integrative financial strategy during periods of economic uncertainty, emphasizing the complementary roles of leverage and dividend policy in enhancing firm value. The findings offer critical insights for policymakers and corporate managers in emerging markets, advocating for tax reforms and prudent financial management to improve business resilience. By addressing gaps in the literature, this study contributes to the understanding of financial decision-making in developing economies.
Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
Authors: Stengos Thanasis
Published: February 2025

Recently, the Journal of Risk and Financial Management completed a Special Issue that included papers based on invitations from the Editorial Board Members on a variety of areas in applied financial economics and risk management [...]
How Can Digital Economy Accessibility Accelerate Urban Land Green Transformation in China? Evidence from Threshold and Intermediary Effects
Authors: Li Guanglong , Zhao Xuhai , Jiang Yanfeng , Zou Yuandong , Liu Shuyang , Li Xuejing , Zeng Liangen
Published: February 2025

The digital economy is a new economic form that has a significant impact on urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE). With the provincial panel data between 2013 and 2021, this paper empirically tests how the digital economy development level (DEDL) promotes the improvement of ULFUE in China. The key findings include the following: (1) There were significant spatial differences for the ULGUE and DEDL of China. For China’s ULGUE, China shows an ascent after an initial decline trend from 2013 to 2017, but a decline trend after 2017. China’s DEDL took on a rising tendency during the research period. In 2021, China’s DEDL increased by 143.8% compared with that in 2013. (2) The digital economy can obviously promote the ULGUE, but the promotion effect is affected by the urbanization level; with improvements in urbanization level, the impact of that may strengthen. (3) Technological innovation demonstrates a complete intermediary effect between the digital economy and ULGUE; the mediation transmission mechanism of technological innovation is evident. These results have been verified by robustness tests, proving their stability and reliability. The research results will provide new insights into the high-quality utilization of urban land resources.
The Link Between Perception and Production in the Laryngeal Processes of Multilingual Speakers
Authors: Bárkányi Zsuzsanna , Kiss Zoltán G.
Published: February 2025

The present paper investigates the link between perception and production in the laryngeal phonology of multilingual speakers, focusing on non-contrastive segments and the dynamic aspect of these processes. Fourteen L1 Hungarian, L2 English, and L3 Spanish advanced learners took part in the experiments. The production experiments examined the aspiration of voiceless stops in word-initial position, regressive voicing assimilation, and pre-sonorant voicing; the latter two processes were analyzed both word-internally and across word boundaries. The perception experiments aimed to find out whether learners notice the phonetic outputs of these processes and regard them as linguistically relevant. Our results showed that perception and production are not aligned. Accurate production is dependent on accurate perception, but accurate perception is not necessarily transferred into production. In laryngeal postlexical processes, the native language seems to play the primary role even for highly competent learners, but markedness might be relevant too. The novel findings of this study are that phonetic category formation seems to be easier than the acquisition of dynamic allophonic alternations and that metaphonological awareness is correlated with perception but not with production.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine: Go from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Canosa Stefano , Nuzzo Anna
Published: February 2025

As we reach the conclusion of this Special Issue, Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine: Go From Bench to Bedside, it is evident that the dynamic intersection between basic science and clinical practice continues to drive the evolution of care in women’s health [...]
Distinct Infection Mechanisms of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA and AG-4 HG-I+II in Brachypodium distachyon and Barley
Authors: Mahadevan Niranjan , Fernanda Rozi , Kouzai Yusuke , Kohno Natsuka , Nagao Reiko , Nyein Khin Thida , Watanabe Megumi , Sakata Nanami , Matsui Hidenori , Toyoda Kazuhiro , Ichinose Yuki , Mochida Keiichi , Hisano Hiroshi , Noutoshi Yoshiteru
Published: February 2025

Rhizoctonia solani is a basidiomycete phytopathogenic fungus that causes rapid necrosis in a wide range of crop species, leading to substantial agricultural losses worldwide. The species complex is divided into 13 anastomosis groups (AGs) based on hyphal fusion compatibility and further subdivided by culture morphology. While R. solani classifications were shown to be independent of host specificity, it remains unclear whether different R. solani isolates share similar virulence mechanisms. Here, we investigated the infectivity of Japanese R. solani isolates on Brachypodium distachyon and barley. Two isolates, AG-1 IA (from rice) and AG-4 HG-I+II (from cauliflower), infected leaves of both plants, but only AG-4 HG-I+II infected roots. B. distachyon accessions Bd3-1 and Gaz-4 and barley cultivar ‘Morex’ exhibited enhanced resistance to both isolates compared to B. distachyon Bd21 and barley cultivars ‘Haruna Nijo’ and ‘Golden Promise’. During AG-1 IA infection, but not AG-4 HG-I+II infection, resistant Bd3-1 and Morex induced genes for salicylic acid (SA) and N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) biosynthesis. Pretreatment with SA or NHP conferred resistance to AG-1 IA, but not AG-4 HG-I+II, in susceptible B. distachyon Bd21 and barley Haruna Nijo. On the leaves of susceptible Bd21 and Haruna Nijo, AG-1 IA developed extensive mycelial networks with numerous infection cushions, which are specialized infection structures well-characterized in rice sheath blight. In contrast, AG-4 HG-I+II formed dispersed mycelial masses associated with underlying necrosis. We propose that the R. solani species complex encompasses at least two distinct infection strategies: AG-1 IA exhibits a hemibiotrophic lifestyle, while AG-4 HG-I+II follows a predominantly necrotrophic strategy.
A Decade of Progress in Ultrasound Assessments of Subcutaneous and Total Body Fat: A Scoping Review
Authors: Neagu Monica , Neagu Adrian
Published: February 2025

Body composition assessment by ultrasonography is a vivid research field. Ultrasound (US) can be used to quantify subcutaneous and visceral fat, to evaluate the quantity and quality of skeletal muscle, and to infer intracellular fat content. This scoping review aimed to summarize recent advancements in subcutaneous fat estimation using US and related applications. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify original articles published in English between 1 January 2014 and 20 December 2024. A total of 1869 articles were screened based on their titles and abstracts, and 283 were retrieved for full-text evaluation. Our search and selection strategy resulted in 89 eligible documents. The literature discussed in this review suggests that US is a reliable and valid technique for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness at selected anatomic locations. Standardized measurement protocols enabled accurate subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) patterning in various populations (e.g., athletes, children, adults, and patients with anorexia nervosa). Further research is warranted to establish clinically relevant cutoff values. US-derived SAT thicknesses can also provide whole-body fat estimates of fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and body fat percentage (%BF). To this end, prediction formulas were developed to ensure agreement with criterion measures given by laboratory techniques, or multicompartment models based on combinations thereof. The resulting assessments of global adiposity were reliable but inaccurate in certain populations (e.g., overweight and obese). Nevertheless, due to its high reliability, US might be used to track changes in body fat content during nutritional and/or lifestyle interventions. Future investigations will be needed to evaluate its accuracy in this respect and to improve the validity of whole-body fat estimation compared to multicompartment models.
Synthesis and Characterization of Benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b’]dithiophene-Based Biaryls
Authors: Pelliccioli Valentina , Ferrari Luca , Fagnani Francesco , Colombo Alessia , Cauteruccio Silvia
Published: February 2025

The synthesis of three biaryl systems containing the benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b’] framework was accomplished through the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction between 1-bromobenzo[1,2-b:4,3-b’]dithiophene and easily available polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon boronic acid pinacol esters containing pyrene, fluorene, and fluorenone. The spectroscopic characterization of these molecules was carried out by means of NMR experiments and high-resolution mass spectrometry. UV-vis absorption measurements at different concentrations of the newly synthesized compounds were also performed.
A Dynamic Trading Approach Based on Walrasian Equilibrium in a Blockchain-Based NFT Framework for Sustainable Waste Management
Authors: Kumar Ch Sree , Padhy Aayushman Bhaba , Singh Akhilendra Pratap , Reddy K. Hemant Kumar
Published: February 2025

It is becoming harder to manage the growing amounts of waste generated daily at an increasing rate. These problems require an efficient solution that guarantees effectiveness and transparency and maintains trust within the community. To improve the process of traditional waste management, we proposed a unique solution, “GREENLINK”, which uses a combination of blockchain technology with the concept of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Walrasian equilibrium. Zero-knowledge proofs (cryptographic protocols) are used to verify organizations and prove compliance (e.g., certification, recycling capacity) without disclosing sensitive information. Through an iterative bidding process, the proposed framework employs Walrasian equilibrium, a technique to balance supply and demand, guaranteeing equitable pricing and effective resource distribution among participants. The transactions and waste management activities are securely recorded on an immutable ledger, ensuring accountability, traceability, and transparency. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated. Parameters like average latency, TPS, and memory consumption are calculated using Hyperledger Caliper (a blockchain performance benchmark framework).