bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Navigation Algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Based on Linear Kalman Filter, Thrust Model, and Propeller Tachometer
Authors: Zhang Haosu , Cai Yueying , Yue Jin , Mu Wei , Zhou Shiyin , Jin Defei , Xu Lingji
Published: February 2025

For the purpose of reducing the cost, size, and weight of the integrated navigation system of an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle), and improving the stealth of this system, an integrated navigation algorithm based on a propeller tachometer is proposed. The algorithm consists of five steps: ① establishing the resistance model of AUV, ② establishing the thrust model, ③ utilizing the measured speeds obtained from the AUV’s voyage trials for calibration, ④ discrimination and replacement of outliers from the tachometer measurements, and ⑤ establishing a linear Kalman filter (LKF) with water currents as state variables. This paper provides the modeling procedure, formula derivations, model parameters, and algorithm process, etc. Through research and analysis, the proposed algorithm’s accuracy has been improved. The specific values of the localization error are detailed in the main text. Therefore, the proposed algorithm has high accuracy, a strong anti-interference capability, and good robustness. Moreover, it exhibits certain adaptability to complex environments and value for practical engineering.
Contribution of Neuromuscular Junction Degradation to Muscle Decline in Burn Patients
Authors: Khan Imran Muhammad , Javed Mashal , Zuhra Hina , Qaisar Rizwan
Published: February 2025

Burn injuries cause severe muscle wasting and weakness. However, the relative contribution of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degradation remains elusive. We investigated the associations of plasma c-terminal agrin fragment-22 (CAF22), a marker of NMJ degradation, with muscle decline in burn patients. We recruited male patients with burns (n = 32, age = 32.3 ± 4.5 years, percent burn area = 15.2 ± 2.3) and age-matched controls to evaluate handgrip strength (HGS), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), phase angle, and creatine kinase and plasma levels of CAF22, c-reactive protein, and 8-isoprostanes. We used an unpaired t-test and regression analysis for statistics. The burn patients had lower HGS, SMI, and phase angle than the controls (all p < 0.05). These patients also exhibited higher plasma CAF22, CRP, 8-isoprostanes, and creatine kinase than the controls (all p < 0.05), suggesting NMJ degradation and heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations of plasma CAF22 with HGS and phase angle in the burn patients, suggesting the potential contributions of NMJ degradation to muscle weakness and atrophy (both p < 0.05). We also found correlations of plasma CRP with HGS and phase angle in these patients (both p < 0.05). Altogether, NMJ degradation appears to play a significant role in burn-induced muscle injury and may warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic interventions.
Nexus Between Green Financing and Carbon Emissions: Does Increased Environmental Expenditure Enhance the Effectiveness of Green Finance in Reducing Carbon Emissions?
Authors: Muchiri Martin Kamau , Erdei-Gally Szilvia , Fekete-Farkas Maria
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the nexus between green financing (GB) and carbon emissions across 29 countries distributed worldwide with full data on green financing measured as the sum of bonds issued for the period 2018–2021. GDP per capita, population, and environmental expenditure (EP) are used as control variables in the study. An interaction term between GB and EP is also included in the study. This study utilized the Panel Robust Fixed Effect Model (PRFEM) to investigate the nexus between green financing and carbon emissions and how EP enhances the effectiveness of green financing in reducing carbon emissions. The study concludes that green finance is effective in reducing carbon emissions; this relationship remains the same regardless of country-specific factors such as the GDP per capita, EP, and population. Increases in environmental protection (EP) expenditure promote the effectiveness of green financing in reducing carbon emissions. This study recommends policies that promote the green transition including tax exemptions for investors in green bonds, the enactment of rules and regulations that require companies and institutions to provide information about their green projects, and lastly, the establishment of standards that help in measuring the impacts of the projects that are being funded through green bonds. The synergic potential between EP and green financing justifies the need for policies supporting the collaboration of public and private collaboration in attracting green capital flows from the private sectors. By enhancing the green bond market, these steps will contribute toward realizing low carbon economy goals by channeling funds to sustainable and environmentally friendly projects.
Expression of Tribbles Pseudokinase 3 in Prostate Cancers and Its Roles in Cell Cycle Regulation
Authors: Adom Djamilatou , Wang Jiuhui , Wang Man-Tzu , Nie Daotai
Published: February 2025

Tribbles Pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) is a negative regulator of cellular signaling, particularly the PI3K-Akt and NF-κB pathways. Aberrant TRIB3 expressions have been reported in a number of cancers, but its role in tumor growth and progression remains controversial since both oncogenic and tumor suppressive activities have been reported. The goal of this study is to understand the roles of TRIB3 in prostate cancers through bioinformatic queries of public databases and experimental evaluations through gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches. Here we report that there was increased TRIB3 gene expression with a Z-score over 2, relative to normal samples, in 26% of prostate cancers. Increased TRIB3 expression was associated with increased mutation counts and aneuploidy scores of prostate cancers. Increased TRIB3 expression was also associated with reduced progression-free or disease-free survival of prostate cancer patients. However, our experiments found that increased TRIB3 expression actually had an antiproliferative effect and increased cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Depletion of the endogenous TRIB3 expression enhanced cell proliferation and reduced the level of Cdc25C phosphatase. Our results suggest that although TRIB3 expression was increased in prostate cancers in association with increased genomic instabilities, TRIB3 actually promoted cell cycle arrest and reduced tumor cell proliferation.
Land Cover Transformations in Mining-Influenced Areas Using PlanetScope Imagery, Spectral Indices, and Machine Learning: A Case Study in the Hinterlands de Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Pacheco Admilson da Penha , Nascimento João Alexandre Silva do , Ruiz-Armenteros Antonio Miguel , da Silva Junior Ubiratan Joaquim , Junior Juarez Antonio da Silva , de Oliveira Leidjane Maria Maciel , Melo dos Santos Sylvana , Filho Fernando Dacal Reis , Pessoa Mello Galdino Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2025

The uncontrolled expansion of mining activities has caused severe environmental impacts in semi-arid regions, endangering fragile ecosystems and water resources. This study aimed to propose a decision-making model to identify land use and land cover changes in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil, caused by mining through a spatiotemporal analysis using high-resolution images from the PlanetScope satellite constellation. The methodology consisted of monitoring and evaluating environmental impacts using the k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) algorithm, spectral indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI)), and hydrological data, covering the period from 2018 to 2023. As a result, a 3.28% reduction in vegetated areas and a 6.62% increase in urban areas were identified over five years, suggesting landscape transformation, possibly influenced by the expansion of mining and development activities. The application of kNN yielded an Overall Accuracy (OA) greater than 99% and a Kappa index of 0.98, demonstrating the effectiveness of the adopted methodology. However, challenges were encountered in distinguishing between constructions and bare soil, with the Jeffries–Matusita distance (JMD) analysis indicating a value below 0.34, while the similarity between water and vegetation highlights the need for more comprehensive training data. The results indicated that between 2018 and 2023, there was a marked degradation of vegetation and a significant increase in built-up areas, especially near water bodies. This trend reflects the intense human intervention in the region and reinforces the need for public policies aimed at mitigating these impacts, as well as promoting environmental recovery in the affected areas. This approach proves the potential of remote sensing and machine learning techniques to effectively monitor environmental changes, reinforcing strategies for sustainable management in mining areas.
State of the Art of Digital Twins in Improving Supply Chain Resilience
Authors: Roman Eugenia-Alina , Stere Armand-Serban , Roșca Eugen , Radu Adriana-Valentina , Codroiu Denis , Anamaria Ilie
Published: February 2025

Background: In today’s complex and rapidly changing global markets, supply chain resilience (SCR) has become critical for businesses aiming to maintain continuity and competitive advantage. Disruptions and challenges in the supply chain will always exist; therefore, preparing in advance and improving resilience for the upcoming consequences should be the utmost important goal. Methods: Digital twins (DTs) provide a comprehensive view of product performance, enabling companies to adopt an end-to-end approach to product management. To maximize product and service value, supply chains must also be managed holistically. Results: Therefore, companies will need smarter strategies to balance inventory costs, availability and lead times. The optimal setup of suppliers, manufacturing, logistics and stock locations will ensure high service levels and meet customer expectations. Additionally, supply chains must be resilient, and capable of maintaining performance during disruptions and adapting to demand changes. Conclusions: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the state of the art in digital twin applications within supply chains, focusing on their role in improving visibility, agility and decision-making. This paper explores how digital twins might integrate with emerging technologies such as IoT, AI and blockchain, fostering a more adaptive and robust supply chain ecosystem.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Thermal Stability of a Cycloid Speed Reducer
Authors: Vasić Milan , Blagojević Mirko , Banić Milan , Maccioni Lorenzo , Concli Franco
Published: February 2025

High-precision drives are essential for ensuring accuracy and repeatability in positioning systems within robotics and industrial automation. Among these, cycloidal reducers are widely utilized due to their ability to deliver a high transmission ratio alongside high power density. However, compact designs often face challenges such as elevated operating temperatures caused by limited heat dissipation areas, making it crucial to assess thermal stability within the design process. While engineering practice typically determines the thermal stability of gear drives using ISO/TR 14179-2:2001, no specific methodologies have yet been developed for cycloidal reducers. To address this gap, this paper presents a novel mathematical model fine-tuned to quantify power dissipation and predict lubricant stabilization temperatures under varying operating conditions. The model employs a global energy balance approach, correlating total power losses with the heat dissipated from the reducer to the environment. Moreover, in this study, an experimental campaign was carried out to monitor the thermal behaviour of a cycloidal reducer under various operating conditions in terms of speed and transmitted torque. This was achieved through the analysis of images collected with an infrared thermal camera, both during the transient phase and under steady-state thermal conditions. The results demonstrate good alignment with experimental findings, although further refinements are required to develop specialized tools for cycloidal drives. Additional contributions of the present paper include the understanding of the time required to achieve thermal stability, as well as insights into heat generation and propagation. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, this work also provides valuable practical guidance for engineering applications.
Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Wear Potential of Hybrid Ceramic to Tooth Enamel
Authors: da Silva Pollyanna Nogueira Ferreira , Costa Fernanda Calvo , Silva Célio dos Santos , Barcellos Maria Carolina , Manea Sílvio , Gonçalez Odair Lellis , Jardim Vitor Ribeiro , Martins Gislene Valdete , Lima Nelson , Found Anelyse Arata , De Souza Grace Mendonca , Tango Rubens Nisie
Published: February 2025

Hybrid ceramics exhibit low wear on antagonist tooth enamel, which may positively impact the oral rehabilitation of head-and-neck irradiated patients who experience alterations in tooth microstructure and wear resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the wear resistance of hybrid ceramics after gamma radiation exposure in contact with irradiated tooth enamel, as well as their mechanical and chemical properties. Notably, no previous studies focusing on the effects of radiation on hybrid ceramics were found in the literature. Vita Enamic discs and tooth fragments were subjected to daily doses of 2 Gy, totaling 0, 20, 40, 50, 60, and 70 Gy. The wear resistance of hybrid ceramics and a ceramic enamel analog (steatite) was tested against tooth enamel using a chewing simulation machine. Hybrid ceramic specimens underwent hardness, biaxial flexural strength, roughness, and FT-IR analyses. The data were analyzed using an ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Enamic exposed to 60 and 70 Gy exhibited higher wear and caused less tooth enamel loss compared to steatite. The mechanical and chemical properties remained unchanged after irradiation. The roughness decreased across all groups after a chewing simulation but was not affected by irradiation. In conclusion, ionizing radiation did not alter the material’s properties but increased its wear.
Formulation of Hyperelastic Constitutive Model for Human Periodontal Ligament Based on Fiber Volume Fraction
Authors: Wu Bin , Huang Chenfeng , Li Na , Lu Yi , Yi Yang , Yan Bin , Jiang Di
Published: February 2025

Collagen fibers of the Periodontal ligament (PDL) play a crucial role in determining its mechanical properties. Based on this premise, we investigated the effect of the volume fraction of human PDL collagen fibers on the hyperelastic mechanical behavior under transient loading. Samples were obtained from different root regions (neck, middle, and apex) of the PDL, prepared from fresh human anterior teeth. The collagen fibers volume fraction in various regions of the PDL was quantified by staining techniques combined with image processing software. The collagen fiber volume fractions were found to be 60.3% in the neck region, 63.1% in the middle region, and 52.0% in the apex region. A new hyperelastic constitutive model was constructed based on the volume fraction. A uniaxial tensile test was conducted on these samples, and the accuracy of the constitutive model was validated by fitting the test data. Also, relevant model parameters were derived. The results demonstrated that human PDL exhibited hyperelastic mechanical properties on the condition of transient loading. With an increase in the volume fraction of collagen fibers, the tensile resistance of the PDL was enhanced, demonstrating more significant hyperelastic mechanical properties. The hyperelastic constitutive model showed a good fit with the experimental results (R2 > 0.997), describing the hyperelastic mechanical properties of the human PDL effectively.
Effect of Quicklime Substitution for Cement on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Autoclaved Fly Ash Aggregates via Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Wang Dongyun , Shen Xuan , Wang Zhiyan , Zhang Xiucheng , Chen Xue-Fei
Published: February 2025

Herein, we synthesized fly ash aggregates (FAAs) through a hydrothermal synthesis process utilizing fly ash, quicklime, and cement under saturated steam conditions at 180 °C. We systematically investigated the influence and mechanisms governing the physical and mechanical properties of autoclaved FAAs by incrementally replacing cement with quicklime in 5% equal mass intervals. Our results revealed that the substitution of cement with quicklime yielded lightweight aggregates (LWAs) exhibiting water absorption ranging from 1.33% to 22.88% after 1 h and 1.67% to 26.22% after 24 h, loose bulk densities between 847 kg/m3 and 1043 kg/m3, apparent densities spanning from 1484 kg/m3 to 1880 kg/m3, and cylinder compressive strengths varying from 11.9 MPa to 18.5 MPa. Notably, as the proportion of quicklime substitution for cement increased, there was a corresponding augmentation in water consumption during granulation, resulting in an elevated water–cement ratio ranging from 27.5% to 51.39%. This led to an enhancement in the water absorption of the FAAs, accompanied by a decrement in cylinder compressive strength and overall density. The hydration products, including tobermorite and calcium silicate hydrate, contributed to the creation of a dense microstructure within the FAAs. However, with higher quantities of quicklime replacing cement, the content of hydration products increased while the proportion of unreacted fly ash particles decreased significantly. The resultant weakening micro-aggregate effect emerged as a pivotal factor contributing to the observed decrement in the strength of these FAAs. The findings of this research are anticipated to provide significant theoretical insights and technical support for the selection of calcareous materials in the resource-recycling process of fly ash.
The Influence of Roughness on the Protective Layer Formation Induced by Marine Microorganisms on 5083 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Jaume Julien , Délia Marie-Line , Basséguy Régine
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the formation of a protective layer on a 5083 aluminum alloy surface induced by microorganisms from salt marsh. The influence of the initial surface roughness was examined to identify optimal conditions for maximum coverage and thickness of the protective layer. As two opposing effects are suspected, where high surface roughness enhances bacterial adhesion but reduces the resistance to abiotic corrosion, various degrees of roughness were tested. Using electrochemical experiments (OCP measurement, 1/Rp determination, and pitting sensitivity), SEM/TEM observation and EDX characterization, a compromise was found on the initial roughness to obtain a thick protective layer through good bacterial adhesion while minimizing abiotic corrosion. The optimal roughness, achieved through 240-grit grinding, facilitates a uniform distribution of microorganisms and the development of a dense, evenly thick protective layer that significantly enhances the alloy’s resistance to pitting corrosion. The passivity domain doubled when comparing the electrochemical behavior of electrodes immersed in the presence of microbial activity to those immersed without it.
Prediction and Optimization of the Long-Term Fatigue Life of a Composite Hydrogen Storage Vessel Under Random Vibration
Authors: Xiong Xiaoshuang , Wang Wentao , Li Xiang , Fan Fei , Zhou Jiacheng , Chen Mingzhang
Published: February 2025

A composite hydrogen storage vessel (CHSV) is one key component of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which always suffers random vibration during transportation, resulting in fatigue failure and a reduction in service life. In this paper, firstly, the free and constrained modes of CHSV are experimentally studied and numerically simulated. Subsequently, the random vibration simulation of CHSV is carried out to predict the stress distribution, while Steinberg’s method and Dirlik’s method are used to predict the fatigue life of CHSV based on the results of stress distribution. In the end, the optimization of ply parameters of the composite winding layer was conducted to improve the stress distribution and fatigue life of CHSV. The results show that the vibration pattern and frequency of the free and constrained modes of CHSV obtained from the experiment tests and the numerical predictions show a good agreement. The maximum difference in the value of the vibration frequency of the free and constrained modes of CHSV from the FEA and experiment tests are, respectively, 8.9% and 8.0%, verifying the accuracy of the finite element model of CHSV. There is no obvious difference between the fatigue life of the winding layer and the inner liner calculated by Steinberg’s method and Dirlik’s method, indicating the accuracy of FEA of fatigue life in the software Fe-safe. Without the optimization, the maximum stresses of the winding layer and the inner liner are found to be near the head section by 469.4 MPa and 173.0 MPa, respectively, and the numbers of life cycles of the winding layer and the inner liner obtained based on the Dirlik’s method are around 1.66 × 106 and 3.06 × 106, respectively. Through the optimization of ply parameters of the composite winding layer, the maximum stresses of the winding layer and the inner liner are reduced by 66% and 85%, respectively, while the numbers of life cycles of the winding layer and the inner liner both are increased to 1 × 107 (high cycle fatigue life standard). The results of the study provide theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of CHSV under random vibration.
Multi-Scale Anisotropic Yield Function Based on Neural Network Model
Authors: Shang Hongchun , Niu Lanjie , Tian Zhongwang , Fan Chenyang , Zhang Zhewei , Lou Yanshan
Published: February 2025

The increasingly complex form of traditional anisotropic yield functions brings difficulties to parameter calibration and finite element application, and it is necessary to establish a unified paradigm model for engineering applications. In this study, four traditional models were used to calibrate the anisotropic behavior of a 2090-T3 aluminum alloy, and the corresponding yield surfaces in σxx,σyy,σxy and α,β,r spaces were studied. Then, α and β are selected as input variables, and r is regarded as an output variable to improve the prediction and generalization capabilities of the fully connected neural network (FCNN) model. The prediction results of the FCNN model are finally compared to the calibration results of the traditional model, and the reliability of the FCNN model to predict the anisotropy is verified. Then, the data sets with different stress states and loading directions are generated through crystal plasticity finite element simulation, and the yield surface is directly predicted by the FCNN model. The results show that the FCNN model can accurately reflect the anisotropic characteristics. The anisotropic yield function based on the FCNN model can cover the characteristics of all traditional models in one subroutine, which greatly reduces the difficulty of subroutine development. Moreover, the finite element subroutine based on the FCNN model can model anisotropic behaviors.
On Summation of Fourier Series in Finite Form Using Generalized Functions
Authors: Malyshev Ksaverii , Malykh Mikhail , Sevastianov Leonid , Zorin Alexander
Published: February 2025

The problem of obtaining a final expression for a function initially given in the form of a trigonometric Fourier series is considered. We consider a special case of a series when the coefficients of the series are known and are rational functions of the harmonic number. To obtain the final expression, we propose to formulate a differential equation with constant coefficients for the function. A special feature of the proposed approach is the consideration of non-homogeneous equations, with the sum of the divergent Fourier series as the non-homogeneity. In this way, it is possible to compose expressions for the desired functions in the form of quadratures and formulate sufficient conditions for the representability of the desired function in the form of piecewise Liouville elementary functions. In this case, it becomes possible to describe in the language of distribution theory a class of Fourier series that can be summed in a finite form using the method of A. N. Krylov.
Predictive Factors of Wound Healing and Limb Salvage After Successful Below-the-Knee Endovascular Angioplasty in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shin Chang Sik , Yoo Kwon Cheol
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the predictive factors of limb salvage and wound healing in patients presenting with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) following successful below-the-knee endovascular angioplasty. Materials and Methods: Between January 2014 and January 2019, we retrospectively analyzed the wound healing and limb salvage rates of 85 patients (88 limbs) who underwent infra-popliteal endovascular treatment (EVT) for DFUs. Numerous variables were explored, including age, sex, comorbidities, and the scores from three DFU grading systems (Wagner grade, University of Texas (UT) grade and stage, and Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) stage). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to determine the associations between adverse events and these variables. Results: During follow-up, 44 wounds healed completely, 47 limb amputations (major, 25; minor, 22) were required, and 17 limbs needed reintervention for wound healing. Nine patients who received treatment died of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia, and other causes. At 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, total wound healing rates were 4.6%, 16.9%, 27.5%, 34.5%, and 64.5%, respectively. At 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, amputation-free survival rates were 77.6%, 72.4%, 63.3%, and 63.3%, respectively. In multivariate Cox analyses, the UT grade and stage were associated with increased wound non-healing, while the UT grade and Wagner grade were associated with increased major lower-extremity amputation rates. Importantly, the UT grade was the only simultaneous risk factor predicting both wound healing and limb salvage. Conclusions: Despite successful below-the-knee angioplasty, a significant proportion of patients experienced wound non-healing and major amputation. The UT grade may serve as a predictor for both wound healing and limb salvage outcomes.
Comparison of the Effects of Nintedanib and Pirfenidone on Pulmonary Function Test Parameters and Radiological Findings in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Aycicek Olcay , Keskin Serra , Haciosmanoglu Muhammed , Oztuna Funda , Bulbul Yilmaz , Ozlu Tevfik
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: The aim of our study is to compare the effects of pirfenidone and nintedanib on lung function and radiologic findings in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and to identify which drug is more appropriate for which patient group. Materials and Methods: The data of patients who were treated in our department for at least one year between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2022 and who were started on pirfenidone or nintedanib treatment with the diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups—the nintedanib and pirfenidone groups—and both groups were compared in terms of progression in lung function tests (changes in FEV1, FVC, 6 MWT and DLCO values at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months compared to baseline values) and radiological findings (the presence of progression in findings such as ground-glass opacity, reticulation, honeycomb and traction bronchiectasis) within 1 year after diagnosis. Results: The study included 109 patients. The number of patients treated with pirfenidone (IPF patients) was 82 (75.2%) and the number of patients treated with nintedanib was 27 (24.8%). When the PFT values at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were compared with the baseline values in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference in any parameter between the two groups. No significant difference was found in terms of radiological progression at the end of 1 year in both groups. Conclusions: The results of our study show that pirfenidone and nintedanib are equivalent in their effectiveness in preventing disease progression in patients with IPF.
Developing Gut-Healthy Strains for Pets: Probiotic Potential and Genomic Insights of Canine-Derived Lactobacillus acidophilus GLA09
Authors: Zhao Mengdi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Yueyao , Li Guangyu
Published: February 2025

Probiotics are widely used to improve pet health and welfare due to their significant biological activity and health benefits. Lactobacillus acidophilus GLA09 was derived from the intestinal tract of healthy beagles. The safety and suitability evaluation of GLA09 was completed through a combination of whole genome sequence and phenotypic analyses, including tests for the inhibition of harmful bacteria, acid resistance, bile salt tolerance, adhesion, and amine-producing substance content. The findings revealed that GLA09 has good gastrointestinal tolerance, inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and does not produce toxic biogenic amines. The genome of GLA09 comprises one chromosome and one plasmid, with a genome size of 2.10 M and a Guanine + Cytosine content of 38.71%. It encodes a total of 2208 genes, including 10 prophages, and 1 CRISPR sequence. Moreover, 56 carbohydrate-encoding genes were identified in the CAZy database, along with 11 genes for cold and heat stress tolerance, 5 genes for bile salt tolerance, 12 genes for acid tolerance, and 14 predicted antioxidant genes. Furthermore, GLA09 has one lincosamide resistance gene, but there is no risk of transfer. GLA09 harbors a cluster of Helveticin J and Enterolysin A genes linked to antimicrobial activity. Genomic analysis validated the probiotic attributes of GLA09, indicating its potential utility as a significant probiotic in the pet food industry. In summary, L. acidophilus GLA09 has the potential to be used as a probiotic in pet food and can effectively combat intestinal health in pets.
Safirinium Fluorescent “Click” Molecular Probes: Synthesis, CuAAC Reactions, and Microscopic Imaging
Authors: Kasza Patryk , Szafrański Przemysław W. , Fedorowicz Joanna , Krzysztofiak Faustyna , Pociecha Krzysztof , Wójcik-Pszczoła Katarzyna , Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk Paulina , Kępczynski Mariusz , Sączewski Jarosław , Zajdel Paweł , Cegła Marek
Published: February 2025

Fluorescent labeling utilizing Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions (CuAAC) is among the leading applications of the “click” chemistry strategy. Fluorescent probes for this approach can be constructed by linking an azide or alkyne group to a fluorophore, such as the recently developed Safirinium derivatives. These compounds are water-soluble, highly fluorescent heterocycles based on 1,2,4-triazolium, with significant potential for various labeling applications, although they have not yet been converted to azide or alkyne probes. Herein, we report the synthesis of Safirinium-based azide and alkyne functionalized molecular probes for “click” chemistry labeling. We also describe their CuAAC reactions with model compounds, including a lipid mimetic long-chain azide, an azido sugar derivative, and azidothymidine, as well as two model alkynes. We demonstrate that the Safirinium-based probes and their derivatives are chemically stable, suitable for fluorescent microscopy observations, and safe to use. Most of these probes show no toxic effects on CHO-K1 and NIH-3T3 cells.
Visible-Light-Mediated Aerobic α-Oxygenation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines and Isoindolines Without External Photocatalysts
Authors: Ye Taiqiang , Li Yuzheng , Zhao Feng , Song Aorou , Zhong Zhaoxia , Tan Shenpeng , Li Feng
Published: February 2025

A visible-light-mediated strategy for the direct oxygenation of N-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines and isoindolines to the corresponding benzo-fused lactams under clean conditions without using any external photocatalysts has been developed. The reaction was performed in the presence of a catalytic amount of base and oxygen. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction is initiated by the substrates themselves as photosensitizers. Additionally, BHT could be used as a buffer-like additive to improve reaction selectivity and product yield in this photo-oxidation process.
Deriving High-Energy-Density Polymeric Nitrogen N10 from the Host–Guest ArN10 Compound
Authors: Liu Lulu , Qi Jiacheng , Wang Dinghui , Yuan Jie , Shi Difen , Xiong Zhigang , Ye Ting , Cai Yubei , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2025

Discovering stable polymeric nitrogen phases and exploring their properties are crucial for energy storage and conversion, garnering significant attention. In this study, we investigate the formation possibility of a stable compound between Ar and N2 through ab initio calculations under low-pressure conditions (0–100 GPa). The novel super nitride, Imm2 ArN10, is designed to demonstrate robust thermodynamic stability under high pressures (91 GPa) and showcase the unique host–guest structure, in which guest atoms (Ar) are trapped inside the host polymeric N10. Significantly, given the weak interaction between Ar and N atoms and a channel parallel to the c-crystallographic axis in ArN10, we propose a novel method to stabilize the previously unknown polymeric nitrogen structure, Imm2-N10, by removing the guest argon atoms from the natural channels of ArN10. Imm2 ArN10 and N10 are thermodynamically and dynamically stable, with energy densities of 9.1 kJ g−1 and 12.3 kJ g−1, respectively—more than twice that of TNT. Additionally, ArN10 and N10 stand out as leading green energetic materials, boasting a superior explosion velocity of 17.56 km s−1 and a detonation pressure of 1712 kbar, surpassing that of TNT. These findings significantly impact on the creation of pure nitrogen frameworks through chemical reactions involving inert elements under high pressure.
From Liking to Following: The Role of Food Preferences, Taste Perception, and Lifestyle Factors in Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Among Young Individuals
Authors: Sorlí José V. , de la Cámara Edurne , González José I. , Portolés Olga , Giménez-Alba Ignacio M. , Fernández-Carrión Rebeca , Coltell Oscar , González-Monje Inmaculada , Saiz Carmen , Pascual Eva C. , Villamil Laura V. , Corella Dolores , Asensio Eva M. , Ortega-Azorín Carolina
Published: February 2025

Background and aims: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a healthy dietary pattern associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, adherence is declining, particularly among younger populations. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the main aspects that affect its adherence, particularly food preferences and sensory function, which have received insufficient attention. Our aims were to investigate the impact of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on adherence to the MedDiet among young individuals; to assess the association of taste preferences and food liking with MedDiet adherence; and to evaluate the associations between taste perception modalities, taste and food preferences, and adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study on young adults (aged 20.5 ± 4.7 years) in a Mediterranean country (n = 879) was carried out. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle characteristics, MedDiet adherence, taste preferences, and food preferences were assessed. Taste perception for bitter, salty, sweet, sour, and umami was determined by rating different concentrations of prototypical tastants. We computed a total taste perception score and three scores to combine food preferences. Results: We identified several socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with adherence to the MedDiet, as well as food preferences, taste preferences, and taste perception determinants. Food preferences were significantly associated with total adherence to the MedDiet. Higher preference for olive oil, oranges, broccoli, fish, and legumes was associated with higher MedDiet adherence (p < 0.05 for all). Conversely, higher preference for sweet foods, red meat, and butter was associated with lower adherence (p < 0.05 for all). The combined positive score for food preference was strongly associated with higher MedDiet adherence (p = 1.4 × 10−23) in the multivariate adjusted model. The combined negative food preference score was inversely associated (p = 1.9 × 10−8). Likewise, taste preferences were significantly associated with adherence to the MedDiet (strong inverse association for sweet taste preference and direct association for bitter taste preference; both p < 0.001). Moreover, bitter taste perception was inversely associated with adherence to the MedDiet and with bitter foods (p < 0.05). In conclusion, future precision nutrition studies should measure food liking and taste preferences, which are crucial determinants of MedDiet adherence, especially in young people.
A Guide to Metabolic Network Modeling for Plant Biology
Authors: Rao Xiaolan , Liu Wei
Published: February 2025

Plants produce a diverse array of compounds that play crucial roles in growth, in development, and in responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Understanding the fluxes within metabolic pathways is essential for guiding strategies aimed at directing metabolism for crop improvement and the plant natural product industry. Over the past decade, metabolic network modeling has emerged as a predominant tool for the integration, quantification, and prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution of metabolic flows. In this review, we present the primary methods for constructing mathematical models of metabolic systems and highlight recent achievements in plant metabolism using metabolic modeling. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges in applying network flux analysis in plants and explore the potential use of machine learning technologies in plant metabolic modeling. The practical application of mathematical modeling is expected to provide significant insights into the structure and regulation of plant metabolic networks.
High-Efficiency and Low-Resistance Melt-Blown/Electrospun PLA Composites for Air Filtration
Authors: Guo Yongmei , Wu Mingzhu , Ye Xiaojian , Wei Shengchao , Huang Luming , Guo Hailing
Published: February 2025

Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) was used to fabricate nonwoven fabrics via the melt blowing process, followed by electrospinning to deposit a nanofiber membrane. This composite process yielded PLA melt-blown/electrospun composite materials with excellent filtration performance. The effects of the solution concentration and spinning duration on the composite structure and material performance were investigated. The optimal composite was produced using a 10 wt.% PLA spinning solution prepared with a solvent mixture of dichloromethane (DCM) and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in a 75/25 weight ratio. The process parameters included a spinning duration of 5 h, 18 kV voltage, 1.5 mL/h flow rate, and 12 cm collection distance. The resulting composite achieved a filtration efficiency of 98.7%, a pressure drop of 142 Pa, an average pore size of 5 μm, and a contact angle of 138.7°. These results provided optimal process parameters for preparing PLA melt-blown/electrospun composite filtration materials. This study highlights the potential of hydrophobic PLA composites with high filtration efficiency and low air resistance as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional non-degradable filtration materials.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrasubstituted Porphyrin Tin(IV) Complexes and Their Adsorption Properties over Tetracycline Antibiotics
Authors: Yaman Hanifi , Baig Mirza Talha , Kayan Asgar
Published: February 2025

New tetrasubstituted porphyrin tin complexes (5–14) were prepared in two different ways: In the first preparation procedure, tin porphyrin complexes were prepared by a direct reaction of butyltin trichloride and dibutyltin dichloride with tetra/tetrakis(4-X-phenyl)porphyrins (X = H, F, Cl, Br, CF3, CH3O, and (CH3)2N). In the second procedure, the same tin porphyrin complexes were synthesized from the reaction of butyltin trichloride and dibutyltin dichloride with lithium porphyrinato derivatives. These novel tin complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H, 13C NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Among these complexes, tin porphyrin containing methoxy group [Bu2Sn(TMOPP)] was tested as an adsorbent to remove tetracycline antibiotics from wastewater. The TTC antibiotic removal efficiency (R%) of this complex was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy. After 120 min of equilibration, the final R% and adsorption capacity (qt) were measured at 60.15% and 18.10 mg/g, respectively.
Interconnectivity in Logic-Based Therapy
Authors: Cohen Elliot D.
Published: February 2025

One salient feature of Logic-Based Therapy (LBT), a form of philosophical counseling based on Rational–Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), is its inclusion of a set of guiding virtues that provide transcendent goals in overcoming self-destructive forms of thinking called “cardinal fallacies”. This paper discusses modes of interconnectivity between these virtues and some prominent types of cardinal fallacies and between each virtue and each fallacy. In comparison to other psychotherapeutic approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Positive Psychology, it shows how clients who embrace these virtues can transcend matching fallacies that create states of negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, and how these virtues can, in turn, interconnect human beings and promote positive growth.
Tracing the Extended Mind
Authors: Stanley Timothy
Published: February 2025

The following essay evaluates the concept of the trace within extended mind (EM) theory. It begins by differentiating Andy Clark’s complementarity from several competing models. Second, it demonstrates how an undeveloped concept of the trace arises in Clark’s debate with internalist critics. In response, I introduce Paul Ricoeur’s metaphor of the imprint in Memory, History, Forgetting. Fourth, the recent debate about the plastic trace will be applied in this context. In so doing, the legacy of Jacques Derrida will be rehabilitated. I conclude with EM’s renewed promise to model deliberations between religiously diverse people.
Monitoring Mangrove Phenology Based on Gap Filling and Spatiotemporal Fusion: An Optimized Mangrove Phenology Extraction Approach (OMPEA)
Authors: Hong Yu , Zhou Runfa , Liu Jinfu , Que Xiang , Chen Bo , Chen Ke , He Zhongsheng , Huang Guanmin
Published: February 2025

Monitoring mangrove phenology requires frequent, high-resolution remote sensing data, yet satellite imagery often suffers from coarse resolution and cloud interference. Traditional methods, such as denoising and spatiotemporal fusion, faced limitations: denoising algorithms usually enhance temporal resolution without improving spatial quality, while spatiotemporal fusion models struggle with prolonged data gaps and heavy noise. This study proposes an optimized mangrove phenology extraction approach (OMPEA), which integrates Landsat and MODIS data with a denoising algorithm (e.g., Gap Filling and Savitzky–Golay filtering, GF–SG) and a spatiotemporal fusion model (e.g., Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model, ESTARFM). The key of OMPEA is that GF–SG algorithm filled data gaps from cloud cover and satellite transit gaps, providing high-quality input to ESTARFM and improving its accuracy of NDVI imagery reconstruction in mangrove phenology extraction. By conducting experiments on the GEE platform, OMPEA generates 1-day, 30 m NDVI imagery, from which phenological parameters (i.e., the start (SoS), end (EoS), length (LoS), and peak (PoS) of the growing season) are derived using the maximum separation (MS) method. Validation in four mangrove areas along the coastal China shows that OMPEA significantly improves the potential to capture mangrove phenology in the presence of incomplete data. The OMPEA significantly increased usable data, adding 7–33 Landsat images and 318–415 MODIS images per region. The generated NDVI series exhibits strong spatiotemporal consistency with original data (R2: 0.788–0.998, RMSE: 0.007–0.253) and revealed earlier SoS and longer LoS at lower latitudes. Cross-correlation analysis showed a 2–3 month lagged effects of temperature on mangroves’ growth, with precipitation having minimal impact. The proposed OMPEA improves the possibility of capturing mangrove phenology under non-continuous and low-resolution data, providing valuable insights for large-scale and long-term mangrove conservation and management.
Dynamic Modeling and Its Impact on Estimation Accuracy for GPS Navigation Filters
Authors: Jwo Dah-Jing , Cho Ta-Shun , Demssie Birhanu Ayalew
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the divergence issues in GPS navigation systems caused by inaccuracies in dynamic modeling and explores solutions using the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Since algorithms such as the Kalman filter (KF) and EKF rely on assumed process models that often deviate from real-world conditions, their performance in real-time applications can degrade. This paper introduces fictitious process noise as an effective remedy to mitigate divergence, demonstrating its benefits through covariance estimation and tuning factors to enhance observability and controllability, particularly for continuous differential GPS (DGPS) access. The study evaluates several motion scenarios, including stationary receivers, straight-line trajectories with constant and varying speeds, and turning trajectories. The inclusion of process noise allows the EKF to adapt to changes in direction and speed without explicitly modeling turning or acceleration dynamics. To ensure robustness, the simulations incorporate a variety of scenarios to assess the statistical reliability and real-world performance of the EKF, ensuring the findings are statistically robust and widely applicable. Simulated receivers were used to evaluate the position (P), position–velocity (PV), and position–velocity–acceleration (PVA) models. The results from both the Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) and EKF simulations show improved vehicle trajectory tracking and demonstrate the EKF’s potential for broader navigation system applications. This paper’s novel contribution lies in its thorough analysis of the divergence issues in GPS navigation filter designs due to dynamic modeling inaccuracies, providing a systematic approach to addressing these challenges and offering new insights to improve estimation accuracy.