bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vai trò của chính quyền địa phương trong phát triển du lịch cộng đồng ở tỉnh Lào Cai
Authors: Hứa Tân Hưng
Published: February 2025

Trong thời gian qua, việc phát triển du lịch cộng đồng ở tỉnh Lào Cai đã đạt được nhiều thành tựu đáng kể, góp phần xoá đói giảm nghèo, nâng cao đời sống của người dân địa phương, giúp phát triển kinh tế bền vững. Dựa trên nghiên cứu, phân tích tài liệu, bài viết đã làm rõ vai trò của chính quyền địa phương trong phát triển du lịch cộng đồng ở tỉnh Lào Cai trên các phương diện việc xây dựng, thực hiện quy hoạch, kế hoạch phát triển du lịch cộng đồng tại tỉnh Lào Cai; đảm bảo hài hoà lợi ích giữa các bên liên quan trong phát triển du lịch cộng đồng; bảo tồn văn hoá truyền thống và bảo vệ môi trường; đào tạo bồi dưỡng nguồn nhân lực cho phát triển du lịch cộng đồng; nghiên cứu thị trường, xúc tiến, quảng bá sản phẩm du lịch cộng đồng; phát triển sản phẩm du lịch cộng đồng gắn với bảo tồn văn hoá và bảo vệ môi trường.
Métamorphoses d’un livre : un demi-millénaire d’éditions du Cymbalum mundi (deuxième partie : xixe-xxie siècles)
Authors: Vallée Jean-François
Published: February 2025

Nous proposons ici le deuxième volet d’une analyse des transformations matérielles, contextuelles et herméneutiques liées aux nombreuses éditions d’un même livre sur une période de près de cinq siècles. Le premier volet étudiait les éditions originales de ce livre, le Cymbalum mundi (Paris, 1537; Lyon, 1538), sa possible circulation manuscrite au xviie siècle ainsi que les éditions bibliophiliques − et pirates − ayant surgi au xviiie siècle. Nous nous intéresserons maintenant aux éditions érudites du xixe siècle, puis aux éditions savantes du xxe siècle. Cet examen comparatif sur la « longue durée » paraît révélateur de l’évolution des transformations de l’édition littéraire imprimée et de ses enjeux interprétatifs pendant la « parenthèse Gutenberg ». Nous évoquerons, en conclusion, le potentiel de réappropriation − ou de « dés-appropriation » − qu’offrent de nouvelles éditions numériques de ce livre énigmatique alors que cette parenthèse se referme au xxie siècle.
« Nous plier à leurs exigences secrètes » : les poètes baroques allemands de René Lasne et Georg Rabuse, du nazisme à l’ombre de Jean Rousset
Authors: Cartron Maxime
Published: February 2025

Publiée en 1943 chez Delamain et Boutelleau, l’Anthologie de la poésie allemande des origines à nos jours de René Lasne et Georg Rabuse a déjà suscité plusieurs travaux, qui ont mis en évidence les déterminations politiques d’une entreprise à la logique collaborationniste, le choix des textes éliminant en particulier tous les poètes juifs et mettant de l’avant les pires rimailleurs nazis. Dans ce contexte idéologique très chargé, la teneur de la section consacrée aux poètes de l’époque baroque pose question, ce sujet étant alors en Allemagne et plus largement dans l’espace germanophone tout aussi marqué sur le plan politique. Le présent article examine les enjeux d’appropriation de travaux antérieurs portant sur l’objet baroque, dont Lasne et Rabuse réénoncent le sens pour les faire cadrer avec leur défense et leur illustration partisanes de la poésie allemande.
S’approprier une oeuvre et sa critique pour donner vie à son auteur : la biographie dramatisée de Marivaux par Fulgence Charpentier (Radio-Collège, 1947)1
Authors: Dion Nicholas
Published: February 2025

Cet article se penche sur la biographie dramatisée de l’écrivain Marivaux composée par Fulgence Charpentier et présentée sur les ondes de Radio-Collège en 1947. L’enregistrement est aujourd’hui perdu, mais le tapuscrit a été conservé dans un fonds d’archives au Centre de recherche sur les francophonies canadiennes (Université d’Ottawa). Nous montrons que le traitement que réserve Charpentier à la vie de l’auteur français relève de divers processus d’appropriation, à la fois de l’oeuvre marivaudienne et de sa critique. Après avoir reconstitué le corpus qui a pu servir à nourrir cette lecture critique, nous analysons comment Charpentier se l’approprie pour créer un discours biographique cohérent. Or, puisque Marivaux est un dramaturge, la théâtralisation de sa biographie constitue également une forme particulière d’appropriation, dans la mesure où le brouillage de la frontière entre la fiction et le biographique passe, entre autres, par la réécriture et l’adaptation pour la radiodiffusion d’une comédie du xviiie siècle.
Peran Kemudahan, Keamanan, Inovasi, dan Kecepatan Layanan terhadap Pengalaman dan Loyalitas Pelanggan pada Aplikasi Fintech Investasi
Authors:   Universitas Indonesia, Lilhaq Ahmad Ghazy , Salehudin Imam ,   Universitas Indonesia
Published: February 2025

The Role of Ease of Use, Security, Innovation, and Service Speed in Shaping Customer Experience and Loyalty in Investment Fintech Apps

This study examines the influence of customer experience on user loyalty toward investment fintech applications in Indonesia. The rapid growth of fintech has revolutionized the financial sector by providing easier and more efficient access to financial services. This research investigates factors influencing customer experience, including ease of use, perceived value, customer support, perceived risk, service speed, and perceived innovativeness, as well as their impact on customer loyalty. Data were collected from 301 users of investment fintech applications in Indonesia and analyzed using Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that ease of use, perceived value, security, speed, and firm innovativeness significantly affect customer experience. Furthermore, customer experience significantly enhances loyalty intention. These findings offer insights for fintech companies to improve service quality and strengthen customer relationships.
Dynamic simulations of feeding and respiration of the early Cambrian periderm-bearing cnidarian polyps
Authors: Zhang Yiheng , Wang Xing , Han Jian , Xiao Juyue , Yong Yuanyuan , Yu Chiyang , Yue Ning , Sun Jie , He Kaiyue , Hao Wenjing , Zhang Tao , Wang Bin , Wang Deng , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: February 2025

Although fossil evidence suggests the existence of an early muscular system in the ancient cnidarian jellyfish from the early Cambrian Kuanchuanpu biota (ca. 535 Ma), south China, the mechanisms underlying the feeding and respiration of the early jellyfish are conjectural. Recently, the polyp inside the periderm of olivooids was demonstrated to be a calyx-like structure, most likely bearing short tentacles and bundles of coronal muscles at the edge of the calyx, thus presumably contributing to feeding and respiration. Here, we simulate the contraction and expansion of the microscopic periderm-bearing olivooid Quadrapyrgites via the fluid-structure interaction computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to investigate their feeding and respiratory activities. The simulations show that the rate of water inhalation by the polyp subumbrella is positively correlated with the rate of contraction and expansion of the coronal muscles, consistent with the previous feeding and respiration hypothesis. The dynamic simulations also show that the frequent inhalation/exhalation of water through the periderm polyp expansion/contraction conducted by the muscular system of Quadrapyrgites most likely represents the ancestral feeding and respiration patterns of Cambrian sedentary medusozoans that predated the rhythmic jet-propelled swimming of the modern jellyfish. Most importantly for these Cambrian microscopic sedentary medusozoans, the increase of body size and stronger capacity of muscle contraction may have been indispensable in the stepwise evolution of active feeding and subsequent swimming in a higher flow (or higher Reynolds number) environment.
Changes in local mineral homeostasis facilitate the formation of benign and malignant testicular microcalcifications
Authors: Boisen Ida Marie , Knudsen Nadia Krarup , Nielsen John Erik , Kooij Ireen , Bagger Mathilde Louise , Kaludjerovic Jovana , O’ Shaughnessy Peter J , Andrews Peter W , Ide Noriko , Toft Birgitte Grønkær , Juul Anders , Mehmedbašić Arnela , Jørgensen Anne , Smith Lee B , Norman Richard W , Meyts Ewa Rajpert-De , Lanske Beate , Jensen Martin Blomberg
Published: February 2025

Testicular microcalcifications consist of hydroxyapatite and have been associated with an increased risk of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) but are also found in benign cases such as loss-of-function variants in the phosphate-transporter
SLC34A2
. Here, we show that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a regulator of phosphate homeostasis, is expressed in testicular germ cell neoplasia
in situ
(GCNIS), embryonal carcinoma (EC), and human embryonic stem cells. FGF23 is not glycosylated in TGCTs and therefore cleaved into a C-terminal fragment which competitively antagonizes full-length FGF23. Here,
Fgf23
knockout mice presented with marked calcifications in the epididymis, spermatogenic arrest, and focally germ cells expressing the osteoblast marker Osteocalcin (gene name:
BGLAP
, protein name: Osteocalcin). Moreover, the frequent testicular microcalcifications in mice with no functional androgen receptor and lack of circulating gonadotropins are associated with lower
Slc34a2
and higher
Bglap
/
Slc34a1
(protein name: NPT2a) expression compared with wild-type mice. In accordance, human testicular specimens with microcalcifications also have lower
SLC34A2
and a subpopulation of germ cells express phosphate-transporter NPT2a, Osteocalcin, and RUNX2 highlighting aberrant local phosphate handling and expression of bone-specific proteins. Mineral disturbance
in vitro
using calcium or phosphate treatment induced deposition of calcium-phosphate in a spermatogonial cell line and this effect was fully rescued by the mineralization-inhibitor pyrophosphate. In conclusion, testicular microcalcifications arise secondary to local alterations in mineral homeostasis, which in combination with impaired Sertoli cell function and reduced levels of mineralization-inhibitors due to high alkaline phosphatase activity in GCNIS and TGCTs, facilitate osteogenic-like differentiation of testicular cells and deposition of hydroxyapatite.
Transcriptome-wide identification of 5-methylcytosine by deaminase and reader protein-assisted sequencing
Authors: Zhou Jiale , Zhao Ding , Li Jinze , Kong Deqiang , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Renquan , Liang Yuru , Gao Xun , Qian Yuqiang , Wang Di , Chen Jiahui , Lai Liangxue , Han Yang , Li Zhanjun
Published: February 2025

5-Methylcytosine (m
5
C) is one of the major post-transcriptional modifications in mRNA and is highly involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the capacity of existing assays for accurately and comprehensively transcriptome-wide m
5
C mapping still needs improvement. Here, we develop a detection method named DRAM (deaminase and reader protein assisted RNA methylation analysis), in which deaminases (APOBEC1 and TadA-8e) are fused with m
5
C reader proteins (ALYREF and YBX1) to identify the m
5
C sites through deamination events neighboring the methylation sites. This antibody-free and bisulfite-free approach provides transcriptome-wide editing regions which are highly overlapped with the publicly available BS-seq datasets and allows for a more stable and comprehensive identification of the m
5
C loci. In addition, DRAM system even supports ultra-low input RNA (10ng). We anticipate that the DRAM system could pave the way for uncovering further biological functions of m
5
C modifications.
LTR retrotransposon-derived novel lncRNA2 enhances cold tolerance in Moso bamboo by modulating antioxidant activity and photosynthetic efficiency
Authors: Zhao Jiamin , Ding Yiqian , Ramakrishnan Muthusamy , Zou Long-Hai , Chen Yujing , Zhou Mingbing
Published: February 2025

In Moso bamboo, the mechanism of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon-derived long non-coding RNA (TElncRNA) in response to cold stress remains unclear. In this study, several Pe-TElncRNAs were identified from Moso bamboo transcriptome data. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of a novel Pe-TElncRNA2 in Moso bamboo seedlings reached its highest level at 8 hours of cold treatment at 4 °C and was significantly higher in the stems compared to the leaves, roots, and buds. Furthermore, cellular localization analysis revealed that Pe-TElncRNA2 expression was significantly higher in the cytoplasm than in the nucleus. Pe-TElncRNA2 overexpression in Moso bamboo protoplasts showed that Pe-TElncRNA2 positively regulated the expression of FZR2, NOT3, ABCG44 and AGD6 genes. Further validation of this lncRNA in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced antioxidant activities, as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and proline content, as well as maximum photochemical efficiency PS II in dark-adapted leaves (Fv/Fm), in the transgenic plants compared to the wild-type controls. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, a lipid peroxidation marker (a marker of oxidative stress), was significantly reduced in the transgenic plants. Notably, the expression levels of both Pe-TElncRNA2 and the genes that were regulated by this lncRNA were upregulated in the transgenic plants after two days of cold stress treatment. These findings elucidate the critical role of LTR retrotransposon-derived lncRNAs in mediating cold stress responses in Moso bamboo.
Incidental Case of Pelvic Haemangiopericytoma: A Clinical Diagnostic Challenge and Clinicopathological Overview
Authors: Mittal Kailash Kumar , Aggarwal Savita , Singh Jyoti , Yadav Arun Kumar , Mishra Atul
Published: February 2025

Haemangiopericytoma is a rare vascular tumour. Given its unusual presentation, location, and the clinical diagnostic challenges it poses, hereby, the authors present a case report of a 38-year-old female sought medical attention in the Outpatient Department (OPD) due to pain in her lower abdomen. A pelvic mass was identified in the right adnexa, pushing the uterus to the left. The patient underwent excision of the pelvic mass, considering leiomyoma as a differential diagnosis. A preoperative large mass, approximately 15×20×15 cm in size, was found between the bladder and uterus, adherent to the broad ligament. Subsequently, mass excision was performed along with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The intraoperative and postoperative periods were uneventful. The histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of haemangiopericytoma. The patient declined radiotherapy and lost to follow-up; later, she succumbed to distant metastasis to the bone and brain four years after treatment. The tumour of the pericyte cells is called haemangiopericytoma. It is considered one of the rarest types of tumours in the pelvis. Most of these tumours are asymptomatic; if they are symptomatic, it is usually due to the compression of adjacent structures or paraneoplastic effects. Computed Tomography (CT) is relevant in establishing the diagnosis, but histopathological examination is confirmatory. The preferred treatment option comprises surgery; at times, preoperative embolisation is necessary to control bleeding. Some literature has highlighted the role of radiotherapy in adjuvant settings to enhance local control. However, the ideal treatment option remains debatable. Surgery is the preferred course of treatment, occasionally following preoperative embolisation of the mass vascularisation. Surgical resection with clear margins and total removal of the tumour offers survival rates of upto 70 to 80% at five and ten years, respectively. The present case is of interest because of its location, rarity, and size.
A Comprehensive Review of the Ford-fulkerson Algorithm for Network Flow Problems
Authors: Ibrahim Iman Youssif , Zebari Ibrahim M.I.
Published: February 2025

The Ford-Fulkerson method is one of the basic algorithms for computing the maximum flow in a flow network. This identifies more frequent traversed paths as a means of maximizing the flow between a source node and a downstream node in a directed network. Therefore, this paper will present a literature review, the principles of the algorithm, its mathematical foundation, applications and improvements made to the algorithm, such as the use of breadth-first search (BFS) as in the Edmonds-Karp algorithm, parallel computing techniques and predictive modeling to enhance efficiency. However, the algorithm is not without its issues, such as the effect of dense networks, loss of correctness in capacities, and static structure of networks. Furthermore, it is compared with other algorithms like Dinic and Edmonds-Karp to understand their relative benefits and drawbacks. We conclude that the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm is still a basis method with broad application in many fields, including traffic network, logistics, and communication networks, but its performance can be greatly improvedas a result of the advances in modern computation approaches including parallel computing and adaptive dynamic path-propagation. Moreover, comparative studies showcase that alternative algorithms such as Dinic and Edmonds-Karp provide distinct advantages in specific settings, such as in dense and dynamic networks, underscoring that depending on the application the most effective algorithm may vary.
Characterization of Bacteria that Promote Growth from Spent Mushroom Compost and their Effectiveness on the Yield and Quality of White Button Mushrooms
Authors: Rana Neerja , Manjula  , Ghabru Arti , Chauhan Shivani
Published: February 2025

Micro-organisms in the substrate and mushroom casing are essential to the start and growth of primordial. For mushroom production, the discarded mushroom compost may be a useful source of bacteria that promote development. "Characterization of bacteria that promote growth from spent mushroom compost and their effectiveness on the yield and quality of white button mushrooms" is the title of the current study that was conducted. Spent mushroom compost (SMC) samples were gathered from various locations in Solan, including Chambaghat (DMR), Nauni (UHF), and local farmers (Dharja). In order to isolate the bacteria, nutrient agar medium was utilized. From discarded mushroom compost, 25 bacterial isolates from SMC were chosen and refined.
Twelve of the twenty-five bacterial isolates (seven from Nauni, four from the local farmer site, and fourteen from Chambaghat) produced P-solubilizer, fifteen nitrogen fixers, nine HCN, thirteen siderophores, and ten IAA. Out of 25 bacterial isolates, only two (GPB1 and GPB2) were chosen based on different PGPR characteristics. Bacterial isolate NS2 produced the highest amounts of siderophores (96.37%) on solid CAS medium and (286.21μg/ml) in liquid assay, IAA (79.60 μg/ml), HCN, and P-solubilization both qualitatively (93.3%) and quantitatively (214.76 μg/ml).
These two bacterial isolates (GPB1, GPB2) were tested for growth of white button mushroom in field experiment. Mushrooms innoculated with Treatment 7(GPB1+ GPB2 on casing and substrate) showed significant increase in yield (75 %) and biological efficiency in all three flushes over Uninoculated control. The treatment T7 (GPB1+ GPB2) registered 51.3 per cent increase in antioxidant enzyme assay content,67.83 per cent increase in protein content, 74.5 percent in carbohydrate content, 87.8 per cent increase in ash content over uninoculated control (T1). This treatment also increased NPK content of compost over uninoculated control. Hence these bacterial isolates have enormous potential to be used as biofertilizers for enhanced growth and quality of white button mushroom.
Antiplasmodial and Antioxidant Activity of Vernonia blumeoides: A Medicinal Plant Used in Cameroon to Treat Malaria
Authors: Batana Frank Lilian Mahel , Ngouana Vincent , Kemgne Eugenie Aimée Madiesse , Kamdem Boniface Pone , Nangap Marius Jaures Tsakem , Kemzeu Raoul , Makemteu Junelle , Dize Darline , Fokou Patrick Valere Tsouh , Tenkeu Armel Cyrille , Lunga Paul Keilah , Teponno Rémy Bertrand , Tapondjou Léon Azefack , Boyom Fabrice Fekam
Published: February 2025

Background: Malaria is a parasitic disease that affects many parts of the globe, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Over time, malaria parasites have become resistant to most antimalarial drugs, including artemisinin. Medicinal plants, which are used in the traditional treatment of malaria can afford effective drugs against this notorious disease. One such plant includes Vernonia blumeoides, which is used in the treatment of parasitic diseases, including malaria. Thus the scientific validation of the use of Vernonia blumeoides in ethnomedicine is of outstanding importance.
Objectives: This study sought to investigate the antiplasmodial and antioxidant activity of extracts from Vernonia blumeoides.
Methods: Vernonia blumeoides ethanol extract was obtained by maceration, and then subjected to phytochemical screening using standard protocols. The as-prepared extract was partitioned using solvents of increasing polarity to afford hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol fractions, and the water residue. The antiplasmodial potential of extract and fractions was determined by the Sybr green method. Antioxidant activity of V. blumeoides extracts was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. Cytotoxicity test was performed on murine macrophage Raw cells using the resazurin test.
Results: The ethanol extract was obtained as a brown powder and the yield of extraction was found to be 43.95%. The phytochemical screening of this extract revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides. Upon antiplasmodial screening against P. falciparum Dd2 and 3D7, the median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of extract and fractions from V. blumeoides ranged from 4.70 to >100 µg/ml, with ethyl acetate extract having the lowest IC50 value and highest activity. Vernonia blumeoides extracts exhibited antioxidant activity with median scavenging concentrations ranging from 31.17 to 124.1 µg/mL, 50.84 to 500 µg/mL, and 33.95 to 500 µg/mL for ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. Cytotoxicity test of V. blumeoides extracts on Raw cells revealed non toxicity.
Conclusions: This novel contribution demonstrated the antiplasmodial activity of V. blumeoides extracts, thus validating the ethnopharmacological use of this plant in the treatment of malaria symptoms. Nonetheless, in depth studies on the mechanisms of action, in vivo toxicity, as well as pharmacokinetic experiments are warranted for the successful utilization of this plant in ethnomedicine.
Seasonal Analysis of Land Surface Temperature and Urban Heat Island Dynamics: A Comparative Study of Kochi and Fairbanks
Authors: P J Chandu , G Bindu , K. R Vishnu Sharan
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the seasonal and decadal dynamics of Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and Land Surface Temperature (LST) trends in two climatically distinct cities—Kochi, India, and Fairbanks, Alaska—from 2000 to 2023. Using MODIS and Landsat 8 datasets analyzed using Google Earth Engine, we examine variations in LST and UHI intensity during summer and winter. Kochi, a tropical city, exhibits a pronounced increase in LST, with a decadal warming trend of 0.07°C per year in summer and 0.08°C per year in winter. Conversely, Fairbanks, a subarctic city, shows a modest summer LST rise of 0.04°C per year and a slight winter cooling trend (-0.003°C per year), influenced by increased snowfall and albedo effects. UHI intensity in Kochi reveals an amplified winter effect, with a spatial expansion of high-UHI zones from 2014 to 2023, reflecting urbanization and reduced vegetation cover. In contrast, Fairbanks demonstrates a slight summer UHI intensification but reduced winter UHI extent, aligning with its cooling trend. Comparative analysis highlights the contrasting impacts of urbanization and climatic conditions on UHI formation and evolution across the two cities. This study underscores the necessity for tailored mitigation strategies, emphasizing green infrastructure in tropical cities and adaptive urban planning in subarctic regions, to address region-specific thermal stress and enhance urban climate resilience.
Assessment of the Perceived Role of Health Education in Reducing the Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ijebu-Ode Community in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: OMOLE Oluwaseun Remilekun
Published: February 2025

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with education being a crucial tool in prevention and control. This study assesses the perceived role of health education in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among residents of Ijebu-Ode community in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 81 residents aged 15–49 years. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select participants from different communities, healthcare centres, and educational institutions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis.
Results: Findings indicate that 97.5% of respondents had heard of HIV/AIDS, with 88.9% acknowledging its preventability. Health education significantly improved knowledge and preventive practices, with 80.2% of participants attending awareness programs. Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong association between health education and HIV prevention awareness (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between education level and perception of HIV/AIDS prevention (p = 0.015) and between attendance at health education programs and HIV testing (p = 0.009). KIIs highlighted cultural beliefs, stigma, and inadequate funding as barriers to effective health education.
Conclusion: Health education plays a crucial role in reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence by enhancing knowledge and promoting preventive behaviors. Addressing cultural misconceptions, improving funding, and strengthening community engagement are essential for more effective interventions.
Assessment of the Antimicrobial Properties of Ultraviolet Radiation Application and Different Types of Packaging during the Storage of Cocoa Beans
Authors: Maheneck Marc Vincent , Tong Abraham Nkoue , Essia-Ngang Jean Justin , Kamdem Sylvain Leroy Sado
Published: February 2025

Aim: To assess ultraviolet radiation microbial deactivation and impact of different types of packaging during the storage of dried cocoa beans.
Study Design: Quasi experimental design.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, between January 2023 and May 2024.
Methodology: Dried cocoa beans were used for ultraviolet radiation of 743.6 µW/cm² during 0 to 50 minutes. The total bacteria count, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, yeasts, and moulds were enumerated, and the detection of Salmonella was performed. On the other hand, dried cocoa beans were introduced on 5 different packaging, and stored across two seasons, for 180 days and their microbial content and humidity assessed.
Results: The study observed that ultraviolet radiation type C with an intensity of 743.6 µW/cm² for 50 minutes reduces total bacteria count (TBC) by 1.62 log CFU/g (98%) and fungal flora by 2.03 log CFU/g (99%). Time of exposure was a significant factor affecting the ultraviolet antimicrobial efficacy. Based on Weibull model adaptation to experimental data, moulds were more sensitive to these radiation (b=0.09) than total bacteria count (b=0.0012). Hermetic bags show the ability to reduce microbial proliferation during the rainy and dry seasons compared to microaerophilic bags and Jute bags. The Hermetic bags also show an ability to resist humidification compared to microaerophilic bags packaging.
Conclusion: Ultraviolet radiation for 50 minutes and storage in hermetic packages of cocoa beans can be proposed as alternatives to the only jute bag storage commonly used today in the cocoa sector.
Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Japan
Authors: Ito Masaya , Katayanagi Akiko , Miyamae Mitsuhiro , Inomata Tamae , Takagishi Yuriko , Kikuchi Akiko , Makino Miyuki , Matsuda Yoko , Yamaguchi Keiko , Nakayama Chiaki , Kaneko Kyosuke , Yokoyama Chika , Imamura Fumi , Kanie Ayako , Oba Mari , Tanaka Satoshi , Nakajima Satomi , Narisawa Tomomi , Akutsu Kyoko , Konno Rieko , Oe Yuki , Hirabayashi Naotsugu , Furukawa Toshi A. , Resick Patricia A. , Horikoshi Masaru
Published: February 2025

Importance

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is little evidence on the efficacy of CPT in East Asia.

Objective

To evaluate whether CPT is effective in treating PTSD among outpatients in a Japanese medical setting.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial used a 16-week, single-center, assessor-blinded, parallel-group superiority design to examine the efficacy of CPT in conjunction with treatment as usual (CPT-TAU) vs waiting list with TAU (WL-TAU) from April 2016 through December 2022. The trial included adult patients with PTSD at a national psychiatric referral hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Analysis was based on intention to treat and per protocol and was performed from February 1 to April 30, 2024.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1 to CPT-TAU (n = 29), which consisted of 12 weekly individual CPT sessions, or WL-TAU (n = 31), which consisted of clinical monitoring and/or pharmacotherapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) score for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) at 17 weeks. Secondary outcomes included self-reported PTSD symptoms assessed by the PTSD Checklist–5 and responder status at 17 weeks. Adverse events were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0.

Results

Among 60 eligible participants (all included in the intention-to-treat analysis), mean (SD) age was 36.9 (9.9) years; 54 (90.0%) were women. The CPT-TAU group showed a mean (SE) reduction in CAPS-5 scores of 14.00 (1.92) points, with a low dropout rate (2 of 29 [6.9%]). Patients in the CPT-TAU group showed superiority in all secondary and other outcomes. The mean change difference was observed in depression (8.83; 95% CI, 6.00-11.66), suicidal ideation (6.73; 95% CI, 1.25-12.22), disability (8.16; 95% CI, 3.90-12.43), clinical global impression (0.84; 95% CI, 0.41-1.26), and loss of principal PTSD diagnosis (59.09; 95% CI, 37.19-81.00). There were no serious adverse events in the CPT-TAU group and 3 serious adverse events in the WL-TAU group during the intervention period.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of CPT-TAU vs WL-TAU, CPT was superior in reducing PTSD symptoms. These results strengthen the evidence for use of CPT in East Asian populations.

Trial Registration

Umin.Uc.Jp/Ctr Identifier: UMIN000021670
Hollow‐Tube‐Whisker‐Modified Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics Loaded with SDF‐1α and EPCs for Steroid‐Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
Authors: Zhou Yi , Yu Jiang , Wang Yuyi , Feng Cong , Yang Xiaolong , Li Xiangfeng , Fu Weili , Zhu Xiangdong , Li Jian , Zhang Xingdong
Published: February 2025

Steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) remains a significant challenge in orthopedic clinical treatment. In this study, a novel 3D hollow‐tube‐whisker‐modified biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (H‐BCP) is successfully fabricated using an in‐situ growth technique. Compared to conventional BCP ceramics, H‐BCP exhibited increased specific surface area, enhanced mechanical strength, and improved biocompatibility. Utilizing the hollow‐tube whisker structure, H‐BCP is functionalized with stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) to construct the H‐BCP@SDF‐1α sustained‐release system. In vitro studies demonstrated that H‐BCP@SDF‐1α effectively recruited bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), promoted their osteogenic differentiation, and supported the angiogenic differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Furthermore, EPC‐loaded H‐BCP@SDF‐1α (H‐BCP@SDF‐1α/EPC) is used to construct vascularized tissue‐engineered bone and implanted into a SONFH rabbit model following core decompression surgery. At 12 weeks post‐surgery, animals implanted with H‐BCP@SDF‐1α/EPC exhibited significant new bone formation, bone integration, and in situ revascularization. Additionally, it is found that H‐BCP@SDF‐1α/EPC activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in BMSCs, upregulating osteogenic gene expression. This study explores a novel material system integrating mechanical support, bioactivity, and drug delivery, offering a promising approach for SONFH treatment.
Stretchable Multicolored Electroluminescent Sound Display for Wearable and Interactive Textiles
Authors: Oh Seung‐Ju , Choi Seung‐Eun , Woo Insun , Yoon Jae Uk , Bae Jinhye , Bae Jin Woo
Published: February 2025

This study develops a novel stretchable electroluminescent (EL) sound display to address the challenges of limited stretchability and low brightness in existing EL displays. By synergistically utilizing transparent ionogel electrodes and a high dielectric layer composed of Ecoflex, Triton X, and inorganic EL phosphor, an innovative sound display that seamlessly translates auditory information into optical signals is developed. The strategic incorporation of Triton X in the emissive layer induces polarization and plasticization of Ecoflex, resulting in a high dielectric constant, minimal leakage current, and superior stretchability. This design, featuring stretchable transparent ionogel electrodes sandwiching the high‐dielectric‐constant emissive layer, enables facile fabrication of stretchable sound displays that demonstrate unprecedented performance: exceptional brightness, stretchability, and acoustic output. Remarkably, both the electroluminescence and acoustic performance of the display remain stable under various types of mechanical deformations. Furthermore, a stretchable multicolored textile sound display that can be pixelated, achieving remarkably stable light and clear sound generation even when it is stretched, capable of illuminating letters, emitting various colors of light, and generating sound simultaneously without performance degradation is demonstrated. This groundbreaking approach opens new avenues for human–machine interface applications, particularly in wearable displays and smart textiles, enabling intuitive communication in next‐generation interactive systems.
Synthesis and Light‐Matter Interaction of Low‐Dimension Ordered–Disordered Layered Semiconductors
Authors: Wibowo Ary Anggara , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Sun Zhehao , Nomoto Keita , Bui Anh Dinh , Ringer Simon P. , Yin Zongyou , Lu Yuerui , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: February 2025

Well‐structured and ordered 2D layered semiconducting materials have excellent optical properties but limited advanced optoelectronic applications in their natural state. Altering their natural arrangement, through artificial heterostructures, strain and pressure engineering, chemical doping, intercalation, and alloying, can impart them with unusual optical properties and potentially enhance their performance in various applications. Among these approaches, alloying is generally difficult to control and disrupts the well‐ordered homophilic crystal phase of these 2D crystals, albeit with the capability to control materials as thin as a single atomic layer. In this work, the synthesis of a low‐dimension ordered–disordered layered 2D alloy of Mo(1−x)WxSe2 with clearly ordered in‐plane segregations of nano‐sized islands of individual MoSe2 and WSe2 across the material surface is reported. The optical analysis of this ordered–disordered layered Mo(1−x)WxSe2 reveals unique interfacial and interlayer coupling physics, such as the co‐existence of intralayer (interfacial) and interlayer excitons and enhanced valley polarization of up to 50%, which is traditionally absent in ordered MoSe2, WSe2, or their heterostructures. Furthermore, the structure exhibits implies open circuit voltage (up to 1130 mV), signifying its excellent open‐circuit voltage potential if employed in photovoltaic devices. Overall, the reported low‐dimension ordered–disordered semiconductor alloys can be useful in various optoelectronic applications.
Ligand‐Induced Crystallization Control in MAPbBr3 Hybrid Perovskites for High Quality Nanostructured Films
Authors: Heindl Markus W. , Lichtenegger Michael F. , Kodalle Tim , Liu Shangpu , Solhtalab Nasrin , Zerhoch Jonathan , Shcherbakov Andrii , Kivala Milan , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M. , Urban Alexander S. , Deschler Felix
Published: February 2025

Controlling the formation of hybrid perovskite thin films is crucial in obtaining high‐performance optoelectronic devices, since factors like morphology and film thickness have a profound impact on a film's functionality. For light‐emitting applications grain sizes in the sub‐micrometer‐range have previously shown enhanced brightness. It is therefore crucial to develop simple, yet reliable methods to produce such films. Here, a solution‐based synthesis protocol for the on‐substrate formation of MAPbBr3 (MA = methylammonium) nanostructures by adding the bifunctional rac‐3‐aminobutyric acid to the precursor solution is reported. This synthesis route improves key optical properties such as photoluminescence quantum yields and life times of excited states by inducing a controlled slow‐down of the film formation and suppressing agglomeration effects. In situ spectroscopy reveals a delayed and slowed down crystallization process, which achieves synthesis of perovskite structures with much reduced defect densities. Further, aggregation can be controlled by the amount of amino acid added and adjusting the synthesis protocol allows to produce cubic crystallites with targeted size from nanometer to micrometer scales. The nanocrystalline MAPbBr3 samples show enhanced amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) intensities, reduced ASE thresholds and purer ASE signals, compared to pristine films, even under intense optical driving, making them promising structures for lasing applications.
Spider Silk‐Inspired Conductive Hydrogels for Enhanced Toughness and Environmental Resilience via Dense Hierarchical Structuring
Authors: Hong Seokkyoon , Lee Jiwon , Park Taewoong , Jeong Jinheon , Lee Junsang , Joo Hyeonseo , Mesa Juan C. , Alston Claudia Benito , Ji Yuhyun , Vega Sergio Ruiz , Barinaga Cristian , Yi Jonghun , Lee Youngjun , Kim Jun , Won Kate J. , Solorio Luis , Kim Young L. , Lee Hyowon , Kim Dong Rip , Lee Chi Hwan
Published: February 2025

Conductive hydrogels, known for their biocompatibility and responsiveness to external stimuli, hold promise for biomedical applications like wearable sensors, soft robotics, and implantable electronics. However, their broader use is often constrained by limited toughness and environmental resilience, particularly under mechanical stress or extreme conditions. Inspired by the hierarchical structures of natural materials like spider silk, a strategy is developed to enhance both toughness and environmental tolerance in conductive hydrogels. By leveraging multiscale dynamics including pores, crystallization, and intermolecular interactions, a dense hierarchical structure is created that significantly improves toughness, reaching ≈90 MJ m⁻3. This hydrogel withstands temperatures from −150 to 70 °C, pressure of 12 psi, and one‐month storage under ambient conditions, while maintaining a lightweight profile of 0.25 g cm⁻3. Additionally, its tunable rheological properties allow for high‐resolution printing of desired shapes down to 220 µm, capable of supporting loads exceeding 164 kg m⁻2. This study offers a versatile framework for designing durable materials for various applications.
Elucidation of Li+ Conduction Behavior in MOF Glass Electrolyte Toward Long‐Cycling and High C‐Rate Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Kong Ourui , Jiang Guangshen , Wang Kun , Yang Anping , Zheng Jingang , Wu Shuai , Han Weichen , Li Jijia , Li Lichao , An Xilong , Wang Jin , Sun Chengguo , Li Lixiang , Xu Fei , An Baigang
Published: February 2025

Vitrified metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising solid‐state electrolytes for lithium metal batteries due to their unique structures. Nevertheless, the effect of distorted molecular structures in glassy MOFs on Li+ migration behavior at the molecular level remains largely unexplored, posing a huge obstacle to further boosting their electrochemical performances. Herein, Li+ conduction behavior in glassy ZIF‐62 quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte (GZ‐62‐QSSE) is molecularly elucidated, in which Li+ migration is accomplished by the continuous delivery of N sites in imidazole and benzimidazole ligands like the process of relay race. Such fast Li+ migration in GZ‐62‐QSSE demonstrates more than 1.5‐time increase in transference number and helps to generate inorganic‐dominated cathode/anode interphases for unblocked ion transport compared with crystalline ZIF‐62 electrolyte. Consequently, the long‐term stability with remarkable high‐rate capability is realized in the proof‐of‐the‐concept full cells, which represents one of best values among all reported MOF‐based solid‐state batteries. For example, LiFePO4 ||Li full cells employing GZ‐62‐QSSE brilliantly undergo 3000 cycles with high initial capacity of 132.1 mAh g−1 and ultralow decay rate of 0.009% at 1 C. Full cells still display high discharge capacity of 83.6 mAh g−1 at 5  C. The elaborated high‐performance glassy ZIF‐62 electrolyte offers new insights for exploiting advanced solid‐state electrolytes and propels the development of solid‐state lithium metal batteries.
Changes in flowering phenology with altered rainfall and the potential community impacts in an annual grassland
Authors: Van Dyke Mary N. , Kraft Nathan J. B.
Published: February 2025

Premise

Shifts in the timing of life history events, or phenology, have been recorded across many taxa and biomes in response to global change. These phenological changes are often studied in a single species context, but considering the community context is essential for anticipating the cascading effects on biotic interactions that are likely to occur. Focusing on an annual grassland plant community, we examined how experimental changes in precipitation affect flowering phenology in a community context and explore the implications of these shifts for competitive interactions and species coexistence.

Methods

We experimentally manipulated rainfall with rainout shelters and recorded detailed flowering phenology data for seven annual species including two grasses and five forbs. We assessed how their first and peak flowering days were affected by changes in rainfall and explored how flowering overlap between competing species changed.

Results

Changes in rainfall shifted flowering phenology of some species, but sensitivity differed among neighboring species. Four of the seven species studied started and/or peaked flowering earlier in response to reduced water availability. The idiosyncratic shifts in flowering phenology have the potential to alter existing temporal dynamics that may be maintaining coexistence, such as temporal separation of resource‐use among neighbors.

Conclusions

Our results show how species‐specific phenological consequences of global change can impact community dynamics and competition between neighboring plants and warrant future research.
Differential roles of Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers in stepwise biomarker‐guided diagnostics
Authors: Jang Hyemin , Shin Daeun , Yoo Heejin , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Gonzalez‐Ortiz Fernando , Ashton Nicholas J. , Day Theresa A. , Lee Eun Hye , Yun Jihwan , Na Duk L , Kim Hee Jin , Kang Sung Hoon , Kim Ko Woon , Kim Si Eun , Kim Yeo Jin , Kim Yeshin , Kim Jaeho , Kim Chi‐Hun , Chun Min Young , Jung Na Yeon , Cho Soo Hyun , Kim Jun Pyo , Seo Sang Won ,   the K‐ROAD study groups
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the differential roles of various plasma biomarkers in a stepwise diagnostic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

A total of 2984 participants, including 666 cognitively unimpaired (CU), 2032 with Alzheimer's clinical syndrome (ACS), and 286 non‐ACS individuals, were recruited. Plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) 42/40, four phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) epitopes, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels were measured using immunoassays.

RESULTS

NfL demonstrated fair to excellent accuracy in differentiating non‐ACS from CU groups (area under the curve [AUC], 0.79 to 0.94). p‐tau217 had the highest accuracy for identifying Aβ (AUC 0.94) and tau positron emission tomography status (AUC 0.91). In the ACS group, p‐tau217 was the strongest predictor of cognitive decline (p < .001).

DISCUSSION

NfL may serve as a useful screening tool, while p‐tau217 is particularly valuable for confirming AD pathology and prognosis.

Highlights

Plasma NfL could screen for cognitive impairment.

p‐tau217 reliably detects AD pathology, regardless of diagnosis.

p‐tau217 and GFAP predict prognosis in ACS.

Each plasma biomarker plays a distinct role in stepwise AD diagnostics.
Paper Electrochemical Sensor Utilizing Nano Ag‐Decorated Cu2O Nanoparticles for Ascorbic Acid Detection in Tablets
Authors: Venkadesh A. , Mathew Anumol , Fahmeeda Thayyil K. , Sonia J. , Kumara B. N. , Sudhakara Prasad K.
Published: February 2025

The accurate and selective detection of vitamins are very much needed in the food, and pharmaceutical industries and health care. In this study, a new sustainable disposable electrochemical platform was fabricated with nano silver/Cu2O composite (nAg/Cu2O) for sensing ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The modified electrode exhibited reduced resistance to charge transfer and improved electro active area. The analyte displayed excellent electrochemical activity on the surface of nAg/Cu2O modified paper electrode and showed a concentration‐dependent response between 0.05 to 500 μM with a detection limit (S/N=3), 0.04 μM. Furthermore, the anti‐interference studies revealed that the nAg/Cu2O nanocomposites have high selectivity towards ascorbic acid. Notably, the sensor based on nAg/Cu2O showed exceptional stability and reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation for peak currents measuring approximately 7 % or less while testing for a week of time. The real‐world application and analytical performance was realized by identifying ascorbic acid in commercial vitamin C tablets with satisfactory results.
Facile One‐Pot Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis and Ultrafast Spectroscopic Characterization of Nitrogen–Sulfur‐Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Venkatesh Yeduru , Wadepalli Sadashiv , Bangal Prakriti Ranjan , Naidu Parimi Venkata Subrahmanyam , Rao Podilapu Atchutha
Published: February 2025

We report an eco‐friendly, cost‐effective, one‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon quantum dots (N,S‐CQDs) using citric acid and thiourea in formamide without surface passivation. The N,S‐CQDs were characterized by HRTEM, FE‐SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and XPS, confirming monodispersed spherical particles of 4.8 nm with an amorphous carbon phase containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The comprehensive photophysical studies of N,S‐CQD employed by steady state and different time‐resolved spectroscopic techniques (TCSPC, Ultrafast Time‐Resolved Fluorescence Up‐Conversion and Femtosecond Transient Absorption techniques). These N,S‐CQDs show broad UV–visible to near‐infrared absorption with peaks near 300 and 400 nm and emit strong blue photoluminescence at 360 nm excitation, with a quantum yield of ~8.4%. Time‐resolved spectroscopy (TCSPC, fluorescence up‐conversion, transient absorption) reveals multiexponential carrier relaxation with time constants from 0.5 ps to > 500 ps, including a 360 ps rise component and three distinct decay components, indicating complex fluorescence driven by surface defects. Ultrafast decay components correspond to thermal cooling of hot excitons, while later decays relate to carrier trapping at surface states. The tunable optical properties and carrier dynamics make N,S‐CQDs promising for optoelectronic applications such as LEDs, sensors, and photodetectors, with further enhancement possible through surface engineering and defect control.