bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Precision Medicine and Diagnosis of Neonatal Illness
Authors: ELMeneza Safaa , Agaba Naglaa , Fawaz Rasha Abd El Samad , Abd Elgawad Salwa Samir
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Precision medicine is a state-of-the-art medicine tactic that tailors information about people’s genes, environment, and lifestyle to aid the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases to provide an overview of the currently available knowledge and applicability of precision medicine in the diagnosis of different cases admitted to the NICU, such as encephalopathies, respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity, hemodynamic instability, acute kidney injury, sepsis, and hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: The authors searched databases, such as PubMed and PubMed Central, for the terms neonatal “precision medicine”, “personalized medicine”, “genomics”, and “metabolomics”, all related to precision medicine in the diagnosis of neonatal illness. The related studies were collected. Results: The review highlights the diagnostic approach that serves to implement precision medicine in the NICU and provide precision diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Conclusions: In this review, we projected several diagnostic approaches that provide precision identification of health problems among sick neonates with complex illnesses in the NICU; some are noninvasive and available in ordinary healthcare settings, while others are invasive or not feasible or still in ongoing research as machine learning algorithms. Future studies are needed for the wide implementation of artificial intelligence tools in the diagnosis of neonatal illnesses.
Comparative Study Between Cognitive Phenotypes of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Aoun Sebaiti Mehdi , Oubaya Nadia , Gounden Yannick , Samson Chloé , Lechapt Emmanuele , Wahab Abir , Creange Alain , Hainselin Mathieu , Authier François-Jérôme
Published: February 2025

Objective: Cognitive impairments are one of the most common and disabling symptoms associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Here, we address the possibility of a specific cognitive profile inherent to ME/CFS. Due to the occurrence of cognitive deficits, fatigue, and pain in both pathologies, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relevant comparison model. For this purpose, we carried out a comparative study between cognitive profiles of patients with ME/CFS and patients suffering from MS. Methods: In total, 40 ME/CFS and 40 MS patients were included. A complete screening of all cognitive functions was carried out through an extensive battery of tests routinely used in clinical practice. Results: ME/CFS and MS patients showed deficits in episodic memory retrieval, visual selective attention and reading speed. ME/CFS patients also elicited a lower level of performance than MS patients regarding consolidation. For both groups, levels of performance on these cognitive tests did not correlate with levels of fatigue, pain, and depression. Conclusions: This study highlighted both similarities and differences in the cognitive profiles of ME/CFS and MS patients. While both groups exhibited deficits in episodic memory retrieval, visual selective attention, and reading speed, ME/CFS patients showed distinct impairment in consolidation processes. These cognitive deficits were not correlated with fatigue, pain, or depression, reinforcing the hypothesis of intrinsic cognitive dysfunction in ME/CFS. These findings define a specific cognitive phenotype for ME/CFS, which could improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies. Future research, particularly in functional imaging, may elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these impairments.
Why We Did It: A Qualitative Analysis of Select Adaptive Gymnastics and Dance Programs
Authors: Varner Brianna , Lowery Matthew , Block Martin E.
Published: February 2025

For children with disabilities, participation in group physical activities can promote inclusion and a sense of belonging, enhance physical functioning, and improve mental health. Yet, there are very few youth sports programs that offer adaptive programs for children with disabilities. Why do some youth sports programs offer these special programs? The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences and challenges of select youth gymnastics and dance programs in the eastern part of the U.S. that offer adaptive programs for children with disabilities. Nine program directors individually participated in zoom interviews between 45 and 60 min. Results revealed the background of program directors (limited disability experience), why they started their programs (parent requests/personal experiences), challenges faced when creating and sustaining their program (recruitment of participants), advertising the program and recruiting participants (mostly word of mouth), and recruiting and training coaches (within the gym).
Guided Bone Regeneration Using Carbonated Apatite Granules and L-Lactic Acid/ε-Caprolactone Membranes: A Case Series and Histological Evaluation
Authors: Taniguchi Yoichi , Koyanagi Tatsuro , Kitanaka Yutaro , Yamada Azusa , Aoki Akira , Iwata Takanori
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The newly developed poly L-lactic acid/ε-caprolactone (P(LA/LC)) membrane has recently been proposed as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure in implant treatment. This case series details the clinical, radiographic, and histological results of ridge augmentation using bone graft comprising a P(LA/LC) membrane and carbonated apatite for implant treatment. Methods: Ten patients (15 sites) requiring bone augmentation and implant placement were retrospectively assessed. Simultaneous implant placement (Si) was performed at five sites in three patients. Si immediately following tooth extraction (SiIP) was performed at four sites in four patients. The staged approach (St) was performed at six sites in three patients. In the St-treated cases, hard tissue samples were taken from the implant placement site under patient consent. Results: The mean regenerated bone width for each treatment method was Si, 6.34 ± 2.64 mm (excluding implant diameter, 2.60 ± 2.42); SiIP, 7.55 ± 1.17 mm (excluding implant diameter, 3.90 ± 0.78) and St, 5.57 ± 1.08 mm. The mean regenerated bone width for all the cases was 6.36 ± 1.83 mm (excluding implant diameter, 4.14 ± 1.99). Significant differences were observed between the pre- and post-operative bone width in all the cases and the SiIP group (p < 0.001). All cases were followed up for more than 2 years after attaching the superstructure. No inflammation, shrinkage, or other problems were observed in the hard and soft tissues surrounding the implant. In the histological evaluation, there was no soft tissue ingrowth into the augmented bone, and new bone formation was observed. Conclusions: The use of P(LA/LC) membranes and carbonated apatite as GBR materials in implant treatment resulted in stable and favorable bone augmentation.
New Formulas of Feedback Capacity for AGN Channels with Memory: A Time-Domain Sufficient Statistic Approach
Authors: Charalambous Charalambos D. , Kourtellaris Christos , Louka Stelios
Published: February 2025

Recently, several papers identified technical issues related to equivalent time-domain and frequency-domain “characterization of the n–block or transmission” feedback capacity formula and its asymptotic limit, the feedback capacity, of additive Gaussian noise (AGN) channels, first introduce by Cover and Pombra in 1989 (IEEE Transactions on Information Theory). The main objective of this paper is to derive new results on the Cover and Pombra characterization of the n–block feedback capacity formula, and to clarify the main points of confusion regarding the time-domain results that appeared in the literature. The first part of this paper derives new equivalent time-domain sequential characterizations of feedback capacity of AGN channels driven by non-stationary and non-ergodic Gaussian noise. It is shown that the optimal channel input processes of the new equivalent sequential characterizations are expressed as functionals of a sufficient statistic and a Gaussian orthogonal innovations process. Further, the Cover and Pombra n–block capacity formula is expressed as a functional of two generalized matrix difference Riccati equations (DREs) of the filtering theory of Gaussian systems, contrary to results that appeared in the literature and involve only one DRE. It is clarified that prior literature deals with a simpler problem that presupposes the state of the noise is known to the encoder and the decoder. In the second part of this paper, the existence of the asymptotic limit of the n–block feedback capacity formula is shown to be equivalent to the convergence properties of solutions of the two generalized DREs. Further, necessary and or sufficient conditions are identified for the existence of asymptotic limits, for stable and unstable Gaussian noise, when the optimal input distributions are asymptotically time-invariant but not necessarily stationary. This paper contains an in-depth analysis, with various examples, and identifies the technical conditions on the feedback code and state space noise realization, so that the time-domain capacity formulas that appeared in the literature, for AGN channels with stationary noises, are indeed correct.
Improving the CRCC-DHR Reliability: An Entropy-Based Mimic-Defense-Resource Scheduling Algorithm
Authors: Wu Xinghua , Wang Mingzhe , Cai Yun , Chang Xiaolin , Liu Yong
Published: February 2025

With more China railway business information systems migrating to the China Railway Cloud Center (CRCC), the attack surface is expanding and there are increasing security threats for the CRCC to deal with. Cyber Mimic Defense (CMD) technology, as an active defense strategy, can counter these threats by constructing a Dynamic Heterogeneous Redundancy (DHR) architecture. However, there are at least two challenges posed to the DHR deployment, namely, the limited number of available schedulable heterogeneous resources and memorization-based attacks. This paper aims to address these two challenges to improve the CRCC-DHR reliability and then facilitate the DHR deployment. By reliability, we mean that the CRCC-DHR with the limited number of available heterogeneous resources can effectively resist memorization-based attacks. We first propose three metrics for assessing the reliability of the CRCC-DHR architecture. Then, we propose an incomplete-information-based game model to capture the relationships between attackers and defenders. Finally, based on the proposed metrics and the captured relationship, we propose a redundant-heterogeneous-resources scheduling algorithm, called the Entropy Weight Scheduling Algorithm (REWS). We evaluate the capability of REWS with the three existing algorithms through simulations. The results show that REWS can achieve a better reliability than the other algorithms. In addition, REWS demonstrates a lower time complexity compared with the existing algorithms.
Tape Casting of NASICON-Based Separators with High Conductivity for Na All-Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Rosen Melanie , Mahioui Samir , Schwab Christian , Dück Gerald , Finsterbusch Martin
Published: February 2025

Sodium–ion batteries are emerging as strong competition to lithium–ion batteries in certain market sections. While these cells do not use critical raw materials, they still feature a liquid electrolyte with all its inherent safety issues, like high flammability and toxicity. Alternative concepts like oxide-ceramic-based all-solid-state batteries feature the highest possible safety while still maintaining competitive electrochemical performance. However, production technologies are still in their infancy, especially for Na all-solid-state batteries, and need to be urgently developed to enable solid-state-battery technology using only abundant raw materials. In this study, the additive-free production of freestanding, undoped NaSICON separators via tape-casting is demonstrated, having an extremely high total Na-ion conductivity of up to 2.44 mS·cm−1 at room temperature. Nevertheless, a strong influence of sample thickness on phase purity as well as electrochemical performance is uncovered. Additionally, the effect of self-coating of NaSICON during high-temperature treatment was evaluated as a function of thickness. While advantageous for increasing the stability against Na-metal anodes, detrimental consequences are identified when separator thickness is reduced to industrially relevant values and mitigation measures are postulated.
A Lightweight Network Based on YOLOv8 for Improving Detection Performance and the Speed of Thermal Image Processing
Authors: Dinh Huyen Trang , Kim Eung-Tae
Published: February 2025

Deep learning and image processing technology continue to evolve, with YOLO models widely used for real-time object recognition. These YOLO models offer both blazing fast processing and high precision, making them super popular in fields like self-driving cars, security cameras, and medical support. Most YOLO models are optimized for RGB images, which creates some limitations. While RGB images are super sensitive to lighting conditions, infrared (IR) images using thermal data can detect objects consistently, even in low-light settings. However, infrared images present unique challenges like low resolution, tiny object sizes, and high amounts of noise, which makes direct application tricky in regard to the current YOLO models available. This situation requires the development of object detection models designed specifically for thermal images, especially for real-time recognition. Given the GPU and memory constraints in edge device environments, designing a lightweight model that maintains a high speed is crucial. Our research focused on training a YOLOv8 model using infrared image data to recognize humans. We proposed a YOLOv8s model that had unnecessary layers removed, which was better suited to infrared images and significantly reduced the weight of the model. We also integrated an improved Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) module to boost IR image precision and applied depth-wise convolution filtering to maintain the processing speed. The proposed model achieved a 2% precision improvement, 75% parameter reduction, and 12.8% processing speed increase, compared to the original YOLOv8s model. This method can be effectively used in thermal imaging applications like night surveillance cameras, cameras used in bad weather, and smart ventilation systems, particularly in environments requiring real-time processing with limited computational resources.
Research on the Mechanism of Thermal Power of an Interior Permanent Magnet Eddy Current Heater Driven by Wind
Authors: Lu Honglei , Hong Wenpeng
Published: February 2025

The interior permanent magnet eddy current heater (IPMECH) is a new type of energy conversion device with zero emissions, no pollution, and high efficiency, which has attracted widespread attention. In this paper, a combined numerical simulation and experimental method is used to study the effect of stator structure on the magnetic flux density (MFD) distribution and thermal power of an IPMECH, and the mechanism of thermal power enhancement is revealed. The article aims to provide theoretical and practical support for heater thermal power enhancement. The results show that compared with a solid IPMECH, both closed-slot and open-slot IPMECHs can improve the stator MFD and thermal power, and the stator static MFD amplitudes of closed-slot and open-slot IPMECHs with 16 3 mm copper strips are 1.340 and 1.607 T, respectively. The thermal power growth rate (TPGR) and electromagnetic torque growth rate (ETGR) of the closed-slot IPMECH with 16 3 mm copper strips at 200 rpm are 80.46% and 78.22% respectively, while those of the open-slot IPMECH are 119.10% and 117.17%, respectively. At 200 rpm, the TPGRs of the closed-slot and open-slot prototype with sixteen copper strips are 35.24% and 61.09%, respectively. The experimental results verify the accuracy and reliability of the simulation results. The research work in this paper provides theoretical support and practical proof for further IPMECH optimization.
Impact of Vehicle Aging and Mileage on Air Pollution Emissions
Authors: Pryciński Piotr , Pielecha Jacek , Korzeb Jarosław , Jachimowski Roland , Pielecha Piotr
Published: February 2025

The research described in this paper aimed to verify the impact of road vehicle aging on air pollutant emissions. The problem of vehicle aging and the resulting changing air pollutant emissions was identified with the operational mileage of passenger cars. The validity of such an approach to research on air pollutant emissions changing over time was confirmed by a preliminary review of publications in scientific databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. The research problem presented in this paper was to assess the impact of vehicle aging on essential air pollutant emissions (CO, CO2, NOX). The research method included measuring the actual RDE air pollutant emissions using research equipment, i.e., the SEMTECH DS gaseous exhaust gas component analyzer. This study was conducted on vehicles with diesel engines, different operating ages, different mileages, and engines with similar displacement, mostly 1.9–2.0 dm3, and equipped with manual transmissions. The tests were conducted in the Poznań agglomeration. The results of measured air pollutant emissions in the RDE mode allowed for mapping the changes in air pollutant emissions for diesel engine vehicles with similar displacement as a function of operating age (mileage) and also for collecting preliminary data for analyses in the field of modeling road air pollutant emissions within the vehicle aging phenomenon.
A Flexible Interconnected Distribution Network Power Supply Restoration Method Based on E-SOP
Authors: Jiang Lin , Wang Canbin , Qiu Wei , Xiao Hui , Hu Wenshan
Published: February 2025

To enhance the self-healing control capability of soft open points with energy storage (E-SOPs) and optimize the fault recovery performance in flexible interconnected distribution networks, this paper proposes a novel power supply restoration method based on E-SOP. The methodology begins with a comprehensive analysis of the E-SOP’s fundamental architecture and loss model. Subsequently, a dual-objective optimization function is formulated to maximize the sum of nodal active load restoration while minimizing network losses. The optimization problem is transformed into a second-order cone programming formulation under comprehensive operational constraints. To solve this complex optimization model, an innovative hybrid approach combining the Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) with second-order cone programming is developed. The proposed methodology is extensively validated using the IEEE 33-node test system. The experimental results demonstrate that this approach significantly enhances the power supply restoration capability of distribution networks while maintaining practical feasibility.
Assessing the Energy Footprint of Desalination Technologies and Minimal/Zero Liquid Discharge (MLD/ZLD) Systems for Sustainable Water Protection via Renewable Energy Integration
Authors: Panagopoulos Argyris
Published: February 2025

Water scarcity necessitates desalination technologies, yet their high energy demands and brine disposal challenges hinder sustainability. This research study evaluates the energy footprint and carbon emissions of thermal- and membrane-based desalination technologies, alongside Minimal/Zero Liquid Discharge (MLD/ZLD) frameworks, with a focus on renewable energy source (RES) integration. Data revealed stark contrasts: thermal-based technologies like osmotic evaporation (OE) and brine crystallizers (BCr) exhibit energy intensities of 80–100 kWh/m3 and 52–70 kWh/m3, respectively, with coal-powered carbon footprints reaching 72–100 kg CO2/m3. Membrane-based technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO) (2–6 kWh/m3) and forward osmosis (FO) (0.8–13 kWh/m3), demonstrate lower emissions (1.8–11.7 kg CO2/m3 under coal). Transitioning to RES reduces emissions by 90–95%, exemplified by renewable energy-powered RO (0.1–0.3 kg CO2/m3). However, scalability barriers persist, including high capital costs, RES intermittency, and technological immaturity in emerging systems like osmotically assisted RO (OARO) and membrane distillation (MD). This research highlights RES-driven MLD/ZLD systems as pivotal for aligning desalination with global climate targets, urging innovations in energy storage, material robustness, and circular economy models to secure water resource resilience.
Numerical Simulation on Aerodynamic Noise of (K)TS Control Valves in Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution Stations in Southwest China
Authors: Feng Xiaobo , Yu Lu , Cao Hui , Zhang Ling , Pei Yizhi , Wu Jingchen , Yang Wenhao , Gao Junmin
Published: February 2025

Fluid dynamic noise produced by eddy disturbances and friction along pipe walls poses a significant challenge in natural gas transmission and distribution stations. (K)TS control valves are widely used in natural gas transmission and distribution stations across Southwest China and are among the primary sources of noise in these facilities. In this study, a 3D geometric model of the (K)TS valve was developed, and the gas flow characteristics were simulated to analyze the gas flow field and sound field within the valve under varying pipeline flow velocities, outlet pressures, and valve openings. The results demonstrate that accurate calculations of the 3D valve model can be achieved with a grid cell size of 3.6 mm and a boundary layer set to 3. The noise-generating regions of the valve are concentrated around the throttle port, valve chamber, and valve inlet. The primary factors contributing to the aerodynamic noise include high gas flow velocity gradients, intense turbulence, rapid turbulent energy dissipation, and vortex formation and shedding within the valve. An increase in inlet flow velocity intensifies turbulence and energy dissipation inside the valve, while valve opening primarily influences the size of vortex rings in the valve chamber and throttle outlet. In contrast, outlet pressure exerts a relatively weak effect on the flow field characteristics within the valve. Under varying operating conditions, the noise directivity distribution remains consistent, exhibiting symmetrical patterns along the central axis of the flow channel and forming six-leaf or four-leaf flower shapes. As the distance from the monitoring point to the valve increases, noise propagation becomes more concentrated in the vertical direction of the valve. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of aerodynamic noise generation within (K)TS control valves during natural gas transmission, and can also offer guidance for designing noise reduction solutions for valves.
Hybrid Solution Through Systematic Electrical Impedance Tomography Data Reduction and CNN Compression for Efficient Hand Gesture Recognition on Resource-Constrained IoT Devices
Authors: Sahnoun Salwa , Mnif Mahdi , Ghoul Bilel , Jemal Mohamed , Fakhfakh Ahmed , Kanoun Olfa
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement of edge computing and Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) has created new opportunities for deploying intelligence in resource-constrained environments. With the growing demand for intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) devices that can efficiently process complex data in real-time, there is an urgent need for innovative optimisation techniques that overcome the limitations of IoT devices and enable accurate and efficient computations. This study investigates a novel approach to optimising Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models for Hand Gesture Recognition (HGR) based on Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), which requires complex signal processing, energy efficiency, and real-time processing, by simultaneously reducing input complexity and using advanced model compression techniques. By systematically reducing and halving the input complexity of a 1D CNN from 40 to 20 Boundary Voltages (BVs) and applying an innovative compression method, we achieved remarkable model size reductions of 91.75% and 97.49% for 40 and 20 BVs EIT inputs, respectively. Additionally, the Floating-Point operations (FLOPs) are significantly reduced, by more than 99% in both cases. These reductions have been achieved with a minimal loss of accuracy, maintaining the performance of 97.22% and 94.44% for 40 and 20 BVs inputs, respectively. The most significant result is the 20 BVs compressed model. In fact, at only 8.73 kB and a remarkable 94.44% accuracy, our model demonstrates the potential of intelligent design strategies in creating ultra-lightweight, high-performance CNN-based solutions for resource-constrained devices with near-full performance capabilities specifically for the case of HGR based on EIT inputs.
Smart Lighting Systems: State-of-the-Art in the Adoption of the EdgeML Computing Paradigm
Authors: Paolone Gaetanino , Paesani Romolo , Pilotti Francesco , Camplone Jacopo , Piazza Andrea , Di Felice Paolino
Published: February 2025

Lighting Systems (LSs) play a fundamental role in almost every aspect of human activities. Since the advent of lights, both academia and industry have been engaged in raising the quality of the service offered by these systems. The advent of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting represented a giant step forward for such systems in terms of light quality and energy saving. To further raise the quality of the services offered by LSs, increase the range of services they offer, while at the same time consolidating their reliability and security, we see the need to explore the contribution that can be derived from the use of the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) emerging technology. This paper systematically reviews and compares the state-of-the-art with regard to the impact of the AIoT in the smart LS domain. The study reveals that the field is relatively new, in fact the first works date back to 2019. In addition to that, the review delves into recent research works focusing on the usage of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in an edge Cloud-based computing architecture. Our findings reveal that this topic is almost unexplored. Finally, the survey sheds light on future research opportunities that can overcome the current gaps, with the final aim of guiding scholars and practitioners in advancing the field of smart LSs. The study is reported in full detail, so it can be replicated.
Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Dietary Complex Plant Extracts Improve Lipid Composition of Longissimus dorsi Muscle in Sheep
Authors: Guo Hui , Nie Ruixue , Wang Wenwen , Guo Tao , Gao Chang , Mao Jinju , Hu Yuchao , Liu Na , An Xiaoping , Jia Yang , Qi Jingwei , Wang Yuan
Published: February 2025

Dietary regulation of intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and fatty acid composition offers an effective strategy to enhance meat nutritional value. As phytogenic supplements rich in bioactive compounds, complex plant extracts (CPE) have demonstrated potential in improving meat quality through lipid metabolism modulation while ensuring food safety. In this study, we used 36 female sheep, approximately 4 months old and with a similar weight (29.92 ± 2.52 kg), to investigate the effects of CPE supplementation (80 mg/kg) on lipid metabolism. After the 75-day standardized feeding trial, the sheep were subjected to humane slaughter procedures and collected the Longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) for further experimental process. The findings indicate that CPE significantly increased (p < 0.05) the IMF content (36%) and total fatty acids concentration (10,045.79 to 26,451.99 ug/g). Lipid metabolism in LDM was mainly affected by regulating phospholipids (six lipid subclasses were affected). The qRT-PCR analysis showed that differential expressed genes, PLA2G2D and PLA2G4E, associated with lipid metabolism were significantly reduced. CPE appears to modulate the fatty acids through sphingolipid, linolenic acid metabolism, and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis pathways. Thus, this study uncoded the mechanisms of CPE on fatty acid, providing critical evidence that CPE can regulate the meat quality of ruminants.
Effects of Structural Changes in Cross-Linked Mung Bean Starch on Freeze–Thaw Properties and In Vitro Digestibility
Authors: Agvaandorj Altantungalag , Li Yuanzao , No Junhee
Published: February 2025

This study aims to evaluate the effects of structural changes in cross-linked mung bean starch (CLMB) on freeze–thaw stability and in vitro digestibility and explore its potential to prevent starch retrogradation and its applicability as a resistant starch (RS)- enhanced food ingredient. Mung beans of different varieties (Eohul, Geumsung, and Sohyeon) were cross-linked using an STMP:STPP ratio of 9:1. The structure and thermal properties of CLMB and its digestibility, as well as the textural properties of 10% CLMB gels and their freeze–thaw stability, were evaluated. As a result of the study, CLMB maintained an A-type crystalline structure, but structural changes due to the introduction of phosphate groups were observed during FT-IR analysis. Compared to natural mung bean starch (MBS), the swelling power and solubility decreased, and the gelatinization temperature range increased. Additionally, the cross-linking treatment increased the resistant starch (RS) content. In the case of the gel with 10% CLMB added, the freezing–thawing experiment results show a significant reduction in syneresis and it was confirmed that high stability was maintained even through repeated processes. Our results suggest that CLMB is a functional ingredient with potential applications in the development of food products offering extended shelf lives and tailored nutritional benefits.
The Effect of Service Quality and Heritage Tourism on Tourist Loyalty: The Case of Borobudur Temple
Authors: Sasongko Gatot , Kameo Daniel Daud , Siwi Virgiana Nugransih , Wahyudi Yustinus , Huruta Andrian Dolfriandra
Published: February 2025

UNESCO designated Borobudur as a World Heritage Site (WHS), a tourist and cultural destination capable of increasing visitor demand. However, the number of international tourists visiting the Borobudur Temple Park is still considered low compared to similar destinations in other countries, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This study aims to identify the determinants of visitor loyalty to Borobudur through consumer preferences, as indicated by service quality and heritage tourism variables. This research employs the reflective measurement model. We conducted this study at the Borobudur Temple tourist site. We used a non-probability sampling technique, specifically accidental sampling, with 248 domestic and foreign tourists visiting Borobudur. The results indicate that price and responsiveness have a positive effect on satisfaction, as well as on loyalty. While communication significantly influences satisfaction, tangibles have a significant impact on loyalty. Furthermore, research has proven that tourist satisfaction positively influences tourist loyalty. The conclusion of this study is that tourists’ high loyalty to Borobudur indicates that individual experiences with service quality and price are important factors influencing travel characteristics and destination loyalty.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Waters of the Santiago–Guadalajara River Basin, Mexico
Authors: González-Díaz Rosa Leonor , de Anda José , Shear Harvey , Padilla-Tovar Luis Eduardo , Lugo-Melchor Ofelia Yadira , Olvera-Vargas Luis Alberto
Published: February 2025

The Santiago–Guadalajara River Basin has an area of 10,016.46 km2. The Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, within the basin, is the second-largest city in the country, with more than 5 million inhabitants. The growth of the urban population, as well as industrial and agricultural activities with insufficient infrastructure for the sanitation of wastewater and its reuse, have caused environmental deterioration of surface waters and gradual depletion of groundwater resources. To assess the level of contamination in surface waters from the presence of heavy metals in the basin, a monthly monitoring campaign was carried out at 25 sampling stations located in the main and tributary streams from July 2021 to April 2022. The following decreasing sequence was found according to the mean concentration values: Fe > Al > Mn > B > Ba > Zn > As > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) method was applied to assess the level of risk to aquatic life, finding an average global HPI value of 305.522 for the basin, which classifies it as in the critical contamination range. The results also reflect health risks due to the presence of As, Cd, and Ni in some monitored stations. It will be necessary to expand the monitoring network, identify the point and non-point sources of contamination, and implement measures for pollution control to protect aquatic life and human health due to the presence of heavy metals in the river.
Flood Exposure Dynamics and Quantitative Evaluation of Low-Cost Flood Control Measures in the Bengawan Solo River Basin of Indonesia
Authors: Shrestha Badri Bhakta , Rasmy Mohamed , Kuribayashi Daisuke
Published: February 2025

The frequent occurrence of floods puts additional pressure on people to change their activities and alter land use practices, consequently making exposed lands more vulnerable to floods. It is thus crucial to investigate dynamic changes in flood exposures and conduct quantitative evaluations of flood risk-reduction strategies to minimize damage to exposed items. This study quantitatively assessed dynamics of flood exposure and flood risk, and evaluated the effectiveness of flood control measures in the Bengawan Solo River basin, Indonesia. The Water and Energy Budget-Based Rainfall–Runoff–Inundation Model was employed for flood simulation for different return periods, and then dynamics of flood exposures and flood risk were assessed. After that, the effectiveness of flood control measures was quantitively evaluated. The results show that settlement/built-up areas and population are increasing in flood-prone areas. The flood-exposed paddy field and settlement areas for 100-year flood were estimated to be more than 950 and 212.58 km2, respectively. The results also show that the dam operation for flood control in the study area reduces the flood damage to buildings, contents, and agriculture by approximately 21.2%, 20.9%, and 25.1%, respectively. The river channel improvements were also found effective to reduce flood damage in the study area. The flood damage can be reduced by more than 60% by implementing a combination of a flood control dam and river channel improvements. The findings can be useful for planning and implementing effective flood risk reduction measures.
Profile Analysis of Handwashing Behavior Among a Sample of College Students in the Multi-Theory Model Framework
Authors: Fudolig Miguel Antonio , Davis Robert E. , Batra Kavita , Sharma Manoj
Published: February 2025

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections and other communicable diseases. It is imperative to determine the factors that affect the likelihood of initiating and maintaining the recommended handwashing behavior, especially during a pandemic. This quantitative, secondary study employed a latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify the different attitudes toward behavior change based on the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) framework in the context of following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 602 college students at a large university in the southern region of the United States (U.S.) in 2020. Seven distinct profiles were identified, each reflecting unique attitudes toward following the recommended handwashing guidelines. Age (p < 0.01) and gender (p < 0.01) disparities were observed between profiles. This study is the first to apply LPA within the MTM framework and provides new insights for the development of targeted interventions based on the construct score profile.
Physical Activity as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Body Image Perception and Low Mood in Adolescents
Authors: Melo Geiziane Leite Rodrigues , Alves Maciel Larissa , Espírito Santo Rafaela , Brand Caroline , Reuter Cézane Priscila , Razbadauskas Artūras , Rauckienė-Michaelsson Alona , Agostinis-Sobrinho Cesar
Published: February 2025

Body image (BI) plays a critical role in mental health, with negative perceptions often linked to feelings of low mood. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance self-acceptance and reduce negative emotions, suggesting it may help mitigate the impact of BI on low mood. This study examines the relationship between BI and low mood among adolescents, and explores the role of PA as a mediator in this relationship. The study had a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 154,183 adolescents (average age 13.6 ± 1.6 years) across 43 countries, using the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. BI was assessed through self-perceived body size, low mood was measured on a scale from “about every day” to “rarely or never”, and PA was evaluated by the number of days per week participants engaged in at least 60 min of activity. The study used multinomial logistic regression and a mediation model to analyze the relationships of BI, PA, and BMI with low mood. The multinomial logistic regression showed that daily PA reduces the risk of low mood, especially with higher PA frequency, such as PA on 6 days (OR = 0.72) and PA on 5 days (OR = 0.86). Age, BMI, BI, and sex also influence low mood, with males showing lower odds (OR = 0.40 to 0.77), normal weight individuals having a reduced risk, and thinner individuals having lower odds of low mood (OR = 0.12 to 0.50), with PA partially mediating the relationship between BI and low mood (p < 0.001), contributing to 9% of the total effect. PA partially mediates the relationship between BI and low mood, with a direct negative impact of BI on low mood. In addition, girls, older adolescents, and those with negative BI and irregular PA have a higher risk of low mood.
Coverage and Characterization of Food Delivery Services Through a Mobile Application in Small and Medium-Sized Cities in Brazil
Authors: da Costa Renata Júlia , Barros Paloma Aparecida Anastacio , Matos Juliana de Paula , Horta Paula Martins
Published: February 2025

This is the first study to analyze the coverage and profile of establishments registered on a meal delivery application (MDA) in small and medium-sized cities in Brazil. The app serves 497 municipalities across 22 states, offering 28,325 establishments. App coverage was measured as the ratio of cities served to the total small and medium-sized cities in each Brazilian region. The establishments were categorized using keyword analysis into six groups: International Cuisine, Snacks, Bakery Products, Complete Meals and Side Dishes, Sweets, Ice Creams and Desserts, and Healthy Options. Greater app coverage was observed in the South (13.68%) and Southeast (13.63%) regions. In contrast, lower coverage was noted in the North (2.46%) and Northeast (2.30%) regions. The keyword category ‘Snacks’ was the most used across all Brazilian regions, while ‘Healthy Options’ was the least utilized. Positive correlations were identified between the number of establishments on the app and the Municipal Human Development Index (r = 0.30; p < 0.001), demographic density (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), and urban population (r = 0.55; p < 0.001). The use of keyword categories varied across municipalities based on their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Our findings reveal significant asymmetries in app coverage and the types of registered establishments, which may further exacerbate inequalities in food access.
20 Years Since the Enactment of Italian Law No. 40/2004 on Medically Assisted Procreation: How It Has Changed and How It Could Change
Authors: Vergallo Gianluca Montanari , Marinelli Susanna , Napoletano Gabriele , De Paola Lina , Treglia Michele , Zaami Simona , Frati Paola
Published: February 2025

The article examines the changes to Italian legislation on assisted reproductive technology (ART) resulting from rulings by Italian courts, highlighting unresolved ethical–legal issues and potential future regulatory approaches consistent with these decisions. Additionally, it addresses the amendment defining surrogacy as “universal crime”, effective as of 18 November 2024. Through an analysis of decisions by the Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation, it emerges that Law No. 40/2004 has been deemed unconstitutional in relation to the following: heterologous fertilization, the number of embryos that can be created, cryopreservation, the implantation of only healthy embryos, and access to ART for fertile couples. Controversial aspects include the fate of surplus embryos, access to ART for single individuals, and the recognition of parenthood for same-sex couples. The “universal crime” classification of surrogacy raises the possibility of legal consequences for individuals engaging in surrogacy abroad, even where it is lawful. Courts are unlikely to legislate on the allocation of surplus embryos without parliamentary intervention or to allow single individuals access to ART, given the perceived inconsistency with the child’s best interests. However, case-by-case evaluations are essential for recognizing non-biological or non-genetic parents in same-sex relationships and for assessing the effectiveness of the universal crime approach in safeguarding rights and public health.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors: Focus on Macrophages
Authors: Rykova Elena Y. , Klimontov Vadim V. , Shmakova Elena , Korbut Anton I. , Merkulova Tatyana I. , Kzhyshkowska Julia
Published: February 2025

A growing body of evidence indicates that nonglycemic effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors play an important role in the protective effects of these drugs in diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. In recent years, the anti-inflammatory potential of SGLT2 inhibitors has been actively studied. This review summarizes results of clinical and experimental studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of SGLT2 inhibitors, with a special focus on their effects on macrophages, key drivers of metabolic inflammation. In patients with type 2 diabetes, therapy with SGLT2 inhibitors reduces levels of inflammatory mediators. In diabetic and non-diabetic animal models, SGLT2 inhibitors control low-grade inflammation by suppressing inflammatory activation of tissue macrophages, recruitment of monocytes from the bloodstream, and macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype. The molecular mechanisms of the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on macrophages include an attenuation of inflammasome activity and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, as well as modulation of other signaling pathways (AMPK, PI3K/Akt, ERK 1/2-MAPK, and JAKs/STAT). The review discusses the state-of-the-art concepts and prospects of further investigations that are needed to obtain a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels.
Different Gut Microbiome Profiles in Patients with Transthyretin Amyloidosis with and Without Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Rissato João Henrique , de Melo Pereira Natalia , Romero Cristhian Espinoza , del Cisne Jadán Luzuriaga Georgina , Kerges Bueno Bruno Vaz , Fonseca Cafezeiro Caio Rebouças , de Alencar Neto Aristóteles Comte , Borges Thaís Sousa , Freitas Carvalhal Suenia , Ramires Félix Jose Alvarez , Nastari Luciano , Mady Charles , Fernandes Fábio
Published: February 2025

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is characterized by the buildup of amyloid protein in organs like the gut and the heart. As a result, hypoperfusion, edema, and dysautonomia cause an imbalance in the gut microbiome. We aimed to identify the gut microbiome composition in ATTR amyloidosis patients with and without heart involvement, as well in controls. Sixty participants were divided into three groups: 20 with ATTR amyloidosis and heart involvement (G1), 19 with ATTR amyloidosis but no heart disease (G2), and 21 controls (G3). The microbiome profiles were obtained through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additional evaluations included a clinical questionnaire, echocardiogram, six-minute walk tests, troponin, BNP, and genotype analysis. Compared to G3, G1, and G2 groups had different levels of Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae, and Sellimonas, while the controls showed a higher relative abundance of Methanosphaera. Streptococcus was linked to higher troponin levels. Lachnospiraceae was associated with lower BNP levels and smaller left atrium volumes. Sellimonas was associated with a higher intestinal symptom score, while Methanosphaera with a lower symptom score. ATTR amyloidosis patients have a different intestinal microbiome profile compared to the control group. There were correlations with genotype, gastrointestinal symptoms, heart failure biomarkers, echocardiographic parameters, and the six-minute walk test.
RETRACTED: Lee et al. Lemon Balm Extract ALS-L1023 Regulates Obesity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity via Activation of Hepatic PPARα in High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese C57BL/6J Mice. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 4256
Authors: Lee Dongju , Shin Yujin , Roh Jong Seong , Ahn Jiwon , Jeoong Sunhyo , Shin Soon Shik , Yoon Michung
Published: February 2025

The journal retracts the article titled “Lemon Balm Extract ALS-L1023 Regulates Obesity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity via Activation of Hepatic PPARα in High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese C57BL/6J Mice” [...]
Generalization of Classification of AlkB Family Alkane Monooxygenases from Rhodococcus (sensu lato) Group Based on Phylogenetic Analysis and Genomic Context Comparison
Authors: Petrikov Kirill V. , Vetrova Anna A. , Ivanova Anastasia A. , Sazonova Olesya I. , Pozdnyakova-Filatova Irina Yu.
Published: February 2025

Alkane-oxidizing bacteria play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Rhodococcus species are well-known hydrocarbon degraders, distinguished by the harboring of multiple homologs of AlkB family alkane monooxygenases. Although different types of rhodococcal AlkBs have been described, the overall picture of their diversity remains unclear, leaving gaps in the current classification. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of all AlkBs identified in Rhodococcus (sensu lato) and examined the genomic context of the corresponding genes. The sequence clustering was well aligned with genomic neighborhoods, allowing both features to be used as criteria for proposing AlkB types that form distinct phylogenetic groups and have characteristic genomic contexts. Our approach allowed us to revise the classification of previously described AlkBs, identifying eight types on their basis, and to propose three new ones. Alkane monooxygenases whose genes are co-localized with rubredoxin genes can be considered a generalized AlkBR type, the most common among all Rhodococcus. In the AlkB0 type, which is a paralog of AlkBR, violations of conservativity in known alkane monooxygenase signature motifs were found. Our findings provide a more consistent classification framework for rhodococcal AlkB that prevents the over-reporting of “novel” types and contributes to a deeper understanding of alkane monooxygenase diversity.