bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNEURO-201, an Anti-amyloidogenic Agent and σ1-Receptor Agonist, Improves Cognition in the 3xTg Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease by Multiple Actions in the Pathology
Authors: Martínez-Orozco Humberto , Bencomo-Martínez Alberto , Maya-Arteaga Juan Pablo , Rubio-De Anda Pedro Francisco , Sanabria-Romero Fausto , Casas Zyanya Gloria Mena , Rodríguez-Vargas Isaac , Hernández-Puga Ana Gabriela , Sablón-Carrazana Marquiza , Menéndez-Soto del Valle Roberto , Rodríguez-Tanty Chryslaine , Díaz-Cintra Sofía
Published: February 2025

The complexity of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology represents a significant challenge in the development of effective therapeutic agents for its treatment. CNEURO-201 (CN, also Amylovis-201) is a novel pharmaceutical agent with dual activity as an anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) agent and σ1 receptor agonist. CN exhibits great efficacy at very low doses, delaying cognitive impairment and alleviating Aβ load in animal models of AD. However, CN functions on other remains related to this pathology remain to be investigated. The present study sought to evaluate the effects of CN treatment at a dosage of 0.1 mg kg−1 (p.o) over an eight-week period in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. In silico studies, as well as biochemical and immunofluorescence assays, were conducted on brain tissue to investigate the CN effects on acetylcholine metabolism, redox system, and glial cell activation-related biomarkers in brain regions that are relevant for memory. The results demonstrated that CN effectively rescues cognitive impairment of 3xTg-AD mice by influencing glial activity to reduce existing Aβ plaques but also modulating acetylcholine metabolism and the enzymatic response of proteins involved in the redox system. Our outcomes reinforced the potential of CN in treating AD by acting on multiple pathways altered in this disease.
Mapping Inflammatory Markers in Cerebrospinal Fluid Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Age- and Sex-Matched Analysis
Authors: Seyfried Katharina Sophie , Kremer Benedikt , Conzen-Dilger Catharina , Veldeman Michael , Bertram Ulf , Blume Christian , Mueller Christian Andreas , Bi Tianshu , Jütten Kerstin , Clusmann Hans , Höllig Anke
Published: February 2025

Despite extensive research on aneurysm treatment and neurocritical care, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still a life-threatening disease, often leaving survivors with lasting neurological and cognitive impairments. Early brain injury (EBI) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) are the main contributors to brain damage, with neuroinflammation being a critical shared pathophysiological process. While numerous inflammatory markers and their temporal profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have already been identified, comparisons with age- and sex-matched controls are limited. This study analyzed CSF from 17 SAH patients requiring an external ventricular drain (EVD) due to symptomatic hydrocephalus, sampled on days 4 and 10 post-ictus. An age- and sex-matched control group included 17 cerebrovascularly healthy patients requiring lumbar drains during aortic surgery. Chemokines and cytokines were quantified using immunoassays. Significantly elevated markers in SAH patients across both time points included MCP-1, CXCL-13, Eotaxin-1, CXCL-10, IL-8, and MIF. MIP-1α and MIP-1β showed significant differences at particular time points, indicating a distinct temporal profile for each parameter. These findings highlight neuroinflammation’s key role in intracranial and systemic pathophysiology following SAH, emphasizing its complexity and individual variability. Knowing demographic factors impact the specific manifestations of pathophysiological processes, the comparison with an age- and sex-matched control group is meaningful.
Losses of Foliage to Defoliating Insects Increase with Leaf Damage Diversity Due to the Complementarity Effect
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Zverev Vitali
Published: February 2025

The functioning of ecosystems critically depends on biodiversity. However, the effects of herbivore diversity on plant damage caused by herbivore feeding remain underexplored. In this study, we tested the prediction that relative losses of foliage to defoliating insects increase with leaf damage diversity (LDD), and we also explored the mechanisms underlying the observed LDD patterns. We measured insect herbivory in 501 individuals of three deciduous woody species (Betula pubescens, Salix phylicifolia, and Vaccinium uliginosum) across 38 localities in north-western Russia, collected 8844 leaves damaged by defoliating insects, classifying the 21,073 feeding events observed in these leaves into 29 damage types. Overall, LDD significantly decreased with increasing latitude but showed no variation along elevation or pollution gradients. Herbivory weakly but significantly increased with increasing LDD, and a strong positive correlation between the rarefied number of leaf damage types and their evenness provided evidence for the complementarity effect underlying this herbivory increase, indicating that insects producing different leaf damage types differ in their resource use.
Overwintering Strategies and Post-Diapause Female Reproduction Fitness in the Willow Leaf Beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Yan Jian , Zhang Lin , Xu Mingxuan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhao Lvquan
Published: February 2025

Diapause, a survival strategy utilized by many insects under severe environmental conditions, can generate costs that potentially affect post-diapause development and reproduction. The willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora, overwinters as an adult. This study investigated the cold hardiness-hardiness and energy utilization of female P. versicolora, and their impact on post-diapause reproductive fitness. The supercooling point exhibited seasonal temperature variation, with the lowest points occurring in January and February, coinciding with the relatively lower ambient temperatures. Lipid content demonstrated a pronounced decline at the onset of diapause (from November to December) and stabilized from December to March. Glycogen content also showed a sharp decrease from November to January, subsequently stabilizing at relatively constant levels. In addition, trehalose content increased significantly when temperatures dropped (from November to January) and then decreased as temperatures rose (from January to March). There were no significant differences in the time from pairing to successful mating for post-diapause females compared with non-diapause females. However, mating duration and the pre-oviposition period for post-diapause individuals relative to non-diapause individuals increased, coupled with a reduction in the oviposition period, total number of eggs, number of egg clutches, and number of eggs per clutch; however, most importantly, there was no notable change in egg-hatching success. These results suggest that the cold-hardiness strategy of P. versicolora falls within the freeze-avoidance category, with energy usage predominantly reliant on lipids and carbohydrates during diapause initiation. Our findings also highlight that, although post-diapause females are capable of nutrient replenishment, the energetic demands of diapause result in considerable negative impacts on post-diapause female reproductive fitness.
Different Long-Term Nutritional Regimens of Drosophila melanogaster Shape Its Microbiota and Associated Metabolic Activity in a Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Jelena Repac , Jelena Trajković , Marija Rakić , Tanja Lunić , Tatjana Savić , Bojan Božić , Biljana Božić Nedeljković , Pavković-Lučić Sofija
Published: February 2025

The dietary habits of fruit flies profoundly influence their fitness, morphology, and physiology yet the mechanisms underlying these effects remain incompletely understood. To address this gap, the relationship between dietary regimens and the composition and function of adult Drosophila melanogaster microbiota was investigated in the present study. The adult fly microbiota communities that were reared for long time on five different diets were characterized by means of 16S rRNA sequencing. Obtained results revealed distinct community structures associated with each dietary regimen, which was additionally corroborated through machine learning-based analysis. In general, sugar-rich diets correlate with microbial ecosystems of higher richness/diversity. Dominance of the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes in the microbiota was confirmed irrespective of diet, with the varying proportions of the most abundant families: Acetobacteraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Moraxellaceae, Bradyrhizobiaceae, and Leucostonocaceae. Bacterial families of lower abundance also emerged as differentially present among the studied fly groups. Additionally, functional prediction provided initial clues into how nutrient availability might modulate the metabolic traits of adult fly microbiota in a sex-specific manner to meet host metabolic needs. Overall, the presented findings highlight the intricate interplay between diet, microbiota composition, and host phenotype in fruit flies, underscoring the importance of diet as a determinant of host-microbiota interactions.
Siting and Sizing Method of GFM Converters Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Sun Wentao , Ge Yi , Liu Guojing , Cai Hui , Wang Quanquan , Han Xingning , Qi Wanchun
Published: February 2025

The rising integration of renewable energy sources has resulted in a diminished capacity for voltage support within the system, which is characterized by low inertia and a reduced short circuit ratio (SCR). In order to improve grid strength and enhance the capacity for renewable energy integration, an initial analysis was conducted on the grid support capabilities of grid-forming (GFM) stations, followed by an investigation into how grid strength influences the dominant operational modes of GFM converters. Subsequently, leveraging the definition of the multi-infeed short circuit ratio, a calculation method for the SCR, applicable to new energy base stations featuring GFM substations, is developed. Additionally, a strategic approach to optimal location selection and sizing of these substations aimed at enhancing the SCR within new energy grids is proposed, with the model being solved through genetic algorithms. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified based on the IEEE39-node system and a real new energy station. The results show that the system strength is greatly improved after the optimized configuration of the GFM equipment, and the maximum tolerable space of 90% new energy stations reaches 95% of the theoretical maximum tolerable space of each new energy station.
Muscle Activation–Deformation Correlation in Dynamic Arm Movements
Authors: Lan Bangyu , Niu Kenan
Published: February 2025

Understanding the relationship between muscle activation and deformation is essential for analyzing arm movement dynamics in both daily activities and clinical settings. Accurate characterization of this relationship impacts rehabilitation strategies, prosthetic development, and athletic training by providing deeper insights into muscle functions. However, direct analysis of raw neuromuscular and biomechanical signals remains limited due to their complex interplay. Traditional research implicitly applied this relationship without exploring the intricacies of the muscle behavior. In contrast, in this study, we explored the relationship between neuromuscular and biomechanical signals via a motion classification task based on a proposed deep learning approach, which was designed to classify arm motions separately using muscle activation patterns from surface electromyography (sEMG) and muscle thickness deformation measured by A-mode ultrasound. The classification results were directly compared through the chi-square analysis. In our experiment, six participants performed a specified arm lifting motion, creating a general motion dataset for the study. Our findings investigated the correlation between muscle activation and deformation patterns, offering special insights into muscle contraction dynamics, and potentially enhancing applications in rehabilitation and prosthetics in the future.
Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Structure, Composition, and Electromagnetic Properties of FeCoSm/C Nanocomposites
Authors: Muratov Dmitriy , Kozhitov Lev , Zaporotskova Irina , Popkova Alena , Korovin Evgeniy , Boroznin Sergey , Boroznina Natalia
Published: February 2025

New materials are actively being developed for use in various fields of electronics, as they can significantly improve the performance of electronic devices and prevent adverse effects. Such materials include nanocomposites, which include nanoparticles of magnetic metals and alloys in a non-magnetic polymer or carbon matrix. For the first time, we synthesized FeCoSm/C nanocomposites and studied the effect of synthesis conditions on their structure, composition, and electromagnetic properties. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the heating processes of nanocomposite precursors allowed optimizing the mode of IR processing of precursors. X-ray phase analysis (XPA) showed that nanoparticles of a solid-metal solution based on the FeCo structure are formed, and at temperatures above 700 °C, the formation of SmCo5-x alloy nanoparticles is also possible. As the synthesis temperature increases, the average size of nanoparticles of alloys containing Sm increases. The effect of the metal ratio in the precursor on the structure, composition, and electromagnetic properties of FeCoSm/C nanocomposites is analyzed. It has been established that the most promising of all the studied materials are those obtained at a temperature of 700 °C with a metal ratio of Fe:Co:Sm = 50:40:10.
A Study on the Relationship Between the Pore Characteristics of High-Performance Self-Compacting Concrete (HPSCC) Based on Fractal Theory and the Function of the Water–Binder Ratio (W/C)
Authors: Xu Guihong , He Mingwei , He Li , Chen Yongsheng , Duan Li , Jiao Weiguo
Published: February 2025

The mechanical properties of High-Performance Self-Compacting Concrete (HPSCC) are strongly influenced by its pore structure, but the impact of varying water–binder ratios (W/C) on this relationship remains unclear. To address this, the present study investigates HPSCC with W/C ratios ranging from 0.19 to 0.23, aiming to elucidate the connection between pore structure, fractal characteristics, and mechanical performance. Through a combination of compressive strength testing, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations, this study reveals key insights. First, compressive strength initially increases with a decreasing W/C ratio but plateaus beyond W/C = 0.21, identifying an optimal range for balancing strength and workability. Second, the pore structure of HPSCC is characterized by cylindrical, ink-bottle, and planar interstitial pores, with significant fractal characteristics. Notably, the fractal dimension decreases as the W/C ratio increases, indicating reduced pore complexity and improved homogeneity. Finally, a strong linear correlation (R2 > 0.9) between the W/C ratio, fractal dimension, and compressive strength provides a predictive tool for assessing HPSCC performance. This study concludes that the internal pore structure is a critical determinant of HPSCC strength, and the identified optimal W/C ratio range offers guidance for mixture designs. Additionally, fractal dimension analysis emerges as a novel method to evaluate HPSCC’s microstructural quality, enabling predictions of long-term performance and durability. These findings contribute to the scientific basis for designing high-performance concrete materials with improved mechanical properties and durability.
Development of Doum Palm Fiber-Based Building Insulation Composites with Citric Acid/Glycerol Eco-Friendly Binder
Authors: Elmoudnia Hicham , Millogo Younoussa , Faria Paulina , Jalal Rachid , Waqif Mohamed , Saâdi Latifa
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the development of an insulation biocomposite using Doum palm (Chamaerops humilis) fibers reinforced with a natural binder based on citric acid and glycerol. The main objective is to optimize the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the biocomposite as a function of fiber preparation (short or powdered fibers) and binder content (20%, 30% and 40%), and relate them to the bonding of the fibers and the binder. The obtained results suggest that the addition of the binder greatly enhances the density, compressive strength and Young’s modulus of biocomposites. More specifically, the addition of 20% by weight of the citric acid/glycerol binder improves the bond between fibers, whether they are short fibers or powders. This leads to an increase in the mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus reaching (212.1) MPa and compressive strength at (24.3) MPa. On the other hand, the results show that these biocomposites also have acceptable thermal insulation performance, achieving a thermal conductivity of (0.102) W/(m·K), making them suitable for a variety of applications in sustainable buildings and for refurbishment.
Influence of the Deformation Degree of Combined Loadings on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steels
Authors: Huțanu Magdalena Gabriela , Andrușcă Liviu , Benchea Marcelin , Bernevig Mihai-Adrian , Achiței Dragoș Cristian , Lupescu Ștefan-Constantin , Bădărău Gheorghe , Cimpoeșu Nicanor
Published: February 2025

Stainless steels have many practical applications requiring various mechanical or chemical demands in the working environment. By optimizing a device used in mechanical experiments for torsional loading, several cylindrical samples were tested (both ends twisted with the same torque value in opposite directions) of 316L stainless steel (SS) to evaluate changes in the structural, chemical, and mechanical characteristics. Initially, the experimental samples were pre-loaded by tension in the elastic range (6%) and then subjected to torsion (772°) at different rates: 5, 10, and 20 mm/min. The experimental sequence consisted of a combined loading protocol with an initial tensile test followed by a subsequent torsional test. Two reference tests were performed by fracturing the samples in both torsion and tension to determine the mechanical strength parameters. The macro- and microstructural evolution of the samples as a function of the torsional degree was followed by scanning electron microscopy. The microhardness modification of the material was observed because of the strain (the microhardness variation from the center of the disk sample to the edge was also monitored). Structurally, all samples showed grain size changes because of torsional/compressive deformation zones and an increase in the degree of grain boundary misorientation. From the tensile and torsional behaviors of 316L SS and the structural results obtained, it was concluded that these materials are suitable for complex stress states in the elasto-plastic range through tensile and torsion. A reduction in Young’s modulus of up to four times the initial value at medium and high stress rates was observed when complex stresses were applied.
Viscoelastic, Shape Memory, and Fracture Characteristics of 3D-Printed Photosensitive Epoxy-Based Resin Under the Effect of Hydrothermal Ageing
Authors: Alsaadi Mohamad , Sebaey Tamer A , Hinchy Eoin P. , McCarthy Conor T. , de Lima Tielidy A. de M. , Portela Alexandre , Devine Declan M.
Published: February 2025

Using 3D-printed (3DPd) polymers and their composites as shape memory materials in various smart engineering applications has raised the demand for such functionally graded sustainable materials. This study aims to investigate the viscoelastic, shape memory, and fracture toughness properties of the epoxy-based ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin. A UV-based DLP (Digital Light Processing) printer was employed for the 3D printing (3DPg) epoxy-based structures. The effect of the hydrothermal accelerated ageing on the various properties of the 3DPd components was examined. The viscoelastic performance in terms of glass transition temperature (Tg), storage modulus, and loss modulus was evaluated. The shape memory polymer (SMP) performance with respect to shape recovery and shape fixity (programming the shape) were calculated through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). DMTA is used to reveal the molecular mobility performance through three different regions, i.e., glass region, glass transition region, and rubbery region. The shape-changing region (within the glass transition region) between the Tg value from the loss modulus and the Tg value from the tan(δ) was analysed. The temperature memory behaviour was investigated for flat and circular 3DPd structures to achieve sequential deployment. The critical stress intensity factor values of the single-edge notch bending (SENB) specimens have been explored for different crack inclination angles to investigate mode I (opening) and mixed-mode I/III (opening and tearing) fracture toughness. This study can contribute to the development of highly complex shape memory 3DPd structures that can be reshaped several times with large deformation.
The Big Three Passive Investors and the Cost of Equity Capital
Authors: Demirkan Sebahattin , Polat Ted M. Fikret
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the role of the Big Three passive investors (BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street) in influencing firms’ cost of equity. By examining the unique ownership structure these investors bring, the research sheds light on a pivotal yet underexplored aspect of institutional ownership and its implications for corporate financing. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning from 1997 to 2016, this study demonstrates that increased ownership by the Big Three is associated with improved disclosure practices and reduced information asymmetry, leading to a lower cost of equity. However, the study also uncovers a nuanced trade-off, as concentrated ownership may introduce liquidity risks in certain contexts. These findings bridge a critical gap in the literature by reconciling divergent perspectives on the role of passive investors and provide actionable insights for institutional investors, regulators, and corporate managers seeking to understand the broader implications of passive ownership on firm valuation and financing strategies.
Innovative Credit Risk Assessment: Leveraging Social Media Data for Inclusive Credit Scoring in Indonesia’s Fintech Sector
Authors: Alamsyah Andry , Hafidh Aufa Azhari , Mulya Annisa Dwiyanti
Published: February 2025

The financial technology domain has undertaken significant strides toward more inclusive credit scoring systems by integrating alternative data sources, prompting an exploration of how we can further simplify the process of efficiently assessing creditworthiness for the younger generation who lack traditional credit histories and collateral assets. This study introduces a novel approach leveraging social media analytics and advanced machine learning techniques to assess the creditworthiness of individuals without traditional credit histories and collateral assets. Conventional credit scoring methods tend to rely heavily on central bank credit information, especially traditional collateral assets such as property or savings accounts. We leverage demographics, personality, psycholinguistics, and social network data from LinkedIn profiles to develop predictive models for a comprehensive financial reliability assessment. Our credit scoring methods propose scoring models to produce continuous credit scores and classification models to categorize potential borrowers—particularly young individuals lacking traditional credit histories or collateral assets—as either good or bad credit risks based on expert judgment thresholds. This innovative approach questions conventional financial evaluation methods and enhances access to credit for marginalized communities. The research question addressed in this study is how to develop a credit scoring mechanism using social media data. This research contributes to the advancing fintech landscape by presenting a framework that has the potential to transform credit scoring practices to adapt to modern economic activities and digital footprints.
The End of Mean-Variance? Tsallis Entropy Revolutionises Portfolio Optimisation in Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Gaied Chortane Sana , Naoui Kamel
Published: February 2025

Has the mean-variance framework become obsolete? In this paper, we replace traditional variance–covariance methods of portfolio optimisation with relative Tsallis entropy and mutual information measures. Its goal is to enhance risk management and diversification in complicated finance ecosystems. We utilize the S&P 500 and Bitwise 10 cryptocurrency indices’ daily returns (2019–2024 data) and conduct our analysis to the year 2020 under extreme shocks. Many models were trained with different configurations, like mean-variance (MV), mean-entropy (ME), and mean-mutual information (MI) traders and their corresponding variants, using Sharpe’s ratio, Jensen’s alpha, and entropy value of risk (EVAR). The findings indicate that entropic models outperform conventional models in terms of diversification and, especially, extreme risk management. Because the appropriate normalization conditions often fail to be satisfied, we can informally see that after a recalibration of the effective frontier, we obtain from EVAR an accumulated resilience aspect to these rare events while also observing the great potential of entropy-based models to replicate non-linear dependencies between assets. The results show that models combining entropy and mutual information optimise the gain–loss ratio (GLR), providing stable diversification and improved risk management, while maximising returns in complex and volatile market environments.
Analysis of the Spatial–Temporal Characteristics of Vegetation Cover Changes in the Loess Plateau from 1995 to 2020
Authors: Yao Zhihong , Huang Yichao , Zhang Yiwen , Yang Qinke , Jiao Peng , Yang Menghao
Published: February 2025

The Loess Plateau is one of the most severely affected regions by soil erosion in the world, with a fragile ecological environment. Vegetation plays a key role in the region’s ecological restoration and protection. This study employs the Geographical Detector (Geodetector) model to quantitatively assess the impact of natural and human factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, and land use, on vegetation growth. It aims to reveal the characteristics and driving mechanisms of vegetation cover changes on the Loess Plateau over the past 26 years. The results indicate that from 1995 to 2020, the vegetation coverage on the Loess Plateau shows an increasing trend, with a fitted slope of 0.01021 and an R2 of 0.96466. The Geodetector indicates that the factors with the greatest impact on vegetation cover in the Loess Plateau are temperature, precipitation, soil type, and land use. The highest average vegetation coverage is achieved when the temperature is between −4.8 and 2 °C or 12 and 16 °C, precipitation is between 630.64 and 935.51 mm, the soil type is leaching soil, and the land use type is forest. And the interaction between all factors has a greater effect on the vegetation cover than any single factor alone. This study reveals the factors influencing vegetation growth on the Loess Plateau, as well as their types and ranges, providing a scientific basis and guidance for improving vegetation coverage in this region.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Soil Erosion Changes Based on Structural Equation Model
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Yang Xiaohuan , Cai Hongyan
Published: February 2025

Soil erosion is a complex process influenced by both natural and human factors. Accurately assessing the temporal and spatial variations in soil erosion, along with thoroughly investigating the factors influencing these changes, is crucial for developing effective regional soil and water conservation strategies. Taking Jiangxi Province as the study area, this research employed the Chinese Soil Loss Equation model and structural equation modeling to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation in soil erosion and its influencing factors under the main land cover types from 2000 to 2020 (five-year intervals). It revealed the interaction paths among these factors and their direct and indirect effects on soil erosion. The findings indicate that soil erosion in Jiangxi Province initially decreased and then increased over the study period, with the rate of increase gradually slowing. Spatially, the region experienced overall improvement but with some local deterioration. The primary factors influencing soil erosion changes varied with land cover type and specific areas of change. For Jiangxi Province, changes in human activities were the predominant factor, followed by slope. These results provide a theoretical basis for formulating scientific soil and water conservation measures and optimizing land management strategies, thereby supporting regional environmental management and sustainable land use development.
Vegetation Succession Patterns at Sperry Glacier’s Foreland, Glacier National Park, MT, USA
Authors: Bryant Ami , Resler Lynn M. , Gielstra Dianna , Pingel Thomas
Published: February 2025

Plant colonization patterns on deglaciated terrain give insight into the factors influencing alpine ecosystem development. Our objectives were to use a chronosequence, extending from the Little Ice Age (~1850) terminal moraine to the present glacier terminus, and biophysical predictors to characterize vegetation across Sperry Glacier’s foreland—a mid-latitude cirque glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. We measured diversity metrics (i.e., richness, evenness, and Shannon’s diversity index), percent cover, and community composition in 61 plots. Field observations characterized drainage, concavity, landform features, rock fragments, and geomorphic process domains in each plot. GIS-derived variables contextualized the plots’ aspect, terrain roughness, topographic position, solar radiation, and curvature. Overall, vegetation cover and species richness increased with terrain age, but with colonization gaps compared to other forelands, likely due to extensive bedrock and slow soil development, potentially putting this community at risk of being outpaced by climate change. Generalized linear models revealed the importance of local site factors (e.g., drainage, concavity, and process domain) in explaining species richness and Shannon’s diversity patterns. The relevance of field-measured variables over GIS-derived variables demonstrated the importance of fieldwork in understanding alpine successional patterns and the need for higher-resolution remote sensing analyses to expand these landscape-scale studies.
Earthquake-Triggered Landslides in Greece from Antiquity to the Present: Temporal, Spatial and Statistical GIS-Based Analysis
Authors: Mavroulis Spyridon , Sarantopoulou Andromachi , Lekkas Efthymios
Published: February 2025

This research provides a detailed analysis of earthquake-triggered landslides (ETLs) in Greece, spanning from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on their temporal, spatial, and statistical characteristics. Supported by published scientific sources and geographic information systems (GIS) tools, we detected 673 landslides triggered from 144 earthquakes in Greece. With 166 ETLs associated with historical earthquakes and 507 with recent ones, the analysis reveals that regions in western Greece, including the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese, exhibit the highest ETL frequencies, a trend strongly related to their seismotectonic regime. Most ETLs have occurred in geotectonic units belonging to the External Hellenides. Limestone-dominated lithologies and post-alpine deposits were identified as particularly susceptible to ETLs. These are strongly associated with earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Rockfalls constitute the most frequent type of ETLs in Greece, accounting for nearly half of all documented events. Coastal and offshore landslides, though less frequent, still pose unique risks for Greece. ETLs have mainly been observed in the very high and high susceptibility areas. The impacts of ETLs on both natural and built environments are profound, with destruction of buildings and infrastructure exacerbating the public health impact and socio-economic toll of such events.
Determining and Quantifying Urban Sprawl Drivers: A Delphi-DANP Approach
Authors: Soltani Ali , Azizi Parviz , Javadpoor Masoud , Allan Andrew , Bagheri Bagher
Published: February 2025

Urban sprawl poses a significant and escalating challenge in developing countries, including Iran, leading to substantial transformations in urban areas. Despite efforts to manage urban spatial development, uncontrolled urban sprawl exerts considerable pressure on resources, infrastructure, and the environment. This study aims to identify and quantify the drivers of urban sprawl and investigate their interrelationships within Iranian metropolises. To achieve this objective, the study employs a mixed-method approach, commencing with a review of the existing literature and expert surveys based on PESTEL analysis and the Delphi method. This stage identified and categorized 40 key drivers (sub-factors) into six main categories (factors): political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal. Subsequently, the DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process (DANP) method is utilized to explore the internal interrelationships among factors and sub-factors and to determine their relative weights, offering deeper insights into their relationships and relative importance. The findings reveal a complex interplay of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors driving urban sprawl in Iran. Key drivers include political fragmentation, economic competition, social preferences for suburban living, rural-to-urban migration, increasing housing demand, weak legal regulations, natural constraints, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and the impact of technological advancements. Based on these findings, the study recommends a holistic approach to sustainable urban development in Iran, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement, participatory decision making, legal reforms, and significant investments in public transportation infrastructure.
Molecular Dynamics of Apolipoprotein Genotypes APOE4 and SNARE Family Proteins and Their Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Liu Xuefeng , Zheng Pengtao , Xie Qing , Wang Chenxiang , Pang Chaoyang
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and a significant impact on quality of life. The APOE ε4 allele is a major genetic contributor to AD pathogenesis, with synaptic dysfunction being a central hallmark in its pathophysiology. While the role of APOE4 in reducing SNARE protein levels has been established, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this interaction remain obscure. Our research employs molecular dynamics simulations to analyze interactions between APOE4 and APOE3 isoforms and the synaptic proteins VAMP2, SNAP25, and SYNTAXIN1, which play crucial roles in the presynaptic membrane. Our findings reveal that APOE4 significantly destabilizes the SNARE complex, suppresses its structural dynamics, and reduces hydrogen bonding, consequently partially hindering neurotransmitter release—a very likely discovery for elucidating synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. We identified that APOE4 exhibits a diminished affinity for the SNARE complex in comparison to APOE3. This observation suggests that APOE4 may play a role in modulating the stability of the SNARE complex, potentially impacting the progression and occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease through free energy analysis. This work highlights the perturbations in synaptic function mediated by APOE4, which may offer novel insights into the molecular underpinnings of AD. By elucidating the molecular interplay between APOE4 and the SNARE complex, our study not only enhances our comprehension of AD’s synaptic pathology but also paves the way for devising innovative therapeutic interventions, such as targeting the APOE4–SNARE complex interaction or to restore neurotransmitter release.
How COVID-19 Affected the Italian Personal Protective Equipment Supply Chain: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Cagliano Anna Corinna , Carlin Antonio , Rafele Carlo , Campanale Chiara
Published: February 2025

Background: Personal Protective Equipment supply chains encountered severe shortages during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers are located in China, the first country that issued lockdowns, and Personal Protective Equipment inventories, managed by the Just in Time policy, were unprepared for such a demand surge. The existing literature examines the impacts of COVID-19 on the global Personal Protective Equipment supply chain. However, five years after the onset of COVID-19, there is still a lack of studies focusing on Personal Protective Equipment supply chain behavior in Italy. Italy is a particularly significant case study, as it was the first Western country to be severely impacted by the pandemic. This work develops an empirical analysis to answer the following research questions. How did the main variables in the Italian Personal Protective Equipment supply chain change during the early stages of the pandemic? How can we explain such changes? Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among producers, importers, and distributors of Personal Protective Equipment operating in Italy. The responses to the questionnaire were analyzed by applying both descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The findings indicate that importers and distributors experienced more significant increases in orders than producers after the first lockdown, due to the new manufacturer’s setup period before full-scale operations. Conclusions: The study might encourage examinations of how material management strategies aimed at reducing inventory can impact situations involving unanticipated increases in demand. Moreover, it offers insights into the causes and consequences of the criticalities faced by the Italian Personal Protective Equipment supply chain during the first pandemic phases, contributing to creating knowledge that might be useful to define strategies to enhance supply chain resilience.
Rheological Properties and Lubricating Film Formation Performance of Very Low-Viscosity and Biodegradable Polyalphaolefins
Authors: Chen Yingjun , He Zhaorong , Wang Haiquan , Li Yueming , Wang Hui
Published: February 2025

Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are regarded as superior lubricants, but the biodegradability of the very low-viscosity PAO2/PAO4 has been ignored over a long history, despite being inherently biodegradable (PAO2/PAO4 biodegradation rate >20% by OECD guidelines). Previous studies typically concentrated on a single viscosity grade of PAO with additives, seldom engaging in comparative research efforts involving multiple low-viscosity grades of neat PAO concurrently. This study compares PAO2/PAO4 with non-biodegradable PAO6 regarding rheology and lubricating film formation. PAO2/PAO4 are Newtonian fluids with ≤10% viscosity fluctuation at high shear rates, while PAO6 shows a viscosity fluctuation of ≥15% at high shear rates. Viscosity–temperature equations are derived. An optical interference method measures lubricating film thickness. PAO2/PAO4 films are less sensitive to speed/load changes. PAO2 mainly works in boundary lubrication. Interference images show possible unique EHL characteristics of PAOs. The Hamrock–Dowson formula overestimates PAO6 film thickness at high speeds.
Multiple Regression Analysis and Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II Optimization of Machining Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol Parts Fabricated via Additive Manufacturing Under Dry and Lubricated Conditions
Authors: Tzotzis Anastasios , Efkolidis Nikolaos , Cheng Kai , Kyratsis Panagiotis
Published: February 2025

The present research deals with the processing of the additively manufactured Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) under dry and lubricated cutting conditions, focusing on the generated surface roughness. The cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut were selected as the continuous variables. A comparison between the generated surface roughness of the dry and the lubricated cuts revealed that the presence of coolant contributed towards reducing surface roughness by more than 20% in most cases. Next, a regression analysis was performed with the obtained measurements, yielding a robust prediction model, with the determination coefficient R2 being equal to 94.65%. It was determined that feed and the corresponding interactions contributed more than 45% to the model’s R2, followed by the depth of cut and the machining condition. In addition, the cutting speed was the variable with the least effect on the response. The Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm 2 (NSGA-II) was employed to identify the front of optimal solutions that consider both minimizing surface roughness and maximizing Material Removal Rate (MRR). Finally, a set of extra experiments proved the validity of the model by exhibiting relative error values, between the measured and predicted roughness, below 10%.
The Production and Durability of Superhydrophobic Foamed Concrete
Authors: Mao Juntao , Xu Yi , Kang Xuan , Tong Songru , Chu Hongqiang , Jiang Linhua
Published: February 2025

The durability problem caused by the high-water absorption of foamed concrete restricts its further development and application. This study aimed to improve the durability of foamed concrete by transforming its performance from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. Firstly, polydimethylsiloxane-modified superhydrophobic bulk foamed concrete was produced through physical foaming. Then, multiple durability tests, like mechanical wear, acid–alkali–saline resistance, ultraviolet aging, and extreme temperatures resistance tests, were carried out to assess its performance. Finally, the mechanism of superhydrophobicity also was studied. The results indicated that the volumetric and capillary water absorption of the superhydrophobic foamed concrete decreased by 72.4% and 92.6%, respectively, compared to ordinary foamed concrete. The dry densities of ordinary foamed concrete and superhydrophobic foamed concrete were 720 kg/m3 and 850 kg/m3, respectively. Superhydrophobic foamed concrete exhibited excellent wear resistance and resistance to ultraviolet aging. The contact angles after 10 m polishing and 168 h of ultraviolet irradiation were 152.1° and 152.2°, respectively. High temperature increased its hydrophobicity, and the contact angle increased to 157.1° at 200 °C. Additionally, electrochemical tests proved its better chloride ion corrosion resistance, and the corrosion potential and corrosion current of the superhydrophobic foamed concrete after 7 days were −0.190 V and 3.177 × 10−6 A, respectively. Therefore, the superhydrophobic bulk modification technique shows considerable potential for enhancing the durability of foamed concrete applied in various scenarios.
Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun DegraPol® Tubes Releasing TIMP-1 Protein to Modulate Tendon Healing
Authors: Rieber Julia , Niederhauser Roger Khalid , Giovanoli Pietro , Buschmann Johanna
Published: February 2025

Background: Tendon rupture repair can result from fibrotic scar formation through imbalanced ECM deposition during remodeling. The tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloprotease (TIMPs) not only decrease ECM degradation, regulated by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), but also restrict TGF-β1 activation and thus diminish fibrosis. Methods: Rabbit tenocytes (rbTenocytes) and rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (rbASCs) were cultivated under different TIMP-1 concentrations. Proliferation and gene expression were assessed. TIMP-1 was incorporated into emulsion electrospun DegraPol® (DP) tubes that were characterized by SEM for fiber thickness, pore size, and wall thickness. Static and dynamic water contact angles, FTIR spectra, and TIMP-1 release kinetics were determined. Results: While the proliferation of rbTenocytes and rbACS was not affected by TIMP-1 supplementation in vitro, the gene expression of Col1A1 was increased in rbTenocytes, the gene expression of ki67 was increased in both cell types, the gene expression of tenomodulin was increased in both cell types at 100 ng/mL TIMP-1, and alkaline phosphatase expression ALP rose significantly in rbASCs. Electrospun TIMP-1/DP fibers had a ~5 μm diameter, a ~10 μm pore size, and a mesh thickness of ~200 μm. TIMP-1/DP meshes were more hydrophilic than pure DP meshes. TIMP-1 was released from the meshes with a sustained release of up to 7 days. Conclusions: TIMP-1/DP tubes may be used to modulate the fibrotic tissue reaction when applied around conventionally sutured tendon ruptures.
Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Using Biomass-Activated Carbon Nanosheets Derived from Eucalyptus Leaves
Authors: Sekar Sankar , Shanmugam Atsaya , Senthilkumar Gokilapriya , Thangasami Kiruthiga , Jung Hyun , Lee Youngmin , Lee Sejoon
Published: February 2025

Carbonaceous-based metal-free catalysts are promising aspirants for effective electrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we synthesized mesoporous-activated carbon nanosheets (ELC) from biomass eucalyptus leaves through KOH activation. The microstructure, structural, and textural characteristics of the prepared materials were characterized by FE-SEM, Raman, XRD, and BET measurements. The high temperature (700 °C) KOH-activated ELC nanosheets exhibited an interconnected nanosheet morphology with a large specific surface area (1436 m2/g) and high mesoporosity. The ELC-700 catalyst exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic HER performance with a low overpotential (39 mV at 10 mA/cm2), excellent durability, and a Trivial Tafel slope (36 mV/dec) in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. These findings indicate a new approach for developing excellent biomass-derived electrocatalysts for substantially efficient green hydrogen production.
Influence of Y2O3 Nano-Dispersoids on the Characteristics of AlCoCrFeNi2.1-Reinforced Tungsten Alloys via Mechanical Alloying and Low-Temperature Sintering
Authors: Chen Chun-Liang , Huang Fang-Yu , West Geoff
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the effects of nano-oxide dispersoids on microstructural evolution, phase formation, and mechanical properties of W-Mo-Ti alloys reinforced with AlCoCrFeNi2.1 during mechanical alloying. An EBSD/EDS analysis confirmed the formation of different phases, including the tungsten matrix, FCC reinforcement phase, Al2O3, and (Al,Cr) oxide. Y2O3 particles played a crucial role in refining the microstructure, promoting a uniform dispersion of the reinforcement phase and oxide particles in the tungsten model alloys. Mechanical testing demonstrates that the Y2O3-containing alloy exhibits improved hardness with prolonged milling, attributed to the refinement in the microstructure. In contrast, the Y2O3-free alloy shows reduced hardness due to the agglomeration of reinforcement phases surrounded by an (Al,Cr) oxide layer. The model tungsten alloys exhibit brittle behavior in compression tests, which can be attributed to the presence of (Al,Cr) oxide layers weakening the interfacial bonding and limiting plastic deformation.