bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Trends in Snake Venom-Loaded Nanobiosystems for Advanced Medical Applications: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Alves Álisson E. F. , Barros Anne B. C. , Silva Lindomara C. F. , Carvalho Lucas M. M. , Pereira Graziela M. A. , Uchôa Ana F. C. , Barbosa-Filho José M. , Silva Marcelo S. , Luna Karla P. O. , Soares Karla S. R. , Xavier-Júnior Francisco H.
Published: February 2025

Advances in medical nanobiotechnology have notably enhanced the application of snake venom toxins, facilitating the development of new therapies with animal-derived toxins. The vast diversity of snake species and their venom complexities underline the need for ongoing research. This review is dedicated to exploring the integration of snake venom with nanoparticles to enable their use in human therapies aiming to develop treatments. The complex mixture of snake venom not only inflicts significant pathological effects but also offers valuable insights for the creation of innovative therapies, particularly in the realm of nanobiotechnology. Nanoscale encapsulation not only mitigates the inherent toxicity of snake venom but also amplifies their antitumoral, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The synergy between venom-derived macromolecules and nanotechnology offers a novel pathway for augmenting the efficacy and safety of conventional antivenom therapies, extending their applicability beyond treating bites to potentially addressing a myriad of health issues. In conclusion, nanotechnology presents a compelling therapeutic frontier that promises to improve current treatment modalities and ameliorate the adverse effects associated with venomous snakebites.
The WRKY28-BRC1 Transcription Factor Module Controls Shoot Branching in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhang Ka , Zhang Jinfang , Cui Cheng , Chai Liang , Zheng Benchuan , Jiang Liangcai , Li Haojie
Published: February 2025

The trade-off between growth and defense is common in plants. We previously demonstrated that BnaA03.WRKY28 weakened resistance strength but promoted shoot branching in Brassica napus (rapeseed). However, the molecular mechanism by which WRKY28 promotes branching formation is still obscure. In this study, we found that BnaA01.BRC1, BnaC01.BRC1, and BnaC03.BRC1 are mainly expressed in the leaf axils and contained W-box cis-acting elements in the promoter regions. BnaA03.WRKY28 directly bound to the promoter regions of these three copies and inhibited their expression. The brc1 mutants, the BnaA01.BRC1, BnaC01.BRC1 BnaA03.BRC1 and BnaC03.BRC1 were simultaneously knocked out, mediated by CRISPR/Cas9, and exhibited excessive branching. The expression level of the ABA biosynthesis encoding gene NCED3 was significantly reduced in the mutant compared to that in the WT. Instead, the expression level of the ABA catabolism encoding gene CYP707A3 was significantly higher than that in WT. These results suggest that the excessive branching of the brc1 mutant may be caused by the release of ABA-mediated bud dormancy. This study provides direct evidence for the potential mechanism of the WRKY28-BRC1 transcription factor module contributing to shoot branching in rapeseed.
Sustainable Domestic Sewage Reclamation: Insights from Small Villages and Towns in Eastern China
Authors: Kang Ying , Ye Fangfang , Wu Zucheng , Wang Qiqiao , Yuan Yulan , Ye Dingxun
Published: February 2025

Domestic sewage pollution poses significant risks to human health and the ecological environment but sewage water is gradually recognized as a renewable water resource worldwide. To enhance water resource utilization and facilitate reclamation from domestic sewage, substantial global efforts have focused on developing systematic management strategies and advanced technologies for treatment and resource recovery. This study examines and presents the case of domestic sewage reclamation and water reuse in the rural Hangjiahu region, situated on the southern bank of Taihu Lake in Northern Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. It provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art technologies implemented in the region. In rural areas, sewage treatment is decentralized and involves two primary streams: one where urine is separately disinfected and sterilized, with feces processed into agricultural fertilizer; and another where greywater undergoes bio-composting and wetland treatment to produce recycled water. Additionally, natural rainwater is collected and stored in ponds, enhancing the region’s water resources. The results demonstrate that the integration of domestic sewage reclamation and rainwater storage has effectively mitigated the risks of flooding during rainy seasons and water shortages during droughts. Remarkably, no severe floods or droughts have occurred in the region since 1991, contrasting with historical records from 1909 to 1954, when such events were frequent. This study underscores the potential for replicating these approaches in other regions facing similar challenges.
Risk Analysis of Hydrogen Leakage at Hydrogen Producing and Refuelling Integrated Station
Authors: Qu Jiao , Zhou Ting , Zhao Huali , Deng Jun , Luo Zhenmin , Cheng Fangming , Wang Rong , Chen Yuhan , Shu Chimin
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen energy is considered the most promising clean energy in the 21st century, so hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) are crucial facilities for storage and supply. HRSs might experience hydrogen leakage (HL) incidents during their operation. Hydrogen-producing and refuelling integrated stations (HPRISs) could make thermal risks even more prominent than those of HRSs. Considering HL as the target in the HPRIS, through the method of fault tree analysis (FTA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the importance degree and probability importance were appraised to obtain indicators for the weight of accident level. In addition, the influence of HL from storage tanks under ambient wind conditions was analysed using the specific model. Based upon risk analysis of FTA, AHP, and ALOHA, preventive measures were obtained. Through an evaluation of importance degree and probability importance, it was concluded that misoperation, material ageing, inadequate maintenance, and improper design were four dominant factors contributing to accidents. Furthermore, four crucial factors contributing to accidents were identified by the analysis of the weight of the HL event with AHP: heat, misoperation, inadequate maintenance, and valve failure. Combining the causal analysis of FTA with the expert weights from AHP enables the identification of additional crucial factors in risk. The extent of the hazard increased with wind speed, and yet wind direction did not distinctly affect the extent of the risk. However, this did affect the direction in which the risk spreads. It is extremely vital to rationally plan upwind and downwind buildings or structures, equipment, and facilities. The available findings of the research could provide theoretical guidance for the applications and promotion of hydrogen energy in China, as well as for the proactive safety and feasible emergency management of HPRISs.
Effect of Collagen Peptide and Polysaccharide Combination on Astringency Elimination, Appearance, and Syneresis in Persimmon Paste
Authors: Tsurunaga Yoko
Published: February 2025

Astringency in persimmon fruit is often eliminated by treatment with gaseous carbon dioxide, dry ice, or alcohol. However, these methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and astringency may recur after heat treatment. In this study, a method for easily reducing astringency was investigated by taking advantage of the benefits of combining proteins and polysaccharides. In the first experiment, the protein materials with strong astringency-reducing effects were screened from among 15 protein-rich foods using astringent persimmon juice (APJ), and collagen peptides were found to be highly effective. However, syneresis was observed when 1% collagen peptide powder was added to the astringent persimmon paste (AP). Therefore, in the second experiment, 0.5% collagen peptides (protein) were applied to reduce heating-induced astringency and reversion and 0.5% polysaccharides (guar, and xanthan gums) to maintain color and suppress syneresis. The results demonstrate that the combination of collagen peptide and polysaccharides is optimal for removing astringency in persimmon, inhibiting its recurrence by heating, and maintaining product quality. The results of this study may reduce the labor required for the astringency removal process, broaden the uses of AP, and facilitate the effective utilization of discarded astringent persimmons that do not meet the standards.
Sustainable Utilization of Dredged Sediments and Water Treatment Sludges as Construction Materials Through Combined Dewatering and Cement Stabilization Techniques
Authors: Nontananandh Supakij , Khumsuprom Nattapas , Thongdetsri Thanet , Jotisankasa Apiniti , Chaiprakaikeow Susit , Inazumi Shinya
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the sustainable use of seabed dredged sediments and water treatment sludges as construction materials using combined dewatering and cement stabilization techniques. Dredged sediments and water treatment sludges, typically considered waste, were evaluated for their suitability in construction through a series of dewatering and stabilization processes. Dewatering significantly reduced the initial moisture content, while cement stabilization improved the mechanical properties, including strength and stiffness. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear modulus, and microstructural changes were evaluated using various analytical techniques, including unconfined compression testing, free–free resonance testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results show a direct correlation between reduced w/c ratios and increased UCS, confirming the potential of treated sludge as a subbase layer for roads and landfill liners. A chemical analysis revealed the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and ettringite, which are critical for strength enhancement. This approach not only mitigates the environmental issues associated with sludge disposal but also supports sustainable construction practices by reusing waste materials. This study concludes that cement-stabilized dredged sediments and water treatment sludges provide an environmentally friendly and effective alternative for use in civil engineering projects.
Absorbing Aerosol Effects on Hyperspectral Surface and Underwater UV Irradiances from OMI Measurements and Radiative Transfer Computations
Authors: Vasilkov Alexander , Krotkov Nickolay , Bandel Matthew , Jethva Hiren , Haffner David , Fasnacht Zachary , Torres Omar , Ahn Changwoo , Joiner Joanna
Published: February 2025

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation effects on Earth’s ecosystems on a global scale can be assessed on a basis of satellite estimates of hyperspectral irradiance on the surface and in ocean waters and the spectral biological weighting functions. The satellite UV surface irradiance algorithms combine satellite retrievals of extraterrestrial solar irradiance, cloud/surface reflectivity, aerosol optical depth, and total column ozone with radiative transfer computations. The assessment of in-water irradiance requires additional information on inherent optical properties (IOPs) of ocean water. Our Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) surface hyperspectral irradiance algorithm is updated by implementing a new absorbing aerosol correction based on OMI daily retrievals of UV aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD). To provide insight into the temporal and spatial variability of absorbing aerosols, we consider a monthly global AAOD climatology derived from the OMI UV aerosol algorithm. Hyperspectral underwater irradiance is computed using Hydrolight radiative transfer calculations along with a Case I water model of IOPs extended into UV. Both planar and scalar irradiances are computed on the Earth’s surface and propagated underwater. The output surface products include the UV index. The output underwater products include the hyperspectral diffuse attenuation coefficients of the planar and scalar irradiances. Effects of the seasonal variability of AAOD on the UV index and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage dose rates are considered. The reduction in the UV index and DNA damage dose rate due to the presence of absorbing aerosols can be as large as 30–40%.
A PUF-Based Secure Authentication and Key Agreement Scheme for the Internet of Drones
Authors: Choi Jihye , Son Seunghwan , Kwon Deokkyu , Park Youngho
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Drones (IoD) is an emerging industry that offers convenient services for humans due to the high mobility and flexibility of drones. The IoD substantially enhances human life by enabling diverse drone applications across various domains. However, a malicious adversary can attempt security attacks because communication within an IoD environment is conducted through public channels and because drones are vulnerable to physical attacks. In 2023, Sharma et al. proposed a physical unclonable function (PUF)-based authentication and key agreement (AKA) scheme for the IoD. Regrettably, we discover that their scheme cannot prevent impersonation, stolen verifier, and ephemeral secret leakage (ESL) attacks. Moreover, Sharma et al.’s scheme cannot preserve user untraceability and anonymity. In this paper, we propose a secure and lightweight AKA scheme which addresses the shortcomings of Sharma et al.’s scheme. The proposed scheme has resistance against diverse security attacks, including physical capture attacks on drones, by leveraging a PUF. Furthermore, we utilize lightweight operations such as hash function and XOR operation to accommodate the computational constraints of drones. The security of the proposed scheme is rigorously verified, utilizing “Burrows–Abadi–Needham (BAN) logic”, “Real-or-Random (ROR) model”, “Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Application (AVISPA)”, and informal analysis. Additionally, we compare the security properties, computational cost, communication cost, and energy consumption of the proposed scheme with other related works to evaluate performance. As a result, we determine that our scheme is efficient and well suited for the IoD.
Advancing Near-Infrared Probes for Enhanced Breast Cancer Assessment
Authors: Pouriayevali Mohammad , McWilliams Ryley , Bachar Avner , Atwal Parmveer , Ramaseshan Ramani , Golnaraghi Farid
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, emphasizing the critical need for early detection and monitoring techniques. Conventional imaging modalities such as mammography, MRI, and ultrasound have face sensitivity, specificity, cost, and patient comfort limitations. This study introduces a handheld Near-Infrared Diffuse Optical Tomography (NIR DOT) probe for breast cancer imaging. The NIRscan probe utilizes multi-wavelength light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a linear charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor to acquire real-time optical data, reconstructing cross-sectional images of breast tissue based on scattering and absorption coefficients. With wavelengths optimized for the differential optical properties of tissue components, the probe enables functional imaging, distinguishing between healthy and malignant tissues. Clinical evaluations have demonstrated its potential for precise tumor localization and monitoring therapeutic responses, achieving a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 84.2%. By incorporating machine learning algorithms and a modified diffusion equation (MDE), the system enhances the accuracy and speed of image reconstruction, supporting rapid, non-invasive diagnostics. This development represents a significant step forward in portable, cost-effective solutions for breast cancer detection, with potential applications in low-resource settings and diverse clinical environments.
Analysis of Fishery Policies in Xinjiang Using the Policy Modeling Consistency Index Model
Authors: He Mengyu , Zhang Yaoxin , Niu Xuanqi , Luan Zhiqiang
Published: February 2025

Objective: To reach the goal of basically realizing fishery modernization by 2035, a goal which aims to achieve sustainable growth, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (hereinafter referred to as Xinjiang), a representative region of inland fisheries, was selected as the research object. Method: Taking the Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) index model as a theoretical basis and using the Weiciyun word-frequency statistics tool, ten existing fishery policies were analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Result: In this study, we observed that (1) the existing fishery policies in Xinjiang have a certain degree of reasonableness; (2) area of research, implementation suggestions, policy evaluation, and policy disclosure provide an effective theoretical basis for the policy implementation process; and (3) poor performance in terms of policy timeliness, policy subject, policy nature, policy content, incentive mechanism, and constraints mechanism needs to be improved. Conclusion: Although the fishery policy shows its effectiveness, it still needs to be improved. Policy recommendations are as follows: (1) accelerate inter-regional coordination to ensure its long-term sustainable development; (2) deepen the scope of fishery policies and enhance the industry’s competitiveness; (3) promote the modernization of the fishery governance system; and (4) strengthen the education and publicity activities of fishery practitioners.
The Future of Wind Power Plants in Indonesia: Potential, Challenges, and Policies
Authors: Pambudi Nugroho Agung , Ulfa Desita Kamila , Nanda Iksan Riva , Gandidi Indra Mamad , Wiyono Apri , Biddinika Muhammad Kunta , Rudiyanto Bayu , Saw Lip Huat
Published: February 2025

Energy is one of the essential human needs that plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. Indonesia is among the countries that are highly focused on developing renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions. In addition, the government has launched various policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy, such as increased investment in biomass, geothermal, and solar power generation. Wind energy stands out as a sufficient, widely available, and an environmentally friendly alternative in renewable energy. In 2021, the Indonesian Energy Outlook highlights that Indonesia has an energy potential of 154.9 gigawatts (GWs). It is associated with minimal emissions of greenhouse gases during its operation and does not demand vast tracts of land. However, the actual installed capacity of wind power plants is at a modest 157.41 megawatts (MWs). Meanwhile, the targeted capacity is 255 MWs for 2025. One significant factor contributing to this lower-than-expected capacity is a lack of in-depth research into the potential of wind energy. Consequently, the primary aim of this paper is to conduct a thorough examination of the wind energy potential in Indonesia. This includes an analysis of the current state of both existing and upcoming power plants, as well as a review of recent studies conducted by Indonesian researchers on wind turbines. Furthermore, this paper explores the government program to encourage the sustainable development of wind power plants. It also explains various aspects including the untapped wind energy potential, the interference in developing wind power plants, and the strategy to harness the full potential of abundant renewable resources in Indonesia. Through an in-depth investigation of the potential of wind energy, this review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current conditions and prospects of wind power plants in Indonesia as well as contribute to a more accurate mapping of wind energy potential and more targeted development, specifically in remote areas, outer islands, and borders. The results obtained are expected to support Indonesia’s energy transition toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
An Evaluation of China’s Basic Pension Insurance Benefit Adjustment Policy to Ensure Sustainability, Guarantee, and Fairness
Authors: Yin Xingmin , Xia Haitao , Zheng Xiaochen
Published: February 2025

Pension benefit adjustment is an effective measure to ensure the basic living standards of retirees, improve people’s livelihood, and maintain social harmony and stability. This study uses the entropy weight TOPSIS method to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of pension benefit adjustment policy in 31 provinces in China from three dimensions of sustainability, guarantee, and fairness. The Dagum Gini coefficient is used to analyze the pension benefit adjustment effects in China’s four major regions and the sources of differences among the three subsystems. Finally, the dynamic evolution of the effect of pension benefit adjustment was analyzed using kernel density estimation. The following conclusions were achieved: (1) Sustainability indicator scores are declining, while guarantee and fairness indicator scores are both on the rise, indicating that provinces are placing greater emphasis on fairness and ensuring the basic living standards of retirees in pension benefit adjustments; (2) The overall variation in the impact of pension benefit adjustments is decreasing, with regional disparities being the primary source of overall variance; (3) Pension benefits in the eastern region have increased significantly, while there are significant variations among provinces in the central and western regions. The adjustment effect for pension benefits in the northeastern region is poor and requires further enhancement. These findings provide valuable policy basis for achieving the sustainability, guarantee, and fairness of pension funds.
A Comprehensive Model of Green Brand Assessment in the IT Industry
Authors: Nan Ligia Maria , Pacurariu Roxana Lavinia , Lakatos Elena Simina , Bacali Laura , Hoinaru Răzvan , Cioca Lucian-Ionel
Published: February 2025

This study explores the ways we can evaluate green brands in the IT industry. It is important to have a method to assess the impact that these companies have on the environment and on ourselves. The model aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation framework, contributing to long-term value creation by aligning brand performance with sustainability and responsible practices. For this study, we will assess both financial indicators, such as the economic growth and economic efficiency of the brand, and non-financial indicators that deal with the environmental and social metrics. The proposed evaluation method is based on data collected through studies and literature reviews and through exploratory research, by applying a questionnaire. The study also examined key factors like energy efficiency, e-waste management, and environmental certifications. The analysis demonstrated the necessity for IT green brands to be evaluated, to have their environmental impact measured and assessed by a scoring system. Return on Green Equity (ROGE) and Return on Green Investment (GROI) are the indicators used with their corresponding mathematical formulas. The promotion of environmentally sustainable procedures for IT brands is the main goal as an evaluation model, more specifically, to distribute information to stakeholders and at the same time to support them in the transition towards efficient and sustainable production and consumption patterns. This study provides a structured framework for assessing the impact of green brands within the IT industry, using specific mathematical formulas. These indicators can influence consumer purchasing behavior, resulting in the development of a green and sustainable market, also encompassing macroeconomic impacts through changing buyer behavior.
A Robust Recommender System Against Adversarial and Shilling Attacks Using Diffusion Networks and Self-Adaptive Learning
Authors: Alhwayzee Ali , Araban Saeed , Zabihzadeh Davood
Published: February 2025

Shilling and adversarial attacks are two main types of attacks against recommender systems (RSs). In modern RSs, existing defense methods are hindered by the following two challenges: (1) the diversity of RSs’ information sources beyond the interaction matrix, such as user comments, textual data, and visual information; and (2) most defense methods are robust only against specific types of adversarial attacks. Ensuring the robustness of RSs against new adversarial attacks across different data sources remains an open problem. To address this problem, we propose a novel method that unifies adversarial attack detection, purification, and fake user detection in RSs by utilizing a guided diffusion adversarial purification network and a self-adaptive training technique. Our approach aims to simultaneously handle both known and unknown adversarial attacks on RSs’ inputs and outputs. We conducted extensive experiments on three large-scale datasets to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results confirm that our method can effectively eliminate adversarial perturbations on images and textual content within RSs, surpassing state-of-the-art methods by a significant margin. Moreover, it achieved the best results in three out of five evaluated shilling attack types. Finally, for attacks with realistic magnitudes, it can maintain baseline performance levels even when multiple attacks are applied simultaneously.
A GraphKAN-Based Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Method of Rolling Bearing Under Variable Working Conditions
Authors: Liu Ye , Xu Yanhe , Liu Jie , Qin Hui , Niu Xinqiang
Published: February 2025

Unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) can effectively address the two main drawbacks of transfer learning: the requirement of a large number of samples collected from different working conditions, and the inherent defects of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In the realm of UDA, it is essential to leverage three types of information: class labels, domain specifications, and data organization. These components play a vital role in linking the source domain with the target domain. A technique aimed at identifying issues in rolling bearings is presented, employing an integration of CNN-KAN and GraphKAN structures to support the UDA methodology. A cohesive deep learning architecture is employed to represent the three types of information involved in UDA. The initial two types of information are represented through the roles of classifier and domain discriminator. To begin with, an architecture leveraging CNN-KAN is employed to extract features from the incoming signals. Following this, the features obtained from the CNN-KAN architecture are input into a specially developed graph creation layer that constructs instance graphs by analyzing the relationships among the structural characteristics found within the samples. In the following step, an innovative GraphKAN model is applied to illustrate the instance graphs, concurrently employing CORrelation ALignment (CORAL) loss to assess the structural discrepancies among instance graphs from different domains. Results from experiments conducted on two separate datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework surpasses alternative approaches and successfully recognizes transferable characteristics that are advantageous for domain adaptation.
Seasonal and Meteorological Drivers of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreaks Using Data-Driven Machine Learning Models
Authors: Lonlab Pakorn , Anupong Suparinthon , Jainonthee Chalita , Chadsuthi Sudarat
Published: February 2025

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) predominantly affects children under the age of five and remains a significant public health concern in the Asia-Pacific region. HFMD outbreaks are closely linked to seasonal changes and meteorological factors, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. In Thailand, a total of 657,570 HFMD cases were reported between 2011 and 2022 (12 years). This study aimed to identify the high- and low-risk HFMD outbreak areas using machine learning models: Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forests (RF), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Our findings showed that the XGBoost model outperformed the other models in predicting unseen data and defining the best model. The best model can be used to detect high-risk outbreak areas and to explore the relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD outbreaks. The results highlighted the seasonal distribution of high-risk HFMD outbreak months across different provinces in Thailand, with average maximum temperature, average rainfall, and average vapor pressure identified as the most influential factors. Furthermore, the best model was used to analyze HFMD outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a notable reduction in high-risk outbreak months and areas, likely due to the control measures implemented during this period. Overall, our model shows great potential as a tool for warnings, providing useful insights to help public health officials reduce the impact of HFMD outbreaks.
Gauge-Invariant Perturbation Theory on the Schwarzschild Background Spacetime: Part III—Realization of Exact Solutions
Authors: Nakamura Kouji
Published: February 2025

This is the Part III paper of our series of papers on a gauge-invariant perturbation theory on the Schwarzschild background spacetime. After reviewing our general framework for the gauge-invariant perturbation theory and the proposal for gauge-invariant treatments of l=0,1 mode perturbations on the Schwarzschild background spacetime in the Part I paper, we examine the problem of whether the l=0,1 even-mode solutions derived in the Part II paper are physically reasonable. We consider the linearized versions of the Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi solution and the non-rotating C-metric. As a result, we show that our derived even-mode solutions to the linearized Einstein equations realize these two linearized solutions. This supports the conclusion that our derived solutions are physically reasonable, which implies that our proposal for gauge-invariant treatments of l=0,1 mode perturbations is also physically reasonable. We also briefly summarize the conclusions of our series of papers.
CityTime: A Novel Model to Redefine the 15-Minute City Globally Through Urban Diversity and Proximity
Authors: Biraghi Carlo Andrea , Ogut Ozge , Dong Tao , Tadi Massimo
Published: February 2025

The “15-minute city” (15minC) model has gained global attention as a framework for promoting walkability and sustainable urban mobility. While its adoption has grown, challenges remain in adapting the model to diverse urban contexts worldwide. This paper critically examines the 15minC model, its theoretical limitations, and the need for more context- and user-based approaches to ensure sustainable urban mobility and well-being outcomes across varying morphological, climatic, and cultural settings. The article then introduces the concept of CityTime, which redefines proximity as borderless and adaptable, measuring the minutes needed to walk to customizable ecosystems of urban functions. Using a GIS-based approach, it evaluates the accessibility of points of interest (POIs) to balance their quantitative (proximity) and qualitative (diversity) distribution, proposing new metrics. The approach is tested in Dakar, Rio de Janeiro, and Milan—cities that vary significantly in size, density, and geographic location, representing both the Global North and Global South. Within each city, three distinct areas are selected using a multidimensional clustering method based on POI distributions. These case studies demonstrate the flexibility of CityTime across diverse morphological and socio-economic conditions and its potential to democratize the 15minC ideals, creating more equitable and context-sensitive urban environments globally.
In Vitro Evaluation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Involvement in Feline Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Del Sorbo Luca , Giugliano Rosa , Cerracchio Claudia , Iovane Valentina , Salvatore Maria Michela , Serra Francesco , Amoroso Maria Grazia , Pellegrini Francesco , Levante Martina , Capozza Paolo , Diakoudi Georgia , Galdiero Massimiliano , Fusco Giovanna , Pratelli Annamaria , Andolfi Anna , Fiorito Filomena
Published: February 2025

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is an alphacoronavirus (αCoV) that causes moderate or chronic asymptomatic infection in cats. However, in a single infected cat, FCoV can modify its cellular tropism by acquiring the ability to infect macrophages, resulting in the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In this context, to restrain the impact of FCoV infection, scientific research has focused attention on the development of antiviral therapies involving novel mechanisms of action. Recent studies have demonstrated that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling regulates the host response to different human and animal CoVs. Hence, the mechanism of action of AhR was evaluated upon FCoV infection in Crandell Feline Kidney (CRFK) and in canine fibrosarcoma (A72) cells. Following infection with feline enteric CoV (FECV), strain “München”, a significant activation of AhR and of its target CYP1A1, was observed. The selective AhR antagonist CH223191 provoked a reduction in FCoV replication and in the levels of viral nucleocapsid protein (NP). Furthermore, the effect of the AhR inhibitor on the acidity of lysosomes in infected cells was observed. Our findings indicate that FCoV acts on viral replication that upregulates AhR. CH223191 repressed virus yield through the inhibition of AhR. In this respect, for counteracting FCoV, AhR represents a new target useful for identifying antiviral drugs. Moreover, in the presence of CH223191, the alkalinization of lysosomes in FCoV-infected CRFK cells was detected, outlining their involvement in antiviral activity.
Determinación de calidad del agua por bioindicadores en el río Machángara, Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Clavijo Patricio , Jara Melany , Molina Kerly , Manzaba Roxana
Published: February 2025

El río Machángara, principal recurso hídrico del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, enfrenta una grave contaminación debido a descargas de aguas residuales, desechos sólidos y actividades humanas no reguladas. Este estudio se justifica por la necesidad de evaluar la calidad de agua y proporcionar información clave para la toma de decisiones ambientales. Tiene como finalidad determinar la calidad del agua a través de bioindicadores (macroinvertebrados) y análisis físico-químicos y microbiológicos, aplicando índices biológicos como BMWP/Col, Índice Biológico Andino, Índice EPT, Shannon-Weaver e ICA-NSF. La metodología incluyó muestreos en tres puntos estratégicos del río (La Recoleta, El Rosario y El Guabo) durante tres meses, utilizando herramientas como guías taxonómicas, GPS y análisis de laboratorio. Los resultados revelaron que la calidad del agua es crítica en La Recoleta y El Guabo, y pésima en El Rosario, con altos niveles de coliformes fecales y oxígeno disuelto insuficiente, superando los límites establecidos por las normativas ambientales. El índice Shannon-Weaver mostró una diversidad media, mientras que los índices biológicos indicaron una calidad de agua deficiente en todos los puntos. Se concluye que la calidad del agua del río Machángara presenta un estado crítico debido a la falta de tratamiento de aguas residuales y la acumulación de desechos sólidos. Este deterioro resalta la urgencia de implementar estrategias integrales de remediación y restauración ambiental, así como de establecer políticas públicas efectivas para mitigar la contaminación y garantizar la protección de este recurso vital para las comunidades que dependen de él.
Desvendando a violência autoprovocada: um estudo epidemiológico no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Aguiar Mateus da Silva , Brito Paulo Jesus de , Arantes Marcella Gonçalves , Noleto Guilherme Emanoel Rossendy , Senna André Machado de
Published: February 2025

Introdução: A violência autoprovocada é um fenômeno de grande relevância para a saúde pública por estar presente em todos os ciclos de vida. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico da morbimortalidade por violência autoprovocada na população brasileira no período de 2019 a 2022. Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico quantitativo utilizando informações do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação e do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, de notificações dos casos e óbitos de violência autoprovocada, calculou-se as taxas de incidência e mortalidade. Resultados: Durante 2019-2022, a incidência de violência autoprovocada foi mais comum no Sul, afetando mais mulheres do que homens. Houve queda em 2020 devido à pandemia e aumento em 2021, exceto para adultos acima de 50 anos no Sul. Já em relação a mortalidade, foi mais comum em homens. Em 2020 houve redução da mortalidade de homens, já em 2022 houve redução na taxa de mortalidade para mulheres. Conclusão: Com base nos resultados apresentados, é evidente que a violência autoprovocada representa um desafio significativo para a saúde pública no Brasil. Ao longo dos anos estudados, observou-se um aumento tanto na incidência quanto na mortalidade por esse tipo de violência, com variações regionais notáveis.
Doença inflamatória intestinal na infância: um relato de caso
Authors: Piovesana Rebecca Raíssa , Corrêa Ludmyla Milani , Sepe Eduarda Pedrino , Semensato Camila Marin , Rizzo André Lanza
Published: February 2025

Introdução: A Doença Inflamatória Intestinal de início precoce (VEO-DII) apresenta-se antes dos 6 anos de idade, desencadeando processo inflamatório crônico no trato gastrointestinal. Dado seu início precoce, o diagnóstico torna-se difícil. Objetivo: Relatar as dificuldades do manejo de um paciente de 2 anos e 4 meses portador de DII. Relato do caso: Paciente apresentava sangramentos, dificuldade de ganho de peso, úlceras perianais, internações frequentes, atraso dos marcos de desenvolvimento e anemia. Iniciou-se investigação diagnóstica, concluindo se tratar de doença de Crohn. Assim, iniciou tratamento com prednisolona, sem sucesso. Então, foi associado infliximabe para otimização terapêutica. A criança encontra-se na 6 semana do tratamento e apresentou melhora apenas no ganho de peso. Discussão: A incidência de DII na infância apresenta-se em ascensão. Os sintomas são inespecifícos. Diagnóstico é realizado por avaliação clínica associada a testes, após a exclusão de doenças com sintomas semelhantes. O tratamento é complexo, já que as VEO-DII apresentam resistência ao tratamento convencional. As consequências de um diagnóstico tardio ou de um tratamento inadequado são de extrema importância, já que pode resultar em um grande impacto no desenvolvimento da criança. Conclusão: Por ser uma condição rara, é importante o conhecimento médico acerca das DII na infância para a constituição do diagnóstico. Uma possível DII deve ser avaliada levando em consideração exame físico, marcadores inflamatórios e por vezes testes genéticos. O tratamento nessa faixa etária é multidisciplinar e envolve condutas não só clínicas, mas em alguns casos intervenções cirúrgicas.
Produtos naturais em odontologia: o futuro da terapia oral sustentável
Authors: Vaculik Patricia Alejandra , Alcorta Florencia Alejandra , Lozina Laura Analia
Published: February 2025

A odontologia moderna, baseada em evidências científicas, destaca a importância da integração de produtos naturais como alternativas terapêuticas para tratar doenças bucais prevalentes, como cárie dentária e gengivite. Os enxaguatórios bucais à base de ingredientes naturais provaram ser ferramentas eficazes na eliminação de biofilmes orais. Estes produtos, ricos em compostos bioativos como flavonóides, taninos e terpenos, possuem propriedades antimicrobianas, anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes que complementam os tratamentos convencionais, reduzindo a dependência de agentes químicos sintéticos e contribuindo para a mitigação da resistência antimicrobiana. Estudos recentes têm demonstrado o potencial das plantas medicinais, cujos extratos têm demonstrado efeitos significativos nos microrganismos associados ao biofilme oral e na modulação das respostas imunes. Da mesma forma, a investigação sobre fitobióticos na produção animal reforça a viabilidade de alternativas naturais com efeitos benéficos tanto para a saúde humana como para a sustentabilidade. A escovação dentária continua sendo o principal método para remoção mecânica de biofilme; Porém, os enxaguantes bucais naturais destacam-se como adjuvantes essenciais, principalmente em áreas de difícil acesso. Além de controlar a formação de biofilme, esses produtos oferecem benefícios adicionais como remineralização do esmalte, redução da halitose e propriedades antiinflamatórias. A implementação de enxaguatórios bucais naturais representa uma abordagem inovadora e ecológica na odontologia, destacando a necessidade de continuar pesquisando e desenvolvendo formulações baseadas em princípios ativos naturais para melhorar a saúde bucal de forma abrangente e sustentável.
Dissecção aórtica: uma revisão da epidemiologia, classificações, fatores de risco, sintomas, diagnóstico e tratamento
Authors: Cruz Jhonatas Emílio Ribeiro da , Cruz Maicon Felipe Ribeiro da , Pereira Matheus Martins , Silva João Victor Nunes
Published: February 2025

Introdução: A dissecção aguda da aorta (DAA) é uma emergência médica rara, mas potencialmente fatal, com taxa de letalidade de 1 a 2% por hora após o início dos sintomas em pacientes não tratados. Portanto, seu diagnóstico rápido é vital para aumentar a chance de sobrevivência do paciente e prevenir complicações graves; Objetivo: esta revisão busca fornecer um resumo da epidemiologia da DAA, além disso, documentar informações sobre a classificações, fatores de risco, sintomas, diagnóstico e formas de tratamento atualizadas desta doença; Metodologia: Uma busca sistemática da literatura foi realizada usando os bancos de dados eletrônicos de 2013 até dezembro de 2023. Utilizou-se os operadores booleanos “and”, “or” ou/e “not” nas bases de acesso das plataformas PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, EBSCO e Bireme. Dos 37 títulos identificados pela busca, 20 estavam adequados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão; Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que sua incidência é de cerca de 2,6-3,6 casos por 100.000/ano. Dependendo do local da ruptura, a DAA é classificada como Stanford-A quando o trato torácico aórtico ascendente e/ou o arco estão envolvidos, e Stanford-B quando o alvo é a aorta torácica descendente e/ou o trato abdominal aórtico. Idade avançada, sexo masculino, história de hipertensão arterial e aneurisma de aorta conferem maior risco populacional atribuível. No entanto, pacientes com doenças genéticas do tecido conjuntivo, como síndrome de Marfan, Loeys Dietz, e pacientes com válvulas aórticas bicúspides apresentam risco aumentado de DAA em idades muito mais jovens. Os sintomas típicos da dissecção aórtica aguda incluem dor torácica súbita e intensa, hipotensão ou síncope e, portanto, simulam infarto agudo do miocárdio ou embolia pulmonar. A tomografia computadorizada com contraste (TC) é atualmente o estudo diagnóstico mais utilizado para detectar DAA e deve ser obtida em qualquer paciente com dor torácica e diagnóstico incerto.  É altamente sensível e específico para dissecção. O tratamento da dissecção do tipo A envolve o rápido controle da pressão arterial, com agentes betabloqueadores intravenosos. A redução da pós-carga é obtida com nitroprussiato de sódio. Os pacientes com dissecção do tipo B são tratados com endopróteses. Esse procedimento tem sido associado a menor morbimortalidade operatória do que o reparo aberto; Conclusões: A DAA é uma emergência altamente fatal na qual a intervenção médica imediata é de suma importância. Em termos de tratamento, as tendências recentes mostram uma adoção crescente de abordagens endovasculares, que prometem melhorar os resultados dos pacientes.
Aqueous babassu extract limits IL-6 and TNF-α expression on indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in rats
Authors: Loureiro Vanisse Portela Ramos Bulcao , Cavalcante Tiago Rodrigues , Domingues Gerson Ricardo de Sousa , Camara Marcos Bispo Pinhiero , Filho Sebastião Barreto de Brito
Published: February 2025

In addition to previously been used with therapeutic purposes among traditional population in the northeast of Brazil, the pharmacologic properties of babassu (Orbignya Phalerata) have already been shown in many studies through the last thirty years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of babassu extract on prevent inflammatory response in Wistar rats’ gastric tissue, exposed to Indomethacin, against positive and negative control. The animals were distributed in three groups of five rats each. Group I received the babassu extract, Group II received omeprazole, as positive control, and Group III received distilled water, as negative control. Those three substances were administrated by intragastric gavage. 24 hours after the ulcer induction, with intragastric indomethacin, blood samples were collected, and total gastrectomy was performed. The gastric samples were rinsed with 0,9% saline, then gastric lavage and gastric tissue were systematic analyzed. The parameter for evaluation were presence or absence of Inflammation, Necrosis, Fibrosis, Reepithelization, Neocapillary and Ulcer extension on histologic analysis of the gastric sample, as well as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in gastric lavage and plasma. The histologic assessment has found significantly higher signals of tissue damage, in number, on distilled water group when compared with Babassu group and Omeprazole. The gastric lavage analysis has also shown significant statistically higher concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in gastric lavage(p=0,032) in negative control group than in both Babassu and Omeprazole groups. Finally, this study has found that Aqueous Babassu Extract has the property of prevent gastric damage tissue in rats exposed to indomethacin, such property was found to be equivalent to the Omeprazole property, the establish pharmaceutical treatment for preventing PUD.
Implementação de um protocolo de jejum pré-operatório em uma unidade de cirurgia vascular
Authors: Gonçalves Lays Emanuelle de França , Lourenço Maria Leilah Monte Coelho , Mendes Islanne Leal , Lima Amanda Vieira , Grun Patricia Narguis , Neto Jaime Conrado Aragão , Fontenele Ingrid Saldanha , Ripardo Katharyna Khauane Brandão
Published: February 2025

Introdução:A abreviação de jejum pré-operatório é uma prática de grande importância na preparação de pacientes para procedimentos cirúrgicos, incluindo cirurgias vasculares. Objetivo: Avaliar a implementação do protocolo de jejum em pacientes no pré-operatório de cirurgia vascular e os avanços na prática perioperatória. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, documental, elaborado por meio de dados coletados dos relatórios das atividades desenvolvidas pela equipe multiprofissional em um hospital referência da região Nordeste no Brasil. Resultados e discussão:Foi observado que, antes da implementação do protocolo de jejum, aproximadamente 60% dos pacientes internados na clínicade cirurgia vascular eram submetidos a mais de 12 horas de jejum. Tal prática impacta de forma negativa na experiência hospitalar do paciente, no estado nutricional, no desfecho clinico,aumentando os riscos de hipoglicemia e de desistência de permanência no tratamento hospitalar. Assim, foi realizado a implementação de um protocolo de jejum. Houve um treinamento pelo nutricionista responsável para aequipe multidisciplinar envolvendo os profissionais médicos vasculares, anestesistas, enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem e copeiros hospitalares. Após um mês de implementação foi observado uma redução do tempo de jejum e um melhor aporte nutricional e psicológico aos pacientes internados.Conclusão: O tempo de jejum adequado para a realização de cirurgia, exame, procedimentos ou por outra necessidade do paciente, é crucial para evitar o catabolismo orgânico do paciente,fornece suporte para reestabelecimento da saúde, além de impactar positivamente na saúde psicológica do paciente, pois sabe-se que o ato de alimentar é confortante.