bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression pattern analysis of HAK/KUP/KT potassium transporter gene family in potato
Authors: Liu Kun , Qin Yonglin , Wu Lan , Yi Rong , Shi Xiaohua , Yu Jing , Shi Xiaohong , Dong Wenzhuo , Jia Liguo , Fan Mingshou
Published: January 2025

The HAK/KUP/KT (High-affinity K+ transporters/K+ uptake permeases/K+ transporters) is the largest and most dominant potassium transporter family in plants, playing a crucial role in various biological processes. However, our understanding of HAK/KUP/KT gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) remains limited and unclear. In this study, 24 HAK/KUP/KT genes (StHAKs) were identified through a genome-wide analysis and were found to be unevenly distributed across ten chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these StHAK gene family members were classified into four distinct clusters. All StHAK protein sequences contained the conserved motifs and domains. Promoter cis-acting elements analysis revealed that most StHAK gene family members in potatoes were associated with responses to light and hormones such as abscisic acid or methyl jasmonate, however, many motifs responsive to hormones and stress conditions have not been clearly studied or reported in plants. Synteny analysis suggested that 33, 19, 8, 1 StHAK genes were orthologous to those in soybean, cassava, Arabidopsis and rice, respectively. The previously published RNA-seq results, transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR experiments indicated that the expression profiles of these StHAK genes were tissue-specific and were influenced by multiple factors, including biotic and abiotic stress, hormone, potassium fertilizer. To provide a clear and convenient view of StHAK gene expression across different tissues in potato, we generated a cartoon heatmap to vividly illustrate the tissue-specific expression of StHAK genes, which is unprecedented in the gene family analysis of potato. At last, we identified genes such as StHAK8, StHAK14, and StHAK22 with high expression in potato tubers using qRT-PCR, suggesting their potential involvement in tuber growth and development. This can contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of potassium absorption and transportation in potatoes. It has laid a solid theoretical foundation for the genetic regulation of potassium nutritional efficiency in potatoes and the breeding of potato varieties with high potassium efficiency.
Calcium levels modulate embryo yield in Brassica napus microspore embryogenesis
Authors: Calabuig-Serna Antonio , Mir Ricardo , Sancho-Oviedo Daniel , Arjona-Mudarra Paloma , Seguí-Simarro Jose M.
Published: January 2025

Calcium (Ca2+) is a universal signaling cation with a prominent role as second messenger in many different plant processes, including sexual reproduction. However, there is much less knowledge about the involvement of Ca2+ during in vitro embryogenesis processes. In this work we performed a study of Ca2+ levels during the different stages of microspore embryogenesis in Brassica napus, with special attention to how Ca2+ can influence the occurrence of different embryogenic structures with different embryogenic potential. We also performed a pharmacological study to modulate Ca2+ homeostasis during different stages of the process, using a series of Ca2+-altering chemicals (BAPTA-AM, bepridil, chlorpromazine, cyclopiazonic acid, EGTA, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, ionophore A23187, W-7). This study shows that Ca2+ increase can be considered as an early marker of induction of microspore embryogenesis. Besides, Ca2+ levels are highly dynamic during microspore embryogenesis, influencing the final embryo yield. Increase of either extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ levels improves embryo yield without altering the proportion of highly embryogenic structures formed, which suggests that elevated Ca2+ levels increase the amount of microspores reaching the minimum Ca2+ threshold required for embryogenesis induction. Conversely, inhibition of Ca2+ uptake or signaling results in reduced embryogenic response. This allows to modulate embryo yield within a functional range, with lower and upper Ca2+ thresholds beyond which embryo yield is reduced. There seems to be a relationship between Ca2+ levels and embryo differentiation.
Setting the tone: crossmodal emotional face-voice combinations in continuous flash suppression
Authors: Müller Ulrich W. D. , Gerdes Antje B. M. , Alpers Georg W.
Published: January 2025

Emotional stimuli are preferentially processed in the visual system, in particular, fearful faces. Evidence comes from unimodal studies with emotional faces, although real-life emotional encounters typically involve input from multiple sensory channels, such as a face paired with a voice. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how emotional voices influence preferential processing of co-occurring emotional faces. To investigate early visual processing, we used the breaking continuous flash suppression paradigm (b-CFS): We presented fearful, happy, or neutral faces to one eye, which were initially inaccessible to conscious awareness due to the predominant perception of a dynamic mask presented to the other eye. Faces were presented either unimodally or paired with non-linguistic vocalizations (fearful, happy, neutral). Thirty-six healthy participants were asked to respond as soon as the faces reached conscious awareness. We replicated earlier findings that fearful faces broke suppression faster overall, supporting a threat bias. Moreover, all faces broke suppression faster when paired with voices. Interestingly, faces paired with neutral and happy voices broke suppression the fastest, followed by faces with fearful voices. Thus, in addition to supporting a threat bias in unimodally presented fearful faces, we found evidence for crossmodal facilitation.
Energy Saving Technologies and Practices in Facility Agriculture in Cold Regions
Authors: Li Ningning , Xu Weiyao , Zhang Yue , Ma Wenchuan , Ren Yanjie
Published: January 2025

With the growth of the global population, energy demand continues to rise, making cross-regional energy transportation less viable as a sustainable solution. As a result, the construction of facilities for agriculture in cold regions has become increasingly important in the development of modern agriculture. However, cold region facility agriculture faces significant energy and environmental challenges, necessitating the advancement and application of energy saving technologies. This study addresses the high energy consumption in cold region facility agriculture by experimentally evaluating the integrated effects of geothermal heat pumps, solar collectors, intelligent light control systems, LED plant lamps, and smart ventilation systems in saving energy. The focus is on analyzing the technical adaptability and economic feasibility of these technologies under extremely cold conditions in Heilongjiang. The research findings indicate an overall energy saving rate of 17.8%, with energy savings in heating, lighting, and ventilation systems being 17.6%, 18.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. Economic analysis shows that geothermal heat pumps and high efficiency insulation materials have a short investment payback period and are suitable for widespread adoption, while solar collectors and intelligent light control systems are more appropriate for long-term application. This study demonstrates that intelligent and integrated energy saving technologies have significant potential in cold region facility agriculture, providing both data support and technical references for the efficient, low-carbon development of agriculture in cold climates. This study not only provides scientific evidence for the sustainable development of cold region facility agriculture but also highlights the practical implications of these technologies for reducing energy consumption and promoting low-carbon agriculture.
Analysis of the Control Effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C4 Wettable Powder on Potato Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Xing Zhixiang , Liu Dan , Luo Meng , Yang Zelin , Pang Wenyuan , Feng Yexing , Yan Jiani , He Fumeng , Feng Xu , Yuan Qiang , Wang Yingnan , Li Fenglan
Published: January 2025

Potatoes are one of the most important food crops worldwide, but their growth and development are often seriously threatened by potato bacterial wilt. The wettable powder produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C4 under optimized fermentation conditions effectively inhibits potato bacterial wilt. In this study, lipopeptide antibiotics were identified via PCR and MALDI-TOF-MS, and their antibacterial activity was determined. The optimal formulation of C4 wettable powder was optimized via a single-factor experiment combined with a response surface. The effect of C4 wettable powder on potato bacterial wilt was evaluated. In the antibacterial activity test, surfactin showed better inhibition ability. After determining the optimal liquid fermentation conditions and wettable powder formula, the surfactin activity increased to 540.15 mg/L, and the C4 wettable powder activity reached 69.67 × 108 cfu/g. The results of the pot experiment showed that the best cost-effectiveness was achieved under 500 times dilution and spraying, with a control effect of 79.05 ± 24.79%. The physiological and biochemical results showed that C4 wettable powder could induce rapid defense enzyme responses in leaves and enhance plant resistance to pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that C4 wettable powder effectively controlled potato bacterial wilt, and its application method was determined.
Early Detection of Verticillium Wilt in Cotton by Using Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Recurrence Plots
Authors: Tan Fei , Gao Xiuwen , Cang Hao , Wu Nianyi , Di Ruoyu , Yan Jingkun , Li Chengkai , Gao Pan , Lv Xin
Published: January 2025

Cotton is susceptible to Verticillium wilt (VW) during its growth. Early and accurate detection of VW can facilitate targeted pesticide treatment and reduce the potential spread of the disease. However, accurately detecting VW in cotton before symptoms appear (the asymptomatic period) after infection by Verticillium dahliae remains challenging. This study proposes an early detection method for cotton wilt disease using hyperspectral imaging and recurrence plots (RP) combined with machine learning techniques. First, spectral curves were collected and analyzed under three conditions of cotton plants: healthy, asymptomatic, and symptomatic. Then, the one-dimensional spectral curve was transformed into two-dimensional recurrence plots to enhance the detail differences in the original spectral curve of cotton plants in various states. Hyperspectral recurrence plots contain rich texture information; fifteen texture features were extracted from the spectral recurrence plots using the Gray-Level Gradient Co-occurrence Matrix (GLGCM). Eleven of these texture features showed a strong correlation with the class labels of the cotton plants. In order to reduce redundant information between features, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the first five principal components, which explained 99.02% of the information from the 11 features. The final principal component dataset was then input into KNN, SVM, ELM, and XGBoost classifiers to assess the accuracy of early detection of VW in cotton. The results showed that the XGBoost model, based on the first five principal components obtained from the texture features, achieved accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of 96.3%, 95.6%, 96%, and 95.8%, demonstrating a high classification capability. The results of this study confirm the feasibility of converting spectral curves into recurrence plots and extracting image texture features for the accurate identification of VW in cotton during the asymptomatic period. This method also provides a new strategy for early disease detection of cotton and other plants in the future.
Establishment of a Breeding Approach Combined with Gamma Ray Irradiation and Tissue Regeneration for Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Yu Xuan , Yuan Haidi , Jin Yihong , Xia Chuizheng , Zhu Jiani , Che Jiali , Yang Jiao , Wang Xiaofei , Zheng Bingsong , Yang Shufang , Silvestri Cristian , Cui Fuqiang , Zuo Jianfang
Published: January 2025

Blueberries are a relatively recently domesticated species, primarily bred through hybridization. Mutation breeding, which uses chemical or physical treatment to increase plant mutation, has not yet been applied to blueberries. This study introduces a mutation breeding strategy for the highbush blueberry cultivar Vaccinium corymbosum. We established a high-efficiency regeneration protocol, which was applied to leaves and stems exposed to gamma irradiation using 60Co-γ rays at doses of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 gray (Gy), to increase the efficiency of mutated cells to develop into adventitious shoots. We determined that the median lethal dose (LD50) was approximately 56 Gy for leaf explants and 80 Gy for stem explants. Phenotypic variations, including changes in leaf color and growth characteristics, which may be due to altered plant response to environmental factors, were successfully observed in the first-generation (M1) plants. The height of M1 plants quantitatively decreased with increasing irradiation doses. To evaluate the mutants induced by each irradiation dose, whole-genome resequencing was conducted on individuals from each dose group, revealing significant genomic alterations at the 80 Gy dose. This approach provides a valuable reference for future blueberry breeding programs aimed at enhancing genetic diversity and improving cultivar performance.
Water Management of Arabica Coffee Seedlings Cultivated with a Hydroretentive Polymer
Authors: Silva Mateus Oliveira , Arruda Vanessa Reniele Souza de , Barbosa Francisco Raylan Sousa , Firmino Michel Wakim Mendes , Pedrosa Adriene Woods , Cunha Fernando França da
Published: January 2025

The production of high-quality coffee seedlings is essential to meet the demands of the coffee sector, requiring more efficient and sustainable water management practices. In this context, the use of hydroretentive polymers, particularly biodegradable ones, emerges as a promising alternative to optimize water use, reduce the environmental impact associated with synthetic polymers, and improve the agronomic traits of seedlings. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different irrigation intervals and hydroretentive polymer doses on the water consumption and agronomic characteristics of Coffea arabica L. seedlings. This study was conducted in a protected environment using a randomized block design with split plots and four replicates. The plots consisted of two irrigation intervals (2 and 4 days), and the subplots included four doses of hydroretentive polymer (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%), applied in 0.5 dm3 polypropylene bags. Results showed that the 0.5% polymer dose combined with a 2-day irrigation interval resulted in the highest water consumption, while the combination of 0% polymer and a 4-day irrigation interval led to the lowest water consumption. The 0.25% hydroretentive polymer dose with irrigation every 2 days showed the best performance in gas exchange, promoting photosynthesis without causing water saturation. This management also promoted better seedling growth, increasing biomass, height, leaf area, and root volume compared to longer irrigation intervals. The crop coefficients (Kc × Ks) were 0.20, 0.28, and 0.45 during the periods of 0–50, 51–80, and 81–150 days after sowing, respectively. A dose of 0.25% hydroretentive polymer with a 2-day irrigation interval is recommended for the production of Arabica coffee seedlings, contributing to agricultural practices aligned with environmental preservation and productive efficiency.
Vertical Movement of Head, Withers, and Pelvis of High-Level Dressage Horses Trotting in Hand vs. Being Ridden
Authors: Clayton Hilary M. , Hobbs Sarah Jane , Rhodin Marie , Hernlund Elin , Peterson Mick , Bos Rosalie , Bragança Filipe Serra
Published: January 2025

Prior to international competitions, dressage horses are evaluated for fitness to compete while trotting in hand on a firm surface. This study compares the kinematics of experienced dressage horses trotting under fitness-to-compete conditions vs. performing collected and extended trot when ridden on a sand-fiber arena surface. The hypotheses are that the vertical range of motion (ROM) and left–right asymmetries in minimal and maximal heights of axial body segments at ridden trot exceed those when trotting in hand. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached mid-dorsally to the head, withers, and pelvis of 19 actively competing dressage horses measured the vertical ROM and left–right asymmetries in minimal (MinDiff) and maximal (MaxDiff) heights of the midline sensors. The vertical ROM was greater for both types of ridden trot, reflecting greater impulsion in response to the riders’ aids. Head MinDiff/MaxDiff and withers MaxDiff were significantly higher under both ridden conditions. Pelvis MinDiff was significantly the largest for collected trot. Compared with trot in hand, left–right differences in limb protraction were larger for extended and collected trot in the forelimbs but only for extended trot in the hind limbs. The rider’s influence increases the horse’s impulsion and vertical ROM, which may exacerbate inherent asymmetries in muscular strength when lowering the haunches and elevating the withers.
The Use of Coffee Cherry Pulp Extract as an Alternative to an Antibiotic Growth Promoter in Broiler Diets
Authors: Tapingkae Wanaporn , Srinual Phatchari , Khamtavee Pimporn , Pintalerd Naret , Chaiyaso Thanongsak , Yachai Mongkol , Kanmanee Chanidapha , Lumsangkul Chompunut , Srinual Orranee
Published: January 2025

Coffee cherry pulp (CCP) is a by-product of coffee bean production. CCP contains amounts of phenolic compounds that are beneficial for animals. This study evaluated the impact of coffee cherry pulp extract (CCPE) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, cecum microbial population, intestinal morphology, and immune and antioxidant responses of broilers. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to five groups: a basal diet control, a basal diet with antibiotic growth promoters at 0.25 g/kg, and groups supplemented with CCPE at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg diet over 35 days. The results showed that throughout the experimental period, the groups supplemented with CCPE improved their final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). CCPE at 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg diet reduced the average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). In addition, CCPE at 0.5 g/kg reduced levels of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels were the lowest in CCPE 2.0 (p < 0.05). In the group supplemented with CCPE at all levels, the high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Drip loss in the breast at 24 and 48 h decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, live weight, defeathered weight, and carcass weight significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CCPE improved intestinal morphology, especially villus height and the villus height per crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). CCPE supplementation also reduced pathogenic bacteria, increased Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05), and increased the expression of immune-related genes and antioxidant activity in the liver and intestines (p < 0.05). Therefore, the use of CCPE as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler feed improved growth performance and health parameters in broilers. It provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for supplementary feed, contributing to more efficient poultry nutrition management.
The Expression Pattern and Functional Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle Long Non-Coding RNAs from Uterine Fluid During Implantation in Pig
Authors: Shang Yijun , Zhang Qiuping , Ding Yue , Wang Yongzhong , Gu Shengchen , Zang Xupeng , Xu Zheng , Huang Sixiu , Li Zicong , Wu Zhenfang , Gu Ting , Hong Linjun , Cai Gengyuan
Published: January 2025

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as competing endogenous RNAs and play significant roles in porcine embryo development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the uterine fluid (UF) can target and deliver maternal endometrial signalling molecules to embryonic trophoblast cells, exerting crucial regulatory effects during embryo implantation. However, the specific roles of lncRNAs carried by UF-EVs during the embryo implantation period have not been thoroughly reported in the literature. In the present study, high-throughput sequencing and biological tools were applied to analyse lncRNAs in UF-EVs on days 9, 12, and 15 of pregnancy to identify key regulatory lncRNAs in UF-EVs during the porcine embryonic implantation period and to explore their expression patterns and functional roles. A total of 30,203 lncRNAs were identified and 7879 differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened, and qRT-PCR was used to verify the sequencing data. Days 9–12 of pregnancy represent a critical stage of embryo implantation characterised by substantial morphological changes in porcine embryos. During this period, we identified a total of 4348 differentially expressed lncRNAs. Through screening and validation, we discovered that LNC_026212 was highly expressed on day 12 of pregnancy and can promote the proliferation and migration of porcine trophoblast cells (PTr cells). These novel findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of lncRNAs on porcine reproductive processes, offering new research directions to improve the success rate of embryo implantation in pigs.
Phenomenological Modeling of Antibody Response from Vaccine Strain Composition
Authors: Ovchinnikov Victor , Karplus Martin
Published: January 2025

The elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is a major goal of vaccine design for highly mutable pathogens, such as influenza, HIV, and coronavirus. Although many rational vaccine design strategies for eliciting bnAbs have been devised, their efficacies need to be evaluated in preclinical animal models and in clinical trials. To improve outcomes for such vaccines, it would be useful to develop methods that can predict vaccine efficacies against arbitrary pathogen variants. As a step in this direction, here, we describe a simple biologically motivated model of antibody reactivity elicited by nanoparticle-based vaccines using only antigen amino acid sequences, parametrized with a small sample of experimental antibody binding data from influenza or SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticle vaccinations. Results: The model is able to recapitulate the experimental data to within experimental uncertainty, is relatively insensitive to the choice of the parametrization/training set, and provides qualitative predictions about the antigenic epitopes exploited by the vaccine, which are testable by experiment. For the mosaic nanoparticle vaccines considered here, model results suggest indirectly that the sera obtained from vaccinated mice contain bnAbs, rather than simply different strain-specific Abs. Although the present model was motivated by nanoparticle vaccines, we also apply it to a mutlivalent mRNA flu vaccination study, and demonstrate good recapitulation of experimental results. This suggests that the model formalism is, in principle, sufficiently flexible to accommodate different vaccination strategies. Finally, we show how the model could be used to rank the efficacies of vaccines with different antigen compositions. Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that simple models of vaccine efficacy parametrized with modest amounts of experimental data could be used to compare the effectiveness of designed vaccines.
Multicomponent Dietary Supplementation: Impact on Tear Secretion and Ocular Surface Inflammation in Dry Eye Syndrome Patients
Authors: Huang Shih-Chien , Lei Yen-Ping , Hsiao Min-Chien , Hsieh Yu-Kai , Tang Quei-Ping , Chen Connie , Hsu Min-Yen
Published: January 2025

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by tear film instability, inflammation, and discomfort, affecting millions worldwide. DES is related to oxidative stress imbalance and ocular surface inflammation, which are important factors in the development of the condition. Recent studies have demonstrated that fish oil, lutein, and zeaxanthin possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the efficacy of a multicomponent dietary supplement in improving tear secretion and mitigating ocular surface inflammation in patients with DES. It was an open-label intervention trial. In total, 52 participants were randomly assigned to control (n = 23) and supplement (45 mg/day eicosapentaenoic acid, 30 mg/day docosahexaenoic acid, 30 mg/day lutein, and 1.8 mg/day zeaxanthin; n = 29) groups for 12 weeks. The participants were evaluated using Schirmer’s test and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) as ocular surface parameters. Moreover, blood or tear oxidative stress, antioxidant capacities, and tear inflammatory indicators were measured at weeks 0 and 12. The results indicated a significant increase in tear secretion and a significant reduction in OSDI scores in the supplement group. Additionally, inflammatory markers, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, significantly decreased after the intervention. However, the OSDI of the supplement group significantly improved by 6.60 points (β = −6.60, p = 0.01). These findings support the potential of targeted nutritional supplementation as a safe and effective strategy for alleviating DES symptoms, offering an alternative to conventional treatments that exclusively focus on symptom management. This study highlights the role of specific nutrients in modulating tear production and inflammation, thereby providing a foundation for dietary approaches to DES treatment. Future research should explore the long-term benefits of such interventions and their impact on overall ocular health.
Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function
Authors: Voulgaris Stefanos , Kousiatza Charoula , Kazakis George , Ypsilantis Konstantinos-Iason , Galanis Dimitrios , Mitropoulou Chara Ch. , Gkara Maria , Georgantzinos Stelios K. , Soultanis Konstantinos , Lagaros Nikos D.
Published: January 2025

Customized wrist splints, particularly for upper extremity orthoses like wrist support braces, are commonly used across numerous clinical scenarios. However, the traditional process for producing personalized wrist splints is largely manual and highly dependent on the expertise of orthopedic specialists. This experience-based approach often leads to suboptimal outcomes, necessitating further refinement of the designs. Recent advancements in Additive Manufacturing (AM) have brought significant innovation to various industries, including orthopedics. This study aims to present a comprehensive methodology that integrates advanced design tools, like 3D Scanning, with digital manufacturing techniques to produce tailored wrist splints. The produced hand brace aims to offer enhanced mechanical performance and comfort by precisely fitting an individual’s anatomy while minimizing material usage and weight. To achieve optimal design efficiency, the study explores the application of a topology optimization (TO) approach for design, while the manufacturing process utilizes Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), an evolving technology within the additive manufacturing (AM) sector.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality of Stored Watermelon Seed Oils
Authors: Siol Marta , Witkowska Beata , Mańko-Jurkowska Diana , Makouie Sina , Bryś Joanna
Published: January 2025

The appropriate use of food industry by-products such as watermelon seeds could reduce the problem of food waste, following the “zero waste” concept. Research in recent years suggests that these unused waste products could be a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional potential and selected quality parameters of watermelon seed oils. Four commercial oils (three unrefined cold-pressed and one refined pressed) and one self-extracted oil were considered. The oils were analyzed over three months of storage after opening/extraction to determine their fatty acid (FA) composition and distribution, hydrolytic and oxidative stability, and selected health indices. Linoleic acid was the predominant FA, ranging from 52.9% (refined oil) to 62.2% (self-extracted oil). Refined oil demonstrated superior oxidative stability, with the lowest acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV) throughout the storage period, adhering to the Codex Alimentarius standards. Unrefined oils, particularly WO3, showed significantly higher AVs and PVs after storage, indicating greater susceptibility to hydrolytic and oxidative changes. Health indices were favorable for all oils, with self-extracted oil exhibiting the highest health-promoting index (7.07) and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (7.18). Oxidative stability showed that self-extracted oil had significantly higher stability (76.6 min) than other tested oils, despite having the highest PUFA content. In turn, refinement has a significant effect on the AVs and PVs and the oxidative stability of oil, achieving the lowest PUFA level (53.61%). These results emphasize the potential of watermelon seed oil as a health-promoting product and emphasize the role of production and storage conditions in maintaining its quality.
Toward Questionnaire Complexity Reduction by Decreasing the Questions
Authors: Molina-Cabello Miguel A. , Serrano-Angulo José , Benito-Picazo Jesús , Thurnhofer-Hemsi Karl
Published: January 2025

Data analysis can unearth important insights like patterns, trends, and deductions. In education, it can be utilized to tailor teaching methods to suit student traits or devise new activities to foster different skills or reinforce existing ones, for example. Understanding the particular context and past experiences can aid in this endeavor. Surveys and questionnaires yield a wealth of data. Yet, the sheer volume of questions can lead to challenges in data management for teachers and a decline in student interest due to the time-consuming nature of fulfilling these tasks. This work presents a methodology designed to decrease the number of questions in questionnaires. This method can be applied to general questionnaires that consist of closed-ended questions with a set number of response choices, where each question can have a varying number of options compared to the other questions in the form. This methodology has been adapted into a newly developed software tool for examining learning styles based on a specific learning styles questionnaire: the Honey–Alonso Learning Styles Questionnaire (CHAEA). This software is available to the public and integrated with Moodle, arguably the most extensively used learning management system globally. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, it has been used across various subjects in Computer Sciences Engineering degrees over different academic years. The outcomes from this case study validate the appropriateness of the technique. Consequently, these findings could establish patterns that could assist in devising more suitable learning methodologies for students.
A 250 °C Low-Power, Low-Temperature-Drift Offset Chopper-Stabilized Operational Amplifier with an SC Notch Filter for High-Temperature Applications
Authors: Yang Zhong , Li Jiaqi , Fu Jiangduo , Song Jiayin , Cai Qingsong , Qiao Shushan
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a three-stage op amp based on the SOI (silicon-on-insulator) process, which achieves a low offset voltage and temperature coefficient across a wide temperature range from −40 °C to 250 °C. It can be used in aerospace, oil and gas exploration, automotive electronics, nuclear industry, and in other fields where the ability of electronic devices to withstand high-temperature environments is strongly required. By utilizing a SC (Switched Capacitor) notch filter, the op amp achieves low input offset in a power-efficient manner. The circuit features a multi-path nested Miller compensation structure, consisting of a low-speed channel and a high-speed channel, which switch according to the input signal frequency. The input-stage operational amplifier is a fully differential, rail-to-rail design, utilizing tail current control to reduce the impact of common-mode voltage on the transconductance of the input stage. The two-stage operational amplifier uses both cascode and Miller compensation, minimizing the influence of the feedforward signal path and improving the amplifier’s response speed. The prototype op amp is fabricated in a 0.15 µm SOI process and draws 0.3 mA from a 5 V supply. The circuit occupies a chip area of 0.76 mm2. The measured open-loop gain exceeds 140 dB, with a 3 dB bandwidth greater than 100 kHz. The amplifier demonstrates stable performance across a wide temperature range from −40 °C to 250 °C, and exhibits an excellent input offset of approximately 20 µV at room temperature and an offset voltage temperature coefficient of 0.7 μV/°C in the full temperature range.
Quality of Sous Vide-Cooked Pork Loin Stored in Refrigerated Conditions
Authors: Kurp Lidia , Bielecka Marika , Danowska-Oziewicz Marzena
Published: January 2025

The sous vide cooking method offers advantage in preparing meat dishes in advance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of refrigerated storage on the quality attributes of pork loin sous vide cooked under selected, optimised temperature and time parameters. Pork loin was cooked at varying temperatures (57–63 °C) and times (3.5–5.5 h), followed by refrigerated storage for up to 7 days. Analytical methods, including TBARS index for lipid oxidation, instrumental colour measurement, texture analysis, and volatile compound profiling, were used to assess changes in meat quality over time. The results indicated that heat treatment and storage time significantly influenced lipid oxidation, colour, and texture. The highest TBARS values were observed at higher cooking temperatures (61 °C and 63 °C), reflecting increased lipid oxidation. Colour changes were also temperature- and time-dependent, with a decrease in redness (a*) and an increase in lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*). Sensory evaluation revealed that juiciness, aroma intensity, tenderness, and flavour acceptability were strongly correlated with overall acceptability, while physical characteristics like colour and texture had a lesser impact. The study highlights the impact of sous vide cooking parameters on the quality and sensory attributes of pork loin, suggesting that optimised heat treatment can help preserve desirable meat characteristics during refrigerated storage.
Task-Oriented Adversarial Attacks for Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis Models
Authors: Vázquez-Hernández Monserrat , Algredo-Badillo Ignacio , Villaseñor-Pineda Luis , Lobato-Báez Mariana , Lopez-Pimentel Juan Carlos , Morales-Rosales Luis Alberto
Published: January 2025

Adversarial attacks deliberately modify deep learning inputs, mislead models, and cause incorrect results. Previous adversarial attacks on sentiment analysis models have demonstrated success in misleading these models. However, most existing attacks in sentiment analysis have applied a generalized approach to input modifications, without considering the characteristics and objectives of the different analysis levels. Specifically, for aspect-based sentiment analysis, there is a lack of attack methods that modify inputs in accordance with the evaluated aspects. Consequently, unnecessary modifications are made, compromising the input semantics, making the changes more detectable, and avoiding the identification of new vulnerabilities. In previous work, we proposed a model to generate adversarial examples in particular for aspect-based sentiment analysis. In this paper, we assess the effectiveness of our adversarial example model in negatively impacting aspect-based model results while maintaining high levels of semantic inputs. To conduct this evaluation, we propose diverse adversarial attacks across different dataset domains, target architectures, and consider distinct levels of victim model knowledge, thus obtaining a comprehensive evaluation. The obtained results demonstrate that our approach outperforms existing attack methods in terms of accuracy reduction and semantic similarity, achieving a 65.30% reduction in model accuracy with a low perturbation ratio of 7.79%. These findings highlight the importance of considering task-specific characteristics when designing adversarial examples, as even simple modifications to elements that support task classification can successfully mislead models.
Forward/Backward Decomposition for Dispersive Wave Propagation Measurements
Authors: Corbin Nicholas A. , Tarazaga Pablo
Published: January 2025

Two complicating features commonly found in wave propagation applications include dispersion, i.e., frequency-dependent propagation velocity, and reflections, which introduce coherent noise. In this work, we present a signal processing technique which can be applied in a variety of applications to decompose signals into their forward- and backward-propagating components. The theory is presented, along with algorithmic implementation and experimental validation on a Timoshenko beam. The implications and potential utility of the method are briefly discussed.
Survivability of Probiotic Microflora in Fermented and Non-Fermented Mare’s Milk: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mituniewicz-Małek Anna , Ziarno Małgorzata , Dmytrów Izabela , Szkolnicka Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

This study discusses the properties of mare milk as a potential food matrix to produce functional dairy products. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cold storage on the viability of microflora in fermented and unfermented mare’s milk, containing live monocultures of probiotic bacteria, during storage at low temperatures. Three fermented beverages were produced, differentiated by the bacterial flora used for production (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12), as well as one unfermented beverage (using 40% commercial kumis and 7% LA-5). The unfermented beverage was mare’s milk supplemented with a BB-12 monoculture, which was chilled immediately after adding the inoculum. The population of BB-12 remained above 6 log CFU/g until the 21st day of storage at 5 ± 1 °C, while for LA-5, it remained viable only up to 14 days of storage. The BB-12 population was high and stable for 21 days in both fermented and unfermented beverages. The results confirm the good quality of the final product (appropriate pH and high population of individual bacterial strains); not only are appropriate culture conditions important, but the use of suitable probiotic bacteria and the optimization of the starter concentrations should also be considered. There is considerable potential for further research and future commercialization of mare’s dairy products, such as yogurt and potentially other dairy products.
Privacy and Security in Digital Health Contact-Tracing: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pigera Shehani , van Schaik Paul , Renaud Karen , Campbell Miglena , Manley Petra , Esser Pierre
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: Contact-tracing apps only achieve their aims if the majority of the population installs and actively engages with them. Such acceptance depends on public perceptions and are likely influenced by privacy and security concerns. Therefore, this review evaluates public perceptions towards the privacy and security of contact-tracing apps used during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on identifying factors that influence acceptance. (2) Methods: A systematic literature review was performed. A total of 114 articles were retained as per the inclusion criteria, which included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. (3) Results: Eight main themes were derived: privacy, data protection and control, trust, technical issues, perceived benefit, knowledge and awareness, social influence, and psychological factors. (4) Conclusions: Improving privacy standards and the awareness of the digital contact-tracing process will encourage the acceptance of contact-tracing apps.
Climatological Study on Cyclone Genesis and Tracks in Southern Brazil from 1979 to 2019
Authors: Destéfani Bruna Alves Oliveira , Broggio Micael Fernando , Garcia Carlos Alberto Eiras
Published: January 2025

This study investigates cyclone dynamics and impacts in the Southwestern Atlantic, with a focus on their effects on southern Brazil. As climate change intensifies coastal vulnerability, understanding cyclone behavior has become essential. Using the TRACK and cycloTRACK algorithms, we examined cyclone trajectories and cyclogenesis densities from 1979 to 2019 to analyze seasonal and spatial patterns shaped by large-scale atmospheric circulations, including the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO). The analysis explores trends in cyclone activity across various temporal and spatial scales, identifying key regions of cyclogenesis and trajectory density. Results indicate that the cycloTRACK algorithm is more effective at tracking more intense and consistent cyclones, excluding weaker systems. Seasonal patterns suggest variability in cyclone formation, likely associated with atmospheric instability and ocean–atmosphere interactions. While trends reveal an increase in cyclone passages in southern Brazil, these systems are strongly associated with extreme climatic events in the region, including coastal storms, intense precipitation, strong winds, and high waves. By clarifying cyclone dynamics and seasonal patterns, this study enhances our understanding of cyclone behavior and contributes to improved assessments of regional climate resilience in southern Brazil.
Neuroprotective Potential of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil Against Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits and Oxidative Stress in a Zebrafish Model
Authors: Brinza Ion , Boiangiu Razvan Stefan , Honceriu Iasmina , Abd-Alkhalek Ahmed M. , Osman Samir M. , Eldahshan Omayma A. , Todirascu-Ciornea Elena , Dumitru Gabriela , Hritcu Lucian
Published: January 2025

Origanum majorana L., also known as sweet marjoram, is a plant with multiple uses, both in the culinary field and traditional medicine, because of its major antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive properties. In this research, we focused on the effects of O. majorana essential oil (OmEO, at concentrations of 25, 150, and 300 μL/L), evaluating chemical structure as well as its impact on cognitive performance and oxidative stress, in both naive zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as in a scopolamine-induced amnesic model (SCOP, 100 μM). The fish behavior was analyzed in a novel tank-diving test (NTT), a Y-maze test, and a novel object recognition (NOR) test. We also investigated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the brain’s oxidative stress status. In parallel, we performed in silico predictions (research conducted using computational models) of the pharmacokinetic properties of the main compounds identified in OmEO, using platforms such as SwissADME, pKCSM, ADMETlab 2.0, and ProTox-II. The results revealed that the major compounds were trans-sabinene hydrate (36.11%), terpinen-4-ol (17.97%), linalyl acetate (9.18%), caryophyllene oxide (8.25%), and α-terpineol (6.17%). OmEO can enhance memory through AChE inhibition, reduce SCOP-induced anxiety by increasing the time spent in the top zone in the NTT, and significantly reduce oxidative stress markers. These findings underscore the potential of using O. majorana to improve memory impairment and reduce oxidative stress associated with cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Comprehensive Overview of Ketone Bodies in Cancer Metabolism: Mechanisms and Application
Authors: Liang Ziyuan , Deng Lixian , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Zhe , Zhao Weilin
Published: January 2025

Reprogramming energy metabolism is pivotal to tumor development. Ketone bodies (KBs), which are generated during lipid metabolism, are fundamental bioactive molecules that can be modulated to satisfy the escalating metabolic needs of cancer cells. At present, a burgeoning body of research is concentrating on the metabolism of KBs within tumors, investigating their roles as signaling mediators, drivers of post-translational modifications, and regulators of inflammation and oxidative stress. The ketogenic diet (KD) may enhance the sensitivity of various cancers to standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, by exploiting the reprogrammed metabolism of cancer cells and shifting the metabolic state from glucose reliance to KB utilization, rendering it a promising candidate for adjunct cancer therapy. Nonetheless, numerous questions remain regarding the expression of key metabolic genes across different tumors, the regulation of their activities, and the impact of individual KBs on various tumor types. Further investigation is imperative to resolve the conflicting data concerning KB synthesis and functionality within tumors. This review aims to encapsulate the intricate roles of KBs in cancer metabolism, elucidating a comprehensive grasp of their mechanisms and highlighting emerging clinical applications, thereby setting the stage for future investigations into their therapeutic potential.
Inflammatory Biomarkers and Lipid Parameters May Predict an Increased Risk for Atrial Arrhythmias in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Sebestyén Veronika , Ujvárosy Dóra , Ratku Balázs , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Csiha Sára , Tari Dóra , Majai Gyöngyike , Somodi Sándor , Szűcs Gabriella , Harangi Mariann , Szabó Zoltán
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Autoimmune inflammation enhances the electrical instability of the atrial myocardium in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); thus, atrial arrhythmia risk is increased, which might be predicted by evaluating the P wave interval and dispersion of a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods: We examined 26 SSc patients and 36 healthy controls and measured the P wave interval and P wave dispersion of the 12-lead surface ECG in each patient. Furthermore, echocardiography and 24-h Holter ECG were performed and levels of inflammatory laboratory parameters, including serum progranulin (PGRN), sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP), were determined. Lipid parameters, such as Apo A-I, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and the LDL and HDL subfractions were also evaluated. Results: The P wave interval showed a significant positive correlation with the levels of Apo A-I, LDL-C, CRP, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and leptin. The oxLDL level correlated positively with P wave dispersion. Of note, significant positive correlation was also found between the large HDL percentage and the P wave interval. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PGRN, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, leptin, CRP, LDL-C and oxLDL, along with LDL and HDL subfractions, might have a role in atrial arrhythmogenesis in patients with SSc.
FE-YOLO: An Efficient Deep Learning Model Based on Feature-Enhanced YOLOv7 for Microalgae Identification and Detection
Authors: Ding Gege , Shi Yuhang , Liu Zhenquan , Wang Yanjuan , Yao Zhixuan , Zhou Dan , Zhu Xuexiu , Li Yiqin
Published: January 2025

The identification and detection of microalgae are essential for the development and utilization of microalgae resources. Traditional methods for microalgae identification and detection have many limitations. Herein, a Feature-Enhanced YOLOv7 (FE-YOLO) model for microalgae cell identification and detection is proposed. Firstly, the feature extraction capability was enhanced by integrating the CAGS (Coordinate Attention Group Shuffle Convolution) attention module into the Neck section. Secondly, the SIoU (SCYLLA-IoU) algorithm was employed to replace the CIoU (Complete IoU) loss function in the original model, addressing the issues of unstable convergence. Finally, we captured and constructed a microalgae dataset containing 6300 images of seven species of microalgae, addressing the issue of a lack of microalgae cell datasets. Compared to the YOLOv7 model, the proposed method shows greatly improved average Precision, Recall, mAP@50, and mAP@95; our proposed algorithm achieved increases of 9.6%, 1.9%, 9.7%, and 6.9%, respectively. In addition, the average detection time of a single image was 0.0455 s, marking a 9.2% improvement.