bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Vibrio parahaemolyticus Mechanism of Hexanal and Its Inhibitory Effect on Biofilm Formation
Authors: Fan Qiuxia , Ning Mengge , Zeng Xuejun , He Xiangxiang , Bai Zhouya , Gu Shaobin , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli
Published: February 2025

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is one of the most prevalent foodborne pathogens worldwide. Hexanal is a natural aldehyde derived from plants. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of hexanal against V. parahaemolyticus were investigated. Hexanal inhibited V. parahaemolyticus growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.4 mg/mL. Hexanal (2 MIC and 4 MIC) increased the leakage of protein and lactic dehydrogenase, reduced intracellular ATP concentration, damaged membrane integrity, and induced abnormal V. parahaemolyticus morphology and ultrastructure. The results of colony enumeration suggested that hexanal exhibited bactericidal action against V. parahaemolyticus in different culture mediums and food systems (Spanish mackerel meat and shrimp paste). At 1/8 MIC and 1/4 MIC, hexanal inhibited biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus, as evidenced by crystal violet staining assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. Moreover, hexanal reduced the levels of extracellular polysaccharide, extracellular protein, and cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) in V. parahaemolyticus. The result of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) indicated that hexanal downregulated the expression of genes critical to V. parahaemolyticus biofilm development. This study provides a promising alternative for V. parahaemolyticus control and is conducive to promoting the application of hexanal in the food field.
Impact of Tray and Freeze Drying on Physico-Chemical and Functional Properties of Underutilized Garcinia lanceifolia (Rupohi thekera)
Authors: Boruah Aradhana , Nath Pinku Chandra , Nayak Prakash Kumar , Bhaswant Maharshi , Saikia Sangeeta , Kalita Jatin , Rustagi Sarvesh , Tiwari Ajita , Sridhar Kandi
Published: February 2025

Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. (Rupohi thekera), an underutilized minor fruit from Assam, holds significant potential as it exhibits substantial traditional medicinal properties. However, its preservation and utilization remain limited, necessitating effective processing techniques. This study aimed to compare the impact of tray drying and freeze drying on the physico-chemical, antioxidant, and functional properties of G. lanceifolia. Fresh fruits were processed using both methods, followed by detailed analyses of nutritional composition, phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and functional properties. Freeze drying resulted in greater retention of moisture (12.42 ± 0.81%), protein (4.44 ± 0.19%), carbohydrate content (8.29 ± 0.31 g/100 g), and reducing sugar (1.95 ± 0.12%), along with prominent color quality, while no significant difference in ash content was found for either drying method employed. Phytochemical extraction using different solvents (water, n-hexane, 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, and 80% acetone) revealed that freeze-dried samples extracted with acetone had the highest total phenolic content (634.00 ± 1.73 mg GAE/100 g), while methanol extraction yielded the highest total flavonoid content (382.33 ± 1.52 mg QE/100 g). Tray drying, on the other hand, exhibited superior DPPH and FRAP when subjected to ethanol extract (80.24 ± 0.42% and 83.83 ± 0.46 mg/100 g, respectively) and metal chelation capacity (23.69 ± 2.09%). Additionally, functional properties, such as glucose adsorption capacity and α-amylase inhibition, were found to vary between drying techniques, with freeze-dried samples showing better glucose adsorption and tray-dried samples demonstrating greater α-amylase inhibition. FTIR analysis highlighted distinct structural attributes of bioactive compounds retained through both methods. The findings underscore the potential of freeze drying for nutrient preservation and tray drying for cost-effective applications, paving the way for the industrial valorization of G. lanceifolia as a functional food ingredient.
Functionalization of Polyvinylpyrrolidone Films by Grafting Maleic Acid from PVP Gels for Loading Studies of Naringin and Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Wound Dressings
Authors: Pérez-Garibay Miguel S. , Lara-Rodríguez Gabriel Ángel , Bucio Emilio
Published: February 2025

Wound healing is a complex process involving stages such as hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. In this context, polymers are useful materials for wound treatment. This research used the Casting method to prepare films from 2% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) gels. Subsequently, PVP films were grafted with maleic acid (MA) (PVP-g-PAM) to load naringin (NA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in order to obtain a material with pH responsiveness and antibacterial properties. The modified PVP-g-PAM films were prepared using gamma-ray irradiation through a pre-irradiation oxidative method at a dose rate of 13.7 kGy h−1, doses ranging from 10 to 25 kGy, and reaction times from 50 to 80 min in a bath of water, all samples at 50 °C, and a fixed monomer concentration of 15% (w/v) MA in THF. The conditions that yielded the highest percentage of grafting were 20 kGy and 60 min. NA was loaded at a fixed concentration of 5%. Data release showed that the films follow the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Synthesis of AgNPs was performed by γ-ray irradiation–reduction (10 and 30 kGy), using PVP as a stabilizer. AgNPs showed in vitro effectiveness against E. coli and S. aureus. Films were characterized by FTIR-ATR, TGA, DSC, mechanical properties, swelling index, and contact angle. Further studies must be implemented; however, the results up now suggest that PVP-g-PAM loaded with NA and AgNPs can be useful as a potential wound dressing.
The Survival of the Kiss: Presence and Persistence of Salivary Male DNA in Mixed Samples
Authors: Pesaresi Mauro , Alessandrini Federica , Bignozzi Elena , Bernini Di Michele Alessia , Melchionda Filomena , Gesuita Rosaria , Onofri Valerio , Turchi Chiara
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The study of DNA transfer and persistence has become increasingly significant, driven by advancements in DNA detection sensitivity and the need for reliable forensic evidence. In forensic investigations, saliva and saliva-stained materials are recognised as valuable DNA sources, particularly in cases of homicide, sexual assault, and burglary, where saliva can be transferred between individuals during the criminal act. The time between the crime and sample collection is a critical factor that can influence the success of the analysis. The value of the specimens collected from the victim’s skin or mouth (perilabial and labial sites, teeth and tongue) after the crime has not been investigated with currently used highly sensitive and specific molecular methods. Methods: On the assumption that a significant loss of DNA occurred, in our study, 10 voluntary pairs were tested at different time points after intense kissing and samples were taken from the above-mentioned sites to assess the presence of the donor’s DNA. Extracted DNA was quantified using the Plexor HY System kit (Promega), and both autosomal STRs and Y-STRs were analysed. Results: The results reveal a greater persistence of male DNA on the female partner, particularly in the labial and perilabial regions, even up to 120 min after contact, in terms of both concentration and duration. Conclusions: This study emphasises the forensic importance of salivary DNA as a solid source of evidence, particularly in investigations involving mixed DNA profiles.
Analysis of Korean Rainfall Patterns and the Effects of Excess Soil Moisture on Water Transport in Table Grapevines During the Growing Season Under Experimental Conditions
Authors: Choi Young-Min , Choi Dong-Geun , Song Ju-Hee
Published: February 2025

Recent changes in rainfall patterns driven by climate change, including localized heavy rainfall, droughts, and prolonged rainy seasons, have significantly impacted grapevine growth and quality. An analysis of rainfall patterns in South Korea from 1995 to 2024 revealed that 54.5–58.0% of the annual average precipitation of 1357 mm occurs during the fruit enlargement period from June to August, at an average of seven consecutive days of rainfall, indicating a heightened potential for exposure to increased soil moisture stress for seven days annually. This study evaluated the physiological responses of grapevine cultivars ‘Campbell Early’ and ‘Jinok’ under flooding and excessive soil moisture conditions over a seven-day period. Both cultivars exhibited reductions in leaf (LWP) and stem (SWP) water potential, cumulative sap flow in the xylem (CSF), and photosynthetic rate (Pr) under flooding or excessive soil moisture conditions. At the same time, an increase was observed in the crop water stress index (CWSI) and relative leaf electrolyte leakage (REL). Several investigated parameters indicated impaired water uptake and transport under soil moisture stress conditions. Correlation analysis revealed that soil moisture was negatively correlated with the Pr and CSF, while it was positively correlated with LWP, SWP, REL, and CWSI. Our findings provide critical insights into the physiological responses of grapevines to rainfall variability and offer valuable guidance for future research in this field.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of BRCA1 and BRCA2 as Targets in Canine Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Their Role in Cancer Development and Treatment
Authors: Pasaol Jayson Cagadas , Śmieszek Agnieszka , Pawlak Aleksandra
Published: February 2025

Tumor diseases represent a significant global health challenge, impacting both humans and companion animals, notably dogs. The parallels observed in the pathophysiology of cancer between humans and dogs underscore the importance of advancing comparative oncology and translational research methodologies. Furthermore, dogs serve as valuable models for human cancer research due to shared environments, genetics, and treatment responses. In particular, breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), which are critical in human cancer, also influence the development and progression of canine tumors. The role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in canine cancers remains underexplored, but its potential significance as therapeutic targets is strongly considered. This systematic review aims to broaden the discussion of BRCA1 and BRCA2 beyond mammary tumors, exploring their implications in various canine cancers. By emphasizing the shared genetic underpinnings between species and advocating for a comparative approach, the review indicates the potential of BRCA genes as targets for innovative cancer therapies in dogs, contributing to advances in human and veterinary oncology.
Bioactivity and Neuroprotective Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Ischemia: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Scacco Salvatore , Acquaviva Silvia , França Vieira e Silva Fábio , Zhang John H. , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Corso Gaetano , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Reveglia Pierluigi , Lecce Lucia , Bizzoca Maria Eleonora , Sherchan Prativa , Cantore Stefania , Ballini Andrea
Published: February 2025

Cerebral ischemia is a pathological condition characterized by complete blood and oxygen supply deprivation to neuronal tissue. The ischemic brain compensates for the rapid decline in ATP levels by increasing the anaerobic glycolysis rate, which leads to lactate accumulation and subsequent acidosis. Astrocytes play a critical role in regulating cerebral energy metabolism. Mitochondria are significant targets in hypoxia-ischemia injury, and disruptions in mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular energetics worsen outcomes, especially in the elderly. Elevated levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) protect the adult and neonatal brain from ischemic damage by suppressing inflammation, countering oxidative stress, supporting neurovascular unit reconstruction, and promoting oligodendrogenesis. This study examines extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) treatment on TNC WT and TNC M23 cells, focusing on oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This study investigates the effects of different durations of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and EVOO administration on cerebral infarct volume, neurological scores, mitochondrial function, and cell viability. Cerebral infarct volume increased with longer ischemia times, while EVOO treatment (0.5 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced infarction across all MCAo durations. The oxygen consumption assays demonstrate EVOO’s dose-dependent stimulation of mitochondrial respiration in astrocytes, particularly at lower concentrations. Furthermore, EVOO-treated cells reduce ROS production during hypoxia, improve cell viability under ischemic stress, and enhance ATP production in ischemic conditions, underscoring EVOO’s neuroprotective potential.
Mechanism of Action and Interaction of Garlic Extract and Established Therapeutics in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hoffmann Marco , Sauer Jana , Book Marie , Ermler Thomas Frank , Fischer Petra , Gerlach Sven , Beltagi Kareem , Morgenroth Agnieszka , Alexa Radu , Kranz Jennifer , Saar Matthias
Published: February 2025

A detailed characterization of the mechanism of action of garlic extract (GE) on prostate cancer (PCa) cells is essential to ensure its safe use as a complementary therapy, particularly when combined with established treatments. A case report highlighted the potential benefits of GE in PCa management. A patient diagnosed with PCa, presenting an initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 11.8 ng/mL, maintained PSA levels between 3.5 and 6 ng/mL for over 14 years with daily GE intake. To study GE’s anti-proliferative effects and interactions with established therapeutics, healthy prostate epithelial cells (PNT2) and PCa cells (LNCaP, PC3, VCaP) were treated with GE. Proliferation, Integrin β1 pattern, DNA-damage, as well as androgen receptor (AR) and Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) expression were investigated. GE reduced the proliferation of LNCaP and PC3 cells compared to healthy PNT2 cells but had contrary effects on VCaP cells. The combination of GE with standard therapies, including chemotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and Poly-(ADP-ribose)-Polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), reduced the efficacy of these treatments in tumor cells, potentially due to the GE-induced upregulation of the metabolic enzyme CYP2C9 in PCa cell lines. These findings indicate that while GE has anti-proliferative effects, the use of highly concentrated natural extracts must be carefully assessed by expert physicians on a case-by-case basis, especially when combined with established therapies.
Transcriptome and Functional Comparison of Primary and Immortalized Endothelial Cells of the Human Choroid Plexus at the Blood–Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier
Authors: Denzer Lea , Muranyi Walter , Herold Rosanna , Stump-Guthier Carolin , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Sticht Carsten , Schroten Horst , Schwerk Christian , Weichert Stefan
Published: February 2025

The human choroid plexus (CP) is the location of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB). Whereas the epithelial cells of the CP mainly contribute to the formation of the BCSFB, the vessels of the CP are built by fenestrated endothelial cells. Still, the CP endothelium can contribute to barrier function. By ectopic expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in primary human CP endothelial cells (HCPEnCs), we recently generated and characterized immortalized HCPEnCs (iHCPEnCs). Here, we compared primary cells of the sixth passage (HCPEnCs p6) with a lower (p20) and a higher passage (p50) of iHCPEnCs by transcriptome analysis. A high concordance of HCPEnCs and both passages of iHCPEnCs was observed, as only small proportions of the transcripts examined were significantly altered. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and assigned to potentially affected biological processes by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Various components of the endothelial barrier-relevant Wnt signaling were detected in HCPEnCs and iHCPEnCs. Functional analysis of HCPEnCs and iHCPEnCs showed equal marginal activation of Wnt signaling, supporting the downregulation of β-catenin (CTNNB) signaling in CP endothelial cells, and a contribution to the barrier function by the CP endothelium was retained until passage 100 (p100) of iHCPEnCs. Overall, our data support the suitability of iHCPEnCs as an in vitro model of the CP endothelium over extended passages.
Exploring Heterogeneity of Fecal Microbiome in Long COVID Patients at 3 to 6 Months After Infection
Authors: Blankestijn Jelle M. , Baalbaki Nadia , Beijers Rosanne J. H. C. G. , Cornelissen Merel E. B. , Wiersinga W. Joost , Abdel-Aziz Mahmoud I. , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H.
Published: February 2025

An estimated 10% of COVID-19 survivors have been reported to suffer from complaints after at least three months. The intestinal microbiome has been shown to impact long COVID through the gut–lung axis and impact the severity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and clinical characteristics, exploring microbiome heterogeneity through clustering. Seventy-nine patients with long COVID evaluated at 3 to 6 months after infection were sampled for fecal metagenome analysis. Patients were divided into two distinct hierarchical clusters, based solely on the microbiome composition. Compared to cluster 1 (n = 67), patients in cluster 2 (n = 12) showed a significantly reduced lung function (FEV1, FVC, and DLCO) and during acute COVID-19 showed a longer duration of hospital admissions (48 compared to 7 days) and higher rates of ICU admissions (92% compared to 22%). Additionally, the microbiome composition showed a reduced alpha diversity and lower proportion of butyrate-producing bacteria in cluster 2 together with higher abundances of Ruminococcus gnavus, Escherichia coli, Veillonella spp. and Streptococcus spp. and reduced abundances of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacteria spp. Further research could explore the effect of pre- and pro-biotic supplementation and its impact on lung function and societal participation in long COVID.
Role of Glycans in Equine Endometrial Cell Uptake of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Gaspari Giulia , Lange-Consiglio Anna , Cremonesi Fausto , Desantis Salvatore
Published: February 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of cell–cell communication thanks to their ability to transfer their bioactive cargo, thus regulating a variety of physiological contexts. EVs derived from amniotic mesenchymal/stromal cells (eAMC-EVs) are internalized by equine endometrial cells (eECs) with positive effects on regenerative medicine treatments. As the cellular uptake of EVs is influenced by the glycan profile of both EVs and target cells, this study is focused on the role of surface glycans in the uptake of eAMC-EVs by recipient eECs. Equine ECs were obtained by enzymatic digestion of uteri from healthy mares. Equine AMC-EVs were isolated from amniotic cell cultures according to a standardized protocol. The glycan pattern was studied using a panel of lectins in combination with fucosidase and neuraminidase treatment. Both eECs and eAMC-EVs expressed N-linked high mannose glycans, as well as fucosylated and sialylated glycans. All these glycans were involved in the uptake of eAMC-EVs by eECs. The internalization of eAMC-EVs was strongly reduced after cleavage of α1,2-linked fucose and α2,3/α2,6-linked sialic acids. These results demonstrate that surface glycans are involved in the internalization of eAMC-EVs by eECs and that fucosylated and sialylated glycans are highly relevant in the transfer of bioactive molecules with effects on regenerative medicine treatments.
Schema Understandability: A Comprehensive Empirical Study of Requirements Metrics
Authors: Singh Tanu , Patidar Vinod , Singh Manu , Rocha Álvaro
Published: February 2025

Ensuring high-quality data warehouses is crucial for organizations, as they provide the reliable information needed for informed decision-making. While various methodologies emphasize the importance of requirements, conceptual, logical, and physical models in developing data warehouses, empirical quality assessment of these models remains underexplored, especially requirements models. To bridge this gap, this study focuses on assessment of requirements metrics for predicting the understandability of requirements schemas, a key indicator of model quality. In this empirical study, 28 requirements schemas were classified into understandable and non-understandable clusters using the k-means clustering technique. The study then employed six classification techniques—logistic regression, naive Bayes, linear discriminant analysis with decision tree, reinforcement learning, voting rule, and a hybrid approach—within both univariate and multivariate models to identify strong predictors of schema understandability. Results indicate that 13 out of 17 requirements metrics are robust predictors of schema understandability. Furthermore, a comparative performance analysis of the classification techniques reveals that the hybrid classifier outperforms other techniques across key evaluation parameters, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC. These findings highlight the potential of requirements metrics as effective predictors of schema understandability, contributing to improved quality assessment and the development of better conceptual data models for data warehouses.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Lethocerus patruelis (Stål, 1854) (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) Specimen Collected in Close Proximity to Humans in Southern Italy
Authors: Raele Donato Antonio , Cariglia Maria Grazia , Grimaldi Stefania Patrizia , Dinoi Antonella Carla , Franco Ettore , Cafiero Maria Assunta
Published: February 2025

The Belostomatidae is a family of aquatic Heteropteran insects that normally inhabit swamps of tropical, subtropical and temperate regions where they naturally feed on a large range of prey, mainly fish, amphibians and reptiles. However, these arthropods can occasionally bite humans when provoked, causing pain. The only species of giant water bug known to be found in Europe is Lethocerus (L.) patruelis. We reported the finding of a specimen of female L. patruelis in Southern Italy. The arthropod was collected by a tourist on his body while he lying down on a beach close to a nature reserve. To finalize the giant water bug identification, both morphological and molecular tools were used for the first time in our country. Herein, information on cases of patients bitten by giant water bugs belonging to the Belostomatidae family are reported, and circumstances involving their contact with humans are also discussed.
Diabetes in Peripheral Artery Disease: Prevalence, Complications, and Polypharmacy
Authors: Baty Mason , Chimoriya Ritesh , James Sophie , Kritharides Leonard , Behdasht Samim , Suryawanshi Avinash , Aitken Sarah J.
Published: February 2025

Background: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes face high risks of comorbidities, tissue loss, and cardiovascular events. As global type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevalence rises, so does its incidence in symptomatic patients with PAD, though this population is under-studied in Australia. This cross-sectional analysis sought to characterize PAD patients with diabetes regarding prevalence, major complications, medication use, and prescribing patterns, comparing them to non-diabetic PAD patients. We also examined PAD complications in relation to diabetic control. Methods: This cross-sectional study looked at the baseline data from 105 PAD participants in the TEAM-PAD randomized controlled trial that were analyzed using descriptive statistics, prevalence odds ratios and regression analysis. Participants were recruited between June 2023 and August 2024 from public clinics, private surgeons, and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney. Results: Diabetes prevalence was 52.83% (n = 56) with 29.5% (n = 31) of participants with T2DM having uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HbA1c ≥ 7%), which was weakly negatively correlated with age (r = −0.372, p = 0.039). Participants with T2DM were twice as likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (POR 2.43; 95% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) between 1.09–5.43, and over three times as likely to have tissue loss (POR 3.39; 95% CI 1.22–9.43). The odds of polypharmacy (≥5 medications) were 10 times greater in participants with T2DM (POR 10.8; 95% CI 2.31–50.4), affecting 96.4% of this group. Conclusions: Diabetes prevalence and associated complications were higher than previous estimates, underscoring the challenges in managing diabetes and polypharmacy in participants with PAD. A multidisciplinary approach may improve outcomes.
Decoding Prejudice: Understanding Patterns of Adolescent Mental Health Stigma
Authors: Albuquerque Sara , Carvalho Ana , de Sousa Bárbara , da Costa Leonor Pereira , Beato Ana
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Mental health problems are a major cause of disability, impacting nearly 20% of adolescents. Nevertheless, they are hesitant to seek help because of stigma and fear of being labelled. Adolescents often have low mental health literacy and perceive mental health problems as personal failures. To address it, our study aimed to identify subgroups within the adolescent population based on mental health knowledge, social stigma, experiences of intergroup anxiety, and endorsement of stereotypes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 182 adolescents (50.6% male) aged 10 to 17 years (M = 13.8, SD = 2.4). Participants completed an online survey comprising the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-8-C), Intergroup Anxiety Scale, and a scale regarding stereotypes towards people with mental health problems. Cluster analysis was used to identify the subgroups. Results: We identified three subgroups: (1) “Potential Advocates”, showing high mental health knowledge, low social stigma, low intergroup anxiety, and moderate endorsement of stereotypes; (2) “Ambivalents”, manifesting high mental health knowledge, moderate social stigma, heightened intergroup anxiety, and low endorsement of stereotypes; and (3) “Stigmatizers”, revealing low mental health knowledge, pronounced social stigma, moderate intergroup anxiety, and tendency to endorse stereotypes. Conclusions: The results highlight the multiplicity of perceptions regarding mental health and the pivotal role of knowledge, stigma, intergroup dynamics, and stereotypes in shaping attitudes. Implications for interventions targeting mental health stigma and fostering positive attitudes among adolescents are discussed, underscoring the importance of customised strategies to address the multiple needs and experiences characteristic of this developmental stage.
An Efficient Forest Smoke Detection Approach Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Hoang Quy-Quyen , Hoang Quy-Lam , Oh Hoon
Published: February 2025

This study explores a method of detecting smoke plumes effectively as the early sign of a forest fire. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely used for forest fire detection; however, they have not been customized or optimized for smoke characteristics. This paper proposes a CNN-based forest smoke detection model featuring novel backbone architecture that can increase detection accuracy and reduce computational load. Since the proposed backbone detects the plume of smoke through different views using kernels of varying sizes, it can better detect smoke plumes of different sizes. By decomposing the traditional square kernel convolution into a depth-wise convolution of the coordinate kernel, it can not only better extract the features of the smoke plume spreading along the vertical dimension but also reduce the computational load. An attention mechanism was applied to allow the model to focus on important information while suppressing less relevant information. The experimental results show that our model outperforms other popular ones by achieving detection accuracy of up to 52.9 average precision (AP) and significantly reduces the number of parameters and giga floating-point operations (GFLOPs) compared to the popular models.
Valorization of Biochar as a Reinforcement Agent in Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol for Additive Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Content Optimization Course
Authors: Bolanakis Nikolaos , Maravelakis Emmanuel , Papadakis Vassilis , Kalderis Dimitrios , Michailidis Nikolaos , Argyros Apostolos , Mountakis Nikolaos , Petousis Markos , Vidakis Nectarios
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to develop a biochar-modified polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composite for 3D printing. Biochar prepared from olive tree prunings was compounded with PETG at different loadings and then processed into filaments through a controlled extrusion process. The resultant filaments were used to print test specimens, which were characterized thoroughly by mechanical, thermal, morphological, and rheological methods. The tensile strength (17.8%), flexural strength (15.9%), impact resistance (20.9%), and thermal stability of the biochar-reinforced composites were substantially improved. Overall, the 6.0 wt.% biochar compound exhibited the highest improvement. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the excellent dispersion of biochar in the PETG matrix. The results demonstrated that biochar is an effective, environmentally friendly material to use as a reinforcing agent for additive manufacturing. The PETG/biochar composites have a promising future for various industrial applications, offering sustainable alternatives with superior performance characteristics.
Antifungal Policy and Practice Across Five Countries: A Qualitative Review
Authors: Denning David W. , Perfect John R. , Milevska-Kostova Neda , Haderi Artes , Armstrong Hannah , Hardenberg Maarten C. , Chavez Emily , Altevogt Bruce , Holmes Patrick , Aram Jalal A.
Published: February 2025

The burden of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is increasing worldwide. National, regional, and local policies on IFI management should respond to the changing landscape. We assessed antifungal policies from five countries of varying size, IFI burden, and geography: the Netherlands, Italy, South Korea, China, and India. These countries were selected as a representative sample reflecting different types of economic and health systems that patients and providers access worldwide. This assessment focused on a comprehensive range of antifungal policy elements, including recognition and prioritization, awareness and education, prevention and monitoring, diagnosis and coordinated care, access to appropriate treatment, and diagnostic and treatment innovation. Although countries in this analysis all have some form of policy for IFI management, we have identified substantial gaps, including low prioritization of IFI diagnostics, omission of fungal pathogens from antimicrobial resistance policies, and a general lack of awareness and healthcare professional (HCP) training on IFI management. The gaps identified are intended to inform HCPs and policy- and decision-makers about aspects to consider in reducing the IFI burden for patients and health systems while demonstrating responsible antifungal stewardship.
Effects of Morphological Factors on Thermal Environment and Thermal Comfort in Riverside Open Spaces of Shanghai, China
Authors: Jiang Li , Du Shoushuai , Liu Song , Dong Yuxiang , Yang Ying
Published: February 2025

The thermal environment of urban riverside open spaces is crucial for enhancing outdoor comfort and well-being, especially amid extreme heat events caused by global warming and Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Although significant progress has been made in this area, existing research still has some limitations. This study employed a scenario-based numerical simulation approach to investigate the combined impacts of spatial morphology and wind direction on the thermal environment and thermal comfort (TETC) in riverside districts along the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Focusing on two prototypes—O and SO types—we identified key factors influencing TETC, including tree canopy coverage, vegetation layout, building density, and building height. The findings also reveal that dense canopies and thoughtful building layout significantly enhance daytime thermal comfort, while controlled building height and increased riverbank distance are effective strategies for nighttime comfort. This study highlights the importance of considering both landscape morphology and wind conditions in climate-adaptive planning and design for urban riverside areas.
Tracking the Morphological Trends in Apodemus flavicollis: Evidence from a Five-Decade Study
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Balčiauskienė Laima
Published: February 2025

We examined long-term trends in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in Lithuania using data collected from 1980 to 2024. Over 10,000 individuals were captured and 5666 were necropsied to measure standard morphometric traits, including body mass, length, and appendage dimensions. Temporal trends revealed an increase in the proportion of A. flavicollis within small mammal communities, from 6.5% in the 1980s to 28.2% in the 2020s, particularly in forest and grassland habitats. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed, with males generally larger than females in all traits, although age influenced the degree of size difference. Morphometric traits showed a consistent increase from the 1980s to the 2010s, followed by significant declines in body mass, body length, and ear length in the 2020s. Declines were most pronounced in males across all age groups. These findings are consistent with our previous findings in the field vole (Microtus agrestis) from the Baltic region, and the global patterns of body size reduction in small mammals due to climate warming and habitat change. This study highlights the importance of integrating sex- and age-based analyses to understand the ecological and evolutionary responses of mammals to environmental pressures. Future research is essential to explore the broader implications of these trends for ecosystem dynamics and species survival.
Habitat Suitability Assessment of Key Wildlife in Hainan Tropical Rainforest Based on ESDM
Authors: Yao Wutao , Yang Jin , Ma Yong , Liu Lixi , Shang Erping , Zhang Shuyan
Published: February 2025

Hainan tropical rainforest is the largest contiguous tropical rainforest in China, but it has experienced increasing disturbances from anthropogenic activities in recent decades due to economic and social development. However, the current status of wildlife habitats within the rainforest remains insufficiently studied, lacking systematic and scientific assessments necessary to guide effective biodiversity conservation strategies. This study focuses on Jianfengling area of Hainan tropical rainforest, using wildlife infrared camera monitoring data and habitat environmental factor data collected through multi-source monitoring in 2020–2021. By applying the Ensemble Species Distribution Model (ESDM), we assessed the spatial distribution of habitat suitability and its influencing factors for seven representative wildlife species, as well as the overall spatial distribution of multi-species habitat suitability. The results indicate that wildlife habitat suitability in Jianfengling study area exhibits a spatial pattern of high suitability in the central regions and low suitability in surrounding areas. Anthropogenic activities and DEM were identified as the most significant factors influencing habitat selection, with most species favoring mid and high altitude areas (500–1000 m) where human activities are less prevalent. This study provides scientific support for tropical rainforest management authorities to optimize resource allocation, develop dynamic monitoring strategies, and implement effective conservation measures.
An Improved IPMSM Discrete-Time Nonlinear Model for Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Systems
Authors: Fan Yingpeng , Zhu Guoqing , Luo Jian
Published: February 2025

Interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) exhibit significant nonlinear electromagnetic behaviour due to the effects of saturation, cross-coupling, spatial harmonics, temperature, and iron losses. In order to effectively capture the actual electromagnetic behaviour of IPMSMs, this paper proposes an improved IPMSM nonlinear model. The proposed model is based on the nonlinear flux-linkage model and progressively incorporates the effects of spatial harmonics, temperature, and iron losses. In this paper, the discrete-time form of the improved nonlinear model is established directly. It is suitable not only for embedding into the Matlab/Simulink environment as an alternative to field circuit coupling simulation but also for deployment into field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) as the model basis for hardware-in-the-loop testing. The effectiveness and feasibility of the improved model are verified by experimental results.
Toeplitz Determinants for Inverse of Analytic Functions
Authors: Hadi Sarem H. , Saleem Yahea Hashem , Lupaş Alina Alb , Alshammari Khalid M. K. , Alatawi Abdullah
Published: February 2025

Estimates bounds for Carathéodory functions in the complex domain are applied to demonstrate sharp limits for the inverse of analytic functions. Determining these values is considered a more difficult task compared to finding the values of analytic functions themselves. The challenge lies in finding the sharp estimate for the functionals. While some recent studies have made progress in calculating the sharp boundary values of Hankel determinants associated with inverse functions, the Toeplitz determinant is yet to be addressed. Our research aims to estimate the determinants of the Toeplitz matrix, which is also linked to inverse functions. We also focus on computing these determinants for familiar analytical functions (pre-starlike, starlike, convex, symmetric-starlike) while investigating coefficient values. The study also provides an improvement to the estimation of the determinants of the pre-starlike class presented by Li and Gou.
Dimension-Independent Convergence Rate for Adagrad with Heavy-Ball Momentum
Authors: Nam Kyunghun , Park Sejun
Published: February 2025

In this study, we analyze the convergence rate of Adagrad with momentum for non-convex optimization problems. We establish the first dimension-independent convergence rate under the (L0,L1)-smoothness assumption, which is a generalization of the standard L-smoothness. We show the O(1/T) convergence rate under bounded noise in stochastic gradients, where the bound can scale with the current optimality gap and gradient norm.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kawada Kei , Sato Chiemi , Ishida Tomoaki , Nagao Yui , Yamamoto Takaaki , Jobu Kohei , Hamada Yukihiro , Izawa Ishizawa Yuki , Ishizawa Keisuke , Abe Shinji
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D supplementation is effective for allergic rhinitis; however, its usefulness is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the conditions in which vitamin D supplementation was effective in allergic rhinitis management. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation used for patients with allergic rhinitis were searched for across different databases. We extracted scores on patients’ symptoms and the medication types used as the baseline treatments and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on allergic rhinitis symptoms. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed for the average age, proportion of female participants, concomitant medications, vitamin D administration durations, and baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Results: In total, 2389 articles were screened, and 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebos, vitamin D supplementation alleviated allergic rhinitis symptoms, although the difference was not significant; there was significant heterogeneity among studies (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −2.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −6.20 to 0.82, I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). The proportion of female participants in the RCTs (slope: 0.21, p = 0.026) and concomitant corticosteroid use (slope: −9.16, p = 0.005) influenced the vitamin D response. Compared with the placebos, vitamin D supplementation without corticosteroids alleviated the allergic rhinitis symptoms (SMD = −0.56, 95% CI: −0.90 to −0.23). Combination treatment with corticosteroids also non-significantly alleviated symptoms. Additionally, the heterogeneity between studies was significant (SMD = −5.97, 95% CI: −13.55 to 1.16, I2 = 99%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The study results suggest that vitamin D supplementation alleviates allergic rhinitis symptoms, although the effects differ according to the patient’s sex and concomitant medications.
Assessment of Pain, Diet, and Analgesic Use in Orthodontic Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Negruțiu Bianca Maria , Staniș Claudia Elena , Vaida Ligia Luminița , Moca Abel Emanuel , Costea Cristina Paula , Iurcov Raluca , Pîrvan Alexandru Nicolae , Rus Marius
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Orthodontic treatment offers significant functional and aesthetic benefits, but it often causes discomfort, impacting patients’ daily activities, including diet and medication use. The primary aim of this observational study was to assess the influence of orthodontic patients’ age, gender, and living environment on pain duration, diet impairment, and analgesic use one week after their first adjustment visit to the orthodontist. Methods: This observational study included a sample of 194 orthodontic patients who completed a questionnaire consisting of six single-choice questions. The questions addressed the following variables: age, gender, living environment, pain duration, diet impairment, and analgesic use. The main inclusion criteria encompassed undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment on the upper arch for one week using a 0.0016-inch superelastic NiTi archwire (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA) and presenting moderate to severe crowding of the upper and lower anterior teeth. Results: Female patients were significantly more likely to experience diet impairment than males (51.9% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.013). Among female patients reporting pain lasting approximately one week, a higher proportion resided in rural areas (25% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.045), whereas male patients reporting the same pain duration predominantly lived in urban areas (12.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.028). Overall, 55.7% of participants used analgesics, with females in rural areas being the most frequent users. Additionally, patients who used analgesics were significantly more likely to experience diet impairment than those who did not (64.3% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.041). Conclusions: Female patients residing in rural areas reported a longer duration of pain, which led to a greater likelihood of experiencing diet impairment and increased consumption of analgesics compared to their counterparts. These findings highlight the need for personalized pain management strategies in orthodontic treatment, especially for patients with increased vulnerability to discomfort.
Flow-Field Characterization of Kanbara Reactor Based on Numerical Simulations
Authors: Han Jingjing , Zhang Yanling , Zhao Zheng , Li Geng
Published: February 2025

The KR desulfurization process in steel plants faces challenges, such as excessive temperature drop and low lime utilization. This study employs numerical simulations to analyze the effects of cross-shaped impeller dimensions on the flow field, velocity distribution, temperature drop, and slag–metal mixing behavior within the molten metal. Optimization parameters were identified to minimize the temperature drop while maintaining the mixing efficiency. Furthermore, a novel perforated cross-shaped impeller design was proposed to enhance slag–metal mixing. The simulation results demonstrate that compared to the conventional cross-shaped impeller, the optimized design increases the molten metal capacity by 2 tons and reduces the temperature drop by 16 °C under identical initial liquid level conditions.
Isolation and Characterization of Komagataeibacter piraceti sp. nov. and Novacetimonas labruscae sp. nov.: Two Novel Microaerobic Cellulose-Producing Acetic Acid Bacteria from Vinegars
Authors: Karničnik Bernarda , Accetto Tomaž , Fanedl Lijana , Jugović Igor , Trček Janja
Published: February 2025

The genera Komagataeibacter and Novacetimonas comprise industrially important species that produce various foods, nanocellulose, acetan-like polysaccharides, enantioselective sugars, and other valuable products. Here, we describe two novel strains, Hr1 and Jurk4, isolated from pear and apple-grape organic vinegars that showed very high (≥99.39%) 16S rRNA gene sequence identities to species of the Komagataeibacter and Novacetimonas genera, respectively. However, analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences revealed only 92.6% sequence identity between the Hr1 strain and its closest relative, Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans LMG 18788T, and 93.8% sequence identity between the Jurk4 strain and its closest relative, Novacetimonas cocois JCM 31140T. Further whole-genome analysis showed for both strains an average nucleotide identity (ANI) below 94% and an in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of less than 70% to their closest species, supporting their distinction as novel species. The strain Hr1 can be phenotypically differentiated from its closest Komagataeibacter species based on its ability to utilize (NH4)2SO4 as the sole nitrogen source in Asai medium with D-glucose and its inability to grow with 1-propanol as a sole carbon source. The strain Jurk4 can be differentiated from other Novacetimonas type strains based on its ability to produce 5-keto-D-gluconic acid, its growth in a medium with glycerol as the sole carbon source, and its inability to grow in an Asai medium with D-glucose. Both strains produce cellulose and possess clusters for acetane-like polysaccharide production, although of different types, which makes them industrially relevant. Based on these findings, we propose Komagataeibacter piraceti sp. nov. Hr1T (=ZIM B1167T = LMG 33628T) and Novacetimonas labruscae sp. nov. Jurk4T (=ZIM B1166T = LMG 33630T) as two novel members of the acetic acid bacteria group.